Reading: Sun's Heir, Death's Guardian II: A Hero's Peril

by Engineer4Ever

The awaited sequel to Reading: Sun's Heir, Death's Guardian. The sequel is out, enjoy!

21. Chapter 21

Reading: Sun's Heir, Death's Guardian II: A Hero's Peril

XXI

Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto or Percy Jackson and the Olympians.

Looking into the bathroom mirror, Naruto adjusted the horned headband on his head, his mop of messy spikes being pushed back into a short mane of blond while two shaggy bangs had framed his face like they did his father and godfather.

"Well, when you look good…" Apollo shrugged with a sly grin.

"Use what you have," Aphrodite chirped, drinking in the picture of the handsome son of the sun.

He had, after Thalia 'persuaded' him to let Jason borrow some of his slightly larger clothes,

"Going for the grownup clothes, Jay?"

"Shut up Leo."

changed out of his hospital scrubs (tucking those away to wear on a rainy night) into some khaki cargos and another orange shirt with an arrow on it

"The same shirt?" the love goddess questioned.

– he liked the shirt, sue him –

"It's a fine one." Artemis said.

"Of course you would say that." Aphrodite said with a huff.

"Yes, I would." The huntress said to the lady of doves.

wearing his new white flak jacket over it. He looked at his reflection, tilting his head this way and that and comparing himself to the picture of his father that was in the entrance of the Hokage Mansion.

"Really, he looks a great deal like you." The female archer told her twin.

"Can't help the good gene pool Arte." Apollo said in a smug tone.

His face shimmered for a bit before the thinner and whiskerless face of Helios appeared in the reflection with a golden brow arched.

"…And that isn't creepy at all." Leo deadpanned.

"I think it's funny." Nico pointed out.

"Of course you would, you like that ghost stuff."

"…Still funny."

Helios' sudden arrival in the mirror got a startled yelp from the reincarnated god.

Nico snickered, oh that is just a classic ghost move.

"What the hell are you doing?" Naruto asked the Titan.

"Trying something new, this whole apparition thing is nice and all but it gets annoying." Helios said.

"Hm, true." Apollo said with a rub of his chin, "If I was in his place, I'd be going crazy."

He arched a brow again. "Mind telling me why you accepted this deal?"

"Yes, enlighten us." Thalia frowned, obviously disagreeing.

"Because it was a good one."

"He does raise a good point." Athena said, there were really not many loops to be used against him.

"...No really, why did you accept this deal?"

Naruto frowned. "Because maybe I don't want to completely isolate myself from my homeland.

"True, I miss Canada at times." Frank admitted.

"We all miss where we were born." Hazel said with a knowing look.

Would you leave Greece behind if given the option?"

"Valid point." Hestia said knowingly, as most of the gods did miss Greece. After all, home is where the heart is.

"Okay, you've got me there." Helios said begrudgingly. "But you know this is a way to keep tabs on you, right?"

"There's that one point." Athena said.

"Oh, totally, I'm not an idiot.

"Hermes," Apollo glared, "Shut up." He said to the messenger god, who was about to open his mouth. The speedy god just settled with a pout.

But I'm strong and these lands respect strength," said Naruto. "They'd rather fight with me than against me."

"Damn right, who wants to mess with my kid?"

"I do!"

"Oh shut up Ares." The sun god rolled his eyes.

"And to think they haven't seen 'God Mode' yet," said Helios with a laugh.

"Oh, now that is just going to be a treat." Ares snickered, wait till they see that!

"Alright Kid, you've made a choice and you're sticking with it. Though I get the feeling you wanted something like this to happen."

Naruto just smiled a bit at that. "I did promise Jiraiya to bring peace to these lands."

Ares snorted and crossed his massive arms, Peace? That's BS right there. Plus he'd be out of a job if something like that happened!

"A soldier as strong as you working for all five, they'd have no choice but to co-operate since not one can control you...You're a shrewd one, Naruto Uzumaki."

"That he is, one has to wonder if he planned that out from the start." The wisdom goddess pointed out.

"Bah, stupid peace." Ares muttered, grumbling as he did so.

"I try." Naruto chuckled as Helios' appearance vanished back to the depths of his soul, leaving Naruto alone with his own reflection once again. Naruto grinned at himself. "I think it's time to go."

The bathroom door opened and the demigods waiting around in the lounge room of the Hokage Mansion looked up as Naruto walked in, decked out in his new gear. Thalia gave a small frown at it. Sure he looked good,

"That he does."

Piper rolled her eyes at her mom, geez. Subtly much?

but it was just another reminder that he decided to tie himself down to these strange lands.

"Someone's jealous they have to share."

"Seriously, Annie, I love you, but shut up. Now."

"I grantee nothing."

The blond chuckled at the sight of the uncomfortable looking Jason. He was wearing an orange Camp Half-Blood shirt that Naruto had dug out

"Looks good on you Jason." Piper smiled, Thalia nodded.

"Agreed."

"He must be really uncomfortable right now." Sniggered Leo. Jason flushed a bit at that.

– it was that or the Game Over shirt with the logo of a bride and a groom with a ball and chain on it,

The bachelor gods snickered at that while Hera frowned deeply. Oh when she found out who made that…

and quite frankly, Naruto wasn't sure how Hera would react to a child of Zeus or Jupiter wearing that particular shirt –

"Smart choice." Jason shivered that the 'unpleased' look on his matron goddess.

and some loose dark cargo shorts.

"Miss your Camp Jupiter shirt, Jason?" Naruto asked.

"Kinda." Jason admitted aloud.

"I feel naked," said Jason with a frown

"Well, I don't feel that bad." Jason pointed out quickly from the looks he was getting, mainly the amused ones.

as he looked down at the shirt. "Seriously? 'Camp Half-Blood'?"

"Hey, don't dis my camp." Thalia frowned at her brother.

"Not your camp anymore." Percy corrected her.

"Shut up, still my camp." The hunter pouted.

"Stupid name right?" Naruto asked.

"Is not!" argued the campers of the camp.

"Talk about making you feel less than human."

"Ouch?" Leo blinked.

"It's supposed to make you feel more than human," said Thalia.

"Exactly." Annabeth nodded sternly. No one got away with dissing her camp, not even her other's older brother figure/confusing maybe love interest?

"...Well it fails spectacularly," said Naruto dryly.

"Does not!"

"Annie, he can't hear you."

"Doesn't matter, hmph!"

He pointed at himself with his thumb. "I grew up with the stigma of being less than human, excuse me for not exactly enjoying the Camp's name."

Annabeth flinched, "Okay, so maybe for someone like him it isn't the best name." she begrudgingly admitted.

"And admitting it is always the first step."

"…Be quiet Piper."

Thalia shook her head while Piper looked at the Praetor of Camp Jupiter with a smirk. "You should probably try to call the Olympians by their Greek names as long as you wear that,

"And McLean with the zinger!" Hermes laughed with Apollo and some of the other demigods laughed with them. Jason mock frowned at that while Piper giggled lightly at his face.

it'll probably keep you from getting smote."

"Very true." Zeus mused humorously to his Roman son, who groaned. Great, even his Greek father was making fun.

"Ha, ha, ha," said Jason dryly,

"See? Jason making a joke is great."

"Dude," Jason said to Leo with a look of betrayal.

"Just being honest man, you are a stiff at times."

making the girl giggle. He snorted and crossed his arms. "You're lucky you're cute."

"Oh, and Jay makes the first move." Leo whistled out as Piper smirked to her boyfriend.

"Wow, tell a girl more~"

"Later." He whispered to her.

"And a girl," said Naruto with a smirk. "Jason doesn't like hitting girls, goes against his moral code."

"I was not that much a stiff!" the wind boy cried out.

"Unlike someone who doesn't have a moral code," said Jason.

"Who knew Jason had comebacks." Leo said in surprise.

"I can be witty."

"Dude, you are as witty as a wet blanket at times."

"…Shut up Leo."

"My point exactly."

"Bah, it's a worthless thing for a ninja," said Naruto, waving the younger blond's words off.

"Very true, guys like that were made to get the job done. Not debate morality of an act." Ares snorted, ah, gorilla tactics.

"Warriors are warriors, no matter the sex."

The girls cheered at that.

"Damn right," said Thalia with a smirk.

"Go me!"

She pushed herself off the wall she was leaning against and crossed her arms over her chest. "Are we ready to go yet?"

"Yep," said Naruto.

"Finally." Hades said with Nico agreeing with eager nods of his head.

He held his hands up in the seal for the Kage Bunshin Technique making a single clone, who he looked at sternly. "You say goodbye to Reiko-chan, Ayame and Iruka. Then Baachan and Kakashi-sensei."

"Hai, hai," said the clone, his eyes rolling. The clone turned and left the room, grumbling under his breath.

"Ah, clone labor, best labor ever." Apollo snickered along with a few others.

"I heard that!"

"Oh, what are you going to do, dispel me?"

"And the back talk, always prime time comedy right there." Hermes added with a smirk.

Piper and Jason laughed at the clone's retort while Thalia smirked at her growling boyfriend.

"Well, they are all him, so they must be all annoying." Artemis smirked, "Just like his father."

"Arte, why?"

"It's funny. Plain and simple."

Naruto pinched the bridge of his nose and mumbled something about "stupid clones" and "damn inherited annoying qualities".

"From Apollo."

"Seriously, getting old Herm."

"Psh, never does." The thief argued with a snort.

Sighing as he finished his small moment, Naruto let his hand drop and turned to look at his amused companions.

"Glad you're all enjoying yourselves at my expense," he said.

"Anytime."

"Alright then, I suppose it's time to get moving. Follow me." Naruto turned and left the room, heading for the stairs.

Thalia, Jason and Piper quickly followed him, going up the spiraling staircase for what felt like forever until Naruto pushed open a door at the end of a short hallway. They filed out onto a large circular roof, giving Piper and Jason a very good view of the massive village they barely got to admire

"It is a nice sight." The girl admitted.

"Nice spot for a first quest date." Aphrodite teased.

"Maybe." Piper muttered as Jason smiled a small smile at that.

while Thalia hung back away from the view, lest she be reminded how high up she was.

The wind boy sent his sister a smile as she scowled at him.

"Stop thinking what you're thinking, Jay."

"I have no idea what you're talking about."

"Damn right, you little brat, humph."

Naruto paid no mind to this, putting his fingers in his mouth and whistling loudly. He ignored the questioning looks he received, keeping his eyes on the sun in the sky. Then they heard it, a distant whinny of a very familiar horse.

"And the horse is back." Apollo whooped as Poseidon smirked at the entrance of the fire horse.

"Oh, no," said Thalia with a groan. "We're not taking that thing again are we?"

"How else are we supposed to get back to Camp Jupiter?"

"I don't know, Piper," Thalia glared at her, "but seriously. Anything would have been better."

"Well unless you guys would like to drag my sexy ass

"Which it is."

"Mom!"

through the gates of Camp Jupiter, this is our fastest ride," said Naruto,

"He's got a point."

"Be quiet Jay, seriously." Glowered the hunter at the smirking Roman.

his eyes following the bright form of his steed. He smirked at Jason. "You know, your cousin has a Pegasus, Jason. You should probably look into getting a ride of your own."

