Fall of Apollo part five

November

Apollo watched over Maria tirelessly. It wasn't the same illness that her father had; even brought back from the dead, he still had damaged lungs from it, from when he had a fluid infection of his lungs but Maria was throwing up and bedridden with a fever. He hated he could only use his knowledge; no abilities or powers to help heal her. Just skilled hands and a few herbs.

Although her parents were more than worried, taking cycles between sleep to comfort her and take care of the vineyard duties. He made anything he knew that would help, and had them buy several herbs for so many uses; tinctures, tea, chewing, even the scents could help.

Right now Maria was doing good, still able to talk as she munched on mint leaves, talking with her mouthful, voice mumbled. “Leaves taste gross.”

Apollo just smiled over to her from his spot on the floor, a little working area of herbs, mortar, and pestle, hands in a constant state of soreness. “But they're mint, you liked the mint candy I made you last week.”

“That was candy, these are leaves.”

“They are but the oils from them help your stomach, you haven't vomited in a while.”

Maria nodded, swallowing the leaves. “That's true.” she sniffled, her little nose congested. “What are you making now?”

He came over with the bowl. “Something for your nose, so you can breathe better.”

He sat carefully on the bed with her. “It’s a mixture of rosemary and basil.” He lifted the bowl and she gave a sniff, best she could, and found it did help a bit and smiled. “It smells really nice.”

“Oh, you can smell things now? I thought yesterday you said you'd never be able to smell again.” Maria smiled, looking away. “No, I didn't.”

“You absolutely did, I have a perfect memory.” He said playfully, moving and getting a little cloth satchel, putting the mixture inside and tying it off, handing it to her. “Here, any time you get really stuffed up, hold this to your face and inhale.”

Maria held it and then groaned, her face a grimace. “I’m really hot now..”

Apollo held his hand to her head, feeling her fever was coming back, he managed to get it down between a few herbs and some cool clothes but it reared it's ugly head once more. He sighed. “It’s alright, I’ll get some cool clothes for you, ok?”

She just nodded before her face changed and he already knew before she did, bringing the pot over and aiming her face gently into it, holding her hair back as she coughed and vomited up the leaves she just had, having not supposed to swallow the leaves but he wasn’t gonna strictly enforce such an instinct.

Plus this is only the second time she's vomited today, which was progress, when she first became ill it felt never-ending, her poor little body ending up dry heaving when there was nothing.

She cried weakly once she was finished. “I’m sorry..”

Apollo held her close as the bedroom door opened, her parents having heard her noises. He had sent them away to get some rest, they were trying to stay awake and be as vigilant as Apollo. “Is she alright?” Kasandra asked, coming over to the bed, Georgio behind her.

Apollo nodded. “Yeah, she's making progress. The mint is helping her stomach but her fever came back.”

Kasandra smiled sadly as she sat on the bed. Maria went to her mom, leaning from Apollo to her mother. “Mommy, I hate this.” she cried.

Apollo took this moment to take the pot to quickly replace it with a new one, this one was now contaminated and he didn't want it in the house. The first day of her vomiting so often, Apollo and Georgio had dug a small hole where the vomit pots could go into, somewhere it wouldn’t be bothered or pose any threat, somewhere they wouldn’t contaminate.

The sun was setting as he walked outside, the air chilly, making him shiver as he got to the hole with a few planks of wood over it to keep it covered. He moved the boards, throwing the pot inside so it can shatter so it’s not used again before putting the boards back on and grabbing a new one from the supply they bought, Apollo letting them know to get as many as they could, unknowing how often she may vomit.

She ended up getting multiple uses out of a few, the poor girl.

He stood straighter, now that he was taking a break, could feel all the aches and pains of being a human healer; his hands were swelling from overuse, his forearms cramped, his back was sore as hell and he felt like he could sleep for the rest of the year.  When was the last time he slept?

“Hi, Dad.”

Apollo jumped, opening his eyes and looking around before seeing Asclepius a small distance next to him, godly robes and a staff in his hands, smiling nervously with the sun setting behind him.

Asclepius smiled, starting to rant. “I know I should have let you know sooner but I really wanted to surprise you but it took a while to figure out how to do anything as a god…are you ok?” He trailed off, seeing the awed and confused look on his father's face.

Apollo could only stare, slowly walking toward him. “You’re…you’re…alive?”

