An alarm went off next to Marcus, scaring him like all alarms do. He looked closely at the time. 5:28. 5:28!? Why was the alarm going off at 5:28!? Marcus had only been at Mario's home for a week. Mario, during that time has been making calls and heading off into meetings, typically leaving Marcus alone to catch up with some much needed sleep. Today, however, Marcus' sleeping schedule is changing. Marcus aggressively lifts up his head, a little disappointed for his shorter sleep. However, he managed not to complain when he got dressed and headed to the kitchen. To his surprise, he found Mario sitting around the table with some people he never seen before. "Marcus, glad you're awake-a. I'd like you to meet some people who agreed to train you." Marcus looked at them carefully. They were definitely odd looking, but strangely human. At least by the way they looked compared to Mario.
Despite the awkward silence, Mario continued his thoughts. "So, until you get towards a more advanced training, I asked these guys to give you the basics." Marcus looked again at the strangers. He noticed their uniquely shaped swords and almost took a step back. However, Mario wasn't finished talking "So Marcus, what do you say?". Marcus panicked, but tried to play it cool "Hm?". Mario sighed "Look Marcus, I'm having you sent over to the Fighter Hotel to stay until I can find a portal to your home. For today, Link agreed to do your training." Marcus looked around at the strange guys sitting, hoping for a sign to determine who was the person he was talking about. Mario slapped his forehead, "Oh I forgot! Marcus this is Pit, Robin, and Link. Guys, this is-a Marcus.". The fighters greeted. "Pleasure to meet you Marcus." Robin said with Pit following a large "Great to meet-cha!". Soon after, Marcus noticed Link, who just smiled and nodded.
It was about an hour before the guests were leaving. Only to have Marcus alone in his now previous room to prepare for training. He's seen those training montages, so he knew that whatever was coming, he probably wasn't prepared for it. Mario, luckily, interrupted his sad thoughts. "Hey kid." Mario started "I know that this is a lot to take in, you know, with life suddenly changing and all, so I thought to get you something." Mario handed Marcus a sheath to fit his abnormal new sword. Mario, wasn't done with giving quite yet "I also put something in there for later. Ya'know, when you're feeling-a pretty low." Marcus was tempted to check it out, but stopped himself when he heard words he hadn't heard before. "We're counting on you kid. Make us proud.". A hint of determination shook him violently and caused him to immediately put on the sheath. He lifted his sword and set it in its new home. He started to exit Mario's home before Mario's small goodbye. "See you in the tourney, kid." With that Marcus was assisted with climbing on top of Epona, Link's rightful horse, to start his journey.