Fortune Favors the Bold

by darthwizard

No one had worse luck than Naruto. Cursed with a demon fox, a home that despised him, his "best friend" betraying him, Akatsuki, countless enemies, and now... food for bloodsucking vampires. He should have died, instead he woke up in Manhattan. Thrust into a world filled with gods, magic, monsters, and the internet. Maybe he was wrong? Fortune always favors the bold! Sea of Monster

7. Birdemic

Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto or Percy Jackson and I write because... fuck it, why the hell not. Got nothing better to do. Maybe I don't know cure cancer, help starving kids in India, save the rainforest. Screw that! I'm going to make a real difference in this world and teach people how to fish instead of giving them the fish. So here is chapter 7.

Dedicated to a guy who died recently. Q stay golden bro. As golden as Ponyboy? Hey, this ain't the 50's. All jokes aside, suicide is something very serious. If you look at the stats every country literally is living with this epidemic. Should we blame smartphones, computers, pills, society, our brain dead world? Not my place to say. Rather we should live on like no tomorrow. Spread Peace and Love to everyone. So start here by reading this chapter.

Birdemic

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Bright orange light shined through the dirty windows of cabin 11. The smell of crabs, salt, and sweet strawberries sifted from the roaring Atlantic Ocean and the strawberry fields beside the Big House. It was a quiet, almost serene morning until Naruto awoke to...

"Colby you left your poker chips all over the floor!" Yelled Travis Stoll as dozens of Hermes campers were yelling over one another while scrambling around the cabin.

Naruto closed his eyes hoping to catch another glimpse of post-Revolution France with Napoleon Bonaparte successfully conquering Italy. He tried his best to burrow deeper within his sleeping bag. Trying his best to ignore the shouting, cursing, and crying campers within his cabin. Several campers were on their knees mumbling prayers to various Olympians he couldn't recall from his mother's books. Dozen of campers were running around thumping their feet loudly against the hardwood floor.

"Nicole stop playing with your makeup and sweep around your bunk. We only have ten minutes before she comes here!" Connor Stoll cried out, while stuffing stolen Camp Store merchandise underneath his bunk.

Naruto had slept through far worse. Years of Iruka-sensei's boring lectures and Ero-sensei's loud and obscene behavior. Resulted in Naruto becoming immune to waking up under almost any circumstances. However, the constant commotion and yelling for campers to get up wasn't helping Naruto's already dour mood. He spent the better part of a day literally fighting for the lives of these people and they couldn't even spare him an extra ten minutes of rest!

"Ew, what's that?!" Yelled Travis who began poking a moldy and very smelly sphere in the corner of the cabin.

Naruto desperately tried to cover his head underneath his stuffy sleeping bag, but several small and powerful feet trampled him. Naruto shot up from his sleeping bag while clutching his painful, yet far more mended wound across his chest. Why didn't he remember to wear a shirt over the bandages last night? Several Hermes girls blushed as Naruto began rubbing his eyes. He had only one plan. And that was to find whatever brat thought it alright to walk all over him this early in the morning.

"Agh! What's going on?" Naruto looked through the murky cabin windows and realized dawn… the worst time of day was now upon Camp Half-Blood.

"Ah, so… we-well ah, Naruto." Began a shy and very beautiful thirteen year old Hispanic girl with brown eyes and long black hair. "We gotta prepare for cabin inspection."

"Yeah so grab a broom and help out because Silena is going to bitch at us!" Yelled Connor Stoll while temporarily taking his gas mask off.

Naruto was handed a broom and got to work begrudgingly. All of the young campers within the cabin were busy wiping the floors with wet washcloths. They were small and adorable, yet had very annoyed and uncomfortable frowns as they heaved the wash clothes against the floor. In a way, the young Hermes children weren't too different from say a Bangladeshi sweatshop worker with the way Travis Stoll barked orders at them to work faster.

"She's going to be here in one minute so you all better clean like your lives depend on it. I'm not going to stand us being the last cabin to eat grub, YOU HEAR ME!" Everyone worked faster after hearing Travis's proclamation. Naruto swept his pile of dirt and trash below the front steps of the cabin. While he very much admired his new family. They sure as hell could have given him say, an extra hour of sleep.

Naruto looked at the ruggedly brown cabin and compared it to all the others. They were doomed! Resting his back against a wooden post, Naruto saw a familiar pair of pink-eyes and curly black hair walking towards him. Silena Beauregard the most beautiful girl at Camp Half-Blood. Leader of the Aphrodite Cabin. And if Naruto had to admit maybe the most caring person he had ever met in his life. While every warrior left his side after the charge of the second Colchis Bull. Silena Beauregard was the only person to not only save him but also stay by his side.

"Naruto... hm, didn't expect to see you up and walking about this early in the morning." Spoke Silena in a sultry voice. Her skin glowed an elegantly bright orange from the rising sun. A strong gust of wind swept her flowing curls to the side as she rested her papyrus scroll against her lap.

"Wasn't my plan. I just happened to receive an unexpected wake-up call from one of my siblings." Silena raised an eyebrow and smirked.

"Really? It hasn't even been one day and you consider the Hermes campers to be your family. How touching, wish there were more people like you at camp." Naruto wasn't sure if Silena was making fun of him or was serious, mostly by the way she continued to smirk stupidly at Naruto's comment.

"It may sound weird, but… I've never really been accepted by anyone until now. Everyone in my cabin thinks I'm awesome and the kids look up to me. Despite this place being run by a guy like Tantalus. If you gave me a shield and spear I'd do anything in my power to protect everyone here once again." Said Naruto, his sapphire eyes emblazoned with determination and hope.

Silena didn't say a word. She simply stared at Naruto curiously with her fingers twirling around a strand of curls. The silence felt horrible like a freight truck was slowly but surely crushing him. Silena's eyes sparkled as she said, "Naruto saving you has been the gr-"

"Great honored lady Beauregard. The gates to the castle are open for your inspection." Interrupted Travis Stoll with all the Hermes campers behind him grinning widely at Naruto and Silena. Naruto realized he stood less than a foot Silena at a very awkward position on the porch steps below.

Naruto and Silena both blushed a similar shade of red. It seemed only customary for Naruto to be pushed into the limelight this early in the morning. Silena held up her papyrus scroll and then walked into the Hermes cabin, while all the campers watched her every move with worried eyes. Everyone stood at the ready with bated breath. Silena scribbled something on the papyrus scroll and proclaimed, "Much better than usual. I gotta give it to you two."

Both Stoll brothers grinned mischievously. Silena scanned the cabin ignoring the pile of black trash bags, scattered gas masks, and a small bucket of illegal fireworks stashed below Paul Martinez's bunk bed.

"Keep up the effort and your cabin will likely beat the Athena cabin." With that Silena left the Hermes cabin, not without giving Naruto a wink goodbye.

Travis and Connor looked at the Papyrus slip Silena left them. Their eyes focused on the kwaki colored paper with such interest that Naruto wondered if Silena drew them a map to the lost city of Atlantis. With all the crazy events that had transpired over the past year. Naruto wouldn't even bat an eye.

"Guy's get your spoons, forks, and knives ready cause we ain't last. We're second to last place!" The whole cabin roared in victory at Connor's proclamation. Cheers, high fives, confetti, and two little Hermes kids slammed into Naruto all at once.

Still reeling from the pain from the celebration before Naruto settled into his chair at the Hermes table with Paul Diego Martinez and Sarah Kelly by his side. Across from Naruto were several different younger kids who still continued to gawk and pester him about his origins. Naruto finished his fourth plate filled with bacon, waffles covered in syrup, cut up honeydew and strawberries, and a half plate of scrambled eggs cooked with onions and jalapenos. Finishing breakfast with a grin on his face. Naruto couldn't help but see his fellow cabinmates continue to gawk at him.

"Were you born with three stomachs?" Asked Kyle LeRoux with his heavy southern accent.

"What are you talkin mabout?" Replied Naruto with a mouthful of scrambled eggs.

"You've eatin more food than that sea monster" Spoke the Louisiana Creole camper while pointing a finger at Tyson. Naruto glared, "Ah, forget I said anythin, newbie."

Wiping his mouth. Naruto couldn't help but look sadly at the Poseidon table who's only two occupants sat by themselves completely isolated. Practically every camper occasionally stared and whispered to their brothers and sisters. Glares and scowls soon followed.

"Can't believe we let that thing in." Whispered Paul to someone sitting beside him, "A monster here of all places. Surprised the thing hasn't gone berserk yet!"

Clenching his fists until they turned white. Memories. Horrible memories full of pain, suffering, isolation, and blood surfaced.

-"I can't believe he's going to become a shinobi. After all he's done, we have to do something. Even if it means treason."-

"Poseidon has already burdened us with Percy's presence and now he's given us a monster."

-"A monster with a sword. Ha! Get outta here you filth!"-

"Take a look at yourselves! Give Tyson a chance. I know him better than a… phone book and he's not a monster!" The whole Hermes table stopped and stared at Naruto. Several kids stared at him in fear as Naruto's killing intent seeped throughout the Pavilion. Even Tantalus stopped his futile attempt at catching a fleeing sausage to lick his lips at the event transpiring before his eyes.

"That's where you're wrong Naruto. Tyson is a cyclops. They are the very definition of a monster." Called out Sarah Kelly her brown hair flipping around her head as she glared Naruto down. "Those things prey on half-bloods just like us. They are evil despicable creatures who would gladly tear your flesh apart for a demigod brisket. Naruto, you're a very nice and good-hearted guy, and not some kind of monster."

Sarah Kelly held up a trembling finger directed at Tyson, who only waved back cheerfully. "Unlike that thing."

"Would it matter if I was or wasn't?!" The whole table said nothing and not a minute later breakfast was over. At least for Naruto.

After breakfast, Naruto was told to go to the Arena, which suited him well. He wanted to let off some steam. Taking part in sword and shield training with Clarisse seemed like a whole lot of fun for the blonde. The Arena was split up into four parts. Three of which circumvented a small roofless patch of earth in the middle of the giant complex. Marble seats surrounded this patch of floorless Earth, where campers who wanted to square off with one another could do so much to the onlookers glee. The majority of the arena, on the other hand, was highly insulated with three entire gymnasium sized rooms filled with straw practice dummies. All three arranged in completely different ways.

Almost every camper at Camp Half-Blood was in the arena practicing to some extent. Campers slammed into each other with bronze shields. The ringing of parried blades reverberated in the sweet music of battle. A foxy grin stood out amongst the crowd of greek warriors. Naruto ducked under a swinging blade and rolled across the cold wooden floor of the Arena. Lunging his dull metal practice blade against the heavily armored Athena camper.

