Freeloaders
Chapter 1: Invitation
It was a sunny day when I got the invitation. I had been sitting on the beach, soaking my feet in the cool ocean. The peacefulness of the moment washed over me as a light sea breeze rippled through my blond hair. I hadn't gotten much peace lately. With no major threats looming and things basically settling back to normal, the good people of the island had been coming to me for unimportant things, like cat sitting and pest extermination. Honestly, I just wanted people to leave me alone for a while. I sighed and looked out over the endless water. I could almost see a glint far off in the blue. I blinked and looked at it again. It seemed… bigger. Yes, it was definitely getting bigger. Suddenly, I realized how close it actually was. I jumped to my feet, scattering sand to and fro on the shore. The glint was now at eye level, and roughly five feet from my head. It began glowing blue and changing shape as it floated even closer. At this point I drew my sword and held it at what I could only hope was the thing's neck. Suddenly, it stopped moving and began speaking in a voice both deep and commanding.
"Salutations!" it began, "If you are hearing this, you have been selected to represent your world in the Grand Smash Tournament. You may be surprised, or even confused by this message. In fact, you may be unaware of the existence of worlds beyond your own. If so, welcome to the multiverse! It is an infinite web of innumerable worlds linked by portals."
I opened my mouth in shock. Nothing could have prepared me for this. In fact, I didn't believe it. Who had sent this message?
"Each world is unique and hosts strange and powerful beings." it continued, "You live on one of those worlds, and you have distinguished yourself by being exceptionally pure in heart, exceptionally evil, or simply exceptionally powerful."
That part required some thought. I didn't really consider myself any of the three.
"That is why you have been chosen to fight in our yearly tournament, where the power players of the multiverse clash!"
It spoke this last part with particular gusto. I began to reply, but it continued as if it had taken no notice of me.
"We hope that you will decide to join us. Food and lodging will be provided. Please respond by either speaking into the transmission orb or utilizing telepathy if you so choose. Regards, Master Hand."
I pondered it for a moment before lowering my sword.
"I'm in." I said loudly and clearly.
I sure as hell wasn't about to let this opportunity to get back into the action slide.
"Welcome, Link." It replied.