Episode 12

Chapter 11

I was still standing here outside and partially processing what had just happened. So what does he mean by that, it only rains snow somewhere when he is happy? Maybe, because it also stopped when he left, but what made him happy?

I just turned around when suddenly a ray of sunlight hit my face so I blocked it with my hand. Wait. It’s winter, and there’s sunshine?

I felt the temperature around me gradually warming up. Wait, is this the moment where the season is changing? Hmm, if I read correctly, after winter is… spring, right? It's spring? Wow. It’s my first time to see the changing of seasons.

Since I have nothing to do, I walked back inside the Main Cabin and as I walked through the forest, I saw how the snow was slowly melting on the trees as the leaves began to grow. In others, there are flowers that bloom. So this is how it feels. Nice. I even removed my coat because it was hot.

Before I went straight to my room, I first went to King Gabi's office. I did not bother to knock and just opened the door. I know it's rude but I'll talk to him for a moment but as soon as I opened the door, I regretted not knocking.

King Gabi and the person he is with immediately looked at me and to everyone who could be with him now in his office,

"Yani," said Prince Fuego as he got up from the sofa.

Boogsh. I got out immediately and closed the door. Shocking bells, Prince Fuego is here, the fire prince, the man that almost— I don't want to continue! What is he doing here?!

I leaned against the door and I was surprised when he tried to open it so I pulled it so he could not open it.

“Yani, please listen to me. I need to explain what happened back in the Fire Cabin,” he said behind the door.

“Yo-you don't need to. I'm okay now so leave me alone,” I stammered while still pulling the door.

“It's not what you think. I didn't mean for that to happen.”

“Wha-what are you talking about?”

"Yani, please listen to—"

He suddenly fell silent. I just looked at the door full of wonder. What happened?

"Yani?"

I was surprised because the voice was different. "Ki-King Gabi?"

"Yes it's me dear," he replied. "If you can hear me, I have something to tell you."

I was speechless and wondered again.

"Guess what… it's already spring," he happily said.

I was shocked and I did not know what I looked like now after he said that. How happy could he be.

“Yeah. I saw it,” I replied.

"Wonderful right?"

"It's amazing I guess."

“Dad, this is no time for jokes—”

"Oh and Yani," King Gabi interrupted. “Please do not block the door and come in my office. I always want someone to talk to. Don't worry, Fuego doesn't bite anymore.”

I didn’t replied at what he said. I still seem to be skeptical.

"If ever he will, I will make sure to pour water on him."

I was surprised when he added that. I got that. Fire people don’t like water.

“What the— are you serious?” Prince Fuego asked in shock.

King Gabi did not speak.

“Yeah he’s serious Yani. It's written all over his face,” added Prince Fuego.

I don't know how but I seemed to lose my fear when I heard that. In fact, I was still laughing inside.

Okay Yani, you can do it. Take a deep breath… exhale. I slowly opened the door and they both appeared right in front of me. I dared to go in and close the door but I just stayed in my place after I did that because I stiffened.

There was silence between us but it also broke immediately when King Gabi smiled.

"Come my dear," he invited. "Fuego, stay in the corner," he ordered.

“But—”

“No buts young man if you don't want water to be poured on you.”

Prince Fuego just rolled his eyes in irritation and did what his father said. He was like a punished child. I followed King Gabi and sat on the sofa right in front of his desk while he sat in his chair.

"So, how are you feeling my dear?"

When I sat down, I first glanced at Prince Fuego who was in the corner and also looked at King Gabi and forced a smile. "I'm fine."

"Well I'm glad to hear that," he said and also gave me a smile and also looked at Prince Fuego. "So what actually brought you here Yani?"

It took a while before I could answer. "Uhm actually… I-I just want to ask uhm about the uuhh…" I stuttered.

"Yes, what is it?"

"Well, about what happened in the Fire Cabin..."

"Oh so it's about the Fire Cabin tour," he suddenly stood up and went to a water dispenser while he put water in the cup. "So, how did it go?"

"Well uhm…" I scratched my head and glimpsed at the prince again. "…can Prince Fuego transform into another person?" I asked.

There was silence before he spoke.

"Transform?"

“Yeah. You know, like turning into someone who will uhm suddenly sexually hold girls—”

"Pfft hahah," King Gabi laughed so I just stopped.

