At last this arc finishes. I hope you enjoyed this part. This one is pretty longer than the other chapters. Please don't forget to leave a review.
PART SEVEN - THE THEIF OF THE SHIP
Link relaxed outside on the deck with a cup of warm sake. The night carried an icy breeze. He shivered a bit and looked up at the night sky admiring the million tiny white dots. He sighed, swinging another drink down his throat. A sour and vile taste slipped into his mouth, nullifying him. He could hear a roar of laughter from inside the kitchen and some dishes shattering. Whatever those crazy bastards are up to sounds tiring.
He scratched at the bandages wrapped around his leg and his back was burning. He didn't tell the doctor about the damage on his back. If he did Abbie would see Link for who he really is.
Link took it upon himself to grab the necessary antidote and help himself but his lack of medicine and his pride was what kept his back throbbing in pain. That damn monster packed a hit.
Captain Gloomy got patched up and was looking better. He was also generous enough to return Link's tunic back. Link may not like the outfit but it was a lot better than wearing a bloodstained, sweaty shirt for the past week.
The door from bottom deck swung open and heavy footsteps creaked on the floor. "Hey," Levin said. "What are you doing out here in the cold?"
Link leaned back, his eyes rolled back. "I like it out here. Is that a problem?"
"Don't get fresh with me, kid," Levin warned, and then lifted thump over his shoulder. "Niko is making desserts. Come and get it before it finishes."
Link eyed him suspiciously. "Are you planning to poison me?"
"Believe me I would've done that since day one but I'm a generous man."
"Am I suppose to thank you for that?"
"You should and the fact that you manage to keep your limbs intact this whole ride."
Link's lips twitched and he had to stop himself from smiling. What a sarcastic bastard.
He stood up, rubbed his hands. "What's with the change of heart? I thought you hated me," he pointed out, with his same old cocky smile.
"That was after you stole our food." Levin pointed his chin to the door. "Now we're even."
Link shrugged and decided to join in on the fun. Inside the men were cheering, lifting up their drinks as foam dripped down the cup. Link licked his lips at the sight of the generous food brought to the table.
"Dig in boys! There's more where that came from!" Niko sang.
None of the other mates seemed to mind Link joining them. He sat down feeling a sense of discomfort and the smell of the food drove his doubts away. He didn't realize it that he was drooling and his stomach growled. Niko prepared for them lobster on butter, beef stew, rice, egg rolls, grilled meat and fish and a jiggling pudding to which Abbie drooled over. Katie settled for a simple glass of water, which she uses to bath herself in.
"Help yourselves!" The chef sang with delight.
"Bless your heart, Niko!" Gonzo shouted with a laugh. Then finally noticed that Link was here. "Well, look who showed up!"
"Thought you dropped dead for a minute," Senza said though there was nothing cruel in his eyes.
Link smirked as he leaned back in his seat, trying not to wince at the ache his back gave him. "Sorry to disappoint you," he said, and drank down one cup. Foams were sliding down his chin and neck and he finished it with an 'aahh'. "Nothing like a cold drink to sooth the soul."
Senza snorted. "What do you know? The boy has a brain." He lifted his drink. His face tinted red from the alcohol. "Cheers for the food!"
They returned the cheer and clinked drinks. Link smiling from ear to ear as he took another one down in one swoop. He lifted his own glass. "Cheers for the blasted merchants!"
The men snorted and Levin clicked his cup. "Cheers for the corrupted hero!"
"I'll drink to that!" Link laughed, swinging down yet another shot, forcing down a hiccup. It's an odd unspoken rule but hiccupping or grimacing at alcohol often gives the impression that one can't stomach alcohol. One needs to handle his cup before he can sit down and drink with men.
Niko lifted his. "Cheers for a new member of the crew!"
To this Katie rose. "Hey, Link isn't staying here!"
Abbie cupped his hand to the side of his mouth and whispered to her, "They aren't serious, Katie. They just like making toasts." He was perhaps the only one in the room who hasn't so much touched a drink. The sight of his mates drinking themselves away made him shake his head in disapproval.
She scoffed. "Seriously? What is it with you humans and drinks?!"
Her question raised a roar of laughter.
Link shot her a smirk. "A fairy couldn't possibly understand."
She fluttered with a hint of red. "You people treat it like it's the most important thing in the world!"
