Chapter 32: All In The Past

A/N: Just a little filler chapter coming up next. Why'd a filler chapter take so long? Well, reasons I've already stated previously.

And because I wasn't proud of it, which made me hesitate to upload it for a few days. Because, you know, the fear of letting everyone down with a lame chapter.

I mean, I know that your biggest critic is always yourself and all that, and I know that I haven't let you down so far (judging by all your reviews, at least), but it'll always be a part of me and my writing. Such is the life of me with my anxiety. It'll come and go.

Well, I won't monologue any further. Enjoy the chapter.

I found myself walking out to the main hub and stretching with a yawn.

I was still thinking over the things Conductor said to me, especially one specific part.

The more I thought about it, the more I did miss living in an actual home.

I mean, this little spaceship of ours was great, it had basically everything we needed, complete with fantastic views of the cosmos.

But it was so... isolated. If our friends didn't have some... special techniques, then there'd be no way for them to ever reach and visit us.

And enclosed, too. We had no room to do anything because of the vacuum of space. Conductor was right, it was a bit claustrophobic. 'Outside'? What 'Outside'?

However, there was still many issues we'd have to solve before we could think of doing that. If Hailey would even want to in the first place.

Well, we could at least keep it as an option for the future. We would be living here for a long time to come, after all.

I sighed. I'd just have to hope that we could come to an agreement and figure something out.

I shook the thought out of my head as I walked over to the kitchen. If I wanted to, I could mope about our living situation later.

In the kitchen, I grabbed the two bowls that Malika had given us from the sink-oh wait, they're dirty. I must've forgotten to wash them.

Well, it wouldn't take long.

Five minutes later and now they were good as new. I also found the boxes that the bowls had came with, put the bowls back inside, picked them up and meandered to the Engine Room.

Y'know something I'd just realized: using the Hookshot Badge to get across gaps is quite a bit more difficult when you're carrying something.

But I'd done it before, I could do it now.

And I did, so I quickly went over to the telescope and beamed myself down.

A smile came to my face as I was immediately greeted with a gentle breeze.

Man, I loved this place.

Was I biased because Zena lives here? Maybe a little. But it was just such a peaceful place that I felt like it'd be my favourite place even if I'd never met her.

Ironic given how much I hated this place when we first came here. Heh... can somebody say 'vertigo'?

I chuckled to myself at that.

Well, time to find Malika.

First thing I did was find her home again and knock on the door.

Her husband came to the door again.

"Hello!" He greeted, "Malika isn't home right now."

Figured. But at least somebody was.

"Well, I just came to give these back," I said as I handed him the boxes, "The bowls are clean, by the way."

"Aha! Thank you very much," He replied, "Did you enjoy her cooking?"

"She's pretty good, yeah," I answered, "We're friends with a professional chef, and I feel like she'd give her a run for her money."

"Not surprising at all," He chuckled, "Well, thanks for getting these back so soon."

"Of course," I responded with a smirk, "Have a good day."

"You too," He said with a wave, before he closed the door.

Well, that was both things I wanted done today. Certainly took no time at all.

Sooo... now what?

I could just sit and relax up here for the next couple hours, but I'd eventually get bored. Humans are active people. We need to do things.

Maybe I could go to Subcon and see what Snatcher's up to?

Eh, why not? Surely would beat doing nothing for five hours.

Well... before that, I felt like it'd be a good idea to maybe take a little tour around Alpine Skyline, talk with people... y'know. Just generally see how things are going.

So that's what I did.

I took a nice little tour around the goat village and chatted with the people, then-good grief, I'd never get used to those ziplines.

Uh... where was I...

Oh, yeah. I took the ziplines to check around each peak and see how people were doing there.

I still didn't get why they chose to live in the burning wasteland part of the mountain range, but I felt like it'd be rude to ask, and they seemed just as happy and carefree as the other nomads, so I gave it the benefit of the doubt.

And it was even more peculiar that some of them had their ROOFS on fire and didn't seem to care much. But once again, I decided it'd be best to give it the benefit of the doubt. Because, after all, I'd never truly understand this planet and how it worked. It was far too foreign for me. So it was probably some inside thing I just didn't get.

At the birdhouse, as I explored and had to re-avoid those explosive egg things and those stupid crows, I found myself questioning the point of its existence.

Why build a sanctuary for small, wild, birds that were hostile to every species other than their own? And for mutated eggs whose only purpose were to self destruct on some poor, unknowing soul?

I mean, I knew that it was probably some ancient tradition or whatever, but still... WHY?

Hmm... maybe one of the nomads would know.

