Episode 8

Chapter 7

So, here I am again, in my room, resting. The one before was really bad. I just finished my tour of the Main Cabin and it was very amazing but it was ruined all because of him again.

While King Gabi and I are walking down the hallway, it was very quiet. All we could hear was the footsteps of our shoes. So, should I speak or not? What will I say?

"Sorry for a while back," said King Gabi who broke the silence. "I never thought he will come."

"Oh uhm it's fine," I replied. "I wasn't scared at all even though he has that uhm dark side of his," but frankly speaking, I was actually scared but just a little bit.

He sighed deeply. "I wish I could have done something," he said.

“You’ve done enough, King Gabi. He's just not aware of it, I think,” I said because that’s the truth.

He suddenly stopped walking which I also stopped. "So, the tour ends here."

“Oh okay. Yeah. Sure,” I replied.

“I'm just in my office in case you need anything. I have a lot of things to do.”

“Uhm yes. Right,” and he walked away. "Oh by the way, thanks for the tour, King Gabi," I thanked him but he continued to walk until he disappeared from my sight.

Poor King Gabi. That Jethro can’t do anything sensible. Why are there people like him who are still alive in this world? Only now do I really know someone like him who is that numb that you cannot even measure how numb he is. Geez.

Oh life, I know so many good things about this nation and it’s so... uhm how do I say this, one word: AWESOME. Every detail is really amazing even if it's just the Main Cabin. I am already excited about the next cabins.

My hand is itching badly. I want to write because it is a pity that I don’t get to record these events. If only there was a paper and a pencil here. All I could do was sleep even if it’s still a little early so I immediately changed my clothes and went to bed. Soon, I fell asleep too.

The next day, I was a little cold so I woke up but not just because of that.

"Hmm...mmmm"

What is that? Why do I seem to hear something humming? It is impossible that those are birds because it’s winter here and it’s obvious that it is not the birds that make the sound. I opened my eyes slowly to see who.

"Hmmmm...mmm"

Even though my vision is still a bit blurry I know who it is because of the color of his hair. It's just the water prince. What's his name again? It’s Prince Eaux right? Well whatever it is, he’s in my room now.

Loading... My eyes widened in no time and at the same time I sat down on my bed because I woke up immediately. Wait what, Prince Eaux is in my room?!

"Oh Yani, you're awake," he said. I'm not even dreaming!

“KYAAAHH!!” I shouted. He was startled and covered his ears with his hands because of how loud my shout is.

“Wait! Why are you shouting?! ” he shouted back.

"KYAAAHH!" I still shouted and quickly took a pillow and threw it at him.

"Wait...*dodge*...wait...*dodge*...Yani wait!"

"BAKIT KA NANDITO?! HINDI MO BA ALAM KUMATOK?! (WHY ARE YOU HERE?! DON'T YOU KNOW HOW TO KNOCK?!)” I shouted at him while I am still throwing the pillows.

“What?! I can't...*dodge*...understand you!”

“Just GET OUT!!” at the same time I threw away the last pillow.

"Okay, okay. Sheesh. What a girl,” and he came out and at the same time I closed the door as hard as I can by controlling the wind.

Just great. Disturbing me in the morning?! Can't he wait outside?! It's still early!

Eish. It’s not that he really bothered me. I was just really surprised that he was here inside so consider it distrupting my sleep and I know I was over exaggerated.

"Oh by the way, wear something not too warm," he said from the door.

I did not answer him. Yes, dear prince! Geez. That was my first time so I was not used to it.

As he said, not too warm so I wore available summer clothes. Almost all of it are sando (sleeveless shirts) and shorts so I just wore one of them and put on a thick knee-length jacket because it was still cold. I also tied my long hair.

When I opened the door, he was leaning on the wall and was a little shocked to see me. I looked back at him seriously.

"What?" I asked as I frowned.

“Huh? Uhm nothing,” he stammered in response.

We stared at each other. "So, are we just gonna stand here or what?"

"Oh, just..." he scratched his head at the same time.

"Let's go," I offered and walked.

He also walked and of course I let him preceded me because he’s the one who knew the way. None of us spoke as we walked. I'm still not in the mood.

"Look Yani, I'm sorry for a while back," he apologized which broke the silence between us. “I didn't know that you are not used to people coming in your room—”

"Now you know," I cut him off. "Next time, if you want to come in, please knock okay?"