They laughed at this and made more toasts, eating and drinking and laughing much to her annoyance. At one point, Gonzo challenged Link to an arm wrestle. They wiped the table clean, ignoring Senza protest to keep things tidy. Niko and Levin were making bets on Levin and complained when he lost in less than a heartbeat. They did a rematch and the outcome was still the same.
The men hooted at Link's victory as he flexed his biceps and tilted his head, "Anyone else?"
Gonzo stared down at his hand in awe. "How are you so bloody strong?" He asked, utterly in shock. He was considered to be the strongest on the ship, aside from the captain, and to lose so easily…
Link spread his arms. "Why, by carrying around barrels of course!"
He was met with a hearty laughter and chuckled himself. Niko peered up at him in admiration and asked what was the biggest fight he's ever been to.
Link leaned back with his hands behind his head and his leg over the other. "I'd say it would be a Lynel."
"I wouldn't believe it until I see it," Senza muttered. "I saw that thing in the south and I'd nearly lost my damn eye."
Link gulped down a drink before he spoke. "I went to go hunting and found a deer, see? It was running all over the place and I had to keep my head down. I lost sight of it and followed its footprint and found the Lynel got a hold of it." He paused to take another sip. "I fired a bomb arrow and blew that deer to bits. If I can't have it no one can."
Niko was grinning widely with his eyes shimmering in excitement. "And then? What did you do?"
Senza whacked his head. "Don't believe all this crap! He's messing with your head."
Link, ignoring Senza, explained in vague details of how the Lynel charged ferociously and they entered into an intense battle to the death. According to him the Lynel didn't stand a chance and went down easily. He even took its hooves as a spoil.
He didn't really feel the need to tell them the original story of how his first weapon actually broke to bits and he was forced to retreat in a cowardly manner.
Katie and Senza seemed to sense the false behind the story. The fairy fluttered as she did with sparkles. "Now that's a big lie! Don't believe a word, Niko!"
The chef was glossing Link over with questions and so did Archie who seemed to have changed his opinion on Link. He exaggerated his story dramatically and drinking as he did so. He couldn't really remember his words properly. Sake had a tendency to do that. He might've as well told them he rode the Lynel off to the moon.
The other men also shared their stories as well on how they've fought pirates and travelled all over the sea. They bragged about Archie's skills behind the canons to which the mechanic scoffed, "That never happened," he muttered.
The stories came on, each mate telling his part then they all played some poker. More drinks were served and glasses clinkered on toasts that never happened and will never take place. The evening was jocose as they enjoyed each other's company with laughter and stories. At one point they even stared dancing, the drinks numbing their sense of logic and pride. Link joined them after his tenth drink, hooking arms with Levin and Gonzo marching up with them and going in circles, whistling and laughing with his head back.
"And they wonder why I don't drink," Abbie said, shaking his head, enjoying his simple cup of cold tea.
Katie didn't know whether to be horrified, embarrassed or laugh. "I'm glad I can't drink," she said simply.
The woods were creaking and the lanterns swayed as they stomped around. Link's vision was blurry but he didn't stop himself. He'll be damned if he's the first one to pass out. It was difficult with the spinning, and someone forcefully patting the air out of his lungs. He cringed at the pain on his back but kept his grin on.
It was Link and Levin now. Gonzo had to take a break, leaning on the wall, Niko and Archie stood next to him watching Link. Levin had his arm hooked on Link's as they twirled around, both refusing to let go. It was a test. A sign of strength. Levin lost to Link before and he's not planning to lose again.
The world felt spinning, Link could feel his stomach turning and his feet slowly down.
It's an odd game familiar to those who frequent at bars. They would spin and spin and they would release each other. To prove yourself, you'd have to keep your balance through the dizziness and the drunkenness and be the last man standing. Link groaned a bit when Levin fasten the pace. The whole kitchen with its wooden panels and oily stove was now mixing in a brown and grey blur.
The other men were hooting and cheering, some shouting for their mate and some for Link.
Levin gave a golden teethed smile. "Looking a little pale there, boy. Can't handle a cup?"
To prove against this, Link moved his feet faster catching Levin by surprise. He looked at him over his shoulder and grinned. "I'm young and fresh. I'm more worried about you, old timer."
The other men were shouting as Link and Levin spun faster and faster. One of them would have to let go eventually. Levin turned a bit green and Link would've laughed if he was feeling good himself. At one point they were unhooked. He didn't know whether it was him or Levin but that's not important.