Okay? Did I say anything? What's funny?

“Haha. Sorry dear. Your term was really funny,” he laughed. "So, he 'transformed' huh?" he laughed at the question.

“He did. His head just bowed down and when he lifted it up, his eyes suddenly turned into— ”

"Yani," Prince Fuego cut me off as he started walking towards me. “About that, whatever you saw, please—”

Splash!

I was shocked by what happened while Prince Fuego stopped at his place and stared at the wet floor. King Gabi threw water from the water dispenser right in front of Prince Fuego as he approached me.

"What did I say Fuego?" King Gabi asked seriously.

Fear was evident on Prince Fuego's face. Even me. It’s my first time I saw King Gabi being so serious. He just laughed a while ago and now, he seems to be a really angry father to his son.

“But… I need to—”

"She's the victim right?" the king asked, with a very deep voice.

He was speechless. “I assume that it's her first time to experience that so she's afraid of you. Don't you understand that?”

He was left speechless and just leaned against the wall and bowed his head. I was still silent here while King Gabi is preaching Prince Fuego.

"Yani," I immediately turned to him when he called my name. "On behalf of me and Fuego, I hope you can forgive us," and he suddenly bowed in front of me.

I got up immediately. “Uhm you don't have to bow King Gabi and why do you need to apologize to me? You haven't done anything.”

"That's the point, my dear," he stood up straight. "I haven't done anything to warn you about my son's other side that's why that happened."

I just didn't say a word but I was so uncomfortable because he bowed to me. I am not a princess and he’s the king. Embarrassing.

"I'm really sorry Yani," I looked at Prince Fuego. “Please forget what just happened and I promise you that will not happen again.”

I just looked at him. Even to him. I am also uncomfortable because he’s very sincere when he said that. Well technically it should be like that to say he didn't like what happened but seriously guys, it looks like they are treating me like a princess.

"But I'm curious, how did you dress that time?" King Gabi asked me.

"Well uhm… summer clothes," I replied.

"Specifically?"

"I was wearing a white sleeveless shirt and white shorts"

“Like a normal fire girl should wear. So…” he looked at Prince Fuego at the same time. "What tempted him to touch you?"

Prince Fuego did not answer and just avoided looking at King Gabi. I was speechless because I did not know if I would answer or not?

"Well whatever happened that time, I think that you Yani should also have to do your part of being conservative because there are more men here in this nation that's just like Fuego."

“Yes I know, King Gabi. He just mentioned that it was hot in the Fire Cabin so I wore those clothes.”

"Yeah, you're right but it's a warning already because believe me or not…" King Gabi approached me.

"…he will do that to you again," he whispered loudly to me and he meant it for Prince Fuego to hear.

"DAD!" Prince Fuego complained.

“What? It's just a warning.”

"You're scaring her."

"I'm just trying not to repeat my mistake again."

Prince Fuego let out a sigh. "But he's right Yani. You should be more—"

"See Yani?" King Gabi interrupted. “You heard him. I told you he will do that again.”

“No! That's not what I meant. Let me finish my sentence first, Dad.”

"Pfft," I chuckled so they both stopped and looked at me.

“Sorry, sorry. You two are just fun to watch,” I smiled at them.

They just looked at each other.

"And Prince Fuego…" he looked at me. I smiled at him. “I forgive you.”

He was slightly surprised and smiled back at me. "Well, that's nice to hear."

Prince Fuego later on left so King Gabi and I were the only ones left in his office.

“So I have to go. Thanks again King Gabi,” I said in goodbye and walked away.

“You're always welcome. Please always do stop by if you have time,” he said.

I was at the door when I stopped.

“Oh wait. I still have one more,”I said so I turned to him. “This time it's about Jethro. Is it true that it only snows in a certain place when he's happy?”

He was slightly surprised. “How did you know? Did he tell you that directly?”

"Well yes."

“If that's the case, yes it's true. You saw him smile?”

I paused for a moment and looked away. "Yes."

"Well, lucky for you to see it because fun fact, he doesn't smile."

That’s true. Very obvious. "So why was he happy?" King Gabi asked.

"Uhm, I actually don't know," I answered in doubt.

He was surprised by my answer. “You don't know? You're not aware why he smiled that time?”

"Uhm… yes."

