Nine!
"BEEP BOOP BEEP BOOP," said Mr. Game and Watch, ringing his bell to punctuate his sentence.
"Our monochromatic speaker says that Luigi is a great guy," translated Master Hand.
"BEEP BOOP BEEP BOOP BOOP BEEP BOOP BEEP," G&W continued.
"He says that Luigi was invaluable in his help to put Mario's stamp on the Game and Watch series."
"BEEP—BEEP BOOP BEEP BOOP BEEP."
"And—it was Luigi, not Mario, who negotiated him into Melee."
The new information was met with gasps.
"Really?" breathed Zelda.
"He's right," confessed Luigi. "It seems that Mr. G&W had his day. Most kids around 2001 didn't even know what a Game and Watch was. So, the 2D grandfather of Nintendo Games set out to change that. It was time for him to bring that spark back, to bring back the days of entertaining hand-held 2D games in a world of arcade cabinets and coins and big hair. But for that, he needed an ally, someone who knew the 80s well. That's where I come in."
"What did you do?" asked Ness.
"Nothing illegal, I assure you," smiled Luigi. "I received word that Mario and I were invited back. About a week before the opening ceremony, I went to Master Hand's office and had a talk with him about the good old days. I told him that Mr. G&W had a lot of whimsical powers at his disposal, and despite his flat appearance, he could be a formidable presence on the battlefield."
"That is true," intoned Master Hand. "I have observed Mr. Game and Watch in his 33 years of adventures. But I just didn't know how he was going to fit in Melee. Luigi changed that."
"I didn't know you had that much clout," shrugged Captain Falcon.
"Oh, there are a lot of things you don't know about me," Luigi whispered to him.
They watched as Mr. G&W grabbed an actual hand-held Game and Watch and pressed a few buttons on it. Then, he pointed the screen of the console at the wall behind him. Projected on the wall, a movie began to play…
2001
Mr. Game and Watch stepped inside his new room, pulling a flat, monochrome suitcase along with him. He was followed by Luigi, toting some 2D bags. A smile was on the plumber's face as he helped the newcomer settle in.
"Where do you want these?" asked Luigi.
G&W rang his bell and indicated an area next to the TV. Luigi carefully set the bags down there.
"Like it?" asked Luigi, gesturing round the room.
G&W nodded.
"You should've seen what they looked like back in '99," said Luigi. "They were practically screaming 90s. But I really love these upgrades. Now that Nintendo is really into us, we're getting more funds."
"BEEP," said Mr. G&W. "BOOP."
"When I wasn't helping Mario make his own games, I was playing yours," Luigi told him. "Countless hours curled up with a drink, playing Chef or Fire or Judge…"
Mr. G&W began beeping happily.
"You're right. It's really nice to have a fan," smiled Luigi, "especially in these changing times. So, how are you going to give these fighters a trip down Memory Lane?"
Mr. G&W produced a fishbowl, a diver's helmet, two large hammers, a bucket, a key, a parachute, a brick, a skillet and mallets labeled 1 through 9.
"Wow," breathed Luigi. "I recognize these items from all of your games."
Mr. G&W grew even more excited.
"I'm not even going to ask about Judge, though," Luigi went on.
Mr. G&W picked up the mallet labeled 9 and then pulled out a watermelon. Then, he whacked the piece of fruit with the mallet. A familiar noise, accompanied by Mr. G&W's bell, echoed in the room.
"Yikes," shuddered Luigi.
Mr. G&W showed off more items, from a chair to a torch to an insecticide pump. Luigi expertly identified the game where each item was from.
"Hey, look," said Luigi once the show-n-tell was over. "You're going to be just fine. I can sense it. And if people start picking on you for being flat, just ignore them."
"BEEP BOOP BEEP."
"During the opening ceremony, I saw some of the heavyweights, including that turtle, give you these looks. But don't worry, I'll take care of them—and so will those moves of yours."
"BEEP BOOP BEEP BOOP BEEP BOOP BEEP," said Mr. G&W.
"That's right, I believe in you, and so does Mario. Now, before you get out there and have some fun, do you want me to make you some pasta?"
"BEEP."
"Okeydokey!"
Luigi headed into the kitchen and set to work.
Mr. G&W rang his bell after him, thanking him for helping him make the roster.
"No problem," said Luigi.
2013
As the scene faded out, a title card appeared which read: I OWE ALL OF MY SMASH EXPERIENCES TO YOU, L. THANK YOU, AND HAVE A SMASHING BDAY!"
While the obligatory credits rolled, the audience clapped and wiped away tears.
"Thank you, Mr. Game and Watch, for providing that video," said Master Hand.
Mr. G&W responded with a few beeps.
The credits were finished. Mr. G&W took the Game and Watch, wiped it clean and crossed the room to Luigi, where he presented it to the plumber.
"Don't worry," vowed Luigi. "I'll keep your preserved in the pages of video game history!"
The monochrome, 2D man hugged Luigi before returning to his seat.
Master Hand then turned to the Melee newcomers who had shared their memories.
"Nobody epitomized the changes in this tournament better than you," he told them. "Thank you all for adding your signature flavors to my second leap of faith."
The Melee newcomers stood and addressed the birthday boy.
"I hope your birthday is sweet!" said Peach, giving a twirl on the word "sweet".
"Happy birthday, green 'st—Luigi," said Koopa. "I'll be nice and let you enjoy it."
"Well-wishes for your 30th, L," piped up Dr. Mario.
Zelda said Nayru's Blessing over Luigi, and then transformed into Sheik, who said an old Sheikah blessing.
"It took a lot to get past Event 51," mused Ganondorf. "I'd expect the same man to display the same mettle in every aspect of his life."
"L, you're an ace, just like me!" praised Falco.
"Truly, you are destined to go far," said Marth.
Mr. Game and Watch rang his bell cheerily a few times.
Luigi nodded to them. "Melee was an exciting change of pace, and you're living proof," he said. "I've really enjoyed fighting at your side."
End Part 2