As soon as they were released it felt as if the world crashed down on him. Floor was tilting and he was falling. He held his head and closed his eyes. Normally, closing your eyes would work. If you weren't so drunk that is.
His ears couldn't hear a thump and figured Levin was just as stubborn as he was.
"You—" Levin started, drunkenly. "You-you are one biiiiig bassstard."
Link opened his eyes to see Levin with his feet spread apart and his hands on his slightly bended knees. It was a good strategy. He's keeping his body in balance and pivoting himself.
Link's eyes were seeing two; the floor was tilting making his body lean a bit. He shook his head. "I-I'm the bishest bashard thar issshh." If he were in his right sense of mind he would die of embarrassment.
Levin coughed, swallowing down a gag. "Bu-but yourrr okay. I gushh. You caaan drink."
They were both swaying on their feet, looking sick. The other men were still cheering. Niko was clapping and whistling. "Stay strong, Link!"
"Levin, don't you dare go down!" Senza shouted.
Link gritted his teeth, the humor melting from his eyes. He only has a few minutes left until he blacks out. Damn this man is tough! "If youh thaank I'm gonna go down then you—" He paused when he felt himself about to gag. When he's sure he got himself under control he continued. "Youu nuts. Butt respec youu. It's been a-a looooong while I've haad a shallange. You're touugh."
Levin gave a clumsy smile. "You not badsh youself, boy."
They both put an arm around each other's neck and grinned silly. The audience was watching in mute shock. Sake can do so much. Make you lose your thoughts and balance and also befriend an enemy. Link's mind went blank at this moment. Its most likely he won't remember this moment but he will remember this feeling of achievement and respect.
They both were giggling like little girls completely forgetting the contest, completely taken over by the influence of the drink. The other crewmates were getting sick of just watching them and their stomachs.
The little show they had been cut off when the captain himself stormed into the kitchen. Dishes shattered, floor wet with sake, three barrels of sake empty dry and a whole group of boys save for Abbie and Katie completely wasted. He took it upon himself to give his men, aside from Abbie, and Link a bruise on the forehead.
He was wearing a robe that suggested he was sleeping and told them that while he did give them his permission to celebrate he also emphasis on keeping it down. The men were too drunk to reply and couldn't even keep their ground. Rick, infuriated, gave them another fist to the head.
The hit took down Link and Levin in one go, crashing down on the floor and groaning in pain. Rick told them they'd better get some sleep because morning isn't going to be kind.
And he kept his word too.
In the morning, bruised with a hangover, the men were sentenced to cleaning the kitchen and the whole deck. Abbie watched in amusement as he and Katie were both reading a book. Link felt his head spinning and the sun isn't making it any easier. He's used to it though. The cruel work, intense head and the sweat was a challenge to him.
Levin and Link although they didn't admit it out loud they were on good terms. It seemed everything changed from exchanging cups of precious sake. The crew was okay with him and Katie was doing better herself.
Come nighttime, the captain only allowed them one barrel to consume and no one dared to argue. They would exchange stories and jokes at night and come in the day they would go through hard labor.
The men were energized. Link's never seen them like this before. The food they took from the pirates gave them their strength back. He worked with them with the deck and the turning of the ship. Often times when he wasn't doing anything he would admire the view on the crow's nest with Archie. The little guy doesn't seem to mind though and they would have a small chat.
For a moment he could almost say that life felt great with this nutty people. They even shared some of the reasons why they took to the sea.
Levin was indeed a solider who retired when his whole squad blew up in front of him and he went into shock shell for a whole year. Abbie's mother was murdered brutally by his drunken father and Abbie would've joined her if Rick hasn't saved his life. Niko's twin brother was ripped apart by a pack of dogs and his parents disowned him in blame.
Rick was right.
Everyone does have a story.
Rick told Link and Katie privately that they would arrive to Hatino around the afternoon. It was strange to Link but he felt bittersweet to leave here. He shouldn't feel this way and tried to forget about it. The crew decided to have one last night before they reach land.
Gonzo was in the middle of his spicy story. They already finished their feast and a game of poker, and were now sharing their tale of the first night with a woman. "I took her by the hand and—"
"And? And?" Niko asked eagerly. He's never been with a woman before and is writing down notes in preparation.
