4. Apollo
“What?!” Geri’s voice reverberated through the air, the sound carrying with it the weight of her frustration and despair. “That can’t be! She said to come back today, and here we are, bright and early. Did she say anything else? Where did she go?”
Apollo winced, knowing all too well the ferocity of Geri’s emotions when she reached this point. He had seen her anger flare before, but there was something primal and unrestrained about her howl that sent a shiver down his spine.
The duende’s expression hardened as Geri’s frustration echoed through the clearing, her offended gaze laser-focused on Geri. She was not impressed. “These giants just acting however they want,” she tutted.
“I’m sorry,” Geri murmured. “I didn’t mean to offend you, ma’am. And sorry about disturbing your son’s nap.”
She regarded Geri with a skeptical gaze, and her lips pursed in disapproval. But after a moment of contemplation, her expression softened slightly. “It’s alright,” the duende replied gruffly. “But next time, mind your manners.”
Geri nodded, her cheeks flushed with embarrassment as she glanced down at the ground, chastened by the duende’s reprimand. “What should we do now?” she asked.
“Come back later,” she suggested. “And bring lunch for Lola Conching and all us duendes that live in the balete tree. It’s tradition.”
She nodded in understanding, grateful for the opportunity to make things right. “Okay, where should I get the food from?”
“Go to the Point-Point restaurant on the corner and tell them you are ordering for Lola Conching. They’ll know what to do.”
“Hey, why don’t we grab a bite to eat at that restaurant?” Apollo proposed. Maybe this would be a good distraction for her.
Turning to the duende, he posed his question. “Is the restaurant open now?”
“Yes,” she replied gruffly. “People need their breakfast and morning gossip.”
With a grin, Apollo turned back to Geri, ready to whisk her away for a temporary escape. “Shall we go fuel up and get the latest gossip?”
As soon as she nodded, he ushered her to the corner, and they approached the makeshift stand that served as the local breakfast spot. Apollo’s heart sank slightly at the sight of the humble setup, realizing it wasn’t the restaurant experience he had hoped for. However, Geri’s reaction was unexpected.
Her eyes lit up with amusement as she surveyed the breakfast offerings laid out before them. With a grin, she turned to Apollo, her expression delighted. “Look at this!” she exclaimed, gesturing to the array of dishes. “It’s like dinner for breakfast, with rice and meat and everything.”
Apollo couldn’t help but chuckle at her enthusiasm, relieved to see her enjoying their unexpected dining choice. He nodded in agreement, his spirits lifting at her contagious excitement.
Geri remembered to place the order as instructed and talked to the woman at the counter, her tone earnest as she spoke to the woman behind it. “Hi, we need to order some food for Lola Conching and the duendes at the balete tree.”
The woman nodded in understanding, her expression thoughtful as she processed Geri’s request. “Yes, ma’am,” she replied with a warm smile. “We’ll take care of it for you and deliver it in time.”
Apollo let out a sigh of relief, glad that the restaurant had been able to accommodate their request. Geri spent a moment looking at the food and then ordered one of everything for themselves. Soon, they ate all kinds of marinated meats, fried eggs, and garlic fried rice.
“Oh, I didn’t realize how hungry I was,” Geri said, a contented look on her face as she sampled every dish on the small table.
He watched her with a sense of satisfaction, pleased to see her enjoying the local fare. He found himself nodding in agreement with Geri’s earlier observation about the unconventional breakfast of rice and meat.
“Yeah, it’s different, but I kinda like it,” she admitted with a chuckle, taking another bite of her own meal. “Who says you can’t have rice and meat for breakfast?”
He grinned. “I guess you’re right,” he replied, his tone lighthearted. “But it’s still weird to wrap my head around it.”
“Well, my tummy is very happy,” she said before spearing the last piece of meat and popping it into her mouth.
He noticed their empty plates, and a sense of urgency washed over him. He racked his brain for something they could do next, desperate to keep her mind occupied and away from the weight of their current situation. Then, a spark of inspiration struck him.
“Hey,” he began. “You know, this island is known for its potions. What if we went to see if there’s someone who might have a potion that could help with your grandma?”
Her eyes widened at the suggestion, hope flickering in her gaze. “Do you think that could work?”
“We’re already here anyway.” He shrugged. “It’s worth a shot, right?” he replied. “We won’t know unless we try.”
“Let’s do it. We do have some time before we have to come back to meet Lola Conching.”
