Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto or Percy Jackson and the Olympians or Heroes of Olympus
"Talking!"
'Thinking!'
"Jutsu/Summoning!"
Chapter 6
Invaders
"It's about fucking time you got back here Wise Girl!" shouted Clarisse
"What's happening?" asks Annabeth
"What does it look like? The camp's been under attack for months now. Now come help the wounded. Tantalus will need to know what happened here," said Clarisse
"That fuck!" growled Naruto
"Watch it Hearth Boy! You know that no one likes him," said Clarisse
"Who's Tantalus?" asked Percy
"He's the activities director," Clarisse said with disgust
"But Chiron is the activities director! And where's Argus?" Percy tied to protest
"It's true. Argus got fired and Chiron was replaced with that bastard is in charge," Naruto growls
"You two have been gone too long," stated Clarisse
"But… But Chiron trains kids to fight monsters for over three thousand years. He can't be gone. What happened?" asked Percy
"That happened!" Clarisse snapped while point to Thalia's Pine Tree.
The tree has become sickly over the pass few months. The tree is surround by pines that have fallen from their branches and the ones that didn't are yellow. Green sap seeps from the bark to show just how sick it is.
"Come on Hearth Boy, we have to give our report." order Clarisse.
Both Naruto and Clarisse leave Annabeth, Percy, and Tyson on the hill to help get the wounded to the Big House.
"You need to start wearing armor Hearth Boy," stated Clarisse
"I'm too fast to get hurt," said Naruto
"Say that with a broken collar bone when you ran into the Hunters," snaps Clarisse
"Hey! That Alpha was stronger then I thought, but Hunters can't do anything. I could of used their hatred for men against them and they wouldn't be able to do a damn thing," Naruto quickly stated.
Flashback Start
Naruto arrived back at camp after his little run in with Artemis and her Hunters. He went to the Big House to tell Chiron what happened to the pack of Hellhounds and also tell him about his little run in.
"Hmm, you're very lucky that Artemis didn't turn you into a jackalope. But I don't think she wanted to anger Hestia," said Chiron
"So it's true what they say about Kaachan?" asked Naruto
"She may not be seen much or fight like the others, but she is the first born from the Crooked One and Mother Rhea. But I have some bad news Naruto. With Thalia's Tree being poisoned Argus has been fired and so have I," said Chiron
"What? But who will train us? You've been training heroes for the last three thousand years!" yelled Naruto
"I know, but someone need to take the blame and I'm more then willing to take it. I will stay til the school year ends and my replacement will be here in a few days. Now Naruto, you have to promise me that you won't do anything," asked Chiron
"What do you mean? Who are they replacing you with?" questions Naruto
"Tantalus," stated Chiron.
Naruto knew who Chiron was talking about. Tantalus was a son of Zeus who was allowed to eat with the Gods and stole nectar and ambrosia from them afterward. The Gods didn't like that and didn't let him eat with them again. As an apology he invited them to a feast. Tantalus killed his own son Pelops and fed his remains to them.
Demeter was the only one that ate a part of Pelops because she was distraught about her daughter, Persephone. When the Gods found out Zeus himself used the Master Bolt to kill Tantalus and brought his soul to the Underworld himself for Hades to punish by never eating or drinking.
"They're allowing that monster here? What the fuck is wrong with them?" Naruto is questioning if the Gods really care if they're allowing that monster free
"I know you aren't liking this, but the decision had been already made. It's out of my hands," said Chiron trying to calm Naruto down
"I swear on the River of Styx that if he does anything to endanger any of the campers, I'll drag him down to the Underworld myself!" Naruto claims proudly as the sound of thunder rumbles as a sign that the oath has been taken.
Flashback End
"Just start wearing armor alright? You're one of our best fighters. Mark would be sad if you got hurt and couldn't fight anymore," said Clarisse
"Hah! Fat fact! I'm winning by count," said Naruto
Clarisse just shacks her head, "I swear you two try to beat each other with who can kill the most monsters," said Clarisse
"You're just mad that it's not me and you!" says Naruto as he's punched in the arm.
Back on Half-Blood Hill
"Who was that with Clarisse, Annabeth?" Percy asks
"I have no idea, but he held a Colchis bull by himself til Clarisse finished it off. We need to get to the Big House and find Chiron." said Annabeth
They headed into camp. They were shocked to see that the once peaceful camp is now stocking up in arms. Counselors and Satyrs stockpiling weapons in the tool shed. Dryads armed with bows and arrows talked nervously at the edge of the woods. The trees are starting to look like Thalia's Tree. The grass in the meadows are turning pale yellow and the scorch marks from the fires stretch across them.
