#nickelesque

“I can get across,” Wild said, leaning over the side of the canyon. The bottom dropped out of sight, vanishing behind a cover of distant fog. “Get them to drop the bridge.”

“It’ll have to be fast,” Time told him, looking behind the group. “Night’s coming.”

The Sheikah Slate lit up with bright blue light. “That’s fine,” Wild said, the curve of his face outlined by the strange glow. “But you can’t get mad at my methods.”

“Sure. Fine. Just do it.”

An ancient bow formed out of the liquid-like energy, solidifying in Wild’s palm. He stepped back from the edge, took a deep breath, and ran forward.

Something blue formed out of the air, dropping behind him. A second one came an instant later.

There was a shout as the blue exploded and then Wild flew.

Legend—Link, he reminded himself. The adventure was over. It was done. He had no need for that silly little nickname anymore—pushed through the front door. His pack hit the floor with a thunk and the next breath that filled his lungs filled his lungs and stretched out his ribs.

Sunlight drifted through the window, the bed was half made and pushed off into the corner, and a fire crackled in the fireplace.

Wait—

“Link!”

Arms wrapped around Link’s waits, pulling him forward and his bruised cheek hit thick, violet robes. A bird fluttered around his head, white feathers soft where they brushed his forehead.

“You’re home!”

Link groaned, but didn’t pull away. His back ached too much from carrying so many items for so long. “Aren’t you supposed to be in Lorule?”

Laughter pressed against him. “Nope!” Ravio told him. “Two items for free rent! The best deal I’ve ever made!”

“I hate you.”

“No,” Ravio said, his fingers brushing through the more pink than blonde hair. “You don’t.”

Link blinked and was inside the entrance of a dungeon.

He was there, he wasn’t, he couldn’t... he couldn’t...

The boomerang was in his pack. He didn’t remember where he had gotten it. Maybe it was from a Moblin. From a Lynel. From another old man in a cave.

You died here.

Did he? The candle was hot against his palm, the light tickling the back of his hand. Ribs ached, cuts burned, bruises were forming across his back and stomach.

A creature in a hood rose up from the floor.

Link blinked and frowned.

Around him were the gaping, snarling beasts that marked the entrance to a dungeon.