This went on for roughly an hour. Every opponent Naruto faced had more skill, experience, and quickness at swordplay than he did. As time passed and they grew tired it was then that Naruto used his strengths to his advantage. Iruka-sensei once said, "You have the strength and stamina of five horses, which could be molded into something better."

Naruto left the Arena an hour later now somewhat tested with a sword and despite defeating roughly four campers in various sword duals. A feat few campers achieve on their first try. The blonde genin made a mental note to practice more with possibly a hundred shadow clones. Right when his injuries fully heal.

The rest of the day passed by in a relative breeze. Naruto made his way over to Pegasus stables and saw Silena and the Demeter campers saddling up to ride horses with wings? The golden-haired boy simply stared at the amazing majestic beasts. Their hoofs tore up the earth and their shiny coats glistened against the sun. Most of all their strong burly muscles seemed to jostle their great five-meter long feathered wings.

(Immersion: Listen to She Lives (In a Time of Her Own)- 13th Floor Elevators)

"So you finally showed up!" Yelled Silena from the saddle of a brown pegasus.

"What are these things? They simply are the most spectacular animals in the world!" Silena laughed and her horse whinnied in approval.

Silena simply dropped down from her saddle with a smirk and brought Naruto to the winged horse's side.

"They are Pegasi. They are the descendants of Pegasus." Naruto simply placed his hands against the horses muscled back and felt the rough and smooth fur all over, "Would you like to give old brownie a ride?"

"Sure let me just, agh!" Naruto slipped from the foot straps of the saddle and tumbled to the ground below.

"Hahaha! This might take some time."

"Hey!"

Several hours passed and Naruto kept kicking the back of old Brownies thighs in an attempt to outrun the other riders. When it came to horseback riding there was something exhilarating about it. Brownies mane swept against the wind along with Naruto's hair as he maneuvered around trees and crossed a small stream. The pegasi's legs followed it's master's orders with each pull of the reigns. A cloud of dust followed Naruto's path as he kept up the activity. Silena quickly shot out from the woods on her white pegasi beside Naruto.

"I'm surprised at how quick you are at horseback riding." Naruto blushed at Silena's comment. He turned his head over to the sky seeing Percy soar into the air like it was child's play. Silena's coral pink eyes mischievously scanned Naruto's now dirtied orange Camp Half-Blood shirt, "Despite falling four times."

"I like to call that a learning curve." Naruto shot back while smiling at the Aphrodite councilor.

"Wanna race over to Thalia's Pine?"

Naruto rubbed the leather reign's around Brownie's neck. Before he could make up his mind Silena left Naruto in the dust. His final glimpse of her being her big butt bouncing over her Pegasi's saddle. Agh! If Ero-sensei was in his shoes he'd likely have written two books on Silena alone.

"The most unpredictable shinobi won't be outdone! Not now or ever!" Gripping the reigns like a vice. Naruto slammed his heels against Brownie's upper thighs with all his might and his pegasi galloped forward at incredible speeds.

Passing by campers sharpening swords against whetstones. Satyrs carrying bundles of sticks for arrows. Stationed border patrol guards outfitted in intimidating Corinthian helmets with round bronze shields. Camp Half-Blood in the light of day looked fragile. Like everyone was on high alert awaiting the enemy or enemies at the gates.

Naruto's pegasi hovered over a creek leading into a crystal blue lake with green-skinned dryads waving as Naruto passed on by. For a split second, he felt light. All the energy drained from his body in a euphoric thrill one achieves when gravity is conquered. Naruto's pegasus was now airborne. It's great white wings fluttered. It's hooves now curled in the air. Trees and buildings still attached to the Earth fell behind his pegasus. Stretching his arms out. Naruto hollered as his pegasus passed over the Volleyball courts below. Mr. D and Tantalus watched their new camper high in the air with raised eyebrows.

(Immersion Over)

"So that little brat is from The Elemental Nations?" Tantalus asked while moving his pawn on the chessboard forward.

"Yes! Very troubling child don't you think? Tsk, a demigod too! Zeus had his suspicions but hmm… what are you going to do?" Mr. D replied while taking out Tantalus's knight with his bishop.

"Yes very troubling indeed. You know who sired the little brat?" Mr. D raised an eyebrow as his very curly mop of hair fluttered against a breeze.

"Don't know and don't really care if you ask me. All I know is that father Zeus doesn't like the boy along with most of the Olympians." Tantalus quickly seized Mr. D's queen with his remaining rook. "Thing is… I hope the boy dies soon. Everyone would be better off without him."

With that, Mr. D took Tantalus's remaining knight. Tantalus smirked and took out Mr. D's King, "Better indeed."

Naruto's had trouble steering his pegasus to the hilltop below. The time it took for him to finally land was more than enough for Silena to proudly dismount from her saddle. Her brown leather boots crunched the dead grass below and the few satyrs and nymphs surrounding the tree desperately sang songs. The sickly yellow pine needles and shriveled up bark quickly turned green and dark brown. As soon as their tunes stopped it went back to how it was before.

Naruto knew about the tale surrounding Thalia's tree. A daughter of Zeus made her way over to the camp and fought off a horde of monsters. While buying her friend's time to leave. Thalia fought to the death on the hilltop until her father saved her life. By the accounts of everyone there to witness it that very day, resulting in Thalia being turned into a pine tree. If anything Naruto himself had a similar introduction to camp. Two fire breathing Colchis Bull's chased him from the Brooklyn Bridge straight to the crest of Thalia's hill. Right after defeating one of the bulls, roughly one hundred zombies tried to encircle the border patrols flimsy attempt at fending off the attackers.

"The only difference between me and Thalia is that I'm not a son of Zeus. Also, she doesn't have super cool shinobi powers."

"You mean chakra."

Naruto ignored the Kyuubi and dismounted from his pegasus. He made his way over to Silena's side and took in the view of Camp Half-Blood. It was a sight to behold. Out of the corner of his eye he noticed something. On the ground, right beside the tree lied a disgusting almost dyed patch of black and red grass. Naruto stared at the patch and saw that the dried liquid somehow covered the thick brown roots.

Silena's eyes followed Naruto's sapphire eyed gaze and shook her head by the look of his frown, "I'm just glad you're still standing."

He smiled at that comment. His sapphire eyes turned warm and hopeful as he peered into coral pink, "So Thalia's tree is the only thing keeping the monsters out, right?"

"Yes. I don't know how they kept the monsters away before Thalia, but right now her tree has been the only thing keeping everyone safe." Yellow needles fell to the dead brown grass below.

"Is there anything we can do?"

"The only thing we can do Naruto, is to sharpen our spears and pray to the gods. Maybe they may show us mercy." Silena's eyes twinkled with hope and despair. Both emotions seemed equal and frightening to Naruto as he averted her gaze. It was a look he knew too well.

"You know I prayed to my mother last night." Silena raised a curious eyebrow, "Tyson got claimed, you've been claimed. Will I be claimed?"

"Your mother?" Silena stared into Naruto's almost hypnotic sapphire blue eyes. Eyes that revealed a story, unlike anything she had ever seen.

"I haven't really told anyone this but… when I first arrived in this world I received a letter from my mother. Ha, the funny thing is when I was a kid. I always hoped that my parents loved me. People made fun of me, called me a bastard, and other things. When I picked up that letter and found out my mother loved me, got me a Manhattan apartment, clothes, money, a new life. Just everything I really needed. When I came to this world I thought I lost my purpose, but when I read that letter and reread it a million times over. You wouldn't believe me if I told you the last thing I would have guessed was her being a goddess." Silena listened to Naruto attentively. She placed a warm caring hand on top of his shoulder. "Back in my homeworld I had a dream. A kind of ignorant dream really."

"And what was that?" Silena asked while both of them gazed at the camp preparing for battle below.

"I wanted to be Hokage."

"What's a Hokage?"

"Honestly just a stupid military position that requires a ton of paperwork. The thing was, I just thought that if I became Hokage people would love and accept me. You asked me why I already think of my cabin as a family. And I've thought about it all day. Thing is I feel accepted here."

"If you get to know people at camp. You'll find that everyone here has a rough past. Even guys like Tyson will eventually be accepted over time. Don't worry about your past. I spoke to Paul Martinez and he really likes you and so many other campers look at you in such a good light."

"A good light?" Naruto repeated completely dumbfounded, "In what sort of way?"

"Few campers can claim they've saved people. You have saved nine on your very first day. You're a hero."

Dinner

The rest of the day went by in a blur. Naruto spent time at the archery range and did moderately well. He didn't get any bulls eyes but every arrow at least hit its target. Bow and arrows were an old school tool in the Elemental Nations and very few shinobi fought with such a weapon. Naruto always assumed it had to do with honor, but after firing over thirty volleys. He couldn't help but think how deadly two thousand archers on the field could be. Arnold Holt of the Athena cabin conducted the Monster strategies and Battle tactics camp activity. While the whole one hour class was optional Naruto quite enjoyed it. He learned about different strategies when it came to warfare and how to predict whatever his enemy was planning next. Iruka-sensei could have taken a few pointers with how well Arnold explained the different ways to dispatch monsters and soldiers single-handedly.

The next few hours after that the Hermes campers gathered together at the camp workshop in order to prepare for the chariot race, which was just in a couple of days. Naruto wondered just what the Stoll brothers were conspiring. Their cabin's chariot looked like something that a bunch of hicks at a gas station put together with plywood and duct tape. Just the fact that the wheels could spin around the axles should have been a miracle on its own. Naruto painted Awesome cabin #1 in bright orange letters at the front of the chariot, and the whole cabin thought it was genius.

As soon as every cabin filed into their seats at the dinner table conversation soon erupted between the inhabitants at every table. Naruto was on his fourth plate when Travis Stoll proclaimed, "So I've been talking with Connor and we both think it would be wise to have Naruto at the helm of the chariot during the race."

Naruto nearly choked on his pork ribs at that comment and half the cabin cheered.

"Wait a minute so who else will be on the chariot?" Asked Paul Martinez while elbowing Naruto at his side and patting him on the back.

"Me." Replied Connor with a mischievous smirk, "It wouldn't look right to not have a councilor making sure we achieve victory."

The rest of the table cheered and the Demeter cabin who were nearby groaned and cursed under their breath. Naruto swallowed his food and quickly said, "I feel really touched that you want me on the chariot, but ah, are you sure about me."

