As dawn approaches outside Westover Hall, the Hunters break camp while Percy worries the school will notice the missing students and Dr. Thorn. Bianca speaks privately with Nico about joining the Hunters, and Percy judges her decision as selfish because it leaves Nico behind.

Percy tells Thalia and Grover what Artemis said. Grover is uneasy because the Hunters' last visit to Camp Half-Blood went badly, while Thalia blames Zoë for convincing Bianca to join. Artemis waits for her brother Apollo, who arrives in a blazing red Maserati that melts the snow around it.

Apollo jokes with Artemis, recites a bad haiku, and agrees to carry the Hunters, Percy, Thalia, Grover, and Nico to Camp Half-Blood while Artemis goes hunting alone. Artemis warns Zoë to lead the Hunters in her absence, says the dangerous beast must be found, and disappears into the snowy woods.

Apollo transforms the sports car into a shuttle bus to fit everyone. Nico enthusiastically questions Apollo about the sun, and Apollo explains that the sun chariot is a manifestation of human belief and solar power. Apollo then chooses Thalia, Zeus's daughter, to drive after revealing that she is nearly sixteen, though Thalia clearly does not want the responsibility.

Thalia panics while driving the sun bus, revealing a serious fear of heights. Her uncontrolled speed and altitude cause the vehicle to scorch parts of New England, melt snow, and nearly set a town on fire before cold air puts the flames out. Apollo tries to stay calm but becomes increasingly worried as the trip grows dangerous.

When Camp Half-Blood comes into view, Thalia insists she has control, but Apollo finally shouts for her to brake. Thalia slams the bus into the camp's canoe lake, boiling up steam, frightening naiads, and melting canoes. Apollo pretends everything went fine and suggests they check whether anyone important was boiled.