Percy may bring two companions on the quest. He chooses Grover, and Annabeth volunteers. Armed with gifts from the gods, the three prepare to leave. Annabeth has a cap of invisibility from Athena. Chiron gives Percy Riptide, the sword-pen he killed Mrs. Dodds with, and Luke offers Percy a pair of winged sneakers that were a gift from Hermes. Chiron warns Percy against using the shoes. The air is Zeus’s domain, and for Percy to fly “would not be wise for you” (152). Percy gives the shoes to Grover.

Camp security takes Grover, Percy, and Annabeth to New York City so they can catch a bus. After Percy and his friends get on the bus, Mrs. Dodds and two identical women (the three Furies) board. Percy hides but reveals himself when it looks like Annabeth and Grover are in danger. The fight that follows causes the bus driver to crash, and Percy gets everyone off the bus just before it explodes. Mrs. Dodds calls for reinforcements, forcing Percy and his friends to flee.

Percy and Annabeth argue about Percy getting involved in the fight on the bus. A bit later, Annabeth apologizes and explains that if Percy dies the quest ends and this might be her “only chance to see the real world” (169).