He paused. "I see," he said at the same time his face changed like he’s thinking. Because of that, there was silence between us… and it was awkward.

"Uhm anyways, thanks again King Gabi," I just said and finally left his office.

I let out a sigh as I walked back to my room. Why is he happy then? We just had a snow ball fight. Well that's fun but the superficiality of his happiness.

Hayst. I can only go crazy if I think about why. He was just happy during that time. That's all.

Arriving at my room, I went to bed immediately. I’m tired. I was just staring at the ceiling and put my right arm on my forehead.

Seriously, a lot has happened today. I saw another 'side', I met a new Filipina and I did not get her name and most of all... I saw him smile...

I immediately sat down and touched my cheeks. Why is that Yani, why am I feeling butterflies in my stomach again?! Geez. It’s just a smile. I just changed my clothes and went to bed immediately.

Maybe this will disappear when I wake up tomorrow.

~~~

The next day, as usual I will fix myself first and then look outside to see if my next tour guide is there and here we are again. There is no one here. Great. Let us write in my journal first. I would about to close the door when...

“Yani, good morning! Sorry to keep you waiting.”

Ay pating! (Filipino expression: Oh sharks!) I was surprised and turned around and gave the speaker a look of astonishment.

He’s wearing a lab gown and laboratory gloves and all he just needs are lab goggles. He’s the scientist prince and his name is?

"So, since you're ready let's go," as he removed his gloves and pocketed them.

"Uhm wait," he stopped and turned to me. “What was your name again? Hehe,” as I scratched my neck.

He smiled at me. "Just call me Zoltar."

"Ah okay."

Same thing always happen. Follow the prince, introduce the cabin, like that but the strange thing here is that at the entrance of their cabin, a big gate opens and the surrounding fences are made of electricity. As we stepped in front of the gate, a large monitor appeared with a face on the screen. Wow. Hi-tech.

"Good morning, your highness," the monitor greeted Prince Zoltar.

"Yes, good morning to you too E.C," Prince Zoltar greeted back.

E.C? E.C is his name? What does that mean? The monitor looked at me.

"Your highness, you have an intruder with you," he said.

Here we go again with that deep word. Do I really look like a bad person?

"She's not an intruder," Prince Zoltar replied. “She's my visitor and I want you to permit her to go inside.”

"I see," replied monitor EC "As you say so, your highness but regarding her safety, Electric Cabin is not capable for her."

“Yes you're right. She can control electricity but can't withstand the electricity around our cabin so that's why I'm asking for you to provide us a platform to travel.”

“Yes, your highness”

When he said that, suddenly there was a platform that appeared in front of the gate and flew closer to Prince Zoltar. He rode on the platform while I was just stunned in amazement. WOW. It’s really hi-tech here!

He reached out his hand to me. "Let's go."

I just took his hand and smiled and rode and when I got on, the big gate opened.

“So welcome to the Electric Cabin.”

“Wow.”

Do you know the futuristic places shown in movies? Well now, I don't have to wait for the future for that to happen because it is right in front of me. It was as if I was traveling in the future. It’s like a common city that we know that is full of technologies and so bright because of the amount of light.

"So where do you want to start?" asked the tour guide prince.

"Uhm your place?" I answered in question.

"Oh okay," at the same time he pressed something on the platform itself.

“I mean—

ZOOM! I did not finish what I was about to say because the platform was moving as fast as lightning and we arrived immediately in front of his palace. Whooh. I feel dizzy now. Hi-tech are really out of this world.

“Here we are.”

I just looked in front of me a big building.

"Yeah uhm," I looked at him. “Actually I was just asking where is your place, not to go there… immediately.”

“Oh. I'm sorry. I got the wrong idea,” he apologized. "Well then, where do you want to start?"

“Uhm just like the usual tours. Like uhm the important places? You know, the hospital, academy and stuff.”

"Right," he pressed the button again and we arrived in front of a building, specifically the Electric Academy.

Of course they will say the same thing that their only school is the Electric Academy, the injured electric people are taken to the electric hospital, and the various shops.

