A reviewer told me they loved this story. That actually was really cool. I also came to a rather startling realization that I have an absurdly high number of favorites and followers for the number of reviews I have, so I guess maybe this story is good. I'm sure that after the last chapter, you guys can see that I wanted to break away from the pre established tropes I originally went with. Hopefully you still enjoy the story. Thanks for reading.

The younger demigods sat around the table, eyeing the lunch that Annabeth's stepmother had made. Naruto had taken his time getting out of bed, and it was already past noon. No one had seen him since earlier that morning. Thallia was in a terrible mood, viciously stabbing into the plate in front of her, and Annabeth had been rather reserved since their arrival at her family home. Percy sat uncomfortably, eyeing his companions, occasionally glancing towards the blonde enigma, who sat sharpening one of those oddly shaped swords of his on the living room couch. Each time the small stone in the man's hands slid across the blade, releasing a sharp grinding sound, Thalia would flinch. Her eyebrows were furrowed tightly together, and the knuckles of her hand clasping the fork was stark white. Annabeth eyed her cautiously, eating her food slowly. Zoe was tightening the drawstring of her bow.

Percy thoughtfully withdrew the pen that served as Riptide's alternate form, and spun it between his fingers. With a click, the blade sprung into being. He eyed the blade carefully, and polished it with the sleeve of his shirt after blowing a hot breath on it. When he could see his reflection, he nodded to himself, and yawned. He noticed that all of his companions were staring at him incredulously, and his face burned with embarrassment.

"You feel pretty yet?" Naruto's mouth twitched in amusement.

Percy shrugged. "What are we waiting for?" he asked, brow furrowed. Naruto kept sharpening the blade of his sword. He paused, and took a deep breath.

"When I was about two years younger than you, I began missions on which I knew there was the possibility I would have to take someone's life, or watch my friends die in my arms. Where we're going now, we have no back up. There could be hundreds of monsters. There's definitely a Titan and Ladon. Those two alone could kill us. It's a very real possibility that some of us may die." Naruto eyed the younger demigods who had all paled dramatically. Percy's leg shook as he bounced his knees, and Annabeth had her arms firmly crossed in front of her chest. Thalia looked tired.

"If I can help it, none of you are going to die today. The day we began this quest, I told you that if we are about to die, and I tell you to run, you run. That holds especially true today. None of us are heroes. You guys are kids, Zoe is a park ranger, and I'm not much better than the bad guys. So don't be a hero. Your job is to stay alive for your friends and family. If Atlas charges, you flee. If Ladon attacks, you flee. Leave the big ones for me, okay?" He smiled at them. Zoe's lower lip trembled, but she nodded regardless. "Your priority is getting Artemis out of there and warning the gods that Atlas has escaped his burden. I've grown kind of fond of you guys. I promise I won't let anything happen to you."

Naruto's blade disappeared in a black flame, and he leaned forward. "So. Here's the plan..."

(LINEBREAK)

Her hands shook as she clutched her bow. Never had she felt as helpless as she did now.

"What other choice do we have?" Zoe thought to herself miserably. The trek up the mountain was somber, melancholy, and a sense of resignation rested like a fog on the shoulders of the demigods. The Mist veiling sections of the mountain wavered at the edges of their vision, giving glimpses into the thicket of unnaturally large deer, and fauna that seemed too verdant and alive to belong to the modern world. Power, and something old pulsed in the air. Zoe took in a deep breath as a familiar set of golden gates shimmered into appearance. Naruto's steadying hand lightly pressed against her back, and he smiled down at her reassuringly.

"Welcome home," he joked. "Seems like they forgot a welcoming party. Lucky us…" The gate slowly swings open, almost inviting them in.

"Well. That's ominous," Thalia commented in a low tone, grasping her spear tightly and bringing her shield to her forefront. Percy nodded, and brandished Riptide. They pushed forward at a steady pace.