So, I found the nearest nomad and asked them.

... They merely shrugged.

"We don't really know either. Our ancestors built it, so we just make sure to keep it in good condition to honour them," They explained.

"And none of you ever asked your leader about it?" I questioned, "She's even older than this place, remember?"

"We ask her all the time, and we always get the same reply: 'I could tell you, but it's more fun to keep it a mystery,'" They answered awkwardly, "Hmm... you're really good friends with her, right?"

"Yeah?"

"Then why don't you try asking her? Maybe she'll tell you," They suggested.

"I think I will. Thanks, I guess."

They nodded, and I continued my tour by leaving.

When I went to the windmill, my jaw dropped in pure shock.

Nomads were bustling around the place, effortlessly navigating the dangerous path to the top, each with a spring in their step.

They seemed so happy... even happier than the rest of the nomads. It was like they were having the times of their lives, so easily doing what I hated.

... I understood now why this place was built the way it was. It wasn't designed to be easy to get to the top...

It was designed to be fun to get to the top.

Now, I personally despised it... but it's not my place to judge, now is it? I'm no nomad, I don't live here.

As long as nobody falls and gets hurt, let 'em have their fun.

I left after that, as to not get in their way.

Now... The Twilight Bell.

I found myself sitting underneath its massive void interior and staring up into it.

This would probably always be my favourite peak. It was just so... overwhelmingly tranquil, so... otherworldly... I know what I'm about to say would qualify for all four peaks, but it was a truly unforgettable place.

It felt like somewhere in which no mere mortal belonged. A forbidden realm of primordial existence and knowledge. And, given what Zena said, it kind of was. Which just made me revere the place even more.

It'd be my personal go-to place in Alpine Skyline, but it making me feel like I'm not worthy of being in its presence didn't exactly make it a great place to try to sit back, relax, and think.

It didn't seem to bother the nomads that lived there, though. Perhaps they're accustomed to it.

... Or they knew something I didn't. Maybe both.

I still wonder, though...

That day... when we tracked down Zena in the bell's realm, and found her sitting on top of the water, defying physics...

Three things still bothered me about that day.

First of all, why did she spend so long in there? According to the nomads, she said she'd be back soon, and then proceeded to stay there throughout the whole night. That isn't like her. She hates making people worry, and you'd think she'd know full well that nothing makes people worry like saying you'll be back at a certain time and then never coming back.

Second of all, why did Badge Seller mean that she might act differently in there? That she sometimes acts 'off'? And why did he know so little about the situation, when he was the most knowledgeable person we knew aside from Traveller? She seemed exactly the same to me once we snapped her out of it.

And last of all, the weirdest part...

Why was she completely unresponsive?

She was unmoving, save for the water lapping up and down and pushing her around. So still that she appeared lifeless, not even the sway of the water beneath her changing her posture or pose. We tried talking to her, and she didn't respond at all.

I had to LOUDLY whistle, right into her ear, to get her to snap out of it. And once she had, she seemed extremely disoriented.

I mean, she got up quickly and seemed completely normal afterward, but it still worried me a lot.

I shouldn't have had to wake her up from anything!

What if we never came to find her?!

Would she have eventually awoken by herself? Or would she have remained in that comatose state for eternity? Or maybe something even worse?

Also, she said she was 'praying', or whatever. Well, I don't care what kind of place this is, what insane context you could give me, there is NEVER a time where mere prayer is so intense that you become COMPLETELY SENSELESS to the world around you. That just doesn't happen.

It made me suspect that there was something extremely wrong with that place.

What if there's some evil entity there that she doesn't know about? One that's preying on her mind while she attempts to contact the spirits of the realm? She would be at her most vulnerable, and I wouldn't be there to protect her... if I even could.

I sighed with great worry and sadness at the thought. I had to talk to her about this. I couldn't let her go back until she gave me a very good explanation for what happened that day. If she couldn't give me one, then I'd never let her go back there ever again, whether she liked it or not. The thought of something hurting her again scared me too much.

I nodded, confirming my plans. Yes, tomorrow I'd talk with her about that. Because I could just be overthinking, after all. It seemed like I always was.

But there'd been many a time where I thought I was overthinking, and then my fears turned out to be completely justified and real. I wouldn't be making that mistake ever again.

Until then, though, worrying about it wouldn't do anything except give me early grey hair. So, without anything else to do in Alpine Skyline, I returned to the ship.

Hmm...

What was I planning on doing next, again...?

Uh...

Right, right. Subcon.

I quickly navigated out of the Engine Room and into the kid's room, before staring through the telescope.

"This'll be fun."