But the only thing is that the electric people say that even if lightning strikes them, they will not die but they will even live. But what else can I expect. They are electric people.

And another thing, this platform we are riding on. It’s like we are riding a roller coaster because of the speed and in fact, compared to roller coasters, I can say this platform is 10 times faster. I was dizzy so I couldn't quite understand what he was saying.

We entered an unoccupied house to see that their bed was not an ordinary bed we knew made of wood or steel. It’s a cylindrical tube and then they enter it and the tube release electricity to restore their strength. Technically they are still sleeping but they are not lying down.

And it’s just like fire people too. They also don’t drink water because well technically speaking, you will pour water into electricity, doesn’t that explode, right?

“That's all. Any question?” he finished.

"Uhm none," I replied.

“Okay then. Shall we go back from where we started? ”

"Yes."

He tappeda button again and ZOOM! We went back to where we started. We entered his palace while we were still riding on the platform. When we arrived at his office, his office was still a laboratory. How many labs does this prince own?

"So are you hungry?" he asked once he got off the platform.

“No. I'm fine,” I replied and was about to go down the platform…

“Okay. Well— wait,” he stopped me which surprised me. “You can't go down from the platform, Yani. You will be paralyzed by the electricity surrounding our cabin. You're safe there and if you want a seat, you can sit on the platform.”

"Ah okay," I sat on the platform at the same time while he sat on his chair and started writing.

That is strange. The genius of their concept is that everything here is really made of electricity. So this is what King Gabi says that other people from the other cabin really can't come in here but only electric people.

"Uhm Prince Zoltar, I have a question," I said.

"Yes, what is it?" he asked while still writing.

"Uhm what does E.C mean?"

Earlier it was spinning in my mind but I forgot to ask a while back because I was dizzy on the tour of this platform.

“Oh you mean our monitor back at the gate? E.C means 'Electrical Custodian'”

Wow. Another deep word. I know 'E' has something to do with electricity but it's hard to think of a word that starts with ‘C’ that goes well with electricity. So it’s Custodian… what does that mean?

“Prince Zoltar—”

"Oh, that reminds me, I want you to meet someone," he cut me off. I was the one who was planning to start a conversation but he suddenly stepped me. Anyways…

“Okay. Who is it? ”

Knock, knock. “Just in time. Come in,” he said.

And a woman came in with long, blonde and slightly curly hair, yellow eyes and eyeglasses. Maybe she's about my age. She is also wearing a lab gown. To the guys out there, she’s really beautiful.

"You called me Sir?" the woman asked.

“Do I need to Elesa? I know you will come,” replied Prince Zoltar.

"Uhm yes of course"

"Anyways, I'd like you to meet Yani," he pointed at me and I stood up from the platform.

“Hi. Uhm uhh... nice to meet you,” I said at the same time I offered my hand.

“Uhm yes. Nice to meet you too. I'm Elesa,” and we shook hands. I was electrified by her hand. She’s an electric person.

"Uh nice name," I commented.

“Thanks. You're not an electric girl are you?”

“Yes I'm not. I'm uhh... a visitor here.”

“She's just here to see the cabin. Well you two must be wondering why I introduced you to each other,” said Prince Zoltar.

We just looked at him as a question why.

"You see, my assistant here is just like you Yani, a full-blooded Filipino." he said.

I'm surprised. "Di nga? (Really?)" I said in shock and looked at his assistant at the same time.

"Kaya pala, (No wonder)" Elesa smiled.

“Oh my gash! Mukha kang foreigner. Ang ganda mo, (You look like a foreigner. You’re so beautiful)” I commented to him.

"Uhm uhh... salamat, (thank you)" she replied while still smiling.

“Then you also look like a scientist. Are you a scientist?”

“Ah no. I only wore a lab gown because I came from a laboratory.”

“Ah yes. You are Prince Zoltar's assistant. Mukhang bagay kayo. (You two look good for each other)”

She was slightly surprised by what I said and avoided her gaze at me. I was surprised by her reaction but immediately a smile engraved on my lips.

Looks like I’m getting it. "So, you two easily get along," said Prince Zoltar.

"Yeah, we are," and I smirked at the prince.

“Good. You see, I have some business to do so Elesa, please entertain her for a while. I'll be back as soon as I can. Just stay here.”

"Okay, your highness," Elesa replied.

"Elesa..."

“I-I mean Sir.”

