Music: "Before the Celebration"
"Ladies and gentlemen," the announcer's thundering voice hailed to everyone in the arena. "This is the moment you've all been waiting for! Put your hands together, and give a grand welcome to this tournament's lineup! A lineup worthy for the bicentennial occasion!"
More horns swelled up in that glorious chorus, more flags and banners got released to fly, and this stadium of countless cheering people all seemed to simultaneously rise to their feet in witnessing the pairs of smashers starting to file out of the training facility; striding across that high walkway ramp which was all that connected the sides of the arena to the giant central platform.
The culminating sound must have been near-deafening by now, with everything teeming so vibrantly in this great proverbial melting pot that was Midair Stadium.
News crew after news crew stood strategically positioned both on the platform and around the rest of the stadium, capturing these unfolding moments live. A variety of camera angles were also shown up on the big display boards featuring low, upward facing shots into the vivid sun, mid-shots, plus sweeping shots that traversed down this entire emerging line of paired smashers.
They were all being gloriously broadcast not only here in the arena, but on those innumerable TVs across Sector N that were tuned in as well. From different civilizations to different worlds, each were their heroes; fully shining here and now...
"... Here they come, the duals for the duels! Just look at them all!" That violet-spotted Toadette reporter from the Mushroom Central News Network was also down here with her camera crew. She appeared almost ecstatic, practically having to holler into the mic to cover their share of the spectacle.
"And there are some of the veterans! There's Mario, Kirby, The Hero of Time Link, Captain Falcon, Prince Marth, Donkey Kong, contenders from the Lylat System, the Pokémon Trainers! Uh... Oh wow, there's just way too many to even name right now!"
Newcomer smashers like Luigi, Little Mac, and Lucina must have surely been walking heavy-footed under these constant bombardments of fanfare. The majority of the veterans on the other hand like Mario, Marth, Link, and Captain Falcon had indeed done this procedure times before, but again, there was still just that little something which felt different this occasion; like it was all suddenly new again for everybody.
Once the last of the pairs had gotten onto the smash platform safely, the walkway ramp retracted with a deep mechanical whir, back into the exit hall's base. It may have been temporary, yet now the smashers were out there in the center, isolated across chasms cascading down to the banks of clouds on all sides. Of course, those thick safety nets hung not far below the platform, saving anyone from a much, much longer fall.
Then, in almost perfect unison, this huge cluster of several hundred smashers proceeded to arrange themselves in a ring which traced around that entire circular insignia on the center of the grand overlaying mat. Now they resided in groups based on the homelands and worlds from which they hailed.
Standing side by side, brother to brother, Mario happily turned and gave Luigi a confident nudge on his shoulder. He'd been gazing up and around himself in an utterly numb state of awe, but an accompanying smile from his red-shirted sibling helped to confirm that they'd made it this far together. There was no stopping now.
A variation also existed on how many smashers were grouped from each place. Several of the spots retained a good number more than others. A couple were even noticeably empty altogether. Thus, as the fanfare continued to roll and dance in all its aural glory around the stadium, the announcer had more to say regarding these vacant spaces:
"Unfortunately, ladies and gentlemen, some contenders for the later brackets of this first round are still on their way here, and will miss the opening ceremony. These include Fox McCloud and Falco Lombardi from Corneria, Erich Mauser and Hans Keitel from the Kingdom of Xylvania on Kyterra, and last but certainly not least... Dreamland's one-and-only Meta Knight."
A slight yet distinct rise in cheers could be heard above all the other commotion as each of these late-arriving members were mentioned, although the announcement didn't seem to affect the prevailing mood in any way. Of everybody down here on the smash platform, however, only Mario's eyelids squinted ever so slightly after hearing that list of latecomers. Something wasn't quite right.
Wait a minute... He couldn't help but wonder, What about-a-the others...? What about-a-Bowser, Ganondorf, and-a-King Dedede...? Did they really cancel last-a-minute too...?!