Both Stoll brothers looked at each other and grinned. Travis then said, "You can use magic right?"

"Not really. I use chakr-" Right before Naruto could even finish his sentence Mr. D made a satyr blow a conch shell causing everyone to turn towards the head table.

"Yesterday we welcomed one of our newest campers." Mr. D sent Percy and Tyson an odd look then focused in on Naruto. "Since the other newest addition to our camp is walking around like it's happy hour on St. Patrick's day. I wanna welcome Nato Uzi to camp."

All eyes focused in on Naruto as he stood up from his seat. Most of the faces in the Pavilion were mixed. While a fair deal of campers simply looked slightly interested many others whispered amongst themselves speculatively. Percy, Tyson, Silena, and most of the Hermes cabin were the only ones to generally give some warmth in their responses.

"It's Naruto Uzumaki sir." Tantalus glared a vicious snarling look straight at Naruto. Whatever he did sure rubbed the activity director the wrong way.

"Yes, yes Naruto Uzumaki. Now many of you may have already heard the big news. Our dear young friend has magical powers." The way Mr. D sarcastically said that turned Naruto's eyes cold. "First off the rumors are true. He fought two Colchis Bulls and defeated one of them all by himself and he even had enough time on his hands to help the Border Patrol with their zombie extermination rite. Another thing I must add is that Naruto isn't from our world."

Silence.

No one dared to make a sound at Mr. D's weird proclamation.

Only four faces within the Pavilion smirked. Mr. D scratched his neck and burped then said, "Nato is from some weird dimension where the soldiers use something called chakra and little kids are raised to kill one another. His godly parent took him from his crappy world and gave him US citizenship. Now, this goes against many rules upon Olympus, but both Tantalus and I have decided to allow him to stay here for the foreseeable future. Until the Big Three can figure this mess out... So let us cross out zombies out of our to-do list and welcome our newest camper."

The whole Pavilion soon erupted into total chaos as campers from every table rushed over to Naruto asking him various questions. Campers shoved one another just to get closer to him. He wondered if this was a regular occurrence here. Mr. D's frown told him otherwise.

"Are there gods in your world too?"

"What's it like to go from one world or another?"

"Do you have to go to middle school in your world?"

"Can you show us one of your cool magic abilities?" The crowd's interest peaked at that question. Naruto was shoved around like a Hollywood prop until Paul Martinez and the Stoll brothers gave him some space.

"Sure thing." Naruto looked over at Mr. D who simply gulped from his diet coke and then nodded.

Naruto made his way over to a tall white column and channeled just enough chakra to the soles of his shoes to show off the tree walking exercise. Orange light from the burning brazier molded into the surprised and gasping faces amongst the crowd of onlookers. Percy looked up at his once goofy friend in complete shock. From the burning vortex at Meriwether to his friend walking on top of greek style columns.

Naruto jumped from atop the marble column to the floor below and walked over to Tantalus. The grizzled old convict now turned camp counselor stared at Naruto slightly confused. Naruto quickly formed the dog, boar, and ended his hand signs on the ram before yelling out to the crowd of onlookers, "Henge no Jutsu!"

A puff of smoke surrounded the blonde-haired genin. Silena rubbed her pink bracelets in complete worry and fascination. Percy narrowed his eyes, which soon became wide as soon as the smoke cleared. Right in front of Tantalus was a perfect replica of the baggy-eyed, white-haired, disgusting activities director. Right down to Tantalus's wild-eyed and crazed mannerisms stood a second Tantalus.

"What the…" Tantalus began completely bewildered by the sight. This couldn't be real. No mere mortal had the powers to do such a thing. Then again the brat in front of him, making funny snarling faces wasn't a mere mortal. Still, such power intrigued the cursed King.

"Okay, that's enough fun for tonight let us all settle down and-" Spoke Tantalus only to be interrupted by the heavy panting of a Demeter girl with sweat drenched clothes barging into the Pavilion.

Naruto dropped his henge and the whole Pavilion watched her slowly make her way over to the head table. As campers stepped away from the head table. For some odd reason, Naruto had a weird churning sensation in his gut.

"Steph I was trying to enjoy dinner and a show here!" Began Mr. D who seemed the least bit interested in the sudden disturbance. The god of wine simply waved his right-hand beckoning a satyr to bring forward a plate of peeled grapes.

Tantalus glared at the poor Demeter girl while saying, "What is the meaning of this!"

The girl swiped her long brown hair back behind her head and Naruto looked straight into her eyes. She had soft dark brown eyes and he realized something. She was one of the Border Patrol archers sent out to retrieve him yesterday. From fighting elephant-sized bronze bulls and an army of the evil dead. Whatever she saw must have unsettled her to her very core, because like Emile in his dreams. Fear reeked not only from her eyes, but her body shook as she stuttered out, "I-I, I was sent out to sc-scout four hours ago on the orders of Clarisse." Tantalus raised an eyebrow but allowed her to continue, "I saw one of the zombies from yesterday overlooking the stables from a hilltop on the other side of the camp borders. I thought it must have been a straggler, but the monster was taking note of campers coming and going into the forest. I tracked that zombie as soon as it left and followed it three miles to a war camp. There had to have been around two thousand zombies and various monsters outside of the camp borders. Tantalus there has to be something we can do?!"

"Yes, very troubling news indeed, but fear not my dear camper. I've been thinking a whole lot on this monster problem for a long time now." Everyone looked at Tantalus who now gained the attention of the entire camp. Even Mr. D stopped his usual intake of grapes to stare at the blue bag eyed man. "Border patrol has been doing dutiful work lately under dear Clarisses leadership. After seeing Naruto's demonstration tonight I think it would be best to place him under her wing. Learn the old Camp Half-Blood tricks of the trade. While two thousand monsters may seem terrifying. With only nine members of the border patrol, we sent over a hundred fleeing. Thalia's tree is still functional so rest assured there is nothing to fear. An Olympian safety inspector has rated our camp a fantastic 65%. So let us focus on the already planned chariot race in three days and have some fun."

"I agree. Let us counselors focus on mass homicidal armies. While you guys focus on whatever it is your here for." Mr. D assured in complete support of Tantalus.

Dinner passed by in complete somber silence. Occasionally campers would talk and joke around in hopes of mending damaged spirits. No one seemed to really believe Tantalus, but who really wanted to question the man's authority. Mr. D kept assuring everyone that this whole army business would be taken care of right before the Apollo cabin led the camp during sing-along.

As Naruto watched the almost dead fire burn a brilliant green color as campers mumbled the song The Streets of Athens. Percy tapped Naruto's shoulder from the crowd of half-hearted campers. Percy's normally sea-green eyes, which were usually bright with a mysterious hidden backstory and optimism. Were now dark and bleak as if Percy held a weight in his chest he couldn't shake off.

"Hey, Naruto! You got a minute." Percy asked while holding a half-eaten s'more.

Naruto shot his friend a foxy grin and realized it had been a while since they last talked one on one. It didn't help that the last few days literally shook his very foundation. With giants burning down the Meriwether gymnasium, his encounter with Eos, the Colchis bulls, the army of zombies, those flying demon warriors, and nearly dying on Half-Blood Hill. To think all of that happened in just one seemingly normal day.

"Sure thing. Ah, Paul could you make sure my marshmallows don't get burned?" The Stoll brothers looked at each other in the eyes and smiled. By the time Naruto and Percy walked to the top of the Amphitheater away from the other campers. One of the Apollo campers brought out a mandolin and started dueling Lee Fletcher at the guitar with a rendition of The Battle of Evermore by Led Zeppelin. Lee Fletcher said aloud, "This is a new song we've been working on called The Battle of Chaeronea!"

Naruto shook his head at the obvious copyright claim Apollo cabin was opening itself too. Lee Fletcher and his cabin-mate both sang along to their dueling instruments as the flames turned from a small dark green to a bright roaring orange nearly four meters high. With both friends sitting down at the top of the amphitheater, Naruto saw Silena Beauregard clapping with her half siblings at the musical display. A warm feeling settled in his gut. Naruto looked down at the Hermes campers who were dancing to the tune with the Hephaestus cabin.

"Do you consider this place more than just a sanctuary from monsters and school?" Percy looked at his friend who warmingly stared at those below them.

"You know how I used to get kicked out of schools right?" Naruto turned his head towards Percy's and then nodded. "I've been kicked out of every school I've ever attended. Hell, I got into a fight with a nun so bad every Catholic school in the state of New York sanctioned me. But you know what. The first night I was in camp, sitting by the fire, watching everyone laugh, and pat me on the back. It was right then and there I felt accepted for who I was. Well… until I got claimed by Poseidon."

"What do you mean?" Naruto asked completely taken off by Percy's comment.

"Have you ever wondered why I sit alone with just Tyson at the Poseidon table? Or why three of the tables are empty during dinner. It's because I shouldn't exist and while everyone bowed the night I was claimed. It doesn't excuse the fact that at any moment at any time I could be killed by gods of Olympius." Naruto's eyes widened as big as dinner plates. The warm feeling in his gut quickly changed to cold.

"But you're alive now. You didn't choose your parents. So why do you have to be punished for something you didn't have control over?"

"Because Naruto, we're demigods, plain and simple. Our lives aren't supposed to be easy, but every morning I wake up more lost than ever. My life is tied down to some sort of prophecy no one has told me about and it all boils down to the children of the big three." Explained Percy whose friend simply looked at him confused and nervous, "The Big Three are the strongest and most powerful gods on Olympus. You know Zeus, Poseidon, and Hades. After World War 2 was caused by their children. They agreed to not have any more demigod children."

"So your father broke the oath?" Naruto questioned the answer already in front of him.

"Not just my dad, but you Already know about Thalia's Pine?" Naruto nodded remembering the tale of Zeus's daughter. "Her father turned her into a tree about six years ago while she was on her way over to camp with Annabeth, Grover Underwood, and Luke. Where they were ambushed by a horde of monsters sent by Hades resulting in her becoming a tree."

"Wait you mean the same Luke who tried to kill you last Summer and has allied himself with Kronos, the Kronia, and Triumvirate Holdings?"

Percy looked at Naruto with wide eyes and an open mouth. His normally goofy, naive, and kind-hearted best friend knew Luke. This was the same Naruto who Percy had to explain in elicit detail what a Centaur was.

"You know Luke?!"

"Of course, I've met him during Saturnalia! I'm surprised he went from the head of the Hermes cabin to controlling one of the most powerful armies in the world in one night."

"What do you mean by one of the most powerful armies in the world?"

