Hello readers and welcome to my new chapter. So, about my suggestion for a rewrite, there are several opinions about it. Some of you agree that it needs a rewrite, some of you disagree, some gave me different suggestions on the topic, etc.

So, I decided that I'll make the decision after I finish Journey into the Labyrinth. It should give me plenty of time to think about it. So, I hope you enjoy this chapter.

P.S. What are you guys thought on the bashing that happened in SFCW 1? If I do a rewrite, should I get rid of it completely? Change it up a little? Or do you think it was okay?

P.S.S. First update in 2018.

Disclaimer: I do not own Percy Jackson or Naruto.

Chapter 30: A Promise

(Dining Hall)

As soon as the first week was over, Naruto recovered fully. At the very least, he's able to move without a wheelchair. After he did, he soon began helping out with defenses, as well as training the demigods alongside Anko.

The day mother and son worked together in training had several demigods weeping in terror.

But now, some of the demigod are currently having lunch, all of them sitting down eating contently. Naruto himself walked up to the dining hall, swiping the sweat off his brow as he walked to his table, tired from his day of training. What he needed now was a nice, steamy bowl of Ramen, then a good long nap.

"Hey, Naruto," Thalia called out from his side. He looked over and she grabbed his arm. "Come on."

"H-Hey, Thalia-chan," he whined. "Cut it out! I'm hungry!"

"And you're gonna sit with me."

"Why?"

The daughter of Zeus glared at him. "You owe me for vanishing for as long as you did!" she told him simply. She tugged a bit harder. "Now come on!"

"U-Um...Naruto?" came a timid voice. He turned to see Bianca shuffling nervously. "C-Can I get some h-help with this jutsu you taught me? I-I'm having trouble with it..."

Thalia frowned at her, but before she could say anything, Naruto smiled slightly. "Sure thing, Bianca-chan! Just let me eat some Ramen real quick, then we'll head to the training ground!"

"Oi! Whiskers!" the three turned around to see Clarisse stalking up to them.

Naruto blinked. "Um...What's up, Clarisse?" he asked.

"I want to spar!" she said.

"Well, too bad! He's about to eat lunch with me right now!" Thalia told her with a little heat, holding onto Naruto's arm.
"Then he's helping me with a jutsu!" Bianca proclaimed and grabbed his other arm. Naruto looked on in bewilderment.

"Um..." he tried, but was interrupted by another person.

"Hey, Naruto?" Silena's voice came from behind him. He turned to see her looking at him with a slight blush on her face. "C-Can I get your help with the pegasi? They aren't listening to me for some reason..."

Clarisse looked at the girl with something akin to betrayal, but soon Thalia was growling. "Why don't you girls leave him alone, so he can eat!" she told them as she tugged on his arm.

This had Bianca tug his other arm. "You can't pull on him like that!" she shouted.

"Then quit pulling him yourself!" Thalia retorted, pulling harder.

Clarisse grabbed Naruto's shoulder and tried to pull him close to her. "Hey! Leave Whiskers alone so he can go spar with me!" This had Silena grab his other shoulder.

"No, he's gonna help me with the Pegasus!" Silena stated. "Besides, none of you would know what do when you're along with Naruto!"

The argument eventually caught the attention of those in and outside the dining hall, with a few of them betting as to who's going to win or how it's going to escalate. All the while, Naruto is staring at all four girls in bewilderment and nervousness before it clicked into his mind.

'Oh. Right. All four of them have crushes on me.' Naruto thought to himself. He could imagine what Ero-sennin would say if he ever saw this. How on earth did he got into this position?

Before the four-way argument could escalate into anything further, another voice spoke up. "Um, girls?" The four girls, as well Naruto, turned their heads to see Katie, Annabeth, and Medalis in front of them. Katie was the one to speak up. "Sorry, but we need to borrow Naruto for a moment."

"Chiron wants him for something." Annabeth added, before they could argue. "He wants to talk to him about the defenses being worked on."

That caused Thalia and Clarisse to huff, Silena to pout, and Bianca to gain a disappointed look. "Alright, fine." With Thalia's short statement, the four girls let go of Naruto.

No sooner did they do so, that Naruto shunshin away from them and got besides his three little sister figures. "Sorry girls. Promised to hang out with you all later." With that, Naruto quickly got away from, with Annabeth, Medalis, and Katie following.

As soon as he got at a far enough range, he sighed in relief. That cause the three girls with to giggle. "Be thankful that we got you out of that mess." Katie stated.

"Believe me, I am." Naruto said with a grateful nod. Fighting monsters, ninjas, and Titans on a daily basis? He can handle. Dealing with four girls that has feelings for him? Not so much. "Hopefully, my leaving will avoid the dining hall being destroyed."

