A Cloudy Awakening

“Rise.”

A blinding light caused the Italian plumber to immediately close his eyes again. Every part of his body hurt. It was certainly not his first time coming out of a trophy, and very likely not his last, but this occasion was the absolute worst. Sure, getting punched in the face, dropped into lava or stomped by an angry turtle dragon hurt as hell, but getting shot point blank with a cannonball was a new low.

Especially while being watched by a live audience.

Speaking of being watched, the ethereal voice continued.

“Hey, can you hear me?”

It was like a song, sweet yet powerful, sternly yet kindly waking him.

“Y-yeah,” he murmured. “Yeah, I’m awake.”

He cautiously opened his eyes back up, being greeted by one of the most beautiful sights he’d ever seen.

“Good.” The face answered. Two piercing green eyes studied him, as pink lips gave him a comforting smile.

“How long was I out?”

“Not long,” she said. “But long enough to be brought here. Welcome to Skyworld.”

His eyes, getting used to the light, scanned the room. White columns held up a roof of clouds, drifting peacefully on a blue sky.

“What,” he groaned, “what happened to…”

“Shush,” she responded, gently pushing him back on the bed. “All in time. Rest up first, I’ll answer all your questions later.”

The look in her eyes however, told him enough. There was no good news to share.

“So you can see everything in there?”

“Not everything,” Palutena answered, “but enough. Darkness can be… sneaky.”

“Show me.”

“You sure? I don’t think—”

“Yes,” Mario answered. “I want to see with my own eyes.”

Palutena nodded hesitantly. With a finger she drew a circle in the font, causing the water to ripple into a view of the arena, right after his defeat.

“What…” he stammered, staring at the transgressions in the water. “What are they…”

A soft hand touched his shoulder.

“I’m sorry.”

“What’s…”

“I don’t know,” she sighed. “Whatever is happening, our world has never seen anything like it before”

“This just looks like more **** to me.”

“I know, but it does not need be.”

“I don’t understand.”

Palutena stared for a while at the abominations in the font. “Come,” she said. “Let’s get you to the hot springs. You’ll need its healing for the battle ahead.”