After two months, this story has finally come to an end. Here's an epilogue, written in the first person, to close out this action packed tale.
"I was born by the river, in a little tent.
Oh, and just like the river I've been running ever since.
It's been a long, a long time coming, but I know-
A change is gonna come, oh, yes it will.
It's been too hard living, but I'm afraid to die,
Cause I don't know what's up there beyond the sky.
It's been a long, a long time coming, but I know-
A change is gonna come, oh, yes it will.
I go to the movies, and I go downtown.
Somebody keeps telling me, 'Don't hang around.'
It's been a long, a long time coming, but I know-
A change is gonna come, oh, yes it will.
Then I go to my brother,
And I say 'Brother, help me please...'
But he winds up knocking me
Back down on my knees.
Lord-there've been times that I thought I couldn't last for long,
But now I think I'm able to carry on.
It's been a long, a long time coming, but I know-
A change is gonna come, oh, yes it will."
-Sam Cooke, "A Change is Gonna Come"
I'm free.
The more times I think it, the less I believe it. I've beaten them all, given them what they've soundly deserved. No more bullies. No more sleepless nights pummeling Sandbags. No more tortuous memories. I'm free.
For my trouble, I receive three prizes, aside from the obligatory gold and other rewards. First up is a trophy of me, standing stiff, straight and serious. I keep it on my nightstand so I can smile at it before going to bed. Second, after I hack away at a bunch of names scrolling up all around me, I unveil a cool picture. Take a look, isn't it funny? But the third prize is even better—peace of mind.
I'm free.
And there are plenty of changes in store. Yet another familiar face has presented itself, but it's a good one, not a bad one. Master Hand has informed us that an old fighter is returning to the tournament. It's not a vision; it's not a dream. Our boy Roy is standing in front of me, smiling, happy to be back. We're just like university alumni as I grab him and pull him close, feeling his arms encircle my back as my own arms round his shoulders. Our boy Roy, my buddy from Melee. One of those who'd tell anyone giving me a hard time to back off or taste his blade. And he's asking me to bring him up to speed on what has transpired since his absence—me, the second player! I'm more than happy to fill him in on recent events, both good and bad. Turns out, he also had a falling-out with Ike, and he's glad he's gone. I introduce him to Evan, and they hit it off like old chums. The three of us have lunch together, trading stories from our Melee days and reflecting on how the tournament has changed. Roy is especially pleased about how wonderful I am to Lucina.
Speaking of which, as soon as Lucina sees Roy, she charges at him, squealing, and tackles him playfully in a bear hug. I laugh softly as they roll on the ground, and then calm down and pick themselves up. Lucina's eyes widen as Roy and I explain that we go way back, and she thanks him for sticking up for me. Once the how've-you-beens and the explanations are through, we stroll off, arm in arm. It's the beginning of a perfect three-way friendship—me, Lucina and our boy Roy.
Shortly after our boy Roy's pompous comeback, a newcomer approaches. It's Ryu, the legendary Street Fighter, with moves destined to shake things up here. He's spent so much time fighting that he doesn't need much breaking in for the Smash universe. On his first day, he's already won over Mac, Samus and Wii Fit Trainer. And his first opponent—me.
How will I ever forget our first match together? Four-and-a-half hours of much-needed, high-octane release at Ryu's home stage. He doesn't know it yet, but I just so happened to overhear him talking some smack about me prior to our bout. Thinking that he knows everything about me, even though we haven't come face-to-face. Talking about how he's going to snap me in two with his Focus Punches. Calling me things like "bean pole", "little green man" and referring to me as his "afternoon snack". I am determined to prove him wrong. And I do. He has his fancy street moves, but I have mine. I introduce him to my Super Jump Punch, my Cyclone, my Green Missile. I show him the power of my Super Hand Poke and my other smash attacks. I demonstrate my strong aerial prowess and my fireballs. His trash-talking may work on opponents in his universe—but it will never work on me. Our bodies and muscles engage in a contest of strength and force, and we're so evenly matched that we wind up settling things in Sudden Death. I cannot begin to describe the rush, thrill and exhilaration of the two of us eagerly and hungrily pounding away at one another as bombs rain down all around us. Ninety minutes, maybe two hours of this. And it's during Sudden Death that we lock eyes, and Ryu gets his moment of sweat-soaked reckoning.
The throwdown ends in a draw, and I don't care. I know that I've gotten my point across.
As I shower, I feel as if I'm washing the bite of his words off of me, along with the sweat, dirt and blood from our fight. It feels so good that I'm in there for about an hour.
