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Literature Text
CHAPTER 12- VI
-That was quite a trip!- Said Engi stretching his arms- Are you guys all okay?
-Yes!- Said Windy climbing down-And I’m, like, so excited! I live in an island, and this is an island!
-Gee, calm down! Hey, Time, Twi, Lieb, Sky, come out!
-Yes, sweetie- Said Time climbing down to help the others, especially Lieb, get down- Are you okay, dear?
-Ah… Ja, I am.
- Very well- He helped the prince of greatly long hair down.
-Hey, where are Albi and Ravio?- Asked Windy, looking around.
-Ah, those two idiots ran off as soon as we arrived- Said Engi annoyed- That’s not a good thing! Here- he handed out some masks to the other boys to cover the upper part of their faces- I know you are ALL gorgeous, but you have to hide your faces.
-Ah!- Gasped Time as he took the mask off Engi’s hand- I used to have one of these when I was child- He covered the upper part of his face with it- Well, sort of. Mine used to cover my whole face.
-Does it have a name?- Said Twi, placing his masquerade on, as well.
- They called it Keaton mask. It was very popular when I was a kid- Replied Time.
-It’s so yellow! And it has two big, long ears! I like it- Sky placed it over his face.
-Does it look okay?- Asked Lieb, looking at the other guys.
-It does, heh!- Replied Twi.
-So, like, why do we hafta wear these? What’s, like, the reason why we need our faces hidden, man?
-Because the people here would be, well, shocked to see you.
-But, why?- Continued Windy.
-There’s something special about all of us… You’ll figure it out! Just make sure to keep the masks on, okay?
-Fine.
-And remember that you are looking for Link- Emphasized Engi.
-Oh, of course! So, we shall find one more of our kind here?- Asked Sky, excited.
-Yep! And this person looks like… well, if Albi and Twi had a child, that would be this Link.
-Whoa… creepy- Said Twi- And that’s actually because I don’t know how that happens--- can Albi and I have a kid?
-Ah… no, darling, no. Heh, heh! No, sweetie.
-Okay- Replied Twi, careless.
-That was weird--- Anyway, get a move on! And make sure Ravio doesn’t make a mess.
-Ha, ha! If we find ‘em, we’ll try- Replied Twi.
CHAPTER 12- VII
-This night is the great inauguration to the Heroes’ Carnival! I’m so excited! Have you seen the tourists already?- Kept shouting a girl of blue eyes and large bangs.
-It happens every year, and every year you are excited, heh, heh!- Replied a young man of brown hair.
-I know… I know… but it’s just---
-You love the Heroes, I know- He leaned towards her while she sat on her bed hugging a pillow- Lin, you have to get ready.
-Yes!
-I know we barely slept last night with all these assignment things, but this day is special, so go and get ready! Who knows, maybe you’ll meet the heroes this year, ha, ha!
-You are so mean, Pipodi!- She threw a pillow at him- And even weirder… what if I am Link? I mean, the real thing…
-Well, you do look a lot like them, but then again, there are lots of Links out there. It’s the most popular name for children.
-But boy, I don’t see all children having one of these- She tapped her index finger over the back of her left hand- And I was born with it. It’s the Triforce…
-Does it worry you?
-A bit. I don’t think I’m ready.
-Hey, calm down, girl. You don’t even know if that is you. So go ahead and get ready! You have to be by the Heroes’ Statue in one hour. I know you love telling everyone how great Link was.
-Is, Pipodi, IS.
-Right. Is. Now, get going!
-Will do, boy!
- And girl, don’t forget your Hyrule Historia.
-Never have done, never will do!- She ran outside the room.
-Ah, Lin… Well, let’s see now- The man sat down at a small desk and began to read through some notes- The Hero of Time existed before the Hero of Twilight. We start at the Sky era, and go down from there... Hmm, but there is barely any information about Origin, and he’s supposed to go before The Sky Child- He kept going through many books of all colors and sizes- And then… Was The Hero of Men one more Link?--- Ah! I give up!
-Hey, Pipodi!- Got into the room a young, quirky brunette wearing big glasses- What are you doing?
