Preface Part One: Shield of Galeem
"Are you well, my Hero King? You seem distressed."
A question I became accustomed to—like clockwork, my dear Caeda would rest her innocent eyes over me every morning in the garden, her face riddled with concern. And just the same, I would feed her the common front of nescience. Her recollection of that tragic day was nonexistent, and it seemed only I endured the torment of harboring such visions. A dream, perhaps… yet, it all felt so palpable; the hollow hostile winds, the tainted toxic air, darkening skies, my friend dying in my arms... Desolation swept Ekata into an abysmal wasteland of its former brotherhood, and unthreaded a new world akin to hell itself.
The memory, as clear and vivid as if it had happened just hours prior…
It was a day of battle among countries and sub-worlds, a day of prideful people practicing for a tradition of friendly tournament banter. I personally was looking forward to our annual showcase of skill among our lands. Bright and early, I requested Mario to join me in meditation and a quick warmup. He had happily accepted, and made his way to my castle's west courtyard in mere minutes from the distant Mushroom Kingdom. From behind the grand iron gates, I already felt the lush warmth of the welcoming sun, and the cool breeze of Spring's whistling bloom. But no sooner had I immersed myself, I noticed Mario conversing with unidentified company. Slowly, I slipped beneath the arch in hidden surveillance. I managed to get a better look at the strange unclad alien-like guest—fish-eyed, broad-faced, lanky; his skin the color of craft paste, carrying a stern frown between his cratered cheeks. He stood a tower over the stached former plumber as if he were demanding something. And just as I steered my gaze south, I noticed Mario concealing his folded hand behind him.
I continued to observe from a distance, when a sudden brawl broke lose. I felt my feet ground itself, my chest heavy. And before I knew it, I was jumping to Mario's aide. The battle was quick, the creature was agile. Mario fell helplessly at his feet, triggering my reach towards my sword. With haste, I drew my weapon just as the creature reached for the stone Mario had dropped. Intercepting, I blocked him from my fallen alley. With the tip of my blade to his chest, I warded the wounded, and threatened the alien with austerity.
"Leave this place, and no harm shall come to you." My voice, firm and commanding, seemed to have washed over this towering ivory; a sudden smell of metallic quickly smothered the air.
"You know not what you're dealing with. Give me the stone, cretin." He asserted in a raspy pit tone, his hand stretched out for his token. But I was in no position to fork over what Mario so deeply protected with his life. Yet, I needed to find myself a diversion or a trail of escape soon, for Mario's sake.
As he closed in, I found myself surging with energy, prepared to battle, until a spark of light pulsated over our heads, the clouds caving in. And in that instant, a sense of imminence tightened me rigid.