Scattered Heart Chain- Chapter 15- Pt.1

The legend of Link
Scattered Heart Chain
CHAPTER 15

--Of empathy and Hunger--

    —     Pipit, what are you doing?

    —     Well, in sight of Link’s depart, I think I should put a bit of my own effort into this relationship. The last time he was here, I could remember how much we used to love each other, and most importantly, how he still feels deeply for me.

    —     Yet, you have lost a great part of your heart.

    —     I know, but that will not stop me, Zelda. If he does not give up, neither will I – he mounted his yellow loftwing—I’m heading back to Skyloft to see what can be done. It may have been destroyed, but that does not mean it is gone forever. We can fix it.

    —     If that is the case, I am going there, too.

    —     Groose?

    —     Hey, I may have been a total jerk to Link for a long time, and that made you and I not get along at all, but I, like you, have changed thanks to that silly, blond kid. I will help you.

    —     Thank you – he looked at his redhead friend – And you, Zelda?

    —     I will stay here to keep the rest of our people at peace, but I will tell the other Knights from the Academy about your endeavors. I am certain they will be glad to help.

    —     Good – Pipit looked back at Groose—Let us part.

    —     Let’s go!

II

Inside Lin’s house, Albi, within Ravio’s body, struggled to control his new abilities. Observed by Engi, he tried to focus his energy onto one single object with high expectations in flattening it. However his attempts fell unlucky. Then he realized how much power was contained at Ravio’s grasp.

    —     I cannot believe he needed my help if could do all of this.

    —     That energy that he can use with his mind is amazing, but I’m sure he needed you. You both have different ways of doing things—explained Engi.

    —     But look at what I have done. I can make objects float and turn them into paper-like beings. I wonder what else Ravio was hiding.

    —     You know, maybe we could go and ask his “brothers” for help. They must have similar powers.

    —     That is a great idea—he stood up—As soon as the others are back, we will go. Maybe we could also find out if we can bring Ravio back. I miss him.

    —     How wouldn’t you? You guys were into each other very intensely. I can tell you miss him.

    —     I am sorry, Engi.

    —     What? Why? What are you talking about?

    —     I can tell you feel something for me because Ravio knew it, therefore, now I know. Forgive me.

    —     It’s not like that.

    —     It is—he looked back at the boy in the red cap—Ravio has this way of knowing, he mind reading of some sort.

    —     Ah—he sighed—Well, if you know now, I guess there isn’t much to do. Gee!

Through the door, appeared the young prince of long hair. Instantaneously, he looked at Albi. He was confused.

    —     Albi?

    —     Hi, Lieb.

    —     Vhat happened? How are you here?

    —     It is rather complicated.

Without second thoughts, he ran towards the boy and hugged him with all the strength his only arm allowed. Thus, inside the depths of Albi’s eyes the vision of the man’s past rushed inside his mind.

    —     Lieb, I am happy to see you, but please, let go—he asked, terrified.

    —     Is somezing rong?

    —     You see—

    —     Vait, zose teez… Ziss is Ravio’s body—he noticed—Your hair, it’s shifted ze ozer vay—he continued to analyze and looked around—Vhere is Ravio?

The blond boy looked away, emotionally sucking in air to contain his tears.

    —     Lieb, Ravio took Albi’s place.

    —     Vhat do you mean, Engi?

    —     When you were in the care center, I left Albi back in Hyrule, at home. He died there, and I brought Ravio back with me, but somehow he let Albi’s heart in his body, and now they are swapped. Ravio is gone.

Stunned, the prince looked at his “kinder”.

    —     Albi, are you vell?

    —     Just try not to touch me.

    —     What happens is that whenever Albi touches us, he can see visions from our past. He’s not used to Ravio’s powers.

    —     I see. Forgive me, child.

    —     It is fine.

    —     Vhat about ze ozers?

    —     They are still out. When they are back, Engi and I will go with Ravio’s people. We hope they can aid me.

    —     Ja, I agree.

    —     Anyway, Lieb, where’s your boyfriend?

    —     I have been away from mozer for some time now. I asked him to go viss her and tell her I am vell. He left viss Pipit. And vhere is green? Vasn’t he here?

    —     He said he would look for Lin. We need to know all we can about… us.

    —     Yes. You see, we realized Ravio and the kniL know far more about the hearts and about this legend of which we are called heroes than us. We need to grasp on this information if we are to act, and Lin has that book with her, the Hyrule Historia. We need it.

    —     Of course. I understand.