"Remember, stay quite. The enemy's number is unknown, and if we get caught this early, there's no chance of us getting to the summit and saving Auntie." Naruto brought up the front, each step as light as a feather, akin to the passing of a breeze.

The Garden of Hesperides was just as beautiful as she remembered it. She'd read the Christian bible once, and it seemed parallel to the described Eden. Beautiful shades of green, brimming with life bathed the area, with flickers of color dotting the thicket calling attention to the numerous flowers of a variety that had long receded from the waking world. How she loved strolling in this very garden, following the ponds and streams throughout. It had existed long before her time, before even her father's time. How it was maintained, she never knew, but it seemed to grow in itself, just as the fauna inside of it.

The familiar winding path ushered feelings into her that she had long forgotten, and the memories of her childhood danced to the forefront of her mind. She nervously thumbed the drawstring of her bow. As they continued up the path, a cherry blossom tree sat just across a small, ornate wood bridge. Two paths diverged, circling around it, before meeting once more and continuing deeper into the garden and up the mountain. She watched the blonde man she was so fond of come to a sharp halt.

"Sakura…" He breathed so softly she thought she'd imagined what he said.

"Didn't thy plant this tree?" She asked. Percy and Thalia glanced at Naruto quizzically.

"I did. I'm surprised they didn't cut it down," He mused.

"You never betrayed them," Zoe replied shortly, almost accusingly. Naruto's gaze hardened.

"I wasn't fawning over some hero," Naruto said coldly. She flinched, and clenched her jaw. She began to speak, but Naruto cut her off. "Now isn't the time."

Her jaw audibly clicked shut, and Naruto turned to the pair of demigods with them. "From now on, you two follow off to the sides of the path, in the trees. Make sure you can still see the path." He began to speak slightly louder, "Annie, stick with them in the trees." She replied in the affirmative softly, her disembodied voice resonating from where she stood under the invisibility of the cap. "If we get detected, you're our last hope. Remember that."

As they went into the thicket of the trees, the older pair continued the trek. Naruto's hands rummaged in his pockets. Whether or not he was nervous, Zoe couldn't tell.

What sounded like the hiss of a snake echoed, and a foul, acidic odor wafted through a clearing. Curled around the twisted trunk of a tree that held apples of gold rested the serpentine body of what could only be described as a hundred headed dragon. It's heads were a writhing mass, similar to what one would expect a pit of snakes to look like. Many rested atop one another, eyes shut. Naruto gestured towards the woods, ushering the young half bloods back out.

"Annie, take off the hat, you'll only provoke him," he ordered.

"HIM!? What the hell is that thing?" Percy frantically gestured at the beast, a panicked look adorning his face.

"That is Ladon. My sweet dragon," Zoe said hotly, irritation coursing through her. "Ladon is most certainly not a thing, child."

"You four stay as far away from the tree as you can. I'm going to try and hold his attention, Ladon only attacks those who stray too close to the tree," Naruto informed. Zoe looked at him bewildered.

"Ladon would never attack me!"

"Zoe, now really isn't the time-"

She glowered, and approached the sleeping dragon. Coppery eyes glistened beneath the folds of the scaled eyelids, and a single head raised from the entangled mass of serpentine headss. It let out a soft hiss that slowly became louder the closer Zoe came, and more heads rose to join her.

"Sweet gentle Ladon…" She murmured.

"She's fucking crazy!" Thalia gasped.

"You three, go!" Naruto ordered, sending the trio scampering.

"Do you remember how we played along the stream?" Zoe cooed, raising a hand towards the dragon. It's hisses grew louder, and the head that was intently focused on her flared it's nostrils. Suddenly, it's eyes became lidded, and it leaned down towards her, pressing one of it's many heads into her hand. "I missed you, so," She said sorrowfully, stroking the underside of his jaw. The mighty dragon almost purred, before suddenly jerking upright and releasing a startling hiss.

"So, she indeed was foolish enough to return," a dusky voice pierced through her. "And here I thought you were one of my more intelligent sisters," they remarked.

