Scattered Heart Chain- Chapter 11 (Pt.2)

CHAPTER 11- IV

Sky and Windy- Lieb’s Land- The path to Time’s Land Portal- Day 1

-Engi, like, what are you doing, man?

-I’m fixing a new system into my control room. Gee, be a little more patient, will ya’?

-Dude, it’s just that, like, if you keep wasting time, we won’t be able to do anything for, like, the people back at Time’s land!

-I’m almost done, Windy! Sheesh! C’mon! This is something that’s gonna help us.

- What is it?- Asked Sky, who entered the control room worried about Engi taking so much time to take off.

-It’s a system of clocks. Look- He pointed at many different circles with central clock hands that moved a different speeds- Since we’re all gonna be working with extremely different time zones, I installed this. There’s a clock that is currently moving at a normal speed--- that’s this one- He pointed at the clock that had “Lieb” written on top- As soon as we cross the portal, this other clock- Engi placed his index finger on top of a timepiece that advanced at high speed with the word “Time” as header- Will move slower--- normally, to be exact, and all of the other clocks well appear slower. It’s all a matter of perspective.

-My head will explode one of these days, heh, heh- Responded Sky as he smiled- When will thou have this ready, Engi?

-Yeah, man, when? We need to, like, get a move on!

-Okay! I get it. Man! It’s already fixed. Go take a seat and send Albi here, will ya’?

-Very well- Said Sky, leaving the control cabin.

-Hmm… Windy?

-Yeah?

-While you’re at it- Engi began to turn on the train- You should have a talk with him. He looks sad.

-I’ve noticed. I’ll like, give it a shot.

-Mm-hm.

            Windy left the control room and bumped into Albi, but he did not seem to notice it. The thin boy of long hair bangs simply stared at him for a brief moment, and then turned around to enter the room where Engi was.

-Everybody looks blue lately – Said Albi, taking a huge map in his hands and unfolding it.

-I know. I’m not used to this at all, but y’know, this is all a tough situation- He continued to speak as the train finally began to move- I guess they are all worried about more than one thing at a time.

-I suppose.

-See? And you are doing it too!

-What?

-You are acting all apathetic. Dude, I’m sorry there’s no portal to Lorule open and I can’t take you there, but you hafta try and be a bit more cheery.

-I’m trying, but---

-But… you are worrying about more than one thing at a time, just like everyone else. You wanna go to Lorule because you wanna know about the bunny boy. Windy’s land was destroyed and he’s worried about his family. Time’s worried about Twi and his land. Twi’s sick and he could die--- again; and knowing what kind of person Sky is and what he mentioned during breakfast at the castle, he’s worried about his land, his people, his future husband, and all of our own worries put together, too.

-All of our worries?

-Yes. He wants everyone to be happy. Let me make this clear: If you are worried about not reaching Lorule, he’ll be worried about you not reaching Lorule because he knows that will make you sad, and if you are sad, he’s sad too. Get it?

- Yes- He answered slowly putting the map down- And now that you mention it, it appears you are the only one that cares about him.

-Well, seeing how Time, Twi, and Windy don’t seem to do it anymore--- I assume they did--- someone has to. I’m not saying they are bad guys or anything, but they are so focused in other priorities that they’ve been leaving this other dude aside--- Do you get what I’m saying? --- And if I’ve learnt something after all this time taking people from once place to another, after listening to some of their chit-chat, it’s that you shouldn’t make such an emotional person aside.

-You are right- Albi placed the map spread open near to Engi- This is the place where we have to go- He circled it with a pen- I’ll go and see if I can have a conversation with Sky.

-Thanks.

            As soon as Albi crossed the door to the passenger’s wagon, he noticed that Sky was fiercely clinging onto Windy. The youngest boy of the group was sitting on the young man’s lap, hugging him back. He noticed the skinny teenager stared at him with a curious expression, to what he answered by shrugging slightly and making an “I don’t know” expression on his face. Albi walked towards the boys and sat on the seat facing them.

-What is wrong?

-I’m, like, not sure. He was already crying when I got here.

-Come here- Albi extended his long and thin arms at the boy, telling him to climb off Sky.

            Windy did as the other boy instructed through his body language and sat on his lap instead. Sky did not make any eye contact with either of them. He opted for looking down trying to rub his face dry.

