All the half-bloods were gathered round the campfire when Chiron decided to make an announcement. Nico di Angelo stood in the shadows of the trees, his usual whereabouts at the camp. He had decided on staying there for the announcement but a quick glare from a certain son of Apollo made him change his mind. He trudged over to the campfire and sat on a wooden log in the corner. Will Solace gave a satisfied nod at him, then turned his attention, like everyone else, to Chiron.

Chiron was smiling, but it didn't look like a joyful smile. In fact, it looked like a pitying seemed the other campers noticed this too, for they started to whisper to one another and some even looked fearful.

"My dear campers," Chiron sighed."I'm afraid to bring you some bad, but not entirely terrible news." He paused for effect."The oracle has issued a new quest."

This caused chaos to erupt among the fellow demigods. Even Nico was shocked. There hadn't been a quest at Camp Half-Blood since they had defeated Gaia. Chiron held up a hand and silence fell.

"Theres no need to panic," he stated."The oracle has already chosen the leader of the quest, which only leaves two other individuals."

Chaos erupted once more.

"Who is it?"

"Why now-"

"What does it-"

"SILENCE!"

The campers shut up as Chiron took a deep breath.

"The oracle has chosen Nico di Angelo to lead this quest."

Nico froze as every eye turned to him in disbelief. He knew what they were thinking and one hundred percent agreed. There was no way he could lead a quest. Especially not with two others following him. He wasn't a leader. He was a son of Hades who avoided any socialising with people. He had even heard a few people call him an emo. He had to look up what that meant and wasn't too happy with the results.

"Now then,"Chiron said, rubbing his forehead."Nico will need two others to accompany him on this quest."

Will Solace stood up immediatly.

"I believe a healer may be needed on this quest,sir.I would like to volunteer."

His quick statement dew a couple of snickers from the Aphrodite cabin. Chiron looked at him thoughtfully for a moment.

"That may be a good idea, Solace. But it's Nico's choice..."

Nico cleared his throat.

"Solace can accompany me on this quest... And so can Clarisse La Rue. I'm gonna need a fighter on this quest I assume, whatever the quest may happen to be."

Clarisse was the only other person at this camp that had made Nico feel slightly more welcomed. Chiron nodded.

"That all seems acceptable. You leave in the morning. Nico, Will and Clarisse, could you please meet me in my headquarters in the next hour?"

All three nodded simultaneously. Chiron then turned and trotted away from the campfire. Nico glanced over at Will, who grinned at him and waved. Nico shook his head in frustration. This was going to be fun.