"I will later hopefully." Jason smiled, wondering where Tempest was right now.

Jason arched a brow. "But...I can fly."

"Dude, the ride makes the man." Leo scolded the Roman. The Golden boy rolled his eyes.

"It's the principal of the thing," said Naruto with a shrug.

"See? Naruto agrees with me. And we all know that is the most important thing."

"Yeah, yeah, Leo." The blond told his buddy.

"It's like having a car. Except, ten times as awesome.

"Just look at that horse power." Leo said with a grin as the guys laughed, Poseidon was beaming though.

I mean, Zephyr can fly, is made of fire and talks to me. Blackjack, Percy's steed, has wings and is a direct descendant of the original Pegasus."

"I had a flying dragon." Leo added to the list.

"Yeah, named Happy."

"And what a happy dragon he is, still to this day as a head figure for my awesome boat."

"Really? Remind me to congratulate the seaweed clotted idiot when we get back to camp," said Thalia flatly.

"Jerk."

"Aw, Percy, I say it with love." Thalia teased the boy.

She was not looking forward to another ride on that stupid chariot. Another thought came to her and Thalia looked at Naruto with a frown. "How'd you get Percy's horse to let you push Percy off its-"

"Thalia, he's a guy." Percy glared at his cousin, but yes, he was wondering too.

The hunter shrugged, "Whatever."

"His, not its."

"Thank you, Naruto."

"Whatever." Thalia rolled her eyes.

"Exactly." Thalia nodded happily as Percy's glare gained a scowl.

"How'd you get Percy's horse to agree to you dropping Percy from different heights into the water?"

"Freaky ninja magic." Percy pointed out.

"Maybe." His girlfriend mused with a quirked lip.

Naruto blinked before holding a finger up. "One: I'm pushing him into water. Any injuries he should obtain are healed by the Squid God's domain."

"Yes, sad fact. Correct, Squid God?" Athena asked her rival, who glowered at the name. Stupid Hercules movie.

Naruto held a second finger up. "Two: It's a way to calculate heights by instinct, I'm not just being an ass.

"Liar."

"Son of me, Jackson. He can't."

"Still…!"

There's always a method to my madness, right Jay?"

"See Percy? I had to go through it, too."

"I feel your pain from here, brother."

The two shared a smile together. Annabeth shook her head and mouthed 'bromance' to Piper, who nodded with a snort of laughter in return.

Jason nodded in agreement to that. Naruto had Jason hogtied several times just to teach Jason how to correctly escape binds

"Ooh, a little bondage, huh?" Aphrodite asked her daughter's boyfriend, who was red at the comment.

"Mom, please!" the burning red face Piper begged. All she got was a smirk.

by sharpening the wind around him. He rubbed his wrists at the phantom rope burns. There were a lot of times he woke up in different bindings and positions.

"Kinky."

"Stop that!" Thalia shouted at the love goddess, she did not need to hear that about her brother. Who was currently so red you could mistake him for a cherry.

It begged the question what else Naruto learned.

"Fun times for Thalia in the bedroom."

"Aphrodite, enough." Zeus told her, getting a pretty pout from the goddess and thankful looks from his children.

"And three," Naruto held up a third finger with a grin, "I figured out through Silena that Blackjack has a soft spot for donuts.

"Blast." Percy cursed, stupid Silena, he pouted.

So a couple of those and assurances that the training was for Percy's benefit, and I had a co-conspirator."

"Traitor."

"But it was for you benefit." Annabeth pointed out.

"…Still a traitor." The son of the sea pouted.

"That...is the most devious thing I've ever heard," said Piper as she and Jason gaped at the proudly grinning Naruto. "I mean, turning his own steed against him..."

"I know! Total jackass."

"I try."

"Don't. Ever." Percy added in a grumpy mood.

"Speaking of steeds," said Jason. He pointed at the descending ball of fire. "He's not going to pull another 'landing' is he?"

"Well, that was your fault, Jay."

"No it wasn't." the blond son of Rome frowned at his sister. He was an amazing chariot driver thank you very much.

Oh yeah...Zephyr was never the landing horse, said Helios thoughtfully.

"Very true." Most of the gods said.

"See? Not my fault Thalia."

"Whatever helps you sleep at night Jason." Thalia waved off in a teasing tone. This was fun.

"...We might want to move," said Naruto. He wrapped his arm around Thalia, diving out of the way as the ball of fire impacted with the roof of the Hokage Mansion. The foundation of the building shook from the impact, making Jason and Piper fall to the ground, the sound of it echoed for miles.

"That is one zany horse."

"I hear you Herm, it's why I use an engine now." Apollo added.

Zephyr reared back on his hind legs, the chariot already hooked up, and whinnied proudly. Naruto and Thalia got back up, both looking at the horse with different reactions; Naruto's was stunned and Thalia's was livid.

"Course I would, I was almost crushed!"

"What about us?" Jason asked his sister as Piper glanced at her too.

"…I was closer." The hunter huffed.

"That stupid horse could've killed us!" Thalia said,

"Not stupid." Poseidon muttered and glared at his niece.

getting a mild snort from said 'stupid' horse. Zephyr was rather smart among his kin, thank you.

"True, he's just a cheeky devil at times is all." Apollo assured the audience.

"Zephyr's not stupid," said Naruto in defense of his steed. He put a hand on the fiery horse's snout and petted him gently. "Right bud?" Zephyr nodded with another soft snort, enjoying the petting he received.

"NA-RU-TOOOOOOOOO!"

"Someone's in trouble." Hazel whistled.

Hermes wiped a mock tear, "I'm so proud to call him my nephew." He choked out.

"And that, my friends, is our cue to leave," said Naruto, stopping his petting as the four of them climbed aboard the chariot. Naruto grabbed the reigns and cracked them as soon as Piper and Thalia's hands gripped the sides of Heli-his chariot.

"Here comes the ego build." Artemis said dryly.

Hm, he liked the sound of that, his chariot.

"Like getting your own car, back in the day that is." Hephaestus laughed a bit.

Less ego more speed-o! Helios snapped

"Well, it is summer," Poseidon joked.

"Honestly," Hades blanched, "Whoever made that idea was sick in the mind."

"I happen to love them," Aphrodite said with a crooked smile.

Naruto from his daze as they took off. Just like your old man, you know that?

"What's that supposed to mean?!"

"A lot." Artemis told him blandly.

If he's old what does that make you? Naruto returned.

"Take that Hel!"

I'm ancient, wise and yet still the stud muffin I was millennia ago!

"Well, he was all seeing and knowing." Athena agreed.

"And still a hunk," the love goddess added.

Apollo muttered, "…Stupid sun titan."

"And I have the ego?" Naruto asked quietly.

"What was that?" Jason asked.

"Nothing, just talking to myself," said Naruto.

"And nothing wrong with that." Nico nodded, a tad mockingly mind you.

There was another cry of his name and Naruto, through learned instincts, ducked to avoid being hit by the stapler that should've been thrown at his head.

"Woman's got quite the arm," Apollo whistled out.

Artemis nodded, "Here, here, that was a good distance away along with the speed they are flying with."

Looking back over his shoulder past Thalia's face at the Hokage Mansion that was rapidly becoming smaller, Naruto grinned.

"Goodbye, Baachan!"

"Ah, one last taunting goodbye." Hermes snickered, "Always the best ones."

On the cracked roof of the Hokage tower, the Godaime Hokage scowled and her hands clenched into fists. That little... "You'd best lose that mouth while you're gone brat, or I'll rip it off!"

"Sorry, can't hear you from the sky!" Ares jeered with a laugh.

"Tsunade-dono, I think it would be wise not to antagonize the first Sennin no Rengōgun (Sage of the Alliance)," said Gaara with a barely noticeable smirk on his face.

"Heh, stoic guy is laughing on the inside." Hermes snickered, oh man, if the bland guys are laughing too, then it was really funny.

"Antagonize him?" Tsunade said, swiveling her gaze around to glare at him. "Your mansion wasn't just desecrated by a freaking meteor!"

"Fire horse, a big misconception." Apollo waved off.

"Really?" Leo asked.

Apollo smiled, "Of course!"

"It makes me wonder just what else he has learned over in this America," said Ē, crossing his massive arms over his chest.

"A lot of things." Athena said.

"Bah, from the reports given to us by Konoha, it is nothing to be concerned of," said Onoki. "They believe in a 'higher' power and are physically weak.

"And yet, they have far better technology and have us." Apollo sneered at the old troll, never liking him.

Back in my day, religion brought nothing but grief and sorrow. When the Nidaime Tsuchikage did away with it-!"

"Oh, so we have someone to blame now. Perfect." Zeus nodded along with the other gods.

"The history lesson is so very interesting, Onoki-dono, but could you please save it for another time?" said Mei dryly. Her gaze went to retreating ball of fire and a smirk tugged at her lips. "I do wonder if he could teach me that?"

"Cougar." Thalia frowned with crossed arms.

The other four Kage rolled their eyes at the 'desperate' single woman.

"Ha, she really is desperate." The hunter smirked.

"So jealous."

Thalia grumbled a, 'Shut up,' to her friend.

They followed her gaze and looked to the disappearing streak of light, each wondering when the new asset/old friend/son would return and what else he would bring with him. Only time would tell.

Apollo made the mysterious alien noise and wiggling his fingers.

"So, we've got about ten minutes before we get back to the boot camp," said Thalia, once more trying to distract herself from the current situation.

"Well, she isn't wrong." Percy admitted, to the boot camp part anyway.

She kept her eyes on Naruto's back, looking at the clan seal intently. "What's with the swirl?"

"The what?" Naruto asked, looking at her over his shoulder.

"The swirl on the back of your jacket. You said it was your clan's seal, what's that?"

"It's his clan's symbol," said Piper. The Grace siblings looked at her and she shrugged. "I like looking up stuff on Wikipedia, sue me."

"Guilty." Piper flushed a bit, she got bored a lot.

"Isn't always right." Annabeth pointed out.

"So? You still learn stuff." The love child defended her other.

"Little wannabe cabin six member," said Thalia with a smirk.

"I did kinda hope…"

"Sweetie!"

"Oh relax mom, I'm cool with it."

"Good."

"I don't know what that means," said Piper dryly.

"Seriously, kinda new to this whole thing."

"Oh be quiet McLean," Thalia pouted at the girl's teasing tone.

"Me either," said Jason.

"You should," said Thalia with a frown as she looked at her brother.

"Yes, you should know the seat numbers." Athena scowled at the boy of Rome. Jason said nothing to that, not wanting to get the Greek goddess to smite him or something.

Jason rolled his eyes.

"Don't you roll your eyes at me mister."

"Thalia, stop it." Jason groaned at her glare. It wasn't like he was doing it. Blame his other.

"I'm Roman. You're Greek."

"Excuses." Athena scoffed.

"I'm Cherokee," said Piper with a smile.

"Very true." Aphrodite smiled as Piper nodded, proud of her heritage.

"And I'm some blend of Euro-Asian," said Naruto dryly.

