bakerstreet | GROUNDHOG DAY!

GROUNDHOG DAY!

So, it's Groundhog Day. You check in with a rodent to see how much longer winter is going to last, hang out with friends, have a few beers, watch a movie, call it a night.

So, it's Groundhog Day. You check in with a rodent to see how much longer winter is going to last, hang out with friends, have a few beers, watch a movie, call it a night.

So, it's Groundhog Day...

Prompts
1. FIRST LOOP! Oh shit, this is your first time repeating everything. What do you do? Assume you're insane? Wonder if you're psychic? Go for help? Curl up in a corner crying? Your choice.

2. IT'S ALL ROUTINE NOW. Well, you've been around the block a few dozen times now. There are no surprises left. In ten seconds, that guy is going to trip over that cord. See? Called it. Sigh.

3. DO ANYTHING. Holy shit! There are no consequences anymore! You can literally do anything you want, and all the consequences will be erased within 24 hours. What do you do? Random sex? Shopping spree? Borrow a million dollars from the bank?

4. FUCK EVERYONE. Yeah, this is getting old. Living without consequences was fun for a while, but now you're ready to move on. Maybe it'll help you to cause a little mayhem. It's not like they'll remember tomorrow, anyway, is it? And misery does love company...

5. A LITTLE STIR-CRAZY. A bit like a do anything day, except now you're just going insane. Do out-of-character shit, anything to shake it up and relieve the tension.

6. GIVE UP. Maybe the only way out of this loop thing is to kill yourself inventively. Who knows?

7. LEARN SOMETHING FOR THE HELL OF IT. Might as well make use of your time, right? Maybe you should learn to play an instrument or paint a mural. You have all the time in the world to practice, after all.

8. TRY A LITTLE TENDERNESS. Instead of screwing everyone over, maybe it's time to use your knowledge to make everyone else's day a little better. Someone should be happy, right?

9. LAST LOOP. Whatever it is you needed to learn, do, or accomplish, this is the one where you finish it. This is the day that counts. Don't screw it up.

10. THE DAY AFTER. Is that... is it tomorrow?! HALLELUJAH! Now time to start dealing with consequences again. Right after you finish dancing on that calender.

11. WILD CARD. Make up your own day or pick one of the other ten suggestions.

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[Lucina follows suit behind Link-- no smiles, only giving the no-longer-smiling-and-REALLY-JUST-AS-CREEPY salesman a wary stare as she passes. She does note the circle on the ground curiously-- when did that get there? What was it for? A shortcut, perhaps?

It's quite a relief to have that small suspicion confirmed, and to be out in the fresh air again. Seems like they made it out before the time loop began anew... or perhaps it was fixed now that the cap was back in the proper(?) hands.]

...I'm going to assume that went well, but you're going to have to explain a few things, you know.

[once out of the cave properly, Link visibly sags as if he'd been tense the entire time. Perhaps he was getting too old for all this dungeon crawling. Or maybe he was just too tired to deal with the Happy Mask Salesman at a time like this...

He turns to look at Lucina and does his best to smile at her. The girl worries about enough as it is without Link adding onto it]

If Sheerow's grabbed it, then it's likely fine. [a moment to consider the position of the sun, low in the sky now and nearing twilight] ... We've some time still.

[but he starts walking back towards town anyway]

What would you like to know?

[This time, she keeps even pace with Link, staying by his side. He looks so tired... and while she's mostly just out of breath and in need of a bath, Lucina can feel a mote of that weariness setting in, too. There's not much by way of smiles on her face, but she's hoping her voice can convey it-- it sounds like her companion could use the pick-me-up right now.]

About the things we were sent to retrieve, and that odd man who interrupted us just now. Pardon me for saying, but I can't help feeling a little in the dark about all of it... and that incident he mentioned? It all sounded rather serious. I suppose what I'm asking... could I trouble you for a bit more of your history again, Link?

[there are a couple of false starts before he just sighs. He does owe her an explanation, after everything they've gone through the last couple of weeks (or single day)]

If it's anything I can answer, then I will.

[he looks up towards the forest canopy]

Where would you like me to start? There's a lot to go over.

[She considers this for a moment, already feeling rather awkward for asking when he's already like this, but... better now than never. She decides to go with what's freshest in her mind.]

...That man, then. The one who appeared out of nowhere. What... was that?

He's the Happy Mask Salesman. [a quiet laugh] Like he said, he deals in happiness by selling masks. And he has a great deal of them, many that have different effects.