“Good. I'm off then,” and he finally left his office.

That's why. It's not just because she’s Filipina, the prince will have a business to take care of. Anyways, I looked at his assistant and also smirked at her. Looks like we have something nice to talk about today.

She sat on a sofa and when she looked at me, she was shocked because of my look towards her.

“Uhm do you need anything? Are you okay?" she asked.

"Of course. I noticed that Prince Zoltar is close to you. He even needs to be called SIR.” Note it guys, 'SIR' is emphasized.

“Hah? No-not really,” she blushed at the same time. Oh how obvious could she get.

“Really hah. So, how many years have you been the assistant of your crush— I mean Prince Zoltar?”

She was a little surprised when I said that so she looked at me full of embarrassment and was speechless. Oh my. She’s really obvious.

"Ha-hah? W-what are you saying?”

Hay… girls. It's okay. She is cute.

"Eh what else, you like him right?"

“Huh? N-no. I’m just his assistant,” she defended.

“Don’t deny it. We are the only two here. Even if someone hears us, no one can understand what we are saying.”

She just looked at her fingers that she was playing with resting on her legs.

"Is it really obvious?" she asked shyly.

"Honestly, very," I answered directly.

She did not say a word and just blushed. "So how many years?" I asked.

"She has been my assistant for 3 years."

I'm surprised. “3 years? Are you serious?"

She averted her eyes. "Yes."

“Wow. You endured that?”

"Yeah. Even though I was easy to read, he did not notice. And I'm pretty sure he won't get a girlfriend. Knowing him, it’s too impossible to happen.”

"Why?"

“Because wherever he goes, science is always on his mind. Unfortunately, whoever will be his girlfriend just in case, she will be unlucky because he doesn't have time for that. Science is his girlfriend.”

"Yes. I also noticed but why do you still like him until now? ”

She let out a sigh. “This is how it is when you are in love. Even if it looks hopeless, you can still hope that someday, he will notice you too. But in the long run, sometimes you want to say how you feel for him but I am afraid to know the truth. But if that day comes, I hope I still have the courage to accept it.”

Wow, a beauty just said something deep.

She looked at me and was surprised again and looked away. "Ah, I'm sorry. Me and my big mouth,” she said shyly.

Even so, I just smiled while looking at the in-love assistant. Prince Zoltar is lucky to have a woman like Elesa who loves him. Only that, he seems too blind because of those experiments and science.

"Don’t worry," I said so she looked at me. “When that day comes, just approach me. I will help you. Promise.”

She was surprised by what I said. “Really? But we only met.”

"Of course. You can count on me,” and smiled at her.

She smiled back. “That would be good then. Wait, in which cabin do you live?” she asked.

"It's just in the Main Cabin," I replied.

“Oh. It is indeed impossible for you to enter here if you are from another cabin. If so, what element can you control?”

"Ah that... uhm I mean, what I mean is, that is difficult to explain—"

"I'm back," Prince Zoltar opened the door at the same time so I was interrupted. Elesa and I both stood.

"Prince Zoltar."

"Sir."

"So, how are you doing while I'm not around?" Prince Zoltar asked.

"We're fine and we talked a lot," I replied while I looked at Elesa and winked at her. Elesa smiled back.

"That's nice. Well then Yani, let's go back to the Main Cabin. Is that okay with you Elesa?”

"Of course Sir."

“Good. Let's go Yani.”

“Yes. Bye Elesa,” and I waved at her.

"Bye," and she waved back.

While Prince Zoltar was setting up the platform, I approached Elesa.

"Don't forget to call me," I whispered to her.

She chuckled. "I will never forget that," she whispered back.

Prince Zoltar pressed a button again on the platform and we quickly reached the gate of the Electric Cabin. The gate also opened once I got off the platform.

“Sorry about a while ago. That was a sudden event and I need to be there. I'm glad that it didn't take all my time,” the prince apologized.

"It's okay," I replied.

"So, I guess I'll be going."

"Uhm wait, Prince Zoltar," I stopped him. "I just want to ask you something."

“Sure. Go ahead,” and he turned to me.

"Uhm can you define Love?"

He was surprised by my question. I'm sorry. This is just curiousity. And while it is still early and since I have the opportunity now, I will try to do my job as the wingman.

“Uhm okay. That was really sudden.”

“Is it? Sorry. My bad but can I hear your answer?”

“Yeah. Well love is…”

Silence first before he continued. “Well, according to the dictionary—”