No one talked to them. Everyone was busy with their duties. Messenger runners delivering messages, swords being sharpened, hammers pounding armor. The summer camp was gone and in its place was a military camp.
But none of that matter to Tyson, "Whasthat!" he gasped
"That's the stable fore the Pegasi. The winged horses," answered Percy
Whasthat!
"That's… the toilets." Percy felt a little strange answering that question.
As they arrived at the Big House a chair flies through a window.
"I DON'T A GIVE FUCK! I'LL FUCKING RIP HEART OUT!" shouted a very angry Naruto
"NARUTO LEAVE!" orders Chiron.
Naruto storms out of the Big House. Naruto walked by Percy. They looked at each other as though time slowed down. Naruto's red eyes looked into Percy green eyes. A chill goes up the Sea God's son's spine. They had a coldness to them that promised death. As though they looked directly into one's very soul and wishes to devour it. Then time went back to normal. They enter the Big House avoiding the broken glass and broken chair. They found Chiron in his apartment packing his things in saddles. Frank Sinatra is playing in the background.
"Pony!" Tyson cried out in excitement
"I beg your pardon?" questioned Chiron
"Chiron, what was all that about?" asked Annabeth
"Ah, that? That was Naruto getting in another argument with Tantalus. They don't see eye to eye. Must because of what Tantalus did and whose Naruto's mother is. But enough of that! My Percy, you have grown over the year," said Chiron
"You're… not leaving?" Annabeth didn't want to ask, but did anyway
"Clarisse said that you were…" Percy didn't finish asking
"Fired? I'm afraid so. Someone had to take blame. Lord Zeus was most upset. The tree he'd created from the spirit of his daughter being poisoned. Mr. D had to punish someone," stated Chiron
"Besides himself, you mean," said an anger Percy
"But this is crazy! Chiron, you couldn't have had anything to do with poisoning Thalia's Tree!" Annabeth cried out
"Nevertheless, some in Olympus do not trust me now, under the circumstances," Chiron sadly says
"What circumstances?" questioned Percy.
Percy wanted to know. He was looking towards coming back to camp for the whole year and now it was like it's closing down for good. He wanted to do something, but he didn't know what.
"Pony!" Tyson said again
"My dear young Cyclops! I am a Centaur!" Chiron said feeling insulted by being called a pony
"Chiron, what about the tree? What happened?" asked Percy
"The poison used on Thalia's Pine is something from the Underworld, Percy. Some venom even I have never seen. It must have come from a monster quite deep in the pits of Tartarus." said Chiron.
This wasn't how Chiron foresaw things. The old trainer was looking forward in training Percy for the up coming summer. Teach him more swordplay, maybe get him a shield. He even thought about having Naruto train with him to maybe create a friendly rivalry between the two to help push each other.
But with Thalia's Tree poisoned, he'd can't really do anything. It was like Fate itself wanted Percy to grow through conflicts. Chiron hates to admit, but one can grow faster and stronger when they are in conflicts.
"The tree only has a few weeks of life left unless…" Chiron trailed off thinking whatever was on his mind could actually help the camp
"Unless what?" Annabeth asked
"No, a foolish thought. The whole valley is feeling the shock of the poison. The magical borders are deteriorating. The camp itself is dying. Only one source of magic would be strong enough to reverse the poison, and it was lost centuries ago." mutters Chiron.
There was only one item that had the power to save the valley; Chiron knew this, but with it missing the valley was doomed.
What is it? We'll go find it!" Percy trying to plead with Chiron for more information.
Chiron finished packing his saddlebag and stops his music from playing anymore. Chiron looks at Percy.
"Percy, I don't want you to do anything rash. I told your mother that I didn't want you back at camp this summer, but you are here. Stay here. Train hard. Learn to fight. And don't leave camp," But I want to help. I just can' let the border fail and the camp because…" Percy didn't want to finish that sentence
"To be overrun," Chiron just sighs, "Yes, I fear so. You must not be baited into haste. Do not let the Titan Lord use this to trap you like last summer. He almost took you life." said Chiron.
Percy remembers what happened last summer. Kronos tried to cause a civil war up in Olympus. Zeus accusing Poseidon for stealing his Master Bolt. Poseidon saying he didn't steal it. Hades' Helm of Darkness was stolen too. Luke was the one who did the stealing. He stole both the Master Bolt and the Helm of Darkness.