Dionysus was next to him now. “Alive is a strong word, divine is a more factual one.”

Apollo looked between them both, a smile creeping up his face. “So did Zeus apologize then?”

Dionysus chuckled. “Oh, he was humbled by your son. You should have seen him,

Zeus called him son and he started all ‘I am not your son, I am not any of your children. I am Apollo's son and you will say my name.’ It was the best thing I’ve seen since Hermes was born and stole your cattle.”

Apollo was in too much shock to react to that particular memory. “And he made him-“

“A God, with his own unique abilities and associations.”

Asclepius smiled, showing off his new robes and staff. “What do you think?”

Apollo felt his eyes water, walking closer to him, trying to reach out, seeing it go through. “I wish I could hug you.”

“I know. We will when you return. How is Maria?”

Apollo looked back to the house. “She's getting better but her fever won’t leave. She's vomiting less than she was.”

“Want my help?”

Apollo smiled. “I’d love your help.”  Apollo got a new pot, seeing the pots they bought were low, and hoped they would be enough. He walked inside, making sure to be aware not to talk to Asclepius.

They may know who he is but even he’s aware of how odd he looks talking to thin air to people they can’t see.

She was asleep when Apollo walked in but her parents didn't seem happy about it. Kasandra pleaded to Apollo. “She just passed out, we were talking and she trailed off and now she's unconscious.”

Apollo went to her quickly, feeling her head. Is her fever even worse? She was just fine when he went outside, has her fever really increased in that small amount of time. “Her fever is worse. Much worse, if we don’t bring it down soon, she may not make it.”

While Kasandra was in shock, Ascelpious talked to Apollo. “Take her to the wine cellar, it’s much cooler down there, it’ll help while you get herbs together.”

Apollo gave a quick nod before turning to her parents. “We need to get her to the wine cellar, it’s cold there, it’ll help cool her, make her a spot down there, I can carry her.”

Kasandra didn’t waste time as she gathered blankets and pillows and ran them down to the wine cellar, Gerogio following with other various things she might need, an extra blanket, a few toys, and books.

Apollo picked her up, hating and fearing how limp she was against him, can feel very human panic fill him. Georgio started lighting the candles for light as Kasandra quickly made a little area for Maria.

Apollo got her laid down and she came back to consciousness weakly, whining as she was moved. “Hurts..”

Apollo nodded to her, making sure she was as comfortable as possible. “I know sweetie, I know.”

Aslepcious was sitting next to her, his hands over her body, a golden glow coming from them. “I have her stabilized, her fever won’t rise anymore and her stomach won’t vomit but I think you're aware I can't do this forever, it takes a lot of energy.”

Apollo couldn't help himself, they already knew who he was and who he could see. “So I have time to make the medicines she needs?”

“Yes and make them quick for my sake.”

Apollo just nodded, ignoring the looks from Kasandra and Gerogio as he ran up the stairs, going through nearly the entire house to get the herbs he needed, ones he didn't request they buy; like garlic and yarrow, and felt like an idiot.

He made the tinctures and remedies as fast as he could, even bringing her some bread. He got the items down the stairs where he saw her awake but pale and miserable. He tried not to force-feed her but his need to make sure this miracle child of this family lives was strong.

It took the entire night but they managed to get her fever to break and her aches let up. Ascleipous saw she was asleep and her sickness was finally gone. “She’s gonna be just fine,” he said, looking exhausted.

Apollo took this time to properly talk to his son, Kasandra, and Georgio as well, leaning against the many large wine barrels. “Thank you, for staying. I’m not sure if she would have made it through the night without your help.”

Asclepius smiled tiredly. “Sorry for any attitude before, I wasn't gonna leave until the job was done…” He suddenly saw how pale his father looked, and could see his muscles trembling.

“Father, how are you feeling?” He asked worriedly.  Apollo looked at him and thought a moment. “Exhausted, every muscle in my body aching.”

“I think you might be sick. You should go get some rest.”

Apollo gave a weak glare. “Not until she wakes up. We both know just cause she’s going to be fine doesn’t mean her symptoms go away immediately.”

“Then just rest down here, there’s an open area by Dionysus's altar, rest there.”

Apollo looked and saw the open area, and Dionysus watching him with concern.

