I Don't Own Naruto or Percy Jackson & The Olympians

A Father's Love – Chapter 23


The Home of Mother Rhea held a sacred and singular position for the Olympians. Much like Hestia's Hearth, it was a place of peace and harmony. Under no circumstances could there be any prejudice or arguments that may upset the matriarch of Olympus. It was one of very few places that the elder gods could gather for leisure, in which old feuds could be momentarily forgotten and old bonds could strengthen.

But alas, it was often filled with awkward silences.

"Please have a seat, Father." Athena led the King of Gods into the living room and followed closely behind. It was a sight to see: The King of Olympus sitting upon a simple sofa with a floral print. "Have some tea."

Zeus ignored the stares of his family and gladly enjoyed his mother's tea. "No need to stand on ceremony; this is not a council meeting." He smiled at his wife, "Come join me, my Queen."

"You surprise me, Husband." Hera assumed her position next to the King. "A mere moment ago I was contemplating whether or not to tell you of such a revelation." A small smirk adorned her flawless face as she gave her fellow goddesses a bemused stare. "Order knows it was a pressing concern."

The King merely smiled before turning to his daughters. "Do take a seat. We must not waste the treats Mother prepared for us."

Artemis swiftly sat down and was joined by Demeter and Hestia, the three of them taking the sofa to the right of the King and Queen. All three stared at the remaining seats as Athena and Aphrodite pulled a shakily standing Naruto along. Never had any of the immortals seen the Goddesses of War and Love seem so nervous, but they all waited until the seats were full.

"So," started Hera as she looked between Naruto and Zeus, "How did this happen?"

Rhea interrupted before either could respond, "That is a story for tomorrow. Let us enjoy this wonderful day in leisure."

Hera looked at her mother as Zeus and Naruto nodded. "Very well."

Silence reigned as Naruto politely stared at his knees.

Rhea hid a smile as a giggle nearly escaped her lips despite the awkward mood. She had wondered if she'd made the correct decision in bringing her new great-grandson-in-law to confront her son, but the day yielded a result far beyond her greatest hope. Never in millennia would the Mother of the Gods imagined a day in which her youngest son would be welcoming a son-in-law in her home.

"Hi!"

Suddenly, a loud and cheerful chirp cut through the silence.

Naruto, Aphrodite, and Athena watched with widened eyes as Lacy bounced and skipped over to the King of Olympus, giggling and twinkling as she stared up at the towering God of Thunder.

"My name is Lacy! Who are you?"

Zeus regarded the tiny demigoddess with a raised brow. The small child was staring up at him without the slightest hint of fear or concern, bouncing on her feet and giggling with the innocence of the world. The King could hardly remember the last time he'd seen such a carefree expression before him.

A bright smile quickly overcame his lips as he leaned closer to the small child. "My name is Zeus," he said in a tone that was nearly entirely reserved for Athena and Artemis. "I am your Grandfather."

"I knew it!" Lacy's giggles and bounces sent stunned and astounded smiles across the room. "Yay, I've always wanted a grandpa!"

Zeus opened his arms and Lacy quickly jumped into them. The King gave a joyous laugh as he cradled his small granddaughter lithely on his arm. "You must the happiest child I have ever met. You're even more giddy and joyous than your mother when she was your age." He chuckled as Lacy giggled. "But just as adorable."

Hera smiled, "And much more innocent."

"What is happening?" asked Artemis with a soft whisper.

Aphrodite was stunned silent and couldn't answer. In an instant all her worries and horrors faded away, and she found herself mirroring her daughter's wide smile. Many a time had the Goddess of Love wondered how her family would react to her little princess. Even by her children's standard Lacy was beautiful and adorable, but never had she expected Zeus to be so taken with Lacy.

Hestia smiled and gently held Aphrodite's arm, "Lacy is as charming as her mother."

Demeter playfully rolled her eyes, "Zeus always had a weakness for his daughters and granddaughters."

"Annie!" Lacy waved to her sister, comfortably bouncing in her grandpa's arms. "Come here!"