"I told her to leave."
They all raised a series of complaints. Levin slapped his back. "Can you even call yourself a man?"
Gonzo shrugged. "I don't buy a girl's affection." He didn't say anymore, carefully sipping his cup.
Link rolled his eyes and scoffed. Placing his hands behind his head and leaned back with a leg over the other. "No. But you buy her flowers and attention. That's the same thing. The only difference is if your wallet can handle her."
The first mate turned to him and chuckled. "Alright. What's your story then? Who's the lucky girl?"
"How many?" Senza asked with a laugh. "I bet you have hundreds, you lucky young bastard."
Niko pulled his seat next to Link, his pen ready to write.
Link felt a grin stretching on his lips. "They'd be lucky if I can remember their names in the morning."
They roared at this. Gonzo rammed his hand down at the table. "I bet you get slapped a lot."
"Yeah, it's usually when the girls meet each other for the first time."
They were grinning silly, demanding for full detail and Link had his hands up with a playful smile. Katie growled at this. "Swine," she muttered.
Abbie agreed with her, pushing his glasses. "Good luck with him."
More sake was passed around before Archie put a stop to it, reminding the captain's words. They took small amounts much to their annoyance and drank to it.
At one point, Abbie took his glasses off to wipe the dirt. "Just curious though, why are you guys headed to Hatino?"
Link's lips only touched the cup before they withdrew. He dragged the drink away from his mouth and his smile losing its confidence. "Trying to save someone."
Niko gasped. "Is it a princess?"
"No—"
"No, wait. The kingdom, right?"
"My dog."
Niko frowned. "What?"
"My dog," Link repeated, with a tad of annoyance. The room became quiet, loosing its jocose atmosphere. He fumbled with his cup and his brows fixed. "My village was raided and they took my dog."
Levin whistled. "Damn."
Link nodded and heaved out a breath, lifting his gaze. "Now I'm getting her back." He placed the cup on the table and poured himself another cup. No one stopped him from doing so.
Niko blinked, looking disappointed. "Is that it?"
Link's eyes narrowed as he placed the jug down with unnecessary force. "What's that suppose to mean?"
It takes time for Niko to understand what he says and it's usually after someone whacks him on the head. "You could just get another dog. There's thousands out there!"
The smile was gone replaced with a spark of irritation. This little shit really didn't know when to shut his mouth. Gonzo saved the evening by saying it was high time to hit the sack. Link left wordlessly out the door with a slam. He could still hear voices in the room.
"You need to shut your mouth sometimes," Archie's voice snapped. "Animals are just as important as humans, you know."
Gonzo sighed "The fact that he's risking his life for someone else is pretty impressive."
"But it's just a dog," Niko complained. "What about the castle? And the kingdom? Isn't he supposed to be our hero?"
Link felt his fists shaking as he quickens his pace. His fists were dying to punch someone. The anger wanted to be released but no one was around to take it on. Hero? What bloody hero?!
And what about Agnes? Doesn't she matter? She is perhaps the only thing worth saving from this selfish, horrible world.
Damn that blasted fairy running her mouth. Hero she called him and still calls him. Perhaps the only reason she came along was to hope he would take that burden. He'll need to set her straight. He's no hero and he'll never dream of being one. He'd rather go blind than even hope to be chosen.
He could throw the Master Sword out if he wants to, watch it drown out in sea. It's a shame. A beautiful blade it is too but he didn't like the way it dragged his shoulder down, the weight was somewhat of a reminder.
I'm not a hero! He wanted to shout to the heavens so they can hear. You're making a big mistake!
A little bump on his back cut his thoughts off. "Link, I want to talk to you," Katie said when he continued to walk.
"I'm not in the mood, sprit," he snapped, moving faster. The anger caused his hands to shake and he worried that he might end up crushing her.
The thought made him give a wide malicious smile. He won't have to listen to her annoying voice anymore. No more hero talk, no more whining and no more whimpering. He could hold her in his hand and squeeze the life out of her and listen to her last dying screams. Her cry of mercy, of horrifying pain would be music to his ears.
He licked his lips and his blood humming in excitement as he giggles. He could kill her. She would be out of his life for good. She brought them into this ship, she watched him break his back through his punishments so why shouldn't he crush her until she turns to dust? Or perhaps a puff of sparkles? Actually, what would happen if he kills her? He'll never know unless he tries. He could make up a story saying a fish ate her or—
"I'm sorry."
