The Sunlit Stars

Chapter 8: The Journey Begins

### Chapter 8: The Journey Begins

Author's Note -:

Salve readers ! I apologize for delivering the chapter so late. I had been suffering from Writer's block.

Thank you for sticking with Nico and Will so far! In this chapter, our Heroes have embarked on their journey, and the tension between them is starting to build. The dynamic between Nico and Will is one of my favorite aspects to write, and I hope you're enjoying their evolving relationship. 

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Nico's POV:

It was the day they had to leave for the Quest. He hadn't taken anything except his black stygian iron sword  because that was what he just needed.

But a-certain-son-Of-Apollo insisted on stuffing their bag with supplies. 

"Solace, do you really need to bring all that?" Nico's voice had a sharp edge to it, his patience clearly thinning.

"Yes, Death Boy, we do," Will replied with a smirk, tossing in another set of ambrosia squares. "We need to be prepared for anything."

Nico rolled his eyes. "We're just getting a magical relic. It's like you're packing for a whole battalion."

Will paused, looking at Nico seriously. "You know it's not that simple. The camp's weakening, and we don't know what we'll face out there. Better to have too much than too little."

With a sigh, Nico relented. He watched as Will continued to pack the bag, marveling at how much it could hold. "This thing might be endless," he muttered.

Will grinned. "It is endless. Cool, huh?"

Nico rolled his eyes. "This is ridiculous. It's like you're packing for a month-long vacation."

Will chuckled. "Well, you never know. Besides, this bag is enchanted. It's not just endless; it's weightless."

Before Nico could have answered this-annoying-son-of-Apollo , their conversation was interrupted by Percy, who entered the cabin. "Guys, Chiron wants to see you. Annabeth's got some info and gear for your quest."

Nico and Will followed Percy to the Big House, where Chiron was waiting. Annabeth stood nearby along with Jason and Piper, holding a shimmering parchment map.

Chiron led them  away from the group in the Big House.

"Thank you for coming," Chiron greeted him. "It's time for the Quest . There's an urgent need to retrieve a magical relic to strengthen the camp's barriers..."

After a few minutes , Chiron was pacing back and forth, his hooves echoing softly on the wooden floor of the Big House. Nico and Will stood before him, determined looks etched on their faces.

"Are you both certain about this?" Chiron asked, his voice heavy with concern. "A quest of two... it's risky. Three is the sacred number for a reason."

Nico crossed his arm. "We can handle it, Chiron. We don't need a third."

Will nodded in agreement. "We've faced plenty of dangers. We know how to watch each other's backs."

Chiron sighed, looking at them both. "I understand your confidence, but remember, the prophecy is vague. A choice and a sacrifice... these are not light matters. Adding a third member could balance things."