-Sky, why are you so bleak?- Asked Albi, stooping his head a bit to try and look at Sky’s eyes.

-I do not know- He attempted to smile even though he was clearly devastated- Suddenly, I began to feel sorrowful. I believe I feel forgotten.

            Albi lifted his sight and remembered what Engi had told him just a few moments ago.

-I am sure people have not forgotten about you, Sky. Things have gotten a bit out of control and everyone is thinking about their own worries, but surely no one has forgotten you.

-Art thou certain?- He sled his fingers over the bottom of his eyes.

-I am. If we had forgotten you, we would not be here to try making you feel better. Windy was here to comfort you, and I am here to hopefully make things a bit better, too. You know, Engi cares a lot about your feelings.

-Can I tell thee a secret?

            Both Albi and Windy looked at each other.

-Sure, like, say what you need to say, Sky.

-Every so often when I have a conversation with any of thee, I feel unwise. Thou art all so gifted, and I am ordinary.

-Dude, like, seriously, if you are Link and you saved your land like we did, you can’t be that ordinary.

-I agree. It is not as if we have been into this journey too deeply. I think that once you go out to Time’s land carrying items, a sword, and a shield, you will be able to show what you are made of. You just have not gotten a chance to shine.

- And- Interjected Engi, walking near to them- The truth is that if you are engaged, man, you have something special in you. If your boyfriend was able to see that, why can’t you?

-I do not know…

-Hey, don’t think too much about it! The thing is you are a nice guy, okay?--- I mean, just look at you? Need us to buy ya’ a mirror? ‘Cause we can get you a mirror.

            Sky smiled at the boy and the other two lads giggled at Engi’s spontaneous comments.

-Yeah, laugh at Engi--- Anyway; we’re already at the other side of the portal. Now, as my pay, I ask for a big group hug!

-I love group hugs!- Said Sky rapidly standing up- Hug, hug, hug, hug, hug!- He repeated as he hopped on his tiptoes.

-Gee, you sure are doing a lot better! That’s how I like it!- Said Engi hugging Sky.

            Albi and Windy did the same and squeezed Sky with all their strength.

-I wonder if this is how Time feels.

-How?- Asked the three boys raising their heads to look at Sky.

-Tall.

            The three short boys stared at Sky and then remembered how much more tall Time was.

-By Valoo! I just realized Time is huge!

-And I realized we are short- Concluded Albi.

-Truth has been told- Continued Engi- Well, enough! Sky, Windy, it’s your turn. Take your items, swords, shields, potions and everything you think you’ll need.

            The two boys in green tunics nodded, determined, and went to the back of the wagon to get ready.

CHAPTER 11- V

Time and Twi- Lieb’s Land-The Castle- Day 2

-You sure are eating a lot better today, dear.

-I feel hungry- Said Twi, who was now eating on his own, yet sitting on Time’s lap.

-Things appear to be going great. Lieb even let you eat some fish today. It’s amazing how much you have improved in one day. I feel happy, for you, beautiful!

-It’s all thanks to you and Lieb, Time- He continued to eat the fish with vegetables out from a white bowl with red flowers painted on it.

-You also have to put a lot of effort into this, dear--- and let me take a look- He took Twi by his chin to make him turn around and look eye to eye- Yes, the dark circles under your eyes look lighter, too. I am amazed, dear, really. Did you have nightmares last night?

-Just once, but when you hugged me, I felt a lot better, and it was gone.

-I’m glad. Dear, Lieb said that as part of this, you will need to have a little session with his mother. I hope this isn’t too hard for you.

-What kind of session? - He asked placing his bowl away.

-You will need to tell her what happened.

-Everythin’?

-Yes, sweetie.

-I can’t do that, Time.

-Yes, you can, dear.

-Why do I have to?

-Darling, you’ll have to go back to your land sooner or later. Lieb and Zelda are worried that once you are back there, things will fall apart.  Places trigger memories. We don’t want you to fall again.

-Fine…-Replied Twi, resigned.

-I know you’ll do great, beautiful. Right now, just finish your food, yes?

-Mm-hm!

            Twi continued to eat his food. He enjoyed eating fish more than the average person, although he was not so fond of some of these creatures themselves. As soon as Time and he finished their bowls, a tall and noticeably white woman stepped inside the room.