Soon enough, Mario just shook off the thought since there was nothing he could do about it anyway. The announcer then assured everyone regardless, as if to be safe:
"... But don't worry about their empty spots. Our hearts are with them as they finish making the journey over, and we shall still fully honor their participation by playing the anthems of their home-worlds for when they soon arrive."
Music: "Then the Quiet Explosion"
Meanwhile, the entirety of the royal audience had also begun to rise from their seats. This made the whole stadium quickly hush and become almost dead-silent within the seconds that followed.
Of all those high-status guests in attendance, only Peach, Daisy, and Zelda knew that it was now time for them to take a few steps forward and stop at the front railing of the balcony. Once there, the three of them bowed slowly to the awaiting crowds, and by doing so, they honorably accepted their positions as the triumvirate representative Princesses of this 50th Quadrennial Tournament.
Still, that cascading drop-off to silence had stormed through, yet now there came the strange stillness of waiting. It was a powerful and even surreal sensation that descended upon everyone to suddenly hear nothing except that soft whisper of the day's cool breeze, fluttering against the countless flags and banners hanging freely from all those ledges of the seating levels.
One by one, the grouped smashers proceeded to hold hands with the person next to them and raise their arms together, confidently looking up to the royal audience at the same time. All the while, those giant displays hanging far above showed a live master-shot of the scenario down on the smash platform.
Then the announcer promptly breached this prevailing quiet, "Without further ado, we now introduce and honor each of the star systems with all their worlds and nations joining us here today."
Since the Mushroom Kingdom had officially hosted these quadrennial tournaments all the way back to their founding, everybody knew of course that their national anthem came first respectively.
"... Here in the Nassazar System, from Planet Veradeena, we begin with our host nation: The Mushroom Kingdom."
Mario, Luigi, and the other contenders hailing from this land kept their heads high, holding each other's hands up a bit longer before relaxing them again to stand together as one. Up in the royal audience, Peach and Toadsworth both felt a sense of their national pride and held their hands over their hearts.
The Mushroom Kingdom's anthem was truly something special. Gloriously symphonic yet somehow intimate in this incarnation, it was a wonderful melody that many people from all over Sector N had at least heard snippets of through one medium or another.
Once it had concluded though, naught but respectful silence persisted, as it was time for the next one. The national flag or emblem being shown up on the big screens changed, and all of the following anthems began to play by order of the groups tracing around the smash mat's insignia in a clockwise direction.
It went right in accordance with the announcer, yet everything flowed like a magnificent medley that transitioned seamlessly from one to the next.
"... Bordering to the east, we welcome Sarasaland."
A grinning Princess Daisy firmly placed her hand over her chest as her fellow Sarasan smashers were given their glory upon the big screens. Through that strong satisfaction her eyes were telling everyone, she probably wanted to be down there with them too and take on some opponents herself, knowing her overly-competitive nature when it came to anything related to contests.
"... From the southern border, the Flower Kingdom."
The contenders representing this Kingdom stood proudly together as well. It was their turn now for the cameras to pan along them, showcasing close-ups of their faces for all to see.
"... Down across the equator, Dinosaur Land."
Both Birdo and Yoshi closed their large eyelids at the same time, as if they were somehow in touch with one another. They felt the very primal vibes of their homeland's anthem resonating deeply within, along with their other fellow creature entrants hailing from there.
"... Next, the Kongo Islands."
Donkey Kong and Diddy Kong shot eager looks to the passing cameras and could hardly prevent themselves from starting to beat their chests to the organic, tribal-style anthem of their islands. Despite the fact that it was preferred for entrants not to get too energetic during the opening ceremony, maybe it was fitting right now.
"... Isle Delfino, and its adjoining Animal Archipelago."
Here on this spot, Pianta and Noki contenders earnestly glanced at the live images of themselves up on the screens while they began conducting a little hula dance to the admittedly catchy anthem of Isle Delfino. It was a great tune that almost no one could resist tapping their feet a bit, or even sway their hips to.
Their island nations were all peace-loving and were in no way tough per se, but here in these smash tournaments, this was their way of showing the rest of the known galaxy some of the humble culture they cherished.