"Hesperie?"

"Obviously." She remarked. She shimmered out of the shadows. Her olive skin nearly blended in with the oak, but the white, form fitting dress and golden cuffs and hoops should've given her presence away.

"Where did you-"

"Do you not remember the gifts you once had, sister? Gifts you gave up to join the foolish 'Huntress,'" Hesperie scoffed. Zoe grimaced, and nodded.

"Where are the other three?" She asked.

"Entertaining one of Father's guests. Personally, I've always hated that womanizer, but he is undeniably powerful." Zoe glanced at Naruto who had a pained look on his face. Just as they feared, there was an extra variable.

"Honestly, the nerve of you two. Naruto returning is understandable, this is where he belongs, with us. You? The traitor who spread her legs for a mortal? You are… sullied. Disgusting," Hesperie sneered. Zoe flinched back, as if physically struck, and Naruto drew his sword, a red flame dancing along its curved edge. His eyes narrowed like chips of ice.

"Now, is that really necessary? I'd hate to hurt my favorite toy," Hesperie tsked. She placed her fingers to her cheek in thought. "Well, I really should be leaving. Naruto, I'm so glad you're back home. And Zoe…" She suddenly snapped her fingers, and Zoe was launched from her feet by a blow from her side. Zoe, quickly recovering, looked where her sister previously stood to see she had vanished. She heard a pained choke from behind her.

Naruto stood, legs trembling. The head that Zoe had been caressing seconds before and sunk its teeth into his shoulder, previously the space where her head had occupied. Irritated at having missed his prey, Ladon tossed him to the side, and with a hiss, coiled back tightly around the tree. It's many heads were trained on the pair, the coppery eyes glowing as if molten. Naruto lay in the grass, clutching his shoulder. Zoe rushed to her feet and slid onto the ground next to him. Her knees rubbed roughly against the grass and dirt, opening small cuts along her knees. She heard footsteps near her and voices, but it was all indiscernible from the sound of blood rushing in her head. Naruto lay pale, sweat mixing with blood and the foaming puss oozing from his flesh where Ladon's teeth had sunk into. The flesh sizzled, shriveling around it. She palmed her waist, grabbing a small flask of water, and dumped its contents onto his. Naruto grunted sharply, but the foaming did seem to subside.

"Naruto? Can you hear me?" She asked softly, her tone oddly flat.

"I'm fine," he gasped out, and struggled to his feet, falling once before seeming to be able to get his feet under him.

"Oh geez, oh cheese whiz," Percy muttered, looking at the man clutching his arm tightly to his side. Annabeth's legs trembled, and Thalia stood, her lips forming words but no sound came out.

"We have… to keep going." Naruto shouldered passed Zoe, who tried to keep him still and bring him back to a resting position. He took staggered steps, and snarled over his shoulder. "MOVE!"

With every step the group took, the wind picked up more and more. Zoe looked up and saw the swirling of dark clouds at the peak, and the dark marble of the palace of Orthys. As she looked back at Naruto, the one who had been the source of so much strife in her life, a terrible feeling welled up inside her.

(LINE BREAK)

The flesh of his shoulder pulsed with an unnatural heat, wracking his body with pain. He could feel Ladon's venom coursing throughout his body, pulsing into his veins. Each beat of his heart would renew the pain, almost making him falter. Yet, Naruto had a task. He had to do this.

"They're going to make it through this."

The palace was oddly empty. Its marble was cold, and torches remained unlit. Light still illuminated the palace, despite the black storm clouds looming above, and the low howl of the wind. A knot formed in Naruto's gut.

"I've got a bad feeling about this," Percy muttered. Naruto snorted, and Percy released a yelp as Annabeth swatted his shoulder.

"No worries, Percy. The Force is with us," the blonde grinned at him, flashing an eye smile.

"Kakashi… how did you do it? How did you smile even as you lead children to their death?"