Kronos wanted the Master Bolt to hold an edge for the upcoming war. To cause chaos before anything truly begun. Now it was like he was trying again, but this time targeting the camp, instead of Olympus.
Chiron turned to Annabeth, "Stay with Percy, Annabeth. Keep him safe. The prophecy, remember it!" says Chiron
"I… I will." answered Annabeth
Um… would this be the super dangerous prophecy that has me in it, but the Gods have forbidden you to tell me about?" Percy asks.
Nobody answered.
"Right…" Percy muttered, "Just checking." says Percy
"Annabeth, swear you will do your best to keep Percy from danger. Swear on the River of Styx," commanded Chiron
"I… I swear on the River of Styx." said Annabeth.
Thunder roars outside letting them know that the oath has been taken.
"Perhaps my name will be cleared and I shall return. Until then, I go to visit my wild kinsmen in the Everglade. It's possible they know of some cure for the poisoned tree that I have forgotten. In any event, I will stay in exile until this matter is resolved… one way or another," said Chiron
"Who is this Tantalus guy, anyway? Where does he get off taking your job?" Percy demanded
"Go, you will meet him at the pavilion. Tell Naruto that he needs to keep his temper under control around him." and with that Chiron leaves.
The conch horn blows echoing across the valley, signaling to assemble for dinner. All the campers gather at the pavilion. Percy notice that the hearth isn't lit like it normally is til he saw the same blonde from earlier.
Then he saw something that didn't make sense. The blonde waved his hand over the hearth pit and the hearth took ablaze. He was shocked to see a camper do that. Annabeth was just as shock for she never seen anyone do that before. Tyson clapped his hands at the magic trick. Annabeth wanted to talk to the blonde and learn how he lit the hearth without any tools. But didn't get a chance to as they had to go their tables.
"Well, well, if it isn't Peter Johnson. My millennium is complete," said Mr. D
"Percy Jackson… sir," Percy growled out
Mr. D sipped his Diet Coke, "Yes. Well, as you young people sat these days: Whatever!" said Mr. D
"Ha ha! Dion are you still made that I'd beat you in poker?" asked Naruto.
Percy turns his head and finally gets a good look at Naruto. The blonde hair makes him thinks he is in Apollo's Cabin, but saw him sitting at Aphrodite's Table. But what throws him a loop is when he'd seen him early Naruto had red eyes, not blue eyes like now.
"I still believe you cheated, Nathan. I will find out how you did it," stated Mr. D
"It's not my fault that I keep winning. You've seen me shuffle. I don't cheat. I mean I can, but I don't. The cards just come to me," said Naruto
"I'm going have to talk to Tyche to see if she gave you her blessing. But this is the boy you have to watch. Poseidon's child, you know," said Mr. D
"Ah, That one. I already know Hestia's son," Tantalus says with disgust about Naruto
"You want to go? I aim to keep my promise by ripping your heart. I'm sure Heat Rod would love just to burn through your body!" Epyon folds out when Naruto finished talking
"Nathan, I will call your mother," says Mr. D
"No! No! I'm good!" Naruto quickly says, "Nice meeting Prissy!" says Naruto as he quickly leaves.
Percy was actually dumbfounded by what just happened. He'd just seen someone threaten the prisoner by ripping his heart out, then called him Prissy. Why is that one of the most used nicknames he get?
Naruto sits back at table. Silena elbowed Naruto's side, "You need to quit threatening Tantalus," said Silena
"It's not my fault that he's a child eater. Dick got off easy!" said Naruto
"You keep cursing like and your mom will come by. Do you want your mom to come by to give you an earful?" asks Silena
"No!" Naruto shouted.
Ever since Naruto was claimed he had to watch what he say. Chiron and Mr. D threaten to call Hestia if he started cussing like a sailor. Her words not his. Then Naruto saw something that causes him to smile. The blonde just saw a piece of brisket suicide bombs into the hearth.
'So his punishment is true! Oh, I'm going to have so much fun!' Naruto evilly laughs in his mind.
Tantalus had a Satyrs blow the conch horn to get everyone's attention for announcements.
"Yes, well, another fine meal! Or so I am told," Tantalus says while trying to grabs a plate of food that always just six inches away from him, "And here on my first day of authority. I'd like to say what a pleasant form of punishment," says Tantalus
"You think that's just the tip of the iceberg," Naruto begins to evilly laugh out loud but Silena elbows him
"And now for some changes! We are reinstituting the chariot races!" said Tantalus.