"Wait, wait," I cut him there. “I'm actually asking in your own words. Uhm don't base it on a book. Just tell me what your heart is telling you.”

"What my heart is telling?"

“Yes, I mean no. I don't mean it literally. What I mean is—”

“It's okay. I actually got what you mean,” he added. Oh good.

“Love… I think this 4 letter word for me means that it only exists in a relationship between your family and friends and most commonly between two person with different gender.”

Okay. That's love for him. Even so, at least. I thought his definition had scientific things.

“Okay. So uhm how about you? I mean have you experienced this Love? Or maybe just felt it? ” I asked.

“Of course I do.”

I was surprised by his answer. "Really?!"

“Yup. Between my dad and my seven brothers.”

Okay. He didn’t get what I mean. “Yes I know that. I mean, the Love between uuhh like you said, between two different genders.”

“Oh, that LOVE. Well… ” he paused. “…actually, I don't have time for that. I have a lot of things to do and I'm a busy person.”

I just sighed. "Okay uuhh well maybe you can feel SOMEONE that LOVE you."

“Uhm no. I didn't felt anyone actually.”

I take back what I said. He is numb. This is what Elesa means. This prince seems hopeless.

"So, anything else?" he asked.

“Oh no more. That's all. Thank you for your time,” I bowed in front of him and smiled.

He smiled back. "You're always welcome."

I immediately turned around and walked away. Huhu. I'm sorry Elesa. It's hard to be your wingman. I am losing hope in this prince.

"Oh wait Yani," he called. I stopped and turned around. "If you happen to meet Jethro, tell him I'll be in the lab around 3 in the afternoon," he said.

"Oh…" I was slightly surprised. “…okay.”

“Thank you. So I'll be going then. Be safe,” and he also left.

I was dumbfounded until he disappeared from my sight. I was suddenly worried. Jethro has an appointment with Prince Zoltar? What kind of appointment is that? Wait… wait, isn't he a scientist? He’s like a doctor, so does that mean…

I was surprised at my realization. Is it true that I what I have long suspected... that he is sick?

I immediately walked back to the Main Cabin. What time is it? When I entered the Main Cabin, I immediately looked for a clock. Where are the clocks here?

Ah I know. I ran to King Gabi's office because I knew there was a clock there. When I opened the door of his office while panting, I saw it immediately hanging on the wall.

It's two o'clock.

“Yani, that was sudden of you. You didn't even knocked on the door. Is something wrong?”

Yeah I know right. I’m so rude. "King Gabi, have you seen Jethro?" I asked immediately.

He was surprised by my question. “Why my dear? Are you in a hurry to see him?” he asked.

"Yes," was my answer while panting. “I think this is really urgent.”

There was a pause before he spoke. “How urgent is it? Do you mind telling me?”

"Uhm uuhh…" I avoided looking at him.

I suddenly remembered the times I should have asked the right person. Is he the right person? Is this the right time?

"King Gabi, is Jethro sick?"

He was surprised when I asked that and paused once again but he also smiled.

"Why did you ask that Yani?"

I avoided looking at him again and would have answered…

"Let me guess, today was your tour from the Electric Cabin and since Zoltar is your tour guide, he told you something right?"

Napatingin naman ako sa kanya and nod my head as a reply. I would not be surprised if he knew that.

"Is it Jethro having an appointment with Zoltar at his lab?"

That's when I was surprised. “How did you—”

“I'm the one who told Zoltar to check on Jethro. It's not really a complicated disease or a severe one so don't worry.”

“Complicated? Is it something to do with chest aches?” I asked, which he fell silent.

Suddenly his face was serious.

"King Gabi?"

"What made you ask that?"

I could not speak immediately and was surprised at how he said it. I don't know but I also got scared because King Gabi is releasing a different aura today.

“Uhm uuhh… you see… these past few days—”

"He's out in the woods," he cut me off so I stopped. "He's having a picnic on his own."

It took a while before I could answer. “Oh uhm thanks. I mean thank you, your highness,” at the same time I turned around and was about to walk out the door…

"And before you go to him…" he said so I stopped and turned to him. He gave me a smile. “…I suggest you buy some snacks so he won't eat alone.”

“Uh yes. Sure,” I bowed in front of him and immediately left the room.

Whew. The atmosphere inside suddenly changed. King Gabi's aura has really changed since I said that. Why is that? It seems that almost everyone seems to have a different aura when it comes to him.