They entered a sort of open topped room, where a Black Throne resided. In front of it stood in chains the familiar figure of Artemis, chained in place, holding up a cloudlike mass above her head. Beads of sweat flooded down her face and the veins of her arms bulged, ready to burst. Sitting in the Throne was Atlas and another man rested in a kline Various cushions were strewn about, some occupied by nymphs clad in only leaves and golden jewelry, who were feeding the unknown man a variety of fruits. He was remarkably attractive, almost glowing with beauty.

Atlas had his spear resting across his lap haphazardly. Looking up, he observed their presence and grunted in response. He tapped the tip of his spear against the marble.

"Eros. We have company."

Eros opened one of his closed eyes, eyeing the group who had walked in. With a long suffering sigh, he sat up, and gestured both his hands outward. The Nymphs who had been kneeling at the edge of his kline parted with a fit of giggles, yet he made no move to stand. Atlas raised a brow, and stood instead.

"Fools! You must run! Flee!" Artemis gasped out.

"Sorry Auntie, but I don't leave anyone behind," Naruto smiled at her. The pain that had previously ripped through his being had faded.

"Atlas. I, Naruto Uzumaki, the ageless mortal, challenge you."

"NO! You aren't strong enough!" Artemis screamed.

Atlas laughed. "Naruto, fearsome you may have been, but you look dead already. Ladon's venom has eaten away at you." He pointed his spear towards the tears in his orange sweatshirt where blood had pooled.

"Guess that puts us on even grounds," the blonde mercenary smirked in response.

Eros clapped, snapping attention to him. "Bravo, Naruto. As always, you're a man of passion, willing to die for those you love. You've always been my favorite, the only mortal who could ever hope to begin to understand me."

"Eros. Honestly, I think I've actually missed our talks," Naruto chuckled. Eros tutted, and pointed at Atlas.

"Yet we both know you're going to fight him, which makes us enemies, Naruto."

"I'm afraid so. I only ask that you wait until the challenge is resolved before taking any action."

Eros hummed in thought for a second, and dipped his head. He rested his hands at his side. Atlas scoffed. "His help is not needed. He could never hope to stand up to me."

"Wait! Where's Luke?" Annabeth pleaded.

"He's keeping a coffin company." Eros waved her off.

Naruto reached into his pocket, and withdrew a key wring. With a tug, he pulled a key free, and the midnight blade of his nodachi stretched into existence. His hands clasped around its golden hilt.

Atlas stroked his chin with a free hand, and his voice rumbled. "Before I kill you, I'd like to know where you obtained that sword."

"A gift from my mother."

"Your mother…?" As Atlas's brow furrowed, Naruto rushed forward, swinging the blade up with his uninjured arm. His strike landed true, yet superficially grazed the Titan's chest. As it completed its diagonal arc, he caught the hilt with his other hand, regaining the balance of the blade in his grasp. Naruto grit his teeth as pain once more burned through him. Atlas growled, jabbing the spear at his head. Naruto ducked, rolling forward, right into Atlas's guard. He lunged into him in an attempt to pierce his heart, but was easily sidestepped. Atlas swung once more, and the shaft of the spear connected with his wounded shoulder, realising an audible crunch, shattering bone. Naruto's feet slid across the marble, knees bent to remain upright. The blow sent his body into a sort of shock, numbing all his feeling. He took a ragged breath.

"You're weak, Naruto. Just as the gods you now serve. Pathetic. Yet, I must give you credit. You protect these children, rather than leave them to do their "divine work". That is just. I am proud that I saved you, despite it having come to this. You have my word, they three may leave after you die. However, Zoe will answer for her crimes, and Artemis must remain. I'm sure you understand." The Titan's baritone voice shook the air.