"If they don't fight for whoever gets your time first." Annabeth added. Naruto's head dropped at that.

Medalis giggled. "So, you know about the girls having feelings for you, Naruto?"

"Yep." Naruto sighed. He gave his half-sister an annoyed look. "Found out when you and our other siblings were gossiping while I was sleeping."

Medalis blushed at that. "Y-You heard all of that?"

"Every word." Naruto confirmed. "Next time, even when their sleeping, don't gossip about the person next to you. Especially if they're a ninja." Medalis looked away in embarrassment at that, while Katie and Annabeth laughed once again.

"So, what are you planning to do about it?" Annabeth asked him. Naruto tense a little at the question.

"Honestly? I'm not sure." Naruto sighed. The only person who gave me advice about girls was Jiraiya, and there's no way in Hades will he ever use the pervert's advices. Plus, he doesn't even know about his own feelings for each of those girls.

But if there's one thing he's certain about, is that he'll make sure not to be in the same room with all four of them. He doubt he would get out of that with all his limbs.

(With Percy)

Like Calypso said, time was difficult to tell in Mt. Ogygia. While he couldn't see how much time has past, he knows that he has to get back to his friends soon. At the very least, they're worried. At most, they're in danger. And he wanted to make sure all of them are okay.

But due to his injuries, he couldn't go yet. He hasn't completely recovered from the events in Mt. Saint Helens, and still needed to rest. Apparently, causing a volcanic eruption drained him more than he thought.

Despite worrying about his friends, however, he was enjoying his time at Mt. Ogygia. For him, it felt like an actual summer vacation, something he hadn't had in awhile. Over the time he spent at the island, he had pleasant conversations with the pretty girl, Calypso, after realizing that she wasn't like Circe or her father, Atlas, and that the island wasn't like the Lotus Hotel, where he would forget everything.

Due to Naruto's teaching, he know a little about her. That she sided with her father during the Titan War, as well as her part in the tales of Odysseus. Despite her history though, he seen her as kind, friendly, and accommodating. Didn't try to make him forget about his friends, nor put him in any kind of cage. Throughout the time spent with, he seen her as a friend.

But with each conversation, he had the sense that she was sad about something. Whenever they're having a nice time, she pulls away. He couldn't understand what was bothering her, and wanted to help her. Wanted to stop the inner suffering she's feeling.

Currently, the two are sitting at the sand of the beach, having another conversation. He was telling her the time Naruto faced off against Michael Yew last year. When he got part of Naruto's secret technique, she laughed, showing off her amazing smile. But like every other time, when their gaze met, her smile was gone and she dropped her gaze.

This caused him to sigh. "You're doing it again."

"What?"

"You keep pulling away, like you're trying not to enjoy yourself."

She kept her eyes on the sand. "I told you before, Percy, that I was punished. Cursed."

"But how? Tell me what it is. I might be able to help."

"Don't say that." The pain in her eyes grow. "Please, don't say that."

"Tell me what the punishment is," He grabbed her hand, something that caused a small blush from her. "I know that you on Atlas's side during the Titan War, and you sent here because of it. But….I have a feeling that it's only part of the punishment. Otherwise, it wouldn't explain the pain and confliction in your eyes."

Calypso had a small, sad smile on her face. "That's very sharp of you, Percy. Yes, being trapped isn't the only punishment. Every thousands years or so, the Olympians sends me a companion. A hero wash up in my shore, someone who needs my help. I tend to them, and befriend them, but it's never random. The fates made sure that the hero they send…."

She stopped for a moment, her voice trembling. He squeezed her hand in comfort, silently asking her to continue. "They send a person who could never stay," Calypso said, the sadness clear in her voice. "Who can't stay with me for more than a little while. Someone that….that I can't help falling in love with."

It took a moment for Percy to process what she said. "Me?"

Calypso let out a small giggle, though her eyes are filled with tears. "If only you could see the look on your face. Yes, you."

"Is that why you've been pulling away all this time?"

"I tried very hard not to fall in love, but I can't help it." Calypso admitted. "Even knowing that you would break my heart."

"But….I'm just…." Percy stuttered, a blush forming on his own face. "I'm just me."

"And being just you is enough for me." She retorted, the small smile still on her face. But then it faded. "I'd planned to not speak of this, to let you go without offering. But I can't. I suppose that is part of the curse. The only way you could help me Percy, is by staying with me."

Percy looked at the ocean and sky, thinking about the offer given to him. He has to admit, it's tempting. More tempting than he would like to admit. "I…."