[he points to the mask she wears]

Masks can hide your appearance, show a different side of you, draw people in and push them away.

... [he grimaces and lowers his hand again] In a world parallel to Hyrule, there existed masks with all sorts of magical powers. The ability to hide your presence, the ability to speak to animals and stones to learn the truth, to grow in size, to become someone else entirely... Masks with terrible powers or created by terrible means. The Happy Mask Salesman possessed them all, once, and sold them to people to help them achieve happiness.

... He's a little odd. I'm sorry, that's all I really know about him.

[he can also control time apparently? Link isn't even sure]

[Her fingers instinctively go to the butterfly-shaped piece on her face-- not magical in the same vein as the Salesman's, but precious nonetheless.]

More parallel worlds...

[Before they had begun travelling together, Lucina would have been skeptical about Link's stories, but she's seen enough to believe what he says. He's not the type to make things up, anyway...]

No need to apologize, you know more than I do. Though 'odd'... seems a bit of an understatement, to be honest.

...He wasn't after a mask this time.

No, he wasn't...

[their walk through the forest seemed to be rejuvenating Link a little bit, but he still looks a little worn around the edges. More so than he had when they were fighting Grima's forces]

I suppose the masks must have lost some of their powers when Hyrule and it's connected worlds fell. But a version of that hat existed in my home a long, long time ago. [he smiles gently, a faraway look in his eyes] A dear friend of mine made it as a gift for the Royal Family. It was created with the power to grant the wishes of whoever wore it.

[the smile fades]

It was stolen, first, and used to commit great evil. The vengeance and darkness left by that misguided sorceror's heart would continue to plague Hyrule for generations... But we were able to restore things to the way they were using that very cap. At that time, the amount of magic was too much for it and it unraveled. I can only imagine that the one we saw is one that is native to Lorule.

[a quiet laugh] And that Ravio's been holding on to it this whole time.

[It's honestly worrying, seeing him like this-- but then, Lucina had always been the type to assume the worst of a situation. It's tempting to reach out for him, offer some sort of assistance, but while they're still traveling like this the princess isn't sure what she could do. Perhaps once they'd gotten back to town and collected their bearings again...

She listens to his story in polite silence. It's always fascinating, hearing him speak of his past: everything sounded like a fairy tale save for his voice, which carried an unmistakable quality. He'd really been there. He'd seen it. It wasn't just a retelling of a legend.]

So the world of Lorule must have taken a different path, despite being a reflection. I wonder... [She trails off here. Best not to think of anymore possible futures for that place.

They'd left that world behind.]

...

[he knows what happened to that world. Had taken the time, just a breath before he used the Song of Time, to speak with Naga about the impending fate of the future. Without the five Gemstones, without Falchion... Yet Lorule had managed, somehow, without the golden light of the Triforce. Had Link left it, would the Ylisse of Lucina's time have managed as well?

... If it had, it would have only lead to a different sort of tragedy. Link's not sure if he could watch the worlds unravel again]

Nothing ever repeats the exact same way more than once. The paths that Hyrule and Lorule took, the paths than you and your father took, all of them could only have happened a certain way once.

[he smiles at her. Honestly and sincerely for her and not just the shades of two of the most significant people in tales of lands long gone]

The world was saved and your father lives. Let that be enough.

[She can feel an uncomfortable warmth in her chest-- she'd lingered on the thought too long, and Link's face and his words-- while encouraging-- set her lip to quivering like it hadn't in a very long time. She seemed to be thanking Gerome quite a bit for the mask today-- wherever he'd ended up.]

I-It's more than enough. It's more than I could ever ask for...

[And she smiles back-- flustered and shaky, but sincere. Perhaps she's a little rattled, too, but she'd be first to admit she'd done it to herself.]

...Oh. We'll be at the gates soon. What do you say to taking it easy for one real good night's sleep, once we've checked in with your friend? I daresay it's been well earned.

[he politely looks away when he notices her lip quivering - maybe he'd said too much? - but he continues to smile. But at the mention of a good night's sleep, Link can't help but laugh weakly.

Really? Asking if he'd like to get some decent sleep?]

I'm sure Ravio's aware of the fact that we've succeeded. Assuming Sheerow didn't get himself caught up in anything.

[but checking up on them seemed like a good idea. Though he wonders how he'll find his reflection in the middle of town. Surely he hadn't taken over another poor soul's house...? ~~perhaps there was apple pie to be enjoyed?~~]

A-ah-- I didn't mean it like... at the very least, rest.