    —     Oh, and Albi—

    —     Yes?

    —     Here—he took his pair of brown gloves off and offered them—You need them more than I do right now. Maybe they’ll keep the visions away.

    —     Thank you—he placed them over his hands—I am sure this will help.

Far off in the distant lands of another Hyrule, Time and Twi, guided by Viscen, proceeded to the judge’s room. There, awaited the recently captured group of five men who had, in past days, months, and years controlled a young man’s life. Anxious, said boy played with his hands not realizing, and looked for comfort by his partner’s side.

    —     Time, I’m scared.

    —     Yes, sweetie. It is understandable, but after this, everything will be okay.

    —     Are you sure? What if the jury does not believe me? These guys will hurt me more.

    —     Darling, that won’t happen. Even if they did not believe you, I wouldn’t allow anyone to do you harm, and Viscen would be there, too. We’ll help you to improve your mind’s health so you can be in control, and you have all of my love.

    —     Thank you, Time.

    —     Don’t say it, dear. I love you.

    —     And I love you.

Resided in the chamber a group of people who awaited Twi: the men found as suspects, the jury, a judge, audience, Zelda and some younger men and women who intrigued Time. Following Viscen, Twi was parted from his love and united to this group of younger townsfolk. At the distance, both High class Soldier and Knight of a distant land sat as they expected the judgment to take place.

    —     Viscen, you told Link to stay among those people, that means they are also victims?

    —     Yes. Thanks to them, I was able to find the soldiers. You and I will be witnesses along with the people behind us, they usually work in the market place. They are here because of the other boys and girls with Link.

    —     Your Princess is here, too.

    —     Because they are soldiers of Hyrule, she has to be here. It’s a worrisome case.

Time glanced at the people behind him.

    —     Gorons?

    —     Indeed. Fortunately, they keep watch at night. One of them sells hot spring water near the corridor to Telma’s Bar.

    —     Oh, that’s excellent – he expressed in relief.

    —     Hey, don’t worry. We’ve got this.

With a struck of her hammer, the judge called attention in the room.

    —     Silence. Order in the courtroom. In the case of Townsfolk youth against Hyrule soldiers, the men to my right are suspects for sexual abuse, torture and abuse of authority against young, townsfolk. How do you plea?

    —     Oh, we’re innocent! That was not us.

    —     I see. The people to my left have accused these five men for the crimes already announced. I will be in need of testimony.

From the other side of the room, Time eagerly expected Twi to take word, however he could notice, too, how nervous the poor boy was. “Sweetie, you can do this…” he whispered.

    —     Ma’am…

    —     Yes?

    —     I… I would like to, to speak.

    —     Very well. You are Mr. Link, correct?

    —     Yes.

    —     Please, proceed.

Twi took a deep breath and tears began to flow down his eyes. Regardless, he continued to explained, with all the courage he could, the events from his past.

    —     Some time ago, people here knew for being a silent hero. I never talked to anyone, and my responses were always limited to a smile, but never words—

    —     Objection! Your honor, his trying to move the jury, besides, why is this even relevant?

    —     Silence! Overruled. Mr. Link, please continue.

    —     Hm… I came here from the south, from Ordon. I decided to leave because I discovered the people who I believed my parents weren’t really my father and mother some time ago. As I grew up, I began to feel forgotten, so I came here. I had problems to adapt because of the way I say words, my lack of “g” in words like goin’ or makin’, so I tried to learn to speak like people here do, but my accent is still there. Telma was always nice to me and didn’t mind my conditions, so she gave me a place in her bar. There I cleaned, cooked and attended the customers. These men used to go there.

    —     Is it so?—asked the judge.

    —     Yes, we all need a drink once in a while.

    —     I see. Please, continue, Mr. Link.

    —     Yes. After perhaps a month or so of them being regulars, they approached me in a way that scared me.

    —     Could you elaborate, Mr. Link?

    —     They touched me. They took me by force, took my clothes off and laid me on the bed in the bar, I have my room there. It was my workplace and home. I became really hurt, and had to go to the doctor because the pain wouldn’t go away. The doctor thought I was bein’ intimate with someone, and I was too scared to tell him I was bein’ abused. He often told me to be careful with my “violent practices”, that could seriously harm myself—he wiped the tears off his face ad he could feel it beam in red—It made me feel even worse to know that he thought I was doin’ this because I liked it or wanted it, but I didn’t want to be killed by them.

    —     Mr. Link, how long did this abuse to speak of endure?

