T Plus 15 Days
Mario awoke fatigued and feeling weighed down, having slept fitfully throughout the night. He flopped onto his back, staring at the ceiling, tears sliding silently down his face. MH's latest tirade rang in his head, and with it brought the recollection of what he'd said to Luigi that night. The man in red knew that it was also one of the reasons why Luigi had retreated to Evershade Valley—he needed time away from his brother to process not only what he'd said but also the fact that he'd said it. Luigi didn't talk about it, but Mario knew he still remembered it. The wound was still fresh.
Outside, the other Smashers filed into the cafeteria for breakfast, but Mario wasn't hungry. All he wanted was to go back to sleep and wake up when all of this was over, when his suspension was lifted and he could go back to fighting on the battlefield. But there were things to do, and little time to do them. Breathing deeply, Mario wiped his tears and dragged himself out of bed.
He washed his face and then showered, scrubbing and shampooing the recollections away. By the time he emerged from the shower, he'd gained some of his appetite. After drying off and pulling on fresh clothes, Mario joined his fellow Smashers in the cafeteria.
"He looks pretty upset," Amy reported to Rory when she saw Mario sit at one of the tables.
"Did you hear what happened between him and MH yesterday?" asked Rory.
"I know that he was called to his office."
"The two Steves gave a Smash News reporter an earful," explained Rory. "According to them, Mario's beatdown on them was premeditated."
"What?"
"Yeah. MH wasn't happy, and he and Mario got into it."
"Yikes," murmured Amy. "I don't believe he could…"
"Maybe they're lying, and maybe they're not," said Rory, "but until we know for sure, Mario's reputation could be in jeopardy."
"My God—what if the news spread already—to the MK?" asked Amy. "Mario's barely hanging on as it is."
"Which is why you really need to keep your eyes and ears peeled for his actions," said Rory. "We don't want him to do something stupid—something he'll regret in the future."
"Is it that—or are you still raw over him beating up MH's car?"
Rory was silent.
"Yeah, that's what I thought," said Amy. "Okay—I'll continue watching him, and if something arouses my suspicion, then you'll be the first to know."
"Thank you. That means a lot."
Amy sighed as she watched Mario pick at his food. She felt sorry for the poor guy. He had to witness all of this backlash against his baby brother, and he was too late to save him from a brutal beatdown. Then, when trying to defend his brother's honor, he'd been the one punished. And finally, four guys had attacked him out of the blue, cutting him down with words as well as blows. If Luigi hadn't shown up when he did—Amy didn't allow herself to complete that thought.
She was pulled out of her reverie by the sound of everyone's cell phones going off in tandem. Including hers.
Frowning, Amy pulled out her cell phone—and then her eyes widened.
The two Steves' story was now online.
1.1.1
As he leveled forkfuls of food into his mouth, Mario had the unsettling feeling that he was being watched.
He set his fork onto his plate, wiped his mouth and glanced up.
Almost every Smasher had their eyes on him.
"What?" he asked.
Shock, disbelief and a slew of other emotions Mario didn't want to think about were on the faces of his fellow Smashers as they continued to stare intently at him. They were almost staring through him.
"Uh—is there something on my face?" Mario tried again.
No answer. Only silence.
Then, Pit broke the silence.
"Is—is it true?" he asked in a shaking voice.
"What are you talking about?" asked Mario.
His phone buzzed. Mario yanked it out, and when he saw the screen, he wanted to faint. Steve and Stevie's lies were now on the Internet for the world to see!
"Please, Mario—please, tell us this isn't true," said Pit.
"It's not!" Mario said hotly. "I was taking a walk to clear my head when I found them on a park bench, gloating about how they hurt Luigi! Can't you see that they're playing the victim to get attention?"
Koopa smirked. "Doesn't look like they're faking it to me," he said.
Mario shot him a piercing look.
"I was just kidding!" guffawed Koopa. "Of course I believe you. Arranging something like that is my thing, after all."
More silence.
"I believe you," Peach spoke up.
"I believe you," said Link.
"So do I," said Sonic.
"And me," said Pit.
"And me," added Dark Pit.
"Me, too," said Marth.
"Yeah, the tabloids are crap, anyway," Rosalina chimed in.
Mario smiled, relieved.