“Exactly.”
“Let’s take a stroll through the town,” Geri suggested as she glanced at him. “I want to see more of this place.”
Apollo nodded in agreement, a smile tugging at the corners of his lips. “Sure thing,” he replied, falling into step beside her.
As they wandered through the lively marketplace and quaint alleyways, he watched Geri take in everything around her with keen interest. She paused to admire colorful displays of fruits and vegetables, exchanged pleasantries with local vendors, and marveled at the intricate architecture of the buildings lining the streets.
He watched her with fondness, a sense of pride swelling within him as he witnessed her curiosity and enthusiasm for their surroundings. Despite the weight of their worries, her spirit remained unbroken, her determination to find a solution for her grandmother driving her forward.
They ventured outside the town square, and then they were surrounded by sprawling farms, the fields stretching out before them under the warm sun. Geri’s eyes sparkled with fascination as she took in the sight, her admiration evident in her expression.
“Wow,” she breathed. “Look at all these farms. It’s amazing.”
He glanced around. “I guess,” he replied. “It’s just fields and crops.”
She stepped closer to one of the fences, running her fingers over the leaves of a nearby plant. “It must be so easy to grow things here,” she remarked, “with all the sunlight and the weather being warm and humid all year round.”
Apollo shrugged, his attention drifting elsewhere as he scanned the horizon. “I suppose,” he muttered. “I never really thought about it. I don’t know much about growing rice.”
“Aren’t you supposed to be the god in charge of protecting the crops and plants?”
“Why, Geri, I didn’t realize you’d been asking about it,” he teased.
“It was something Persephone mentioned before. In passing. But you really don’t know anything about farming?”
“I don’t need to know how something grows to keep it safe,” he said. “Say, how come you know so much about plants and stuff? Did you learn from Demeter?”
“No, I’ve always been interested in plants, ever since I was a little girl. My grandmother loved them. We had a greenhouse back home—I mean, it was basically all hers. She taught me everything I know, and we would spend hours there. In the short summertime, the entire pack estate was our garden.”
If it wasn’t already obvious that her grandmother meant the world to her, it was evident from how she spoke that she truly loved her. Apollo supposed that was natural, since she was family, but he wondered where the rest of her family—or was it pack—had been? Where were her parents? Her mother?
The questions were on the tip of his tongue, but before he could ask them, Geri cleared her throat. “Excuse me,” she called out to get a man’s attention. “We’re looking for a potion maker. Do you happen to know if there’s one nearby?”
The farmhand paused in his work, wiping the sweat from his brow before turning to face them. “Yeah, there’s one not too far from here,” he replied, gesturing in front of them. “Just head that way, and when you see the second tree, turn right. You’ll find a potion maker named Kulas there. He should have what you need.”
“Thank you so much,” she said warmly, offering him a smile.
Apollo nodded in agreement.“Thanks. We’ll head there right away.”
They followed the vague directions, and Apollo was surprised that they actually managed to stumble upon Kulas’s bamboo hut. The hut was nestled in a grove of towering bamboo trees, its walls woven from sturdy bamboo stalks that seemed to blend seamlessly with the surrounding foliage. A faint wisp of smoke curled from a chimney at the hut’s peak, carrying with it the scent of exotic herbs and spices.
They could hear the soft rustle of leaves and the distant hum of wildlife, adding to the sense of enchantment that permeated the air. The path leading to the hut was overgrown with lush vegetation as if nature itself was reclaiming the space and weaving it into its embrace.
Despite its rustic appearance, there was an undeniable air of magic about the hut, as if it were a portal to another realm where ancient secrets and hidden knowledge lay waiting to be discovered. They walked into the open door, and Apollo was struck by its size and the air of mystery surrounding it. The main room of the hut was spacious, with walls lined with shelves upon shelves of various potions, creating a kaleidoscope of colors that danced in the dim light filtering through the windows.
The shelves were made of intricately woven bamboo, each one sagging under the weight of the countless bottles and jars that adorned them. The potions themselves ranged from vibrant hues of green and blue to deep shades of purple and red, each one emitting a faint glow that illuminated the room with an otherworldly aura.
The air was thick with the scent of herbs and spices, mingling together to create an intoxicating fragrance that filled the room. Tangles of dried herbs hung from the rafters, casting long shadows across the floor and adding to the mystical atmosphere of the space.
