Theo's POV
Artemis assured us that dawn was coming, but you could've fooled me. It was colder and darker and snowier than ever. Up on the hill, Westover Hall's windows were completely lightless. I wondered if the teachers had even noticed the di Angelos and Dr. Thorn were missing yet. I didn't want to be around when they did. All it takes is one person to mention Percy Jackson's name on national television, and all of a sudden, he's a terrorist.
The Hunters broke camp as quickly as they'd set it up. Percy stood shivering in the snow (unlike the Hunters, who didn't seem to feel at all uncomfortable, like I was), and Artemis stared into the east like she was expecting something. Bianca sat off to one side, talking with Nico. I could tell from his gloomy face that she was explaining her decision to join the Hunt. I couldn't help thinking how selfish it was of her, abandoning her brother like that.
Thalia and Grover came up and huddled around me and Percy, anxious to hear what had happened in our audience with the goddess.
When we told them, Grover turned pale.
Grover: The last time the Hunters visited camp, it didn't go well. And you're really just going to let them have cabin 8 for themselves, Theo?
Theo: I didn't want to risk pissing off some immortal warriors who could kill me in my sleep, so I'm staying in Percy's cabin.
Percy: How'd they even show up here? I mean, they just appeared out of nowhere.
Thalia: And Bianca joined them. "It's all Zoe's fault. That stuck-up, no-good bitch. (turns to Theo) I don't care that she might've saved your life, that's all she is.
Grover: Who can blame her? Eternity with Artemis?
Thalia: (rolls her eyes) You satyrs. You're all in love with Artemis. Don't you get that she'll never love you back?
Grover: But she's so...into nature.
Thalia: You're nuts.
Grover: Nuts and berries. Yeah.
Thalia: (sighs, then turns to Theo) What about you? You really think she actually knows who took David?
Theo: You didn't see the look on her face when she read the note, Thalia. She definitely knows who did it, and it terrifies her.
Percy: I don't get it. Who else apart from Kronos could scare a god?
Thalia, Grover, and I shared a look, knowing the answer.
Theo: Someone who managed to hurt said god way worse than any monster ever could.
Percy widened his eyes a bit, realizing what I meant.
Finally, the sky began to lighten.
Artemis: About time. He's so-o-o lazy during the winter.
Percy: You're, um, waiting for sunrise?
Artemis: For my brother. Yes.
Percy looked confused.
Artemis: It's not exactly as you think.
Percy: Oh, okay. So, it's not like he'll be pulling up in a—
There was a sudden burst of light on the horizon. A blast of warmth.
Artemis: Don't look. Not until he parks.
Parks?
I averted my eyes and saw that the other kids were doing the same. The light and warmth intensified until my winter coat felt like it was melting off of me. Then suddenly the light died.
I looked. And I couldn't believe it. It was a red convertible Maserati Spyder. It was so awesome it glowed. Then I realized it was glowing because the metal was hot. The snow had melted around the Maserati in a perfect circle, which explained why I was now standing on green grass and my shoes were wet.
The driver got out, smiling. He looked about seventeen or eighteen, and for a second, I had the uneasy feeling it was Luke, my old enemy. This guy had the same sandy hair and outdoorsy good looks. But it wasn't Luke. This guy was taller, with no scar on his face like Luke's. His smile was brighter and more playful. The Maserati driver wore jeans, loafers, and a sleeveless T-shirt.
Thalia: Wow. Apollo is hot.
I gave Thalia a weird look.
Theo: You do realize that's my uncle, right?
Thalia just shrugged.
Theo: Just keep your little crush to yourself, Thunderstruck.
I looked back at the car.
Theo: That's a beautiful machine, though. 4.2-liter V8. 396 horsepower. Top speed of 176 miles per hour, 0-60 in 4.9 seconds.
Now it was Thalia's turn to give me a weird look.
Theo: What? I know a sweet ride when I see it.
Thalia rolled her eyes.
Apollo: Sister!
If his teeth were any whiter, he could've blinded us without the sun car.
Apollo: What's up? You never call. You never write. I was getting worried!