Annabeth slowly approached the gigantic god. "Hi, my name is Annabeth."

Zeus looked down at the miniature version of Athena and smiled at the confidence and intelligence behind her piercing grey eyes, already feeling a sense of pride. As expected of a child of his favorite daughter, she was hesitant to approach him, no doubt already sensing something different.

"Hello, young lady." Zeus leaned close again, proud that Annabeth didn't back away, but instead stood strong. "You have your mother's eyes." The girl couldn't help but smile; she loved her likeness to her beloved mother. "And her hair. I don't know why she decided to become a brunette, but you look exactly like she did when she was a child."

Demeter smiled, "A mini war-muffin."

For once, Athena didn't react to her childhood nickname and just remained stunned at the sight.

"Thank you, Grandpa."

The King gave another rare smile as he scooped Annabeth into his arms. "You're welcome, little princess." He gave a joyous laugh at Annabeth's giggle, "Oh, you're a strong one, aren't you? You'll become a fierce and intelligent warrior, just like your mother."

Annabeth took the compliment in stride, "Yep!"

Naruto smiled and laughed at the sight. The father of two was no stranger to Greek Mythology – a misnomer, he knew – and was well aware of the reputation Zeus had garnered over the eons. Magnanimous and vindictive, yes, but was also a benevolent father to his daughters. He'd half expected the King of Gods to take a liking to his granddaughters – it was one of the few assurances he felt before confronting the King. But never did he expect Zeus to take such an instant liking to his little girls.

"An architect?" asked Zeus with a fond smile, "A fine aspiration, my child."

Annabeth beamed, "I've read almost every book in the architecture department of the New York Public Library! Give me another few years, Grandpa! I'll design something amazing!"

"I'm sure you will." The King chuckled as he bounced his granddaughters on his knees, "If you're as talented as your mother, I'll have a few projects for you to handle once you're of age." The girl brightened and nodded. "Our family is rather old fashioned, though. We prefer designs from the classical era. Do you know what that is?"

"Yeah, like the designs from ancient Athens!"

Zeus smiled and nodded as Hera gave Athena a smirk, "The olive doesn't fall far from the tree."

"What about you, little princess?" Zeus asked the ever-smiling Lacy. "What do you want to do when you're older."

The girl tilted her head in thought, making every smile at her cuteness. "I don't know," she said with a small shrug. "There are so many things I want to do!"

Annabeth rolled her eyes, "Lace, training dragons isn't a real job."

Lacy pouted, "I know!"

"Well," muttered Artemis as Aphrodite quickly gave her a stern stare, "It could be. I mean, it won't be cute dragons like the ones you see in that children's movie, but it could be a job."

Lacy's eyes lit up, "Really, Aunty Arty?"

"Yes, of cour-"

"No," curtly replied Aphrodite. "No, no way."

"Why not?" asked a pouting Lacy.

"Yeah, why not?" Artemis added, almost glaring at the Goddess of Love.

"No daughter of mine would go sniffing dear excrement with your girl scouts."

Before Artemis could retort, "You have girl scouts, Aunty Arty?!" Lacy was positively beaming as she bounced excitedly on Zeus' knee. "I always wanted to join the girl scouts!"

The Goddess of the Hunt smirked at Aphrodite before turning to her adorable niece. "Really?"

"Yeah!" Lacy chirped, "Do you have a lot of animals, too?"

"We do!" Artemis held back a laugh as Aphrodite's jaw dropped. "We have packs of cute dogs, dozens of pet foxes, a team of falcons, and I have a family of reindeer, too!" As if her mother's genes were acting up, Lacy's eyes sparkled in the light. "We have campfires, campfire stories, and we make smores every night!"

Lacy turned to her parents, "Can I go?" she asked as Naruto was busy holding a trembling Aphrodite. "Please, please, please, please, please~!"

As if to add insult to injury, Artemis continued, "But Lacy, there are no boys allowed in the camp. Are you okay with that?"

Aphrodite gave a silent scream as Lacy scoffed, "Oh yeah, I don't care about stupid boys." Artemis' godly symbol nearly appeared over Lacy's head as she seriously considered making the girl her new champion. "Annie is the one who has a crush on boys, I don't."