[Her smile turned a little sad at that, inwardly chastising that slip-up. It's no bold move like her once-namesake would have done, but she does reach over to tug on Link's sleeve, for lack of a better affectionate gesture. It was for her, too-- like some small affirmation that this far from home, neither of them are completely alone.]

...

Perhaps so, but it wouldn't hurt. ...As far as I know, anyway.

[Knowing Ravio, if he'd learned they'd succeeded, he'd be waiting for them. Possibly with snacks on hand, but let's not go too crazy speculating, here]

[she's been walking around with her mask on, but he'd abandoned having his hood up when he ran into Ravio earlier. Despite having traveled together for as long as they have, he still had trouble reading her sometimes. But, after a moment's surprise, he reaches over to put a hand over hers. A sign of solidarity]

It might hurt our wallets before it actually hurts us.

[so he murmurs a quiet 'Let's go' before walking through the gate, all signs of his previous fatigue gone... Or most of them at least. His ears droop slightly still, but he looks(?) much better than he had when they were making their way back. Let's find Ravio to make sure Sheerow got home all right then!]

[And the touch relieves the tension somewhat, before Lucina follows Link back into town. They don't have to look for long; it would seem Ravio had already been on the lookout for the pair as soon as he'd reunited with Sheerow.

Unlike Lucina, Ravio's much more physical with his twin-- reaching out to grab his hands, shaking out all that gratitude, practically dancing in the street from joy.

He'll keep a firm grip on those hands, very nearly dragging Link through the street to the inn he'd set up at.]

You did it, buddy! Oh, I knew I could count on you! And your fancy friend, they helped out too, right? I can tell, you're both a mess. Oh! You know what? We should celebrate! Dinner's on me? A rare opportunity, I know, but it's been a while since we've had any real company, Sheerow and I! I can explain the whole thing while you guys get fixed up, it's no trouble at all.

[Ravio's cheer is infectious and Link finds himself smiling along with his double after the initial surprise. But he doesn't expect to be pulled around and is subsequently dragged along. There's a brief look sent back at Lucina ('sorry!') before he catches himself, no longer being dragged along but just walking briskly after the rabbit]

... It is a rare opportunity, if you're buying. [he laughs] But who are we to turn down dinner?

[considering Ravio did charge them money to resupply, dinner was only fair. Link's not even counting the item retrieval, since he and Lucina needed to find a way to leave this loop. Besides, you could probably hear Cynthia and Owain cheering them on to be the best Heroes they could be]

[Lucina follows along after them with a shrug and a smile, finally able to remove that mask. She's content with listening for now, still mulling over thoughts of her own behind the pair, albeit much less grimly than before.

Ravio's presence at the inn isn't exactly subtle-- he seems to have put up those little purple-rabbit signs in every available spot. Gods, he wasn't giving away his gear here, of all places, was he? ...But the table he'd commandeered in the lobby seems to suggest otherwise, boasting only common equipment. Relics of lost Hyrule or Lorule had been, supposedly, tucked safely away...

It looks as though Link's double had been in the middle of packing up when Sheerow had alerted him. It's no surprise-- he probably wanted to get out of this loop just as much as the other two. Despite the mess, Ravio cheerfully calls for generous helpings of food and drink for the group.]

This's gonna take a while, so if you wanna get yourself cleaned up first my room's all yours! And, uh, feel free to borrow a fresh tunic or something? No offense, but you kinda look like you need it right now. Not sure what I can do for your noble friend in that department, though. Not our size, I'd imagine! Ha ha!

[...And Lucina, who'd been quiet up to that point, just laughs sheepishly, raising a brow.] I'll manage well enough on my own, thank you.

[there's a moment where Link laughs softly and mutters something about 'inconveniencing others', though his fond tone gives away his true feelings. At least Ravio's not selling anything extremely valuable, so Link's not entirely inclined to stop him from (probably) extorting an exorbitant fee from the locals... His wallet feels lighter just thinking about it.

Link smiles at Ravio, thanks clearly written on his face, but turns to Lucina first. Even if they were just traveling companions for the time being, old habits died hard (and he's got an awful history of putting royalty first). Would she like to draw a bath first? He needed to ~~talk to Ravio about keeping a better grip on sacred treasures~~ talk to Ravio about those prices he's put on those weapons he's selling. Manners!