Artemis: (sighs) I'm fine, Apollo. And I am not your little sister.
Apollo: Hey, I was born first.
Artemis: We're twins! How many millennia do we have to argue—
Apollo: So, what's up? Got the girls with you, I see. You all need some tips on archery?
Artemis: I need a favor. I have some hunting to do, alone. I need you to take my companions to Camp Half-Blood.
Apollo: Sure, sis!
Then he raised his hands in a stop-everything gesture.
Apollo: I feel a haiku coming on.
The Hunters all groaned. Apparently, they'd met Apollo before.
He cleared his throat and held up one hand dramatically.
Apollo: Green grass breaks through snow.
Artemis pleads for my help.
I am so cool.
He grinned at us, waiting for applause.
Artemis: That last line was only four syllables.
Apollo: Was it?
Artemis: Yes. What about I am so big-headed?
I snorted.
Apollo: No, no, that's six syllables. Hmm...
Zoe Nightshade turned to us.
Zoe: Lord Apollo has been going through this haiku phase ever since he visited Japan. 'Tis not as bad as the time he visited Limerick. If I'd had to hear one more poem that started with, There once was a goddess from Sparta—
Apollo: I've got it! I am so awesome. That's five syllables!
He bowed, looking very pleased with himself.
Apollo: And now, sis. Transportation for the Hunters, you say? Good timing. I was just about ready to roll.
Artemis: These demigods will also need a ride. Some of Chiron's campers.
She pointed at us.
Apollo: No problem!
He looked over and smiled widely once he saw me.
Apollo: And that must be my dear nephew. Come here, buddy!
He put me in a headlock and ruffled my hair.
Theo: Alright, alright. It's good to see you, Unc.
I gently pushed Apollo off me, and I couldn't help but smile a bit.
Apollo: Look at you. Last I saw you, you were the size of a grapefruit. You definitely look a lot like your mom, but I can still see a bit of your old man in you.
Theo: (smiles softly) Thanks.
Apollo: (turns to Thalia) Let's see...Thalia, right? I've heard all about you.
Thalia: (blushes) Hi, Lord Apollo.
Apollo: Zeus's girl, yes? Makes you my half-sister. Used to be a tree, didn't you? Glad you're back. I hate it when pretty girls turn into trees. Man, I remember one time—
Artemis: Brother. You should get going.
Apollo: Oh, right.
Then he looked at Percy and his eyes narrowed.
Apollo: Percy Jackson?
Percy: Yeah. I mean...yes, sir.
Apollo studied him but didn't say anything.
Apollo: Well! We'd better load up, huh? Ride only goes one way—west. And if you miss it, you miss it.
I looked at the Maserati. As much as I would like to be in one of these, it couldn't fit over twenty of us.
Nico: Cool car.
Apollo: Thanks, kid.
Nico: But how will we all fit?
Apollo seemed to notice the problem for the first time.
Apollo: Oh. Well, yeah. I hate to change out of sports car mode, but I suppose...
He took out his car keys and beeped the security alarm button. Chirp, chirp.
For a moment, the car glowed brightly again. When the glare died, the Maserati had been replaced by one of those Turtle Top shuttle buses.
Apollo: Right. Everybody in.
Zoe ordered the Hunters to start loading. She picked up her camping pack.
Apollo: Here, sweetheart. Let me get that.
Zoe recoiled. Her eyes flashed murderously.
Yeah, it was probably a good thing I'm not staying in the same cabin as her and the Hunters.
Artemis: Brother, you do not help my Hunters. You do not look at, talk to, or flirt with my Hunters. And you do not call them sweetheart.
Apollo: Sorry. I forgot. Hey, sis, where are you off to, anyway?
Artemis: Hunting. It's none of your business.
Apollo: I'll find out. I see all. Know all.
Artemis: (snorts) Just drop them off, Apollo. And no messing around!
Apollo: No, no! I never mess around.
Artemis rolled her eyes, then looked at us.
Artemis: I will see you by winter solstice. Zoe, you are in charge of the Hunters. Do well. Do as I would do.
