The next morning everyone was up early. Linebeck was preparing the ship, and the fairies and Oshus were there talking to him. Link had just woken up and left Oshus' house and made his way through town with Ciela accompanying him. They didn't talk as they walked, it was silent up until they got to the woman's house.
The woman glared at Link and Ciela and it made both of them feel uncomfortable.
"I wish that woman would just leave us alone ..." Link whispered to Ciela. Ciela said nothing.
"So, boy, I got a complaint from that captain of yours. You two are obviously hiding something." She called out to him.
Now everyone in the area was staring at Link. He felt like crawling into a hole, again. He pulled his hat over his face and just continued walking, faster. Ciela, having had enough with this woman and her attitude flew over to her and raged at her.
"Listen, lady! Link has been through a lot! And you can't be the one person to give him Hell! Stop making him, Linebeck, and everyone around him feel like shit! No one's hurting him other than yourself! So stop saying shit behind his back and stop saying things to his face! Just leave. Us. Alone!" Ciela roared.
Everyone stared at her, wide eyed. Even Link. He knew should could yell, but not like that.
The woman turned her back to the woman, whipping her hair at the fairy, making her fall out of the sky as she turned to go into her house. Everyone went along with their daily lives and Link walked over to help Ciela up.
"That horrible woman! If anyone doesn't deserve an arm, its her!" Ciela shrieked.
"Let her be, Ciela. Witches will be that way."
"Put an emphasis on 'witch' ..." She grumbled.
Link laughed and they continued on their way to meet Linebeck and the others.
"You're doing ok, right Link?" Ciela asked.
"Yeah, I'm fine ... wish I could take my anger out on someone though ..." Link mumbled.
"I'm all ears ..." Ciela said, trying to comfort Link.
"Thanks, but I don't wanna take my anger out on you ..." Link replied.
Suddenly, as if on cue, a Cucco started walking by, clucking all sorts of noises. Link glanced down at the chicken, and it began to run away. The boy smiled evily and pulled out his sword.
"Link ... what're you doing?" Ciela asked.
"Releasing pent up anger ..." Link replied.
He slowly moved towards the animal and in one swing, nearly destroyed the animal.
He sighed, "Phew, I feel better n-" Suddenly, he was attacked by another cucco. It crowed into the sky, and the ground started rumbling.
Link flicked the chicken off and looked at Ciela worriedly. "What is that ...?" He asked. Suddenly, a whole flock of cucco came from around the corner, hurdling straight towards Link and Ciela. With a scream, they were off, headed towards the ship.
Back at the ship, Oshus was gone and Linebeck and the fairies waited almost impatiently for Link and Ciela.
"What's taking the kid and Sparkles so long, anyways?" Linebeck mumbled.
"Maybe they ran into that awful lady again." Leaf added.
In the distance, Link could be seen running towards the boat with a big dust cloud following him.
"I've never seen him run that fast before. HEY KID, I DIDN'T SAY YOU HAD TO-" Linebeck's eyes widened as the cloud ominously turned into a flock of cucco.
"START THE SHIP!" Link and Ciela yelled, simultaneously.
"Uh, Linebeck, I think ya may want to start the boat." Leaf called.
Linebeck ran below deck and started the engine. The ship started taking off. He ran back up to the deck and saw Link reaching the dock.
Both Neri and Leaf cheered Link on for him to jump. Ciela flew over to the deck and was welcomed by the other fairies. Link came to the end of the dock and took a leap of faith. Just when he was about to fall into the water, Linebeck managed to grab him by his belt loop and pull him to safety. The chickens cooed in anger and everyone on the S.S. Linebeck laughed in victory.
In all of the morning rushes, they forgot to stock up on some items. So instead of going back to the angry cuccos and villagers, they made their way to Molida Island, where they could stock up. Linebeck pulled the ship into port and met Link outside of the ship.
"Alright, kid, you know the drill ..." Linebeck said, almost sounding sad, "You get the stuff ... I'll stay, well, you know, with the ship ..."
Link nodded, and hurried off. Ciela called from the bow, "Linebeck, you shameless old dog. You're sending him off alone, even with one arm."
Link made his way through the town when he saw the mailbox wriggling vigorously. He walked up to it and was met with the mailman.
"Hey Link, how've you been? I heard about your accident. It's a darn shame ... Anyways, I got some letters for you." He said. He reached into his mailbag and pulled out two letters.