“But I was knocking a while ago and not a single reply I got—”

"Isn't it you saw me sleeping?" I cut him off again.

"Well, yes—"

“Then why didn't you wait outside? What if I'm doing something privately?” and again. Sorry. I know I am not showing respect anymore. “Don't you know that barging at someone's place is—”

I stopped. Wait, if I remember correctly, Jethro said that, right? Okay, so what?

"Is what?" he asked.

"...is a grave thing," I concluded.

He sighed. “Okay, I'm really, really sorry. Please forgive me for my rudeness,” he apologized.

“Uuhh, uhm sure. I forgive you,” I replied a bit ashamed.

Shacks, he apologized to me? Oh my gash! I just realized what I was doing. Seriously, that's embarrassing. What he did was not that grave and I started to ramble and say all kinds of things and then take note hah Yani, he’s a PRINCE you are not even a princess! Shame on you!

We headed straight out of the Main Cabin and after a few minutes of walking, I gradually felt the temperature around me warm up. Soon, I saw a ray of sunshine. Arriving, I could feel the heat of the sand on my feet. It really is a beach here.

“Take off your coat. It's already warm,” he said.

I took it off and gave it to him. He also removed his. And now, he’s wearing a blue shirt and red shorts. Wow. In fairness girls, he’s hot.

"So can you breath underwater?" he asked me.

“Hah? Uhm well I can but I have a limit,” I replied.

"How many hours?"

“An hour only.”

"Oh," then he suddenly looked around and walked to a place on the sand. “Come here. Stand next to me.”

I was surprised at first but I did what he said and suddenly the sand disappeared from where I was stepping and a platform I was riding on came down. It was as if I was riding in an elevator, but it’s only good for one person. I was shocked by what happened. It also stopped and suddenly, a door in front of me opened.

"So, welcome to the underwater path..."

My eyes twinkled because of what I am seeing right now. Do you know those clear transparent glass that works as the walls of this path and then you can clearly see the bottom of the sea? It’s as if you are under the water without getting wet. Cool.

"Wow," I commented.

"So shall we proceed?"

"Yes," I said with a smile and we walked.

Turning to the right, to the left, I just turn my head around as I look around. Oh look, there are people under water. Of course they are water people. The others are playing, the others are waving at us and I am waving back. Seriously, this is just an underwater path, what about their own cabin?

When we were at the end of the underwater path, a large glass that looked like the gate of their cabin suddenly opened.

"So this is the Water Cabin," said the prince.

My eyes twinkled brighter because of what I am seeing right now. It’s a city surrounded by walls made of clear transparent glass so the city itself is under water but we are not getting wet.

“There are a lot of things to show you. Where do you want to start?” he asked.

"Anywhere!" I answered in excitement.

"I see," he smiled. "Well, how about we walk to my place and just ask any question while we're walking if something came to your mind."

"Okay," so we walked. "Hmm, maybe you can start by naming some common and famous places here," I said.

“Right. Well, we have here the Water Academy, the only school for us water people…” he said as he pointed to a large building that looked like a school.

“Then we have the Water Hospital. By the name itself it means it is where injured and sick water people go. We also have a water hospital in the Main Cabin for emergencies because water people also go there…”

“We also have different restaurants and stores for necessary things and last but not the least; we have the park located outside these clear walls. Water people like us likes to relax underwater. We can think better if we dive deep in the water,” he concluded.

Just like what King Gabi said. So that's why his special room is like that.

"So I think that's all I have in mind," he said. "Do you still have any questions?"

“Well, how about you guys? I mean what's special about water people? Do they have something in common?”

“Oh good thing you asked about that. Well, water people can breathe underwater as long as they can...”

Of course it is. I don't know if he’s teasing me but I felt insulted. At least, I can still breathe under the water that a normal person can't.

“We hate solid foods so we prefer beverages and soups only. And one more thing, we can walk on the surface of the water.”

"Really?"

“Yup. And also, our body easily dries once we got out from the water because we absorb large amount of it.”

“Ooohh. I see."

"Oh and by the way, I would like you to see what's common inside each of the houses here in our cabin," so we approached a house that looked like it was made of corals and sand.