"... Beyond the Great Sea, from the far side of the world, we welcome the Kingdom of Hyrule."
Link gently tilted his gaze upward, catching the tiny sight of Zelda's sunlit eyes already down upon him from the royal audience. Within them, however, he could tell there was an honest sense of caring; a longing of sorts.
Also standing on Hyrule's spot were some other noble Hylian fighters. They, along with Link, all held their hands still in honoring their dear kingdom's song and its noticeable solemn quality.
"... The reverent Halidom of Ylisse."
The blue-haired Princess Lucina and her Ylissean kin stood side by side, disciplined while gazing at nothing in particular. Unlike the vast majority of other groups, they seemed to be ignoring the passing cameras, perhaps because they wanted to present themselves as fully focused.
After all, Lucina had something very important that she desired to keep: Her promise to her father. She did end up smiling a little, though, for she could feel him and the rest of her family watching proudly from somewhere above in the royal audience.
"... The mighty Ferox."
In unison, these blade wielders all held their round shields up in front of them and thumped their sword hilts against the bases.
"... A place reborn in time, we welcome the ancient Kingdom of Altea."
Lenses focused on the Hero Prince Marth, as well as his select Altean companions. Together they unsheathed their swords and raised them skyward so the tips glistened vividly in the light.
"... Bern."
Roy and his brethren from this humble southern nation decided to do likewise, casually holding their blades high for all the cameras.
"... Tellius."
There was one true fighter from this landmass, and that was the famed leader of the Greil Mercenaries, Ike. He stood tall and proud with a hand resting on his great sword's hilt.
"... On opposite regions of the Central Wastes, we welcome the unshakable Kingdom of Nohr."
Cameras now drifted along this proud-looking group of warriors who boasted a distinctly darker and matted type of armor than most.
"... And its neighboring Kingdom, the honorable Hoshido."
Slightly fewer entrants stood at this spot, but as with Hyrule, the attire of these warriors appeared much more traditional and telling of its rich cultural heritage.
"... From their neighboring continent of Fódlan to the south, we welcome the Adrestian Empire."
A mix of dignified magic users along with sword wielders resided here, coming across nonetheless as ready for this grand tournament.
"... The Holy Kingdom of Faerghus."
These noble fighters each donned knight-like cuirasses among other reflective armor which gleamed in the sunlight, granting an interesting contrast to those from Nohr.
"... The Leicester Alliance."
Contenders from here presented their weapons of choice: Longbows, arrows, and daggers. With both hands, they grasped their bows specifically and held them up high for all to admire.
"... Jugdral."
Similar groups of weapon-wielding humans held their arms up together in a unified salute to all the eyes and lenses which were now focused upon them.
"... Higher up above, we welcome the angels of Skyworld."
A posse of angelic warriors raised their bladed weapons and extended their feathered wings. In a choreographed act, they levitated a ways off the ground to everyone's awe so the cameras could capture some cinematic upward angles of them silhouetted against the sun.
"... From Arcea, only a world away, we welcome the Pokémon trainers representing the regions of Kanto, Johto, Hoenn, Sinnoh, Unova, Kalos, and Alola."
Some of the Pokémon, namely Jigglypuff, swayed in unison to their planet's uplifting tune while Red let the shade-line of his cap rise until the sunlight barely pierced the bottom rims of his brown eyes. He let everything else around him drown out to silence and gazed into the Nassazar's halo-like brightness for a bit, recalling his many past experiences as a trainer.
The other trainers appeared to be doing something similar, because they knew this was their true moment to shine for their friends and family back home.
"Now, over to the Aminuss System... Beginning with Dreamland."
An ever-joyous Kirby waved his puffy pink arms up and down, shuffling his feet along with his fellow Dreamlanders to their pepped and lively anthem. The cameras now panned upon them, and many people across the crowds probably wanted to let out a burst of squealing awe. That was luckily withheld, though, at least for the time being.
"... The neighboring Pop Star."