-Working on my final project. I know I still have another semester to wrap it up, but I really feel like giving up.
-I told you trying to figure out a timeline was a terrible idea, Pipodi! Researchers themselves have a hard time doing so- She grabbed a chair near to her and sat down- On the other hand, I have discovered something! You know I’m investigating what the Ocarina of Time is made of.
-Oh, yeah! How’s that going?
-Well, this is amazing! I think I may be able to find this out. Pip, during the Sky Era, there were these things called time shift stones- She placed her glasses correctly- These were blue and somehow controlled the time lapse in a large area, like perhaps some feet of diameter. Maybe the Ocarina of Time is made of time shift stone!
-… Wow. Hey, Tif, that--- Have you told your tutor?
-No! I am about to go and let him know- She stood up holding a huge green book in her hands- I wanted to tell Lin, she would so spazz about this! But I can see she’s not here--- So, I’ll leave you and your timeline alone.
-I really am not joking about giving up, Tif.
-Really?
-I know you are about to graduate, can you give me a tip?
-Look- She sat down again, talking with her hands, as usual- You could investigate about the Hero of Time. Some say he is just a product of The Hero of Twilight’s imagination because all the findings about him were found through a diary that the second one wrote many, many years ago. That’s way simpler than a Timeline. I recommend you focus only one Link. Your project is good, Pip, but far too complex for a student investigation- She got up and left the room.
-Ah…- The young man got up his chair and dropped over Lin’s bed- Ah, Lin, good thing you still have a whole year to go, girl.
Meanwhile, Lin tried to dress up in her best outfit, always keeping in her mind “What would Link like?” Finally, she decided to partially braid up her bangs in a ponytail, put on her red shoes and a small dress, pink on top with a white bottom covered in a flower pattern. At last, she departed, and right on time, she was besides a huge statue right on the center of the island. This statue portrayed Time on the back, Twi on the left, Sky at the right and Windy at the bottom. In front of it, appeared a sign that read “The Cardinal Four”.
-Well, Lin, here you are! Make Link proud, girl!
-Hello, lady- Said a man who carried a baby in arms. A woman was by his side.
-Hello! Welcome to Heroes’ Island! Home of the Heroes’ annual Carnival. May I tell you a bit about the statue of The Cardinal Four?
-Sure, miss- Replied the woman.
-These are our heroes. They all were named Link. They are The Hero of Time, The Hero of Twilight, The Hero of Heavens and The Hero of Winds. The first three were only 17 years old when they became heroes. The last one was just a 12 year old boy---
-What?- Asked the man amazed looking up at the statue as more people joined to hear Lin’s speech.
-I know, it is quite amazing, huh? None of them had parents. They were all orphans---
-No wonder they became heroes so young! I wouldn’t have left my child wander off like that!- Shouted a stout woman, making the people around laugh at her comment.
-Heh, heh! I think I wouldn’t either if I had a child- Continued Lin- They were all known for not talking a lot. Some people even believed they were mutes, but in the end, he was just a quiet boy.
More people began to crowd around the statue.
-Miss!- Raised his hand a young man from the public- Is it true that they could travel in time?
-Only the Hero of Time was known for that. He traveled with help of the Legendary Master Sword, seven years between the future and the past as he needed.
The people all were amazed and began to speak among them.
-Did they marry?
-They had any relatives at all?
-How tall were they?
-Please, please, calm down! I will do my best to reply- Said Lin- It is believed The Hero of Heavens did marry a man slightly older than him. The rest is still unknown- She placed her hands behind her back- The Hero of Time had a cousin, Princess Zelda, actually. The young Hero of Winds had a little sister and his grandmother. The rest is unknown- She started to place her hands besides her to try and measure the Links compared to her- They were honestly not that tall. Except for the Hero of Time, I am taller than all of them!
-Oh!- Replied the crowd in chorus.
More and more people began to join the interesting questionnaire, some of them wearing masks, and Lin was able to notice a particular group of people wearing half a Keaton mask over their faces.
-Umm, miss—
-Ah, yes?
-I heard the Hero of Twilight transformed into a wolf, is that true?
-Yes. It was a way for him to survive in the Realm of Twilight and not become a wandering spirit. His senses became very sharp, too.
