We spent the next few hours talking about normal demigod things, such as training and monster hunting. He described Camp Half-Blood and told me stories about his friends there, both funny and sad.
"I bet you I can beat you in a race up the climbing wall." He seemed pretty smug.
"I don't think so. Don't underestimate me Mr. di Angelo."
He just laughed. I couldn't wait to get to camp and kick his ass at rock climbing.
Time seemed to move faster. I don't know if it was because of the conversation or not, but soon the truck was on empty. Nico said we were somewhere in Virginia.
"Hey, do you mind if I Iris Message my dad really quick?" I asked.
"No, not at all. I'll just go get something to eat for us and maybe look for some bus tickets."
I wandered around and eventually found an isolated fountain in a park and threw in my drachma. "Oh Iris, goddess of the rainbow, receive my offering. Show me Matthew White in Tampa, Florida."
My dad shimmered into view. He was sitting on a beach, looking out into the ocean. It was the first time I had seen him in weeks, and he looked better than he had in a long time. He turned, looking surprised by my presence. He broke out into a grin.
"Skye!"
"Hi Daddy, you look great! How is everything?"
"Better now that I've seen you. The beach is relaxing, and it helps to be around your grandma and grandpa. Enough about me! What is going on with you?"
"Well, I'm on my way to Camp Half-Blood."
My dad looked shocked, but didn't say anything. He waited for me to elaborate.
"Some threat is building, and the gods think I can help protect the demigods. Apollo sent a son of Hades as a guide to camp. We're over halfway there now."
"A son of Hades? Is everything alright?"
"Yes, he is a very good fighter. I trust him."
This seemed to calm him down. He is the one who always said I have a way with relationships. I can always tell when someone is trustworthy, lying, or even if they are a moral person. I can usually know when bad things are about to happen, such as the attack by the woods, and I know if someone is magical, whether it is a monster, a god, or a demigod.
"I'm going to be pretty busy these next few weeks, and I don't want you to be worried if I don't contact you, alright?"
"I'm always worried about you, Skye. It's a father thing." He smiled. I have to admit it was great to him again, especially in a good mood.
"Take care, daddy. I told you I would come back for you, and I will. I won't fail this time, I promise."
His face grew somber. "You didn't fail anyone, you know that. Nothing was your fault, and we both know everything happens for a reason. If anything, Apollo has taught me that. Pick your head up, Skye, and move forward. You have done your best, and I know you will succeed." I felt a tear streak down my face. We hadn't spoke about this in years.
"I love you, Dad."
"I love you, too." With that, I ran my fingers through the fountain, cutting the connection.
I turned to find Nico leaning against a tree, watching me. "Sorry, I didn't mean to pry."
I quickly wiped my face. "Did you find bus tickets?"
"Yeah I did actually. It leaves in a few hours and will take us to New York. From there, we can just call the Grey Sisters, or we can shadow travel."
I began to walk towards civilization, aware of him following me. I stopped outside a run-down restaurant, hoping to get something to eat before the bus ride. "Burgers on me?" Nico asked.
I didn't know how much he heard, but I hoped it wasn't a lot. I didn't want him to ask me questions about that night. I just nodded, not trusting myself to speak.
He pulled me into a hug. "Hey, I don't know the whole story, but whatever it is, I'm here for you if you need me. I know this is going to turn out okay. I can feel it."
I mumbled thanks and went into the restaurant, knowing he was just trying to make me feel better.