He stopped and felt that same bump on his back. The apology was unexpected. It should've been in her last moment of life. He took a deep breath, closing eyes to relax himself then faced her, crossing his arms. "What is it now?"
Her yellow body turned to a color of blue. "I-I'm sorry I didn't help you when you were captured," she says.
He rolled his eyes. "That it? That's all you had to say?"
"I thought I was doing you a favor by getting out of the way," she explained, her body turned to its original yellowish color and her tone was upbeat. "But that's no excuse."
He felt so tired, his head spinning in circles. "Okay, I get it. No hard feelings. Goodnight." He turned around, about to leave when she flew right into his face. He stumbled back. "What now?"
"Just one more thing," she says before taking a deep breath. "Now, I don't know why you care so much about this dog—"
Her tone is what really sets him off. "It's Agnes," he cut her off, jamming a finger to her. "Her name is Agnes and you're right. You and everyone else couldn't possibly understand. Now bugger off." He faced his back to her and yet again had her in his face. His hand lunged out to wave her off but she fluttered out of his reach.
"I'm not done yet," she said. "I want to help you get her back." Her voice went soft. "I can tell you're doing everything you can to save her and that she means a lot to you. I get it now. You let those guys push you around because you wanted to get to Hatino quickly."
He scoffed. "They weren't pushing me around."
She fluttered close to his face enough for her body to glow on his cheeks. "I promise I'll do better at being your adviser, okay?"
His eyes looked at her closely. Problem is with fairies is that they don't have facial features, no eyes that can hold secrets, no eyebrows that would move slightly when telling a lie. She did sound genuine though and it made him feel somewhat better.
He thought of everything he went through on this ship, the endless punishment, the food that he took, the talk with Rick. He's more than willing to do everything in his power to save Agnes and she might have seen that. He spent a long time thinking about it actually, the choice on whether to steal of not. "I've been thinking about it," he said finally with a sigh. "About stealing."
"Really?"
"Yeah." He crossed his arms and heaved out a breath. "I've decided to quit it."
"That's really brave of you, Link. It must've been hard."
He rolled his eyes. "Yeah, yeah, whatever."
She giggled softly. "Well, it will make things a lot more easier now." She turned to a brighter shade of yellow. "We will find Agnes so don't worry about it too much, okay?"
"Sure, whatever." He turned around, his back still throbbed in pain until now.
"Goodnight, Link."
He didn't reply back as he stifled a yawn. A lot has happened. Thievery has always been a bigger part in his life but he found himself determined to give it up. He doesn't want to end up like Rick or the others. If he ever does then Agnes is as good as dead.
Niko had apologized for his bluntness from yesterday to which Link shrugged it off. "Don't worry too much about it."
They were outside where the day seemed kind for a change, hiding behind grey clouds that loomed above them. The ship was energetic with the crew running back and forth, yelling out their status and working together. It's been busy.
Katie wanted to spend the last few hours with Abbie down in the library, leaving Link to help with the ship. He was tasked with the most tedious chore: mopping.
The chef shrugged. "Well, as what I was saying, maybe you should consider getting another dog? It'll save you the time," he said this so innocently and naïve. Link was momentarily confused to see that Niko still didn't get it and why did the kid even bother trying to apologize.
Link hummed. "You get hit a lot on the head, don't you?"
The chef's eyes widen. "Yeah! How did you know?"
"Figures."
It was kind of hard to stay mad at someone who looks up to you with big soft eyes and a wide smile. Link sighed. "Alright. Get lost. I have to clean up before your captain gives me an earful."
Niko chuckled. "Sure." He was only a few steps away until he turned around. "Hey, Link."
Link took a deep breath to control his patience. Niko is the kind of guy you want to tie up and throw him in a cage filled with hungry wolves. "Yeah?"
"I think you're really cool." He left it at that.
Link stared at the empty space for a while and felt discomfort weighing down his shoulder. Him, cool? Does Niko know who he's talking to?
"Idiot," Link muttered under his breath, dumping the mope into a bucket of water and pulling it out. During his task, he tried to formulate a plan on what to do in Hatino. They would need supplies. No, he would need supplies. The fairy is useless in battle. Food is a necessity, water, sake – definitely sake, maybe a change out of this hideous clothes, and a new weapon too. He could always steal—
No, can't do that either.
