I woke up the next morning to find the cabin completely empty, except for one person. He had his back to me when I sat up and stretched.

"Hello," I croaked, my throat dry from heavy sleep. The sun shone brightly outside, like it was mid afternoon. Hermes turned around and gave me a small smile.

"Hey, good to see you're finally up." He came and sat down at the foot of the bed and I pulled my knees up to my chest to make him room.

"So, I'm just going to get right to it," he said. "I know you weren't hurt in that forest yesterday. We would have found you if you were. So tell me what really happened?"

"Nothing," I said quickly. "I chased down the automation and it turned on me."

"Mhmm," Hermes said scratching his ear. "I'll pretend to believe you. But if you pull a stunt like that again, I will get the whole story out of you."

"I am telling the truth," I said. Dad gave me a sideways look.

"Whatever. Just tell me one thing, who were you with?"

"No one, I was with Kyle but I left him so the thing wouldn't kill him," I said. Hermes' warning, the last time we saw each other, still rung in my ears. I could never tell him that I ignored him.

"You were with that boy again weren't you?"

"The one you told me to stay away from?" Father nodded. "No, I haven't seen him since the campfire. Who was he anyway? Why do you care if I see him?"

"You don't need to know who he is," he cleared is throat, "and I warned you to keep you safe, I don't want anything bad to happen to you."

"Well, you don't have to worry about it," I said quietly. Just then the door flew open and Conner walked in.

"Hey. Laura good to see your up, I was told to tell you that when you're up and about again the Ares cabin wants to talk about a possible alliance on Friday night."

"Tell them I'll stop by tomorrow," Conner nodded before whispering something to dad who nodded.

"Tell him to behave himself and that he can come if he listened to my instructions." Again Conner nodded before smiling at me and jogging out the door.

"What was that about?" I asked as soon as the door had slammed behind him.

"Do you remember anything from last night?"

"No," I lied. "What does that have to do with anything?"

'Well, Lord Apollo was the one to save you. He is insisting he speaks to you to make sure you're alright," Hermes sighed heavily. "Actually, he probably wants to hit on you, so I'm going to be here as well, it should only be a few minutes." I almost laughed. I had forgotten that Apollo had only agreed to 'find' me if he got to speak to me after.

'Alright," I said. The door flew open with a loud bang. Standing there was a blonde man with a buzz cut. I knew it was Apollo by the way he winked at me but it was strange seeing him this way. Every time so far we had met he had been in 'teenage' form, this was more like he was in his thirties, an ex-sniper for the army and he was fearless. I was actually intimidated by him in this form. He did not look anything like the funny, cool, nice guy I had spent the past few days getting to know.

"Did someone mention me?" Hermes rolled his eyes.

"Hello to you to brother, this is Laura." Apollo smirked.

"Good to see those baby blues open, sweetheart." I turned bright red and coughed.

"Thank you for finding and healing me," I mumbled.

"Anything for a cutie like you," Apollo winked at me again.

"That's enough," Father snapped. "Must you hit on every girl you meet?"

"I don't hit on you do I?" I giggled a little at that, but was silenced by the look Hermes gave me.

"See even your kid agrees with me," Apollo said triumphantly. Hermes crossed his arms like a small child.

"Just do what you came here for and leave already," he snapped. Apollo smiled.

'Fine, Laura I need you to kick off the blankets for a minute." I did as I was told. He quickly checked places like my stomach, ribs and knee, where there had been no real injuries to begin with. He started to stand up and shook my hand, pressing a neatly folded paper into it.

"It was nice to meet you, Laura," he said with a wide smile. Hermes tapped his foot impatiently by the door as he stood back up and went to leave. "Oh and one more thing, I wouldn't suggest looking for any more automatons anytime soon." I smiled a little.

"I'll try to resist."

"That's what I like to hear," with that he walked out the door and Hermes closed it behind him.

"Well, I have to go too, lots of backed up deliveries. Tell the others I'll be back in two weeks," I nodded. Hermes gave me an awkward hug and went toward the door. After one last suspicious glance he left. I sighed and leaned back against the pillows.

The paper in my hand felt thick and expensive. It was a golden yellow color and had my name neatly printed on the front. I carefully unfolded the paper, so I would not rip it.

Sweetheart,

Sorry about the new form, your father insisted. He also said I was not allowed to sing, dance, hire circus monkeys, or bring candy. Now, after yesterday, I think we should be more careful about when we hang out. Your father has grown suspicious of my absences. Meet me after Capture the Flag by the pine tree.

Your friend,

Apollo

P.S. A haiku for you

Good luck with the Ares kids

I cheer for my group

I laughed and put the paper in the shirt with the arrow.

A/N Please please vote for the title for the Apollo side of things. I really want to start writing it but I can't pick one. Also check out my one shot Exhaustion about Will's recovery after the loss of Michael

XOXOXo