"The first one is from ... well, well, it was sent from Outset Island, that's far away!" He exclaimed. Link almost ripped the letter out of the mailman's hand. Opened it up quickly and began reading.
To Big Brother,
How've you been, big brother? Are you still sailing with Tetra and all of her pirates? I hope they're treating you nice. It's been sort of quiet here on the island. There's barely any monsters here now that Ganon is gone. A few Chu Chus here and there, but nothing major. The twins are starting to grow up, Link, they're already taller than me! And think about it, soon I'll be 11. Its a shame you won't be here for my birthday ... but, at least I got to share your 12th birthday with you! And guess what? Since I'm coming of age, soon I'll be able to start sword fighting! Orca said he'd be more than grateful to show me how! Of course, I won't be able to sail the whole world like you did, but it'll still be fun.
Everyone misses you, Big Brother. Snot boy actually says he's gonna grow up to be just like you and explore the world! Cute, huh? Grandma also misses you and says you can come home whenever. She says she has her famous soup ready for you whenever you get the urge to drop on by. Well, I'm running out of ink, so I'm going to have to cut my letter short. I hope to see you soon big brother! Pay Outset Island a visit, ok?
Oh, and when this letter gets to you, it'll be your 14th birthday, won't it? Lucky you! Here's a little gift from everyone here!
Love, Aryll, Grandma, and all of the Islanders. Good Luck out there, Link!
Link had forgotten! His birthday was today! How could he have forgotten again!? He reached into the envelope and pulled out a silver rupee worth 200! He smiled and almost felt like he would cry. He misses everyone so much, but never has the time to go an see them ...
"Teary eyed? Not yet? Good! The next letters from ... Linebeck? But aren't you traveling with him?" He asked, handing the letter to Link. Link opened the letter, a bit confused and began reading it.
To Link,
Ok, this is weird. Why am I writing to you when we're together all the time? But just give me a moment to remember why I was writing you ... Oh! So I'm writing because, well, I'm grateful, all right? Happy now?! Thanks, ok?! There, I've said it ... Well, this is awkward. What next? How about an apology? First of all, I'm sorry for being such a jerk to you. Second of all, it's my fault you lost your arm, and I should come out and say I'm terribly sorry that had to happen to you. And finally, thanks for working like a dog for me, you treasure ... dog! See?! That's something you just can't say to a guy's face, you know?! One more thing, a gift to show my thanks. Keep it to yourself! Or else!
From, Linebeck.
Link reached into the envelope and found a orange rupee. That was quite generous, even for Linebeck.
"Well, that's all the letters for now! See ya on the flipside, kid!" The mailman said, taking his leave.
Using the money both the Islanders and Linebeck gave him, he bought all the supplies the needed and brought it back to the ship.
A few hours passed, and now the sun was starting to set. They were out on the open sea and everything was at ease. Link was in his room, relaxing for a bit and staring out the window. The sunset looked amazing.
"Hey, kid, come here!" Linebeck yelled. "Hurry!"
Link looked forward towards the door, hopped off his bed, and hurried out.
He opened the door and walked into the hub of the ship when suddenly,
Pop! Pop! Pop!
Streamers flew everywhere!
"Happy Birthday Link!" Everyone cheered.
Link looked extremely surprised, and couldn't take his eyes off of everyone.
"How ... How did you all know it was my birthday? I didn't tell you guys ..." Link said, a little flustered.
"Kid, you always kept on mentioning the day your sister was kidnapped. That was your birthday, was it not? Today's that day!" Linebeck replied.
Link laughed a bit, "I guess so. Thanks everyone!"
A few moments passed and Linebeck brought out dinner for everyone.
Link looked confused at him, "Dinner? Are you sure you're feeling alright, Linebeck?
"It's a special occasion! Just shut up and eat!" Linebeck replied. Link and everyone else laughed.
"Oh my goddesses, this is amazing. Where'd you learn to cook like this!?" Ciela asked.
"My mother was a cook. My father had a ship and would bring back fish for her to make stew. She taught me how to make it."
"So this is fish stew? Never had it before. Tastes good though." Link said happily.
"I'm glad, eat all you like."
A few moments passed and Link found himself wrapped up in Linebeck's coat. Linebeck was finishing eating, along with the fairies, and Link had glanced down at the letters he received earlier that day.
"Whatcha got there kid?"
"Letters."
