good night

one

Nico wasn't having it. It should go without saying, but the school system has improved significantly since the 1930s. Sure—he was ten years old and had been in some kind of education system by the time he found out he was a child of one of the most powerful gods . . . but even since then, Nico still isn't excited to go back.

"I don't see the point," he crosses his arms.

"Why not?" Chiron cocks and eyebrow.

"I've helped to fight in two wars against the end of the world, and you want to send me to college?" Nico throws his hands up.

It's been two years since the end of the Second Giant War. Usually, the son of Hades wouldn't retaliate against the centaur, he respected him. But this was incredulous. "Don't you see how trivial it seems?"

"I don't doubt your abilities, Nico," Chiron sighs. "You are a powerful demigod with great abilities, but don't you think someone as capable as you should have an education higher than that of a ten year old in the 1940s?"

Nico's lips tighten into a line.

"Many are going to be there, it's very fortunate for demigods to go to a school where they don't have to fear monsters at every corner." Chiron further explains, "A higher education demigods isn't really common, many gods watch their children pass before they get the opportunity to live to such an age. Your father will be proud—"

"So my dad set you up to this?" Nico raises his eyebrows this time.

"Nico, please, I did not say that," The elder sighs, but the stubborn child already began disappearing into the shadows.

When he emerged, standing in the middle of his father's office. Hades barely looks up from his paperwork.

"You're in an argumentative mood," he muses at his son.

"You're sending me to school?"

Hades sat back in his chair. "Why are you so upset?"

"I don't need to go, I'm your ambassador, I have bigger things to be doing than writing essays about Shakespeare."

"And if you were in school, you'd know he was a son of Apollo."

"You can't be serious."

"Why are you acting as if it's an insult to be going to school?" Hades questions further. "It's what normal mortal kids are doing at your age."

"I can control the dead."

"Nico," His father sighs. "Stop being stubborn."

"Dad—!"

"Why is it so difficult for you to just go to school? I would be proud—your sister would be proud to see you going to school!" Hades snaps. He doesn't raise his voice, he doesn't need to.

Nico's mouth shut. He knows which sister his dad was referring to. Although he is young, his sister was younger when she died. Bianca's smiling face floated into memory. It didn't feel like they were in the lotus hotel for a long time, but she nevertheless cared for him until they were out of their natural time era. Bianca always wanted the best for him.

Nico sighs, rubbing his temples. His argument lost. "Fine," He gives way and agrees. "How many others are going?"

Will is. Back at Camp Half Blood, he agreed instantly and without objection.

"A thousand times, yes!" The son of Apollo has a smile so wide, dimples pierced his cheeks.

"You do understand that this is school we are talking about," Chiron eases. "Although you will be experiencing a new lifestyle across the country, you will have to study hard and make passing grades. Especially since you want to become a doctor."

"I understand completely, Chiron." He could just imagine it. The California hills, the independence, the classes, the opportunity of it all.

The corners of the centaurs lips tilt into an excited smile, matching Will's. His lack of reluctance dramatically contrasting to Nico's sheer stubbornness.

The Apollo cabin's head counselor was notorious for healing and medical assistance. When Chiron opened the door to his office in the big house to deliver the news, Will had no issue with going to school in New Rome. If anything, he is excited.

"You do understand that this isn't just a simple vacation or field trip," Chiron wavers once more. "This is a special educational opportunity."

"No, I completely understand, Chiron!" Will nods. "Thank you."

"My pleasure," the centaur sighs in relief. At least someone is excited about the learning experience.

As Will starts to make his way out of the Big House so he could start packing, Chiron remembered one last request.

"One final thing, Mr. Solace," He winced.

"Yes?"

"I will need a favor."

Will smiles to himself, ready to take advantage of the opportunities given—by any means necessary.

"Anything, sir."

august18,2020