I teleported down, landing at Snatcher's tree, as per usual.

For once, he was actually sat down in his chair, reading a book. I could tell it was different, as its cover was majorly different.

I walked into his little abode with a smirk on my face.

"New book, huh? What's this one?" I asked.

"'Hello' to you too, punk," He growled, "Where's the kid, huh? Don't tell me she got hurt again! That would just be such a shame!"

"Yeah yeah, smartass," I replied, "She's fine. She's just visiting with a friend."

"A friend, huh? Who?" He pried.

"I'd say 'none of your frickin' business', but I'll entertain you this time," I muttered, "She's visiting Zena."

That changed his expression in a hurry.

"Oh? If I may ask, how is she doing? Just curious. It's been a thousand years, after all," He asked intently.

Uhhh...

"She... err..."

He stared at me, impatiently waiting for an answer.

"She... got hurt really badly a few days ago," I explained, "What makes it worse, is... it's kind of my fault, too."

I could see intent to kill flare in his eyes.

"What happened?"

"It's a long story... but basically I had to go confront a villain, it went sour, she came to my rescue, and she got hurt fighting alongside me," I sighed, "I had to carry her to safety."

He snorted and shook his head.

"Well. She hasn't changed one bit," He sighed, "It'll kill her some day, just you watch!"

Huh...

This really made me curious just who Zena was back then.

Maybe he'd tell me? I doubt it, but it was worth asking.

"If I might ask, Snatcher... who exactly is she to you?" I asked, "Best friend? Family?"

He gave me an unamused glare.

"You really expect me to answer that?"

"Well, she's... a good friend of mine," I said, "And you're, well, you. You're two widely different people, who live in two widely different and faraway places. You can't blame me for being very intrigued how you're both connected."

He rolled his eyes with a groan.

"Ask her, then! I'm sure she'll be glad to tell you," He scoffed.

"I don't want to risk reopening old wounds..." I denied, "She's so joyful and carefree. I'd hate to depress her by bringing back something she'd rather forget."

"... You know more than you're telling me about this forest's past, don't you, punk?"

Whoops. I said too much. Again.

Well, no point in lying.

... I really hoped he wouldn't get more pissed off, but he probably would.

"Yyyyyyeah," I said awkwardly as I scratched my head.

He shook his head with a scoff.

"Figured as much, with how much you two snoop where you don't belong! So, you must know who I am, then? And who... SHE was?" He asked bitterly, nodding toward the manor at the last part.

"... Yes. You were the prince, you and Vanessa were lovers. I know everything, all except who Zena was," I sighed, "And that's why I don't want to talk to her about her past."

He nodded miserably.

"Yet you come to me for answers without hesitation," He growled, "But whatever. You're probably right."

Well, he dropped that much faster than I expected. He must've hated the idea of bringing those memories back to her, too...

"You really must have a soft spot for her, don't you?" I observed.

He didn't reply.

"Uh... well... do you want me to work on a contract today?" I asked, to change the subject. I'd just had a heavy discussion, I didn't want another.

He tilted his head.

"You did finish the first contract... six more to go," He mused, "Although the next contract requires my help (regrettably), and I'm currently in the middle of something, so come back later."

"Couldn't I just start work on another contract?" I groaned.

"Well somebody's eager to be put to work!" He scoffed, "Yet when I WANT to put you to work, you DON'T want to, huh? Why's that? No, really! Do tell!"

"I guess fate is cruel. Today, I have literally nothing to do," I deadpanned, "You're missing a great opportunity if you don't make me work on a contract, cause this won't happen often."

"Didn't you say Zena's hurt? Why don't you go visit her and leave me alone?" He growled.

"I'm giving her time to be alone with Hailey. To talk about girl things and whatever," I replied, "They've never really had a chance to do stuff together without me in the way before."

"Then why don't you go bother those two senile birds? Or the cat lady?"

"I was just at Dead Bird Studio, and Cooking Cat is probably super busy, what with her job and everything else," I denied, "Why don't you want me around anyway? You usually always want me working on something."

He rolled his eyes with a groan.

"First off, I'm reading a new book. It's very interesting and I don't want to have to put it down for the next few hours. Second off, I have a lot to think about right now and don't need you causing me grief while I process information. And lastly..."

He loomed down over me with a look of malice in his eyes that was only rivaled by when me and Hailey fought him.

"I know about how you two ventured into the deeper parts of the forest. That. Will not. Ever. Happen. Again."

I couldn't tell if he was so furious out of sheer concern, or if he had skeletons in his closet out there that he didn't want me seeing.