"Shut up, Lace!"

A boisterous laugh erupted from the King as he hugged the two small girls close. He was quickly joined by Demeter and Hestia as Artemis sent Aphrodite the most victorious grin of her immortal life. Even Hera gave a joyous giggle as she leaned against her husband, smiling at the two small demigoddesses who effortlessly brought so much joy to her family.

From the side, Rhea watched her family with the brightest smile she'd had in the last few centuries.

She placed a caring hand on Naruto's shoulder, "Thank you, Naruto."

Naruto shook his head and smiled up at his grandmother-in-law, "No, thank you, Lady Rhea."

All the while Athena observed her family, her complete family as emotions filled her mind. It was one of the rare times in history in which the all-powering grey eyes of Athena were welling with tears of joy. It was surreal watching her daughters so seamlessly bond with her family. This was the best possible outcome of all her calculations, one that was nearly impossible to achieve if she'd acted alone.

"Lacy can warm up to anybody," whispered Naruto softly, breaking Athena from her thoughts, "But it's harder for Annabeth." She nodded in agreement, "Perhaps like she was with you, she can also sense her kinship with her grandfather." He gave a low chuckle, "I have never seen her warmup so quickly to someone, much less the King of Gods."

"Well, perhaps she can sense something, but it might also be because when it come to daughters, you and my father are very alike." Athena smirked at Naruto's surprise, "Believe it or not, he is just as, if not even more protective of us than you are with the girls. Annabeth can recognize the caring eyes of a father when she sees them," she said as she turned to see her giggling daughter, "She sees them everyday with you."

Naruto smiled and wrapped an arm around Athena, "Thank goodness for that."

She tightly held his hand.

Naruto squeezed her hand back, kissing the top of her head.

Both were silently in peace and eternally thankful for the other.

Like so, the day passed, and Apollo's Chariot set beyond the horizon. As Artemis' Chariot illuminated the night sky, dinner was about finished. It was feast unlike any in the human world had ever had. One that was crafted by the most skilled culinary masters in existence: Rhea, Hestia and Hera. It had everything; from Hestia's warm and soothing home cooking, Hera's divine-class luxurious delights, to Mother Rhea's – who taught her daughters everything they knew – all encompassing fusion cuisine. It was a worldly and other worldly tour of the senses, right in the middle of a New York suburb.

Demeter stared at the full moon in the sky, "Is Zoë Nightshade pulling your chariot for you, Artemis?" she asked as she dabbed her lips with a golden napkin. "Artemis?"

"Hmm?" asked the youngest goddess at the table.

Aphrodite sighed, "Wipe your mouth, Artemis."

The Huntress shot the Goddess of Love a glare before indulging once more in her Aunt Hestia's Sweet Potato Pie. Around the table, only her and Lacy were still eating, and it was as if the little girl was trying and failing to beat her aunt, stuffing her face with pie and her grandmother's Beef Wellington.

"I don't understand how she is still underweight," muttered Annabeth as she rubbed her full belly. "She eats at least twice as much as I do."

"Dite's genetics," answered Athena, sipping on a glass of champagne.

"True, but she got her appetite from her father," added Aphrodite, smiling as she leaned against Naruto.

"I only eat that much when it's ramen." Naruto chuckled, "I think she got it from her aunt."

Artemis smiled and ruffled Lacy's hair, already taking a huge liking to her little niece.

"I think it's adorable," said Rhea as Hestia nodded along, "It's rare that a daughter of Aphrodite could eat with such disregard."

"If I recall correctly, Aphrodite used to eat plenty as well." Hera could remember when the Goddess of Love first stepped from sea foam, beautiful, naked and hungry. "Almost as much as Artemis now."

"Perhaps, but then I grew up," added Dite, giving the Goddess of Gluttony a side glance.

The sound of moving chair halted the conversation as Zeus stood from the head of the table. He smiled and patted his new granddaughters' heads before he spoke. "I think I'll enjoy my coffee on the terrace." The King looked at Naruto sitting opposite to himself. "Please come join me, Naruto."