In the center of the room stood a large wooden table cluttered with mortar and pestles, vials, and various other tools of the potion-making trade. A single candle flickered in the center, casting a soft light that danced across the room and added to the ambiance.
Geri greeted Kulas with a warm smile as he entered the room, his presence filling the space with an air of intrigue. Kulas was a slight man with dark, weathered skin, and a bandana wrapped around his head, adding to his mystique. His eyes held a glint of curiosity as he regarded them, his surprise at their unexpected visit evident.
“Hello,” Geri greeted. “We’ve come seeking your expertise. We’re in need of a potion.”
Kulas’s expression shifted, and he nodded thoughtfully, his demeanor turning businesslike as he gestured for them to follow him farther into the room. As they approached a table cluttered with bottles and vials, he began to speak, his voice low and smooth.
“If you’ve come seeking potions,” Kulas said, a hint of amusement in his tone, “you’ve come to the right place. Allow me to introduce you to my collection.”
With a flourish, he gestured towards the various potions arranged on the table. “Here we have potions of all kinds,” he proudly continued, his eyes alight with excitement. “Potions to make someone fall in love, potions to mend a broken heart, potions to ignite passion.”
Apollo shifted uncomfortably, his gaze darting away as he struggled to process Kulas’s words. Oh no, were all these love potions?
“Um, that’s…interesting,” Geri said, her tone hesitant.
Kulas chuckled softly, seemingly unfazed by their reaction. “Indeed, it is,” he replied, his eyes twinkling with amusement. “But fear not, my friends. I am sure we can find something suitable for your needs.”
With that, he turned back to the table, his attention once again focused on his potions.
“I don’t need a love potion,” she said sharply.
Kulas paused, obviously taken aback by Geri’s sudden outburst. He regarded her with a raised eyebrow, his expression unreadable. “Ah, my apologies. I must have misunderstood. I thought you came here because I specialize in gayuma.”
“Gayuma?” Apollo repeated.
“Yes,” the other man nodded. “Gayuma. Or love potions.”
“Love…potions?” Geri repeated. “Are you telling me that all the potions on this island are for love?”
“Indeed,” he replied proudly. “Love is a powerful force, which most seek in their hearts. My potions cater to those desires.”
“We don’t need a love potion,” Geri reasserted firmly. “We need something to bring back my dead grandmother. Do you have anything that can help her?”
“No, I’m afraid not, ma’am.”
Geri looked crestfallen. “Okay.” Turning on her heel, she marched out of the hut.
Apollo felt a pang of guilt, sensing the she-wolf’s frustration.He turned to Kulas, his expression apologetic. “I’m sorry about that,” he said. “She’s just…desperate. We were hoping to find something to raise her grandmother from the dead.”
“I see that,” he replied, his tone gentle yet resolute. “But I’m afraid I can’t help you. I don’t think there’s any potion in the world that can help you.”
Apollo’s heart sank at Kulas’s words. He had known their request was a long shot, but hearing it confirmed dashed what little hope remained.
“Thank you for your time, Kulas.”
Apollo stepped outside and found Geri leaning against the tree outside the hut. Her face twisted in pain and frustration. He approached her cautiously, his heart aching at the sight of her anguish.
“Geri,” he began softly, reaching out a hand to gently touch her shoulder. “I’m sorry about what happened in there.”
She turned to him, eyes filled with hurt and disbelief. “Was this all just a joke to you?”
His heart sank at the accusation, the weight of her words hitting him like a blow.“No—no, of course not. I would never joke about something like this. I thought…I thought we could find a way to help your grandmother.”
Geri’s expression softened. “I just want her back. I’m sorry.”
“You don’t need to apologize, Geri,” he reassured her gently. “Losing someone you love is never easy. But you’re strong, stronger than you realize. And I’ll be here to support you every step of the way.”
She offered him a small, grateful smile, her eyes reflecting a glimmer of hope amidst the darkness of her grief. “Thank you.”
“Maybe…maybe you should think about going home and?—”
“I’m not giving up,” she said firmly. “I’m going to find a way to bring her back, no matter what.”
His heart grew heavy with concern at her words. “That’s commendable. But remember, this won’t be easy.”
“I don’t care.”
A foreboding settled in the pit of his stomach. He knew they were embarking on a perilous journey, one that would test her strength and resilience to its limits. Yet, he also understood that she needed to go through this process to confront her grief head-on.
This is crazy, but it’s her journey to take.