Suddenly, a yellow flash appeared from behind them, causing Percy and Calypso to turn around. The person behind them was none other than Hephaestus.

"Lord Hephaestus." Calypso greeted, getting up and giving a bow.

The smith nodded towards her. "Hello, Calypso. Do you mind if I talk to Perseus for the moment, in private?"

The daughter of Atlas shook her head. "No, I don't mind." She got up from spot on the sand and turned to Percy. "We can speak later, Percy." With that, Calypso got up and left.

After a moment, Percy spoke up. "Hephaestus," He began, "What's going on? Are the others'-"

"They're fine." The forge god reassured him. "Nico's shadow ability, along with Annabeth's own cleverness, got them out of there quickly. Last time I saw her, and from what Naruto told me, she's worried sick about you."

"You didn't tell her that I'm okay?"

"Not for me to say." Hephaestus responded back. "Zeus would've have a fit if I did. Besides, I needed to make sure you're coming back before I tell the whole camp anything."

That caused Percy to be silent. Something that Hephaestus. "I'm guessing that Calypso told you about her offer with heroes that comes here?"

The son of Poseidon nodded. Moments ago, he would've said that he was coming back with no hesitation. Now….now he isn't so sure. He still wants to go back to his friend, help them in the war….but that would mean abandoning Calypso. Abandoning a friend.

"By the way," Hephaestus said, pulling out a metal disk the size of an Ipod. "You caused quite an explosion with Mt. Saint Helens." When he clicked a button, it expanded a mini TV. On there, was Mt. Saint Helens, fire and ashes trailing out of it.

Percy stared blankly as he heard the newscasts as to what happened. Half a million people evacuated, illnesses and injuries happening being reported….it horrified him. At the very least, he took solace at the fact that no one had died.

Hephaestus flicked the screen before shrinking it and putting it back into his packets. "Because of the explosions, several of the telekhines were vaporized while the rest scattered and got away. Still, they won't be using my forge anytime soon. Unfortunately, however, the eruption had the side effect of stirring Typhon. One monster none of the Olympians look forward to fighting."

Percy's eyes widen. "Are you really saying that I did that? I'm not that powerful, am I?"

That earn a snort from Hephaestus. "Could've fooled me. In time, you'll probably be as strong as my son. Don't underestimate your own power, Perseus."

Hephaestus's admission shocked Percy even more. Guess it's explained why he was so tired. But the fact that he nearly destroyed the Northwest US and awaken one of the most powerful monsters the Olympians have ever fought did not make him feel any better.

"What about Grover and Tyson?" Percy asked, pushing back the subject for now.

"No word from them, I'm afraid." The forge god sighed. "Probably got lost within the Labyrinth."

Percy clenched his fists. The more he hears, the more he wants to go back. "So what am I supposed to do?"

"That's something for you to decide." Hephaestus sighed. "But I would suggest making your choice soon. Wait any longer, and Naruto will come and drag you back."

That got a gulp from Percy. "G-Got it."

"Good." The Olympian nodded. "Now, what I promised you. A way towards Daedalus. While Ariadne's String does work, there's a better way through the maze. You know the tale of Theseus and how he navigated the Labyrinth, correct?"

Percy nodded. Not only did he use the string, but he also had help from the princess, Ariadne. She was the one who help navigate the labyrinth, being a clear-sighted mortal. The thought cause Percy's eyes to widen. Wait a minute….clear-sighted mortal….

'You have wished for something that you already have.' Was what the goddess of marriage stated. And now he can see that she's right. Very right.

"Guessing you figured it out." Hephaestus spoke up, drawing Percy out of his thoughts. "I wonder if anyone other than Naruto would've figured it out."

"He knew?"

"Right after Annabeth told him everything in her journey." Was the answer he got.

Percy frowned. "Then why hasn't he tried to go find Daedalus?"

"Cause its Annabeth's quest." Hephaestus answered. "While he often give the middle finger to the Fates, he knows that this quest is important for her self-confidence, unless he have to. And the girl too worried about you to think about anything else."

That brought a wince from Percy. While he didn't mean to make Annabeth worry, he still felt a bit guilty. After all, it was his choice to stay and fight those telkhines. "So, with all this information, you'll need to decide whether or not you'll stay here."

"I…." He looked towards the lake. A part of him wants to go back, find his cyclop brother and best friend, help Annabeth in her quest, and to go back to his mother. But the other part want to stay, to give Calypso the companionship she had so little of for so long. And his loyalty couldn't decide which one is the right choice. Either way, he's going to be abandoning somebody.

"I suggest thinking about before you decide," Hephaestus advised. "But I'll tell you something Naruto have always done. Whenever two choices are shown to him, choices that would end badly for someone else or himself, he makes another option for himself. Never resigned himself to two bad choices."