"Are you sure nobody lives here?" I asked just to be sure.

“Yes. These are houses reserved for the next water person,” and he opened the door of the house at the same time.

Okay. It’s is just a normal house that is good for one person but...

"An aquarium?" I wondered.

“Yup. That's our bed. Obviously, we sleep in the water.”

“Oh no wonder it's that big. That's cool,” I commented.

"Indeed," he said. "So, shall we proceed to my place?"

"Sure," and we left the house.

We walked towards the front of a palace and like the house before, it looks like it is also made of corals and sand. The exterior of it is really amazing.

We first climbed a couple of stairs before he opened a large door and woah. So like I said, it’s a palace with an underwater theme. The roof is made of clear glass so it looks like... no, I mean it is indeed an UNDERWATER PALACE.

"Good morning Prince Eaux," greeted a water girl when Prince Eaux passed by and at the same time he bowed in front of him.

“Good morning Ann. So any new reports?” at the same time he took a piece of paper given by the water girl.

“Nothing to report, your highness. Everything is quite in order,” replied the woman.

“That's good. Oh and by the way Ann, this is Yani, our newest visitor,” he turned to me and bowed in front of me which surprised me. “Yani, Ann my secretary."

“Ah hehe. Hi. Uhm you don't really need to bow,” I replied shyly.

She stood up straight. "You're a respected visitor here for having our very own water prince to be your tour guide and most especially you're not even a water person," she said.

"Uuhhh…" Wow the depth of what she said. How did she know I was not a water girl?

"She may not be Ann but she has the ability to control water so she is allowed to be here," said Prince Eaux.

He bowed to Prince Eaux again. “As you say so, your highness.”

"Well then, let's go to my office Yani so we will have our break." I nodded and followed him on the walk.

As soon as we arrived in front of a large door, he opened it.

"Woah," I commented in amazement.

It looks just like a principal’s office but it is twice as big and spacious. He has a table with a seashell in the middle of it because of course the theme is still underwater and there are also many seashells and sea creature designs on the walls but his table is full of stacked papers.

Hmm, so it is true that even if you are a prince, princess, queen or a king, you really have a lot of responsibility because of course all the work will be given to you in the area where you are leading.

"Have a seat," he offered.

I sat on a big sofa. Wow. It’s soft. My only seat in the house when I was still living in the Philippines was just a monoblock and then a wooden bed without a mattress with a pillow and blanket. My new room in this nation is kinda new to me actually.

"So, would you like something to drink?" he asked.

“Uhm no. I'm fine,” I replied.

"Okay," he sat down on his chair. “Uhm, so this is my office obviously. Big right?” he said as he looked at me.

"Obviously, yes," I replied.

He just gave me a smile and then he took a paper and started writing. I turned my gaze all around his office so there was a build-up of silence between us.

"Uhm what are we doing here?" I asked.

"To rest," he replied while writing. Ah okay. I think, this is getting awkward.

"So do you like the place?" he asked without looking at me.

“Uuhm yes. It's awesome,” I replied.

He did not speak back after that and I just watched him write. So, that’s it? I'll just wait for his questions and I'll answer? Boring. Hmm, I'll ask.

"Uhm, can I help you with your work?" I questioned.

He stopped what he was doing when I said that and at the same time he looked at me and smiled. "That's very kind of you but this work can only be done by me," he replied and went back to his writing.

“Oh right. So uhm, is there anything I can do?”

"Hmm ..." he looked at me again. “How about this, you can ask me any question you like and I'll try my best to answer it. But, it depends on the question actually.”

“Oh okay. Uhm…” What good could I ask? Friends, pet, favorite color, favorite food, talent… wait. Speaking of talent…

"Uhm I heard you love to dance."

When I said that, he stopped writing and didn’t reply. Okay uhm maybe he’s thinking?

"Prince Eaux?" He raised his head and turned to me with his serious gaze so I was a little surprised.

“What about it?” he asked, with a serious tone.

I paused for a moment before speaking. “Uuuhhh… Uhm… nothing. Well…” I scratched my head at the same time.

There we go again. Why is it that when I ask questions, their faces are always scary as if they are going to kill me? Is this another one of the questions that should not be asked?!

"Well?" he said waiting in anticipation of what I would say.

