After Naruto beat Percy in battle, he returned to his workshop and looked over the order slips he had.
"Let's see," said Naruto as he looked over the slips, "alter a dress, armor order, repair a skirt, nothing out of the ordinary."
He divided the orders by priority and went from there. He brought the metal sheets over to his workbench and began to weave. The armor he was making was his creation, and the story behind it was interesting. He was in his second year, and he was walking around the camp. He noticed that the armor they currently had was bulky and unwieldy. An idea struck him and ran back to his small workshop. After three days of trial and error, he managed to weave a lightweight but durable chest piece. The pattern consisted of broad strands of metal with finer strands filling in the gaps. To finish the piece he put in a layer of fleece were the armor met the user's chest. The chest piece was flexible to fit the user better as some of the female campers were entering adolescence.
Naruto presented his new armor to Chiron, as Mr. D. could care less, but Chiron was skeptical, so Naruto offered a suggestion, a test to prove the armors durability and overall ability to protect the user. The children of Ares and Apollo gathered at the training field and were briefed on what they were going to be doing. Chiron placed the armor on the mannequin and let Ares's children go wild on it, the result the armor passing the test. Next up was Apollo's children and they formed a volley line and pleated the shirt with arrows, at the end of the trial the armor was again fine. Now that Chiron was convinced that the armor was safe to use he began the process of making space for them in the armory but didn't get rid of the old armor as some of the older campers wanted to use the older model for hazing purposes.
Naruto managed to fill all of his order by the time the dinner horn rang throughout the camp. He rarely ate at the mess hall as most of his days consisted of him filling orders for the campers or clients. He entered the mess hall and made his way his table, it was stationed in the corner away from his siblings. Naruto didn't mind this as the space allowed him to think but this only made him more of a social outcast. Annabeth would sometimes join him and try to a conversation with him, usually consisting of Annabeth talking and Naruto listening. Today's topic was the Capture the Flag match tonight.
"How is tonight's strategy coming along?" asked Naruto as he ate some chicken.
"Fine, but our chances of succeeding are still around thirty to forty percent," replied Annabeth
"I wish I could help, but I am banned due to my powers," said Naruto as he took a drink of soda.
"I know," said Annabeth, "you were our best trapper."
"I still am," rebutted Naruto, "remember they didn't ban me for my traps, they did because I flattened the whole forest."
"True," said Annabeth, "by the way how is the business going?"
"business is going well," said Naruto, "I should be able to buy the camp more wood and supplies."
"That's good, but how are getting our parents to pay for your serves?" asked Annabeth
"Pity, mostly pity," replied Naruto, "I think they also try and bribe me to only make clothes for them."
"What makes you think that?" asked Annabeth as she finished her dinner.
"The fact that I get envelopes full of money from the dove and flower," replied Naruto in a dull tone.
The conversation ended when the plates that were in front of them were replaced with piles of armor and weapons, except Naruto as he had a medical bag in front of him. Since Naruto couldn't participate in the game, Chiron decided to teach Naruto about medicine. The camp found out about his healing abilities when a fight between a child of Apollo and a child of Ares. The child of the sun lost and had a long gash traveling along his forearm; fortunately, Naruto was nearby. As he was looking at the wound, his body went on auto-pilot, his hand hovered over the injury as thread descended onto the wound and sutured it shut. The fact that he can heal came to a surprised both Naruto and Chiron as healing was Apollo's domain.
The time for the game to near as the campers split into two teams and began to discuss strategies among one another. Naruto was looking around to make sure no one was injured before the game started, but he stopped when he spotted Percy in the bulky armor. He looked ridiculous as the armor seemed too big, and the blue plumage on his helmet made things worse. Percy later ditched the helmet and went back to his team.
"So, do you thing Clarisse with pull another victory?" asked Naruto to Chiron
"I don't know, Percy is the wild card so he may be the deciding factor," replied Chiron
"Maybe, but from what I observed he's still green compared the rest of the camps," said Naruto
"He may surprise us tonight," said Chiron before he began to explain the rules to the campers.
The centaur and weaver observed the game through the crystal ball that Mr.D. supplied as he lost interest after the first minute and just passed the ball to them.
"Looks like they stationed the Percy near the river to act as a decoy as the main force retrieves the flag," said Naruto
"I wonder why they did that?" said Chiron
"Probably to distract Clarisse," said Naruto, "From what I know she has a grudge against Percy. He did embarrass her and Annabeth probably used that to her advantage."