-Hello- She looked at the two boys- My name is Zelda. I am Link’s mother. You must be Time and Twi. It is a pleasure to be of assistance.

-Oh, your highness!- Time noticed he could not get up because Twi was still sitting on him.

-Don’t worry, child. I come here as a person who will help you, not as a queen. Be at peace- She instructed and sat in front of both young men, making Twi shy- It’s all fine, Twi. I will need you to tell me what worries you.

-Like what?- He asked looking at the woman, but hugging Time tightly.

-Whatever makes you feel uneasy about going back to your land. Link told me what is happening. I know your name and Time’s is also Link, and that you refer to my son as Lieb. There is nothing that any of you must hide. Feel free to speak as your heart desires.

-Well… I--- I’m scared.

            Time looked at Twi and noticed how nervous he was, however, he was also glad he decided to speak.

-I see. Why, Link?- She proceeded to ask.

-Because I’m afraid I’ll be hurt again.

-By whom?

-Other people.

-Why are you afraid of other people hurting you?

-‘Cause it already happened.

-What happened? How were you hurt, Link?           

            Twi looked directly into Zelda’s eyes and rapidly shook his head sideways like saying “no” as he fiercely clung onto Time.

-Sweetie…- Time decided to take part in the session- It’s okay. You can tell her. No one will judge you, beautiful; no one- He hugged the boy back.

            Zelda patiently waited for Twi to speak.

-I… I was abused. It was more than one person.

-How did they abuse you?

-They, uh, used my body to do things I didn’t want to do.

-Okay. I understand. How many people were involved?

-Sometimes two; some other times, like five or six, maybe.

            Time looked at the boy, feeling worried.

-Did they all hurt you when they were there, Link?

-Yes. They took turns. All of them did those things to me, no matter how many they were- He replied in a broken voice.

-Okay, calm down, Link. It’s all fine- She said in a sweet voice- What things did they do?

-Umm… I don’t remember- He looked away.

-Hmm, try to recall them.

-Time…- He looked at the tall man and began to mourn- I can’t…

-Say whatever possible, sweetie. Relax. Nothing bad will happen.

            Twi bit his lips nervously, looking around the room, scared.

-It’s okay, Link. Don’t worry- Said Zelda as she smiled.

-Sometimes- He took a deep breath- They used objects to do those things to me. I didn’t even know what they were doin’ half of those times. The first occasion it happened, I had no idea what was happenin’. No one told me that could happen. I didn’t know…

-Okay, okay. Calm down. Breathe, Link. What do you mean when you say you did not know? What exactly were you unaware of?

-Everythin’. I didn’t know two people could, umm, bond? Like that.

            Time and Zelda both looked a bit confused.

-I understand. Tell me, Link, do you know where children come from?  Babies?

-… Not really.

            Time sighed as he realized that his friend had been more than abused.

-I mean- Twi continued- In Ordon they used to tell us a story about that, but when I grew up I understood that it wasn’t real. I never learned how it really happens, though.

-Is Ordon is small village?- Asked Zelda, trying to reach conclusions.

-Yes, it’s a small village with few people.

-It’s like a ranch- Added Time.

-Yes, I thought so. You lived away from the most modern form of society for a long time, right?

-Yes- Replied Twi- And, umm…

-What is it?- She asked.

-When I was abused, I was beaten a lot. Once they hit me with a shovel. I could never forget that…

-Darling…

-And another time, one of them, the one who scared me most, he banged my head against a wall repeatedly. This whole side of my face- He said covering it with his hand- Was under bandages for very long- He hung his head down- I don’t want to talk anymore.

-Only one more question, Link. Did you fight back?

-Of course I did! I tried so hard to fight back! I couldn’t do anythin’. They were too much for me.

-Link, listen. I understand why you are afraid, but not all people are bad. Many will be willing to help you. You are a strong young man. You’ll see the people who hurt you will be punished. You’ll be safe once you are back- She looked back at Time- I am sure this man by your side, Twi, will help you all the way through.

-I trust him- Answered Twi- But we can’t be together. He belongs in another era.

-Even if so, I am sure he will be by your side as much as you need him to. That’s what love does.

-Love?- Twi blushed as he remembered the note Gloom had left for him.

-Yes. And I think it had been enough for today- Said the Queen, standing up- Time, I will give Lieb some notes that will help you and Twi. He will bring them to you.