"Percy, Luke has convinced many goddesses and rich businessmen across the world to swear loyalty to Kronos's cause. All I know is that they are planning on overthrowing Olympus and they want to recruit me." Said Naruto, making his friend's face turn pale.

"This is big. Like super big. Exactly how do you know all this?"

"You know that day I stormed out of Monster Donuts. I was attacked by these two monsters who were disguised as the NYPD, but turned out to be some sort of weird bird creatures called Strix. That very same night, I was introduced to this group called the Hetairoi or The Companions. They are a mercenary group descended from Alexander The Great's army and were made up of all the demigods of that time. Deci one of the Hetairoi leaders in New York repeatedly told me they were the strongest army in history and were considered the best cavalry army in the ancient world. One of the groups Luke recruited into his army was the Kronia. They have been rivals of the Hetairoi since both groups have existed." Explained Naruto who simply turned his head away from Percy's. While it was the truth it wasn't the full truth, "I was sent to spy on the Kronia at a place called The Saturn in order to gain the Hetairoi's protection. It was there I found out the Kronia was led by some guy called Memnon. They have an army of fifteen thousand strong. Kronos has more armies under him than just the Kronia, but if there's anyone I think who will be a big threat in the future it's them."

Percy was quiet. The news unsettled him. Both demigods watched the campfire below completely entranced by the flames. Percy then broke the silence, "If that army of zombies outside of camp isn't connected to Kronos I'll kiss Clarisse straight on the lips."

"I wouldn't make that bet Percy. The gods only know how bad our luck is." Both demigods laughed.

"Hey, Percy do you have weird dreams?"

"Yeah, you wouldn't be a demigod if you didn't have weird dreams. Although for some reason they always get more vivid and powerful at camp. When a demigod dreams, visions of the past, present, and future are said to come to them. Huh, you're having really weird dreams too?"

"I'm glad I'm not the only one. When I took that ambrosia yesterday and passed out under Thalia's tree I had a weird almost lifelike dream of the past. There were these french soldiers howling artillery and it all revolved Napoleon Bonaparte. Last night I had another dream of him leading attacks into Italy looking for something. Really it was mostly blurry. How about you?"

"I keep having these dreams of my friend Grover. He was the satyr that brought me to camp last summer and he accompanied me on my quest with Annabeth."

"I remember Mr. D or Tantalus mentioning something along the lines of you causing a lot of trouble last Summer. Weren't you going to explain what exactly happened? Seems like a lot of people here already know you." Percy sighed, it didn't help that his friend was throwing off Grover. His good friend had been on his mind since the last day of school.

With a slight groan that went unheard by Naruto, Percy said, "Last summer my father and Zeus were involved in a dispute over Zeus's stolen Master Bolt."

After explaining the events of last summer and his dreams revolving around Grover. Naruto was left silent. Both friends watched the fire burn and barely said more than four words for about ten minutes. Before the campfire sing-along ended, Naruto left Percy to return to where the Hermes campers still lingered. While he shouldn't have been surprised to find that his marshmallows were all confiscated. Likely by Paul and the Stoll brothers. He didn't bring it up.

While the young campers laughed, pranked one another, and caused hell and mayhem. Naruto simply stretched his legs across his sleeping bag and ignored everyone. Terrible thoughts and concerns drifted through his mind like a fog of despair. A mysterious army stood waiting outside the borders of camp. And the more he thought about it. The more he wanted to shrivel in a hole and die.

"Naruto you wanna join in?" Paul called from across the cabin with bicycle cards in hand and a pile of poker chips around five other Hermes campers.

"Nah, I'm kind of tired," Connor Stoll dropped his mischievous poker face and tried to look at the new camper who stood by himself in solitude. Naruto had his crimson red backpack between his legs and his head by his side. Before anyone could answer back, "I'm still a little banged up from yesterday."

With a shrug of his shoulders, Connor threw more chips in his pile. No one really wanted to challenge a new camper. Especially one that had sweetened Silena Beauregard up to making the Poseidon cabin last place at dinner time. Camp sure took a lot of getting used too.

Wanting some closure. Naruto dug around his backpack and found his wallet. Only to discover something more terrible than his greatest fear. His most prized treasure. The one thing that kept him going each day in this world. The one item he risked his life for at Meriwether. The only thing that truly defined him. It was missing!

Naruto tore open his backpack. Books, scrolls, t-shirts, underwear, socks, and even ramen packets all fell to the ground. The whole cabin stared at him completely confused and slightly on edge.

"Is something wrong?" Asked a small brown haired boy with frightened eyes.

"Yes! I ugh, mean… no. Nothing's wrong." Naruto could feel the Kyuubi stir in his gut. That very same exhilarating feeling of being king of the world and the only predator around was growing stronger. His heart raced a million miles a second and he felt almost helpless. Helpless against the tidal wave of anger and betrayal that slowly was consuming him. Several campers moved around him, helping him. He needed them. At the same time he wanted them gone.

"Naruto if you need help looking for… whatever it is you're looking for. All you need to do is ask." Spoke a girl around his age a foot away. She tried to put a hand on his shoulder, but Naruto threw her hand off of him.

"Sorry I just need a minute alone." All eyes were on him. Their stares while warm reminded him of the villagers.

Naruto rushed out of the cabin away from his newfound family. It was the last thing he wanted to do, but if he was going to battle his burden. He wasn't going to put their lives or any camper's life on the line. He walked about a half a mile away from the Hermes cabin completely alone. Every step along the way, he took a heavy breath. He felt euphoric and completely at ease, yet he wanted blood on his hands. He wanted a fight and to prove everyone wrong! First he had to destroy Konoha, then burn and sack the city just like Alexander the Great. After the raping, the pillaging, he would kill them all! Images of flashed through his mind of the catacombs and endless labyrinths underneath Alleppey. Naruto growled and felt his nails grow longer. He stabbed himself in the knee to take away from his endless excitement. Naruto tried to occupy his mind away from his lost treasure to happier memories.

From the time he first ate ramen to the time Ero-sensei bought him chocolate from a Dravosi trader. Tender warm memories. Then his mind shifted to pink. Distinct coral pink eyes and lovely warm arms on his person. The words stay with me echoed against his very soul.

Feeling calm, but incredibly broken. He screamed against Thalia's Tree. The Kyuubi nearly got to him and for what? Because someone stole his mother's letter. As much as he wanted to blame his family. It could have been anyone. A lost letter doesn't break a man, but the rage that engulfed him nearly shattered him. He had to be stronger than this, instead Naruto punched the soul for several minutes until his knuckles turned crimson. Those disgusting images kept creeping back in his mind. Black and crimson rivers leaking out of the walls of the Hermes cabin. Dead campers with torn flesh covering the floor. Worst of all, the image of a brown haired boy shaking in fear. Awaiting Hades.

With every image he responded with another punch.

Naruto wiped his sweat against his orange Camp Half-Blood t-shirt. The images slowly died away, but his mood still hung low. He was afraid. Not only for himself but everyone around him. Thalia's Tree stood upon the hill overlooking the camp. A beacon of salvation and hope for all campers. Now turned dark, yellow, sickly and close to death. A far darker thought kept nagging at the back of his head. Something that made him question his role as a hero.

A nasty bitter voice back at The Saturn kept poking at the back of his brain. The more he thought about it. The more hopeless he felt. Camp Half-Blood was the home he always dreamed of back in Konoha. Well without the influence of characters like Tantalus.

Everyone here in this mystical place accepted him for who he really was. Would they accept him for his burden? Would they accept him for likely bringing doom to their salvation? Tyson wasn't the true monster at camp. It was him.

The demon!

A thin yellow pine needle fell from above onto Naruto's spiky hair. Right then and there, his mood changed. Naruto entered the Hermes cabin twenty minutes later and apologized for his actions. As another realm engulfed him. There was only one thing he could think about as he rested his head. His brothers and sisters close by giving off warmth with every breath.

He had to save Thalia's Tree. It was the only way, but how?

The Love Tongue

Mid-April rain shook the chambers of the Luxembourg Palace in Paris. Napoleon sat across the Directory with his good friend Talleyrand by his side. Battle-hardened and tested with years of experience from the Toulon, Italy, and his esteemed title of General Vendemiaire. From destroying a Kronian backed rebellion. Napoleon sat in front of the five members of the Directory with a grin on his face.

"General Bonaparte it has come to our attention from Talleyrand's letter we received several months back. That if we attacked Egypt it would cripple British trade routes, allow for a new front in India, and bring about scientific discovery. As the leaders of the Directory, we want to know exactly what you mean by Scientific Discovery?" Spoke Paul Barras one of the two sons of Apollo amongst the five leaders of the Directory.

"We can drop the formalities, Barras. We are all sons of Olympus and I will say this once. Camp Half-Blood shall forever be within the borders of France, but if we don't take action now Chiron plans on convincing the gods to switch locations due to all the political intrigue and violence. The Old Guard is now made up of the Hetairoi. Through years of well-documented research from many scientists and historians. I've been led to believe Egypt holds many secrets for France's taking." All five leaders of the Directory looked at one another then Barras looked at Talleyrand.

"What do you think about this expedition?"

"We are already at war with almost every superpower in the world. Our only allies are the ones we have defeated and those American fools across the Atlantic. Now we have to go to war with Ottomans?"

"Why not? Egypt is the cradle of civilization and the birthplace of the gods. Even Alexander The Great spent much time in Alexandria." Replied Napoleon who then looked Naruto in the eyes.

After awakening from his dream. Naruto continued his morning routine from the days prior. Except for the fact that as soon as the Hermes Cabin got dismissed from breakfast. A big, tall, short-cropped haired, and very angry looking Clarisse stood in his path.

"Ah, excuse me," Naruto said while trying to go around the behemoth of an Ares camper. Clarisse simply blocked his exit with an outstretched arm, "Is there a problem?"

A second later, several Ares campers surrounded Naruto on the outskirts of the Pavilion. All the sons and daughters of Ares had tough, gruff, and intimidating features. With several Ares campers sporting military cuts and tattoos.

"If it isn't the idiot that put half the border patrol's lives in danger, summoned a swarm of Keres, and broke my arm," Clarisse said while nudging Naruto with her index finger.

"Hey wait just a minute can't we talk this out," Before Naruto could even finish what he had to say, Clarisse quickly closed the distance and stood in front of Naruto. Staring him down with frightening eyes full of fire.

"What's there to talk about Blondie? If you want to talk about pattycake walk over to the Cabin 10 and chat with Silena. If you want to talk about poetry and solar panels, there's Lee Fletcher at Cabin 7. But right now you're with Cabin 5 and we don't talk about nonsense." Clarisse said.