"Is it even possible to do something like that?" Percy questioned. "For a demigod to make another option?"

"Do remember that Naruto is also a demi-god, and has been in a worse situation than any living demigod in this time and age." The Olympian reminded him, his voice sounding a bit angry at the mention of his son's past. He quickly shook off the anger in his voice. "But despite that, instead of giving in to the options presented to him, he made his own path. Stood up against the abuse he suffered from the villagers."

Percy couldn't argue with that. Despite almost an entire village being against him, Naruto has stood up and become stronger for it. He didn't become submissive to any of them nor become the demon they saw him as. He turned out to be a strong demigod, mentor, brother, and more to the camp. Even Percy himself is starting to feel that way towards Naruto.

"Just something to think about." Hephaestus moved towards the water. "Despite what happened with Typhon, you did well, with the telekhines. Consider the advice as a thank you." With that, he teleported away in a yellow flash.

(Beach)

After Hephaestus left, Percy just walked around the beach, thinking about the Olympian's words. Creating his own choice. Not accepting the options too him. He's been thinking on those words, wondering if it's possible for him to do so. Or if the two options presented to him the only option.

His walk led to him to the gardens, where he saw Calypso tending to the flowers. As he got closer, she spoke. "Has he order you to leave?"

"No." Percy shook his head. "He's given me a choice."

"And?" She looked up and met his eyes. "Have you made your choice?"

Percy looked down at that. "It's not a easy choice to make." He admitted. "Stay here, and abandon my friends and family, or go, and leave you in this life of loneliness. In the end….I'll probably leave. I can't stand the thought of not only abandoning my friends and mom, but also leaving everyone to fight while I get away from the fighting."

That caused Calypso to look down sadly.

Despite this, Percy continued. "But how come I have to choose between leaving the others to fight by themselves and leaving you to this lonely life? Why can't there be a option where's everyone happy?" He gritted his teeth in frustration. "Why put you in this kind of position?"

"The Fates are cruel, Percy." Calypso said sadly. "There's nothing we could do to change our position."

Percy clenched his fist. "A friend of mine always say that those who abandon the mission are trash….but those who leaves their friends are even worse. And whenever a choice is given to him, when neither options are favorable, he makes his own path. So…." As he spoke, he already knew what he decided to do. "I'll make another option for us. I'll go help my friend and everyone in the fight. But I'm also gonna free you from here. I won't let you suffer here any longer!"

That gain a melancholic smile from Calypso. "That's very kind of you to say, Percy." The daughter of Atlas stated. "But I doubt you'll able to convince Zeus to break my punishment. And once you leave Ogygia, you won't be able to find it."

"No. I'll find a way." Percy said, rising up his head. Determination filled him. "I won't let you suffer anymore! I swear, Calypso, once my fight against the titans is over, I will get you out of here! You will see the world once again, and never be lonely again! I swear on the styx!"

Calypso's head shot up and her eyes widen as thunder boomed across the sky. "Percy…." Calypso breathed in pure shock. "Do you have any idea what you've done? I promise on the styx is not to be taken!"

"I know." Was all Percy said, the determination never lingering. "But I'm serious Calypso. Once the war against the titans is over, I will find a way to get you out. I promise."

Calypso continued staring at him in pure shock. She really couldn't believe this. No one, no hero that has come here has ever made a promise like that, much less swear on the styx to fulfill it. But….Percy did that, with little hesitation.

Slowly, a small smile entered her lips. A small filled with hope. "Then let's come to the beach, my hero. And we will send you on your way."

It didn't take Calypso and her invisible servants long to create a raft for Percy. Soon, they created a ten foot long raft for Percy to sail. While it didn't look seaworthy, Calypso reassured the son of Poseidon that it is sturdy enough for him to travel him.

"I'll try to find a way to visit you, whenever I can." Percy promised. "I know you said that I can't find this place after leaving, but I'll find one." He'll probably ask Naruto for help with that. The blonde is good at breaking the rules without actually breaking them.

Calypso didn't attempt a retort this time. Instead, she smiled. "I'll look forward it, Percy." She told him. "Now, go. Your friends need you."

With that, Percy sailed off. Calypso stood at the edge of the beach, watching him go. The smile never left her face as she closed her eyes. "Farewell, my selfless hero." She whispered. "I will be waiting for you."

And that's the end. I hope you guys liked this chapter. As you saw, thanks to Hephaestus' words and Naruto's influence, Percy looked at another option. One where he could help Calypso, as well as help Camp-Halfblood. Hope you guys like this. Review, favorite, and follow and I will see you later.