AN: Um, hi there. So it's only been what, four months since I updated? -Hides face in shame.- I'm really sorry about that. But I do want to say, when I finally got on my email and saw all the reviews and favorites for this story, it inspired me to get back into it and write another chapter. So thanks for that, guys. And I promise the next update will come sooner.

"I feel…weird." Apollo said. He poked himself on the arm. "Is that what being mortal feels like? Is this what it's like for you guys all the time? Everything's so dull." He poked himself in the face.

"Yes, welcome to the dull world of mortals. We're so happy to have you." Jason rolled his eyes.

Malcolm, being a good child of Athena, had his intellectual curiosity piqued. "We've always wondered exactly how similar the gods are to mortals, and I have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to find out. Now, when you say dull, do you mean that your senses are more heightened as a god? Do gods have increased visual and auditory skills?"

"No, I mean dull because I can't teleport or smite people," Apollo answered, nodding sagely.

"Oh."

Jason sighed. "I was hoping his intelligence would have improved."

"Wait a minute!" Apollo shrieked. "I'm not glowing!"

And sure enough, the sun god was no longer glowing. Nor were his teeth sparkling. He looked like a regular guy.

"Get me a mirror! I demand a mirror! Now!" he wailed.

"I really don't think that's a good idea," Malcolm said as he backed away.

Apollo looked around frantically, until he spotted a little creek off in the distance. He sprinted towards it without a second thought.

Jason and Malcolm took off after him, cursing as they did.

"When he sees his reflection, he's going to throw a tantrum," Jason panted.

"This isn't going to be good for anyone," Malcolm agreed.

"Who knew he could run so fast?"

When they finally caught up to him, he was staring at his reflection with his mouth gaping open. The boys looked at each other uneasily, waiting for the outburst to start.

"Why didn't you guys tell me I looked this good?"

"Are you serious?" Jason asked in total disbelief.

"Uh, duh," Apollo answered, tossing his head. "Look at that windswept hair, the way my polo shows off my lean, muscular arms. I'm even smoking hot as a mortal!" He continued to strut and pose.

"So, we should probably think of a plan while he finishes admiring himself." Malcolm said, feeling more than a little disturbed as Apollo contorted to try and check out his own ass.

"You're right. I say we head west until we find a town, regroup there and think through a more detailed plan of attack. What do you say, Percy? Percy?"

That was when they discovered that Hermes and Percy were both missing.

Five minutes earlier

Percy was vaguely aware of Apollo whining, but she was more focused on Hermes' reaction. The look on his face was unsettling. He was staring at his hands like he'd never seen them before.

"Hermes? Are you okay?" she asked hesitantly.

"Yeah, I'm fine." He barely seemed to be paying any attention. "This is… this is..."

"What?"

"This is…"

"What?"

"This is amazing."

"What?"

Hermes looked at up her and grinned. "I said, this is amazing."

Percy was shocked. "I would have thought it would be awful, going from being a god to being a lowly human."

Hermes shook his head, still grinning like an idiot. "No, it feels great. I feel so present. No distractions, no almighty powers. I'm just here." He twirled in a little circle.

Percy shook her head and smiled, too. Hermes had always been one of the more down-to-earth gods, but she never would have expected this.

Ironically, it was as this thought hit her that a bag came down over her head and she got dragged into the bushes.

Percy struggled and kicked, but it was pointless. Whatever had her was very strong and seemed totally unfazed by her attempts to elbow it in the stomach. Finally she decided it would be a better idea to conserve her strength, so for now she would just observe her surroundings. Huh, conserve and observe, Annabeth would be so proud.

She couldn't see anything obviously, but judging by what she could feel she had been tossed over whoever-had-her's shoulder. Hmm, that wasn't much help. She started listening, but couldn't hear anything other than heavy footsteps. Wait, no, there were two sets of footsteps. Oh great, there were two of them, and the other one probably had Hermes. This was just perfect. Way to officially start the quest by getting captured, Percy. Well done.

At least Jason, Malcolm, and Apollo must be right behind them, ready to jump to the rescue. How embarrassing.

"What do you mean, you don't know when they disappeared? Weren't you paying attention?" Jason yelled.

"I was a little distracted trying to contain that loon over there!" Malcolm gestured at Apollo. "And you didn't exactly notice they were gone right away either!"

"Guys, just stop!" Apollo cut in. The boys turned to look at him, mildly surprised. "What's a loon?"

"Argh!" Jason punched a tree in his frustration.

"Great going, Roman, you probably just punched out a nymph."

"Oh shut up, Egghead."

"I know you didn't actually just say that."

"Guys, stop! I'm serious this time." Apollo cut in again. "We need to go find them."

"Tell me you're not worried, Apollo?" Jason mocked.

"Well yeah I am." He noticed the others staring at him in shock again. "Well, Hermes is my baby brother." They were still staring at him. "I do have feelings, you know," he huffed.

"Anyways, he's right, we need to find them." Malcolm said.

Jason sighed. "Okay, none of us have seen them since we first crossed the border, right? So let's head back there and see if we can pick up a trail."

Malcolm stopped him. "Jason, you don't think it was the monster that got them, do you?"

Jason looked into his worried face and tried to think of some way to reassure him. "Honestly, Malcolm, I don't know what it was. But we'll find them, you can count on that."

"Of course we will!" Apollo shouted happily, and marched resolutely into the woods.

"Should we tell him he's going the wrong way?"