-How did they travel?
- Well, I’ll cut their names, okay? Time’s Hyrule was small. He mostly traveled by horse. Although Twi’s Hyrule was bigger, he also traveled by horse. Both their horses were named Epona. As for Sky, in the land above the clouds, he traveled on a particular bird species called Loftwing. The youngest of the group traveled in a boat. Let’s remember he belongs on the Sea Era.
-Miss- Shouted one of the persons wearing half a Keaton mask.
-No, Twi...- Whispered Time, worried.
-Ah, yes, sir?
-Do you know what item the Hero of Twilight used to get past the Gorons in Death Mountain?
Everyone was shocked by “the young man’s in the Keaton mask’s” question.
-Ah, of course. Those were the iron boots.
-Mm-hm. And so you know how he got them?
-According to my studies, he won them after a sumo match against the Ordon village boss, Bo. The iron boots were some sort of hidden treasure- She smiled back.
-Hmm…- Twi tried to think more- You know Zora’s domain was frozen in that era.
-Yes. It was also frozen in Time’s era.
-Do you know how it was melted back to normality?
-Ah, well, it appears some sort of hot rock from Death Mountain was transported there after an eruption. It landed in top of Zora’s Domain, unfreezing it and freeing its people.
-Well, aren’t you smart?- He replied, making Time, Sky , Windy and Lieb nervous.
-Is there anything else I can help you with?- Asked Lin, nicely.
-Do you know what a Sol is?
-Yes. They were these light spheres found in the Twilight Realm. They were kept away by some machine-like hands. They followed the hero wherever he went to take Sols back to their keeping--- Imagine, being followed by giant mechanical hands! Doesn’t it sound creepy?
-It was creepy--- I mean, it must have… been. Heh, you really know a lot, huh?
-This is what I do.
-Can I ask you something else?
-Darling…- Whispered Time at his back.
-Do not be rude, Twi!- Added Sky.
- Shush! I won’t--- Miss, what is your name and what do you think about the hero I was questioning you about?
-Well, my name is also Link, but everybody calls me just Lin. And what do I think…? You know, the reason why I know so much about him is because I’ve taken my time to study him more than the other ones. I just love him- She looked up at the statue- Hey, I have a cat, and this guy loved animals. He was also; well, as I read, very responsible and caring. I wish to learn more about him. There are so many gaps that could explain so much about his behavior, but there is also very few information. I think the only way I could find that out is if I talked to him, but I can’t.
Twi suddenly became emotional as he listened to Lin.
-And you?
-Huh?
-Do you like him?
-I…- Twi was shocked by Lin’s question and was not sure what to say- I… I think I could like him more.
-Aww, really? Is there a reason?
- I just… don’t think he’s as good as you think.
-I see… and would you like to like him more?
-I really would.
-Oww… you are such a sweet boy, heh, heh. Tell me, do you like another one?
-Hmm… I think I like them all, except for him.
-Let’s have a talk after this, huh? I’ll take you for coffee, yes?
-Ah--- Okay.
The girl simply smiled and continued to explain other people about the statue. Twi was surprised. Things had not gone like he expected--- at all. He walked with his group and sat at a nearby bench.
-Looks like you got yourself a date!- Shouted Windy!
-Ugh… Why…?
-How could you, darling? You are trading me for another woman!
-You are not a woman!
-Regardless, be nice to this lady, Twi. Despite thy challenging behavior, she remained calm and respectful towards thee.
-I know… Ah. Whyyyy?!
-Vell, she got vhat she vanted, a date vith her knight in shining armor. Maybe she’ll vant you to meet her cat, lover boy!
-Lieb, man! Ha, ha, ha! Like, dude, I--- Ha, ha, ha!- Windy couldn’t stop laughing. Lieb had never been as sarcastic and playful with them before.
-Ha-ha-ha! Very funny, guys. Yeah, make fun of me all you want- He crossed his arms and pouted.
-Aww, don’t be upset, darling.
-Everything sucks! And I hate this stupid clothing! Why do people wear this here? It’s so light and colorful! I feel naked in public--- ah!