    —     I was in my early 18’s when it started, I am now in my late 19’s, I think. So about 2 years.

    —     How often did it happen?

    —     Almost daily.

    —     How many men were there?

    —     From 3 to 6.

    —     Did they all abuse you together?

    —     Yes. And they took turns to…

    —     To what, Mr. Link?

    —     To use me—he pressed his hand against his stomach.

    —     Anything else you would like to add?

    —     I didn’t want any of this to happen—he bursted in tears—It’s not my fault.

    —     Of course it isn’t, Mr. Link. Take a seat and calm down.

    —     I’m sorry—with his heart shattered, he sat.

The judge looked at the witnesses.

    —     Doctor, sir, do you recall Mr. Link attending your place?

The old, short man with huge rounded glasses stood up.

    —     Yes, I do.

    —     Was he injured?

    —     Yes, he was.

    —     Were the marks in his body consistent with an abuse?

    —     Undoubtedly. As he said, he never told me it was an abuse and I thought he had some troublesome preferences, but the story he tells now makes far more sense with the wounds I found.

    —     Was he in danger?

    —     Absolutely.

    —     Thank you, sir.

    —     And he owes me some money.

    —     I will take that into account, sir.

From behind, a young girl raised her hand.

    —     Yes, miss?

    —     Hello, my name is Agitha.

    —     Of course, the bug princess. What would you like to say, Miss Agitha?

    —     Link used to hide from these men who abused him. Many nights, he asked to stay in my lovely palace because he could not sleep. I know these men were looking for him because one of those nights they knocked at my door asking for Link’s whereabouts. I lied. I told them I had not seen my little grasshopper, but he was resting in my second floor.

    —     Is that true, Mr. Link?

    —     Yes.

    —     In which other places did you stay?

    —     In the old, abandoned building where the Gorons sell their goods. I also left and slept under a small bridge in Hyrule Field. That only happened about two times. Sometimes I went back to Ordon and stayed at my own place, but I tried not to do it often because I didn’t want people askin’ me what happened.

    —     With the Gorons, right?

    —     Yes, ma’am! Link is like our brother!—interrupted one of them -- We’d do anything to help him. We were worried about him staying in the building because it’s cold and a bit damp, but seeing him sleep so soundly, we could not refuse.

    —     Yes, Link is our bruddha! And I can tell you I saw these men from my balcony. I love the view of the fountain in the center of Castle Town and the castle itself from there, and once I spotted these men around looking for something or someone. Luckily, Link was safe with us.

    —     Thank you for your testimony.

The judge listened carefully to each one of the victims. Each time, the description of the events became more obscure, but the soldiers maintained their position as innocent.

    —     Very well. I will allow a short recess for everyone to take a fresh breath of air. If anyone has evidence, I will be expecting it—she closed the session with the sound of her hammer.

    —     Sweetie—Time quickly approached his boy—Darling, I am so proud of you.

    —     Why? I was terrified.

    —     But you managed through—explained Viscen—And I need to ask you something.

    —     Oh, more questions?—complained Twi.

    —     Sorry, Link. You know the judge asked for concrete evidence, and although I think the soldiers are already at a loss, this could help to seal the deal—he brought out a small book of old, torn pages.

    —     My diary…

Time looked at the book melancholically.

    —     I’m not sure, Viscen.

    —     Link, what better evidence do you have than this?

    —     What if she thinks it’s all made up?

    —     She won’t. The pages are dated, and you must have the events you explained to her written here. The pages are worn out, stained in yellow.  She will be able to tell these are real, and if she doubts it, she can ask advice from Shad.

    —     Shad?—Twi remembered his scholar friend—Of course, he knows all about antiques.

    —     Exactly! So, don’t worry.

    —     Time…

    —     Yes, dear?

    —     Should I do this?

    —     Oh, darling, that is up to you.

    —     But if anythin’ goes wron’, you’ll be there for me, right?

    —     As always, dear.

    —     Okay, then. I can do this—he looked at Viscen.

People became silent as the judge reentered the court room.

    —     Court is now in session. As mentioned before, I expected evidence. Does anyone possess relevant information?

    —     Yes—said Viscen—I do.

    —     Come forth, young Soldier.

He approached the woman and handed in the small book in her hands.

    —     What is this?

    —     It’s Link’s diary.

    —     A diary—she opened it.

    —     As you can see, the pages have aged, and each entry contains the date.

    —     I can see that, yes. Shad, come here. Could you confirm that for me?