He couldn’t resist teasing her, trying to lighten the heavy atmosphere that hung between them. “You know, I’ve heard of hot-headed shifters before, but I think you take the cake.”
Geri shot him a glare. “Oh, ha ha,” she retorted. “Very funny, Apollo.”
“Come on, Geri,” he persisted, a grin spreading across his face. “You’ve got to admit, you’ve got a bit of a temper.”
She huffed indignantly, crossing her arms over her chest. “I do not have a temper,” she protested, her cheeks flushing with annoyance. “I just…have strong feelings about things.”
He raised an eyebrow. “Strong feelings, huh?” he quipped. “Is that what we’re calling it now?”
Geri rolled her eyes, a begrudging smile tugging at the corners of her lips despite her irritation. “You’re impossible,” she grumbled.
“Hey, someone’s got to keep you on your toes,” he teased. He grinned triumphantly, pleased to have gotten a smile from her. “You know, we should check if those duendes have forgiven us. Shall we see if they’ve finished their lunch?”
“Yes, we should!”
“Hold on tight,” he instructed with a grin as he reached for her hand. “Here we go.”
In the blink of an eye, they materialized beneath the sprawling branches of the balete tree, the dappled sunlight filtering through the leaves above. The air was alive with the sounds of nature, the gentle rustle of leaves, and the distant chirping of birds.
He felt a sense of relief wash over him when she didn’t pull her hand away and he glanced at her with a small smile. They spotted Lola Conching seated beneath the ancient branches, surrounded by a makeshift picnic spread. The aroma of freshly cooked food wafted through the air, mingling with the chatter of the duendes as they enjoyed their meal.
“Looks like we’re making progress,” Apollo remarked, his tone light as they continued walking toward the tree.
Geri nodded in agreement, a hint of a smile playing on her lips. “Yeah, seems like it,” she replied softly, her gaze fixed on the tree ahead.
Apollo’s heart swelled with a newfound sense of optimism as they drew nearer to their destination. Despite the challenges they faced, he felt that they were on the right path.
“Let’s see what Lola Conching has to say,” Apollo suggested, giving Geri’s hand a reassuring squeeze before they joined the gathering beneath the balete tree.
Lola Conching looked up from her meal. “Ah, you’ve returned,” she welcomed. “Thank you for the lunch. Come, join us.”
They exchanged a glance before accepting the invitation, settling down on the grass beside her and the duendes. Apollo helped himself to some of the food, offering Geri a playful nudge as he passed her a plate.
Geri looked down at her plate, uncertainty flickering in her eyes as she surveyed the array of dishes before her. “I’m not quite sure what I ordered earlier,” she admitted, her brow furrowing slightly.
Lola Conching chuckled softly, her eyes twinkling with amusement. “No need to worry, dear,” she reassured Geri. “Everything here is delicious. You’ll enjoy it, I promise.” She gestured toward the dishes. “We have adobo, a savory stew made with chicken and pork, cooked in vinegar, soy sauce, and spices,” she explained. “And here we have sinigang, a tangy soup made with tamarind broth, vegetables, and pork.”
As Geri took her first bite, Apollo observed her reaction with interest. He noted the way her eyes widened in surprise before a subtle smile spread across her lips. He watched as she savored each mouthful, her expression transforming from skepticism to genuine enjoyment. The way she closed her eyes briefly, allowing the flavors to dance across her palate, spoke volumes. It was clear that despite her initial uncertainty, she was thoroughly enjoying the experience.
He took a bite of the adobo, savoring the familiar flavors that brought back memories of his previous visits to the Philippines. He glanced at Geri, noting her cautious expression as she sampled each dish.
“It’s good, isn’t it?” Apollo commented, a nostalgic smile playing on his lips. “I’ve had Filipino food before, back when I visited Kanlaon.”
Geri looked up, curiosity flickering in her eyes. “Really? What did you try?”
Apollo hesitated for a moment, remembering not to mention Castalia. “Oh, just a little bit of everything,” he replied vaguely, hoping to steer the conversation away from his past encounters with the water nymph.
Geri nodded, seemingly satisfied with his response as she continued to try the food on her plate. Despite the underlying tension between them, he found himself enjoying the meal beneath the shade of the balete tree.
Lola Conching set her plate aside and fixed her gaze on them, her expression serious yet somehow gentle. “Now that we’ve enjoyed our meal, let’s get down to business.”
