"Ningan! Ningan! Wake up!"
A familiar voice buzzing with excitement opens his eyes. Ningan gazes up into the face of a platinum-blonde with crimson eyes and a joyous smile.
"Imogen…" he says hoarsely, and lifts his arms up to embrace her. "Where have you been?"
"I know how to get to Hyrule!" she chirps, totally ignoring his question. "I know how to get to Hyrule!"
Ningan's eyes adjust to his bright surroundings. The walls of the temple are basked in morning sunlight while its floors are stained with blood. Around him, Laurel, Dakota and Ezra gently stir from their sleep.
Ezra sits upright and scratches his head, dazed. "Did anybody else just experience a really bizarre dream?"
"I dreamt I was on a beach…" Dakota mutters.
"I'm a Hylian…" Laurel murmurs, his hands trembling with existential crisis. "I'm a Hylian…I'm a Hylian…"
"We need to go back to the Deku Village and talk with Cinnopo!" Imogen says with urgency. "It's the only way we can get back to Hyrule!"
The northern bay no longer roars with the noise of ferocious waves crashing into the rocks. Instead, seagulls roam the clear skies, cawing as they glide over the dazzling ocean.
Together as five, they wander merrily through the lush green jungle. Shrubs buzz with exotic insects, and birdsong lifts the treetops. Finally, they emerge on the beach to be greeted by the entire Deku tribe. They gather on the sand cheeping and chirping as the travellers approach.
"We did it, guys…we saved Eriva!" Dakota cheers.
"Absolutely astounding, that strangers from a foreign world would be the ones to lift the curse on our fair land!" Cinnopo smiles. "My congratulations to the four of you! You are hereby honorary citizens of Eriva! Welcome to stay as long as you desire under the hospitality of our doting villagers!"
"Actually, we need to get back to Hyrule!" Imogen announces suddenly.
The Chieftain gasps. "Why so soon? Surely there is time for celebrations first?"
"Yeah, Imogen!" Dakota huffs. "Can't we at least enjoy this paradise while there's no monsters stomping around?"
And so it is agreed that the Royal Council of Hyrule stay one more night in Eriva. They dine on the centre platform beneath the light of the lanterns hanging above their heads. All kinds of delicacies are served to them on wooden platters by the Chieftain's Deku servants. Ezra recounts the battle as it happened to an audience of eager listeners around the table, as well as his genius plan.
"And so, science saved the day after all!" he boasts.
"Are you saying you still don't believe in magic?" Imogen chimes.
"My dear Imogen, I have yet to see your 'magic' in action! Does it have the power to vanquish foul beasts from beyond?"
Imogen simply sighs and casts her eyes back to the food on her plate. "I guess you'll have to see for yourself…"