Fighter waddle-dees were what made up most of the little cluster here, but their eyes appeared filled with positive determination to do their home world proud.
"... From Kyterra, a unified Planet of Nations... The Western Frontier, the Tundran Territories, the Anglo Isles, the Solar Empire, and the Kingdom of Xylvania."
These human brawlers, despite being visibly shorter in stature when compared to most of the others around them, still stood valiantly in groups by each of their countries.
"... The Bionis."
More human fighters and anthropomorphic creatures resided together on this space. Each of them possessed rather abstract but stitched-together kinds of clothing, as well as uniquely stylistic weapons.
"... Aardas."
Yet another good mixed group of human contenders were here at this area; namely with Captain Falcon and Little Mac at the front. All the same, they both stood confident for representing their lands back on their home planet.
"And now, we welcome those hailing from the Lylat System... Starting with Corneria."
The anthropomorphic animal smashers at this spot may have ranged in their species, yet they proudly held their heads high as their planet's anthem rolled and got honored just the same.
Amazingly enough, though, this was still the beginning of it all. Other groups around the smash mat's insignia were formally welcomed as that whole list of attending nations and worlds carried on, soaring atop a seemingly never-ending stream of aural euphoria that was filling everyone's ears.
Some inter-cutting occurred up on the large display boards as well, showcasing particular seating sections in the crowds; usually with people who'd come from those same places. Many of the spectators caught on camera would glance up after a few moments and see themselves on the screens, realizing they were indeed being broadcast all over the sector to the no-doubt billions of people watching at home. They couldn't resist either waving or shying their faces away with a blushing smile, although it was most amusing just to see how long it took for them to actually notice themselves.
By now, even the whole sense of passing time had started to become lost altogether as well. A much more immersive and almost sacred kind of time arose instead with the opening ceremony's onward journey. Yet still, from this silence of everybody, not a single fragment of that growing excitement in the background for the coming tournament was lost while the massive acoustics of all their anthems kept racing around the arena.
There was just that special feeling; an ever-present sensation of pure magic residing within everyone's spirits connected here in the stadium. All these nations, these worlds, these cultures, and these people gathered for the celebrations truly gave a fervent reminder to the power of unity throughout Sector N.
No conflicts this day...
No differences between any two people...
No such boundaries existed here...
There was only this one joy...
That one beautiful soul glowing within all...
Alas, what seemed like a dream had come to pass when the final anthem from a small nation on a rather obscure world faded into the air. After more than an hour now, that deep and respectful silence prevailed, until it was time for the finale.
Glorious fireworks launched in a gigantic ring around the entire open-roof, bursting higher above in a plethora of bright colors and patterns. Glittering shapes of stars and other symbols revealed themselves through the showers of sparkles before being swept away with the winds and dissipating smoke.
The celebrations had officially begun.
Across the sector, on many different lands and worlds, families sat gathered with relatives and friends alike. They were all tuned in, avidly witnessing this whole spectacle of the opening ceremony being broadcast live on their TVs.
And yet it was interesting, because just like that Toadette reporter had mentioned earlier, watching it at home on TV absolutely paled in comparison to the experience of actually being there.
* Space - Approaching the Inner Nassazar System *
On board the Great Fox, still a distance away, the Star Fox team had watched and listened to the entire ceremony through their utmost attention. During the introduction of Corneria, a sharp and dash-looking Fox resided side by side with Falco, who in a rather comical contrast was still wearing his tank top and cargo pants.
Nevertheless, they both stood in proper Cornerian military posture and each held their hand up in a salute, but were especially pleased that they got to hear their anthem played despite their temporary absences.
* Skyworld – The Temple of Communication *
In the center of that large dark hall, the mysterious altar of observation resided like always, revealing its shimmering mirage of what all was happening down in Midair Stadium. That colorful light kept dancing upon the grooves in the stone walls, refracting and reflecting while the immersive acoustics of its sound echoed faintly around the whole chamber.
However, there wasn't a single soul in here anymore to experience its ethereal beauty.