The sheer probability of it being the latter made me shiver. There really was a lot I didn't know about this forest... a lot I probably didn't want to know. It was a truly unholy place.

"Trust me, Snatcher... we already learned our lessons from that," I replied nervously.

"You'd better have, or else you'll be hoping that I kill you first!"

I sighed. Typical Snatcher threats. This time, I think he meant it though. It didn't phase me though, as, like I said, we were never making that mistake again.

"Yeah, yeah... anyway, what the hell am I supposed to do with the rest of the day?" I groaned.

"Your problem, not mine," He retorted.

... Fricking smartass.

I grabbed a Time Piece and put it to the sky to leave. No reason to put up with his snark any longer.

"Wait! One last thing."

Huh?

I lowered the Time Piece to the ground.

"What?"

"Uh... so you're good friends with Zena now, right?" He asked uncomfortably.

My mouth twitched as I almost told him our current relationship.

Part of me wanted to, but I knew that, no matter who or what she was to him, he would LOSE IT. And I didn't want to piss him off any more than I already did.

So I merely replied with "Uh... yeah."

"Well, in that case..." He muttered, "Uh... promise me you'll... well... promise me you'll take good care of her."

What?

Was I hearing things?

"Pardon?"

He stared at me with dead seriousness.

... He actually meant it... he actually cared about her so much that he'd be willing to open himself up a bit to me just to make sure I'd keep her safe.

"Well, Snatcher..." I muttered, "She does more taking care of me than I do of her."

"But she puts herself in danger for others a LOT. She... she needs somebody to watch out for her when she puts herself in harm's way. So you'd BETTER be there for her when she does that," He said, "Because if something happens to her again because of you..."

I groaned. What an idiot, thinking he can threaten me like that. He really didn't get it, did he?

I'd have to make him.

"Don't waste your breath, Snatcher," I hissed, "What, you think I'd let her put herself in danger like that? For the record, Snatcher, I didn't WANT her to get involved that night. She showed up on her own accord, and we got separated soon after. I couldn't do anything about it until it was too late! And that night, she SAVED MY LIFE."

"And then you let her get hurt afterward."

Oh my God...

"I just SAID-"

I managed to catch myself before I could freak out, and take some deep breaths to calm myself.

Getting mad here wouldn't solve anything.

"Look, man, I get that you want to make sure she's safe, but come on! Look who you're talking to! I've already beaten myself up over this, and you know how seriously I take protecting those I care about. I wouldn't just save her life if it was in need of saving, Snatcher. No. I wouldn't even let her get into a situation where she NEEDS saving. Because from this day forward, I'll be by her side from start to finish, protecting her from any and all danger. Always," I sighed, "And if you still doubt me, then... I don't know what else to say. There's nothing more I could do except show you firsthand. And I just had to save her life... I already told you that I carried her in my arms to safety. There is no way IN HELL that I'm letting something like that happen again."

He just stared at me in surprise.

"Well, I guess you two are better friends than I first thought," He said, "Not really sure how to feel about that."

A grin flashed on his face.

"Well, I guess she has a way with people like that," He chuckled.

As I thought about just how correct he was, and how nice of a person Zena was, I found myself smiling.

"Yeah. She does," I agreed, "Well, I'm going now."

"Don't tell a SOUL about our little discussion."

"C'mon. You know me," I replied with a grin, "I won't say a word."

He just nodded.

I then held the Time Piece to the sky once again and returned to the ship.

I still wondered who exactly Zena was. Given how much Snatcher clearly cared for her... it must've been somebody important.

I shook my head. Whatever it was, it was a thousand years ago. It didn't matter anymore. Best to look for the present and the future.

... It'd be better to keep the past in the past.

So, without further ado, I walked out into the hub and began looking for something to distract myself with.

I heard the TV making noises, and turned to it.

I guess the kid left it on. The console was on and everything.

Hmm... maybe it wouldn't hurt to get some video game practice in.

I grinned as I picked up the controller and sat down at the TV.

Next time we played... heh, she wouldn't know what hit her.

A/N: Well, I guess that's that. I hope I didn't make Snatcher too out of character when talking about Zena, I wanted to make it clear that he really cares for her while trying not to completely discard his tsundere facade.

Also, I'll just get this out of the way immediately: I don't know what I'm doing with the next chapter.

Again.

Now, the good news is that I do have ideas for what I'll do, I just need to decide on which one and then expand on it. So hopefully it won't take as long? Maybe?

At the very least, I'll do my best to make sure it doesn't.

No review time this chapter, none have been left since the last.

And I already explained the situation for the next chapter, so...

Guess that wraps this author's note and chapter up. See you later.