Naruto stood straight with his fists clenched tightly against the pockets of his khaki shorts. Cold sapphire blue locked with fiery brown. The unclaimed child against the great daughter of Ares. Everyone still within the Pavilion quickly fled and stared in wonder at the impending showdown.

Clarisse threw a round bronze shield at Naruto's feet causing the golden haired genin to raise an eyebrow, and ask, "What's going on?"

"There's only one language a child of Ares knows. It's the sounds of war. As much as I want to punch those whisker cheeks. Being the head of the border patrol and by Tantalus's orders you'll be spending the rest of the day with me." Clarisse said with a smirk far more sickening than anything Anko could have mustered during the Chunin exams.

Naruto picked up the heavy bronze shield at his feet and examined the big round hulking piece of protective equipment. The greek letter lambda ^ stretched across the shield. Naruto's fascination was quickly squandered by Clarisse saying, "Come on Duffus and follow us to the armory."

Naruto followed Clarisse and her siblings to the armory. After entering the building and changing into greek battle armor with a shining breastplate, metal shin guards, a Corinthian helmet without a plume, and his hoplon shield strapped around his left arm. The mirrors against the wall made him smirk. He still had his orange Camp Half-Blood shirt underneath his breastplate and his short khaki shorts above his knees. Yet those rags barely stood out among his now deadly and ancient garbs. A newly decorated greek warrior in the year 2006.

"I wish we had Summer camps like this back in Konoha," Naruto said, examining himself in the mirror further.

"I don't care what you had or didn't have back home. This is Camp Half-Blood and because of you spending more time in front of the mirror instead of us patrolling. It means we'll have to cover more ground. So you ready to go?" Clarisse asked in a very assertive tone of voice.

"I still don't have a weapon."

"What about that bowie knife you fought those bulls and zombies with? What happened to it?" Clarisse asked with a giant palm rubbing her eyes.

"I'm pretty sure I lost it or it got burned while I was protecting Silena from that Colchis Bull," Naruto said with a knuckle below his chin. He instinctively rubbed his now nonexistent wound across his chest, which had healed up miraculously.

"Well grab a spear and let's get going." Clarisse handed Naruto a five foot long celestial bronze tipped spear.

The rest of the day went by very slowly. Naruto walked by Clarisse's side all around the camp. Just the two of them. From the roaring white waters of Zephyros Creek in the forest. To the hot red and orange-tinted magma of the climbing wall on the other side of Camp Half-Blood. This journey required more than Naruto's fair share of walking and exploration. Something he didn't mind except for the angry looking daughter of Ares dragging him along.

"Agh, he thinks he's such a big shot." Clarisse said with an ugly scowl that only seemed to grow worse and worse by the second.

Naruto saw Percy and Annabeth talking with one another by a creek. Both of them drawing designs for a chariot. He looked at their cheery faces and then at Clarisse's almost sadistic snarl. Whatever Percy or Annabeth did sure rubbed his new… boss? It wasn't like he was getting paid to patrol the borders of the camp. Well, whatever Clarisse was to Naruto at the moment. She still had the backing of the Ares cabin, the followers of the border patrol on her side, and Tantalus's blessing to continue her crusade.

"What Percy?"

Clarisse turned her brown eyes towards Naruto's warm and hopeful sapphire eyes. They watched the two unsuspecting campers talk by the creek bed from the woodline of the trees from an overlooking hill. Both border patrol members were completely hidden, yet to Naruto. With their loud creaking armor and Clarisse's boarish growls. With all the noise they were making, they may as well have advertised their location on Craigslist.

"Tsk, just the sight of both of them by that creek bed just makes me sick. I'll tell you what he has humiliated me, my father, and just bathes in the spotlight worse than Apollo." Clarisse ranted only to cause Naruto to rub his forehead with an index finger, "And by the gods! Don't even get me started on Mrs. Smarty pants who just always has to be right."

Despite her obvious anger. For some odd gut-wrenching reason. With a simple glance into Clarisse's brown eyes, he found something less troubling and scary. It was a look he knew far too well. When he was young, it was the only look he could give.

"Clarisse let's get going. We still gotta finish patrolling the perimeter."

Around 3:00 PM, Naruto walked out of the armory with a foxy grin on his face. Finally relieved of his patrol duty. His mind still felt heavy from all the time spent pondering his place in this whole mess. Despite having access to the shadow clone jutsu. Even if he made possibly three thousand clones, which wouldn't be too much of a stretch. If Camp Half-Blood was invaded. Depending on the enemy army's manpower, resources, and maneuverability. It would take a miracle for the defenders to even pull off a victory.

A terrifying thought indeed.

Even though there were enemies at the gate ready to spill blood. Very few campers even seemed concerned about the possibility of a war breaking out. What's the point of worrying about an army of zombies and flying goblin monsters? Especially when you have a magical barrier surrounding your camp and the chariot race a day away.

Stopping right in front of the Aphrodite cabin completely in a daze. A bright lightbulb sparked to life over Naruto's head. How dumb could he be? He nearly forgot about his position in the upcoming race.

A group of four Aphrodite girls giggled to one another on their cabin porch. Right as Naruto walked past them.

"Il est mignon, mais je ne sais pas." Spoke a beautiful Aphrodite camper with red hair and a joyful giggle to Silena, "La encore, ce sont des yeux de rêve."

Naruto scratched his head in complete confusion. Were they speaking French? Because it didn't take a genius to know they were talking about him. Silena and several other girls giggled and laughed. Naruto vaguely heard them say something along the lines of…

(He's cute, but I don't know… Then again, those are dreamy eyes.)

His cheeks turned bright red like a delicious boiled up lobster. The four Aphrodite girls looked at each other in the eyes and laughed even louder. One of the girls then said, "tu as raison a propos d'une chose. Pas le couteau le plus tranchant du cabinet."

(You are right about one thing. Not the sharpest knife in the cabinet.)

Silena waved at Naruto who stood in front of the cabin petrified while staring completely confused and enthralled at the four girls. They weren't just beautiful, because there are plenty of beautiful women in the universe. But to hear them speak French. With as much passion if not more so than Napoleon. Well, something about that sucked him in. And Naruto could give zero shits if he looked weird or creepy at the moment. Watching the daughters of Aphrodite talk and laugh with one another was mesmerizing.

A few quiet seconds passed by. Naruto felt exposed with their eyes digging into his very being. Naruto quickly waved back at Silena causing her smile awkwardly. One of her sisters then said, "Il serait un bon choix pour le droit de passage."

(He would be a good choice for the right of passage.)

Naruto raised an eyebrow. His cheeks were so red now his whisker marks might as well have been invisible. What did they mean by a right of passage? Shaking his head and feeling slightly humiliated. Naruto proudly said, "Je te comprends."

(I understand you)

Silena and her three half-sisters looked at Naruto with eyes as big as dinner plates. Their faces sparkled with not just surprise, but complete fascination at what he had just said. How was he able to speak French off the bat? Well who cared, he still had more important issues to deal with than to ponder on that thought. So Naruto walked away from cabin 10 towards his new home. It would have been a short walk, but before he could even walk more than ten steps. Silena grabbed his shoulder and spun him around to face her.

"Naruto you never told me you could speak French." Said Silena with her coral eyes still wide.

"I didn't think I could speak French too… but for some reason, it was the first thing to come to my mind." Said Naruto with a hand on his chest and his arm out.

"Did you understand everything that we said?" Said Silena with blushing cheeks and several fingers twirling a strand of black hair.

"Yeah… something about how I'm the cutest most awesome guy at the camp." Naruto said with a foxy grin.

"In your dreams. I, uh, I-I would never…" Silena looked away from Naruto's sapphire gaze, "Your an idiot."

Naruto and Silena laughed. If this was Sakura he would already be on the ground rubbing his injuries. Silena, on the other hand, held his left hand with her right. Naruto's heart quickened and his breath was taken away. He knew deep down this was just a friendly action between friends, but if only it could be more.

They walked around the U shaped lot where all the cabins stood. With many campers whispering as they passed on by. Stopping right beside a worn out marble statue close to the fire pit. Silena looked Naruto in the eyes and said, "Naruto do you know why all the sons and daughters of Aphrodite speak French?"

Naruto scratched the back of his head with his right hand and said, "No. Does it have something to do with love?"

"I guess you're not as much of an idiot as I thought. French is a romance language. You know the love tongue." Naruto felt Silena rub his hand tighter.

"So what are you saying?"

"What I'm trying to tell you is that maybe you are a son of Aphrodite. Have you ever considered it? You were able to understand my sisters and you were able to speak french off of the fly. I don't know any other demigods that can do that except for a son or daughter of Aphrodite." Naruto quickly shook his hand away from Silena.

She gave him a worried look, but he ignored her. That couldn't be right. Right? His mother could be anyone and right in front of him, the head counselor of the Aphrodite cabin was explaining his possible origins. If she was right that would mean… yuck! Naruto looked down at the ground with a pale face. Was he falling in love with possibly his half sister?

"I've been having these weird dreams of Napoleon Bonaparte. I might have just, you know, ah, picked up some french on the side." No matter what he said. The look Silena gave him told it all.

"Naruto do you know what love is?" Said Silena with bright eyes and a warm smile.

Naruto looked at her from head to toe. Then he turned his gaze at the worn-out marble statue they stood under. With a shake of his golden hair, Naruto replied back, "Don't know much about that. I wish I did… look it was nice catching up but I gotta go."

Naruto left Silena by the marble statue. He glanced back and saw a worried face. With too many thoughts swirling around his head, just a look at Silena's worried face plummeted his mood. Was his mother Aphrodite? His mother loved him the most out of all his siblings, yet he walked back towards cabin 11. Where all the discarded byproducts of the gods congregated.

Wanting to take some time to think Naruto took a detour route along the Zephyros Creek bed. Only to run into his good old gentle giant of a friend.

"Naruto, so good to see you!" Said Tyson with his hands together in a clap.

"Hey, Tyson. Long-time no see. Orange fits you pretty well." Said Naruto observing his old friend from Meriwether.

Tyson was wearing the typical orange Camp Half-Blood t-shirt that every camper wore except it was a size XXXL. Along with some new jeans from the Camp Store also a size XXXL. From Naruto's past experience with Tyson, he was surprised to smell nothing. While the gentle giant had a look of sadness in his only eye. Even Naruto had to admit camp sure was serving his friend right. At least hygienically.

"Hahaha. Orange, not bad. Maybe we can change shirts to green." Said Tyson.