He grit his teeth, wiping the floor with more force than needed. Stealing was as normal as eating and drinking. You can't quite either of them. And besides, they need supplies, how else will they get those gems and save Agnes?
The doubt that came with his decision was pounding on his head.
But Agnes needs him. If he got caught no doubt the villagers were as nice as the people of his village were. They could chop of his hand — Senza said that it was a common punishment in his town — or they could let him rot in a cell. No, stealing is out of the option, but where can he get money? He could go for work, maybe a few days in the market, it's usually crowded at this time of the year with help needed everywhere.
His head started to hurt from the planning and muttered a curse. He'll need ideas from the fairy.
He noticed Levin walking towards him. The guy is a total jackass but good lord can he drink. It's been a while since anyone's kept Link on his toes. He has to admit, the guy's got a hard skull on him.
With a mischievous smirk, he strategically stretched out the mop. Levin, with his eyes on a paper, got caught in it and tumbled down. Link burst out in laughter and he could hear someone joining him above the crow's nest and behind the steering wheel.
"Why you little—" He growled, grabbing a chunk of Link's shirt.
Link giggled. "Oh, come on. You didn't think I'd be an angel overnight."
"Bastard." He let him go and stormed off. "You're lucky I have ship to manage."
Link chuckled some more before a hand slapped his head upside down. "Didn't I tell you to behave yourself?" Rick said then looked at his own men. "Get back to work, runts."
Archie fixed his telescope on the sea and Gonzo averted his eyes back to the wheel.
Link rubbed his head, glancing up at the older man and smirked. "But, captain, this is my best behavior."
Rick only shakes his head in false dismay. "What exactly am I suppose to do with you?"
It's hard for him to admit but he'll miss this cranky, moody old man and this ship. He'll miss the ship rocking during his sleep and seeing the colors of the water change when the sun meets the horizon. After a stern lecture from the captain, Link returned back to his task.
A cry came from above and everyone cranked up their chin to see Archie pointing a finger. "Land ahoy!"
"I know I shouldn't have lied but what else can I say?"
"You could have just kept quiet."
"I can't do that anymore."
Katie huffed out, glancing over at a porthole to see Link moping the floors. He seemed deep in thought, lips moving and eyebrows pulled down. Whatever is in his mind seems to be stressing him out.
"I just don't to see you getting hurt," Abbie said all of a sudden. He was seated down with a large book in front of him. His thick glasses glinted, framing his narrow eyes. "I really think you should consider staying here. Katie, what if he kills you?"
His blunt statement settled a weight on her, it's not as if the thought crossed her mind. Sure, he trapped her in a bottle. He was capable of that but killing her…that's more likely to happen.
"He would never do that," she insisted, looking back at Link who was now mopping the floor harshly. "He needs me."
Abbie spoke in a low voice. "What if he doesn't?"
She sighed, going near him. "I'm a fairy of the Goddesses and he's the Chosen One. It's our destiny to save the kingdom."
Abbie stood up walking over to his shelf that poked out with leathered spine books. "You're not answering my question, Katie. What if one day he gets drunk and angry, and he ends up doing something terrible to you?" Abbie's hand dropped from the shelf and shoulders went down. "Trust me, something like that can happen. When people are drunk they aren't themselves."
She knows she should try stirring the topic away. This isn't a territory she should be in but the thought of Link crushing her in his hand was too much to bear. "Abbie, he isn't like that. Sure, he can be…grumpy sometimes, and mean all the time and I don't think I mentioned that he's actually a sadist—"
Abbie blinked and his mouth hung. "I did not know that."
"And he is such a pig!" She growled, prancing around, turning brightly red. "I can't believe he just plays around with women like that. The nerve! If I had hands I'd be slapping him till he starts seeing stars! He's so horrible—"
"And he's our hero," Abbie said dryly, dropping a book on the table and it coughed up dirt.
She turned to him and went over his face. "And he's our hero," she says firmly as he sat down. "And I'm his adviser which means I can't leave his side until we defeat evil."
Abbie took his glasses off to rub the bridge of his nose. "I get that part but still you shouldn't have lied to him like that." He gave her a pointed look. "I saw his reaction. He could have ripped Niko apart for blabbering his mouth so what exactly would he do to someone that lied to him?"
