The Titans Curse: Apollo's Daughter

Dreams Can Be Dangerous

Skyler's POV

"Whoa," Nico said as he climbed off the bus. "Is that a climbing wall?"

"Yeah," I said softly.

"Why is there lava pouring down it?"

"Little extra challenge," Percy answered. "Now, come on. I'll introduce you to Chiron. Zoe, have you met—"

"I know Chiron," Zoe said stiffly. "Tell him we will be in Cabin Eight. Hunters, follow me."

"I'll show you the way," Grover offered.

"We know the way."

"Oh, really, it's no trouble. It's easy to get lost here if you don't" he tripped over a canoe and came up still talking "like my old daddy goat used to say! Come on!"

Zoe rolled her eyes, but I guess she figured there was no getting rid of Grover. The Hunters shouldered their packs and their bows and headed off toward the cabins. As Bianca di Angelo was leaving, she leaned over and whispered something in her brother's ear. She looked at him for an answer, but Nico just scowled and turned away. 

"Take care, sweethearts!" Apollo called after the Hunters. He looked at Percy the same way as all parents size up their child's boyfriend or girlfriend. 

"Watch it, Percy. I'll see you soon."

"What do you mean?" Percy asked.

"Skyler..." Apollo looked down at me, his smile large and bright like the rest of my half siblings. "Be good." and in the blink of an eye, my father was gone and so was the sun chariot.

Percy placed his hand on my back "You okay?"

"Yea," I mumbled forcing a smile onto my face.

"Who's Chiron?" Nico asked. "I don't have his figurine."

"Our activities director," I said with a small smile to the younger boy.

"He's... well, you'll see."

"If those Hunter girls don't like him," Nico grumbled, "that's good enough for me. Let's go."

Mr. D, the camp director, and Chiron were playing a quiet game of cards in the parlor of the big house.

He smiled when he saw us. "Percy, Skyler, Thalia! Ah, and this must be--"

"Nico di Angelo," I said. "He and his sister are half-bloods."

Chiron breathed a sigh of relief. "You succeeded, then."

"Well..." Thalia mumbled from the doorway

His smile melted. "What's wrong? And where is Annabeth?"

"Oh, dear," Mr. D said in a bored voice, "Not another one lost."

"What do you mean?" Thalia asked.

"Who else is lost?" I questioned.

Just then, Grover trotted into the room, grinning like crazy. He had a black eye and redlines on his face that looked like a slap mark. "The Hunters are all moved in!"

Chiron frowned. "The Hunters, eh? I see we have much to talk about."

He glanced at Nico."Grover, perhaps you should take our young friend to the den and show him our orientation film."

"But... Oh, right. Yes, sir."

"Orientation film?" Nico asked. "Is it G or PG? 'Cause Bianca is kinda strict--"