Prologue: Lets-A-Go!/Mario's Dive to the Heart

Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach, Princess Daisy, a Toad, and Toadsworth are staring off the castle balcony to Toadstown, where the Toads are celebrating something with a party. The sun is almost at the horizon.

"Feelings can be very powerful."

A meteor shower begins and everyone watches in awe. The camera focuses on Mario.

"Powerful enough to be felt by others out there beyond the stars."

Suddenly, a red twinkle is seen, coming straight towards Toadstown. The Toads move out of the way in fear before the meteor lands in the square with a "boom". The viewers from the balony come running to see if everyone's all right. Mario then notices a familiar twinkle in the smoky crater, which was rather small.

"Those who feel what you feel are those who are connected to you and will meet someday."

The red hero walks cautiously over to the crater and sees a familiar red jewel inside.

Mario falls into a VERY deep sleep, like Luigi during the Pilo Island incident. He Awakens on a platform made of stained glass with images of him and his friends. He looks across to see... a blue hedgehog?

?: Step forward and meet your newest link.

Mario does just this, and as he acts nervous about seeing Sonic in a non sports context, puts out his hand.

?: Do not fear him. He is your new ally.

"It's been a while, Mario. Do you have any idea where we are?" A barrier splits the platform in two.

"There are times you must fight on your own..."

"Wait. Are those the "Black Arms" Shadow has told stories about fighting?"

"Run!"

"Like I'm used to doing anything else!"

?: "And there are times you must battle side by side."

"Let's take these things down! Homing Attack! Sonic Boost! ... wait, nothing's working!" Mario gets a few hits in with basic moves. It doesn't do much...

(suddenly, shadows disappear and a Twilight Thorn appears)

"It-is-a the big one! Good thing I-ah-picked a Fire Flower!"

Mario changes into his Fire outfit as we transition to gameplay again. Again, it does nothing.

?: You have been ill prepared to fight the new threats to your worlds. We will help you this one time.

(the Twilight Thorn is suddenly struck by lightning and four sword slashes appear, cutting it into pieces and making it fall apart into darkness)

?: Do not worry. There are more connections awaiting you on this new journey of yours. They will give you powers you could only imagine.

Mario gets a big smile at the mention of his "new journey."

Mario: "Do you know that voice?"

Sonic: "Nope."

?: There is no time. You will learn soon enough. But now, it's time to return to the waking world.

(platform starts glowing brightly, petals come flying up, Mario and Sonic start fading into the light)

Sonic: I will see you again soon, right? Actually, with that smile on your face I should probably count on it. See you soon, plumber friend!

SKSK

Mario Awakens in his house, near the Red Jewel on the kitchen table. "You OK, bro? You just dozed off for a bit." "Remember that time we played sports with that blue hedgehog? I just saw him in a dream. I heard something about a "second destiny" being fulfilled." "You want my honest opinion? It's nothing. We haven't gone on a true adventure with Sonic yet." At that moment, Mario looks out the window towards Acorn Plains to see a blue light. "What is that? We should go check it out. And for the record, little bro, there's a first time for everything.

But what Mario didn't notice was that a wisp of darkness was following them. And Luigi started seeing the same senses as they walked towards the Plains. "Guess that adventure is starting now…"

End Prologue