-Twi, stop, or you’ll, like, scare your new girlfriend away.
-She’s not my girlfriend.
-Of course she’s not. I am- Said Time, hugging Twi tightly.
-Oh, be cheerful, Twi. Thou hast a little opportunity to have fun after everything that has happened.
-I am still tired, Sky. I have not recovered completely. Everythin’ still hurts, inside and out… Guys look, I was abused just a few days ago, and not only that, I was dead. I can barely walk. I know I am doing better than before, but… I am still not ready for life, okay? I’m still lost and hurt.
-Of course, sweetie. Forgive us. You are right- He kissed the boys forehead- But even though, try to have a bit of fun, okay?
-I’ll try…
-And… I have to go someplace.
-What? Where, Lieb? You don’t know where you are- Told him Windy.
-Ja, but Pipit vants to take me zere. He’s been acting veird since we arrived.
-I shall go with thee, Lieb.
-Ja. Danke!
-Oh, okay, then! I’ll stay here with Twi.
-Is it okay if, I like, take a look around, too?
-Sure, tiny, but be careful. And keep your mask on.
- I will!- He quickly ran off.
-Ve vill come back a bit later.
-Be nice, Twi.
-Yeah.
And so, Time and Twi were left alone.
-I… just remembered I wanted to tell Sky something since I was in the recovery room. Remind me of doing it once he’s back.
-Of course, darling.
Both boys in quite fashionable clothing sat at a bench surrounded by flowers and a fountain at their backs.
-The sound of water…
-Yes, sweetie?
-It makes me want to pee.
- Oh, darling! You are so romantic!
-Hey, I’m not supposed to be like that. I’m just here, sittin’ with you, talkin’, wantin’ to pee.
-Ah. You are unique, dear. And sweetie, about what happened---
-Yeah, I was going to cry, I admit it. That question got me.
-So… you really don’t like yourself?
-… yeah. Why should I like me? I’m… stupid.
-You aren’t, darling. You are smart and very handsome, among many other wonderful things.
-Hmm…
-Hey, a girl invited you out for coffee just for being you. How wonderful is that?
-Well… maybe a bit wonderful--- And all joking aside- He sat down straight and looked into Time’s eyes through the ridges on his mask- Is it true?
-What, dear?
-Do you like me?
-Oh! Umm, well…
-You said you were my “girlfriend” or whatever. And even before, in Skyloft, you said you wanted me to be your wife, which is funny because we are both guys, but anyway… Do you feel that way?
-Maybe a little.
-Just a little?- He lowered his head, shyly.
-Or a lot; whichever you prefer.
-Time…
-Yes?
-If you and I were like Sky and his boyfriend, if we could be together… Would you consider marrying me?
Time was left speechless. He knew Twi was being honest and that his questioning was serious. He took a moment to think and look at Twi’s sad face. He knew that the boy besides him was prepared to hear an absolute no, but he was…
-Yes, darling.
… wrong.
-What?- He asked in disbelief.
-I would. Why wouldn’t I? You are an amazing boy, and I’d do anything for you to be happy. If us marrying made you happy, I’d do it as many times as you wanted.
-Time, I- He covered his face with both hands and half muted noises were produced by his throat. He could feel his tears sliding through his fingers, until his hands were damp and slippery.
-It’s okay, sweetie. You know I love you, and I’ll do it in the degree you desire it- He placed his hands under Twi’s hands and mask, slowly taking both off- Look at me, darling. If you want me to be just your friend, I’ll be just that. If you want me to be your boyfriend, I’ll be that. If you want me to be your husband, I’ll be that. If you want me to be your lover, I’ll be that. Even if you want me to be no one, I’ll be that, as long as it makes you happy. I’d be anything for you, and being that, I’d do everything for you- He wrapped his arms around the boys head- Don’t cry, Link.
Time slowly let Twi go. He dried his face with his hands, kissed his forehead, and gently placed his mask back on.
-Sorry about the date…
-Hey, that’s okay, dear. Have fun, you deserve it--- And by the way, here she comes- Time stood up.
-Hey! Sorry for making you wait- She looked at Twi and then could not help noticing Time there, too- Oh, and my name is Link, but you call me Lin. Nice to meet you!