The immortals stilled as Naruto nodded and stood. "Sure, sir."

Giving Athena and Aphrodite's hands each a tight squeeze, he joined his future father-in-law. Despite his confidence during the confrontation, he'd since calmed and the adrenaline was gone. The towering father of his new family looked every inch the all-powering ruler he was. And with a soft clink, the terrace door closed behind him and he was left alone with Zeus.

The King sipped on his coffee and sighed in delight, "This has been a pleasant surprise."

Naruto joined the King and leaned against the railing. "It has been a great day. I've never had a family gathering like this before in my life." He glanced at Zeus, "My whole life."

"It is a rare occurrence for us as well, I assure you of that." Zeus hummed at the muffled laughter and giggles behind the closed door. "I don't quite remember the last time I've heard so much laughter and joy at the dinner table. It usually is just my Queen and I in our temple, and the conversations run dry after millennia together." He looked at Naruto, "This is quite the pleasant change."

Naruto smiled, "You and Lady Hera can join us for dinner any time you like."

Zeus gave a guttural chuckle as he looked back at the moon. "You really have changed since the last time we met."

"Yes, you mentioned that before." Naruto frowned, "I'm afraid I don't remember."

"You wouldn't." The King sighed, "I don't think you even knew it was me, but I knew who you were. It was centuries ago during the early fall of the Roman Empire. That son of yours was terrorizing the Eastern Roman Empire and had desecrated many of my and my sons' temples." Naruto winced at the mention of one of his more violent sons. "While all is fair in love and war, temples are sacred for us, and I sent a bolt of lightning to end your son's life."

"Hmm," added Naruto, unsure of how to respond.

"But you stopped it and even hurled it back at me." The King had a dangerous gleam in his eyes as he glanced at his son-in-law again. "Very few people had ever managed such a feat."

"Sorry, but I am very protective of family." Naruto stood tall next to Zeus, "I don't remember much Atilla, but he was my son and I will protect him, despite his rather unsavoury reputation."

"Ha!" Zeus laughed, "The fact that Atilla is your son must have earned you Athena's favor in some way. She hated the Roman Empire so much that she would have saved him herself if you hadn't intervened."

"Really?"

"Athena's hatred of the Romans is something I'm sure you'll eventually confront, but that is a problem for another day." Zeus turned to face Naruto fully. "The pressing matter at hand is the Primordial of Power you have sealed within you. Everyday it lays dormant is a day earned for civilization, not only for human, but for the divine as well. The last time Gaea made use of her champion, she only used it to destroy the Bronze Men, but I'm afraid this time she has a boarder scope in mind."

"Even the Gods?"

"Yes, undoubtedly." Zeus tapped his foot, "Darkness lurks beneath our feet and evil stirred in the depths of Tartarus. Thralls of old ages are united in their hatred of the victors, and they constantly seek our destruction. If the Titans and Giants are to join forces under Gaea's banner, we will be dangerous out-classed." The sky rumbled, "War is inevitable and if we're alone, we will undoubtedly lose."

"As I said, I am very protective of family." Naruto glanced at the bright and colorful dining room filled with laughter, "I will do everything in my power to protect them."

"I know you will, but all that is for naught if Gaea could spontaneously take control of you." Naruto frowned and nodded. "I must concede that your plan of separating the beast into multiple entities is our most probable path to victory." Naruto nodded. "We must make haste; time is of the essence. Speak with Athena and Aphrodite; have them aid in anyway they can."

"I will."

"But let me be very clear," the King said as they locked eyes, "Should this plan fail, it will immediately accelerate our imminent doom."

Naruto slowly nodded. "I understand."

Zeus turned to face the bright window to the dining room, "I have become very happy with the new additions to my family. Your daughters remind me of my own, and for their sake, Olympus will do their utmost to aid you in your plight. Anything you need to better the chances of subduing the beast, let me know."

Naruto gave a soft smile, "Thank you, my Lord."

"Speak nothing of it. I've always been weak to my daughters and granddaughters."