* Midair Stadium *
"... Alright everyone," the announcer stated energetically. "Who's ready to see some SMASHING ACTION?"
The whole stadium gave their only expected answer, reaching an even greater peak of enthusiastic cheers. The opening ceremony had at last concluded in all its honor, and it was now time; time for the smashes to begin.
"In this opening bracket of the first round, we have two returning Super Stars! If they could please remain in the center!"
Much to the audience's delight, only Mario and Kirby now stood on the middle of the giant smash insignia after all the other smashers and news crews had finished filing back across the walkway ramp into the training facility. Indeed, the two resided alone out there, yet they weren't truly isolated from everything quite yet.
Mario and Kirby moved aside thusly, watching along with everyone else as the grand tapestry of the smash mat got slowly hoisted off the platform and back into the air by that same squadron of stadium crew operating their personal helicrafts. They lifted it all the way up past the retracted roof until disappearing from sight, leaving the two smashers standing down there on the bluish AstroTurf with its white boundary marks visible again.
"On the north end of the platform, we have our legendary man in red himself... Mario of the Mushroom Kingdom!"
Waving all around and basking in the crowd's showering approval, the mustached man then turned and glanced up at his dear Princess Peach in the royal audience. He even made a sweet little gesture by blowing her a subtle kiss with his hand, offering a tip of his cap as well.
Peach's cheeks blushed ever so slightly. She smiled and happily returned a quick nod of gratitude. Daisy, sitting right beside her, had of course seen the act. She gently nudged her second cousin on the arm, playfully winking an eye.
"And facing him this morning on the south end is the hailed young Star Warrior... Kirby of Dreamland!"
What followed in the immediate wake of his introduction was a near ear-piercing swell of gleeful squeals, coming primarily from younger girls in the crowds. It was absolute adoration for Kirby as he stood up on the tips of his red shoes, flapping his pink arms and beaming to all his avid fans out there. The strength of his support might have even surpassed Mario's by a hair's width.
But then, to amplify this electrifying excitement already transfusing about in the air even more, the announcer asked everyone, "Tell me, ladies and gentlemen, what better way is there to kick off this tournament on such a beautiful day?"
A better way couldn't be found indeed. This eagerness still proved merely a footnote when compared to the real extent of the whole sensation, yet it was now time for everybody to retake their seats and respectfully lower their voices, because the beginning was nigh.
Now that only Mario and Kirby were left, the smash platform's surface area for conducting a one-on-one match appeared far too long and wide, since it had to be so to fit the several hundred smashers during the opening ceremony. The two of them glanced around themselves as if on cue when a prompt onset of metallic clangs and motorized whirring sounded, making those elongated ends fold downward and tuck beneath the rest of the structure.
The smash platform was actually a remarkable contraption, being constructed in large tile-like sections and operated by a complex grid of hydraulic mechanisms underneath. It allowed for any portion of the surface to be enlarged, shrunk, raised, or lowered at a moment's notice. Of course, in this case it'd been shrinking to a smaller, rectangular size.
Across the chasms on broad sideline platforms there stood that same huge number of camera crews ready to broadcast the action live, yet the very last person to scamper across the walkway ramp was a dark-spotted Toad referee. He wore an appropriate black-and-white striped t-shirt and had a whistle hanging around his neck, plus a PA headset.
Mario and Kirby faced him as he arrived on the platform, which prompted that mechanical whir to come to life again right after. The ramp retracted back and sealed the deal, leaving the three of them truly isolated here in the very center of the stadium.
"... Smashers," the announcer spoke in a dignified command. "Please face and greet your opponent."
The two did just that, facing each other and firmly shaking hands once more.
"Poyo," peeped a beaming Kirby, to which Mario chuckled briefly.
"Mhmm, good luck-a-to you too, Kirby. May the best-a-smasher win?"
The pink Dreamlander agreed, giving a small wink to accompany his happy nod.