Anyways, think straight Yani. What time is it and I still need to find him to tell him about it. It seems so important.

As King Gabi said, I first bought food and immediately looked for him in the woods. It was spring so the leaves might have covered him. Hmm...

I looked at a tree and approached it once I closed my eyes.

"Show me where a white-haired man is here in the forest," I said to myself in my mind.

Suddenly an image appeared of a man sitting and leaning on a tree while eating.

"Thank you," I said to the tree and went to that place.

When I got there, he’s eating chips, I think, but not ordinary chips. I think they are ice chips. He's an ice guy. He stopped eating and looked at me. I sighed as I bent down.

"Uhm hi," I said.

He just looked at me coldly and waited for me to speak. "Good thing you’re here," I said.

"Why?" he asked.

“Uhm well, Prince Zoltar said something to me. He said he will be in the lab around three in the afternoon,” I replied.

"That's all?" he asked.

“Ah yes.”

He didn’t reply back and continued eating.

"Uhm, what is that for?" I asked him.

He did not answer me and continued chewing his chips.

"Uhm aren't you going yet?"

"It's only 2:30," was his sparing answer.

“Uhm okay. So uhm that’s an appointment, right? A-are you sick?” I stuttered.

He stopped eating when I said that and just looked away.

"You do not need to know," he replied coldly.

There was a silence between us and I just sat about a meter away from him. Hayst. What's new. He is numb but it does not matter. I just opened the chips I bought and ate.

"Wow, this tastes good," I commented while chewing the chips.

The usual, only silence enveloped us. Sometimes this silence, is normal for me. It was no longer awkward unlike before.

"Uhm Jethro, I just have a question," I said which was the reason for breaking the silence.

And he, the usual, will not reply but I was not affected by that.

"Just to be clear, I'm asking this just to find out what it means from the perspective of someone like you."

He just continued to eat and did not speak.

"For you, can you describe Love?" I asked.

When I said that, he stopped eating and neither of us spoke. I gave him time to think but wow. The silence is taking long.

"Come on. Even just a simple answer,” I insisted.

He still did not speak.

"You can just say caring, happy, even just one word."

"Love..." he said.

There it is. What will he say? I waited as he… he closed his eyes.

...

Wait a minute. Did he just sleep?! Wow. What a great way to left me hanging.

“Jethro—”

"Love is a warm feeling," he interrupted.

I stopped talking. What? Warm feeling?

"Ah okay," that's all I said. That's good. Love is a warm feeling. Not bad I should say. I continued to eat.

He opened his eyes. "…a warm feeling expressed by someone, that can thaw a frozen heart," he added.

I was surprised. Ops. Wait, there’s more to come? I looked at him.

Loading... oh my God! Tissue please. Nosebleed. The depth. “Wow. Are you serious?" I asked in shock.

He did not answer me and suddenly stood up, shook off the dirt on his pants and walked away.

"Wait," I called at the same time I also stood in my place. “Not that I’m skeptic. I was just shocked by what you said. Do not be angry.”

He stopped. “I am not angry. I need to go to the lab,” he replied without looking at me.

“Ah yes right. As I said so,” and he finally left.

I ate my food first before I went back to my room. I immediately wrote down everything that happened especially what he said.

Infairness, he described Love differently, but I'm sure he got that from somewhere. He can't say that if he has no experience. Thaw a frozen heart... what does that mean?

THIRD PERSON

Jethro walks into Zoltar's lab, his special room in the Main Cabin. When he arrived, Zoltar was already at the door, waiting.

“There you are brother. So, let's get started.”

They immediately entered the room. Jethro laid down on a bed while Zoltar attached something to his body.

"So, try to relax your body."

Jethro closed his eyes and did not realize that he also fell asleep immediately.

After a few minutes, he opened his eyes. He looked at the place where Zoltar was sitting with a shocked face staring at the monitor screen.

Jethro sat on the bed. "So what's the result?"

Zoltar did not speak immediately but he also looked at Jethro.

"See for yourself," he said.

Jethro stood up and looked at the monitor. He was slightly surprised to see what was on the monitor.

"It's melted and based on my calculations, its 76% frozen, which means 24% of its ice had been melted."

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