"Are you really going, Laurel?"

Laurel visited the kid at Peneus falls. She explained what went down with Kronos and the decision she made. Laurel already set her mind on going back, this time no more second-guessing. Although Laurel enjoyed her life in the ancient time, the world she grew accustomed to became her present, and she wanted to continue living in that world.

"I admit, my life there wasn't as good as my life would be here. But my plans and future were never here. The past me already left this land once thinking she could live a better life. I at least wanted to live that life the way she hoped for."

The kid understood Laurel's decision. Even if he wanted to convince her to stay, he doesn't want to hold her back. "It would be sad when you're gone."

Laurel smiled, patting the kid's head. "You'll be fine. If you ever feel lonely or sad, just go here. I'm sure Peneus wouldn't mind. The gods will always be with those who believed, isn't that what you've told me."

"Yeah." The kid looked up to Laurel, seeing her smile brighter than when they first met. It's as if a load has lifted from her shoulder, and now she can move freely. "Pardon me, Laurel. But have you talked to god Apollo?"

The smile vanished in Laurel's face. It's not that the kid's question crossed her mind, but she didn't know how to approach the god. When Laurel revealed her identity, the god told her that she would help and guide her to find her way home. After that conversation, the two never spoke off Daphne, nor had Apollo mentioned her since. But now that Daphne's identity comes to light, would there be any change?

"...If a spark turns into a fire or not would depend on those involved. They're the ones to decide. It's easy to say the words of affection and rejection, but we have minds on our own. We decide how far we go. To pursue or to give up, that's up to the both of you."

Cupid's words flashed through her mind like a clue to a mystery. Indeed, she never wanted to get involved with someone. She never dreamed of getting married or starting a family. And that didn't change. She still felt the same way, but Laurel knew something had changed as well.

***

Music filled the air as tiny lights danced to the surroundings and animals gathered around. Laurel knew without looking who came and started playing the lyre. It has become an unspoken rule for both of them. To spend a relaxing time by the falls of Peneus even without talking has become their comfort.

"I didn't expect you to come today." Even if they don't have any agreement, Laurel thought the god wouldn't show himself again. Since the punishment for the titans, the gods have been busy.

"I couldn't last a day without seeing you, my love."

Laurel smiled. It might be the last time the two of them could talk. Laurel has reached the last hours of her life in ancient times. The moment the day breaks, she'll go back to the world she lived in. And from there, Laurel will once again live her life as a mortal. But unlike last time, she won't travel back in the past when her life comes to an end.

"You don't have to see me off."

"I never wanted to."

Laurel knew. Apollo has been that person - or god - she never expected to lean on. He had been consistent in helping Laurel in her journey to the ancient time. She owes him a lot. But she also knew that she can't give what he's hoping to receive.

"Would it sadden you?"

The god's eyes soften, responding with a sad smile. Laurel could see raw emotions in his eyes, something she hasn't seen nor expected from a god.

"I'm sorry," says Laurel averting her eyes. "I..."

"My love, you don't have to apologize." Apollo cut her off, not blaming her for what happened or her decision. "I never wanted to trap you. I love you with all my heart and soul, with all that I am. I did what I could to prove myself to you. But if those things weren't enough nor didn't make you reciprocate my love, then it wasn't meant to be."

The words cut deep in Apollo's heart, but the truth could always hurt. He knew that for a fact, but he's willing to accept the truth. If it's their fate, so be it. He's happy they're allowed to meet even if they didn't end up together.

"Thank you." Laurel was never a romantic person. But she understood how love could hurt anyone, especially those left with a broken heart. Laurel definitely accepted Apollo as someone to depend on or even a friend to learn on, but those feeling she had for him is not enough. It's not right to say the word 'love'. She only hopes that Apollo would someday find a better person, someone who can reciprocate his love. "Someday, I pray you'll meet the right one."

"If that day ever comes, I hoped it would still be with you, my love." Apollo loves Laurel, and he knew that even if years passed, he would love her forever.

"Apollo, you don't have to love me alone. You can find anyone to love." Laurel felt bad. She doesn't want to shackle the god because of unrequited love.

"And I know I will. But my love, if this wasn't yet our time, then maybe in the future or the next life, our fate will cross again, and you'll be mine."

Apollo's determination never fails to amaze Laurel. In the short time they spent together, she can guarantee that the god has become a great influence and part of her life. He's a great friend, companions, and a good listener. He's someone worthy to love and adore by everyone.

"But for now, would you take my hand?" Apollo extended his hand, making Laurel frown.

"For what?" Confuse as she may be, Laurel still accepted Apollo's hand.

"I would love to dance with you, my love."

It's a simple request that Laurel willingly granted as a sign of trust and acceptance. For now, it's the only thing Laurel could do, but hopefully, she prayed that they could meet again.

"Then make it the best dance, my dear."

With the power of the god, the muses played a song of love while the nymphs and fairies surrounded them with colorful lights and petal dances.

Apollo smiled, brushing away the inevitable as he felt the warmth of Laurel by his side. Apollo knows tonight may be the last, and even if he doesn't want to let her go, he has to accept their fate.

"If I have to live this life a million more times, I promise to find you. I'll chase after you a million and one more than yesterday until the day I'll catch you."

It was solemn yet firm, as the god of light has already made up his mind.

"Is that a challenge?"

Apollo shook his head before letting his lip touch her forehead. "No, my love. It's a vow."

They were quiet, letting themselves get swayed at the moment as the melody of the wind brushes through their skin and the leaves and flowers surround them.

"Then, the next time we meet, if you catch me. I'll be yours forever, my dear god."

Laurel's eyes shine like the sun, letting her guard down and bearing the words of promise to the one who showed her love.

As the night painted the sky, Laurel could feel her body getting lighter, like she's floating mid-air. Slowly, her delicate hands started to glow, and green leaves fluttered from her body like flower petals in the wind.

It's time.

"Laurel."

Her name was the last thing he heard from Apollo. It sounded like a song when it's uttered with so much love, making her smile as she bid goodbye.

Apollo touched the stem and felt the flesh tremble under the new bark. His hand trembled as he carefully gathered the branches for an embrace and lavished a kiss on the wood.

"Since time has not let us," said Apollo, "you shall be my tree. I will wear you for my crown. I will decorate with you my harp and my quiver, and when the great conquerors lead up the triumph, you will be woven into wreaths for their brows. And, as eternal youth is mine, you also shall always be green, and your leaf knows no decay. Until we meet again, my love."

___

Years later, the kid grew up. He walked the path of a scholar, sharing his knowledge about the world and the things he learned growing up. The kid later known as Homer was not the same person as the one who wrote the famous epic Iliad and Odyssey but he did tell the tale. He's the first one to tell the story of Apollo and Laurel, but calamities and wars ended the truth of the story. As years passed, new tales from those who've heard had been passed down through generations from ordinary citizens to travelers, from authors to poets, from Ovid to the present, in which we know today.

──────END──────