"Seems underhanded," replied Chiron
"Sacrifices need to be made in war," said Naruto, "Since Clarisse is the primary force on the red team, the blue team may now have a chance of winning."
The two stopped talking when they saw red team's flag cross the river with Percy acting as support.
"Well, looks like you were right, "said Naruto, "Percy was the deciding factor."
The next surprise came when Percy was claimed and discovering who his godly parent was.
"This is not good," commented Chiron when he saw the trident hover over Percy's head
"The Big guy is going to have a fit," added Naruto as he saw Mr. D. disappear with the scent of grapes lingering behind "Why did he have to be claimed now."
The morning that followed as bad as the weather became stormy and the seas became unruly. The only reason the camp was still dry was that of the barrier that protected them. Mr.D. returned and was told why his father was angry, again. Zeus's bolt was stolen and Percy's father, Poseidon, was being blamed, that's way Percy was claimed. Poseidon wanted his son to retrieve the bolt and figure out who the real thief was. Naruto went back to his workshop thinking about the current situation. To him, this didn't make any sense as Poseidon didn't have a motive and as far as he knows the Gods can't steal each others symbol of power. Annabeth later visited Naruto's workshop to hopefully resume their later conversation, or just strike a new one. After the two talked for ten minutes, their conversation let to the newly claimed camper, Percy Jackson.
"Should we do something?" Asked Annabeth
"That's honestly up to you," said Naruto, "Now that we know that Percy is the son of the sea, the likelihood of mother letting us be friends with him are shot. You know that mother expects us to hate all things sea-related."
"You're still angry at what happened at the lake," said Annabeth, "Aren't you."
"He let that fish smack me," said Naruto, "I just know it."
They would have continued if not for the thunder constantly hounding the camp.
"Looks like the big man is getting impatient," said Naruto
"The quest is coming; it's only a matter of time." Said Annabeth
"This was what you were expecting," said Naruto, "All those years waiting paid off. Mr. D should be back with word from the council, the need for a quest would be the only logical solution."
"I agree," said Annabeth
"You're going on the quest even if Percy doesn't pick you, won't you," said Naruto
"What! I wouldn't do such a thing," said Annabeth, but not very conveniently.
"Su~re," said Naruto
When breakfast was over Naruto went back to his workshop to begin his large, but manageable workload.
"Aphrodite's daughters should really learn how to take better care of their cloths," said Naruto as he looked through the orders.
"Hoot," said Fluffy, "Hoot, hoot, hoot."
"That may be true, but they know I can predict the future of fashion." Replied Naruto
"Hoot," said Fluffy
"The money is good, I'll admit that," said Naruto once he got to his workbench, "summer is coming, my personal Tartarus."
It was in the late afternoon when Naruto was done with his workload for today, and he was looking forward to a well-deserved lunch. He was sitting at his table when he noticed that Chiron and Mr. D were talking to Percy about something, probably telling him about his quest. He finished his meal and walked towards Chiron and Mr. D to tell them that he was probably going to join the upcoming quest.
"Greetings Mr. D how was your trip to Olympus?" Asked Naruto
"Could have gone better?" said Mr. D, "The tension between Zeus and Poseidon has increased."
"This is bad," said Chiron, "It's only a matter of time before Olympus is torn apart."
"You're right, but you do have to remember that Hestia, Hera, and Demeter can calm the two down."
"Yes, but they can only distract them for so long." Said Chiron
"Then I guess Percy will have to start the quest as soon as possible." Said Naruto
"I couldn't agree more," said Chiron
The look on Percy's face coming out of the attic spoke of terror, the reason for this is was the prophecy that was given;
You shall go west, and face the god who has turned,
You shall find what was stolen, and see it safely returned,
You shall be betrayed by one who calls you a friend,
And you shall fail to save what matters most, in the end.
The ending was what worried Percy the most, failing to save his mother. That was the whole reason why he took the stupid quest in the first place, but it seems that would be possible now.
"Something seems to be troubling you," said Chiron, "Was it the prophecy you were given."
"Yes," said Percy, "I'll retrieve the bolt safely, but It seems that I'll also be betrayed in the end."
"It may seem bleak, but you have to remember that some of the lines have double meanings." Said Chiron, "Did the prophecy say anything else?"
"Just that I'll meet the god that turned," said, Percy
"Well think Percy which god do you think would profit the most if the gods go to war." Said Chiron
"Hades!" Said Percy, but the earth shook as he finished saying that.
"Percy remember, that names have power," said Chiron, "now, you may choose two campers to accompany you on your quest."
