AUREUS POLO

Eliora Kiran's POV

After the mist has worn off completely, we immediately went down to the reception area. Sana ay narito pa si Mr. A, sana duty siya today. Kapag ganoon kasi, edi ibig sabihin, makakauwi kami nang mas maaga. Please, please, please!

"Hello, miss, we're sent by the ministry. Is there a resident doctor here named Aureus Polo?" I inquired.

The girl smiled. "A minute, ma'am." She sat down and typed something on her computer. She scrolled fast and when she stopped, her forehead creased. Then, she stood up and faced us again. "Are you sure about the name you're finding, ma'am?"

Ako naman ang kumunot ang noo. Huh? Bakit naman ako hindi magiging sure? Tiningnan ko ulit ang folder at binasa nang tatlong beses ang name ng hinahanap namin. Tama naman ah...

I showed her the folder and her mouth made an 'o'. She looked at us, baffled. "I regret to inform you, but Mr. Polo was not a resident doctor here for a long time now."

Huh? Why would the academy give something like this to us? Tungkulin ba nila ang pahirapan kami? Grr!

"Do you have any information about him? Where does he work now?" Ate Dillon asked.

The girl only smiled small. "He's dead."

"Huh?" We reacted in chorus. Goals hihi!

Pero bakit ganoon? Kung patay na siya, paano namin siya makikita? Paano namin makukuha sa kanya ang information na kailangan naming makuha? We can't fail this mission. We must not have any demerit. Why is the ministry challenging us? They are really huge bullies!

"This might help you." I looked up and received the piece of paper she is offering.

It was the address of his house. Maybe he still lives there—I mean, maybe his family still lives there. Patay na nga pala siya.

"Thank you po! Yay!" I beamed. Ate is so smart. I love her na.

The other two also thanked her before we left the hospital. The moment we stepped out of the glass door, the hospital disappeared from our sight and was replaced by the casino. Ang cool talaga ng mist!

Kuya Dan went to the driver's seat so I jumped in the back seat. I will let Ate D sit on the shotgun. I think I will rest for a bit. My energy is slowly depleting na e. Nakakapagod kasing mag-lift ng malaking amount ng mist.

As the drive goes on, I noticed the skies getting darker. Inabot na nga talaga kami ng gabi. Hindi na rin namin ibinaba ang gamit namin sa hotel na malapit sa GOD. I only hope there are inns on their villa. Kasi kung wala, paano na lang ako makakapagpalit noong pajamas na dala ko? Hmp!

The address was thirty minutes away from the hospital so we bought dinner on the way. The drive was silent. I don't know what they were thinking, but I know they were tired, especially Kuya Dan. His energy is getting low. He has been driving since this morning. Hindi rin siya masyadong nakatulog kasi nagbantay sila kay Kuya Draven. I channeled my vigor to my hands and when I saw the faint light on my palm, I tapped Kuya Dan on the shoulder. I gave him energy because he needs it more than me. Wala kasi akong driver's license e. Baka mamaya ay mahuli pa kami. Demerit 'yon for our group.

He looked at me through the mirror and smiled. I smiled at him brightly before resting my head on the space and letting my mind wander elsewhere. I just realized na hindi ako pwedeng matulog e, siguradong sasakit lang ang ulo ko kapag maikling oras lang ang itutulog ko. We're almost there na rin naman.

Kumusta na kaya sina Kuya Draven? Hindi na kaya bumalik yung panghihina niya? Hindi naman ako dapat mag-alala sa safety niya kasi kasama niya naman sina Ali at Kuya Dei. Kuya Dei is the most protective when it comes to his members, while Ali is the most caring. Mabuti na lang at sila ang kasama ni Kuya Draven. Especially now that he is just new to this world. It must've been a shock to him, knowing his real identity and this realm. Pero we'll help him naman, I'm just hoping that he's helping himself to cope up, too. He's a great and kind person.

A few minutes have passed and now, I can see a tall gate of a villa named Middego. It's a weird name for a villa, isn't it? Oh, wait...it actually makes sense. Hihi! It's a scrambled word for demigod. Ang corny talaga ng mythological realm.

Wala namang humarang sa amin na guard kaya't nakapasok kaagad ang sasakyan namin. Dumaan lamang kami sa guard house para magpakita ng ID. Kailangan naming ipaalam na may purpose ang visit namin at may permission ito from the ministry. May ilan kasing villas for demigods na sobrang higpit. Mabuti na lamang at hindi ganoon kahigpit dito.