-Thank you.

-Could you please write your name in this piece of paper?- She asked as she handed out a cute, pink piece of paper along with a strange writing artifact to Time.

-Oh, sure- Affirmed Time confused, yet doing as he was told.

-Let’s see- He looked at the paper- L-I-N-K. You’re Hylian… You are the Hero of Time, indeed. Thank you. I shall write my notes in this script.

-I see! Thank you, your highness- Time bowed lightly.

-My pleasure- She added and left the room.

-See, dear?

-What?

-I told you, you could do it.

-Oh, that… I’m sorry you heard all of it.

-And to think I thought Sky was innocent and naive.

-Are you saying I am worse?- He embraced his friend.

-No, no! Not that… I believe I assumed you knew some more facts.

-So I’m stupid…

-I didn’t say that, darling. You are not stupid. You knew what you had to know for your personal needs--- And I guess it got me, sweetie. I thought that you knew what happened when you were… abused.

-Well, I didn’t. I used to live in a happy reality, kinda like Sky. I did have a hard time being the hero and all, but when it was over, I really convinced myself of it bein’ over, and I tried to go back to being happy.

-You were not happy being the hero.

-No. I wanted to be---

-Just Link. I remember. I remember what you asked Lieb that night when he got you with an arrow. Now it all makes so much sense.

-When I ran into Sky and his boyfrien’ in bed, I was very confused.

-I can see why, darling. I recall Pipit mentioning something.

-I opened the door, and saw them. Then, I turned around and shut the door so fast--- I didn’t understand.

-What went through your mind at that moment?

-So many things rushed down my head at once. It was like a rain of ideas, some good, some bad, and they contradicted each other- He placed his hand over his forehead- I thought “No, he can’t be abusin’ Sky; he loves him” and then I thought “Maybe Sky lied to us and he is bein’ abused” after, I was like “The doctor said that people who love each other sometimes do that, but why? Why do people who love each other hurt themselves? Why doesn’t any of this make sense? Maybe I didn’t see what I think I saw… It must be all I in my head” And then, Sky came out of his room. I remember he called me from the inside ‘cause I was leaning on the door.

-What did he tell you?

-I’m not sure anymore. I can’t recall. I think he asked me if I was okay, and then he said what I already told you, that he has a problem with his emotions. But I do remember I told him that I knew he was doin’ that with his boyfrien’ because they were in love. I think I was tryin’ too hard to make things have a meaning for me.

-And that’s why you thought Sky knew what you had been through.

-Yeah…

-But he thought you had been beaten and nothing more because Pipit---

-Spanked him. And you know what the worst part is? I didn’t even see Pipit do that, and I didn’t need to know.

-Oh, dear… What a disaster.

-It is. And it’s my fault.

-No! Nothing is your fault. But look; now all the pieces in this huge puzzle are joining. Sweetie, you needed all of this to happen!

-I needed to be abused?

-No! You needed to meet us to get to meet yourself. Don’t you see? This is the journey. After being a hero, even if we wanted it or not, we finally have a chance to do as our heart desires. It’s all about… us.

-It’s an inverted story? Instead of helpin’, we’re bein’ helped? Is that what you are tellin’ me?

-Yes.

- I owe you at least that much, Link- Resounded and echoing, robotic-like, female voice in the room- I owe you much, Master.

Sky and Windy- Time’s Land- Hyrule Field- Day 10

-It appears the forest remains under some sort of protective barrier as the day we arrived- Said Sky, looking at the tunnel that lead into Kokiri.

-Maybe we need, like, some password or something. They used to do that at Tetra’s pirate ship.

-That sounds entertaining! --- But how will we decipher it?

-We need to find, like, someone who knows it--- And anyway, how’d ya’ know this is the forest?

-In the map Time represented, this place has a minuscule depiction of him with a vast smile. See?- He showed the map to Windy.

            Indeed, the place had a little “smiley Time” drawn over it.

-That’s funny, heh, heh!- Said Windy and gave the map back to his comrade. As he did, he felt a slight disturbance coming from one of his pockets.

-What is that sound, Windy?

-Oh! It’s the gossip stone!- He quickly got it out his pocket.

-Time and Twi referred us a message?! I am greatly enthusiastic!- Sky began to jump in joy.

-Yeah, let’s take a listen.