"But you need to get to the MK to clear your name, and fast," cautioned Samus. "There are some, believe it or not, who want to buy into this."
Murmurs.
Peach rose. "I'll go with you," she said.
"Really?" asked Mario.
"These two a—holes are trying to besmirch the good name of my kingdom's protector," said Peach. "The Toads need their ruler now more than ever."
"Thanks, Peachy," Mario said softly.
"Wait!" cried Ness.
Everyone turned.
"I sneaked a peek at the schedule," said Ness. "The two Steves are scheduled for a free-for-all with Peach, Link and Zelda. Before you go, don't you wanna kick their [bleeps] first?"
"Yeah," Peach said softly, her face flushing. "I really think I do. Maybe next time they'll think before slandering one of my heroes!"
Chattering.
"Then, we'll head to the MK afterward," said Mario, "and we'll smooth things over."
Peach nodded.
Mario then turned to his fellow Smashers. "Thank you all," he said, his heart swelling. "Thank you for still believing in me."
"Of course," said Link.
Mario slumped in his seat and let out a big breath.
Seated in the back of the cafeteria, the two Steves fumed. This wasn't shaping to be a good day for them. Their plan to turn the Smashers against Mario had backfired, and they still had no idea where Chad had gone! Ah, well. At least they still had one trick up their sleeves…
1.1.1
Vanessa and his family stood on the sidewalk, waiting for their tour bus. A few feet away from them was a newspaper stand. As more tourists arrived to join the family of four, they began buying newspapers, looking for a way to pass the time. It didn't take long for them to become absorbed in the cover story.
"No—way," said one of the tourists. Turning to Vanessa and Theo, he added, "You've got to check this out."
Their interest piqued, the two parents bought a copy. And smack dab on the front page was the two Steves' falsified account of their run-in with Mario! Of course, nobody there knew it was falsified yet…
"Mario 'Jumpman' Mario used to make me feel safe," said another tourist. "Now, I'm afraid to go out at night."
A third tourist sighed. "My kids thought the world of this guy," he said glumly.
"I have a seven-year-old daughter who loves Super Mario!" balked a fourth, outraged. "Who is she supposed to look up to now?"
"This is the man who's charged with protecting Princess Peach and her kingdom?" asked a fifth.
"Whoa, whoa! Time out!" cried Vanessa. "You don't actually believe this, do you?"
Silence.
"You know how tabloids are," added Theo. "They exaggerate even the smallest things just to ruffle some feathers and generate more sales. To them, it doesn't matter how badly they hurt the celebrity! All they want is more and more dough!"
"Besides, those two aren't necessarily the victims here," said Vanessa. "The day before Mario 'attacked' them—they cornered Luigi in the Training Room. He wound up in the infirmary because of what they did."
More silence.
"I—read about that," said yet another tourist.
"And I can see why Mario went after them," added the first tourist. "However, Mario should've found a better way to handle it."
Murmurs of agreement.
"We're not excusing what he did," said Vanessa.
"All we're doing is clearing away the web of lies," added Theo.
"So—those two are trying to play the victim so they can besmirch Mario's name," said the second tourist. "Revenge, maybe?"
"Maybe," said the fourth tourist.
"Mario defending Luigi is admirable—it's always been," said the fifth tourist. "However, he still attacked those two unprovoked."
"Well, someone told me that he was going for a walk when he overheard those two gloating about hurting Luigi," said the first tourist.
Chattering.
"Mario didn't necessarily do the right thing, but he's still a good man," said the third tourist.
"Yeah," said Vanessa. "He is."
"However, we're still gonna need some time to process that he did what he did," said the second tourist. "I don't want our children to think that it's okay to solve their problems with violence."
"He and Koopa settle things with violence all of the time," argued Theo.
"Sometimes," said the fourth tourist, "but that's different. Koopa provoked him. Those two guys didn't."
"Technically, they kinda did," said Vanessa. "They showed no remorse over putting Luigi in the hospital. But like I said, I'm not excusing what I did."
"It sounds like you are to me," said the second tourist.
Further discourse on the matter was halted when they saw their tour bus pull up. Silently, they all agreed to mull over the subject at a later time. They formed a single-file line, presented their tickets and then boarded the vehicle to begin another fun day of sightseeing.