Nagtanong na rin kami ng directions papunta sa bahay ni Mr. Polo at ng mga available inns dito sa villa nila. Mabuti na lamang at mayroong tatlong inns dito, at ang isa sa mga ito ay ilang blocks lang ang layo sa bahay ni Aureus. Siguro naman ay hindi pa kami masyadong late kung dederetso muna kami sa bahay niya bago mag-drop ng mga gamit sa inn.

When we arrived at the exact house number, we went out of the car and pressed the doorbell. However, no one seems to be home. The lights are off and it looks like no one lives here anymore.

I was about to turn my back and go back to the car when the gate suddenly opened, revealing a pretty lady who was wearing an oversized shirt. Her caramel hair is tied in a bun and on her eyes are big lenses. She has this pair of pink eyes. Even with her thick glasses, I can see her beauty standing out. She's the most beautiful girl I have seen. Oh my goddess! Is she a descendant of the goddess of love and beauty? "H-how can I help you?" She asked, shyly.

Kuya Dan's eyes glimmered while looking at the girl. He was stunned by the beauty in front of him. His smile became brighter than the sun. Then, he offered his hand. "I am Aidan Helios, son of Hephaestus."

The girl smiled a little before receiving the handshake. "Belle Aoife, daughter of Aphrodite."

"We're sent by the ministry and we're here to ask about Aureus Polo. Do you happen to know him?" Ate D asked. Ano ba 'yan, panira sa moment nung dalawa.

"Lolo Ri? Yes, he's my grandfather...but he's dead." Her voice went low as she looked on the ground, hands fiddling. Aww...

"Did he leave something, like a paper or a scroll meant for the ministry?" I asked.

"Come inside. I don't really know if he did, but his office is untouched. I'll let you enter since it's the ministry."

We went inside and the dark house became a well-lit residence. It was a really nice house, almost like a mansion. Dumeretso lamang kami kaagad sa office ni Lolo Aureus. Doon ay nakita ko ang isang picture niya. He was just as the ministry described him—hazelnut brown eyes and blonde hair. Isn't he familiar?

There are shelves of books in the room, a table, and a complete furniture set. It was a spacious office. He must be a hard worker.

We came near the table when Belle placed a few files there.

"Search for something addressed to the ministry."

We scanned all the papers and the scrolls and the girl helped us, too. But I think it was only a waste of time, since none of them were for the ministry. Almost all the files were profiles of his patients and some research papers about some ancient dark magic that kills demigods in their sleep. I browsed upon it and saw that the research was not finished. Can I borrow this? I would like to continue his research. This is so cool.

I placed the papers back on the table and searched on the shelves. How about the shelves? Hmm...

Wala namang kakaiba sa mga libro. Halos lahat ay tungkol sa medicine for demigods, gods, and the mortals. Ang sipag niya naman mag-collect ng mga 'to.

"There is none," Ate Dillon sat on the sofa. I sat beside her and rested my head on her shoulders. Demerit na ba ang aabutin namin? Bakit naman kasi nagbibigay ng mission ang ministry na humanap ng taong patay na pala? Nahihibang ba sila? Kami na naman ang pahihirapan. Huhu, ayoko na talaga. Gusto ko nang matulog. Miss ko na rin si Acky.

"I am sorry, guys. That is all there is. I'll keep searching and I will update you if I find something. You can rest for the day."

Kuya Dan held her hand and gripped it gently. "Thank you so much, Aoife, you were of big help." The girl only smiled shyly before leading us out. I pouted as we walked outside the room. Before I could step foot past the room, my eyes caught a glimpse of something. The golden plate where the name of the doctor was engraved shined for a few seconds. Hay nako, Lolo Aureus, pahirap ka sa buhay namin. Joke po! I am only kidding, huwag mo akong bibisitahin hehe...

Nagpasalamat ulit kami kay Belle bago sumakay ulit sa kotse at pumunta sa inn na malapit lamang dito. Kailangan na talaga naming magpahinga.

I opened my eyes and felt the energy surging inside my body as the sun touched my skin. It was a new day today! A reason to be happy!

I went out of the veranda and let the rays of the sun hit me. Ah, refreshing! My energy is complete! I quickly took a bath and went to the dining room after. When I reached it, I smelled the sweet aroma coming from the cup of hot chocolate. They prepared breakfast hihi!

"Good morning!" I greeted and kissed Ate D's cheek. She only smiled at me and greeted me.