"He does pull it off," Annabeth admitted and Percy gave her a side glance, "What? I'm just saying."

"Sure." Percy said, frowning.

"Oh great, now he's all grumpy Annie." Thalia said.

"I am not!"

"Um, yeah, you are." Nico said.

"Shut it corpse prince."

"What does it matter? In my opinion, the demigods shouldn't have been split in the first place,

"Well, after the civil war, yeah, kinda." Hermes said dryly.

"But still, in today's day and age, I'm sure there could be reasonable terms between them," Aphrodite said.

Ares snorted, "Please, they should be at each other's throats, much more fun."

"For once," Athena said, "I agree with the barbarian."

"Whoo!"

Roman and Greek aspects aside we're not so different after all. Ten bucks says that Ares and Mars' kids would get along splendidly."

"I don't see it." Percy said as he looked at Frank critically.

"From what I've heard, I'd have to somewhat agree," the husky boy added.

"Meh, says you," his father's Greek aspect said.

"...You may be onto something there," said Jason with a chuckle. He leaned back to look at the spiral. "What does that mean? You asked Richard to give you another tattoo-"

"He's got more than one?" Hazel asked with a blink.

Apollo snorted, "Body art." He said, as if it explained it all.

"Another tattoo?" Thalia asked, giving the whiskered blond a glare.

"Don't like ink on your boy, Thalia?" Piper asked with a grin.

"What, you like Jay's?"

"It does give a rugged feel to him."

"Can you two not talk about that, please." The blond nearly begged.

"We'll think about it." The two girls said with equal amounts of amusement.

Naruto ignored the eyes burning into the back of his head. "Like you're one to talk, mister four years old and tattooed."

"Oh did he have to bring this up," the wind boy groaned, great, just great.

"What?"

"There's the freak out." Annabeth said with a sigh.

"Tradition, Thalia," said Jason, waving it off like it's nothing.

"Still pissed about that," the hunter said firmly.

"No wait, you have a tattoo? Since you were a kid?" Piper asked.

"That is a bit of a shocker."

"Tradition." Hazel told the love child.

"Still…kind of weird."

"Yeah so?"

"Jason!" Thalia said. She looked livid.

"Damn right I would be, and I still am."

"Amazing," Hades droned, "An angry child of Zeus."

Poseidon chuckled at that.

"What?"

"What the Hell?!"

"I know!"

"What's the big deal?" Jason asked. He rolled up the sleeve of Naruto's loaned shirt to reveal his upper arm, revealing the eagle above the black SPQR and the ten lines underneath it. "This is a symbol of the Legion, and I'm proud to have it.

"Whoo!" the Roman's cheered, Percy just gave a smirk.

Besides, it didn't hurt that much."

"It did kinda hurt." Percy admitted.

"Wimp." Ares snickered.

"Jackass." Was the swift retort.

"Uh-huh, and who cried a bit when they got that fifth line?"

Jason blanched, how did he-?!

"You did?" Piper asked.

"I was little!" the blond argued.

"Aw, poor baby," his girlfriend cooed. The son of Rome just scowled.

"...Shut up, Naruto."

"Yeah dude, shut it," Jason frowned, he had his rep to protect!

"Wait, you didn't get those all at once?" Piper asked, looking at the tattoo in awe.

"Guess some girls like ink, huh Piper?"

"Like I said," the Charmspeaker said, "Gives him a rugged look."

"So, you like bad boys."

"Maybe."

"…But jay isn't one." Leo pointed out, getting a mild glare.

"Like mother, like daughter," Hephaestus grunted, getting Piper to blanch.

The eagle was simple, and yet elegantly proud all the same.

"One bar for every year of service," said Jason, pointing at each line and ignoring the glare boring into his head.

"Hey, don't you ignore me!"

"Hm, you say something Thalia?" Jason joked, before getting rapped in the back of the head, "Ow!"

"That's what you get."

He learned well from Naruto how to brush anger directed at you off.

"He's a very good influence on you," Jason's girlfriend pointed out in amusement.

"Very," Jason said dryly.

Unfortunately, this meant that he never learned when to practice this, hence why Thalia continued to glare at him.

"Ah Jason, you have much to learn, young grasshopper." Apollo said in a perfect Chinese-English voice.

He glanced at Naruto. "You still got yours?"

"Duh," said the blond charioteer. He shifted the reigns to one arm and rolled up his sleeve, revealing bare skin. Naruto took a deep breath before sighing as chakra was dispersed around his arm, revealing a small tag wrapped over his arm, right underneath a lyre tattooed into his skin above the letters SPQR.

"That's a cool way to hide something from your mother." Percy joked.

"I don't think your mom is going to be thrilled with yours." Annabeth said. Percy shivered at that tidbit his girlfriend told him. No, she would not.

There was one lonely bar under his mark. "Now I might have my own serial code, but I was deemed expired."

That got some snickered, except from the roman kids.

"...Naruto, you stirred up a rally outside of the Senate."

"No cool." Jason grimaced, he no doubt had to do something about that.

"Which you were a part of."

"Knew it," the blond said under his breath.

"I was doing crowd control!"

"We've never had to do that before." The Superman said with a frown.

"My kid jus brings the insanity!"

"Hey," Mr. D frowned, "That's my shtick."

"Meh, whatever." Apollo shrugged.

"And you were an adorable little riot shield."

"Aw, did you have armor and everything?" Thalia mockingly cooed as she pinched his cheek.

"Stop that. Now." He batted the hand away.

"I don't think I will Jay."

The 'younger' Grace just grumbled under his breath.

"...I think I hate you."

"I love you, too Jason."

"And that right there is male bonding time." Apollo said with a proud chocking sob.

"Jason Grace, you were four when you got a tattoo?!" Thalia asked, looking at her brother sternly.

"Here comes protective sister mode," Thalia mused, eager to see it happen.

"You seem so happy about it…" Jason muttered under his breath.

"Yeah," said Jason, looking at his sister with genuine confusion. "So what?"

"A bit slow, aren't you?"

"I do not want to hear that from you of all people, Percy." The blonde scowled. It was not called for.

"I think it puts hair on his chest!"

"Amen to that!"

"Silence Ares." Hera told her son, frowning.

"You, stop talking," said Thalia, glaring at her boyfriend while Piper laughed at Naruto's shoulders slumping.

"He is funny to watch," the Charmspeaker admitted.

She looked back at Jason. "You, that thing is coming off.

"What?!"

"I am in agreement."

"No," Jason glared at his sister.

As soon as we get back to the boot camp."

"Wha-I'm not getting rid of my tattoo!"

"Damn right."

"Seriously, Jay, listen to your sister."

"Make me!"

"Not like you could," said Naruto with a snort.

"Exactly!"

"Exactly!"

The Roman turned pink at that as everyone sniggered at him.

"Jason, you shut up.

"Maybe I don't wanna." Jason muttered snidely.

Whiskers, talk."

Jason looked bewildered at Thalia's order, making Piper laugh just a bit harder, which got a small frown from the blond for being her subject of amusement.

"Well, we'll have stories," Piper teased. Her boyfriend just pouted at her.

"The tattoos are more or less blessed scars, like from the original Legion," said Naruto.

"Perfectly told." Hazel state, but Thalia just pursed her lips.

"Still don't like it."

"Marks of war, survival of a whole year. An honor. Taking Jason's tattoo away is like taking away Annabeth's beads."

"Seriously?" Annabeth asked Jason, who nodded, "Wow." The blonde whistled out. She would hate if that happened.

"...They branded my brother?" Thalia said, enraged.

"Wasn't branded." Jason argued with a pout.

"My baby brother

"I'm not a baby!"

"You will always be one to me."

"…Says the one who's never going to grow up."

"Don't you get smart with me mister!"

got branded by some-some sick bastards

"Bet the Senate would love to hear that," Frank muttered, but Thalia gave him a glare.

who think that kids getting tattoos is honorable!" She spat the last word out, showing her disgust with the whole thing.

The Romans glared at Thalia, but she just gave them a dull blink.

"I'm fully agreeing with her, you can't change my mind."

"I'm not a baby, Thalia," said Jason, who looked a tad annoyed. He was fourteen, dammit!

Jason nodded to his other, "I know, I know."

"She didn't call you a baby," said Piper, a wide smile on her face.

"Yes she did."

She loved this more and more,

"Gets that from her mother," the smith god said.

though there were a few things she was still uncomfortable with – fighting monsters and seeing someone die –

"Yeah, not nice. I know other me, I know."

Piper felt that this new camp would be more entertaining than anything.

"It is." The Greeks smirked while the Romans pouted somewhat.

Shame that Jason wouldn't be with them, he was kind of fun to talk to.

"And make kissy faces with, right Piper?"

"Quiet Leo, let other me get into the swing of things."

"You mean Jason wrapped around your finger?"

"Yes."

"Ah."

Jason just flushed with a pout, he was not rapped around Piper's finger. ...Right?

"She called you her baby brother."

"I still remember him wetting the bed, too."

"Thalia!" the son of Rome cried out in distress as everyone laughed at that one. Thalia was just grinning ear to ear.

"Because that makes it all better," said Jason with a frown.

"It should help a bit."

"It's not," the blond said dryly.

"Hey, no flirting or you'll be flying home on your own power, Jason," said Naruto with a smirk.

"We're not flirting." Jason frowned, but turned to his girlfriend, "Right?" he wasn't sure on that stuff to be honest.

"More like idle chitchat." Piper told him.

He was rewarded with one red-faced preteen while the other just rolled his eyes.

"Seems you disagree."

"…Quiet Sparky."

Ah, the wonders of hormones mixed with stupidity. He missed those days.

"I don't know," Thalia mused, "He's still pretty stupid."

"So basically you and he got a Percy and Annabeth thing going on." Leo asked her.

"Seems like it."

The couple in question blushed at the insinuation.

"I don't flirt, Naruto," said Jason flatly.

"Yeah, too much of a tough guy," Leo snickered.

"At least I don't flirt with everything that has breasts."

"Ooh, see, now this is the fun Jason." The pyro laughed more as Jason frowned at his dig having no effect.

"Of course you don't," said Naruto with a chuckle. Doesn't mean that little miss Aphrodite's daughter wasn't. Even if she didn't mean to, Piper is one heck of a flirt.

"Am not!"

"You somewhat are sweetie."

"Mom!" Piper whined with red cheeks as Jason have her a half hug to get her to relax.

"You can heal it, right Whiskers?" Thalia asked. "His burn."

"He wouldn't." Jason said.

"He should though," Thalia mumbled aloud, crossing her arms.

"I think I could," said Naruto after a moment of thought. "But I won't."

"See, Thalia."

"And why not?"

"Yes, why not?" Thalia pouted to her other's boyfriend.

"Like I said before, it'd be like taking Annie's beads from her. I'd never do that," said Naruto, rolling his sleeve back down while his eyes met Thalia's. "Neither would you."

Thalia's pout said volumes. Though she didn't like her brother 'branded'.

Thalia frowned at the truth in his words, her jaw clenching. "...Still, the fact remains–"

"That you're jealous that we got tattoos before you did," said Naruto with a smirk.

"Is this true Thalia?" Jason smirked as the tables turned.