"Yes, but I didn't expect you to two demigoddesses with such affection."

Zeus smirked as he reached for the door, "That's because they are not demigoddesses." His smirk grew at Naruto's surprise. "You're no human; you're a Primordial. Your daughters hold the potential to become extremely powerful, immortal Goddesses." Naruto's eyes widened, "I just need to think of the proper domains for them to command. But alas, it is also a problem for another day."

The King chuckled and rejoined the dinner, leaving Naruto flabbergasted outside.


"Alright," started the King as he polished the last of his Mother's famous coconut ice cream, "I believe it is time for us to retire for the night."

Hera nodded with a smile, "Yes, I agree."

"Thank you for the amazing dinner, Mother." Rhea stood to hug her youngest son and youngest daughter, kissing them each of the cheek. "We should do this again soon."

"I'll hold you to that, dear."

Hera looked at her middle sister, "Are you coming back with us, Sister?"

"No," replied the Goddess of Harvest. "I was going back to Persephone tonight, but I think I'll stay here with Mother for tonight."

The Queen smiled, "Alright then. Have a good night."

Naruto, Athena and Aphrodite stood and smiled at the King and Queen. "Have a good night."

"Grandpa!" Zeus stopped and welcomed Lacy as she shot into his arms. "You'll come to visit again, right?"

The King nearly melted at her sparkling puppy eyes, "Of course! Grandpa will be back with treats and presents!" He hugged Lacy and ruffled a grinning Annabeth's hair. "And next time I'll bring you both to Grandpa and Grandma's home. I'm sure you'll both love it!"

Annabeth and Lacy both widely grinned. "Okay!"

Naruto smiled as Zeus handed Lacy to him. "Alright, say goodnight to Grandma and Grandpa."

"Goodnight!"

Goodnight, Grandma, Grandpa!"

Hera smiled, "Such good manners."

Naruto smiled and nodded at the Queen.

Zeus gave Naruto a look as he made his way to the front door, "Take a few days to organize your thoughts and to discuss a plan." Athena and Aphrodite gave their own concerned looks as Naruto nodded. "Come meet me again on Olympus when you're ready to proceed."

"What are you talking about?" asked Hera with a raised brow.

Zeus smiled at his wife, "I'll tell you on the way home."

Without another word, the King and Queen of Olympus left their mother's home.

Demeter stretched her arms and smiled at her mother. "This is a nice place, Mother. It's smaller than your penthouse, but much cozier." She ran a delicate hand through her golden hair, "I might actually like having dinner here more than in the Grand Hall." She added, "I'll bring Persephone here next time."

Rhea smiled as she sipped on her coffee, "You girls can stay over anytime you want."

"If that's the case, we'll have to prepare much more food." Hestia smiled as she watched Artemis polish off the remaining ice cream and sticky pudding.

Rhea held her arms out to Annabeth and Lacy and laughed when they quickly ran to her. "How about you girls?" she asked as she hugged them close. "Want to have a sleepover?"

"Sure!" chirped Annabeth before she looked at Naruto, "Can we, dad?"

Naruto nodded with a smile, "Of course you can."

"Can we make popcorn and watch a movie?!" Lacy bounced for the thousandth time as she hugged Rhea's arm, "How to Train Your Dragon 2 just came out!"

"Whatever you want, sweetie."

"You should stay over too, Artemis." Demeter snickered as the Goddess of the Hunt finished her dessert. "You'll fall into a food coma soon."

Artemis gave a large, satisfied grin as she nodded. "I'd love to."

"Then we'll leave you all be," said Naruto, holding onto Athena and Aphrodite's hands. "It's been a long day, so I think we'll turn in for the night."

Rhea smiled and nodded, "Of course. Get some rest."

Naruto held his loves close and kissed their heads, "Shall we?"

"Yes," replied Athena as she led Naruto away. "I'm quite tired."

But Aphrodite didn't budge.

"Dite?"

The Goddess of Love heatedly stared at her daughter and Artemis.