And besides, it was only manners to let Lucina go first. The last thing anyone needed was to walk in on each other changing...]

[The princess smiles gratefully at the offer, stepping forward to gently pat Link on the shoulder as she passes.]

I'll not be long. Thank you both.

[And with that, she's up the stairs and gone. Ravio's room is easily spotted-- the violet-tinted mess seeming to concentrate all around his temporary living space. Well, best get started. It'll be a relief to get the dirt and cobwebs done away with-- both literally and figuratively.

Back downstairs, ~~audrey wonders if she should switch accounts again~~ Ravio putters about, continuing to put things away. He keeps glancing back to Link-- perhaps a little uneasily, but he knows what manner of conversation's coming.]

Sorry you got caught up in that, by the way.

[after Lucina leaves, Link just starts to watch the people coming through the inn and it's tavern. It'll be nice to break out of this loop and not have to great everyone as a stranger again... It's a little too reminiscent of Termina's Clock Town to be comfortable. He considers it good fortune to not have a mood hanging above their heads this time though.

But Ravio was bound to notice the poorly veiled look of displeasure (worry?) on Link's face eventually. Turning to face his twin properly, right hand resting on the hilt of the sword at his side, he asks]

Why didn't you ask for my help sooner?

[And despite his usual peppy attitude, their faces nearly match-- well, moreso than they already would. Ravio's not exactly proud of the past two weeks of hang-ups...

He exhales slowly. Well, best to be honest.]

I'll admit the first while I was trying to manage it on my own. Been pretty alright at that lately. Heck, I thought I was seeing things the first time I did spot you... it's been a while, right? And then with Sheerow missing, trying to track you down every day when you're the only other guy who's not following a routine-- it's harder than it sounds, I'll tell you that.

...

[and he relaxes after the explanation, though his expression doesn't change. Considering Lucina and Link hadn't targeted the fleet footed merchant until recently (and even when they had, Ravio had still managed to elude them)... Neither parties had made themselves particularly available to the other. But hearing that Ravio hasn't been simply running from everything was a nice change-]

Since it has been a while... [then he smiles] How have you been?

[Lucina probably needed the explanation more than Link did, though he is no less curious as to how the Happy Mask Salesman got his hands on a treasure of Lorule. So let us catch up in the meantime (no hugs though, he's still got some webbing stuck on him)]

[Even if it's been countless years since he'd been able to literally blend in with the wallpaper, Ravio had his ways of staying hidden. Stealth was a necessary ~~game mechanic~~ skill for him, even now...

He tugs at his scarf a little, smile a little more tired than he'd have liked to let on.]

Oh, you know me. Questing along, looking for a place to put down roots and start anew. Haven't found anything, obviously, or you'd have heard from me sooner. Heh...

... past month or so aside, I guess I can't complain. Picked up some interesting gear, so I thought I'd hold onto that until the next time I saw you. Lucky us, huh?

[he tilts his head curiously. Interesting gear? All the equipment he's come across thus far, the only ones that could be considered 'interesting' were the regalia and sacred weapons of this time. Nothing half so durable as the weapons they had back in their home kingdoms but certainly nothing to sneeze at either]

Then I take it that your business has been doing well thus far? Congratulations.

[Now that he was thinking of weapons though, he might need to find a blacksmith before they leave this Outrealm; the edge of the steel sword he was using was wearing out. It wouldn't be much longer before it broke all together... His own knowledge of blades can only to so far]

Hopefully, you haven't been billing your customers out of house and home. [he grins] The wallet fairies don't smile favourably on everyone after all.

Well, it's not exactly booming like it used to be, but we make do. [And a happy little chirrup from Sheerow!] Not much by way of adventurers like us, I'm afraid, but there's always the odd person who's after a gadget somewhere in these places.

[that's the table cleared, packed off in a hefty bag that when opened would be the pair's usual brand of Organized Chaos. If Link needed help getting a deal on weaponry, he'd certainly run into the right rabbit.

Ravio grins back at Link's suggestion, raising a brow.]

Now, now, what do you take me for? The thieving life's behind me, buddy. Besides, my rates were nothing compared to what that fairy-wannabe creep charged way back when, yeah? I'm running a legitimate business, here! Next to the actual running. Speaking of, you and that girl... you're not headed towards anyplace in particular, are you?

[Is that a hint of worry? Sure, Link might've been tasked with looking after Marth and his kin, but... something he can't place bothers Ravio about the whole notion.]

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