"It is not!" Thalia said in heated denial.

"Uh-huh."

"It isn't, Jason."

…

"Shut up!" Thalia cried out from the looks sent her way.

Her cheeks heated a bit and Naruto chuckled lightly.

"I think it might be."

"Zip it wethead!"

"Now, now, Thalia, no need to shout. Maybe a little heart on your shoulder."

"Nico, I swear...!"

"Oh come on, Thalia, don't be jealous. I'll take you to get your own if you want. A cute little butterfly right above that spot on your – ow!"

Thalia turned Florissant red at that, "He did not just say that!" she wanted to shout, but it came out as a squeak instead.

Percy and Nico roared in laughter, "He did!" they both said as one.

"Shut up you two!"

"Don't wanna/Nope."

"…gonna kill you both in your-" the hunter muttered darkly as she plotted her cousins' assassinations.

"Shut up, Naruto," said Thalia after she smacked him upside the head, her face red hot in embarrassment.

"So it is true."

"Annie!"

"Well is he right?" Jason asked, looking at his red-faced sister with an arched brow.

"Jason you zip that lip, now." Thalia threatened her brother, who was just out to open his mouth. Jason crossed his arms, he had every right to mock his sister, right? So unfair.

"Why would I lie about getting her one of those cute little butterflies above her – ow, shutting up," said Naruto, rubbing his recently punched arm.

"Thank you and the gods." Thalia grumbled.

"Any time." The gods said in amusement, all laughing and snickering in their own way.

"I am not jealous of your tattoo." Thalia said with a frown directed at her brother.

"You so are," Percy smirked at her, but stopped from her raised sparking fist.

"She gets that from you, by the way." Poseidon whispered to his brother, who just glared at him for the remark.

She was a little jealous,

Thalia did a good impression of a turtle as she ducked into her jacket as everyone sent her amused looks with a few snickers being heard.

but there was no way she was going to tell him that,

"Damn right."

since she was mad that her brother was forced to get 'branded' at such a young age.

"Well, technically we are getting burned." Hazel acknowledged.

"Thank you-"

"But still, it is being done willingly."

"…not thank you Hazel." The hunter pouted.

"You so are," said Piper with a smirk. "Do you want your boyfriend to take you to get it done? I mean maybe not a butterfly but – ow! Hey!" She rubbed her arm where Thalia punched her.

"What you get."

"Jerk," Piper pouted to Thalia, her other was just joking.

"I thought you were on my side," said Thalia, frowning.

"Yeah Piper."

"All's fair in love and war," said Piper with a shrug.

"Yeah Thalia." Piper smirked. Aphrodite beamed at the saying.

"...Not entirely sure that applies here, Pipes."

"Why does he keep calling me that?"

"Stop calling me that!"

"I think for that reaction," Hazel 'helpfully' answered.

"Oh hush you."

"'All's fair in love and war'," said Naruto with a smirk.

"No fair!"

"Yes fair, Piper," her mother scolded teasingly, getting the girl to puff her cheeks with a huff.

"Hypocrite."

"Damn right he is other me."

"Sticks and stones, Pipes, sticks and stones."

"I'll give you a stone alight, if you don't stop calling me that."

"A couple of trees, too apparently," said Jason.

"And Jason with the one-liner!" Leo mocked cheered with a grin, "Why can't you be that funny?"

"…I can be funny."

Poseidon snorted, "You have your father's humor my boy, blame him."

"I can be funny." Zeus argued.

"Please," Hades snorted, "Your children took it all form you, before you even had it."

Poseidon gave a loud laugh at that while Zeus simmered with a glare locked on his elder brother.

"...Since when did you become such a smart ass?" Naruto asked his friend.

"Yes, enlighten us." Leo chirped.

"When did you get exiled?"

"Five years ago."

"Six years ago."

"And Jason Grace with the zing," Hermes whistled, clearly impressed.

"...Well it seems we need to have some more training sessions, Jason." Naruto said, looking ahead as the broke through the clouds. "I'll have to stop by Camp Jupiter sometime soon and up you and the rest of the cohort's...training."

"Gonna need a montage." Leo sang out.

"A montage." Hermes and Apollo finished with laughs at the good one. Leo buffed his nails on his shirt, yep, still had it.

"Wait, why would we need more training sessions?"

"If it was anything like mine…" Percy trailed off with a shiver as Jason shared the motion.

"Someone has been slacking. You totally got slammed into a mountainside."

"But that was super ninjas!"

"Excuses." Ares snorted.

Jason just glared at him, super ninjas!

"That was your fault!"

"Exactly."

"You could have stopped yourself midair, but you didn't.

"Point to the blond, Jay."

Jason sent his sister a betrayed look.

Hence, slacking. I think being a Praetor might have gone to your head a bit.

Jason sputtered at the accusation.

"Same happened with his father." Hades staged whispered.

"I know." Poseidon said back with a smirked as Zeus gritted his teeth at the two. Ungrateful brothers. Let's see what happens next time you get eaten.

You can expect me sometime over the course of the fall."

Jason turned a bit pale at that. While he acknowledged that the outcome of Naruto's training was great,

"See Percy? Totally worth it."

"Oh stuff it pinecone face."

he still hated it. It was sadistic,

"And that's why he works for me." Hades smiled brilliantly at that.

it was insane and quite frankly, it reminded Jason of some of the things Lupa put him through.

"Oh damn," the kids of Rome shivered at the very notion.

Reyna had told him that Naruto and Lupa got along far too well, and that scared Jason. A lot.

Percy and the Romans shivered, that was not a good thing. Not good at all!

Master, we've arrived, you should prepare for landing, said Zephyr as they began to climb.

"Just him?" Piper asked, "What about us?"

"Oh not again! Can't we get some warning?" Thalia asked irritably as her eyes squeezed shut.

"Well, Naruto did." Apollo grinned.

"Not the point!"

"I did," said Naruto with a laugh.

"See?"

The hunter just glared at the male archery god.

"Bring us in, Zephyr!"

The fiery steed whinnied proudly before dropping towards the ground, parting the clouds over Camp Jupiter as he did. The three young demigods screamed in alarm while Naruto laughed.

"Well, glad to see someone's having fun." The Champion of Juno said in a dry tone with crossed arms.

"I would, Zephyr was the bomb back in the day."

"I believe no one was asking you, Apollo."

"And I could care less sis."

He was a thrill seeker, and like many Uzumaki before him, not all of his screws were tight.

"Crazy ones always are the best," Mr. D smirked.

They do say that the line between genius and insanity was thin,

"Very true," Athena nodded, it was the way of the world.

after all, and there was no one cleverer than the Uzumaki clan when it came to their trademarked art of sealing. Says a lot about that family line, doesn't it?

"Yes," Artemis said dryly and looked at her grinning twin, "Not doubt."

"Faster, faster!" Naruto said, laughing once more.

"Whiskers, you're crazy!"

"He is!"

"And proud of it!"

"You should not be proud of it!" Jason said.

"Totally agree."

"We've had this talk before, Jason! Lighten up!"

"There's lightening up and dying in fiery death." Jason complained, he didn't want to die in a fiery death!

Whatever Jason was going to say died on his lips as they hit the ground before the bridge to Camp Jupiter. Three of the four demigods were sprawled around the impact zone, Naruto still in his chariot only because of the chakra he was using to stick to it.

"Thanks Naruto, thanks a lot," Thalia said with a glare.

He dropped to the ground when the chariot burst into flames and vanished, patting Zephyr lightly on the side when he walked around to him.

"Stupid horse."

"I thought he was funny."

"I will make you sleep with the fishes and not in the good way you're about to retort with!" Thalia told the son of the sea.

"All right Zephyr, I think you know what I need you to do next," said Naruto. He got a nod from the horse before he took off in a gallop to the bridge, rising up with another trail of fire following his hooves.

"I wanna make a Human Torch line," Leo said, struggling to do so.

Naruto smiled at his loyal steed.

Remind me to get him an extra large bag of popcorn kernels after this, the blond thought to his past life.

Will do. I can already hear his reaction. "Mmm...Popcorn," said Helios with a laugh.

"Oh no, he didn't!" Apollo laughed with Hermes and the demigods.

And yes, he was impersonating exactly who you thought he was impersonating.

"He did!" Hermes choked out with shaking shoulders.

Naruto laughed at Helios' comment, walking over to his grumbling girlfriend to offer her help back to her feet.

Thalia rolled her eyes, "Such a gentlemen."

"Indeed he is."

"I was being sarcastic."

"I know." The love goddess grinned, "Doesn't make it any less true."

He loved having voices in his head, made the insanity that comes with being a shinobi a bit easier to deal with.

"Get along with the voices inside of my head," Apollo sang out and wrote it down, he could spin something with that.

The four teens, three of them a bit miffed that the fourth hadn't bothered to help them remain standing, entered Camp Jupiter, getting a small welcoming committee from the guards, Terminus and of course Naruto's favorite Roman god, Phoebus Apollo.

"Ah, the return of sir douche bag." Hermes smirked and a hand holding his chin.

"Still me, bro,"

"Oh, I know."

"…little ass."

Hermes was grinning the entire time.

"Hey kids! Way to go on a successful quest, Jason. Not like you've never done it before,

"Thanks?" Jason blinked, what was that?

but hey! How was the Hidden Lands? Just as chaotic as I remember?" Phoebus asked as they walked through the camp. The god led them into the main temple, giving his father's statue a small wave before turning to face the unimpressed kids.

"Well that was nice of him." Zeus said.

Apollo rolled his eyes, "Of course it was."

"You could be more like that, you know."

"Psh, pass pops. No deal."

Zeus just frowned at that.

"In the midst of the fourth war," said Naruto dryly.

"Drat," Ares snapped his fingers, "We still haven't had our third yet! Stupid ninjas."

"That's a good thing Ares."

"No Owlhead, it isn't." The war god pouted and crossed his arms childishly. "Lucky ninja bastards!"

Phoebus frowned. "Shame that. Hope no one else I know dies, especially not Hatake. I liked him."

"I thought it was Apollo crammed into a human?" Artemis asked.

"Yeah, Apollo thought so, too," said Apollo.

"Oh Us, he's talking in third person…again." Hermes became ashen with horror.

"You were not Minato Namikaze," said Naruto with a scowl.

"Yeah, I was all that sexy badass-ness."

"Well, you're half right," said Phoebus with a crooked grin.

"Wrong," Athena corrected.

"Oh like you knew!"

"I just found out."

"…That doesn't count!"

"Says you." Athena said with a winning smile to her bow using brother.

"Funny thing about my father's powers...very unpredictable, quick to change, even on him.

"This is true."

"Oh be silent, Silent One."

You get that from him, you know."

"So it is hereditary further down then just your children." Poseidon sighed out, "We're all doomed."

The sky lord just glared at his brother for that remark, as did his children.

"I'm flattered. Note the flattery on my face," said Naruto, his face blank.

"Burn."

"Leo, come on, from you?"

"Sorry Uncle Hermes, but someone had to."

"Sigh, very true."

"Oh, come on, it's not like you hate all of the King's aspects," said Phoebus, glancing at Thalia.

