It is the eve of Anther's much-anticipated Perennial Carousal: the city's celebration of the arts. The townsfolk flock to the eastern square, where the traditional opening ceremony is about to take place. The skies are clear and the stage is lit, allowing for a spectacular show.
On the edge of a balcony overlooking the crowded square, Ningan and Laurel sit side-by-side with a bubbly drink in their hand. Merry tunes fill the air, coupled with energetic dancing. Despite the party unfolding before their eyes, the two men choose to remain in relaxed silence as they prepare for the spectacle.
The starry night bursts into light, as fireworks of red, blue, green, purple, yellow and orange ignite the sky. Laurel and Ningan lift their heads to admire the dazzling display. Deafened by the boom of fireworks and the gasps of awe, Ningan ponders life back home. Once this expedition is over, would he return to Hyrule Castle to assume his position of Royal Adviser? Would he forget the incredible adventures of his worldly travels overnight? Would he still have the fortune of friendship with his fellow travellers even after their completed assignment?
All these questions fade to meaningless noise as he soaks up the scene of celebration, hand-in-hand with his hero. As a wise man once told him: Live for the moment…
The warm sunset has sunk below the horizon, replaced with a tapestry of stars that twinkle above the vast blue ocean. The ceremonious cheers aboard The Mermaid's Crown gradually fade into silence as the merrymakers gather their laughter in their clutch bags and pace along the promenade with their shoes in their hands. The raucous townsfolk retire to their beds and the pretty lights lining the pier dim to darkness.
The sea breeze bristles over the rooftops of the town. Ningan perches upon the roof of the inn, scarlet cape draped over his arm beneath the waning moon. In his solitude, he collects his thoughts. The safety of the townspeople had been secured, once again by his own intuition (and a little helping hand of course). Despite his defiant retort towards the Mothwing's ringleader, he truthfully had lost faith in his crimefighting career. How long must the Weeping Eye rise up against the tyranny of the Mothwings before they called a truce? Would a substantial long-lasting peace ever arrive? Or would they continue fighting in an endless cycle of violence, like hounds chasing each other's tails?
A vision of turquoise joins him upon the rooftop to indulge in his thoughts. Neris smiles: "Fancy finding you up here. Exhausting night?"
"You could say that." the Sheikah shrugs. "And you?"
"The best night of my life!" he proclaims. "Not only did I stop a vicious bomb plot, but I also performed for the nobles of Oblimos and secured myself another spot for next year!"
"Congratulations. I knew you could do it."
Ningan stares out across the expanse of stars. Neris follows his gaze and retracts his celebration. "I always knew it was you…the Weeping Eye. Ever since you stopped that heist at Sidon's restaurant. I sought to deter you from involving yourself in these bloody affairs. I guess it was something you were born to do."
The ninja shakes his head with dismay. "I wasn't born to do this. I came here as an escape; not to entangle myself in gang warfare. The Weeping Eye is nothing but a costume. I'm just a man running away from his real problems. It's time I left this town and pursued my true purpose. Does that make me a bad person?"
"Nonsense." Neris scoffs. He gestures to the stars above. "Your dreams are out there, ripe for the taking. There's a whole world beyond these town walls. Don't get caught-up in these petty games."
Ningan sheds his golden crown and passes it over to his Zora companion. "Here: you deserve this. You're the true champion of this town."
He places is upon the musician's head. Neris smiles. "I'm certainly going to miss you, Ningan. Beyond those folded arms and snide remarks, there's a man who is destined for great things. Be sure to keep in touch."
The ninja smirks. "Keep that crown as a souvenir. May you remember tonight as the night you got everything you wished for."
He bestows a kiss upon the musician's forehead. The Zora blushes through his oily skin and shut his eyes to the sea breeze. When he opens them again, he is left bereft with only the waning moon for company. He clutches the ring of golden laurels between his fins and envisages a future where he might one day relive this magical moment. For now, he must make do with his sense of fulfilment and the peace in his heart.