"Uhm well... I'm just wondering that uhh… you dance in here?" I stuttered.

He fell silent. Okay Yani, just drop the subject because it is obvious that I should not have asked that and I should never ask again!

“Look you don't need to answer if you don't want to and maybe let's just go—”

"You have seen my room?" he cut me off.

I paused. “Uuhh you mean the special room? Well, yes. King Gabi let me. Am I not allowed to see it?” I asked back.

He stood up suddenly to my surprise. Waaahh! I'm getting scared.

“Wait look, I'm really sorry. It was just a tour. I didn't mean to see that,” I panicked. Please do not punish me. He suddenly turned his back on me and looked out the window next to him.

“I kept it as a secret. Only few must know because I do not dance in public,” he replied.

"Ah okay," that's why he reacted like that but come on. You don’t have to react like that. You’re giving me a heart attack.

"But your brothers knew it?" There I am again with my questions but maybe this time, he won’t react that scary like before, right?

“Yes. All of them,” he replied.

"Oh okay." And that’s it. I will not ask again. Let it be awkward. It’s so traumatic to ask these people.

Later he turned to me and smiled. “Sorry to scare you. I never saw that coming,” he said suddenly.

I did not know what to say so I just nodded.

“Please don't be afraid to ask again. I’ll try not to be scary anymore.”

Okay. Looks like he's insisting. Whatever.

"Uhm have you heard Jethro I mean Prince Jethro sang?" I questioned.

He was slightly surprised by my question. "Why'd you ask?" he asked back.

Honestly, I also don’t know why. “Uhm well, King Gabi said he's good at playing different kinds of melodies but never sang. I thought that maybe you heard him.”

It took a few minutes before he answered. “You see, if dad never heard him sang, then even the seven of us his brothers didn't hear it too. But his music are good even though it is purely instrumental. I can feel that almost all his songs are… sad.”

Ah okay. They say that some people express their emotions in music so if that's the case, he’s been sad… for a long time. That guy is really mysterious. But what can we do? He’s a cold hearted person.

"So anymore?" he added.

“Uuhhm—”

"Maybe save that for some other time…" he cut me off. “…I really like to talk with you but I need to take you back to the Main Cabin because I still have a lot of work to do.”

"Wait, the tour ends here?" I asked.

“Yes. Is that okay with you?”

“Oh yeah. Sure,” I stood up at the same time and he also stood up.

We walked out of his underwater palace and honestly, I was already curious because people were looking at me earlier. What is their problem? Is it because my hair is black and they are all blue? Or maybe because I am with their beloved prince all morning?

"Prince Eaux!" a voice shouting from behind us surprised us both. We both turned around and saw his secretary that I could never remember the name running towards him.

"What is it?" full of authority, asked Prince Eaux.

“Your highness, it's an emergency. There's a problem back at the Academy and they need you there. Sorry for the disturbance,” she once bowed in front of him while panting.

"Is it urgent?"

"Yes, your highness."

“It can't really wait—”

"You can go," I said so they looked at me at the same time. “Just go. I'm fine,” I assured him.

"Are you sure you can go back?" full of anxiety, Prince Eaux asked me.

"Well uhm not quite sure but—"

"You see," Prince Eaux said that made me stop. "I have to bring you back safe and sound."

“But what about your—”

“Ma’am! Ma’am! Ma’am Ann!” a voice once again entered with a running water girl also approaching Prince Eaux's secretary. Like everyone else, she has blue eyes and her long blue hair is braided.

"Femme!" shocked, the secretary said.

"Ma’am, we really need the prince there!" she said and paused for a moment to see Prince Eaux. "Uuhh I-I mean, your highness…" she bowed in front of him. “…sorry for being rude.”

"It’s fine," Prince Eaux replied. “I see now that it's really urgent. Well then, Ann please escort Yani all the way to the exit. Make sure she's safe and sound to return to the Main Cabin. Report to me at once.”

His secretary looked at me first. “I really liked to help, your highness but—”

“I volunteer Prince Eaux!” the girl with the braided hair that I was not sure of the name said and she even raised her hand. We all looked at her.

"Volunteer for what?" Prince Eaux asked her.

"Volunteer to help this girl find her way to the Main Cabin," she said.

Prince Eaux and his secretary looked at each other.

