SCENE ONE: A MEETING WITH A MASK
(THE YOUNG BOY, cursed as a Deku, runs into an abandoned clock tower to seek shelter. Thinking that he's alone, THE YOUNG BOY and TATL, his fairy, attempt to relax. They realize, however, that they aren't alone. THE MASK SALESMAN enters from a blacklit area of the stage, clasping his hands with an eerie, perpetual smile on his face. He begins to speak.)
MYSTERIOUS MAN
You may not know this, young boy, but I've been watching you.
(The stage lights gradually begin to brighten as we focus on the mysterious man. )
THE YOUNG BOY
Aaah....
(The young boy inches away in fear.)
MYSTERIOUS MAN
(apparently oblivious to the fright of THE YOUNG BOY): That's right. I've been watching you throughout your adventures, frolicking through little dungeons and the like, riding on your little horse...what was she called again? Oh, silly me...her name is Epona, right?
(The YOUNG BOY is taken aback. He slowly steps farther away from the HAPPY MASK SALESMAN, being careful not to run to quickly, lest he not chase him.)
TATL (snarkily): There's a name for people like you; they're called stalkers.
THE YOUNG BOY (afraid): I...I'm not sure...I don't know who you are....why would you stalk me?
MYSTERIOUS MAN: Oh, because I need your help. I can obviously see that you're in distress; look at you!
TATL: He alreadly has, and it's not pretty.
MYSTERIOUS MAN: The point is that it doesn't matter that I know about you. I can see that you're in need, and I can reverse this if you'd like. Or would you rather stay a Deku Nut forever?
THE YOUNG BOY (flails arms): No, change me back! I don't want to stay like this!
MYSTERIOUS MAN (laughing silently): Alright; I just need you to do one thing. I am The Happy Mask Salesman, and as my title attests, I sell masks. There is just one special mask that I need to get ahold of, which is said to contain a demon. It is very dangerous, and I need you to get ahold of it.
MASK SALESMAN: But I must warn you: do it quickly, as I am a busy man, and I must leave in three days time. All I need you to do is get that mask back. I can see that you have the capability. Will you accept this?
(THE YOUNG BOY nods his head.)
MASK SALESMAN: That's good...maybe I will turn you back.
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(The HAPPY MASK SALESMAN is now alone in the tower once more. He is looking out a window, staring at the steadily falling moon, gazing wistfully into it.)
HAPPY MASK SALESMAN: I wonder if he can make it...I might have sent the wrong person. He seemed capable enough.
I haven't got the ability to save you, Termina. I know in my heart that he's going to fail me...
(HAPPY MASK SALESMAN walks to the right slightly, and chuckles under his breath.)
HAPPY MASK SALESMAN: You know perfecly well how this will turn out. This scenario has happened many times before; just leave before it resets, reset and leave. I feel sorry for that child...his fate will be particulary gruesome this time.
If he doesn't die by the moon crushing Termina, he will surely die from the attacks of his enemies...and then, the time loop will restart, reliving each day like nothing ever happened. Everyone is suffering, everyone is dying. Their souls cannot be healed...everything is wounded. They die in fear, without knowing that they've died many times. The Terminian Hylians, how they are ignorant. They will never change, never progress, with this looming disaster coming upon us. It will never end...wash, rinse, repeat.