Thalia blushed a little at that while Zeus and Jason frowned ever so slightly. Of course the others snickered or snorted at that one.

"I think you know by now that she and her father are two different people."

"Yep." Said all the gods, minus Zeus, as one.

"And thank order for that." Thalia nodded. Zeus just looked pouty.

"Oh I have no doubt about that, but there are similarities, I'm sure," said Phoebus, a snort escaping him.

"Like the power hungry thing."

"No one asked you Percy."

"I know." The son of the sea grinned.

"Back to the point I was making, my father's little lesson changed me more than he anticipated. Apollo of both Pantheons, Greek and Roman, merged

"If you think about it," Ares started, "That's an interesting concept." He mused, greatly impressed by the combination of the two Pantheons. He wondered what it would be like if he merged with Mars?

"So, this some strange DBZ fusion stuff?" Leo asked aloud.

"Seems so." Piper nodded.

"Freaky."

to become the calm, collected, brilliant, and sexy Minato Namikaze

"There's that modest."

"Oh shut up Hermes…besides, it's all true."

...I honestly don't know where the humility came from."

"Seriously, with his lineage, that shouldn't have been possible." Hades snorted and ignored that over half the gods gave him.

"Minato was raised an orphan," said Naruto, helpfully.

"True, no god spoiling." Artemis noted.

"I was not spoiled."

"Of course not."

"Says little miss wishes."

"…Uncalled for."

"I beg to differ."

"Children."

"Sorry Aunt Hestia." The twins said as one, and mock glared at one another for it.

"True...The memories are still foggy of Minato's younger years," said Phoebus Apollo, rubbing his temple. "A migraine and a memory every now and then of some days." He made a soft sound and shook his head. "Anyway, congratulations are in order for you, Jason. You've become the first Roman demigod to set foot in the Hidden Lands,

"That's one small step for Romans, one small leap for Roman kind, crsh." Leo said in a spaceman voice.

"You forgot to plant the flag." Piper grinned to her beau. Jason just snapped his fingers in mock disappointment.

another impressive thing to add to your growing repertoire.

"Like the Trojan sea monster." Jason said, tough thing that was.

"Oh," Poseidon blinked and looked at his Roman nephew you, "So that was you?"

"Um, yes sir."

"Nice job."

"Thanks."

You've earned your rest and my gratitude, something not many can claim."

"Very true." Apollo nodded with crossed arms.

"We do hardly see the gods too, only Terminus." The wind boy said.

"We tend to stick closer to home." Zeus informed.

"It's home for me." Hades reminded.

"Exactly."

"Thank you, Lord Apollo," said Jason, nodding in gratitude.

"Suck up." Ares jeered.

"Silence Ares." His mother said. The war god just scowled at his mother's current 'favorite'.

"Phoebus," said Naruto, giving a light smirk at the scowl he got from his father's Roman aspect.

"He loves pushing them buttons." Hermes whistled.

"No doubt." Artemis grinned, oh, she hoped Diana was hearing this somehow. It was a great way to shut her brother's Roman side up.

"Fishcake." Phoebus said, enjoying the sight of his son's smirk falling into a frown.

"Counter!" Hermes announced.

"Asshole."

"True."

"Oh screw you, D."

"No thanks, in enough trouble from the nymph."

"Brat."

"Kinda true." Thalia said.

"He's your brat though, right?"

"…Shut up Annie."

"Self-absorbed idiot!"

"Very accurate."

"Arte!"

"Ungracious punk!"

"He does take after his father in that aspect."

Apollo just glare at his sly looking step-mother. Old shrew.

"Man-whore!"

Artemis sent Apollo a dirty look.

"Oh come on, Artemis, no need to look like that."

"Silence Aphrodite, only you would encourage it."

"Oh course, it gives me more demigods to pair up." The love goddess chirped with a wide grin on her amazing face.

"Ugh, you really are sickening."

"Oh little miss virgin girl should shut her chaste lips."

"Which ones?"

"Ares!" Hera shouted with rage as Artemis glared venomously at him as well.

"Sorry." He didn't sound sorry at all.

"Man-child!"

"Apollo, once again."

"Hermes! Stop with the zings, please!"

"…I can't…it-it's like some otherworldly force is completing me to do so!"

"…That's BS and you know it, right?"

"…Yeah, sorry. For the lie, not about the zings, I mean."

The two blonds looked quite comical, inches away from each other's faces, both scowling at the other.

Apollo rubbed his chin; that could be a good sitcom if he was honest.

Their argument was cut off by a loud thunderous boom,

"Oh you just had to ruin the funny." Poseidon told his little brother.

"No, they need to get going." Hades scowled, seriously hurry up.

"You're welcome." Zeus smirked to his eldest brother.

"Yes, yes, pat yourself on the back." The lord of the dead waved off.

both of them turning in sync to glare at the stern statue of Jupiter

"Excuse me?"

"What? We were having a bonding/hate moment." Apollo told his father.

before glaring at each other and then turning away childishly.

"You truly are childish."

"…I have no argument." Apollo muttered as his twin grinned in victory.

Piper couldn't take it and broke down into laughter,

"Yes, I would do that." Piper nodded.

"Eh," Apollo trailed off, "Maybe not the best thing to do with Roman me, kiddo."

"He has a point." Jason frowned, wondering what the Roman god would do.

trying so hard to regain her composure while all eyes went to her.

"Uh-oh."

"S-Sorry, sorry, b-but, they…too alike…hilarious!" she said in between her snorts and snickers.

"At least giggle, no snorting, sweetie."

"I'll laugh how I want, mom."

"I find it cute."

"Thank you Jason." Piper smiled to her boyfriend.

"Suck up."

"Keep telling yourself that, Leo."

Thalia smirked in agreement

The hunter smirked, "Yes, it is funny to see."

while Jason nervously watched Apollo's face.

"Aw, so worried for me." Piper pinched Jason's cheek.

"Of course I would be." He told her honestly. That just made Piper hold his hand.

The Romans were not a group of jokers,

"Very true."

"We can be funny." Frank told the messenger god. Hermes waved his hand, making an iffy motion.

hence why he let Naruto get away with the comment to the large massive Raikage. With the gods, it's different. They could either roll with the joke, or they could smite you and your family for it. It was usually the latter.

"Very true."

"I blame his mother," said Phoebus with a smirk.

"Oh, cold." Hermes winced.

"Yes it was, but we have still yet to meet her fully." Artemis sighed out, eager to see the woman who her brother married.

"Why the hell did she marry you anyway?" Naruto asked with a frown.

"I would ask the same thing." Hera said with a quirked lip.

"Ha, ha." Apollo laughed dryly at the jab to his many escapades.

"Let's stop before someone's feelings, or body, gets hurt," said Phoebus with his smirk still in place.

"If I wasn't sure that you'd retaliate fully, I'd punch you in the gut for that sentence."

"Yes, our Apollo is fine with a hit or two."

"You mean your love taps?" the archer said to his twin.

"No, those are hits. You just think them love taps."

"Harsh." The sun god pouted.

"I'm not my stupid self, Naruto.

"Hey!"

"He isn't wrong."

"Whatever owl pellets."

I think you know that by now. He may play along with your anger, but I will not," said Phoebus sternly to his son. Naruto muttered something unpleasant, causing him to get cuffed upside the head. "Don't think I didn't hear that, Naruto. That's no way to talk about your father."

"Hey, that's from my side, not yours!"

"But weren't you merged as one?"

"Athena, please stop talking."

"…You cannot tell me what to do." The wisdom goddess huffed.

Poseidon gave her a dry look, "Yes, we know."

"Ow! You used more than average strength, I'm recovering from a concussion, jackass!"

"Yeah! Don't damage the goods!"

"Your head is too hard for me to give you love taps."

"A trait that most of your children share mind you." Hades said, jabbing Zeus with a pointed grin as most of the gods glared at him for it.

"Where do you think I got that from?"

"See?" the rich god pointed to the screen, "The boy clearly agrees."

Zeus' glare just intensified.

"Humph, brat." Apollo snorted and crossed his arms. "Don't you think you should be heading back to the degrading camp?"

The Greeks looked greatly offended by this.

"...How did you – I don't think I want to know," said Naruto. He turned to leave the temple, only stopped when coming up the steps was the other Praetor.

"Oh joy." Thalia said in a snide tone, not liking the girl. She was joined by Piper and Annabeth as well, due to their respected boyfriends. Aphrodite on the other hand was grinning ear to ear.

Reyna was dressed in her usual attire, a purple toga hung over her frame. She smiled at him.

"Ah, the farewell drama." The love goddess sighed out.

"I'm glad to see your safe return, Naruto," said Reyna.

"I bet she is," Piper frowned, so not a fan of their pairing, but that was just her prejudice of the girl.

Naruto smiled back, an arm crossing over his chest. She smiled slightly wider, turning to Jason. "Welcome back Jason."

"Good to be back, Reyna," said Jason with a nod. "Shame you couldn't have come. It was...eye-opening."

"Well," Jason smirked, "That's one way of saying it."

"Hopefully you'll have an interesting story to tell me about," said the daughter of Bellona.

"I think there were a few moments in there." Leo smirked to his buddy.

The blond smirked back, "Yeah, a few."

Reyna's gaze went over the two Greek girls for a moment before she returned her eyes to Naruto.

"Wow," Piper frowned, "Not even a hello?" she said, "Rude much?"

"Yeah." Thalia said in a clipped tone, a frown on her face.

Thalia's eye twitched at both being ignored and for the younger girl giving her boyfriend more attention than she needed to.

"We've been there Thalia." Annabeth said, condescendingly patting her friend on the arm.

Piper rolled her eyes, recognizing the girl's crush with ease.

Aphrodite beamed with pride, as Piper gave a weak grin.

She had always wondered how she could notice these things, even when she thought boys were 'icky', and it all made sense now with her mother's true identity.

"You're welcome."

"Yeah, thanks, that didn't make the preteen years weird. Not at all."

"You're leaving so soon?" Reyna asked the older boy.

"Aw," Leo said, "She sounds so disappointed."

"I bet she is."

"You really need to stop being jealous Thalia."

"Not jealous, McLean."

"I've taken too long as it is," said Naruto, smiling apologetically. "Believe me, Rey-chan I would have liked to stay here longer,

"It sounds like that would be interesting."

Thalia just gave the lady of doves a dirty look.

but I have other duties to attend to."

"Yes, like getting back to camp with the cure. Now." Hades said, his tone impatient. Nico was also tapping his foot, clearly impatient as well.

"A shame," said Reyna with a frown on her pretty face.

"Yeah, I bet it is you-"

"Thalia."

"Sorry Lady Artemis."

She saluted back to him. "I wish you good and safe travel. May Mercury watch over you."

"What about me?"

"They are Romans." Demeter pointed out.

"I know," Hermes pouted, "But still, a little love people."

"And may Terminus continue to protect you, Praetor," said Naruto with a smile as they dropped their arms.

"Or just really annoy you." Percy grinned, getting some laughs.

Reyna shifted her gaze to the smirking Phoebus for a brief second and then returned her attention to the god's son.