"I'd say thank you, but I assure you, it's your head that's going to be rolling." Naruto rushed forward once more, swinging his blade at the Titan's neck with a leap. The blade met the haft of the spear, yet Naruto held onto the hilt and used the rotational force to launch a sweeping kick into Atlas's chiseled face. Naruto landed, breathing 's head twisted to the side, and blood trickled from his nose. Blade now held in a reverse grip, he rushed forward and leapt feet first, putting all his weight into a blow to the Titan's chest, making him stumble backward.

Atlas slammed the spear into the ground next to him, shattering the tile and steadying himself. "A worthy opponent. Your entire body is your weapon," he complimented.

"Mind the tile, cousin, it's antique," Eros piped up. Atlas sent him a scalding look, and Naruto gave a pained laugh.

"Naruto, you need to run! Please, I beg you, take them and go!" Artemis cried.

"Artemis, you're far more important than little old me," he glanced at her. Blood had begun to trickle from the corner of his mouth. The blow he had sustained to his shoulder must have been more damaging than he initially thought. He returned the sword to its key form, the weight having become more than his body could handle. Thrusting a hand forward, flame burst out, rushing at his foe, who batted it to the side, and charged forward with a speed that belied his massive form. The Titan's muscles flexed, his arm rearing back as he prepared to thrust his spear forward. Naruto ducked underneath, and twisted his body, uppercutting into the elbow of Atlas's extending arm. A pop signified the dislocation of the behemoth's elbow, causing him to drop the spear, which Naruto swiftly kicked away.

Atlas clutched his own arm, jaw clenched tight. Then, his face softened. "Since the day I saw you before me, beaten and bloodied, I knew you were destined for great things. Watching you fight proved it to me. You were a beautiful sight, truly. A mortal who, like myself, had an insurmountable endurace. You radiated strength. You were everything I had wanted Hyas to be, everything he should have been. I remember when I first put you in command against a contingent of Zeus's forces. You led a handful of my men into a battle that was critical to our offensive, and came back without casualties. They sang stories of how you charged ahead, beckoning for them to follow as you cut your enemies down left and right for many nights. I think that was when I began to think of you as my own."

Naruto looked on, his eyes empty of emotion.

"A shinobi is one who endures."

Atlas's hand launched out, wrapping around Naruto's throat. He squeezed, and Naruto flailed frantically. "Yet, you fight on the wrong side now. Father and son, against one another. I molded you, made you into what you are, and the Olympians take you from me. Just as they took our home, our lives, and our rightful places as rulers of this world. I promise you, your death won't be in vain." Naruto swung his body forward and wrapped his legs around the Titans giant arm, and twisted himself free. The maneuver sent them both sprawling. Naruto clutched his neck gasping desperately for breath.

"Your ways… were no better than theirs… we killed… so many," Naruto gasped out.

"What are the lives of worms worth, if not the dirt in which they reside?" Atlas asked cruelly.

"And you… ruled that dirt…. Guess that makes you… the dirtiest," Naruto wheezed, and raised his middle finger in defiance. Atlas roared, charging forward. Glancing behind him, Naruto smiled internally, and waited. Time slowed to a crawl.

"Three more steps…"

"Two…"

"One."

He leapt upward, laying a hand on Atlas's shoulder and vaulting off him. Naruto sprawled onto the ground and looked up, watching as Atlas stumbled forward, barreling into the form of Artemis, slamming her from her position. The cloudlike mass slammed down onto his back, and Atlas howled in fury. Naruto took deep, ragged breaths, as the Titan struggled to his knees, shifting the mass onto his shoulders.

"Naruto!" Atlas snarled.

Eros howled with laughter, eyes alit with mirth. "What a show! Bravo, bravo!"

Artemis gaped at the sight, and Naruto stumbled towards her. With a flash, he once more summoned his sword and cut the chains that bound her.

"Auntie, take the kids and go. And get Zoe out of here," he turned to Eros, eyeing him.

"Eros. Wait." Atlas rumbled, grunting from the strain. Eros paused, surprised at the request, and lowered his hands. "Naruto. Come before me." Naruto leveled his eyes with the Titan of Endurance.