Zoe: Yes, my lady.
Artemis knelt and touched the ground as if looking for tracks. When she rose, she looked troubled.
Artemis: So much danger. The beast must be found.
Theo: Mom?
Artemis looked at me.
Theo: If you find David and Annabeth...make sure they're safe...please?
Artemis let out a shaky break and nodded before sprinting toward the woods and melting into the snow and shadows.
Apollo turned and grinned, jangling the car keys on his finger.
Apollo: So, you wanna drive, nephew?
I was tempted to take the keys, but I didn't want to. Driving a McLaren is one thing, but driving the Sun Chariot is something else entirely. Besides, I didn't want to risk being known as the dumbass half-blood who crashed the Sun Chariot.
Theo: No, I'm good just being a passenger for now.
Apollo: Alright, suit yourself. Any other takers?
Percy's POV
The Hunters piled into the van. They all crammed into the back, so they'd be as far away as possible from Apollo and the rest of us highly infectious males, Bianca sat with them, leaving her little brother to hang in the front with us, which seemed cold to me, but Nico didn't seem to mind.
Nico: This is so cool! Is this really the sun? I thought Helios and Selene were the sun and moon gods. How come sometimes it's them and sometimes it's you and Artemis?
Apollo: Downsizing. The Romans started it. They couldn't afford all those temple sacrifices, so they laid off Helios and Selene and folded their duties into our job descriptions. My sis got the moon. I got the sun. It was pretty annoying at first, but at least I got this cool car.
Nico: But how does it work? I thought the sun was a big fiery ball of gas!
Apollo chuckled and ruffled Nico's hair.
Apollo: That rumor probably got started because Artemis used to call me a big fiery ball of gas. Seriously, kid, it depends on whether you're talking astronomy or philosophy. You want to talk astronomy? Bah, what fun is that? You want to talk about how humans think about the sun? Ah, now that's more interesting. They've got a lot riding on the sun...er, so to speak. It keeps them warm, grows their crops, powers engines, makes everything look, well, sunnier. This chariot is built out of human dreams about the sun, kid. It's as old as Western Civilization. Every day, it drives across the sky from east to west, lighting up all those puny little mortal lives. The chariot is a manifestation of the sun's power, the way mortals perceive it. Make sense?
Nico: (shakes his head) No.
Apollo: Well then, just think of it as a really powerful, really dangerous solar car.
Nico: Can I drive?
Apollo: No. Too young.
Grover: (raises his hand) Oo! Oo!
Apollo: Mm, no. Too furry.
He glanced at Theo, who shook his head, and he looked past me, then his eyes landed on Thalia.
Apollo: Daughter of Zeus! Lord of the Sky. Perfect.
Thalia: (shakes her head) Oh, no. No, thanks.
Apollo: C'mon. How old are you?
Thalia: I...I'm not sure.
It was sad but true. She'd been turned into a tree when she was twelve, but that had been seven years ago. So, she should be nineteen, if you went by years. But she still felt like she was twelve, and if you looked at her, she seemed somewhere in between. The best Chiron could figure, she had kept aging while in tree form, but much more slowly.
Apollo tapped his finger to his lips.
Apollo: You're fifteen. Almost sixteen.
Thalia: How do you know that?
Apollo: Hey, I'm the god of prophecy. I know stuff. You'll turn sixteen in about a week.
Thalia: That's my birthday. December twenty-second.
Apollo: Which means you're old enough now to drive with a learner's permit.
Thalia: Uh—
Apollo: I know what you're going to say. You don't deserve an honor like driving the Sun Chariot.
Thalia: That's not what I was going to say.
Apollo: Don't sweat it! Maine to Long Island is a really short trip, and don't worry about what happened to the last kid I trained. You're Zeus's daughter. He's not going to blast you out of the sky.
Apollo laughed good-naturedly. The rest of us didn't join him.
Thalia tried to protest, but Apollo was absolutely not going to take "no" for an answer. He hit a button on the dashboard, and a sign popped up along the top of the windshield. I had to read it backward (which, for a dyslexic, really isn't that different than reading forward). I was pretty sure it said WARNING: STUDENT DRIVER.