"Can I see?"
Link handed the letters to him and Linebeck looked over the first one intently.
"Ahhh, so this is from your family, eh? Seems they also remembered your birthday. This person writing, it's your sister, right?"
"Yup. Her name is Aryll."
"That's an original name."
Linebeck continued to read, "So how longs it been since you've seen them?"
Link thought for a moment, "About a year and a half ... maybe more?"
Linebeck laughed a bit, "How would you like to go and pay them a visit? You know, after this whole evil Bellum thing is worked out? Tetra can come too." Linebeck said pointing to the stone statue of Tetra in the corner of the ship.
Link, and the fairies' jaws dropped.
"You're being serious?" Link asked excitedly.
"I'm sailing you all over Timbuktu, why not take you to Outset Island?" Linebeck replied.
Link stared at Linebeck for a moment, trying to let that sink in.
He blushed a bit, then nodded, "Thank you, Linebeck ..."
Linebeck flipped to the next letter, "No problem, ki-"
He stopped mid sentence and stared, almost scared to see the next letter.
"Linebeck?" Link asked.
"Damn, I was hoping this letter wouldn't reach you ..." He said, shakily.
Link smirked, "Oh you mean the one you sent me? Awful nice of you~"
"S-shut up kid! I'm usually not like that! I don't know what came over me!"
Link scooted over to Linebeck and hugged him, "Well, thank you anyways."
Linebeck blushed, "Stop kid, you're making me feel unmanly ..."
"UNAMNLY!?" Ciela exclaimed, "You're the one who wears an apron while you cook!"
"SP-SPARKLES!" Linebeck yelled back.
Everyone laughed, except for Linebeck, that is.
A couple of hours passed, and it was nearly midnight. The fairies were above deck, chit-chatting. Linebeck was sitting at a desk in the hub of the ship, writing something to himself. Link had fallen asleep in the corner of the ship, next to the statue of Tetra. Linebeck didn't notice Link until he saw the candle light flicker over by him.
"Heh, he must've had a busy day. Kid was out, quick ..."
Linebeck got up and pushed in his chair. He walked over to Link, and picked him up, carrying him into his little room. Linebeck set him down on his bunk, and ruffled his hair. He bent down and gently kissed his forehead.
"Night, kid ... Hope you had fun ..."
Suddenly, a thrashing outside caused Linebeck to shake. He stood up, and coming crashing through the window was Ciela! She lunged right at Linebeck's nose, making it crack.
"OW!" He yelped.
"I SENSE RAPE, GET AWAY FROM HIM!" Ciela yelled.
Linebeck cuffed his hands over his nose and felt the blood pour onto them, "Fucking fairy ... you nearly broke my nose ..." He whispered.
"YOU KISSED LINK! YOU DESERVED IT!" Ciela roared.
"Not so loudly sparkles! You'll wake him up!" Linebeck quietly yelled.
"I HOPE HE DOE-" Linebeck took his free hand and cuffed the fairy's mouth, and brought her into the hub of the ship, closing Link's door behind him.
Still cupping his nose, he stared at the fairy.
"Seriously, Sparkles, it's not that big of a deal." He said.
"OF COURSE IT IS! EVERYTHING THAT WOMAN SAID NOW IS TRUE!"
Linebeck felt anger building up, "Ciela, I am nothing like what that woman told you. I would never harm Link."
Ciela was running out of options to keep her point, "WELL YOU LET HIM GET HIS ARM RIPPED OFF!" She suddenly shut up, having seen Linebeck's face.
It was a face of complete and utter betrayl. And his face portrayed both anger and sadness.
"Linebeck, I didn't mean that, I ..."
"I try to give Link a good time, and I always get bitched out by you."
"Linebeck, I'm sorr-"
"And when I try to be a nice guy, guess who's there to bring EVERYONE down?!"
Ciela remained quiet.
"Maybe you should go to sleep." Linebeck said storming off to the top of the deck. From his pants pocket, he pulled out a napkin, and began to wipe away the blood. He almost felt like he was about to break down. Having all this guilt building up inside of him, and then Ciela's the weight that makes it all come crashing down. He put his hand to his forehead and stared into the night. Not ever forgetting that this was all his fault.
The next morning finally came, and unlike everyone else, Link slept like a rock. He was fully energized, and ready to move closer to helping Tetra. He went to get up out of bed, and tripped onto the floor. He had tripped over Linebeck's jacket.