"This burden I am under… None will take it from me. The Moon Goddess taking my place was a fluke at best," Atlas spoke. His eyes were resolute. "I have existed long. I have endured for just as long. My boy… I am tired. So tired of enduring the weight." Naruto's eyes widened. Tears welled up.

"I understand." He placed his hand on the Titan's chest, and pulled at nature. The air quivered, and life thrummed. Atlas smiled a peaceful look, shutting his eyes. Stone spread from where Naruto's hand sat, crawling over the skin of the Titan. It covered his face last, leaving the still impression of a man at peace with holding the world on his shoulders.

"Well that was just… so beautiful," Tears flooded down from Eros's eyes, streaming down his face in an almost comical manner. Naruto eyed him warily, flanked by Artemis.

"Eros. We're leaving. Unless you fancy fighting two on one." Naruto threatened.

"Now wait a second. Let's have a chat, shall we?" he beckoned a hand, and a force yanked a yelping Thalia toward him and into his lap. He grabbed her arm, holding her in place. Zoe stepped forward, notching an Arrow, and Percy drew Riptide.

"The first conversation…" he murmured. He waved his hand, and a pool formed. Swimming inside it was the strangest creature, looking almost like a cow with a fish tail.

"Bessie!" Percy yelled.

"Of FUCKING course Jackson's friends with the damn thing."

"The Ophiotaurus!?" Artemis exclaimed.

"The whatta-huh?" Naruto's face twisted.

"It's a beast of power. The one who slays it will be granted immeasurable power, for if one is able to kill something of such innocence, they are able to kill anything," Artemis explained fearfully.

"Basically. So. Girl. Thalia. What would you say to obtaining the power to topple the gods, have demigods receive the treatment they deserve, and to get revenge on your asshole parents that leave you to suffer for their errors without so much as a word of thanks ?" Eros offered.

"N-no!" Thalia stuttered.

"Aw. Why not? Don't you have a Prophecy to fulfill?" Eros chipperly questioned.

"I don't want to!"

"But it's your sixteenth birthday!"

"No, it's my twentieth!"

Eros pursed his lips, and shrugged. "I guess it is. Huh. So much for that plan." Then he smiled, and released her. Thalia quickly scampered to Naruto's side. "Now… for the more interesting conversation…" He rubbed his hands together mischievously.

"So. Naruto. How've you been?"

"Better. Kinda in a lot of pain right now."

"What's a little pain in the pursuit of passion, huh?"

"I think this is more than a little."

"Hmm. Fair enough." Eros shrugged once more. "Anyway. In the last two millennia, you've occupied my thoughts once or twice. And then, more recently, I heard something interesting. You remember where you woke up in Tartarus? At the edge of the gap?"

Artemis took a sharp breath at hearing that.

"Yeah?"

"Welllllll. Word is that someone else seems to have appeared there. Another mortal. At the beginning of yet another divine war. How interesting, no?"

Zoe took an angry step forward. "Enough of these games! Tell me why I shouldn't release an arrow into thine head?"

Eros gave her a disgusted look. "Ah. My least favorite individual. You know, brat, there's such a thing as misplaced passion and just being plain foolish. And you're perhaps the greatest fool. Truly, did you actually think that a mortal would love his enemy? In a time of war? You're even more of an idiot then that Romeo character that Shakespeare seemed so fond of. At least he did the favor of offing himself, too bad you didn't do the same," he sneered.

"Anyway. I believe Artemis has a solstice meeting, and I have more interesting things to do. Until we meet again, Naruto! Ta ta," he waved, and disappeared in a shower of gold.

Naruto released a breath he didn't realize he was holding and his shoulders slumped. Exhaustion filled him to the point where he was too tired to even realize just how damaged his body was. Artemis ducked under his arm, lending him support.

"Thanks, Auntie," he said, resting his head atop hers.