Apollo: Take it away! You're gonna be a natural!
I'll admit I was jealous. I couldn't wait to start driving. A couple of times that fall, my mom had taken me out to Montauk when the beach road was empty, and she'd let me try out her Mazda. I mean, yeah, that was a Japanese compact, and this was the sun chariot, but how different could it be?
Apollo: Speed equals heat. So, start slowly, and make sure you've got good altitude before you really open her up.
Thalia gripped the wheel so tight her knuckles turned white. She looked like she was going to be sick.
Percy: What's wrong?
Thalia: Nothing. N-Nothing is wrong.
I looked at Theo, and I knew that he knew what was wrong with Thalia. Those got along very well ever since Thalia had come out of her tree.
She pulled back on the wheel. It tilted, and the bus lurched upward so fast that I fell back and crashed against something soft.
Grover: Ow.
Percy: Sorry.
Apollo: Slower!
Thalia: Sorry! I've got it under control!
I managed to get to my feet. Looking out the window, I saw a smoking ring of trees from the clearing where we'd taken off.
Percy: Thalia, lighten up on the accelerator.
Thalia: I got it, Percy!
But she kept it floored.
Theo: Loosen up!
Thalia: I'M LOOSE!
She was so stiff she looked like she was made out of plywood.
Apollo: We need to veer south for Long Island. Hang a left!
Thalia jerked the wheel and again threw me into Theo.
Theo: Get off!
Apollo: The other left!
I made the mistake of looking out the window again. We were at airplane height now—so high the sky was starting to look black.
Apollo: Ah. A little lower, sweetheart. Cape Cod is freezing over.
Thalia tilted the wheel. Her face was chalk white, her forehead beaded with sweat. Something was definitely wrong. I'd never seen her like this.
The bus pitched down and somebody screamed in a high pitch. Maybe it was Grover.
Now we were heading straight toward the Atlantic Ocean at a thousand miles an hour, the New England coastline off to our right. And it was getting hot in the bus.
Apollo had been thrown somewhere in the back of the bus, but he started climbing up the rows of seats.
Grover: TAKE THE WHEEL!
Apollo: No worries. She just needs to—WHOA!
I saw what he was seeing. Down below us was a little snow-covered New England town. At least, it used to be snow-covered. As I watched, the snow melted off the trees, the roofs, and the lawns. The white steeple of a church turned brown and started to smolder. Little plumes of smoke, like birthday candles, were popping up all over the town. Trees and rooftops were catching fire.
Percy: PULL UP!
There was a wild light in Thalia's eyes. She yanked back on the wheel, and I held on this time. As we zoomed up, I could see through the back window that the fires in the town were being snuffed out by the sudden blast of cold.
Apollo: There! Long Island, dead ahead. Let's slow down, dear. 'Dead' is only an expression.
Thalia was thundering toward the coastline of northern Long Island. There was Camp Half-Blood: the valley, the woods, the beach. I could see the dining pavilion and cabins and the amphitheater.
Thalia: I'm under control...I'm under control...
We were only a few hundred yards away now.
Apollo: Brake.
Thalia: I can do this.
Apollo: BRAKE!
Thalia slammed her foot on the brake, and the sun bus pitched forward at a forty-five-degree angle, slamming into the Camp Half-Blood canoe lake with a huge FLOOOOOOSH! Steam billowed up, sending several frightened naiads scrambling out of the water with half-woven wicker baskets.
A lot of the Hunters were thrown forward on the floor, while Theo flew all the way to the front of the bus, and landed right next to Thalia.
The bus bobbed to the surface, along with a couple of capsized, half-melted canoes.
Everyone groaned as they got up. Theo got up and glared at Thalia, who looked sheepish and apologetic.
Thalia: Sorry.
Theo: Next time, I'm driving.
Thalia: Yep. That's...That's fair.
Apollo: Well. You were right, my dear. You had everything under control! Let's go see if we boiled anyone important, shall we?