“Well, that's very nice of you but I asked Ann—”

"She needs to be there Prince Eaux because she's your assistant," replied the braided water girl.

"Actually secretary," Ann said.

"I mean your secretary," the braided girl said.

Prince Eaux was surprised and let out a sigh. “Okay then. I'll leave her to you. Make sure she got back safe. Report to me at once,” full of authority Prince Eaux commanded.

"YES Sir!" and she even gestured a salute to him.

Prince Eaux looked at me. "Be safe," he said full of sincerity and smiled.

Great. There’s that killer smile again. “Uhh uhm yes. Of course,” I muttered and they left at the same time. All that was left was me and the braided water girl.

Okay. What now?

“Uhm your name—”

"Okay, first things first, I have a question to you young lady!" she answered while pointing at me.

Wow. That's surprising. "Yes?"

"You came from the Main Cabin, right?" she asked.

“Oh uhm yes. I'm just a visitor here,” I replied.

"Then what element do you control?" she asked.

“Huh? Uhm well ... ” Shall I say it? No. I don’t even know who she is.

"Well you see it's a bit complicated to explain."

"Oh really…" she looked at me full of suspicion in her eyes. Please Lord. I hope she doesn't insist in knowing it.

“Okay then, let’s go to the Main Cabin. Tara!" she offered with so much fun in her voice and she started walking.

Whew. I was relieved but I was also surprised by the sudden change in his expression.

"Wait, uhm actually—" I said and started walking but she suddenly stopped and faced me that me stop also.

“Oh sorry. I spoke Filipino again hehe,” she said making me quiet. “By the way, my name is Femme. I'm actually a Filipina. Nice to meet you,” she greeted with a smile.

I was surprised by what he said. "Pilipino ka? (You’re a Filipino?)" I asked.

She was shocked. "Ikaw din?! (You also?!)" she asked back.

“Di nga? May Pilipino din pala dito? (No really? There are also Filipinos here?)” I can't believe it.

"Oo naman. Ang saya naman nito, (Of course. This is fun)” she smiled very happily. “Ay dito pala ang palabas sa cabin namin. Bilisan na natin dahil di ba nga may emergency, (Oh right, this is the way to get out of our cabin. Let's hurry because there is an emergency)” she added so we walked quickly to their gate.

When we arrived at the door of the underwater path...

“So ito na yun. Tara, (So this is it. Let’s go)” she said but I immediately held her shoulder so she stopped and turned to me.

"Bakit? (Why?)"

"Kaya ko na rito, (I can do it from here)" I assured her. “Pwede ka nang bumalik. Sabihin mo lang kay Prince Eaux na nakarating na ako sa Main Cabin ng maayos. (You can go back. Just tell Prince Eaux that I got to the Main Cabin well.)”

"Sigurado ka? (Are you sure?)"

"Oo naman. (Of course.)"

“Eh, pero gusto pa kitang makausap. Wala kayang masyadong Pilipino dito na pwedeng kausapin. Puro sila englishero at englishera, (But I still want to talk to you. There are not too many Filipinos here that I can talk with. They are all English)” and she pouted.

Aww she's cute. She looks like a child. "Oo nga eh pero di ba may emergency ka pa? (Yes, but don't you still have an emergency to attend to?)"

“Ah oo nga pala. (Oh right)”

"Okay lang yan. Sa susunod nalang ulit. Susubukan kong bisitahin ka rito kung may oras ako, (It's okay. Maybe next time. I will try to visit you here if I have time)” and I smiled at her.

"Promise?"

"Promise," and raised my hand as if I am taking an oath.

"Okay then. Bye Yani. Ingat ka hah? (Be careful okay?)” and she waved at me.

"Oo naman. Ikaw din Femme. (Of course. You also Femme.) Bye,” I waved back and left.

I walked up to the elevator. I thought Jethro and I were the only Filipinos in this nation. When I got to the top, I suddenly realized something.

Shacks. It’s cold in the Main Cabin and then I forgot my jacket from Prince Eaux! I can't go back there because I’ll be lost and I am sure they are very busy. Why did I just think of this now?!

Ah I know! I can just stabilize my body temperature so there is no problem. I continued walking back to the Main Cabin and good thing I also remembered the way back.