"Anything for my favorite nephew," she chortled. "You were a true hero today, Naruto." The pair stumbled towards the rest of the group that rapidly approached.

"Ngh, don't say that. Heroes are idiots."

"Fighting against a Titan alone is something an idiot would do. Fighting against Atlas? A fool."

"Fair enough."

Thalia ducked under his other arm, taking some of the weight off of the also exhausted goddess. "You were amazing!" she gushed. Naruto nodded in appreciation, too tired to muster words. He looked at Artemis, who smirked. She brought a whistle to her lips, and a slew of reindeer linked to a sled appeared in a moonbeam, trotting several feet before coming to a stop.

"What's with you and Dad having such weird rides…"

Artemis ignored him, and gestured to the demigods to climb aboard. She glanced at the Ophiotaurus. "Jackson. Tell the beast to go to Olympus. It should understand you," she commanded.

"Probably because he has cow brains too…" he snarked into her ear. The goddess seized in response, but retained her stoic visage. Once they had all climbed aboard, Naruto leaned on her. Having reached safety at last, he let exhaustion over take him.

(LINE BREAK)

"We must dispose of the beast," Athena said. "It's the best solution. It prevents both disputes over who retains the beast, thereby having power over the rest of us, as well preventing our enemies from gaining its power."

"It's a fish, surely it's not that strong," Ares rolled his eyes. Athena scowled at him in response.

"True, it is a denizen of the sea, therefore it should naturally fall into my care," Poseidon suggested pointedly, looking at Zeus, who rubbed his temples in annoyance.

"Enough. The best dies," Zeus decided, irritation plain to see.

"But you can't kill it! Bessie's innocent!"

"God I really, really love this kid."

"B-Bessie?" Poseidon had a distant look on his face. Athena sighed sufferingly, and Ares howled with laughter. Apollo and Hermes had similar shit eating grins on their faces, while Artemis merely looked uncomfortable. Haephestus's reaction was indiscernible, while Aphrodite and Demeter cooed at the beast.

"All life is sacred. To kill wantonly would make us no better than those that came before us," Demeter said distantly, her attentions and affections more focussed on the beast.

"You better believe I'm gonna milk this for all it's worth," Hermes poked at Apollo, who elbowed him back in response.

"Only once everyone stops being so bullheaded," the two cackled.

"What would you suggest then, child," Athena looked at Percy imperiously. Percy gulped in response, and looked at Naruto, who shrugged. With desperation, he looked at Annabeth, who's eyes seemed to be darting around, chasing after some invisible web of thought.

"Wait!" Annabeth suddenly exclaimed. The throne room fell silent, and her face flushed red from all the attention on her.

"My, a girl who doesn't like being looked at. How… boring," Aphrodite murmured.

"Some recognize that there is more of value than looks, sister," Athena retorted. "Go on, daughter."

"Well. What if Hephaestus was to create an aquarium for the Ophiotaurus here?" Annabeth suggested, still flustered.

"Girl, I have far better things-" Hephaestus began, but Naruto cut her off.

"Not bad, that'd set the beast on an equal ground of equal access to all the gods. And it'd make a pretty good decoration. This throne room HAS gotten pretty drab…" Naruto trailed off. He clutched his arm as it twinged with pain.

Dionysius's eyes narrowed. "I'm against it. The murderer suggested it."

"What? I'm always happy to help decorate, as you know," Naruto smiled beatifically. Dionysius growled.

"It has merit. Husband, this is as it should be," Hera spoke for the first time since the meeting began. Her eyes had never left Naruto.

Zeus sighed, dragging his palm down his face. "FINE. Hephaestus, please construct the damnable beast a cage. If it becomes a problem, we can destroy it at a later date." Hephaestus grumbled, but nodded nonetheless.

"And now, the next order of business?" Hades spoke from his stone chair. He gave Naruto a distinct look, and Naruto rolled his eyes in response.

"We will not be executing my daughter."