"Oh," the love goddess grinned, "What's this?" she asked in excitement.

To the surprise of the others, she moved forward and wrapped her arms around him.

"What?!" Thalia said in surprise as those that personally knew Reyna were gaping.

Naruto looked baffled at the hug,

"Don't look baffled. Get her off."

"But, free hug?"

"Shut it matchstick!" The hunter glowered at the pyro.

Jason bewildered

In fact, this Jason was as well.

and Phoebus' smirk was face splitting.

"Of course he would be." Apollo said dryly. He was the one to encourage the war child to do so.

Piper blinked in surprise. She had thought Reyna was way too stiff to act like this.

"I know, right?"

"Well, when a girl likes a boy, they tend to do things they normally wouldn't." the mother explained.

"Still weird."

"But in a good way~"

And by the looks of the others in the room, she wasn't the only one. Heck even the two guards posted outside had their jaws popped open.

"Huzzah! The gift of emotion." Nico praised as Leo gave out a halleluiah!

"We aren't that stiff." Hazel pouted to her brother.

"Uh-huh, sure."

"We aren't!"

Of course it was Thalia's reaction that really stole the show for Piper.

"Enjoying my misfortune a little too much McLean."

"Do not blame her Thalia," Artemis said as she gazed to the demigoddess mother, "It's integrated into her soul." She quipped. Aphrodite was all smiles at that while Piper blanched.

She knew that Thalia was still mad at Naruto, given the distance the daughter of Zeus had been keeping between them,

"Oh kiss and have make-up sex already."

"Aphrodite!"

"What?"

but apparently Thalia was none too happy about the Praetor putting her hands on Thalia's "man".

"Wonder where she gets that from?" Hera questioned with a look to her husband, who wisely kept his face forward.

Thalia's eyes were sparking in anger and the clouds over Camp Jupiter were darkening.

"Yep, she's pissed." Percy said.

"Well duh, Peter." Mr. D snarked.

Her stance shifted from bored to angry and her fists were clenching as her arms crossed over her chest.

"You tend to do that a lot." Poseidon whispered to his younger brother. Zeus' fists clenched and crossed his arms, an angry frown on his bearded face. He did not!

The punk-like daughter of Zeus was definitely not happy with what she was seeing, and quite frankly that was really entertaining Piper for some reason.

"I hate you, McLean."

"No you don't."

"Yeah, I do. If you weren't dating my brother…"

Thalia ground her teeth when she caught the small quick smirk Reyna sent her way.

"Lola be ballin' hard ball." Leo whistled, clearly impressed by her guts to do that in front of Thalia.

"I've never seen her act like that," Jason admitted.

"Fight for the love!"

"Aphrodite, must you encourage-?" Artemis stopped herself, "Never mind." She said with a shake of her head.

"Exactly." The love goddess smiled on her throne.

Thalia's nostrils flared.

"Gets that from her father." Hera commented slyly. Thalia shot her a dirty glare as her husband shot a betrayed one. The queen just smirked.

That...that...bitch was dead.

"Please don't commit murder in the city." Jason pleaded.

"I don't know, she is irking me. Smug little…"

Meanwhile, Phoebus Apollo was extremely proud of the daughter of Bellona.

"He would be." Apollo rolled his eyes, he happened to like Thalia and Naruto together.

He was a bit afraid that she'd be too stuck in Lupa's teachings,

"That's hard to get out of." Jason admitted.

"Yeah," Piper smirked, "Still working on getting you out of it."

"…I'm not that bad." The handsome blond pouted. Piper just gave him a pitying pat on the back. That didn't make him feel better.

but apparently her feelings for his son outweighed that.

"We noticed."

Now all he had to do was let Naruto see that he'd be better off with Reyna instead of his half-(Greek) sister.

"Jerk."

"No Thalia, romantic plot!"

"No one asked you." The hunter grunted at the smirking love goddess.

There would be no way that Mars could boast his children's superiority after this!

"Really?" Frank asked his father's Greek aspect.

"Don't look too into it." Ares grunted. Frank still smiled though.

"Uh, thanks, Rey-chan," said Naruto once he got over his surprise, hugging the girl back lightly.

"Don't hug her back!"

"Thalia, chill."

"Oh please, if that was Percy you'd be foaming at the mouth."

"…Not the point."

"I'll, uh, I'll try to stop by and visit."

"He shouldn't."

"Other me would like him to I bet," Jason pointed out.

"Jay, whose side are you on?"

"The one where my other gets to see other Piper again."

"He's got you there Thalia." Piper chirped. The lightning girl just grumbled under her breath.

Hearing Naruto talk broke Reyna out of her little trance, causing her to quickly release him and take a step back.

"Mm, who would want to let go of those muscles?"

"Mom, please."

"Sorry sweetie. No can do."

Her cheeks lightly flushed, she met his eyes and with as much composure she could manage,

"But her heart melts from his intense sun-like eyes, the desire in her, yearning for companionship and-"

"Apollo!" Artemis shouted with a heated glare.

"Sorry," the arts god said, he couldn't help it. It was just begging to be said.

"Apollo, write that down for later ideas."

"You got Dite!"

looked at him with a small smile that made Helios make a sound of surprise.

"Even Helios is shocked." Apollo mock gasped.

"I hope you do. Goodbye, Naruto."

"Yeah, bye, let's go," said Thalia, sick of seeing this play out and storming out, grabbing Naruto by the front of his flak jacket as she did, nearly dragging him down the stairs.

"About time."

"You know," Annabeth said, glancing at her friend, "You're a hunter, but you are way too into this."

"…I'm just relating to my other. That's all." Thalia huffed.

"Yeah, a bit too much." Piper chirped with a glint in her eye.

"No one asked you, McLean."

"Just speaking my mind, little miss jealous hunter."

"What?! I am not jealous."

"Of your other, oh you so are." Aphrodite joined in.

"Enough." Artemis said, her voice stern as she glared at the ones picking on her hunter.

"Thank you, Lady Artemis."

"You can only stop the inevitable for so long Artemis." The love goddess smirked, "We'll be talking about this for a long time to come."

Thalia grimaced, she was not looking forward to that. But honestly, her, jealous? Psh, yeah right.

As she passed the girl, she gave Reyna a glare that was readily returned.

"And so," Apollo announced, "The game is afoot!"

"For the affections of one Naruto Uzumaki," Aphrodite sighed out, "Oh, this is going to be fantastic!"

"No it isn't." Thalia muttered, but was rooting for her other.

"I beg to differ."

This was far from over, and both girls knew it.

"It's like Annabeth and Rachel, but like, ten times worse." Percy muttered.

"What was that, Seaweed Brain?"

"Nothing!"

"Thought so."

Piper turned and smiled at Jason. "Guess this is goodbye for now. Nice to meet you Jason, thanks for um, you know."

"Boo! Kiss the girl!"

"Leo!" Piper said to her friend.

"Wha? You know you want him to."

"Not the point."

"Don't mention it," said Jason, a small smile of his own on his face. "Maybe we could do it again sometime, I mean, without all the crazy freaks."

"You mean the ninjas." Hermes retorted.

"No, crazy freaks sounds accurate."

"Yeah, let's give that a try," said Piper with a laugh,

"It's a date." Jason smiled.

Piper smirked, "Oh yeah."

quickly running after the confused whiskered blond and his irate girlfriend.

"Wow, I wonder why Thalia's so mad," said Jason as he walked over to Reyna's side,

"That is just Percy level denseness." Nico whistled out.

"Hey!"

Jason frowned, "I'm not that bad, Nico."

"I don't know…"

"No," Annabeth joked, "No one is that bad."

"Thanks Wise Girl."

"Anytime, Seaweed Brain."

his fellow Praetor watching the three Greek demigods as they ran for the gates. Reyna said nothing, keeping her gaze on the daughter of Ju-Zeus.

"The gaze of a rival, it spices up everything."

"Did you do that with Rachel?" Annabeth asked the lady of doves. All she got was a wide grin.

Next time she'd have to do just a bit more...and that was going to be harder than whatever fight Thalia put up.

"It is, being bold is tough for someone like her," Aphrodite sighed out, honestly Lupa, strong this, powerful that. At least let them be girly every once in a while. At least her Roman children were free spirited like that.

"Hey, in case you haven't forgotten, I can teleport to the car," said Naruto as soon as they made it to the tunnel that was outside of Camp Jupiter. Thalia turned and gave him another glare.

"I think they're finally going to have that talk." Leo stage whispered.

"Now?" Hades asked, glaring at his niece.

Thalia just looked back at him, "We have issues to talk about," she stubbornly said.

"With, oh, my daughter dying?"

"…Five minutes, tops?"

Hades was not amused.

"Make one of those clones," said Thalia. "Now."

"Yeah, send Piper away." Hermes joked, "Mommy and daddy need to talk."

"...Uh, well, while I'm not opposed to this sort of thing, Thalia now isn't exactly the ti-whoa!

"He did not just say that!" Thalia shouted, glaring at him for that.

"Well, doing this the way you have-" Leo started, but he stopped with a gulp from her intense gaze, "Shutting up."

"Smartest line you've said, matchstick."

Okay, okay!" Naruto said, placating his girlfriend when her eyes turned into balls of lightning and a sparking fist was held up threateningly.

"Wow, tighten that leash, Thalia."

"Well, you could learn by example Annie." Thalia stuck her tongue out at the now pink faced blonde. Percy on the other hand looked indignant at the comment.

Holding his hands up, Naruto made his favorite hand seal and a duplicate popped into existence.

"You," she said, addressing the clone. "Take Piper to the car."

Piper gave a mock pout, getting Thalia to give her a light glare.

"Why?" Piper asked, making Thalia turn to her.

"Yes, my daughter would love to see this."

"Not for preteens." Thalia said.

"This gonna be ugly." Leo whispered as Nico nodded. It was going to be awesome!

"Trust me. You're going to want to be at the car," said Thalia.

"At least give her the keys for the radio." Apollo joked, getting some snickers.

Taking her word for it, Piper took the clone's offered hand and they vanished in a flash of light, no sooner did they do that did Thalia smack Naruto across the face.

"Into the rough stuff huh?" Ares asked with a laugh. Thalia glowered at him.

"But seriously," Apollo said, "Slapping him?"

"He deserved it."

"But that's his best asset!"

"Whatever." Thalia rolled her eyes, like she cared right now.

"Ow! Thalia-chan, what was that-?"

"You do not get to talk right now!" Thalia said, her anger at its limit.

"Oh this should be good." Poseidon laughed out, if she was anything like Zeus…

"I'm sick of your lying to me, Whiskers! Why can't you trust me?"

"Hey," the god of truths frowned, "He didn't lie. He just didn't speak up."

"Like that's a difference?!"

"Um, yeah." The god nodded, ignoring the heated glare he got.

"Wait, we're doing this now?" Naruto asked, not his girlfriend specifically.

"Oh," Apollo blinked, "His vision from chapter one!" the god smirked, "Wow, didn't see that coming right now."

He looked at the dark overhead and the dim, torch-like lighting. "Oh...guess that makes a bit more sense..."

"Stop ignoring me!"