Lying usually isn't her best skill. She never thought she would have the need to lie since she spent her days in the castle. The thought of her home made her guts twist. "I don't care about some stupid dog," she spat. Her tone took Abbie's full attention. "The castle was sieged, Abbie, sieged. The king—" Again that pang in her orbed body. It was like a bruise that refuses to heal. "We need a hero and we need one now. I'd prefer to risk my life for the whole kingdom rather than some mutt. Honestly, who would go through all this just for a pet when you can get one from the streets? It doesn't make any sense!"
As she ranted, she fluttered furiously around, leaving a rain of sparkles behind. Her body glowed a deep shade of red, bright enough to make Abbie squint his eyes.
"Why did you lie to him, Katie?" The doctor said, crossing his hands as if asking a child to confess to something.
"I needed to bond with him in some way," she explained, turning back to Link who was laughing as Levin got up. She felt a boil of rage but kept her voice stable. "I'll convince him one way or another to save Hyrule and fulfill his destiny." Sure she might not know what might eventuate from her small lie but it's for the sake of the kingdom, for Zelda.
Abbie crossed his arms. "Can't you just choose someone else and be done with it? Like no offense to you and may the Goddesses forgive me, but why on earth are you even bothering with this guy?" He seemed irked, his leg twitching. "I might as well finish my bucket list if I have to rely on him to save us."
Katie felt indignant. She couldn't help herself since it's a reflex for her to do so then dropped it. There's no need to be offended. The truth hurts. "I wish but Desmond told me he's our hero." She already told Abbie of the guardian of the Lost Forest and the raid of Ordon Village. "Without a doubt."
Abbie slumped back in his seat, eyes looking at the porthole to see his captain exchange a few words with Link while Link rubbed the side of his head. "Without a doubt," he echoed bitterly.
She could understand how he felt and wondered how she could even hope to save the kingdom at this rate. A knock surprised them both and it was Niko. "We made it. Bring your ass outside."
The land was long, stretching from one side to the other with greenery dotted. The men lowered the anchor down as Link tucked some food away in his pouch. Katie felt a sense of excitement. Finally, they'll be leaving this filthy ship. They'll finally start their adventure.
"Hey, Katie, send me a postcard, will ya?" Abbie asked, adjusting his glasses.
She looked at him and felt sadness well up inside. She didn't think she'll miss Abbie or Niko but they've been so good and kind to her. The days she spent in the library reading on the new edition of The Grand Adventure of Science, Niko would often whin out of boredom and Abbie would snap at him to keep quiet.
It took all her willpower not to turn blue. "I will," she promised with a fake giggle.
Link swung his shield and rolled his left shoulder. "Alright. Let's do this."
The crew was seeing them off. Link jumped off the ship and landed on the pier, which groaned under his weight. The pier was deserted with not a sign of life. It stretched far and beyond it was a path that led to a dense forest. Katie fluttered over to his side not without saying goodbye to her new friends.
The crew all looked down to them. Gonzo had his arms crossed and nodded. "Good luck, you two."
Levin gave a wicked smirk. "Don't die on us, green bastard. We still don't know who the winner is."
Link returned the smirk. "I wouldn't have it any other way."
She didn't know how to feel. Sad, happy, excited, regret, bitter. They were all good men in some way. All running from their pasts and found themselves at sea and she terribly misjudges them all. Agreeing to take their food and shaming them for their decisions as if she knew better, what was she thinking? An adviser shouldn't act like that.
"Hey, Levin," she called out. "I'm sorry I called you a failure in life."
"Not too far from the truth," Link commented with a chuckle.
"Shut up," Levin said, then turned towards Katie. "Don't make a fuss out of it."
Niko was leaning so far in the railing that had it not been for Abbie, who was holding the back of his shirt, he would've fallen in. "Hey, Link, can you send me a souvenir?"
Link chuckled. "I'll think about it," he said. He probably won't though. "All right. I'll be going now."
Niko squealed in excitement before Abbie finally pulled him back and went up to the railing. "Take care of Katie." The doctor gave him a look. "Don't let anything bad anything happen to her or I'll hold you responsible."
The thought was so touching she turned blue. Link glanced at her and rolled his eyes. "Oh my word, okay. Can I go now?"
Archie finally made it, his face red out of breath. "Link, there's a problem!" The crew turned to him alarmed, thinking they might be under attack.