1.1.1
In Evershade Valley, Falco had made himself comfortable in the Gloomy Manor's library. He was seated cross-legged on the floor, reading a book about aviation. As Star Fox's ace pilot, he could never learn too much about the power of flight. Perhaps he'd come across some pilot ghosts in these parts.
So far, things were relatively civil with Luigi. They'd spent all of yesterday in the Gloomy Manor's lab, helping Professor Gadd tinker with this and that. Then, they'd made some small talk in the Bunker as Gadd did some maintenance on the Poltergust 5000. The avian had spent the night in one of the Gloomy Manor's guestrooms, lulling himself to sleep by watching the ghosts play outside. And Luigi had promised that they'd explore the rest of the valley together. Falco was definitely looking forward to that.
The sound of a piano pulled Falco out of his thoughts, and he frowned lightly as the grand piano in the center of the room seemingly began to play by itself.
"Never seen that before," said Falco as he set down the book, stood up and cautiously approached the piano.
An orange, big-brained ghost materialized, their fingers gliding expertly over the piano keys. Then, they turned and looked quizzically at Falco.
"Uh—hi, there," said Falco.
The big-brained ghost chattered something in response before focusing back on the grand piano. "Mimimimimimimi…" they muttered.
Falco stared. "Weird and weirder," he mused.
"That's a Poltergeist."
Falco spun around at the sound of Luigi's voice.
"Hey, Luigi," he said.
"Hey, Falco. Don't worry—they're harmless." The Poltergeist acknowledged Luigi, who waved at him. "Well—for the time being, they are. But when they have to fight, they sure can pack a punch. He was the first major ghost I had to fight when…" He trailed off, and Falco knew what he was referring to.
"Good to know," said Falco. "Their appearance is a bit unsettling, though."
"I know, right?"
The Poltergeist raised an eyebrow, but otherwise continued playing the piano.
"But once you get to know them," said Luigi, "you'll realize that they're not that bad."
As he finished that sentence, Polterpup bounded into the library, racing excitedly around Luigi and Falco.
"I think someone wants to go for a walk," laughed Falco.
Luigi said nothing, squatting down and gently running his fingers through Polterpup's "fur". The paranormal puppy calmed down at once, nuzzling his cheek against the plumber's. Luigi murmured affectionate words to Polterpup, who flopped onto his back so that he could receive some belly rubs.
"Okay, puppy," cooed Luigi. "We'll go for a walk later, okay?"
Polterpup woofed in agreement before bumping his nose with Luigi's.
Luigi straightened, and then Polterpup turned his attention to Falco.
"My, I think you've grown a bit," said the avian, holding out his wing.
Polterpup sniffed it, made a little face and then rejoined Luigi.
Falco rolled his eyes. "You, too?"
The Poltergeist stopped playing, scooting over on the bench to make room for Luigi. The man in green settled down next to him, and the big-brained ghost gave him a nod. Together, the duo stretched their fingers over the keys and began to play as Falco looked on.
It was quite odd, seeing Luigi so chummy around a ghost. Usually, ghosts would send him running for cover. But Falco knew that Luigi had changed over the years. He'd learned that he should be the one controlling his fear, instead of vice versa. Having to save your brother from them—twice—tended to have that side effect.
But Falco also knew that it wasn't just any other ghost that gave Luigi chill bumps nowadays—it was the Boos. Boos were cute on the outside but sadistic and deadly on the inside. And there was one Boo in particular who was burned into Luigi's memory—
Luigi had lived a moderately rough life, and through it all, he persevered. Falco and the other conspirators behind Project Nerf were so fixated on the number of times the man in green had bested them in a Smash battle that they nearly forgot that. It was what had driven them to befriend Luigi in the first place. And before Luigi had gotten suspended for fighting outside of a scheduled match, he didn't let the nerf keep him down for long.
By the way, how exactly did Luigi wind up in a fight outside of the tournament? Why, defending his big bro, of course!
"Hey, Falco!" said Luigi, bringing the avian back to the present.
"Yeah?"
Luigi smiled. "Wanna come join us?"
"Er—okay!"
Falco walked over and sat on the Poltergeist's other side. "Just so you know—I kinda suck at playing the piano," he said. "It's hard to tickle the ivories with wings, y'know."
"We won't judge you," Luigi said reassuringly. "Just do the best you can."