"Good morning, Eli. Taas ng energy natin ah." Kuya Dan patted my head before placing the plates on the table. I sipped on my chocolate drink and I felt my senses become active and my mind was working very fine. If I want my senses heightened, I need sweets. It gives me more energy to think. I need to think of the mission. Kaya pa 'to, hindi kami pwedeng magkaroon ng demerits. Hindi namin pwedeng bahiran ang records namin, 'no? We've climbed our way to the top and we won't give up the title.

I looked at my plate where pancakes, sausages, and eggs were placed. Favorites hihi!

The name plate from yesterday suddenly appeared on my mind, the letters crystal clear. Aureus Polo. What's with his name? I think there's something more to it. Think, Eli, think! Your father is wisdom, too!

Mr. A...

Mr. Polo...

Napatakip ako ng bibig ko nang ma-realize ito. A. Polo...

Oh my demigods! Apollo! Si papa!

"What's wrong?" Ate Dillon looked at me, confused.

"Aureus Polo is not dead," I claimed.

Confusion took over their faces as they waited for what I will say next. "Aureus Polo is my dad. A. Polo. He is just messing with us."

"Walang hiya. Pati ang ministry ba ay naloko ng papa mo?" hindi makapaniwalang tanong ni Kuya Dan na ngayon ay natatawa na.

We quickly finished our breakfast and checked out of the inn after settling everything. We need to find Apollo as soon as possible. I don't know why I cannot contact him anymore. There must be some problems on Olympus or he might really be busy.

While on our way, a bunch of clouds accumulated in the sky. It looks like a very huge white cotton candy. My mouth gaped in awe when the sun shines upon the clouds and made it look like it was lined with gold. Then, a rainbow suddenly bloomed on top of it, like a halo suddenly springing above. It rests calmly on top of the clouds like it was a crown. Woah!

"Guys, call Iris, now!" I summoned my dagger and wounded my palm. I let my blood flow to the gold coins on Ate D's palm. "Rainbows reveal the mysteries of the skies and wonders of the clouds and the waters. Iris, we summon you."

Then, from the clouds above, a portion came rushing towards us, leaving rainbow trails and sparkling dusts. Yipee! Aunt Iris is here!

We went out of the car and watched as she descended from the heavens. Goddess Iris is the most fun deity out there. She is so lively and outgoing, I like her attitude very much.

"Who dared disturb me while I was painting the skies? I wasn't able to finish tuloy! Ugh!" When her feet touched the ground, the part where she stood glowed. She is as beautiful as always. Her blonde hair with rainbow highlights were styled in curls and they were glimmering with the sun's rays. Her yellow eyes were sparkling like gold dusts were in it. Like any other deity, they were captivating and enchanting to look at. She's really tall and gorgeous, and pretty, and amazing, and powerful. Apollo might be jealous when he finds out but Goddess Iris really is my favorite among the deities.

"We're sorry, Aunt Iris. Hihi! Do you know where papa is?"

She looked at me lovingly and caressed my cheeks. Her skin is so bright, I am almost blinded. She smells wonderful, too. Why is the world so unfair? "Well, hello, Eli. Your father told me that you know where to find him. He knows you're looking for him."

Hmm...

"Thanks, Aunt Iris! We'll go now! Love you!" I hugged her and she kissed me on the head. Kuya Dan and Ate Dillon thanked her also before going back inside the car. "Let's go back na po sa dorm. I know where to find papa."

I claimed the backseat once more and laid. It means I need to sleep again to talk to him. Hay nako, papa, pinapahirapan mo ako. Ampon ba ako para ganituhin mo?

As soon as I closed my eyes, I found myself inside the temple of Apollo. It is located on a floating island somewhere far away. "Pa? Where are you?"

"Hello, my dear daughter. I am here." When I looked behind me, I saw him standing there with his arms open. I ran towards him and hugged him tight. I missed him. One week na niya akong hindi kinakausap. Grr! Tapos ngayon ay pinahirapan niya ako.

"I am sorry. I knew you would find it out anyway."

"But why did the ministry want us to find you? And why did you disappear for a week? What's happening?"

I heard a deep sigh from him. Mukhang may problema nga. "I'm sorry, my dear, I cannot tell you anything. Zeus forbids us to tell anything to anyone. But one thing you should know is that a storm is brewing, and the mythological realm would be in chaos."

Lahat ng sinabi niya ang nagdulot ng kaba sa buong sistema ko. Oh my goddess! I'm getting goosebumps. I am scared.

"Know this, child, and remember, the vines that sprouted from an infected vine should be pruned to prevent death and avoid chaos."

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