"I guess I had worn this to bed ... That's a bit embarrassing ..." Link said, taking the jacket and folding it nicely.
He walked out and saw Ciela flying up to the top deck, attempting to carry his sword.
"Ciela, what the Hell are you doing ...?" Link asked.
"Going to see Linebeck."
"What this is crazy!"
"I just wanna talk to him."
"That's not talking, that's attempting to kill!"
"I just wanna talk to him."
"No, don't hurt him!"
"I just wanna talk to him."
"Ciela!"
"I just wanna shank him."
"Come on, can't you two just get along?"
"I just wanna talk to him."
"Why are you so pissed at him?"
"I just wanna talk to him."
Linebeck walked down the deck, and suddenly bumped into the duo. Ciela raised the sword at Linebeck.
"Woah, what the fuck-"
"I just wanna talk to him, Link."
Link intervened and pull the sword away from them.
"This is crazy, you guys were never like this. Well, no, actually. You're always like this, but never this extreme!" Link exclaimed.
Linebeck turned, taking his coat from Link, and walked towards the engine room.
"Seriously, what did you do to piss each other off so much?" Link asked.
"I can't tell you Link, it's horrible."
"Just spill the beans, what is it?"
"Alright, Link, you wanna know!? Fine! He kisses you last night when he went to bring you to bed!"
Link blinked, "That's what your mad about?" Link asked, about ready to burst into laughter.
"Uh yeah, look at the age gap!"
"Ciela, it's not like it was a romantic kiss." Link laughed.
"B-but ..."
"Just calm down, it was just a goodnight kiss. You don't need to freak out."
"Well, I gue-"
A violent jerking hit the boat, and sent Link and Ciela flying across the room.
"Linebeck? What happened?"
"I swear it wasn't me this time, kid. I think the rotor got jammed or something." Linebeck said rushing to the top deck. Link and Ciela followed.
"Do you have any idea what happened?" Link asked.
"Maybe a fish or something swam up into the rotor and got stuck." Linebeck looked down, concerned that they might be stranded.
"I'm going in. I'm gonna see what's jamming the the engine."
Link's eyes widened. "B-but what if you see a Gyorg ...?" He asked.
"I'll be quick."
"But you can't swim ..."
"Well, time to man up, right?" Linebeck asked.
"Let me do it!" Link exclaimed.
"And what if there is a gyorg down there? I'd rather lose all my limbs than watch you be tormented again."
Link stared up at Linebeck, and the older bent down, hugging the smaller.
"Stay here, I'll be right back." Linebeck said diving overboard.
Link and Ciela stared intently into the sea. Trying to see where Linebeck was going. It had been about 15 seconds later when they saw air bubbles. Linebeck resurfaced and brought with him a severed Gyorg fin.
"Oh goddesses ..." Link said, cuffing his mouth.
Linebeck through the fin up onto the deck. "I guess a gyrog must've gotten caught in the rotor. He's long gone now. I only found the fin jammed up in there."
Link sighed in relief, "Alright, that's good."
Link went over to help Linebeck up onto the boat again. Just as he was about to reach Linebeck's arm to pull him up, he was pulled back into the ocean!
"LINEBECK!" Both Link and Ciela screamed.
Leaf and Neri joined them at the top deck.
"What happened!?" They asked.
"Linebeck was pulled beneath the waves!"
Link went over to the railing and dipped his head into the water, glancing around. He turned right, nothing. He turned left, nothing. He looked back and saw a gyorg coming right at him! He lunged back, and felt the ginormous beast rock the ship back and forth!
"I saw it! B-But I don't see Linebeck anywhere ..." Link said, huffing.
Suddenly, the ocean began to turn red around them.
Everyone on the S.S. Linebeck began to shiver.
"Link, I think Linebeck is ..."
"WAIT, LOOK!" Link exclaimed. Next to the ship, he saw Linebeck's blue coat popping out of the water. He ran over and began to tug on it. It came up easily, with not body attached to it. It had rips and tears in it, and blood stains all over.
"Oh no ..." Link whispered, dropping the coat back into the ocean.
Link frantically searched the sea top for any signs of the captain, but didn't find him anywhere. He looked down at the gyrog fin on the deck, and in a rage, kicked it off the deck and back into the ocean. He fell to his knees and sobbed.
Everything was bad for this Left Handed Hero.
But things just got a lot worse.