Murmuring broke out at all the table. Everyone knows that the chariot races are very dangerous. Death was a real possibility and everyone knew it.
"Now I know that these races were discontinued some years ago due to, ah, technical problems," says Tantalus
"Three deaths and twenty six mutilations," Naruto says with deathly silence
"Yes, yes! But I know that you will all join me in welcoming the return of this camp tradition. Golden laurels will go to the winning charioteers each month. Teams may register in the morning! The first race will be held in three days time. We will release you from most of you horses. Oh, and did I mention, the victorious team's cabin will have no chores for the month in which they win?" says Tantalus.
The whole pavilion exploded in excitement. A whole month of no chores. Do anything you want without chores being in the way. It was too much to pass up on.
"But, sir!" Clarisse shouted "What about patrol duty? I mean, if we drop everything to ready our chariots…"
"Ah, the hero of the day. Brave Clarisse, who single handedly bested the bronze bulls!" says Tantalus
"Um, I didn't…"
And modest, too. Not to worry, my dear! This is a summer camp. We are here to enjoy ourselves, yes?"
"But the tree…"
"And now," Naruto places his hand on Clarisse's shoulder stopping her, "Before we proceed to the campfire and sing-along, one slight housekeeping issue. Percy Jackson and Annabeth Chase have seen fit, for some reason, to bring this here." said Tantalus as he waved his hand over to Tyson.
But before anything could happen a kunai flies by Tantalus' head. Every camper turned their heads to see where the kunai came from. Naruto already has another ready.
"Now… we aren't going to do what you're fixing to say, Child Eater!" Naruto says with venom, "What we are going to do is talk this out; be reasonable people that we are." said Nauto.
A bright green light shines over Tyson's head. The symbol of a trident appears floating above Tyson; showing that he is claimed by not just a god, but by Poseidon. There was a moment of awed silence as they watch Tyson trying to swat it away.
The next day, Naruto, Clarisse, Beckendorf, Connor, Travis, Lee, and Mark meet at the arena. With the barrier becoming weaker along with added border patrol meetings like this takes place once a week. The meetings most discuss about weapons, armor, who takes patrol duty, guard duty, and healing the wounded.
Beckendorf and those of Hephaestus' Cabin make sure that all the weapons and armor are in tip top condition, Connor and Travis were in charge of making and setting up traps, Lee and those in Apollo's Cabin were in charge of healing anyone injured during attacks along with archers in defenses, and Naruto, Clarisse, and Mark were in charge of patrol duty and support duty.
"Tantalus wants the chariot races so that no one is defending the camp," said Clarisse
"We know that. That's why we're having this meeting Riss-chan. Lee can you tell us how the injured are coming along with?" asks Naruto
"The injured are coming nicely. The Dryads and Satyrs helps when the wounded come in," stated Lee
"We need some more of your cabin mates in archery. Having their support with range attacks will help those in the front," said Mark
"Right, I'll ask some to join after the meeting is over," says Lee
"Traps are coming along nicely." says Travis
"Oh, yes! Caught another Hellhound yesterday," said Connor, "We have a new trap we would like to test out on Tantalus,"
"Speaking of Tantalus, we need to do something about him. He has no love for this camp," stated Beckendorf
"There's nothing that we really can't do about the Child Eater. Well besides make his life a living hell!" Naruto smiles evilly at the thought of Tantalus in pain
"What about the Cyclops?" asked Mark
"What about it? I know most Cyclops eat Half-bloods, but this one is claimed. And I think he has a name… which I don't know," stated Naruto
"Most Cyclopes work the forges for both Hephaestus and Poseidon. I'll ask Percy if his new brother wants to help out," said Beckendorf
"With Annabeth back at camp shouldn't we ask her to join us when we have meetings?" asks Lee
"I don't like Annabeth that much, but she has the best mind when it comes to tactics," answered Clarisse
"Alright then. Before the next meeting we'll ask Annabeth to join us. I guess the meeting is over. Riss-chan can I ask you something before you leave?" ask Naruto
"Sure Naruto." said Clarisse.
As everyone else leaves the arena, Naruto catches Mark handing some gold coins to Travis. Naruto shacks his head.
"I want to ask you if you're willing to join up with Aphrodite's Cabin in the up coming chariot race?" Naruto asks
"Share between the two cabins for a whole month. Sure, but they can't do anything to our chariot!" Clarisse yelled
"I got it, I got it." says Naruto as he holds up his hands.