The wine god walked over to him, kneeling. “Please, you have worked tirelessly; You deserve rest.”

Apollo was about to protest when a hacking, mucusy cough tore out of him, making him quickly cover his mouth with his elbow.

Asclepius moved quickly to pat his back but his hand went through, he hated it. He wanted to be able to help his father, be able to touch him.

His coughing woke up Kasandra who winced as she moved, having fallen asleep at a weird angle but she saw how rough Apollo looked and went to him immediately.

“Are you alright?” She asked worriedly, rubbing his back. Apollo looked at her but she could see the exhaustion in his eyes and how pale his face was.

“I’ll be alright, when she wakes up, I’ll go get some rest.” He said before another cough erupted out of him.

She gave a weak glare. “You need rest, you’re sick too.”

“She needs help.”

“So do you.” She pleaded. She let out a breath, speaking quietly so Maria didn’t hear his real name. “Apollo, please, go get some rest before I force you to.”

“How would you force me?” He asked, knowing how strong he was compared to her on any given day but she just gave him a mom look and gently pushed him and he wobbled.

He rolled his eyes. “Ok, ok.”

“I have been a mother longer than you’ve been a human; I can take care of her.”

Apollo finally gave in and nodded. “Alright.”

He got up with a wince, every muscle was aching. Kasandra stood with him, helping him steady on his weak legs. “Alright to walk on your own?”

“I think so, I’ve never been sick before..” He said, trailing off. His stomach threatened to bubble up but it never did.

But he closed his eyes and took a few breaths. Kasandra came to his side. “I’ll help you up to your room. If you’ve never been sick before you won’t know your limits.” She brought an arm around him. “Let’s get you to your room.”

“What if I vomit?” He asked weakly as she helped walk with him.

“Then I will clean it. You cannot help what your human body does sometimes, vomiting included. It’s late but come when shops open, I will go to town and get more pots so you can vomit safely in them.”

Apolo just silently agreed, willing his stomach to settle but as they got to the upper level a cough came from his throat, and felt his stomach try to escape. He ran out of her arms and barely made it outside before he was gagging and coughing up stomach acid, having barely eaten while taking care of Maria.

Kasandra was kneeling with him, rubbing his back and feeling his forehead. “A small fever, nothing to be too concerned about right now.”

He whined miserably. Kasandra brought a rag from her apron to his mouth, cleaning it off. “Ok, now let’s get you to bed. If you have to vomit again, there is an open window in your room.”

He didn’t say anything as she helped him stand, getting him to his room and tucking him in.  She gave him a soft look, feeling his head again. “How are you feeling now?”

“A little better, now that I’m resting.” He said quietly. Ksandea smiled, looking relieved. “Good. Now stay in this bed unless you absolutely have to get out. I will bring you some bread to help your stomach in the meantime.”

He didn’t say anything, his body already becoming groggy and sleep starting to overtake him, a little bit.

Kasandra hoped she or her husband could be spared the sickness going around. They were already behind on vineyard duties and the illness draining some of their funds.

She went back down to the cellar and saw her husband was awake, petting Maria's hair. Kasandra kneeled down to him. “Apollo is sick.”

“I’m not surprised. He was running himself into the ground taking care of her. Think he’ll be ok?”

“I don’t know. He’s never had a human body. He’s never been sick before.”

Maria yawned, waking up and looking confused. “Why are we in the wine cellar?”

Kasandra smiled, kissing her daughter's head. “Because you had a fever, it’s cold down here.”

Maria grumbled. “It’s too cold.”

Georgio chuckled, standing and helping his daughter up. “Let’s get you to a proper bed. Feeling better?”

Maria nodded, standing. “Just cold.” She looked around and back up at her father. “Where’s Phobus?”

“Hea a little sick sweetie, he didn’t take care of himself while taking care of you and now he has the flu too.”

Maria frowned as her mother picked her up, cradling her to her chest. “Did I get him sick?”

“It’s possible but he also didn’t take care of himself, didn’t sleep very well, and barely ate. He put his needs to the side to help and not taking care of yourself can lead to being sick.”  Kasandra explained softly as she carried her daughter to the upper level, walking to her room.

“Will he be ok?” Maria asked in worry. And Kasandra didn’t answer immediately. She wasn’t sure what to say. Maria has no idea Phobus is actually Lord Apollo, cursed to be human for a year, and thus has never been sick.