-Nice to meet you too, darling. You can call me Time. Take care of him for me, yes?
-Time?--- Oh yes, yes. I will, heh, heh. Are you friends?
-Yeah- Replied Twi, trying to stand up.
-You look a bit tired… And if you two are here together, maybe you would like to join us, Time.
-Really? I don’t know- He looked at his darling- What do you say, dear?
-I would like that…- Replied Twi in a low and almost whispery voice.
-Perfect! Then let’s go! The café is not far away from here. Just follow me.
As she had mentioned, the café was close to the place they were at, which was convenient for Twi since his legs were beginning to feel heavy and rigid. He had been in bed resting for quite a while, making it hard for him to walk normally.
-Here we are!- Lin rapidly walked towards a round, wooden table and pulled out three carved chairs for herself and her guests- I hope you like it. Since it’s still a bit early, there aren’t lots of tourists around just yet. Things get very noisy by noon- She helped Twi sit down with Time’s help and finally sat down herself- And tell me, where do you come from? I noticed something particular in both your accents.
-Well, I…- Twi tried to think- I was raised in a ranch.
-And I am knight. I serve the royal family back in my land, dear.
-Wow, so you two come from different places, huh?
Both boys nodded as a man passed by to give them a small menu.
- I just picked up something when I heard you say “dahling” and when he- She looked at Twi- Said things like “goin’”, you know, with no “g” in the end, plus your whole accents--- but, well, as we talk, just pick something you like, okay? And don’t worry, I’ll pay.
-Thanks.
-Thank you, darling--- Ah, but…
-Yes?- Lin noticed both boys in front of her were confused. It was noticeable despite their masks.
-This will sound weird, sweetie, but we can’t read it.
-Yeah, can’t do.
-Really? Hmm- She placed one of her hands over her mouth and thought- I know! Tell me what you would like and I’ll tell you if it’s in the menu! Easy, right? Sorry, but I did not know your writing systems were different. I should’ve known by the way you speak, heh, heh! Silly me- She took the men’s menus away- So, what would you like? You can have coffee or tea and almost any kind of cake.
-Then I want coffee and pumpkin pie. That reminds me of home, heh- Said Twi in middle of a small giggle.
-And make it tea and cheesecake for me, darling. Thank you.
-Mm-hm!- She went through the menu with one of her fingers looking for the order names- Yes… got it! Okay, I’ll just call the waiter.
The three of them kept having a nice conversation. They waited for the waiter and began to eat as Lin became more and more intrigued about the masks they were wearing.
-You know, Twi, when you asked me all those questions, I was a bit nervous…
-Really?
-Yeah, I mean, I could tell you knew the answers beforehand. That creeped me out, boy!
-He was doing it on purpose, dear.
-I just wanted to know how much you knew, Lin. You are good at it- Twi held his cup up to drink a bit of his coffee.
-Well, I’m glad you asked me about The Hero of Twilight. He is the one I know more about. If you had asked me, I don’t know, about any of the other three I would have been a bit lost. I know very general information.
-That’s weird… Lin, why do you know all of these about us--- I mean, the Heroes’ and why do you have statues and stuff?
-I am wondering the same thing- Complemented Time.
-Well, I don’t know what you guys believe in, but here, they are our deities, like our Gods. We believe in the Heroes’ travels and his lessons. He is someone we admire, someone we look up to. He is our religion. He is everything.
Time and Twi both became a bit melancholic.
-Is something wrong?- Asked the young girl in front of them.
-No. Nothin’s wrong. It’s nice actually--- what you do for him.
-It is…- Added Time.
-I remember- Twi tried to break the tension- That you mentioned you have studied this. How do you study someone? I don’t understand…
-In school.
-What’s a school?- Asked Twi, becoming more confused.
-Ah darling- Time tried to help- Remember Sky’s Academy? He said he studies there, do you recall that?
-Oh, yes.
-His Academy is a school. You go there, you are taught, you read…
-Ah, I get it. Is that it, Lin?
-Yes! Time is right- She reached a big, green book from inside a bag she carried with her- This is our main source of information. I’m a historian--- Well; I’ll be one once I graduate, in a bit more than one year- She handed the book to the boys.