"... Alright now, good luck to you both," the referee then declared. "Remember the first and most important of the rules of smashing engagement: Good sportsmanship above all else. You're allowed to maneuver anywhere back and forth in these white lines, and the first one of you to fall off the platform loses the match when the nets are struck."
Like many other sports it was a procedure to dictate the basic rules to every one of the contenders right before their match, even though most of them knew said rules by heart. Being the veteran smashers that they were, Mario and Kirby still nodded; fully acknowledging the referee's words.
"This bracket will be determined by the best of three matches, so when you're ready, you may take your positions and place your trophies."
With their trophies firmly in hand, the two turned about face from one another and began walking to opposite ends of this now-rectangular platform. Mario approached the northern end, while Kirby approached the southern end. They could almost hear their individual footsteps pressing over the droves of murmurs still coming from the crowds as they strode closer toward their starting places. Each and every thump of their slow yet steady heartbeats empowered them further.
Once there, down to the right of where they stood, there were visible ring-mounts to set the trophy models on. Mario and Kirby did so in unison, clicking them into place which caused a bright aurora of white luminescence to rise up from a translucent pad next to it. An ethereal halo-like outline then whisked around them both, before it absorbed directly into their bodies.
This was just a glimpse at those forces carried from ancient times; those special properties which many people would deem some kind of magical powers. They were at work here in a most mysterious way, giving each smasher the indefinite ability to prevent any form of physical injury or pain to their bodies. It might be that this aura creates an invisible protective layer, making any attack from any kind of weapon become a knock-back force instead, depending on its strength when and where it strikes the body. Of course this was very important, considering what all could happen to someone.
Nonetheless, whatever mystical properties resided in that bronze-tinted wood comprising the trophies, as well as this trophy connection system, it somehow allowed that force to become a real and perceivable form of energy while activated.
"... Smashers, are you ready?" The announcer finally asked the two after they'd taken their starting stances.
Mario raised his hand high, making a thumbs-up gesture before going back to waiting calmly. The entire stadium promptly descended into a very eager silence once more like it had for the opening ceremony, only this time, it was from that ever-growing anticipation for the countdown just moments away.
"Three..."
Now it was nigh. The announcement of this single number started it all. Closing their eyes and summoning their inner smashing spirits, Mario and Kirby prepared themselves for what was to come.
"Two..."
All the possibilities... What could happen? Who would win? Mario? Kirby? The crowds seemed to collectively ponder these things in the silence, but this excitement just kept building higher with all eyes and camera lenses directed down there towards the center.
"One..."
Each second became stretched again into what felt like full minutes. Even the soft breeze whistling through their ears became nothing more than a distant and muffled drone. Indeed, everyone held their breaths as if they weren't allowed to breathe any air at all, until that final magic word burst through.
"GO!"
Both Mario's and Kirby's eyes snapped open simultaneously, yet neither of them made a move at first. They must have been waiting to figure out the other's strategy, but Mario then seized the moment at hand. He lunged toward Kirby, leaping high into the air with his fist clenched and reared back behind him.
The whole stadium quickly welled back to its maximum life in witnessing the plumber's famous airborne attack to kick things off right away. Kirby seemed to predict the move, however, and sidestepped just in the nick of time for Mario's fist to narrowly whoosh by and slam into the AstroTurf through a heavy thud.
The Star Warrior countered with a broad kick of his own that would've struck right on Mario's torso, yet he swung his arm down and around, knocking the foot away and sending Kirby back a few steps.
Mario sprinted forward once more with adrenaline streaming through every vein in his body. This haste of his resurgence caught Kirby by surprise, so he landed a clean slide-tackle right under the pink bulk of his opponent. Kirby flipped over and bounced a few times on the turf, but then Mario followed right up and grabbed him by the feet. He swung him around several times, before hurling him across the entire length of the platform to land hard on the other end.
Crowds roared with an utter exuberance as Mario simply adjusted his cap so it was back on straight, letting the shade-line from the sun just about pierce his blue eyes. He stood there confidently in his smashing stance, waiting for what might come next from his opponent.