"Yes, Zeus never liked that."

"Poseidon." The king glared.

"What? It's the honest truth." He winked to his nephew, who snickered at the line.

"I'm not ignoring you, Thalia-chan," said Naruto, looking back at his livid girlfriend. "And I do trust you! I trust you with my life!"

"True." Percy pointed out.

"No one is asking you Percy, be quiet. Now."

And Percy did so, that stormy look in her eyes was plain to see this is important for her. He didn't know how, but it just seemed like it was.

"Just not with Jason's?" she asked scathingly.

"Ouch," Jason winced, yeah, that wasn't cool. But his other was certain there was a reason.

"That's not fair!" Naruto said, looking hurt.

"It really isn't." Annabeth told her friend.

"Like I care." Thalia sniffed.

"I couldn't tell you about him because it wasn't safe to! We were on a quest to save Aunt Artemis, Thalia-chan!"

"And after the quest? What was stopping you from telling me then, hm?"

"Point to me." Thalia crossed her arms.

"You think Rai-Jiji would've let you go rushing off to find the Romans?" Naruto asked. "The two camps were separated for a reason, a stupid reason, but-"

"Point to him," Zeus admitted, looking at the heated glare his daughter was giving him, "We separated them for a reason."

"A good one mind you," Hades pointed out. The death count of that war? By Chaos!

"Here we go again with you and your Olympian damned reasons!" Thalia said, cutting him off with her arms in the air.

"Damned, hm?" Zeus frowned at his daughter.

"I was angry. I say things when I'm angry." The hunter countered.

"Like Zeus does." Poseidon snorted, such a hypocrite as always. He just smirked at the glare sent his way.

Dropping them to her sides, she glared at him. "When are you going to give me a straight answer, Naruto?"

"Thalia, Bianca is dying! Do we really have to do this right now?!"

"Yeah Thalia, what the hell?" Nico glared at his cousin.

"Sorry?"

"Yeah, real sorry." The goth boy sneered.

"Yes! If I let you put it off, you'll never answer me and dammit I am not going to let this go!" Thalia said.

"Listen to yourself! This is Bianca! Your cousin! Nico's sister!"

"Yeah, Thalia, the hell is your deal?" Nico said, more like demanded. Thalia didn't retort, knowing it wouldn't be good enough for Nico to accept.

"He's lucky to have a sister to worry about! Jason is my brother who I thought was dead for years! I had a right to know where he was!" Her eyes were filling with tears. "Do you know how long I've thought he was dead? How long...How long I thought it was my fault he died! That my mother was punishing me?"

Jason turned to his sister in surprise and she turned her head away, a pained look in her eyes. That was always hard for her in the beginning. Jason grabbed her hand and squeezed it tightly as he noted that it shook ever so slightly, but said nothing of it.

"You had every right to know, Thalia, but I couldn't tell you! Do you know what Rai-jiji would've done to me if I tried?" Naruto said. He gestured behind him. "I was exiled and sworn into secrecy unless absolutely necessary! You're damn lucky that quests are part of that clause otherwise you never would have reunited unless you ran into each other!"

"He's got another point." Hades mused. Thalia still didn't like that at all.

"When would that have been?!" Thalia said, shouting at him as tears pooled up in her eyes. He could hear the storm brewing from within the tunnel. Naruto didn't know what brought this on, but he guessed now he had to deal with it.

"I don't know!" Naruto said, admitting that with a scowl.

"Oh, that nice." Thalia said in a scathing tone, "Wonderful."

"What, the prophetic son not able to see clearly now?" Thalia asked.

"Okay," Apollo said in a calm tone with his hands together and over his mouth, "That was a cheap blow."

"Not caring."

"I'm starting to get the feeling you're more loyal to the gods than to your friends!"

Percy winced at that, wow, Thalia was not letting anything go here.

Naruto felt as though he was struck and he knew his face showed it.

"And I would feel the same," Percy said, ignoring the glare Thalia was giving him. Even if she herself felt that may, and that was a big may, have crossed the line.

Frowning at his girlfriend, Naruto clenched his jaw and said stiffly. "I'm going to let that one go because you're upset."

"How generous." The hunter mumbled, not really wanting to hear anymore to be honest. She was feeling upset with all this angst.

"You're damn right I'm upset!" Thalia said with a scowl. "You should have told me, Naruto! He's my brother!"

"You don't think I knew that?!" Naruto said, his own voice rising to match hers.

Ares gave a cheer at the shouting match, but his eldest aunt's glare shut him up. Much to his disappointment.

"Don't you think I wanted to tell you? That I wanted to show you he was alive?! I wanted nothing more than to tell you that your brother was alive, grown up and kicking ass just like his sister!

"Well," Jason said, "He isn't wrong." The boy grinned.

Thalia grinned back, "No, I suppose not." She said, ruffling his short blond hair affectionately.

I couldn't Thalia and it tore me apart inside!"

"Oh, I sincerely doubt-!"

"Don't you dare finish that sentence!" Naruto said, his eyes glowing in anger as he cut her off.

"Yeah, you crossed the line." Apollo gave a mock clap, "Way to go." He deadpanned cheered, getting the hunter to flush in embarrassment. It wasn't her fault stupid things came out of her mouth when she was angry.

"Don't. You. Dare." Naruto took a shuddering breath in order to calm down a bit. "You were in Limbo, Thalia, so you didn't meet them. The...The Fates." He spat their name in anger and disgust. "If I were on the Crooked Asshole's side, they would be my first target.

"Ah, not much a fan it seems." Hades commented.

"I'm not." Percy added, not cool.

"Well," Apollo hummed, "Thank Us that he isn't on the other side, huh?" he asked and the demigods shuddered at that thought. Naruto was scary.

Primordial or not, they control free will, something I had a strong belief in until I died. When I found out that my life was predetermined... predestined" he looked livid even thinking of it "I was horrified. Everything I knew was a lie."

"Hermes, no cake jokes." Apollo frowned.

Hermes pouted, "Right I know, but it was right there."

"I know brother, I know." Was the wistful tone of his sun brother.

Thalia watched as Naruto seemed to crumble before her. It was strange, seeing one who stood so strong and proud look so...defeated. It shook her enough to forget her anger for the moment.

"Amazing." Poseidon and Hades droned as one, no if only her father could do that.

Zeus glared at them though, knowing what they were thinking.

"People that could've died for no reason...it would've been my fault," said Naruto. "I lucked out against my cousin Nagato, the self-proclaimed God of Rain.

"Self-proclaimed," Zeus scoffed, "Ignorant mortals." All the other gods nodded with him on that one.

He obliterated my village looking for me. Over eighteen thousand civilians...half of those were children in the center of the village when he obliterated it. If I hadn't...If I couldn't convince him..." Naruto closed his eyes, recalling the horrible sight he returned to after mastering his sage training.

"Wow, harsh," Nico winced, that was scary, even for him.

He looked at Thalia, his eyes brimming with tears. "I was told that despite the choice he made, I would've still ended up here. Meeting Annie. Meeting Luke...meeting you. Thalia I gave my life for you and you still...You still almost died. Imagine how I felt when I learned that would've happened regardless of what I did!"

Thalia flinched at that, she couldn't even imagine how he could feel from that…he tried so hard to save her, but she still would have been a tree. It was horrible.

Thalia flinched. She couldn't imagine that, learning that whatever choice you made would be irrelevant to what happened to others since it was already decided what would happen to them.

All the demigods nodded, that was the scariest thing about the Fates. Who knew what could happen.

"I told a guy back at the village when I was younger that there was no such thing as fate," said Naruto, a bitter laugh escaping him as he and Thalia – who had been told the story - recalled the chunin exam fight against Neji.

"Ouch, that must have made it hurt even worse." Apollo winced for his son.

"Neji was so right about it's existence...but he was fated to lose, ironically. I based my life on that, that I would make my own path...But when my world crashed down around me..." Naruto struggled to continue. After a moment of silence his eyes, large and a bit red from fighting back the tears, met hers. "The thing is, Thalia...sometimes the truth is far too hard to believe."

"Sorry," the truth god muttered, his kid was right. The truth was always a scary thing when it came to matters about the real world.

"I still had a right to know," said Thalia stubbornly, albeit quieter than before.

"Oh just be silent and hug already!" Aphrodite groaned. She loved a good spat but this was getting frustrating, kiss already! Or at least hug! Something!

"Thalia, if I had told you Jason was alive, would you have believed me?" Naruto asked her. "With no concrete proof other than 'oh yeah, he's just in California with the Roman demigods that live in their own camp', could you honestly say that you believed me?"

"And tally another point to the sun child." Hera noted. Thalia didn't even bother to glare at her, as she herself contemplated the question.

Thalia clenched her fists. She desperately wanted to say yes, but knew she couldn't. The raven-haired girl bit on her lip as she refused to accept that she wouldn't have believed him. The thing was, her hope for finding Jason had been squashed when she was a little girl.

Thalia frowned at that while Jason rubbed her back in support. That made her feel a little better.

She had missed Jason for far too long to just jump at the possibility of him being alive.

Her silence made Naruto smile bitterly and she fought down the tears as the horrible truth washed over her. She wouldn't have believed Naruto. She would have wanted to, desperately wanted to, but if Naruto couldn't take her to him or tell her where Jason was, Thalia would never completely believed him. And that doubt would've been worse than having no hope at all.

"And without hope, all can be lost." Hestia said in a sad tone, giving Percy a knowing look. And how could the son of the sea not remember that little bit of hope in a box?

She felt herself walk into his embrace absentmindedly, hugging him just as tightly as he did her. Her face was burrowed in his chest as the emotions overcame her, tears rolling down her cheeks.

"Aw," cooed some of the women and girls, it was a touching moment.

"It's not fair," she said softly, fighting the tears back as they flowed. Depressed she may be, but that didn't mean she was just going to bawl, dammit.

"It helps to let it out you know." Jason noted to his sister.

"No thanks," Thalia frowned, she wasn't a crying, nope, never again.

"I know," he said in the same tone. His hand lightly brushed through her hair and he hummed softly to her while she struggled with her reaction. In the back of his mind, he knew logically they should be rushing back to Bianca, but that was his subconscious.

Hades had pursed lips towards his employee, but even he could admit, the boy needed this too. But he wasn't going to say anything about it. He had his reputation to protect for being a hardass.

Naruto knew that he had to be right here, right now. His lips pressed against the top of her head for a second, pulling away and resuming his comforting humming.

"Snuggly?"

"I will drown you little elf, I swear!"

"Geez," Leo jump back from her punch, "Just messing, chill chica!"

"Don't call me chica, either, elf."

"Kay." The mechanic said with his hands in the air for surrender.

"Why does all this shit happen to us?" Thalia asked quietly.

"Because the Fates love us," said Naruto bitterly.

"True." Percy noted dryly, they did love to mess with them sadly.

"Fuck them."

"Thalia Grace."

"I am not sorry, Aunt Hestia." Thalia informed her, she was in full agreement with her other. Hestia just pursed her lips, unpleased by that.

"Amen to that."

"Amen." Said all the demigods, grinning away.

"What do you think is taking them so long?" Piper asked as she sat in the passenger's seat.