-Hy-ru-le His-to-ri-a--- Is that what it says?
-Yes. As you can see, in the middle it has the Triforce seal carved in a golden color. On the corners, you can see the harp used by the Hero during the Sky Era and also the Ocarina of Time.
-Yes- Replied both boys completely interested in the book, slowly turning the cover open.
-These are the Master Sword and the Hylian shield- Said Twi sliding his fingers over the page.
They continued to look through the pages very carefully, stopping at one particular page filled with imagery and color.
-Is that Zelda?- Asked Time.
-Yeah, and this is Sky--- they got his good angle.
-Darling…
-They did! But who are the other two, Lin?
-Hmm?- She looked at the pages- Ah, that is Fi, the Master Sword’s spirit who guided the Hero. The other character is Ghirahim, technically a “bad guy”.
-I see- Twi turned another one of the pages- And what is this?- He looked at plenty of images of designs for Sky, as well as shields and Loftwings.
-That is all the information that has been collected by investigators- She placed her finger on Sky’s image- There are a lot of versions of Link because we are not sure how any of them looked like at first, but through research, people manage to figure out his physical features.
-Oh…- He continued to turn the pages- And you have information about everythin’?
-I wish- Said Lin- Actually, although the book is big and heavy, I’m afraid it lacks lots of info. It is my job as a student to find out more. Historians and researchers do the same- She took the book back- There is still so much to learn.
-I am amazed… really- Said Twi taking a deep breath.
-It is overwhelming, darling.
-You think so? I’m still not sure what I’ll investigate about next semester- She sighed- My two friends are in higher levels than I am, and they are both investigating already. One of them, her name is Tif, wants to figure out what the Ocarina of Time is made of. And the other one, Pipodi, he wants to figure out a timeline.
-So first you figure out facts, yeah?
-Yes.
-I have to tell you somethin’, though…
-What is it?
-I know you are still lookin’ out for thin’s, and what you do for the Hero is amazing--- Believe me, he’d be happy to know this- Twi tried to calm down- But there was more to him, you know---
-He was a person- Interrupted Lin- I know. And I wish more people could see that.
-Darling, why don’t you do some research on that matter?
-I would like to, but I don’t know how to start, I don’t how to do it.
Twi looked thoughtful. He wanted to tell Lin who he was, and most of all, help her out with her investigation.
-Lin, can we go to a place that is less public? We have to tell you somn’- Said Twi, knowing that this was the Link they were looking for; she was the person who needed to see under the masks.
-Ah, okay… Just let me pay and we’ll go to another place.
Time and Twi got up and walked away to wait for Lin.
-Are you sure, darling?
-I am. She’s Link.
-Hmm…
-I know what you’re thinkin’. She’s a girl, yes, and none of us are, but she is us, Time.
-Well, she does look like Albi and you…
-She’s the one.
-Well- She ran towards them- Here I am.
-Just take us to a place where there are no more people.
-Uh… just the three of us?- She placed both her hands in front of her and grabbed them nervously- Don’t get me wrong, but it’s just that we only met… and you have those---
-Masks, yes.
-Yes, heh, heh. I really don’t mean to be rude.
-I understand, dear--- Mmm, just make it someplace where only you see us. It’s important.
-Umm, let’s go back to the fountain place. Since the statue is there, people are magnetized towards it and that area is usually alone. Good enough?
-Yeah.
Lin was very curious about what these two boys would tell her. Even though they had met recently, she felt they were her longtime friends.
-Okay, drop the rupees! Tell me- Lin placed her hands over her hips and looked at the masked boys in front of them.
-But promise you won’t scream like crazy---
-Or tell someone else, dear.
- And that you won’t faint.
-Okay, okay! This is creepy! What will you do?
-I’ll just get this over with!- Said Twi placing his fingers under the mask to loosen it, until it came off almost on its own.
-Whaaa- Lin’s blue eyes opened wide and she placed both her hands over her mouth remembering he had asked her not to scream. She turned around to not look at him and tried to regain her breath. She was shaking, pale and she felt her heart pump all the way up to her throat.
