At Long Last Smash
Who else is hyped over the E3 presentation?
The auditorium was filled to capacity. The lobby was crowded with concession stands selling hot dogs, pretzels, burgers and ice cream, with numerous food trucks parked outside. Miis and Toads sat in their seats, chattering, noshing and fooling around on their phones. Today was the day that the Mushroom Kingdom representatives for the new Smash Bros Ultimate tournament would be announced, and the presentation was about to begin.
At 11a.m., the lights dimmed, and a young woman in a form-fitting dress and ballet flats primly strolled onto the stage to thunderous applause. A look of professionalism was on her face, belied only by the lights dancing in her eyes. Years ago, this was only a dream to her as she sought to escape the gilded cage her life used to be. She took a deep breath to steady herself, and then began.
"Good morning, everyone, and welcome to the Super Smash Bros Ultimate Roster Presentation Ceremony! I'm Cerena Cydney Sparks, chief financier of Nintendo, and also the assistant master of ceremonies for the Smash World. After much waiting, Master Hand and I have created a brand-new tournament experience for the Nintendo Switch, and it is my honor to present to you the Mushroom Kingdom citizens who will be participating!"
More applause.
"First off, I would like to announce the returning fighters. First off, hailing from Brooklyn, New York, is everyone's favorite plumber and all-out superstar, Mario Jumpman!"
The first strains of "Jump Up, Superstar" came in hard as the red-clad hero joined Cerena on stage, executing a few leaps and striking a strongman pose. "Here we go!" he sang out.
"We love you, Mario!" roared the crowd.
Mario waved to his fans before shaking Cerena's hand and kissing her on the cheek.
"Second, we have our kind and just ruler, Princess Peach!"
Clad in a strapless pink dress, Peach glided onto the stage and gave Cerena a big hug before blowing a kiss to the crowd, sending a heart floating over the auditorium. "Sweet!"
"Next up, we have Rosalina, Queen of the Cosmos, and Luma!"
The cosmic ruler seemed to float onstage, her platinum blond hair in an updo and wearing a turquoise gown, holding Luma in her arms. "All right!" she cried, spinning in the air.
"Fourth, we have the fearsome King of Koopas!"
King Koopa stomped onstage and gave a mighty roar. "Showtime!" he boasted.
"And let's not forget his kids, B.J., Iggy, Ludwig, Lemmy, Morton, Roy and Wendy!"
The Koopalings joined their dad, preening for the crowd.
"Continuing on, let's welcome Donkey Kong and Diddy Kong!"
The ape-tastic duo skipped onstage, waving and tossing bananas to the crowd.
"And don't forget Mario's Ph.D. alter-ego!"
Dr. Mario strode regally onto the stage.
"And last, but not least, let's put our hands together and give it up for the lean, green fighting machine, Luigi!"
Half the audience shot to their feet, as Luigi confidently entered, flashing a "V" sign. "Oh, yeah! Luigi time!" he crowed.
Cerena smiled at Luigi as he high-fived the other fighters. She had a special surprise for him.
"And now, I am pleased to announce that a brand-new fighter from the MK will be joining our roster," she said.
A hush fell over the auditorium.
"Is it Waluigi?" someone piped up.
"You'll see," said Cerena. "This fighter has shown some great potential—potential that's been ignored for far too long. A tomboy, shown to be very good at sports and fully committed and loyal to their special someone."
Luigi's heart stopped for half a beat. Was Cerena referring to…?
"Unfortunately, Nintendo has kept this fighter in the background, and when they tried to spread their wings and make their voice heard, they were ostracized, humiliated and bullied. Something for which I truly apologize." Cerena closed her eyes to clear the memories of that dark time in her and Luigi's lives, her being betrothed to a man whose mind was stuck in the 1950s, and him being treated like utter garbage just because it pleased some people.
"However, this tournament is the beginning of a new age for both Nintendo and for the Smash Realm. The injustices against this new fighter and against one of our veteran fighters shall finally be rectified today. Please join me in giving a warm, mushroomy welcome to the fiery and feisty Princess of Sarasaland—Daisy!"
Luigi whirled as Daisy entered, wearing an orange dress, looking just as stunned as him. She pressed a hand against her mouth as her eyes swept over the audience giving her a standing ovation. For years, she'd fantasized of this—and now, it was finally happening. Tears of joy welled in her eyes as her friends beamed at her.
"Oh, Daisy! Daisy!" cried Luigi.
His Flower Princess threw her arms around him. "Is this really happening?" she whispered in his ear.
"Yes, my Princess," Luigi replied, feeling his own tears slide down his face. "It is."
"Daisy! Daisy!" chanted the audience.
"Congratulations, Daisy," Cerena said heartily. "You spoke up, and Nintendo finally listened. May the odds be ever in your favor."
"Thank you," smiled Daisy, shaking Cerena's hand. Then, she turned back to Luigi. "We did it. We finally did it."
Luigi nodded. "We did," he said with a smile.
He took her in his arms and kissed her deeply to another swell of cheers and applause.
What a happy day!
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