Gradually, the surroundings cooled so I also tried to warm up my body. Works well. Soon, there was snow on where I am walking so it got colder.

Just great. I know my room is still far from here. It will not be long before I faint in the cold. Of course I also have a limit to what I am doing so I thought of running.

I stopped for a moment because not only of being tired, but of what I saw today. In the distance, the ice prince is leaning against a barren tree with his head bowed down and his eyes closed at the same time with both hands on the pocket of his jacket. He immediately opened his eyes when he heard me panting.

Why did I stop? He’s numb so he will probably ignore me. I continued walking while hugging myself.

“You look so weird wearing summer clothes in winter,” he said after I passed him which surprised me.

Wait, Jethro spoke? That’s new. Of course I stopped and looked at him where he is leaning.

“I-I came from the Water Cabin. I forgot my jacket there,” I replied shivering.

"Why don't you go back?" he asked coldly.

"Be-because I will be lost and Prince Eaux is busy," I replied, still trembling.

He did not speak after. I ignored that and continued walking again but I felt like as slow as a turtle because I could feel the numbness of my legs.

"The Main Cabin is still far from here," he said.

"I-I know," I replied but I still continued to step forward. "S-so I have to hurry."

"How did you cope with the cold?" he asked.

"Uhm we-well… I-I can heat my body as much— wait," I turned my head to him. "Why am I still… talking… to…" I slowly did not finish what I was going to say because of what I see now.

Just a moment ... am I really seeing things? This coldhearted guy...

...is offering me his JACKET?! I’m being fooled.

"Uhm ..."

"Here, take it and put it on," he said coldly as he handed his jacket to me.

"Wa-wait, are you serious?" I asked trembling.

He didn't say a word and just looked back at me with a serious face. Okay, the answer is already on his face. I did take it and put it on. In fairness, I felt warmer when I wore it.

"Wait, how about you?" I asked him.

“I can handle the cold. Don't worry about me,” he replied.

I know that, because he’s an ice guy and I think people like him can last no matter how cold it is but the fact that he reached for his jacket... shacks. So not Jethro.

"What's up?" I wonder in question.

“Why? What's up?" he asked back while also wondering.

"It’s just sudden that you're just giving a jacket."

“Why? You don’t want to?"

“Uhm not like that. Well uhm... because...” How do I say this? Also, wait a minute, do I really know what a numb person means? Define cold hearted. Maybe I'm wrong.

"Someone like me doesn't usually do what I did today, is that what you mean?" he said.

I was slightly surprised by what he said. "That's right," Wow. It’s like he read my mind. He looked up at the sky.

"Isn't it that’s what people do if you’re not cold hearted?"

Huh? What? "What do you want to say?" I'm really confused with him.

He looked back at me and did not speak and at the same time he also stood up straight. “Nothing. Just leave. I thought you’ll understand,” he said very seriously and he walked away. He just left me here wondering and thinking.

Loading… Hayst. Well whatever it is that he wants to convey,

"Jethro!" I called and good thing he stopped.

"Uhm thank you for the jacket," I started. “I was really surprised so I could not thank you immediately. It is not really common for someone like you to do such a thing but thank you very much. Even if it’s just a small thing you did, you helped me out a lot.”

He didn't say a word but in that silence, I was suddenly surprised because… Loading complete.

"Ah I think I got it," I said as if I was enlightened. "It looks like I judged you badly."

He looked to me when I said that as I gave him a sincere smile. "You really proved today that you are not really what I thought you are. Just like what others say, everyone has kindness in their hearts."

There was a silence but soon, my smile disappeared because he was squeezing his chest suddenly and the pain was obvious on his face.

“Hey Jethro—”

"I'm fine," he answered while still holding his chest.

"Are you sure?"

“Yes. Do not follow me,” and he turned around as he walked away.

"Wait—" I did not finish what I was about to say because the wind suddenly blew so hard that I covered my eyes.

When it also stopped, he was no longer in front of me. Where did he go? He’s really fast but wait, what happened to his chest? It suddenly became painful for him.

I just sighed and smiled. Oh Jethro. That person is really weird. It seems like only now have I really realized the meaning of the saying "Don't judge a book by its cover". He’s not really numb. That's just the way he really looks and treats others because I know he has a reason.

I still don’t know what that is but don’t worry Jethro. There is a way.

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