-Hey… are you okay?
-I am, kinda- She placed one of her hands over her chest- Are you real?- She asked in shock, still not willing to turn around.
-I think so.
-And him… the other one. I mean--- Oh, by Link, what is this?- She talked nonsense- Okay, okay… You are Link--- a real Link.
-Ah, yes…
-From the Twilight Era.
-Yep. That’s me.
-And the other one, he’s like you, huh?
-Yes.
-You have to be f*cking kidding me… If this is a joke, it’s not nice, boy.
-It’s not a joke! Get over it.
-We are not joking, dear.
-Who are you?- She asked yet giving them her back- Wait--- You--- Time? Ah…
-I am the Hero of Time.
-This is not real… Lin, wake up…
-Lin, you are not dreamin’!- Shouted Twi, taking her by her shoulder and turning her around, making her look at him face to face- This is real.
She looked at him. The most handsome young man she had seen in her life. She tried to look away just to find that the other man was still standing there. He had taken his mask off as well. Looking at his humble expression and sweet smile made her feel a bit calmer.
-I am… doing better- Said Lin, cleaning up her nose and eyes- I can’t believe it.
-You better do.
-Darling, this is not easy. Let her regain composure.
-Fine- Twi helped her sit down at the bench- Try to calm down.
-I am trying. I just feel like the luckiest person ever, you have no idea.
-Heh, heh- Twi placed his mask back along with Time.
-Why are you here?- Asked Lin, intrigued.
-To find you.
-Me? Why me?
-Because you are Link.
-I am the chosen one?
-Or will be.
-Ah- She gasped in disbelief- I am not ready.
-You don’t have be, dear. We are still finding out what is going on. We were sent here by instruction of the Master Sword.
-The sword. That means the boy, Engi, he is one of you.
-Yes, dear.
-… Do you need a place to stay?- Asked the girl, extremely happy.
-Ah, well, I think we will.
-You can stay with me, all of you--- I mean, I noticed there were some other people with the same masks as you. I believe they are more Links… maybe?
-Yeah, and you’ll meet them eventually. They are Sky, Windy and Lieb. You already know Engi, and there are also Albi and Ravio, two skinny boys who were not with us before.
-Darling- Interrupted Time- Here, take the gossip stone. I’ll go and find the others. Windy has the other stone. I’ll send you a message so you can guide us to Lin’s place.
-Sure.
-Thank you, pumpkin- He leaned down to kiss one of the boy’s cheeks- I’ll be back- He walked away.
-Hee, hee!- Lin giggled like a little girl.
-What’s so funny?
-Nothin’, cowboe. A’ jus’ thank you are in love with yer friend.
-… You speak my language.
- So, so, but that ain’t the point! You like ‘em!
-Well, maybe A’ do, but A’ ain’t goin’ a’ tell ‘em.
-Why not?
-‘Cause A’ don’t wanna do it. It ain’t easy. A’ve been through some sh*t, okay?
-I can understand that. Maybe you can tell me. Let’s go home- She took his hand in hers- You are a nice boy.
CHAPTER 12- VIII
-I see. I can’t believe it, Twi. It’s not fair- Concluded the girl within a chamber of bright colors.
-I know it isn’t.
-And you say the last time this happened was a few days ago?
-Yes. That’s why it’s so hard for me to accept I like Time. It scares me to be in love with someone because I’m not normal. I was abused and I don’t see thin’s like others see them.
-You are afraid of people…
-Always.
-But… It looks like Time cares a lot about you. One can see that he is in love with you, too. He wouldn’t hurt you, Twi.
-I can feel that too- He crossed his legs- But this other part of me tells me I should be scared.
-I understand- Said Lin sitting on her bed on the exact same position as Twi.
-You have a nice room- Said Twi, looking around- Sorry about scaring your friend when I took my mask off. I thought we were alone.
-Oh, that! Heh, heh! Pipodi will be fine. I bet he’s just excited now just like me.
- I’ve never had anyone bein’ so excited to see me. It feels nice.
-But what about in your era?
-No one cares. Link is no one there. I am no one.
-But Link, you saved their lazy butts! If it had not been for you, Hyrule would be gone.