"Real dragons aren't this cute, Lacy." Artemis wrapped her arms around Lacy as the girl showed her a picture of the dragon Toothless. "Well, maybe some of the hatchlings could be considered cute, but they grow really quickly. In a matter of weeks, they turn into huge monsters the size of commercial planes."

"Even if they're huge, they could still be cute!"

"What other animals do you like?"

Lacy tilted her head again, making Artemis hug her closer. "I like kitties and doggies, too. Ooh, and ponies and bears!"

Artemis laughed, "You'll have a lot of fun at my camp. We have so many dogs and cats and I can teach you how to ride a horse, too! Most of the girls there are older than you and your sister, but they are all very nice and you will make a lot of friends!"

"That sounds so fun!"

Aphrodite calmly turned to a nervous looking Naruto and amused Athena. "You two go on ahead. I have to stay and protect my legacy."

"Dite," muttered Naruto softly.

"Just think of it like the girls joining the girl scouts." She won't admit it, but Athena nearly flinched when Aphrodite turned to glare at her. "Come, Aphrodite. It's not like Artemis would have them hunt monsters."

"No way in Tartarus would my daughters join those deer poop sniffers."

Athena rolled her eyes. "Do as you please."

Naruto gave Aphrodite one more kiss, "I'll see you later at home."

Aphrodite smacked Naruto's butt before she made her way to her daughter.

Athena sighed again, "This has been too long a day."


Naruto could scarcely believe that less than a day had gone by since the morning. It felt as if weeks had gone since he'd last slept, and the welcomed sight of his bed turned his body to jelly. But with great determination and will, he managed a quick shower before changing into his sleepwear. He could already feel the crisp coolness of his sheets and the warmth of his comforter before a pair of slender arms wrapped themselves around his waist.

The delightful scent of lavender filled his senses and he tenderly caressed her hands, until he felt them tremble.

"Athena," he whispered as he turned around in her embrace. "What's wrong?"

"You've made a habit of exceeding my expectations." Wavering grey eyes stared into his own as she rested against his chest. "I've made countless projections in my mind regarding how to handle my father, and not even in my last contingencies do I have you confront him alone." Naruto placed a gentle hand on her cheek, and she leaned into his touch. "I couldn't risk losing you."

"I'm sorry, Athena." He wrapped an arm around her and held tight. "I didn't want to worry you and Dite. But it is time I finally take some responsibility for myself."

"Don't say it like you burden us."

"I don't mean it that way. I mean the burden of telling your father shouldn't be yours to bear. It's not fair to you or Dite to have to stand between your two families. The last thing I want to be is to become a rift between father and child." He softly kissed her head and combed his fingers through her hair, "If I'm to be your husband, then I can't idly stand by and let you carry everything."

"But what if he killed you?" Even saying those words sent a chill down Athena's spine.

"Impossible," he whispered, pausing until she looked into his eyes. "You may not have noticed, but my powers are returning at an incredible pace. They are focused and concentrated now, and I was certain that he wouldn't have been able to harm me."

Athena quickly deduced the situation, "So you're now at full power?"

"Nearly, but still enough." Naruto swallowed and rested his forehead against hers, "I am still in a position where I pose an invisible threat of everyone around me, but I now control enough of my powers that it can be used as a bargaining chip. I simply gave your father an offer he'd be foolish to refuse."

"Confidence and assertiveness are often found in the greatest of heroes, but less so in the fortunate." She kissed him tenderly in his lips, "I much as I respect those who could out-maneuver me, please tell me the next time you do something so reckless."

Naruto nodded, "I promise," he whispered as he returned with a kiss. "From now on, we'll make these decisions together."

"I…" she whispered, "I can't lose you, Naruto."

"I won't ever let you lose me." He whispered against her lips, "From now on, you're stuck with me."

"I love you."

"I love you, too."


The End!

*To clarify, in this universe, like in some cases of mythology I found, Zeus adopted Aphrodite as a daughter after she married Hephaestus.

Well, that the end of chapter 23. As usual, I'm sorry it took so long, but I'm finally getting some of my grove back.

I hope to update again very soon.

Thank you all for sticking around.

Please leave a review!