"Grover for sure," said Percy, "but the second person is"
"Me," said no one
"Ahhh!" Screamed Percy
"Jez Percy no need to scream," said Annabeth as she appeared between Percy and Chiron
"How did you do that?!" Said,, Percy,
"She has a magic baseball cap that lets her turn invisible," said Naruto as he walked towards the group,
"She usually uses it to gather information and make tactical retreats but that's beside the point, I came to tell you I'm going with you."
"Why?" Asked Chiron, "You know the rules, only three campers per quest."
"My reason is justified," said Naruto, "I need to get to the Underworld and deliver Persephone dress to her."
"I thought you had a business deal with Hermes," said Annabeth, "You make the dresses, and he delivers them."
"Unfortunately our deal is on temporary hold until the bolt is returned," said Naruto, "This is bad as some of my orders are outside the camp."
"How is that bad?" Asked Percy
"Percy, Naruto is one of the biggest contributors to the camp," said Annabeth
"What?" Said a confused Percy
"I help make money for the camp," said Naruto, "don't you know one of the basic principles of Economics, the concept of Supply and Demand. If I can't get the orders out, I can't supply the camp with money as the demand will be unmet."
"Oh, that's bad," said Percy
"Yes that is," said Naruto, "If anything we'll killing two birds with one stone with me going on the quest."
"I can't argue with that," said Chiron, "I guess this will be the first quest with four people."
"Good I'll get my stuff then," said Naruto as went towards his workshop.
The group consisting of Naruto, Annabeth, Grover and Percy decided to meet on the hill to the camp after they packed everything and said their goodbyes as they do not come back. Several campers wished them good luck and to be safe. The hardest to say goodbye was Naruto, mostly from Aphrodite's cabin because they wouldn't let him go. After helping Naruto and looking over their newly acquired scraps, Chiron showed them their transportation.
"This is Argus, he will drive you into New York and drop you off at the Greyhound bus station." Said Chiron
Argus was a tall blond guy that looked like he would fit in with the California surfing scene except for the issue with his eyes, there all over his body.
"Why can't he just drive us the whole way?" Asked Percy
"Two reasons: one he is bound to the camp and two," said Chiron.
"Have you ever been in a cramped van for multiple hours with prepubescent teens." Interrupted Naruto
"Oh," said Percy
"Wait," said Luke as he ran towards them, "before you leave take these. These were a gift from my 'father' and thought that these would be off with you. A quest hasn't been given in years, so kill a few monsters for me."
"Wow, thanks Luke," said Percy, unaware of Annabeth's blush.
After Luke left and out of earshot, Naruto took the shoes from Percy.
"Percy, do you really think a child of the sea, and the supposed lightning bolt, will be allowed in the air. The answer is no; The Big Three really hate it when their brother's children cross into their domains. Why do you think the first son of Zeus was afraid of water?"
"You mean Hercules?" Asked Percy
"Careful where you say that," said Naruto, "He's isn't well liked among the campers. He's the reason the Queen doesn't like demigods and also makes business transactions even harder on me."
"Well, that's interesting," said Percy, "I thought he was well-liked."
"Percy Zeus would never let his prized son be seen in a bad light so he had our mother change the history books so his son would be seen in a good light while putting his wife in the bad light."
Percy was left speechless and just proceed to load his stuff into the truck.
For twenty minutes the van was met with silence, but that changed when they exited Lincoln Tunnel, that's when Percy started to act like a child that saw the city for the first time. He was pointing out all the McDonalds, shopping mall and billboards he could see, it has been awhile since he last saw modern civilization.
"So far so good," said Annabeth as she looked around.
"Oh what's the worst that could happen," said, Percy
"Percy you just possible curse this quest," said Naruto as he continued to knit, "Because you just provoked the fates."
"Why do you hate me," said a now depressed Percy.
"Percy if you remember your Greek history you'd remember that our parents hate each other. It's been that way since the creation of Athens. Both of our parents presented a gift to the people to choose from; Your father presented a hot salt spring, while Annabeth's and my mother presented an olive tree. You could tell who won.
"But what about the chariot didn't they work together on that?" asked Percy
"That was more of a forced partnership" answered Annabeth.
Before Percy could continue the conversation, Argus arrived at the bus station and began to unpack the van. On the mailbox was a poster with a picture of Percy and saying 'Have You Seen This Boy it. Percy quickly ripped the poster up before the others could see it, not knowing that Naruto saw it. After Argus gave the bus tickets to the group and began the trip back to camp.