“He will be fine, just worry about getting some sleep, you’ve had a rough week.” Maria just nodded as her mother got her to her room, tucking her into her bed.

She gave her a kiss on the head and left the room.

Georgio followed, looking worried. “Apollo is sick?”

Kasandra nodded but gently shushed him, bringing him away from Maria’s room. “Yes. He’s already vomited once, and has a small fever.”

“Will he be ok?” He asked worriedly, they both knew the consequences that could happen.

Kasandra looked away, feeling just as scared. “I don’t know. I don’t know if Zeus thought to give him the tolerance needed to survive sickness or if his body is wholly new.”

“What will happen if he doesn’t?” He asked quietly. Kasandra’s eyes got wide, could he die? As a human and deity? Would he just go back to his former body of the divine or would that be the end of the sun god?

She swallowed, feeling terrified of the prospect of the unknown of him not making it through. She heard coughing and vomiting from his room, making her chest clench with fear. She looked at her husband. “I don’t know. For now let’s forget about that and just help him, do we have any more pots for the sick?”

“A few, I’ll have to get more when the shops open in a few hours.”

“Get the remaining pots, I’ll get mint and some bread.”  She stated before running around her home to get the bread and mint.

Dionysus watched as Apollo was sick, hanging his head out the window before nearly collapsing back into the bed. Asclepius was there, looking exhausted as he did his best to keep his father's fever under control, too exhausted to be able to keep him from vomiting.

The wine god walked over to him, worried as he saw his friend so sick. “What happens if he dies?”

“I don’t know. This is the first time I’m aware of that Zeus made one of us human. We have no idea what the consequences could be.”

“I’m going to find out, do what you can here, I’ll alert Artemis as well.”

He met Apollo's eyes for a moment but they were hazy with fatigue and illness. Fear coiled in Dionysus' stomach as he left.

For once, Dionysus caught Zeus doing his work, having some form of meeting with a few other major deities similar to him.

Dionysus didn’t waste any time or go to him with any formality, just walked into his white and gold meeting room and went to him, the others staring and even glaring at the rude interruption. Zeus gave a forced smile to him. “I am in the middle of a meeting, what is it?”

“Apollo is sick.” He said, not bothering to whisper or be quiet, letting the others all hear.

Zeus then ushered him out of the room with a glare. “Yes. He’s human. Humans get sick.”

“He could die. We’ve never had a deity turned human. What happens if he dies?” He asked, anger leaving him for a moment, worry replacing it.

Zeus huffed. “It’ll be Hade's problem then.”

“That’s not the point.” The wine god said with a glare.

“Then what is?” Zeus asked impatiently.

“The point is that we've never had a deity-turned-human, die. A deity’s soul and a human are different, he has patrons and worshippers, and Helios is pulling double time doing Apollo and his job. And as a new human, he’s never been sick, there’s a strong possibility he could die, and then what?”

Zeus groaned. “He has his son watching over him and his sister, he will be fine.” He said as he started walking away, back to his meeting.

Dionysus glared at him. “If he dies, I’ll make sure from this day forward your eternal life will be a living hell of madness.” He left, leaving the threat to hang in the air. Zeus tensed at that, fear shooting down his spine. He pushed it aside to finish his meeting.

When he came back, Apollo was asleep and pale with a sheen of cold sweat on his brow. Artemis has joined, apparently having heard already. He’s never seen the huntress look so scared.

She looked over at Dionysus. “What did he say?”

Dionysus glared softly at the ground. “That if he dies, it would be Hade's problem.”

Asclepius felt just as angry but did not have the energy to properly convey it, his voice quiet. “Fucking bastard, so we have no idea what would happen to him?”

Artemis glared softly at her brother, determination in her eyes. “Let’s not find out. Asclepius, get some rest.”

“I’m fine-“ He started but she fixed him with a steely glare, hands still over top of her brother's sleeping body.

“Go rest, now. You will need your energy for this.”

Asclepius just nodded and disappeared. Dionysus walked to Artemis, kneeling by her. “What will you do? If he passes?” He asked quietly, already feeling a protective anger building, wanting to go after Zeus for his calloused words.

“I’ll make sure my arrow doesn’t miss.” She said lowly, putting all her energy into her brother's condition.