"Green! We're at a camp for demigods, not an Irish film festival. Once hunting season starts. You'll be glad you're wearing orange." Said Naruto causing Tyson to chuckle. Naruto saw Paul Martinez walk by with several other Hermes campers on the other side of the creek. As soon as Naruto made eye contact with the Cuban demigod he quickly left.

"Percy is my brother. Maybe dad will claim you too. Then we can be brothers too." Said Tyson with much enthusiasm.

Naruto could only smile awkwardly and just let Tyson talk. Although Tyson talked mostly about Percy being his brother and the Peanut Butter they served in the Pavilion. It felt good talking with an old friend. Both Meriwether friends talked about various topics, but Naruto mostly kept the conversation going.

"She's the most beautiful girl I've ever seen. She saved me not even an hour after I arrived here, but then she throws out the old we might be related card." Said Naruto while crunching his index fingers in the air. "Do you think she might be right? Because I don't know. What's even the point in trying to ask her out anyway. With my luck…"

"Hahaha, I remember kissy Rachel. Why worry about what may happen, when nothing has happened. You could still be my brother and it will be like old times." Naruto looked at Tyson's calf eye thankfully. Tyson may not be the brightest light bulb in the closet, but the gentle giant sure had a way with words. When it really counted.

The rest of the day passed by quickly. Naruto spent several hours with his cabin fixing their chariot and configuring various traps in the basket-shaped vehicle. Hermes campers laughed and hollered shouts of grandeur with the completion of the chariot. Naruto smiled and laughed with his newfound family. Despite the possibility that one of them may have stolen his mother's letter. It was finally nice to put away his fears, his anger, and his doubts. And join in on the fact they made something.

While their chariot wasn't anything extraordinary. The amount of sweat and effort put into the process of finishing the chariot. Sure as hell meant something. Especially by the looks of everybody present.

Naruto walked into cabin 11 completely exhausted. After a long day of patrolling the camp with Clarisse, talking with his friends, building the chariot, and an hour of personal training with shadow clones before dinner. Naruto had only one thing on his mind as he passed by Paul Martinez and a small crowd of Hermes campers whispering to one another. Sleep. Some good R&R would do him well, especially with the race tomo-

"Connor, Travis, Naruto, and everyone! I want everyone's attention!" Yelled Paul Martinez causing all eyes to fall on him.

"What is the meaning of this?" Asked Travis Stoll who placed his bicycle cards done on a table.

"I've been speaking with half of our cabin all day today about the race tomorrow. All while Mr. Kissass over there's been going around stirring the pot with the Poseidon cabin." Spoke Paul Martinez, his index finger pointing at Naruto accusingly.

Naruto felt the blood drain from his body. He wanted to pass out and get away from the stares and glares directed at him. From his newfound family of all people. With widened eyes and nothing better to say other than, "What?"

"Don't say what! I know what you're all about Naruto. Ever since you've arrived here at camp I've kept an open mind and heart concerning you. I thought about giving you a chance to be a part of our cabin. Maybe you were the one to possibly bring honor back to our cabin… but after what I saw today." Said Paul Martinez, causing the whole cabin to quiet down and listen.

Naruto more confused by every word listened to his friends diatribe like a prisoner taking a beating. Did Paul know about his burden? Did he steal his mother's letter? Was it possible that he made the connection? His mother practically spelled it all out in the letter.

"Paul calm down. What did Naruto do?" Spoke Conner Stoll who appeared in between the growing circle of Hermes campers forming at the center of the cabin.

"Naruto spoke to that monster by the creek earlier today for an hour. He's likely been spilling the beans about our plans for the race to the Poseidon cabin and who knows what he's been doing behind our backs. He ran outta here last night for who knows what and disappeared after we finished our chariot earlier today." Added another Hermes camper beside Paul Martinez.

"Guys I think it would be a good time to calm down and get some rest for tomorrow." Began Connor.

"That's the thing, Connor, I'd rather us get this squared away now than have us lose the race because Naruto decided to throw the race in the Poseidon cabins favor." Said Paul with the agreement of half the cabin.

"Why would I want to throw the race? I want us to win as much if not more than everybody else. A month of no chores. Paul, do you take me for a fool?" Spoke Naruto with warm and honest sapphire eyes.

"You have just arrived here. You are unclaimed. If father hasn't claimed you yet then you are no son of Hermes. You have been acting weird and while your powers may be cool. Who's to say you're not the cause of those Keres flying above the camp. They killed your clone things during that battle. There's a zombie army at the gate and no one here is talking about it. So why should you take part in the chariot race tomorrow!" Naruto stared Paul Martinez in his cold brown eyes.

"Hey, Naruto would never throw the race for anyone! He saved the Camp from being overrun by monsters. He's taken his time out of the day to patrol the borders. He is a good-hearted human being." Spoke Sarah Kelly of all people.

"He hasn't even been here for a week and he's been given special treatment. Hell, even Clarisse hasn't given him the old camp welcome. Should we really put a newbie at the reins of a chariot?" Spoke another Hermes camper within the crowd.

The whole cabin broke out in an uproar. Naruto stared at his family, from the very young to those older than him. His gut churned in perfect harmony with the growing chaos. The Stoll brothers could barely calm what seemed to be a split in the cabin. Most of the unclaimed campers quickly took to Naruto's side with warm chants in his favor. Those agreeing with Paul Martinez were just as numerous. Both sides were nearly at each other's throats.

Naruto stood still, completely quiet within the shouting, name-calling, swearing, and tossing of pillows. His family was tearing itself apart before his very eyes. Issues as old as Camp Half-Blood's inception were brought to the forefront concerning the claimed children of Hermes and those unclaimed. None of that had anything to do with him, but it was what everyone was yelling about.

"Maybe Luke was right! What have the Olympians done for us? Naruto represents all of us who have been left at the curb! So you want to kick him out of the race because he's not claimed!"

"Maybe if we didn't take all the unclaimed brats, we wouldn't be the messiest and most cramped cabin at camp!"

Naruto's gut churned even more until he yelled, "I'm dropping out of the race!"

All eyes turned to him once again and everyone became quiet as Naruto continued, "The Stoll brothers should race together. I'm new here and I'm still getting the hang of things. I'm not the best horse rider around and the Stoll brothers can work together better than any team at camp. They are the leaders of our cabin and they are the ones who'll bring us glory. We aren't going to lose tomorrow. But if we're going to continue to fight like this, what's the point of even taking part in the race?"

The Stoll brothers smiled to one another as the cabin slowly but surely became peaceful once again. After being spared from a cabin civil war. The occupants of cabin 11 drifted off to sleep in the hopes that Naruto was right.

The Race

The morning of the race was hot and humid. Fog blanketed the ground like sauna steam. Millions of birds were roosting in the trees. Fat gray-and white pigeons, idly perched along the branches like white tumors infesting the forests of New England. While the flying rats were never a concern to Naruto. Just having to listen to all of them screech in an annoying cacophony of metallic caws made the blonde genin's eye twitch. As he walked over to the amphitheater he wondered about possibly investing in a pigeon removal business when he got out of college.

"Come on you don't have the brains for college."

"Colleges weren't invented for smart people. They are just ways to take smart people's money."

"Hmm, maybe the smartest thing I've ever heard you say."

"Hey!"

Naruto was sitting down on the oddly comfortable marble amphitheater seats along the outskirts of the newly formed racetrack. A project the Hephaestus cabin gladly took upon themselves. Of course with the assistance of the now reactivated Colchis Bulls, which trampled the quarter-mile-long oval stretch of ground. Satyrs, nymphs, dryads, and campers filled the amphitheater rows with happy grins full of anticipation. Several green dryads carrying trays filled with goodies yelled out, "Hotdogs and drinks! Only two-drachma!"

This being the first chariot race in many years. It didn't surprise Naruto at the spectacle of this event when it came to the attendance. Everyone seemed to be present all except for Mr. D who likely was sleeping in. While the teams were still getting their chariots ready, a luxurious long braided black ponytail swiped Naruto across the face.

"Hey! What's your pro-" Naruto stopped as soon as he laid eyes upon Silena Beauregard. Her beautiful bright coral pink eyes lit his heart up. A warm but very playful smile brought a foxy grin to the jinchuuriki's face.

"Anyone sitting by you?"

"No." She quickly took a seat beside Naruto, who held a half-hearted smile and arms on his lap.

A day ago, the whole cabin would have been beside him. Today he would have been beside Connor Stoll bringing glory and victory to the Hermes cabin. Cast aside, just for the day, to keep the peace with his now fracturing family. Silena choosing to sit by him more than lightened up his mood.

"Naruto I want to apologize from yesterday."

"You don't have to apologize for anything."

"You're not listening to me." Several girls a row behind Naruto laughed and began whispering to one another. "When you discover the secrets of the world. Not from the stuff they teach you in school or from your parents, but the real secrets. This camp or the gods. It takes some getting used too. I didn't want to upset you yesterday by what I said. It's just…"

Silena became silent as the crowd of spectators roared with the arrival of the first two chariots from the Apollo and the Hephaestus cabin. The Apollo chariot was painted in gold and was being pulled by two beautiful white palominos. Lee Fletcher stood at the reins with an archer at his side. The Hephaestus chariot looked tough with a metal forged basket. Dark metallic horses pulled the basket, and Charles Beckendorf grinned a white toothy smile. Silena's eyes lit up just a bit but focused back on Naruto. The crowd once again quieted down. Waiting patiently for the other chariots to pull up.

"Silena don't you worry about it one bit. You didn't upset me. I've just had a lot on my mind lately and with everything going on with that zombie army, my mother ignoring me, and the Kyu…" Silena raised an eyebrow and Naruto mentally cursed at his near slip-up, "And the cube, the Rubiks cube I haven't solved yet. I'm just glad there's someone here at camp who just cares for me."

Silena smiled and grabbed Naruto's hand. Both demigods stared each other in the eyes. Warmth seeped through Naruto's body like a contagious infection. If this was an illness, and it tore him from cell to cell. He welcomed it.

His heart thumped faster than the spray of a machine gun in action. His mind traveled to the possibilities of Silena. Giving him strength, courage, happiness, heartbreak, but most importantly a purpose. Silena tilted her head close to his causing Naruto to tilt his too. Naruto stayed silent, his words lay dormant under his choked up tongue. His past failures with Sakura, Rachel Mckee, and even Eos. Brought nothing but doubt to the forefront of his mind.

"Naruto I already owe you my life."

"What?"