“We’re here because we need your help,” Geri began.
The old woman raised an eyebrow, her eyes searching Geri’s face. “Help with what, exactly?”
Geri took a deep breath, gathering her thoughts before speaking. “My grandmother…she’s passed away,” she explained. “We’ve heard that you possess powerful abilities, and we’re hoping you can help us bring her back.”
Her expression softened, sympathy flickering in her eyes as she listened to Geri’s plea. “I see,” she murmured. “And what makes you think I can help you?”
Apollo spoke up. “We’ve heard rumors of your extraordinary abilities,” he interjected, his eyes meeting hers with unwavering determination. “And that you have the Siquijor Stone.”
She listened intently, her demeanor betraying no hint of surprise at their request. Instead, she regarded them both with a measured gaze, her expression inscrutable as she considered their plea. “I see. And when did your grandmother pass on?”
“A couple of days ago,” Geri replied softly, her words carrying the weight of recent loss. “We laid her to rest the other day.”
Lola Conching’s response was measured, her demeanor calm yet empathetic. “I’m sorry for your loss, but I’m afraid it’s too late.”
“T-too late?” Blood drained from Geri’s face. “What do you mean? Don’t you have the stone?”
“I do, but it only works on people who are very recently dead. It must be used within minutes of the person dying.”
“What? But why?”
“I don’t know, that’s just the way it works.” She clucked her tongue. “If you had come to me sooner, perhaps there would have been something I could do. But now…”
Apollo braced himself for Geri’s reaction, anticipating anger or frustration. However, as he glanced at her, he noticed a surprising sense of resignation in her demeanor. She sat next to him, her shoulders relaxed and her expression devoid of the fiery emotion he had expected. Geri’s acceptance of the situation resonated with Apollo, reminding him of the power of resilience in the face of adversity.
“I understand,” Geri murmured. “Thank you for your honesty.”
The witch leaned forward, her weathered face serious yet compassionate. “There are whispers,” she began. “Whispers of creatures in Transylvania who possess the power to bring back the dead.”
Geri’s eyebrows shot up in surprise. “Transylvania? You mean vampires?”
“You know about the vampires?” Apollo asked. Like gods and shifters, the existence of vampires was hidden from the larger world.
“Of course,” Geri said. “Shifters don’t mix with them, but we know of each other’s existence.”
And Apollo could guess why—vampires, after all, were bloody-thirsty near-immortal creatures with a bad reputation for being crafty and sly. One had to tread carefully when dealing with them.
Lola Conching nodded. “Yes, vampires,” she confirmed. “Legends say they possess dark magic beyond our understanding—magic that can defy death itself.”
Geri’s eyes widened. “D-do you think they could help us?”
Lola Conching’s gaze softened as she regarded Geri with empathy. “It’s hard to say,” she admitted. “But if anyone has the power to challenge the natural order, it would be them.”
The prospect of seeking out vampires was fraught with danger, yet Apollo knew that Geri would not let anything stop her from investigating anything that could bring back her grandmother. He could tell she was already forming a plan in her mind.
“Which vampires in Transylvania?” he asked.
“The ones in Bran.” Lola Conching nodded solemnly, her gaze steady as she met his eyes. “That’s all I know,” she confirmed. “But it could be worth a visit for you.”
Apollo mulled over her words, considering the possibility of seeking out these vampires as a last resort to bring back Geri’s grandmother. He knew the risks involved—dealing with creatures as unpredictable as vampires was no small feat. Yet, the desperation in Geri’s eyes urged him to explore every avenue, no matter how perilous.
Turning to her, he found her watching him with a mixture of apprehension and hope. He could see the uncertainty etched in her features, the weight of the loss still heavy on her heart.
“Apollo, I know this is a lot to take in, but Lola Conching might be onto something,” she said. “If there’s even a chance that we can bring my grandmother back…”
He could see the glimmer of determination in her eyes—a steadfast resolve to do whatever it took to reunite with her loved one.
“We have to go,” Geri said, the finality in her tone unmistakable.
When he began this quest, he thought he was only there to protect her as she went on her journey to tackle her grief. He didn’t actually think they would find a way to beat death. But Apollo couldn’t shake the feeling that their quest was far from over. The road ahead would be fraught with danger and uncertainty, but he was determined to see it through to the end—for Geri, for her grandmother, and for the chance to defy fate itself.
“Alright,” he said. “Transylvania it is.”