Nico fisted his hands in his pockets and made his way up the hill to Chirons new headquarters (as the old one had been destroyed in the last battle). He had never led a quest before and it slightly scared him. That was why he needed Clarisse with him. That girl could stand her ground and wouldn't let anyone get in her way. And as for Will... well, a healer was needed, and it was convenient to bring one he knew. At least that's what he was trying to tell himself.

As he reached the top of the hill he noticed Clarisse was already standing there, with a fierce yet not entirely unaproachable look on her face. Her short blonde hair was hidden underneath a crimson red scarf, and this only added to her angry look.

"What's up, punk," she asked, crossing her arms across her chest and leaning back against the cabin wall.

"The sky," Nico muttered sarcastically.

She raised an eyebrow, visibly impressed by his quick comeback. That was one thing about Clarisse: she wouldn't mind if you were acting like an idiot as long as it wasn't aimed at her.

"You know, you need some new clothes," she stated casually. "You're jeans are starting to fray at the edges and your top has holes in it. You'll never catch a girlfriend if you carry on this way."

Nico froze, his heart quickening ever so slightly.

"Maybe I'm not ready for a girlfriend."

She grunted.

"Eh, you're probably right, punk." She looked around. " Do you know where Solace is? He said he would be here and he's late."

Just as she spoke, a shout came from down the hill. There was Will, running up it like an athlete training for the Olympics. The sun glistened on his golden blonde hair and Nico found he couldn't take his eyes off it. Will bounded to a halt just in front of them.

"Sorry I'm late guys," he gasped. "Drew Tanaka from the Aphrodite cabin tried to interrogate me about the quest."

"Oh really" Clarisse scowled. "I hope you told that prissy princess to mind her own business?"

Will shrugged with a grin.

"I told her that if she didn't leave me alone I would get the Travis brothers to switch her shampoo with hair dye."

Clarisse laughed and even Nico smirked. He had never talked to the Tanaka girl but she hadn't been the nicest to some people he had spoken to. Will turned his attention to Nico.

"Thanks for bringing me on this quest, it's my first one."

Nico looked surprised.

"I would've thought you'd been on at least a few quests," he exclaimed.

Wills mouth turned up at the corners.

"Nah, I may have been at this camp for five years, but the oracle never.. um.. mentioned me."

Nico felt sorry for him. It must suck to be left at the camp while others went out and fulfilled amazing feats and quests. Then again, the peace and quiet would have been great. Suddenly the door to the cabin opened and Chiron, who was standing behind it, beckoned them in.