At the Lake
Annabeth and Percy are by the canoe lake sketching chariot designs. They decided since their parents worked together to make the horse and chariot, so could they.
"Are you sure that's what Tantalus said? That Hestia had a son?" questioned Annabeth
"Yeah, that's what he'd said. I don't get what you're getting are?" asked Percy
"Percy, Hestia made any oath to stay a virgin like Athena and Artemis, though Athena found a loophole. I need to find out more." said Annabeth.
The day of the race
it was hot and humid in the morning. There was a low fog that hugs the racetrack. The track itself sits between the archery range and the forest. Hephaestus' Cabin used the bulls to plow the field to make it suitable. Strange birds rest on the treetops making strange metallic sounds.
"Right! You all know the rules. A quarter-mile track. Twice around to win. Two horses per chariot. Each team will consist of a driver and a fighter. Weapons are allowed. Dirty tricks are expected. But try not to kill anybody. Any killing will result in harsh punishment. No s'mores at the campfire for a week! Now ready your chariots!" stated Tantalus
"He truly doesn't care about us not hurting each other. Oh, he's getting it when this is over!" growled Naruto
"Calm down, Hearth Boy!" yelled Clarisse.
All the chariots line up at the start line. Hephaestus' Cabin is led by Beckendorf in a chariot made of bronze and iron. They made two automatons like the Colchis bulls. Ares' chariot was more like a war chariot then a race one with all the weapons in the back being pulled by two horse skeletons. Apollo's chariot is made out of pure gold being pulled by two beautiful palominos. And Hermes's chariot looks old like it hasn't been taken out in years.
"I'll drive and you hold them off, alright?" says Clarisse
"No problem, Riss-chan! I've got your back, ya' know!" said Naruto
"Charioteers! To you mark!" called out Tantalus, "Charioteers! Attend your mark!" Tantalus waved his hand.
Hermes's chariot rammed into Apollo's chariot causing the golden chariot to flip throwing the riders off. The horses dragged the golden chariot across the track crashing into Hermes's chariot. Not that far from the start line and two chariots are already out of the race. Ares' chariot pulls in first with Athena's chariot not too far behind followed by Poseidon chariot and Hephaestus' chariot.
The birds on the treetops fly up and head towards the racetrack and stands. Naruto grabs a shield and camouflage netting. The blonde gets close to Clarisse holding the shield over their heads with the camouflage netting draped over them. Naruto has a little difficulty holding the shield over Clarisse since she is taller then the blonde.
"What are Stymphalian birds doing here?" Clarisse questioned
"I don't know, but I'm worried about the other campers!" shouted Naruto
"We can't do anything right now. We'll have to finish the race then help them out!" Clarisse shouted back.
And that's what they did. The chariot crosses the finish line. Naruto throws off the camouflage netting, pumps Chakra through his leather bands. Epyon folds out with Heat Rod extending out. Athena's chariot and Poseidon's chariot leaves the racetrack.
"You're running?the fight is here, cowards!" shouted Clarisse
"Forget them, Riss-chan! Let's go bird hunting!" yelled Naruto.
The chain-whip becomes bright red as it whips through the air burning through the flocks of Stymphalian. Burt feathers fall to the ground. Naruto wanted to use shadow clone, but Epyon and Heat Rod doesn't copy. Clarisse uses her shield to bash those that are close and tries to use her sword to cut through any that get close enough.
Then the two chariots that ran off came back. Soon followed by loud music playing that causes the Stymphalin to go crazy. It made killing the Stymphalin easier to kill. The flock of Stymphalian leave the racetrack and heads up in the skies.
"Archers!" Annabeth shouted.
The archers of Apollo's Cabin shines as they fire and hit their mark. The flock of Stymphalian panics from both the music and arrows flies away. With the birds finally away the damage can be seen. Chariots destroyed, injured campers from the bird pecks.
"Bravo! We have our first winners!" said Tantalus.
Tantalus walks over to the finish line and awarded the golden laurels to a stunned Clarisse and Naruto.
Author's Notes
It's finally in canon. Naruto hasn't had much to do with Percy so far, but he will in the future. Fun fact; in the live action movie Tantalus was suppose to be played by Mark Hamill, but was cut from the movie. I think that if they'd kept Tantalus in the movie played by Mark Hamill Tantalus couldn't of been a likable character. You just don't cut the voice of the Joker out of a movie.