"I volunteered to be part of the border patrol the very day you arrived at camp and well… I would have been crushed into a pancake had you not been there. You went out of your way to challenge that Colchis Bull with nothing but a shield." Silena's hands grew tighter as she nearly whispered, "When I brought you over to the Big House you were covered head to toe in blood and barely clinging to life. While Chiron and the Apollo campers were fighting to keep you alive. I nearly lost it. I kneeled down outside your room and prayed to my mother that I would have your back if she or any of the gods saved you. Lately, I've been lost and confused with everything going on and I don't know what to do. Until you showed up."

Naruto sat motionless completely lost by what she had said. Naruto grabbed Silena by her shoulders. Their lips just inches from one another. Silena didn't brush his hands away nor did she punch or slap him. She simply placed a smooth hand around his back bringing them both closer than before. It all felt right, but before anything could happen the crowd exploded in a deafening sound of applause and shouts. Silena and Naruto separated before anyone noticed what they were about to do.

Their cheeks were redder than the skin of a Roma tomato, but their hands were still entwined together. Neither one ready to let go. Naruto focused on the now perfect row of chariots at the starting line.

The Ares chariot was blood red and pulled by two grisly horse skeletons. Clarisse expertly pulled the reins to her horses' while her partner climbed aboard with a batch of javelins, spiked balls, caltrops, and a bunch of other nasty toys.

The Demeter chariot was painted white with intricately designed flowers painted all around its sides. The flowers looked so lifelike that Naruto had to closely examine the chariot just to be sure they were fake. Morning glory, roses, and tulips really didn't look intimidating. However, Katie Gardener had a terrifying look in her eyes as she brought her chariot, being pulled by two black stallions, to the starting line. One of her siblings hopped into the basket with a dozen throwing knives.

The Poseidon chariot was blue and white with tidal waves painted on the sides. Two brown horses pulled the chariot to the finish line. Percy held the reigns of the horses, while his brother Tyson held a ten-foot pole.

The Athena chariot was grey with two similar-looking brown horses pulling it forward. Annabeth and one of her brothers smiled at the roaring crowd. Their confident stormy grey eyes examined the track like it would be a cakewalk. Naruto had to admit their cabin had the greatest chance of winning with a cabin full of warrior genius' taking command of the track.

The Hermes chariot was green and old-looking, as if someone brought it out of an abandoned warehouse. While most campers outside of the Hermes cabin dismissed it. Naruto stared at Awesome cabin # 1, painted in orange letters at the front of the chariot. He knew with the Stoll brothers manning the chariot, they had enough dirty tricks to possibly win the race.

"Right!" Tantalus announced as the teams assembled at their respective lanes. A naiad from earlier had brought him a big platter of pastries, and as Tantalus spoke, his right hand chased a chocolate eclair across the judge's table. "You all know the rules. A quarter-mile track. Twice around to win. Two horses per chariot. Each team will consist of a driver and a fighter. Weapons are allowed. Dirty tricks are expected. But try not to kill anybody!" Tantalus smiled at the participants like they were all naughty children. "Any killing will result in harsh punishment. No s'mores at the campfire for a week! Now ready your chariots!"

The teams began preparing for the race by checking their horse's harnesses and making final modifications to the chariot baskets. Naruto saw Percy speaking to Annabeth, but he couldn't make out what they were saying. The conch horn sounded.

"Charioteers!" Tantalus called. "To your mark!"

The trees in the forests swayed under the weight of the massive flock of pigeons. White feather rained from the branches below like sickly leaves. Irritating screeching soon followed from every bird surrounding the racetrack. It was so loud and horrible the whole crowd turned their attention from the track to the woods. Tantalus didn't look concerned, but he didn't have to speak up to be heard over the noise.

"Charioteers!" He shouted. "Attend your mark!"

Tantalus waved his hand and the starting signal dropped. The chariots roared to life. Hooves thundered against the dirt. Wheels squeaked against turning axles. The crowd cheered.

Percy slapped his whip against his horse's thighs spurring them forward past the first six chariots. He felt every bump and hole on the track as he took the lead. Tyson smiled and said, "We will win!"

Almost immediately there was a loud and nasty crack! Naruto nearly turned his eyes away from the track, but hearing Lee Fletcher scream kept them glued to the action. Connor and Travis Stoll smashed their chariot into the Apollo chariot's side. Resulting in the Apollo chariot being flipped over in less than a second, sending their riders flying over their flimsy basket. Lee Fletcher and his partner smashed into the warm dirt track for roughly five seconds. Their clothes and skin scraped off against the dirt as they came to a spine-tingling stop in the track just ahead of their chariot.

A couple of Satyrs holding a stretcher stood by the sidelines, waiting for the mayhem to end. All to the misfortune of a bloodied and teary-eyed Lee Fletcher moaning pitifully to himself on the ground.

Connor and Travis laughed maniacally as they passed by the first chariot to go down. By a string of fate the horses dragging the now shambled Apollo chariot ran diagonally across the track straight into the Demeter chariot. Wooden wheels flew down the track as an explosion of wood piled together only twenty feet from the starting line. The five remaining chariots roared ahead. Leaving four screaming campers, four frenzied horses, and a pile of wooden wreckage.

As Percy maneuvered his chariot slowly around the first turn, several javelins soared across the air. Sticking to the racetrack straight ahead. Percy pulled his reigns to the side, causing his horses to slow down to avoid the deadly obstacles. The Ares and Athena chariots slipped on by in a thunder of hooves. Leaving their cabin in third place. Annabeth slapped her whip even harder against her horse's thighs as she passed on by. Her javelin man grinning wide and waving at the Sea brothers, shouting: "See ya!"

Wiping some sweat with his wrist Percy focused on the open track ahead. They both still had a fighting chance.

From the stands, Naruto and Silena were on their feet. Their hands over their eyes focusing in on the race below. Silena held a slip of paper and muttered, "Damn! Clarisse is still in second place."

"You placed a bet on the Ares team?"

"Well of course I did. Clarisse and I have been friends for years." Silena smiled mischievously, "Who did you place a bet on?"

"What makes you think I placed a bet on anyone?"

"Naruto you're one of the boldest people I know. Are you telling me you don't like taking chances?" Silena stretched seductively either to breath her limbs or on purpose. Whichever the case may be, Naruto couldn't help but blush and cover his bleeding nose.

"Are you alright? I hope you haven't gotten sick or anything." Replied Silena in a concerned tone of voice.

"Achu! Allergies." Naruto instinctively rubbed his Companion amulet. A force of habit from his days back home. "When I make a bet no matter the odds. I always intend to win."

"I'm guessing you didn't ask your family for a ticket then."

"No. I wasn't in the mood to gamble my remaining drachmas. But if I did I would have chosen either the Poseidon team or the Athena team." Silena shook her head and grinned.

Right as Naruto said that. The Hephaestus chariot quickly gained speed and was riding beside the Poseidon chariot.

Beckendorf pressed a button, and a panel slid open on the side of his chariot.

"Sorry, Percy!" he yelled. Three sets of balls and chains shot straight towards the Poseidon chariot's wheels. They would've destroyed their chariot completely if Tyson hadn't whacked them aside with a quick swipe of his pole. He gave the Hephaestus chariot a good shove and sent them skittering sideways towards the Stoll brothers.

Travis drew his blade already anticipating a clash, allowing Connor to control the reins. Beckendorf's brother followed suit. Both chariots slammed into each other. Beckendorf desperately pulled his horse's reins in the hopes of retreating from the maniacal Stoll brothers, but it turned out to be futile. His horse's reins were caught in a compromising knot and plan A turned into plan B. Bronze clashed against bronze. Sparks whizzed against the wheels and axles. As they slowed down in the final turn of the first lap. Connor slashed his horses' harness to avoid the pile of debris from the beginning of the race.

With only four chariots still left standing. Instead of focusing his attention on the race. Naruto's ADD kicked in and he noticed something terrifying. Out in the woods, the pigeons had disappeared, instead of them journeying to another destination. They were spiraling like a huge tornado, heading towards the track.

Naruto had no time to react. The pigeons swarmed the amphitheater, thousands of them dive-bombing the spectators, attacking the other charioteers. Their screeching reminded Naruto of Sasuke's Chidori and the terrible death metal music that Tony Abramo would listen to. A sea of white and gray soon swept the entire area. Naruto couldn't even see more than a foot in front of him. With the fluttering of feathers, the agonizing screeching, and the droplets of blood and flesh. It didn't surprise Naruto when a frenzy took hold of the now frightened crowd.

Satyrs jumped off of the edges of the stands desperately seeking cover, but the birds showed no mercy and followed the poor woodland spirits by pecking them with razor-sharp beaks. Half a dozen pigeons flew past Naruto, slicing his exposed skin and drawing blood. Silena covered her face from several bombarding birds trying to peck her eyes out. She shielded her face and quickly snatched one of the bombarding pigeons by its neck. A bone curdling snap and a bloody face made Naruto pale.

Silena screamed, as a pigeon flew by leaving a splotch of white poop in her hair, leaving the Aphrodite councilor furious. Silena drew her blade and slashed several pigeons in the air while yelling, "Stymphalian birds! Arghh, and right after I got my hair done!"

"Arghh, we need weapons or just something to get rid of these vermin! Arghh!" Naruto yelled over the fluttering Typhoon of birds.

"Ow! I don't know what to do we gotta blow them away somehow." A Stymphalian bird slashed its beak across Silena's collar, just barely cutting her jugular. Naruto kicked and punched his way over to the love goddess's daughter, shielding her from further damage. The crowd of spectators on the other hand weren't faring any better.

Frenzied campers were shoving each other in hopes of escaping the now very real Alfred Hitchcock production of Birds. Young campers whimpered on the ground in the fetal position crying for help. The warriors of Ares the only cabin prepared for this sort of situation futility formed a schiltron circular formation of shields and spears. The Apollo cabin archers held their bows with bloody fingers in hopes of firing against the blanket of birds, yet with all the spectators in the way there was no sign of them letting loose any time soon. All in all, there wasn't much anyone could do within the constant swarm of killer pigeons.

"Wait Silena said something about blowing the pigeons away."

"Are you going to keep thinking or are you going to do something?"

Naruto channeled as much chakra as he could muster and shouted, "Chikara Yosha!"

A strong shockwave of light blue energy shot from his throat into the swarm of pigeons. Resulting in dozens of fallen birds and buying some breathing room from the constant bombardment of flying rats. Naruto looked at the crawling crowd and shouted, "Heroes to arms!"