Although downed, Kirby wasn't in the least bit out. He leaped back up to his feet instead with determination spelled out all over his face, and sprinted back across to engage Mario in a wild tussle of jabs, kicks, plus attempted parries.
Even now in such an early stage of the match, it sounded like Midair Stadium could hardly contain itself. To think that this was only the first match of many more to follow on this first day of the 50th Quadrennial Galactic Smash Tournament.
The hype truly felt alive and blistering, like a beautiful kind of fever.
Music: "Dissonance"
It was interesting how the rest of the smashers were all gathered further back in the training facility, sitting on moved-in benches, stools, and chairs around a large projector screen which was showcasing the live match taking place just outside.
Yet, Luigi and Yoshi were the only ones actually standing down at the very end of the opened exit hall. No doubt their eagerness was much stronger due to witnessing the real deal right there in front of them, across the chasm.
"Let's-a-go my bro! Ma-ri-o!" Proudly cheering his older brother on, Luigi cupped his hands over his mouth and hoped for his calls to maybe be heard above all the other voices cheering likewise.
Yoshi was doing a little hopping dance of sorts, for he too supported his mustached friend in the red nylon shirt. Joyfully he exclaimed, "Yoshi, Yoshi!"
But alas, this profound excitement among the hundreds of others inside proved more powerful, since they were all clamoring and cheering amongst themselves over either Mario or Kirby. Rambunctious outbursts and reactions came in response to whatever was happening, be it positive or negative.
"Agh, c'mon Mario! Grab 'im! Grab 'im by the feet again!" Someone would holler from the crowd, only to have another teasingly retort, "Don't let that spaghetti sucker get a hold of ya Kirby! Pull 'im by his big ol' nose!"
A number of the smashers even passed money bills around to one another, placing bets on who might in fact win the match.
The truth was this, however: It didn't matter who hailed from what nation or world in whichever one of the star systems, because they were all here as friendly opponents; Smash Brothers for that matter, with Nassazarians, Lylatians, and Aminussians alike.
Marth and Roy sat together on one bench, although the blue-haired Prince was eagerly chiming, "Careful, Mario! Ack, watch your guard! Don't let it down!"
"... You really won't be letting that one go any time soon, huh Marth?" The red-haired swordsman joked, nudging him on the side. Still, his face beamed from enjoying the match too.
A bit off to the side, Donkey Kong leaned back against the wall with a jubilant Diddy Kong perched on the broadness of his buff shoulder. The troupe of Jigglypuff, Charizard, Squirtle, and Greninja on the other hand were lounging together on a bench in a more isolated spot, yet were watching with the same absorbed interest. They also found it right to converse among themselves in their own Pokémon jargon.
"Gre? Greninja?" asked the water Pokémon, to which Jigglypuff bobbed her head up and down.
"Jiggly," she replied cheerfully. What exactly the two were discussing in terms of a topic was anybody's guess, though one could maybe decipher a certain gruff grunt coming from Charizard, which sounded more like a quick chuckle in response to whatever his fellow Pokémon were talking about.
Over on another bench, a ways away from the main group, Link sat alone with his long green hat off like he often did. His chin rested atop his sheathed Master Sword's hilt, and he attentively watched just about every single little detail playing out on the projector screen between Mario and Kirby.
Also among this whole crowd of smashers near the very rear stood Lucina, Ike, Red, and Pikachu sitting perched on his trainer's shoulder. They found trying to peer over the hundreds of heads in front of them was both difficult and pointless, but then, they seemed to collectively look back from catching a drift of Luigi and Yoshi's faint yet more inviting fanfare.
With that, they glanced at one another and smiled, agreeing to go join those two there at the end of the exit hall.
"... Hey guys, I didn't even know we could be out here," Red called with a little swivel of his cap to Luigi and Yoshi, who happily turned to see these others joining them. "Gee, I'm surprised everyone else isn't with you. This is just about the best seat in the whole house! Well, minus the seat of course."