The Poltergeist flexed their fingers before beginning to play an upbeat tune which Falco swore he heard before. A few bars in, Luigi joined in, his face alight as his gloved fingers joined the ghost's in dancing along the keys. Falco watched as the two played off of each other, and then they turned to look at him, giving him a nod.
It was his cue to join in.
Falco wasn't that bad when it came to playing the piano, and he could even play a few songs by ear. But since he had wings, tickling the ivories could feel a little awkward to him. Presently, he could easily match his companions' melody, but he initially had some trouble keeping up with the frenetic pace. However, Falco stopped thinking about it, allowing his body to relax as he started enjoying himself. Wasn't this why he'd come here? To reconnect with his Brooklyn buddy in the hopes they could put that dreadful exchange behind them?
"There you go!" Luigi encouraged. "You're doing it!"
Falco grinned like a fool as the three of them kept playing.
The avian's eyes met Luigi's at one point, the latter's sparkling. It had been over a month since Falco last saw Luigi look at him like that. They were far away from the environment that had caused their estrangement, and the distance from the tournament seemed to be working. Falco felt as if the two of them were rediscovering each other by doing mundane activities together, like playing the piano. Come to think of it, there were so many activities in the valley that could help them repair their friendship.
Once they'd decompressed, and Falco confessed everything at the meeting five days from now, they could hopefully return to the Smash Mansion with less bad blood between them.
1.1.1
"It's not like I'm saying that what those two did was right," MH was saying. "I hate the fact that they attacked him as much as you. However, the way you chose to handle it was wrong."
Mario sat across from MH in the latter's office, listening, not trusting himself to speak.
"The way you and Luigi look out for each other is commendable. I can't lie about that. But what message am I sending if I sit around and let you rough up your fellow Smashers just because they roughed up Luigi?"
"I'd say that's an eye for an eye," Mario said quietly, breaking his silence.
"It feels like that," MH conceded, "and it feels good to make your brother's bullies suffer the way they made him suffer. But revenge won't undo what's been done to Luigi, and it's a silly thing to fight for. When…" He cleared his throat. "…when Luigi found out about what you did, and I'm sure he did find out, he likely didn't respond favorably to your actions, did he?"
Mario pressed his lips together, remembering the altercation and the words he'd said. "No," he replied. "He didn't. He was very upset, and we got into it. I was too blind and too raw to see his point, and I…" His voice broke. "I said some brutal things to him. Even after we talked it out the next day, I don't think he's completely forgotten—or forgiven."
"While things indeed got out of hand yesterday, there's one thing I won't take back—the fact that I can't give you preferential treatment because you're Nintendo's mascot. If you break the rules, then you'll be punished, even if you did it for the right reasons."
"I know," said Mario. Then, he raised his head. "Why were you so quick to believe the two Steves' pack of lies?"
"Mario…"
"You took one look at that story and quickly decided that I was the bad guy and that they were the victims. Did you need another excuse to rip me a new one?"
"No, Mario. No. I didn't—I didn't think."
"That's right. You don't think. You never think."
MH winced as Mario tossed his own words back at him.
The portly plumber took a few deep breaths, calming down. He didn't come here to fight with Master Hand.
"That stuff you puked up—did that had something to do with it?"
"Maybe," said MH. "I'm not making excuses, though. I shouldn't have flown off the handle."
"Me, neither. If I hadn't gone after them in the first place, then maybe they wouldn't have tried to discredit me. And—I'm afraid that they'll go after Luigi again when he returns from his—sabbatical."
"I'll make sure that doesn't happen," said MH.
"Thanks, MH," said Mario. "Have you thought of a way to get Crazy Hand to confess his role in all of this?"
"Confronting him directly is too risky," said MH. "We'll have to use deceit to lure him into a trap. I know everyone who participated in this—Project Nerf—thanks to the info Zelda gave me. Do you think my brother trusts them?"
"He trusts Steve and Stevie the most," Mario told him. "I've seen them hanging around together a lot lately. Maybe we can get to CH through them—or through Sakurai. Have you called him yet?"
"I've tried to contact him numerous times, but he hasn't responded to my calls," said MH. "I'm just trying to prepare for the—get-together—that Chad arranged. Shortly after you returned from your routine rescue mission, four brothers paid me a visit."
"Really?" Mario tilted his head.