    —     Yes—he looked at sheets—Indeed, these have aged throughout the past 2 years or so.

    —     Thank you. Please, go back to your place. Mr. Viscen. Mr. Link, is it possible for me to read a part of your journal to our jury?

    —     Everyone?

    —     Yes. I understand this is difficult, but as evidence, it has to be present.

    —     I…-- as the triforce behind his hand began to shine, he looked at Time—Yes. Please, do.

    —     Very well, “Why can’t I do anythin’ right? I’m tired. They keep and keep coming, they touch me all the time, they touch places I don’t even touch myself and I’m sick of it! When they are here, they make me -----, -----, -----, and ----- -----. I can help but throw up and I am often in pain. I didn’t know people could do this, and I can’t understand why they do it. It’s disgustin’ and I want it to be over. So after all of those things, I have to say that this will be the last time I write a note. By tomorrow mornin’ I won’t be here anymore (…)”

Twi covered his face in shame and began to crumble apart.

    —     Mr. Link, I can see here that you tried to commit suicide.

    —     Yes…

    —     It surprises me how healthy you look to this day. What happened?

    —     I left Hyrule with my partner, Time. He helped me.

    —     Mr. Time.

    —     That is me.

    —     Could you explain me how you helped?

    —     Yes, of course. I took Link with me and my friends to a distant land. There, someone close created and enhanced a treatment for him so he could recover rapidly. Link was almost dead when we left, so we needed to take action as soon as possible.

    —     So there was some magic involved.

    —     That is correct.

    —     I’m glad. He mentions you are his partner. What does that mean exactly?

    —     Well, umm… We are together, as a couple.

    —     How did this happen?

    —     I—

    —     It was because he always cared for me—interrupted Twi—He was there days and nights, hugged me when I had nightmares, fed me when I didn’t feel like eatin’. He believed in me even when I didn’t, and if it wasn’t for how unconditional he has been, I wouldn’t be here today. Durin´ all of that, I fell in love.

    —     With a man.

    —     Yes.

    —     That is certainly interesting, but well, with all that love and caring, who wouldn’t? Right, Mr. Link?

    —     Oh, I guess—he blushed.

    —     And he’s handsome. Don’t let him go.

People in the courtroom giggled as they felt the environment lighten up.

    —     Ma’am—

    —     I’m sorry, you low excuse of a soldier of Hyrule, but I listened to everyone and I am ready to deliberate. Correct, your highness?

    —     I agree—replied Zelda.

    —     First of all, jury, if you may.

    —     Yes. In the case of sexual abuse, we find these soldiers guilty. In the case of torture, we find these soldiers guilty. In the case of abuse of authority, we find these soldiers guilty.

    —     What!?

    —     You heard them, and I agree. Plus, I order whichever savings you had to go to the debt Mr. Link has with the doctor thanks to your nasty acts. Good luck in prison. Session is over.

Pleased, people began to leave the courtroom.

    —     Link, sweetie, you did it!

    —     I can’t believe it—he held his forehead—It’s over. Time, I’m free.

    —     Yes, darling, you are.

    —     Thank you—he hugged the tall man with the strength of all his will.

    —     My boy, you should thank all these people—he pointed at the witnesses and other victims with his face—They care.

    —     You are right—Twi got close to them.

    —     Grasshopper, you will be so happy from now on!

    —     Yes, thank you Agitha.

    —     Bruddha! You can always count on us!

    —     Yes, brother! Come for some free spring water later, you need to relax.

    —     Yes, I will.

    —      And bring your friends Time and Viscen, too! Good men should always be rewarded.

    —     Sure!

    —     Boy, sorry for insisting you so much with the money—said the doctor—I am afraid I am in no position to tell you I’m fine without those rupees, but take your time to pay. Don’t worry.

    —     Wow, even you old man have a nice side, huh?

    —     I know you don’t like me, Link, and I certainly could enjoy your company any more, but I think this is a good moment to try and restart even if it’s just a little change.

    —     Got it, old man.

The wrinkly man left.

    —     Mr. Link—expressed the judge.

    —     Yes, Ma’am?

    —     Here is your diary, and excuse my cold behavior. It is my job.

    —     I understand.

    —     And I need you to do something else.

    —     What?

She opened the book at the last page and handed an inked feather to him.

    —     Write “ I am Link, the Hero of Hyrule”

    —     What? Why?

    —     Do it, Mr. Link.

“I am Link, he Hero of Hyrule”, wrote Twi.