Ike then thought to add onto Red's point, "Regardless of seats or not, it's sure better out here than trying to see a projection half-blocked by moving heads and shoulders."
After coming to a stop just beside them, Lucina quietly observed Mario and Kirby's ongoing match out there for several moments. A grin formed on her lips and she began to root with an innocent little chime of her own, only it was in support of the Star Warrior.
"Come on, Kirby! Show the man you're his equal!"
Ike glanced at her, finding it a bit surprising that she was cheering for Kirby and not Mario since she'd been praising him not long before. He streaked his hand back through his spiky indigo-colored hair, although he couldn't help but gaze somewhat shyly at her backside, eyeing her cape and then her figure up and down.
"... Um, Lucina?" He thought to point it out to her, "I... I kind of figured you'd be going more for Mario...!"
"I was tempted to, yes," she explained, "But from what I've heard, Kirby's always been somewhat of an underdog... So I reckon he needs fair support too, no?"
"Perhaps..." Ike tilted his head from side to side. "It's just, you practically worshiped Mario earlier as if he were a god, or a savior."
Lucina scoffed, amused. "Aha, I guess I did...! I don't know though, I also have a hunch telling me Kirby's fortunes are looking great. He might just actually win! Won't you join with me, Ike?"
He rubbed the back of his neck, trying to decide. "Hmm... Well, I-..."
"Let's go, Kirby! Show him what you're made of!" Lucina quickly turned to face back out at the action, cheering on and leaving Ike there to think for a beat. However, with a warm smile, he soon decided to join in with her as they chanted a playfully phonetic rhyme together:
"Kirby! Kirby! You can win this tourney!"
Mid-chant, Lucina shifted her eyes over at Ike and felt joyous that he'd actually joined her. Red and Pikachu on the other hand noticed that the support for either of the smashers was split two-for-two now, yet they ended up deciding to show their support for Mario, along with Luigi and Yoshi.
"You can do it, Mario!" hollered the trainer. He and the green-shirted plumber both started chanting their own rhyming hymn to try and counter the others':
"Let's go! Ma-ri-o!"
"Pika! Pika-pi!" Even Pikachu shared these feelings of enthusiasm, for he jubilantly hopped down off of Red's shoulder and scooted from side to side on his stubby feet in a little dance. He even scampered between the others' taller legs a few times as the four of them cheered for their mustached 'hero' clad in red, white, and black out there.
Now it was Captain Falcon who caught a drift of their cheers as well, which somehow seemed to overpower all the other voices in the room around him. He glanced back over his shoulder from watching the projection screen and saw those fellow smashers celebrating there at the opened end of the hall. So, with a thoughtful smirk, he too decided to strut his way over and join them, passing a lone Little Mac along the way who was one of the few not watching the match at all. Instead, he stood occupied at one of the punching bags in an attempt to get some last bits of practice in.
Coming to a standstill beside Ike, the F-zero racer tugged on his yellow scarf lightly. He adjusted it to a more comfortable position before uttering lightheartedly, "Mario's sure layin' it on lil' Kirby, huh? I just hope he stretched good like I told him to..."
Ike chuckled, "I figure they're showing each other the best they've got right now. It looks like Mario has an edge, but I can't say who will come out on top."
The two happily kept watching the action and Captain Falcon soon let out a light chuckle himself.
"Heh, well in that case..." His voice promptly amped up to a holler, "C'mon, Mario, SHOW ME YOUR MOVES!"
Hearing his enthusiasm, Red nudged Luigi on the shoulder. "Yeah! Hear that, Luigi? The Captain's with us!"
Lucina glanced over at the both of them, shooting a teasing look at Ike as well who could only shrug with a small blush staining his cheeks. Soon enough, however, her devious grin gave way to jubilant laughter and she threw her hands up in celebration.
Equally supportive of the pink puffball, Lucina and Ike continued with their own chant: "Kirby! Kirby! You can win this tourney!"
Friendly rivalries like this prevailed all over the stadium both inside and out, but right there on the platform, Mario and Kirby were still in the very thick of it.