Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief Nick Concutelli Aerosmith Chapter 16, “We take a zebra to Vegas”

Ares is waiting for Percy, Annabeth, and Grover back at the diner. Percy tells Ares that he's a jerk. Ares taunts and teases them, but shows them their ride west: "Kindness International: Humane Zoo Transport.

Ares tells Percy that his mom isn't dead; she's being kept as a hostage. He says that someone is using Sally Jackson in order to control Percy. Percy insults Ares, and Ares almost flips out. Instead, he leaves on his Harley.

There, they find three of the saddest and loneliest looking animals you have ever seen an antelope-looking animal, a zebra, and an albino lion. They are in cages, and the antelope and zebra have meat in their bowls, while the lion has turnips.

It turns out Grover was the satyr assigned to help rescue Thalia and get her safely to Camp Half-Blood when she was attacked on Half-Blood Hill. The other two friends with Thalia at the time were Annabeth and Luke. Grover was told that he had failed in his mission. Thalia had died because of him. He is truly sad about this.

Annabeth and Percy try to cheer him up. Annabeth tells him she wouldn't be alive without him. Percy tells him he has the biggest heart in the history of the universe, and that's why he'll find Pan. Percy asks Annabeth about the ring she wears around her neck.

Percy has another nightmare: he dreams he's taking a standardized test in a straitjacket. He hasn't even picked up his pencil yet, because he can't. A girl he recognizes as Thalia is sitting next to him and says, "well, Seaweed Brain? One of us has to get out of here“. The truck has stopped in Las Vegas, and the truckers are coming to check on the animals.

The zebra talks to Percy, calls him "lord," and begs him to free him. Percy remembers that his dad created horses and realizes that is why he can understand the zebra. Annabeth, Percy, and Grover free the animals. Grover blesses them before they leave so that they will find their freedom safely. The zebra bows to Percy.

A bellhop approaches them and gives them casino credit cards with an unlimited amount of credit: "The bill's taken care of. No extra charges, no tips“ Percy has a nagging feeling that he should talk to his friends about something, but he also figures it can wait. Percy polls a few other guests, and he realizes they are all from different years.

After a lot of effort, Percy lures Annabeth and Grover out of the casino. On the way out, the bellhop offers them Platinum cards, saying that they are opening a whole new floor full of new games for Platinum members. The three leave as fast as they can. Percy checks a newspaper: it is June 20th. They have been at the Lotus Casino for five days. They have one day left before their quest deadline is up.

Quiz (1) What kind of lion was on the truck with them? (2) Why is Grover very upset? (3) Why did they have to leave the casino. (4) Why did Percy get mad at Aries?