"So, we have a destination in mind?" asked Naruto
"I was thinking of heading west," said Percy
"Just a general direction," said Annabeth, "That's it."
"Yes, that's about it," said Percy
"You really need to think ahead," said Naruto, "We'll just head towards Los Angeles and just go from there."
"That sounds good," said Annabeth
"I agree," said Grover
As they agreed to this plan, they split into two groups to occupy themselves until the bus could get here. Naruto and Annabeth talked about possible attack patterns, while Percy and Grover played hacky sack.
"How's your latest attack coming?" Asked Annabeth
"It's coming well, but the only problem is concentration." Said Naruto, "I need to have a clearer head, but in the heat of battle that's kind of hard to do."
"Hopefully that issue will be resolved," said Annabeth, "the tensile strength of that attack could save us in a fall or provide restraint for bigger and stronger opponents."
"I agree with you, but until I can use it flawlessly I can only use it sparsely," said Naruto
"Well, hopefully, you won't need to use it on this quest." Said Annabeth
The bus came shortly after, and the group began to put their stuff on the bus. They got on the bus and decided to sit at the back of the back for two reasons; one for protection and two because that is where the air conditioning was the strongest. It was uneventful until they noticed three grandmothers sitting near the front getting on. Each of them had crumpled velvet dresses, lash gloves, and formless orange knit caps.
"I thought you said monsters wouldn't reform for years." Whispered Percy
"I said if you're lucky" replied Annabeth, "You're obviously not."
"Is there a way to escape them?" Asked Percy
"Unfortunately no, all the exits windows have been sealed and there is isn't a back exit." Said Naruto
"They wouldn't attack us with all these people aboard." Said, Percy
"These people wouldn't notice as the mist would mask it." Said Naruto
"What mist?" Asked Percy
"Haven't you read the Iliad, there are multiple references to it." Answered Annabeth
"Get ready because they're coming this way," said Naruto
Seeing the Furies are coming closer she put her invisible cap on Percy so they wouldn't notice him. Percy got up and tried to sneak past the sisters and get to the front of the bus. He had a close call when one of the sisters stopped and smelled around, but he relaxed when she continued to the back. When the bus was in the Lincoln tunnel the Furies decided to strike, gone were their disguises revealing their leathery skin, gargoyle talons, bat-like wings and their whips of fire.
"Where is it! Where is it!" Shouted the Furies
"He isn't here," said Annabeth as the people around them started to panic.
Naruto noticed the confusion, but before he could sort the issue out the bus started to swerve and jerk. Percy in a moment of bravery, or stupidity, he wrestled the wheel out of the driver's hand.
'What is that vlákas (idiot) doing' thought Naruto as tried to hold on, 'He's not only endangering himself but also the lives of these mortals.'
The only bright side of this situation was the conclusion, the driver managed to locate an exit from the highway and onto a rural road. The bus was on a collision course with the Hudson River, but Percy pulled the emergency brake causing the bus to swerve on the asphalt road. When it made a complete stop the bus door was thrown open letting the passengers leave while leaving the group of Demigods room to fight the Furies.
"Give us what we want, and you won't suffer eternal torment" shouted Ms. Dodd.
"You can't have him" yelled Annabeth.
'I don't think it's Percy they want' thought Naruto as he put on a pair of leather gloves.
The Furies made the first move deciding to split the group of four up but an odd thing stuck out, they were leaving Naruto alone. Undenounced to Naruto was the silent agreement between the female deities concerning him. If Naruto were to be harmed the assault would face the wrath of Aphrodite, a punishment no one wants.
Annabeth was fighting close quarters while Grover was supplying long-range fire with tin cans. Percy was doing the best he can with his new sword, Anaklusmos, but his training only consisted of three days of Luke beating. Grover managed to disarm one of them, while Annabeth wrestled the other one to the ground. Grover tried to grab the whip only to discover that it was too hot and was now juggling the whip.
"Everyone get out!" yelled Naruto as he sensed something wrong.
His group managed to hear him and ran out of the bus as quickly as they could. No more than ten seconds later did a bolt of lightning strike the bus, destroying the furies with it.
"Our luggage!" shouted Percy
"My cans!" shouted Grover
"Well looks like we're going on foot from here on," said Naruto
"Look there's one getting away" shouted Annabeth as she pointed towards the sky, only to see the fury split in two.
"Not anymore," said Naruto, "Come on we have quite the distance to make up before we set camp."
Realizing what Naruto said the group turned towards the forest and continued on their quest.
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