    —     Never forget it Link—she closed the book and gave it back—Never forget who you are. May this be the first page of your new life.

    —     Thank you—he answered, emotional.

    —     Good luck—she left.

    —     Link…

    —     Yes?

    —     Forgive me for not being the royalty I should have been. I am glad you are back safe and sound- apologized Princess Zelda.

    —     I’m happy I am alive too, your highness.

    —     If you ever are in need, come and see me.

    —     Thank you.

    —     I must inform you that Telma left to the bar as soon as session was called over. She is waiting for you.

    —     Really? Then I’ll go. Time—

    —     Yes, I heard, dear. Let’s visit Telma.

With his hand inside of Time’s, Twi headed to Telma’s feeling all the weight over his shoulders faded.

    —     You were late, Viscen—said the princess.

    —     Uh… I know, your majesty. But Link is happy, and I can tell Time loves as much as I could have. That’s what he deserves.

    —     Oh, Viscen!—Twi returned—Thank you—he hugged the man, let go, and left.

Within a bittersweet smile, he expressed:

    —     That is all I needed.

    —     Good, because that is all you are getting from him.

    —     Your highness!

    —     Accept it. Time has Link’s heart.

    —     A part of it, dear Princess. No matter how small, I know I am dear to him, and I’m fine with it.

Eager, Twi and Time entered the bar in which one of them had worked for the past years.

    —     My Link!

    —     Woah! This place has changed—Twi looked at the colorful walls, the pots with flowers hanging from the ceiling, the new curtains, clean floor and beautiful tables.

    —     Yes! Look, handsome, we even added a window so there’s some light from the outside.

    —     This is great, Telma. But, umm, where is my room?—he asked worried.

    —     That is even better! Link, sugar, I am growing old, and no matter how active I am, my youthful essence will never compare to yours. I decorated and made all this place different because, once I am gone, this little something will be yours.

    —     Telma—

    —     Link, I know it’s a shocker, but you deserve this and more. I know you are not fond of the whole bar idea, so the place where your room used to be is now conditioned so you can store milk, flour, sugar—

    —     Wait! So you are tellin’ me you are givin’ me your bar to make a bakery?

    —     Handsome, you always wanted to have a nice bakery, and you have talent for it. Plus, you can even host some little celebrations outside.

    —     Oh, Telma.

    —     No, no, no! Sugar, don’t cry! You should be happy!

    —     I am.

    —     I’m sure Time would be happy to help you, right?

    —     Of course I would! I have tasted the sweetness of your cakes, dear. You would have the best bakery.

    —     But… I still have to leave for a while before I come back again—he remembered Gloom and the other boys in Lin’s house.

    —     I’ll take care of everything, Link. Don’t worry. All I want is for you to take care of Louise if she makes it longer than I do.

    —     I’d love to.

    —     And I have even better news!

Twi looked at Time with his eyes expressing clear disbelief.

    —     Remember Jovany?

    —     Yes, I do.

    —     Who is he, dear?

    —     He was a greedy man who became cursed due to his greed. I helped him.

    —     I see.

    —     He used to come to the bar after his heartbreak, and a few days ago, he decided to leave Hyrule to start anew.

    —     That’s great for him, Telma.

    —     And for you, Link.

    —     I don’t get it.

    —     He came here and left me with a mission and a letter. Link, he left a great amount of money under your name, and he was the one who paid for all the bakery’s expenses.

Twi was astonished.

    —     And here’s the letter, take it, handsome.

He opened the envelope and could not believe his eyes.

    —     I told you, you wouldn’t need a room anymore.

    —     What is it, dear?- Time peeked at the paper in his boy’s hands.

    —     It’s a deed for a house.

    —     Sweetie…

    —     That’s right. Jovany said he didn’t need that house anymore. I went to check it out, and it needs some fixing, but it’s perfect. You’ll live well there.

    —     I can’t believe any of this—expressed Twi.

    —     Darling, you deserve it.

    —     But Time, it’s all so sudden.

    —     It’s fair, dear. You saved this land, and all these people are just rewarding you even though you risked your life never expecting something back.

    —     Your knight in shining armor has said it, Link. You saved me, you saved Jovany, you saved Hyrule. You deserve this and more. Don’t worry anymore.

In middle, of a warm hug from Time and Telma, Twi felt the peace he had long forgotten as the glow within his heart healed countless wounds from a dark past.

Scattered heart Chain- Of empathy and Hunger
Written by Kim-SukLey

Continues in part 2.