"Husband, she is as much a threat to us as the Ophiotaurus." Hera intoned icily.

Naruto rolled his eyes. "This is stupid. Zeus, Poseidon, and Hades all have brats running around and I've seen all of them in the past week. If we kill one, we have to kill them all and I don't like the idea of killing four kids." The room sat silent as everyone stared at him. Hades repeatedly slammed his head into his palm.

Naruto glanced at Hades confused, until realization dawned on him. "Ah. Shit."

"HADES!?" Zeus yelled.

"Oh do pipe down, brother. Let's not talk about the kids you have running around." Naruto flinched at that, grimacing at Hades who took that shot at him in response. Thalia looked at Hades questioningly, and saw the look he gave Naruto. Her eyes widened.

"Jason…" she whispered. Naruto's hand shot out, clamping down hard on her arm.

"Not. Now." She looked at him with an expression of pure fury.

"You. Knew."

"I said not now, Grace." Naruto said coldly. She flinched, looking at him with pure betrayal in her eyes.

"The prophecy isn't about her, she's too old," Apollo waved. All the gods looked at him in confusion. "She's twenty? Far too late for it to be her," he shrugged. The gods looked on in thought.

"So she lives. Do we kill Jackson, then?" Ares asked eagerly.

"Most certainly not!" Poseidon said angrily.

"SILENCE! NO ONE IS BEING EXECUTED, AND THIS MEETING IS OVER!" Zeus yelled, thunder cracking. The Olympians fell silent, reduced to shooting dirty looks at one another.

"Ah, sibling rivalry," Naruto said wistfully.

"Got much experience with it?" Percy asked.

"Nope!" Naruto said with a pop, "I'm an only child, I'm special~"

"Special in the head, maybe," Zoe snickered.

"Ma~, Zoe, don't be so rude," he whined in response. She entwined her fingers with his, tinkling with laughter. Naruto blushed lightly.

"The prettiest flower…"

He met Artemis's eyes, who raised an eyebrow in response, nodding toward their entwined hands. Naruto gave her a shrug.

"With the conclusion of this meeting, the Solstice festivities will commence." Zeus clapped his hands together and rose, leaving the room. Many of the gods followed suit, and Thalia started after her father. Naruto nudged her forward, and she glared at him.

"Go talk to him. He has your answers." At that, her eyes widened and she rushed after him. Poseidon had pulled Percy to the side, and Athena had done the same with Annabeth. His own father made a step towards him, but was halted with a deadpan look. Apollo wiggled his eyebrows and made a lewd gesture, glancing pointedly at Thalia. Naruto gave him a threatening look, and Apollo raised his hands in surrender, making his own swift exit.

"Zoe. I see you've made your choice." Artemis spoke, levelling her eyes with Zoe.

"I have. I would spend time with Naruto, and join him on his journey." Zoe responded resolutely. Artemis paused, and took a breath.

"For now, you will retain your status as a huntress. Should you lie with one another, that will be revoked. You are welcome to return should that not happen. Should it, you will always be welcome at my camp. Both of you. Enjoy the solstice," Artemis fled the room from that.

The two stood in silence.

"So I guess we basically have your Father's and your Mother's blessing," Naruto wiggled his eyebrows.

"Don't get ahead of thyself, Naruto. I haven't decided any such thing." She paused, and gave him a mischievous grin. "After all, it would be too Greek of me to lie with you. Father did see you as his son." Naruto's face blanched, and a look of disgust crept over him.

"Gross."

Another chapter. Hope you enjoyed it. That concludes the Titan's curse arc. I've got a couple ideas of where I want to go with this. Now, off to a funeral. Additionally, I'm looking for two or three editors. It'll require open dialogue between the two of us regarding story elements and possible plot directions which will unfortunately contain spoilers for you, but with the assistance I'll be able to get chapters out faster without succumbing to writer's block and lack of motivation. Additionally, I have another story I would like to start, and it'd be cool if you might be interested in editing it as well.