Link groaned loudly. "What now?"
"Your sailboat is gone!"
Archie explained that he remembered that Link had a sailboat and wanted to suggest on what to do with it when Link gets to Hatino. The ropes weren't even there and the sailboat was nowhere in sight. "I swear I tied it up for you," he said as if trying to convince Link.
As soon as they, Link, Archie and Katie, came back from the pirate ship, Link passed out from exhaustion and Archie took it upon himself to take care of Link's weapons and his sailboat. Gonzo stated that he could've sworn he'd seen it last night and Abbie couldn't remember seeing it before breakfast. The crew pondered on this. It was tied up or at leas they thought so. Could it have been lost in sea?
Link waved off. "Don't worry about it. Can I go already?"
Katie gasped and went to his face. "'Don't worry about it?' Desmond gave us that boat himself!"
Archie scratched his head. "Well, I guess if you aren't too bothered by it," he muttered. "By the way, the captain said don't go anywhere just yet."
Link messed with his hair and hung his head back. "Oh heaven just take me, what is it now?!"
A deep voice came from deck. "I keep my word," Rick said, limping his way over to the railings. He looked down at Link, giving a crooked smile. He threw something and it would've hit Link in the face if his reflexes didn't grab it. It was an odd brown bottle. "You're good with the sword. I'll give you that."
Link grinned brightly at the gift then it frowned when he shook it. It was too light and when he shook it, there was nothing. "Is this a joke?!"
On board, Rick shrugged to feign innocence. "Hey, I said you could have the bottle, didn't I?"
The men laughed, pointing at Link and Link pulled back the bottle to throw it back but his eyes caught something inside. He popped the cork out, greeted with a slight smell of sake. There was a not curled up inside.
"A letter to the town's chief," Rick explained. "Him and I were drinking buddies back in the day. Give him that and he'll help you out free of charge."
Link sighed and tucked the bottle with the rest of his things then smirked. "Aw shucks, captain, are you going to give me a goodbye kiss too?"
"Get lost before I decide to keep you here," he snapped then turned to Gonzo. "Ready the ship."
Gonzo saluted and the sailcloth unpeeled and curved towards the open sea. All the crewmates scattered across the dreck.
Link watched the ship move and he was walking as it did. "I forgot to tell you, you bastards smell," he shot with a wild grin. "Plus the food was rotten anyways so I did you guys a favor!"
Senza crunched his fist. "Captain, can we stop the ship for a minute?"
The ship was moving faster and Link fastened his pace. "Also I forgot to tell you, Levin, I spit on your toothbrush."
Levin's jaw dropped then turned to Rick. "Captain, just stop the ship and give me five minutes!"
Link was grinning widely, laughing and panting at the same time. "Gonzo, I was the one that threw out your last undies!"
Gonzo, behind the wheels, froze. "Oh, you wanna die today, don't you?!" He shouted. "Captain, we have to stop the ship!"
Link was now running to catch up. "Yo Abbie, I had to use one of your books for the loo!"
"What?!" The doctor cried. "Captain, we have can't let him get away!"
"And Niko the seaweed soup was nasty!"
That was the one thing everyone could agree on.
"Hey, I worked hard for that!" The chef complained.
Link's hands were moving as he ran. He was running out of spaces before he runs straight to the water. "Don't forget about you, Archie."
The boy in question paled. "Oh gods, what?"
Link laughed. "I'm kidding. Actually, you spend more time up there and it's hard to mess with you."
Archie sighed with relief while his friends were screaming in protest. Some of them trying to convince the captain to stop and others were yelling.
"And," Link called out before stopping at the tip of the pier. The sun shinning brightly down, the wind brushing his bangs against his forehead. "I cheated in poker!"
"You bastard!" Senza yelled, shaking his fist. "When I get my hands on you, I'll—"
Link waved with two hands. "Good riddance! The food was great! Ta-ta, suckers!"
Rick only shook his head with a grin and walked back down to his office. Link stood there waving his hands until the ship and it's crew sailed off into the day.
He took a deep breath, smile and madness now finally gone. It was strangely quiet on the pier with not a word to be heard. Link looked oddly calm for once and there was an expression on his face she's never seen before but he wiped it off. He sighed before turning towards the land with its enormous trees and soft winds.
"Well then," he started, shifting his weight on one foot and grinned at her, "shall we head out?"