    “Hey, it’s Twi. Are you both doin’ okay? I told Time I was kinda worried about you. I am doin’ better. I was finally able to eat breakfast and drink some water. I’ve also taken a healin’ bath that Lieb prepares for me--- Well, Time did it this… time, but you get what I’m sayin’. I hope you come back soon. There’s somethin’ I want to tell Sky; I’m sure he’ll be very excited when he hears it. Anyway, good luck! Oh, and Time asks, ‘Is Epona okay?’ Bye!”

            And so, Twi’s voice faded.

-Well… this is, like, time to reply!

-Twi sounds magnificent! I cannot wait to be back with him, too. He sounded so much better! I question myself about what he needs to express me!--- Oh, oh!- He began to jump and clap- Can I reply to their message, please?- He placed both his hands together in symbol of a prayer.

-Ah, sure, man! Just be quick.

- What should I tell them? Windy, dost thou believe precise of me to tell them half this land is suffering?

- Maybe we should do that once we are, like, back. Let Time focus on Twi for now.

-Very well. I shall leave a message now.

            Sky left a joyous invoice for his friends. Once done, he returned the gossip stone to Windy, and to their shock, another person walked into them.

-Gloom?

-Hello.

-What are you, like, doing here?

-I came to tell you somethin’---It’s a good thin’ it’s nighttime---Dim says the Kokiri are protected by a source of vitality they call the Great Deku Tree. The barrier you saw was created by it. He also believes the second barrier, located over Hyrule Castle, is bein’ kept there by Zelda. Dusk and Shadow, your counterparts, were not able to damage Kokiri and the castle thanks to that.

-So they are the ones causing all this disaster? Wow. I don’t wanna, like, even imagine what you’d be able to do if the four of you were involved.

-Yes, you wouldn’t. I also recommend you go back to Twi and Time.

-What? But we need to uncover all the mysteries that are hidden behind this journey to be able to proceed accurately once Twi is better. We promised!

-I’ll tell you then, but...

-Is there something thou need from us, Gloom?

-It’s a good thing you asked, Sky boy. I would appreciate it if you shared a small piece of your heart with me- He said extending his hand in front of him.

-Umm… Will such thing be harmful?

-No. You don’t have to worry about that.

-Wait, Gloom. Like, you already have a heart. Why do you need a piece of Sky’s?

-It’s not for me. It’s for Dusk. Perhaps if we manage to get him on our side, the corruption in your land would be less.

-Gloom, could you tell us exactly what’s happening, you know, like, on your side?

- I am curious, too. What is it that is vexing thee?

-Uh… Fine, I’ll tell you. We live in a land filled with darkness. Usually, we don’t travel to the world of light, and we tend to follow light beings through their shadows. What we most long to have is a heart, like you. In our normal states, we can’t feel emotions, but we can perceive the void inside us- He took a moment to think- In our chests, as well as in yours, resides a heart container which can be filled. Yours is filled with moments you cherish, fears and others feelin’s. Ours cannot be filled by anythin’ that belongs in our land. I am afraid Dim, Dusk and I were stupid enough to believe in the power of our Master.

-Who is thy Master?

-You guys are Masters of the legendary blade; the Master Sword. Inversely, in our world, that same blade of dark shade became our owner. We are no more than its slaves.

-A dark Master Sword- Whispered Sky, remembering his final battle in a hope to save his land- Demise… Ghirahim?

-Sky, what are you, like, mumbling?

-Hm. It is nothing- He looked back at Gloom- I assume thou accepted to aid the blade in exchange of a heart.

-Yes, but it has been all a lie.

-Gloom, I shall give a piece of my heart to thee.

-Thanks- Gloom extended the large claws in one of his hands and pierced into Sky’s chest, taking a small shine away from his heart- Hmm, it’s so much brighter than Twi’s or Time’s glow.

-Maybe that’s because, like, Sky is super nice and optimistic.

-I see…- He said rotating the glow between his fingers- You shouldn’t be. Skyloft was damaged by those two, too.

-What?!- Asked Sky, extremely worried about his friends and his partner- Dost thou know something about my acquaintances whereabouts? Did they manage to escape? What happened to Skyloft, Gloom?

-I’m not sure. I asked Dim about it, and he only told me some people flew off the island in the sky.