The Athena campers were handing shields to unarmed campers like it was Christmas morning. Within seconds half of the spectators were behind the now loosely formed shield wall of Ares and Athena shields.

"Naruto they are coming back!" Yelled Paul Martinez, grasping a Xiphos sword and shield in each hand.

The beady-eyed and bronze beaked Stymphalian birds were flying in an almost mystic dark cloud roughly fifty meters above the stands. The flock ignored the whimpering almost broken heroes of Camp Half-Blood. They were still dazed from Naruto's shout. Naruto looked out at the track and saw a crashed Hephaestus chariot in the strawberry fields. A grinning Clarisse passing the finish line basking in glory. Only to realize how dire the situation had gotten. Tantalus instead of paying attention to the bloodthirsty flock of pigeons. Occupied his time by chasing a fleeing oreo halfway across the track.

The cloud of pigeons quickly formed up, leaving barely any time to reassess the situation. A tidal wave of fluttering feathers rumbled the air around the campers. Blanketing them in a sea of razor-sharp beaks. Kamikaze birds slammed into the bronze shields like bullets ricocheting off of a metal plate. Despite the defensive wall shielding half of the spectators on the stands sharp beaks slashed and poked campers through the gaps in the loose shield wall.

The unlucky campers who fled the stands during the beginning of Birdemic. Were screaming louder than ever.

"Chikara Yosha!" Naruto fired another light blue shockwave of energy into the cloud of swarming birds.

Tantalus was still chasing various pastries around the stands while yelling, "Everythings under control! Not to worry!"

Few campers took that as a reassuring point of view. Considering the circumstances. Right as the cloud of Stymphalian pigeons reformed. Naruto saw Percy Jackson drive his blue and white chariot to the finish line with Annabeth by his side. Annabeth had a boombox in her arms at the ready. Percy pressed play, releasing the All-Time Greatest Hits of Dean Martin upon the spectator's open ears. Naruto muffled his ears when the air filled with violins and a bunch of guys moaning in Italian.

The demon pigeons went nuts. They started flying in circles, running into each other like they wanted to bash their brains out. Then they abandoned the track altogether and flew skyward in a high dark wave.

"Now!" Shouted Annabeth. "Archers!"

With clear targets, Apollo's archers took their flawless aim to the test. Nocking five to six arrows on their U shaped composite bows. They mercilessly let loose over the frenzied cloud of flying rats. Within minutes, the ground was littered with dead bronze-beaked pigeons, and the survivors were a distant trail of smoke on the horizon.

Naruto looked at Percy gratefully. He had saved the camp along with Annabeth, but the look in his their eyes showed disbelief at the carnage raised by the flock of Stymphalian birds. Most of the chariots were destroyed. One of Beckendorf's steam-powered horses was burning in a blaze of orange and yellow. Almost everyone was wounded, bleeding from multiple bird pecks. Silena consoled a group of screaming Aphrodite campers who were upset over their hairdos being ruined and their clothes pooped on. To top it all off, Dean Martin was still singing Volare.

"Bravo!" Tantalus said, brushing off his hands and staring away from Naruto, Percy, and Annabeth. "We have our first winner!" He walked to the finish line and awarded the golden laurels for the race to a stunned-looking Clarisse.

Tantalus then turned to Percy and smiled. "And now to punish the troublemakers who disrupted this race."

---

Training Trip 2nd month

Gusts of cold water sprayed over the deck of the cruise ship like misty clouds from the nozzle of a spray bottle. Sailors were slowly working along the deck, while passengers passed by carrying bottles of liquor. Naruto's hands held onto the ship's wooden railings all the while watching the sunset in the far distance. The red ball was slowly dipping below the horizon, reflecting deep orange light off of his skin. Waves crashed into the ship shaking it from side to side every ten seconds.

Ero-sensei had vanished below the deck in hopes of out drinking the ships first mate. He of course invited his star pupil, but Naruto kindly declined the offer. Getting drunk with his teacher wasn't yet at the top of his bucket list. Especially when said teacher pesters you on end to perform the Oiroke no Jutsu (Sexy technique).

Salt, crabs, and the unknown scents of cargo permeated the air. Naruto closed his eyes and smiled. Although he wasn't learning a cool jutsu or fighting in a glorious war, the thrill of journeying to strange lands excited him. No one back home was going to believe him! And why should they? He was going to experience adventures, excitement, and bring back stories of unbelievable validity.

(Immersion: Listen to The Sundown (aka il Tramonto) - Ennio Morricone)

"Why so alone?"

Naruto took his hands off of the smooth oaken railing and stared at a strange woman in front of him. She wore a hood over her head and a silken Kaze no Kuni scarf around her neck and nose. Her skin was smooth and white and it glowed beautifully like there was something more to her. She was dressed in a dark purple and black cloak with intricate fractal designs all over it. Making his eyes dizzy and his head light. The only distinct thing about her was her sandals. Hard leather strapped sandals that went up to her knees, like a soldier from a distant land and time.

"Ah, who are you?" Naruto asked, completely confused and entranced by the mysterious visitor.

"Answer my question." Commanded the mysterious woman her eyes glowed a vibrant green and then switched to a calm blue.

"What, me being alone? I'm used to it." Naruto found her eyes to be completely entrancing like he was staring at a holy artifact. "Why do you ask?"

"Because I see a boy with the future at his fingertips. He has no one by his side besides a contamination in his gut. A boy whose been predetermined for many great things. Yet where I stand I see nothing great." Naruto growled and drew a kunai, she knew about the Kyuubi and something wasn't right about her.

Instead of the woman becoming petrified she only laughed, "You think that needle could scratch someone like me? I see why your friends make fun of you, belittle you, call you demon behind your back. And dare should I say want you dead."

"Well screw you!" The thirteen year old felt his kunai slip from his hand as if it weighed as much as the vessel he was on. The kunai made a loud thunk sound as it embedded itself into the vessel.

"What did I tell you?" Fear must gleamed from his sapphire eyes because the woman's eye's only grew bolder, "Such little respect, no wonder you have failed."

"Who ar-are you?" Something about the woman in front of him didn't seem right and he couldn't will himself to flee.

"I'm no one important for now. Tell me how did it feel to get stabbed near the heart by the chidori? Was it painful? Did you realize then that the place you call home despises you? Or was it when you failed to become a chunin? Oh, I couldn't have forgotten that time you defeated the other abomination, hmm, what was that demon's name! Jarra, he was quite jarring to fight wasn't he?"

Naruto's normally sapphire blue eyes flashed a bright crimson with a long black slit in place of his irises. His nails grew longer, he felt the icy and hot chakra of the Kyuubi flow throughout his body. Naruto felt in control, he felt the Kyuubi's chakra surround his body in a thin light orange shroud of despair. The woman raised one of her eyebrows curiously. The crimson eyed boy growled and yelled, "He has a name! And it's Gaara!"

He rushed at the woman, a clawed hand pulled back, his anger growing by the second. He didn't care who or what she was. She had the gall to belittle him. To bring up his status as a jinchuriki and she disrespected his friend from Suna. The one person he could relate too the most. She acted as if jinchuriki weren't human, then he was going to have to show her, the power of a monster.

He was within a foot of the mysterious woman when out of the blue... he crashed into a black barrier. An electric shock of pain, despair, and torment engulfed his body. The Kyuubi's chakra dissipated within mere seconds, yet the pain continued. The sapphire eyed thirteen year old screamed on the deck. No soul came to his rescue as he thrashed on the ground at the feet of the mysterious woman. Her eyes now flashed a disturbing gold with glee shining down at him from above.

"Do you think Hokage's are that bold and stupid? I have every right to strike you down as we speak. Although I'd be wasting my time... such pride will only be your downfall!" Spoke the mysterious woman who started laughing.

The sapphire eyed boy tried to pick himself up. He only wanted to get as far away from whoever or whatever this person was as humanly possible. He only fell to the deck with a loud thud, all his energy sapped. The woman laughed louder. The Kyuubi laughed in his head almost as maniacally as the mysterious woman.

"Get some sleep my dear warrior. Hahahaha! Time will tell if you'll truly impress me."

(Immersion Over)

Naruto awoke to a shaking cabin. It all must have been some sort of horrible nightmare. Naruto got out of bed with a white shirt and some grey pajamas bottoms. He stepped on a bottle and slid down with a thud. Cursing his injured forehead and his perverted sensei.

"Naruto not now!" Groaned Jiraiya, his arm hanging over the edge of his bed.

Not caring about getting dressed or even wearing shoes. Naruto made his way onto the deck of the ship and found his kunai lodged into the wood from the evening before. He picked the blade up and stared at it. More confused than ever before.

---

Listen to: Hallon- by Christian Bjoerklund :on youtube

(for awesome end of chapter music)

All right I'm now done with chapter 7. I will say I'm sorry for the long delay. You guys have seriously blown my story up after the last chapter and I'm very deeply thankful for all of the warm support from my dear fans. I made this chapter longer for many reasons, numero uno being the long delay and the majority of it being I want to develop the characters real well for future chapters. I will say part of the reason there was a very long delay was just because I took a week off from writing after chapter 6. I had to attend a funeral and I've been working like a slave building the pyramids. Literally, 45-50 hour weeks just kills my creativity.

I got back from spending a week in California near the end of July. Had an awesome time there. Beautiful state, beautiful people, expensive as hell, and would never live there. Although damn smoked two Jays before I went to the airport after a night of getting wine drunk with a bunch of girls. Spoke to the Uber driver in Swahili, I barely know Swahili, but the man was very nice from Uganda and took me around town for free like I was the pope. So I want my readers to live life to the fullest. You don't have to be like me and go to the airport while seeing purple elephants and half hung over on wine.

No, people always come up to me and ask me why I'm always happy, upbeat, and how I can make their day. I tell them to live life to the fullest. If your coming home from school or work. Why should you be bored? I mean damn, when I was younger I always had something to do. I literally would walk 4 miles from school, screw with the workers at the Rite Aid, hike around the rivers and hills, see people having orgies in the woods, throw fruit under cop cars, go shooting with my uncle. I had an amazing childhood. If you can't find anything entertaining to do then be entertaining. Be yourself, be who you want to be, UNLOCK YOUR HUMAN POTENTIAL!

In 1519 Ferdinand Magellan sailed around the world with no maps, gps, or any internet. Why should my readers limit what they could do? I want all my readers young or old to be a bunch of badasses by the time I'm done with this story. If it takes a month or several years.

Anyways follow, favorite, and leave a review to your favorite internet wizard. Lot's of love and remember to keep reading.