Summary

Percy follows the van that Zoe and the others took. While following them, Mr. D shows up and entangles Percy and his mount in vines. He scolds Percy for being a hero, talking about another son of Poseidon that had claimed to be a hero, only to abandon the woman that he loved. Mr. D goes on to say that heroes only care about themselves and their quests. He lets Percy go, remarking that he is just like the other heroes and only cares about his own glory.

Percy gets closer and spies on the group. Grover had cast a tracking spell, which led them not to the west as expected, but towards Washington. Percy continues to follow them; dismissing Blackjack once they go to the Smithsonian. Before he can follow them, Percy spots Dr. Thorn going into a different museum. Using his invisibility...