-I am terribly vexed… Now I miss everybody, but- He was interrupted by his thoughts, remembering how in that moment, Twi was the person he was to be taking care of- I hope they are fine. Ah, Gloom- He looked at the man in front of him- I need something from thee.

-What is it?- He placed the shining sphere inside his own chest.

-Thou see… - He placed his arms behind his back, shyly- Thou look so much like Twi, and I miss him greatly. Would thou allow me to hug thee?

-Uh…- He gasped, shocked by Sky’s words. He had never expected for a light being besides Twi to ever be willing to hug someone as ugly and creepy as himself- Well, I… I guess.

-Heh, heh! Twi used to respond in the exact same way- Said Sky and he tightly hugged the man of dark gray skin within his arms- And remember what I told thee back in Engi’s train: Thou art not ugly, Gloom. Thou art very handsome- He concluded and slowly released the shadow being of red eyes.

-I… Thank you… - Said Gloom, trying to cover his face with one of his hands.

-Are you, like, crying?- Asked Windy, very surprised.

-Oww, Gloom. Do forgive me.

-No, no. It’s just because I have an extra piece of heart- He said in a pouty and almost impossible to understand weeping voice, trying to deny the fact he was crying- Thanks, and good luck- He concluded, running away and banishing into thin air.

-Hmm. He is a nice person.

-Sky, I don’t know how you, like, do it, but you manage to get out the most sensitive and nicest side of people. That’s really cool.

-Thou believe so? I am glad. Should we head back to Engi’s train?

-Hmm, I think so. I mean, like, there’s nothing else to do here. Gloom already, like, told us what we needed to know.

-Windy, I am troubled. Forgive me for mentioning this, but---

-I know. You are, like, worried about your boyfriend and all your people. We’ll, like, figure out what happened later. We’re in the same ship, Sky. I’m worried about Tetra, Aryll, grandma… and all the other guys.

-Yes… Let us head back, then. This is all such a predicament- He began to walk to the place where Engi awaited them.

-A very big problem, like, what’s all of this? Do you even understand what’s happening, Sky? I just feel we are going in circles! I mean, like, I’m not saying meeting you guys isn’t, like, super cool and all, but what’s the point? I almost feel we are causing all of these problems!

-I fail to see the purpose too, Windy; but perhaps Time and Twi know something helpful. At least I know Twi needed our help.

-Well, yeah, that’s true.

-If all the objective of this journey was to aid him, I will be happy. It is a great meaning to all of this. However, I do have a feeling we are barely about to understand what this adventure is in fact about- He remembered Gloom mentioning the dark blade.

-I also have that feeling, Sky. This is, like, gonna explode like a big bomb all of sudden. And you know something else?

-What is it?

-Gloom only asked you for a piece of your heart for your shadow self. Why didn’t he ask me for one?

-Thou art correct. Now I question myself about it- He stated, concerned.

-Believe me, it, like, worries me a lot. Something’s wrong--- terribly wrong back at Gloom’s land.

- Poor thing.

-But well, we’ll hafta wait and see- He stood in front of the train.

-Guys!- Engi quickly opened the door- Dudes, look; we hafta get a move on! NOW!

-What is the problem?- Asked Sky, worrisome.

-Just get in! Get in!- He grabbed Windy and Sky and dragged them into the wagon- We’re heading back to Lieb right now and I’m not accepting any complaints.

-Hey, but, what’s like, happening?

-Go to the back with Albi. He needs you. I’ll drive as fast as I can to Lieb’s land!- Instructed Engi, rapidly enclosing himself in the control room.

-Albi?- Asked both Windy and Sky looking at the rear part of the wagon and running there.

-Albi, what’s wrong?- He looked at the skinny boy, who had both his arms wrapped around his stomach.

-Boy, what is the problem?- Asked Sky, taking the teenager in his arms.

-I--- I can’t--- breathe- He tried to explain as he gasped for air.

-But, like--- Ah, nevermind! We’ll be here with ya’, okay?

-I wonder what is wrong - Said Sky poking into Albi’s mouth- Thy throat looks a bit small…

-Really? Let me, like, take look!- Shouted Windy, curious- It looks… flat.

-Precisely- Confirmed Sky- Albi, we shall help thee.

             The slim boy could only nod, for it was impossible for him to speak.

To be continued in Pt.3