After showering, I relax in my room, playing Mad Libs with Evan, curling up with Polterpup and a good book and then exchanging mushy, I-love-you texts with Daisy. Once that's out of my system, I doze off for a while.
A knock on the door wakes me up, and who should I find but Ryu? He's carrying some street food, and its smell is thick in my nose. His face is remorseful, and I know right then and there the purpose of his visit.
"Yes?" I say.
Ryu clears his throat. "I—I think we got off on the wrong foot this morning, L. Maybe I should've have said those things without really knowing you. But—you fought well today, and I think you have the makings of a true warrior. Afterwards, I talked to Master Hand about it, and he told me everything. That you had the strength to face your fears and save your brother, and that you finally stood up to those trying to crush you—even him. For that, I respect you, and I humbly ask for your forgiveness."
Forgiveness.
It tastes better than revenge, I'll tell you that. As I gaze at Ryu, and he gazes at me, my guard is up, for I want to make certain that he doesn't pull a Shulk on me. But I listen real closely to his words, to his voice, and a part of my mind tells me to pay attention.
So I do. And that's when that part of my brain—one that's been silent this whole time—finally speaks up. It sings out in a joyful tone that the man standing in front of me means every word he says—and that he's truly, deeply, genuinely sorry.
I let Ryu know that I've seen the light with a broad smile and slowly draw him into a tender, forgiving embrace. What's left of my anger evaporates, and in its place in something far more potent than rage or vengeance.
Forgiveness.
With the end of that final battle has come the dawn of a new day. My period of holding grudges has ended. Grudges prevent me from sleeping and even thinking rationally. Heck, grudges nearly got me kicked out! The fighting and score-settling is over, and it's time for the healing to begin. Only with forgiveness can I truly heal my wounds, put everything behind me and move on with my life.
With forgiveness is a fresh start.
So, I forgive Ryu, and we go outside and share the street food he brought. He talks about life as a Street Fighter, and I talk about life as the overshadowed Mario Bro. Ryu knows all about my year and my Death Stare—he just hasn't taken it seriously until now. One thing's for sure—he won't be tempted to talk smack about me after today!
That night, before I go to sleep, I take the time to forgive every last person I've taken my revenge on. Ike for his snub. Dedede and Shulk for their backstabbing. Wario for his insults. David, Jim, Adam, Blaine, Ryan, Tyler and the Koopalings for their harassment. Raymond for his sadism. Ganondorf for spoiling my year. Even Stuart for manipulating Master Hand and Crazy Hand. With each bully I forgive, my spirit feels a thousand pounds lighter, and I can really seal this epoch in my life and look ahead with a bright attitude.
On that note, I'd like to tell you about the Smash Fighter Ballots that Master Hand has introduced. These ballots give power to the loyal fans of this tournament. Now, they can submit possible candidates for Master Hand's consideration. With the introduction of the Smash Fighter Ballots, there's the possibility that I might make new friends—or reunite with old ones. The suggestions thrown out so far make me very happy—especially one of them—
Fighter Ballots aside, I'll give you another reason why life is good. I realize why I've been an easy target for bullies. It's because I've felt ashamed of my flaws. Nowadays, I look in the mirror and tell myself that my flaws do nothing except make me unique, because sometimes, my flaws become my strengths. I've grown to become proud of who I am, to accept that everyone will always have flaws, Player Two or otherwise. Whenever I gaze at my reflection, I like what I see, and if someone takes a shot at it, then I'll just pay them no mind. I am who I am, and no insults or setbacks will change that.
Who am I? Well, I'm plenty of things. I'm the taller, loyal baby brother of the face of Nintendo. I'm an expert kart racer, with a shell in hand, spicing up the competition with a menacing look. I'm the happy owner of the most adorable ghost dog in the world. I'm the boyfriend of the gorgeous Princess of Sarasaland. I'm the cowardly hero, always shoving my fears aside when my life or the lives of others depend on it. I'm a brilliant ghost-hunter, putting an end to a spook's reign of terror with the satisfying suction of my Poltergust 5000. I'm a veteran of what is arguably the coolest and most flexible fighting tournament in all of history. I'm your everyday, Brooklyn-born plumber, with many powers and abilities, as well as the uncanny knack for tapping between the real world and the dream world and spawning crazy Internet memes.
I'm-a Luigi, number one!
And that is something that not even the meanest and foulest of enemies can ever take away.
You'll have to excuse me now. I have to take this very important phone call.
"Hello, Mr. Sakurai? Yes, thank you for calling me back…"
FIN
Thank you for all of your reviews and support; it really kept me going.
P.S. I have a companion fic/prequel planned for this story. It's more of a mystery than suspense.
See you next time!