-Maybe, but they don’t care. Just look what they did to me… They were soldiers, people who knew who I was, and yet, they found a way to do what they did.
-Hmm!- She grunted in disbelief- Stupid people--- Link, forget about that.
-How?
-I mean, I know it’s not easy. What happened is not something you can just banish, but don’t believe you are no one. Don’t believe in their words. You are not worthless, Twi--- You are my God. How can you believe you are no one? I believe in you, I believe in who you are.
-I… don’t know- He shook his head sideways- I know I should feel proud of who I am, but I can’t.
-Oh, boy… I know!- She clapped her hands together- Tonight is the inauguration of the carnival. I’m sure that will cheer you up! Imagine, thousands of people calling your name, bowing to your greatness, seeing the amazing person you are, and on top of that, the music, the balloons, the colors, the scents--- Twi, I’m taking you and your friends there !- She nodded firmly.
Twi looked at her and smiled.
-Thank you.
-And say, do you think they will be here soon?
-I think so. Time left me a message through the gossip stone quite a while ago. Don’t worry about them. They’ll be here.
-I hope Pipodi doesn’t creep out again once he sees the other ones. He almost fainted when he saw you.
-You know, compared to him, you were very calm. For a moment I felt his head was goin’ to explode.
-Maybe it did, ha, ha!
-Tw--- Twi, Twi!!!- Shouted many voices in the bottom floor.
-Hey, those are my guys.
-Pipodi should bring them here--- I won’t lie… Oh by Link, I’m excited!- She began to jump on the bed- Ah!
-Heh, heh!
-Knock, knock: I’m back, darling!- Said Time peeking through the door- Hello to you, too, young miss.
-Hi, Time! Now that I look at you carefully--- Wow, you are beautiful…
-Thank you, sweetie- He got in the room being followed by Windy, Engi, Ravio and Albi.
-Oh, my…-Lin gasped and got up- Ah, Time, sit anywhere you feel comfortable--- All of you, just find a place. My, you are all so cute!- She picked Windy in her arms- I want to hug you so hard!
-Ah! Stop! You are, like, going to break me!
-No…- She carried him in one of her arms- Engi, welcome back. I didn’t know you had a twin brother- She looked back and forth at the boy in front of her and the one she held.
-Believe it or not, Lin, he’s not my brother.
-Really?- She placed Windy on her bed- And let me guess- She stared at Ravio and Albi- You are not brothers either.
-We are not- Replied Albi.
-No, no- Added Ravio.
-Time, where are Lieb and Sky?- Asked Twi, hugging the tall man who sat beside him- Sky was right behind us. Lieb wanted to stay someplace else for a little while.
-Why?
-You, like, won’t believe it! He found someone very important to him- Said Windy, crawling onto Time’s legs.
-That’s… great- Expressed Twi.
-Guys, you talk to see how things are, okay? I’ll go down stairs to see how Sky is doing.
-Okay!- Replied all the boys together.
Lin went down the stairway. She noticed plenty of masks placed over a table, and right at the entrance of her home were Sky and her friend.
-Do forgive me. I became a somewhat muddled when I saw thee. Thou remind me of someone I know.
-It’s okay. Sorry about that, umm, Link- Replied the man very nervous.
-Aww, Pipodi, you just met him and you already made him cry? Bad, bad boy!- Said Lin, playfully.
-Girl, it was not my intention…
-I know. Sky, your friends are waiting.
-Yes. Do forgive me.
-Don’t worry.
Sky took a deep breath and walked up stairs looking very down.
-Pipodi, what happened?
-He said I reminded him of his boyfriend. I don’t think I have control over that.
-Oh, oh… I see now. Let’s see what happens.
-Lin, how did you find them?
-I actually think they found me. Oh, and if Tif comes around, try to either keep her away, or explain the situation to her. This has to stay between us.
-Believe me, I got that.
-Yes, I don’t want her stalking Time. She’s weird.
-Lin…
-What?
-Do you think I could ask them some questions? You know, for my investigation.
-Ah--- I don’t think they know anything about a timeline.
-Man, I rest my case.
-You’re such a loser, boy!