"Makeup makeout?" Hermes asked with a grin.

Apollo rubbed his chin, "Possible." He said in an amused tone.

"Oh grow up you two," Artemis frowned, the moment between them would have been ruined if they did that. It was very sweet in her opinion. Her nephew was a fine young man as well, he just continued to impress her.

"Well, considering the storm overhead, I'm guessing Thalia-chan is still chewing oyabun out." The clone of Naruto said, fiddling with the radio.

"Aw," Hermes pouted, "The clone ruined the surprise."

"Not much a surprise with the storm clouds." Jason told his godly brother.

"True." The god conceded.

"Man, what's with the sudden rise in Pop? I mean, it's not bad, but...C'mon, where's the good stuff?"

"Meh," Apollo shrugged, "More business for me."

"And me," Hermes said, sending a dark look to his brother.

"Not my fault Herm, it really isn't."

"Sure." The thief didn't believe to artist at all.

"What's good stuff?" Piper asked in amusement.

"Let's find out," Apollo grinned, wondering what his kid's taste was.

"You know, stuff like Limp Bizkit...Nu Metal I think it's called," said the clone. "Granted it's not as popular as it once was, I still think it's a pretty cool blend of everything."

"True," the music god hummed in thought.

"What's the difference between Nu Metal and Metal?" Piper asked, confused.

"Oh Piper," the music god palmed his face, "You just had to open up that can of worms, didn't you?"

"Sorry?"

"That is a long and tedious conversation," said the Naruto clone with a sigh. "Music is music and genres only further separate people when it was made to bring people together. Sure, dad's domain has widened because of the different genres, but look at how it's managed to separate people. We've got clicks, posses, gangs and groups who are separated by their differences, a taste of music being part of it. People should be celebrating all music, not just genres."

"I know!" Apollo groaned out, it was something to celebrate, not split people up even more. Artemis patted his shoulder, knowing he was only trying to bring mortals happiness through his art. The sun god nodded back, grateful for the support.

"Whatever you say," said Piper, her eyes rolling in amusement. She jumped when there was a sudden flash next to her. Looking out the window she found Thalia and Naruto standing close together, their hands intertwined.

"Now isn't that sweet?" Aphrodite cooed, a smile on her face that another hurdle passed by her current favorite couple.

Thalia seemed to reluctantly pull hers away before knocking on the window. Piper rolled the window down and grinned at the older girl. "So...anything interesting happen?"

"Cute." Thalia mock glared at the girl, who was giving an innocent smile on her face. But the impish look of her eyes gave her away.

"Get in the back seat, Piper," said Thalia, a small amused smile on her face. Piper gave a whine and Thalia shook her head. "Not gonna work, now get in the back or I'll shock you."

"Wow, how kind of you." Piper frowned to the hunter.

"What you get for making fun," Thalia smirked back.

"She's not kidding," said the clone before it dispelled itself. Piper sighed sadly before clambering into the back, the car doors opening as the two older teens got in the car. They buckled up and quickly got back on the road, Piper and Thalia talking about the Camp while Naruto once more thanked Hecate for the cover.

"Ah, the third rival." The love goddess hummed.

"Great." Thalia rolled her eyes, why did the love goddess love to make her life a hassle? Seriously.

...Well, that was an adventure and a half, said Helios, chiming in nearly forty-five minutes on the road. They were already passing through Nevada.

"Oh," Demeter blinked, "There he is. I had almost forgotten about him since he was so quiet."

You're telling me. Naruto thought to his past life. So, care to explain why the vision I got that was so repetitive was so different than what actually happened?

"Helios," Apollo said in a deep tone, "Speak thy wisdom, for we seek it so!"

"Ham."

Apollo grinned to his sister, "You know you love it." His grin widened at the small amused smile he got back.

That was your mind interpreting the scenario. You didn't see the gifts from the Hidden Lands because of your mindset on not going back. However, granted that promise I'll bet that opinion's changed a bit, hasn't it? Helios asked with what Naruto knew to be a smirk on his face.

"Huh, pretty cool and accurate." The god of prophecy nodded.

Maybe, Naruto thought.

...I don't mean to bring this up, but that Bellona girl...

What about her?

"Oh, support or deny?" the love goddess grinned wildly, eager to know Helios' opinion.

She...she reminded me a lot of Rhode.

"Huh?" the gods, mainly Poseidon, gaped.

"Who?" Percy blinked.

"A daughter of your dad's Percy," Annabeth told him, "Also," she stumbled through this, "Helios' wife."

Percy blinked, again, "Whoa." He muttered in shock.

Naruto blinked in surprise. ...Excuse me?

I think she might be Rhode incarnated. Helios said, shocking Naruto to the point he nearly forgot about traffic in front of him. Whoa, watch it Kid!

"But-but she's Roman!" Athena stammered out.

Poseidon would have called her out on that, but he was still in shock.

"Well," Hades smirked after recovering from his surprise, "Reincarnation if funny like that." He laughed, but still, this was surprising all the same.

"The road, Whiskers!" Thalia said, bracing herself against the dash.

"Shit!" Naruto swerved on the highway, trying to narrowly avoid hitting of the slower cars. He went to grab the emergency brake, but his hand brushed over something that gave off an audible click.

"He didn't." Hephaestus groaned, knowing what happened.

"Oh...crap," said Naruto, looking at what his hand grabbed onto.

"He did!" Hermes laughed out.

The visor dropped down and the mirror in it slid away to reveal a heads-up display that said one thing to him.

S.O.L. Engine Activated.

Leo whistled, "Dude pushed the no-no button."

"Fu-!" Naruto couldn't finish his word as the car suddenly streamlined, shooting forward and making the group feel the g-forces push them into their seats.

"G-foooorce!" Leo cried out, getting laughs.

Several poor cars were in Naruto's path, getting plowed out of the way. Naruto had enough sense to make a sharp turn to the right, busting through the guardrail and flying through the desert of Nevada, Arizona, New Mexico and finally Texas.

Leo blinked at that and made a silent 'No way,' with his mouth and grinned.

To any witnesses, they saw what was known as the Marfa Lights, or rather, one large golden Marfa Light.

"That may have been my fault," the sun god announced, "Midnight runs on the ride."

"Honestly Apollo, at least stick to your time schedule."

"I said I was sorry!"

They came to a stop on a long suburban road, trails of fire burning behind the wheels and the check engine light flashing on the HUD.

"Marty," Apollo said in a familiar scientist's voice, "We've done it!"

"Done what doc?" Leo asked in a bewildered tone.

"We're back," Apollo paused, "Into the future!" he announced and laughs filled the chamber. Oh the classics, how you had to love them.

Naruto was so grateful that the seatbelts were reinforced as they slammed forward, their voices catching up with them. The three demigods groaned, Thalia unbuckling her seatbelt and throwing her door open, tumbling out of the car. Naruto did the same, groaning as he hit the asphalt.

"Epic face plant is epic."

"Leo," Piper frowned, "Not cool."

"Yes it is." The pyro mumbled with a pout.

"...Remind me to kick Beckendorf's ass for not putting a cover on that thing," said Naruto.

"That was a bad move on his part," Leo nodded. You always put a cover over the important buttons.

"Remind me to, urp, help you," said Piper, covering her mouth and looking a little green.

"Piper, there is nothing wrong with your weight. Don't do this to yourself."

Piper hissed, "I am not anorexic!" she shouted to the hunter, who was grinning at her joke.

"Never again."

"Good."

"I hate you, Thalia."

"I love you too, Piper."

"Seconded," said Thalia, groaning as she got to her feet. She winced and rubbed her sore stomach where the seatbelt nearly bisected her on the stop. She looked over the hood of the car at her boyfriend. "So...think it'll start?"

"Seriously?" Leo asked her, like she was a moron.

Thalia flushed, "Not a car chick, forgive me." She said scathingly.

"Meh, it's cool." The mechanic waved off.

Naruto shrugged and got back in, grabbing the keys and trying to turn it over. No such luck. Groaning and rolling his head back to smack against the seat, Naruto's eyes closed.

"Goddammit," said Naruto with a groan.

"Isn't that sacrilegious?" Piper asked.

The demigods snorted at that, funny.

"What? It's a good question." Piper flushed.

"Only for people seventeen and up," said Thalia with a smirk to the younger girl.

"So we can do that when we're older?" Nico asked.

Hades looked at him, "No."

"Damn."

"Nico di Angelo."

"Sorry Aunt Hestia."

"Damn."

"Good counter, Piper." Leo snickered.

"Oh be quiet Leo."

"We'll allow that," said Naruto, chuckling at the daughter of Aphrodite's swear.

"See, Naruto agrees with me." Leo smirked.

With a sigh, Naruto made sure the emergency brake was off and then got out of the car. Gripping the frame and his seat, he began to push, struggling slightly since he was pushing stygian iron and who knows what else.

"So where's the closet body shop?" Frank asked in wonder with a grin, getting some laughs.

Thalia decided to help him, and though the thought was generous and welcomed, Naruto was well aware he was doing just a bit more to move the car.

Thalia pout, she had upper body strength. And she bet she was doing way more than he was letting on. Hmph!

It was about ten minutes in that some kid sitting on a stoop called them out. "Hey Yankees! Got car trouble?"

"Yankees?" Hazel blinked.

"Well, it has New York plates." Apollo pointed out.

"He works for me," Hades pointed out, "Should have been California plates."

"Lives at camp, New York plate."

Hades just waved his sunny nephew off.

Naruto looked over his challenger's roof for the kid and found him. Another unfortunate sufferer of lack of height that looked a bit like his mischievous uncle.

"What's this?" Leo perked up.

"No way." Piper's jaw dropped a little.

With his keen eyes, Naruto could see the boy's tanned skin and elfish features with ease,

"Oh it is." Leo grinned, finally!

"Bless the Fates." Jason muttered and let a whistle out, wow, just…wow.

the dark messy hair and some smudges on his

"Handsome."

face showing him that this kid was no stranger to getting dirty.

"Damn right he isn't." Leo smirked wildly.

His ingrained and trained senses at finding demigods were going off and Naruto narrowed his eyes just slightly before beaming.

"Demigod radar is a go for the hottest kid you've ever known." Leo mock cheered by cupping his mouth.

"Easy, hothead."

"Come on Uncle Apollo, don't be hatin' the swagger."

"Oh, I would never."

"Yeah, wanna give us a hand, squirt?"

"Who the Hell are you calling squirt, gringo?!"

"Yeah gringo, shut it or I won't fix that right like the genius I am," said Leo with a frown.

"You best do it." Hades glared.

"…Uh, yeah, duh, of course." Leo sweated out and gave a weak smile.

Naruto laughed at the rise he got out of the kid. "Didn't mean any harm by it. What's your name?"

"Let's hear a round of applause for~!"

"Name's Leo Valdez," said the kid, who stood from his perch, a puckish grin on his

"Handsome."

"Leo, we get it. Enough," said Piper with a frown.

"Sorry, love child."

face. "You've got a nice Challenger, blondie."

"That he does and that will me my next toy to play with. Oh yeah!" Leo grinned.

Shit just got real!