"They confessed to being the masterminds behind all of this. Their names are Vincent, Manny, Shane and Stuart."
"Stuart?" repeated Mario. "Stuart Bennigan? The Smasher who you kicked out after he relentlessly antagonized Luigi?"
MH nodded. "I saw genuine remorse in their words and actions. And they're willing to tell us everything—provided that you don't attack them, of course."
Mario thought it over. "I can't promise you anything," he finally said, "but if they're willing to tell the truth, then I'm willing to listen."
MH sighed. "Good enough," he said. "If you remain in control for the rest of the week, then I'll lift your suspension a little early, but you have to work with me here, okay?"
"Okay," said Mario.
"Great," MH grinned. "You are dismissed."
Mario allowed himself a small smile as he stood and walked out of the office. Peach's free-for-all with Zelda, Link and the two Steves was coming up, and he didn't want to miss it.
1.1.1
The plane touched down rather smoothly on the tarmac of Sarasaland Airport before it taxied to the airport terminal. Once it was safe to do so, the passengers unbuckled their seatbelts, grabbed their luggage and disembarked before heading over to the baggage claim area to claim any checked luggage.
With their luggage in hand, Chad and Charlie walked out of the terminal and called a Lyft, which took them to the Hyatt Place hotel in uptown Sarasaland. A valet greeted them at the entrance and helped them carry their luggage to the front desk.
"You're in luck," said the receptionist. "I have a room with two queen beds available. There are two bathrooms, and you'll have a view of Princess Daisy's castle."
"We'll take it," Chad and Charlie said in unison.
The two paid for the room in cash, and a bellhop took their luggage to their room.
It was very spacious, with two soft queen beds, a view of the royal castle, numerous outlets and charging ports, a flat-screen TV, two bathrooms with a Jacuzzi each and room service.
"Not bad," said Charlie.
Chad nodded. "Hyatt hotels are always the best," he mused.
"I'll get the meeting with Daisy set up, shall I?" Charlie told him. "I'm sure she'll be happy to meet with you."
"Thanks," smiled Chad.
After the two of them unpacked their stuff, Charlie fished out her cell phone and called the Princess of Sarasaland. Chad listened as she chatted genially with the royal for a few moments before explaining the situation to her.
"Perfect," she said brightly. "See you then."
Hanging up, she turned to Chad. "She's agreed to meet with us tomorrow," she reported.
"Once we've got the venue locked in, we'll have to tell the others without Crazy Hand or the two Steves finding out," said Chad. "We need to be careful—Sarasaland could be full of their spies."
"That's why we have Jeff on speed-dial," said Charlie. "He'll cover our tracks. And we're Smashers, remember? We can handle ourselves."
"I just don't want you to get hurt over something I did," sighed Chad.
"Hey," said Charlie. "You're making a lot of efforts to rectify this. And while I'm upset that you'd do that to Luigi—I want to help you in any way I can."
Chad blushed. "Thanks, Charlie. You're a true friend."
"You're welcome," said Charlie. "In the meantime, how about we rest awhile?"
"Great minds think alike!" grinned Chad.
The two of them turned on the TV and picked a bed for each of them to stretch out on. Then, they flipped through the channels until they got to the ones broadcasting Smash matches. On one of those channels, a free-for-all involving Peach, Zelda, Link, Steve and Stevie was about to begin. Charlie and Chad exchanged a look. After all of the stunts the two Steves had pulled lately, such a match would be cathartic to watch…
1.1.1
"All of your vitals look fine," said Dr. Mario as he finished his check-up on Master Hand. "You're saying you're not having any stomach pain or nausea—you're just throwing up this black substance?"
"Yes."
"Do you think it's stress?"
MH shook his head. "I've been stressed out numerous times before," he said, "and this hasn't happened."
"This—this is an interesting case," said Dr. Mario. "For the time being, I recommend drinking plenty of water and avoiding stressors."
"Thanks, Doc," said MH.
"My next match is fast approaching," said Dr. Mario. "I've got to get some practice."
MH wished Dr. Mario good luck before floating back to his office.
"Avoid stressors," said MH. "That's gonna be difficult, seeing what I've found out lately…"
He poured himself a glass of water and left Mr. Sakurai another voicemail before settling back in his chair and dozing off.
Commotion roused him not long after.
The giant glove bolted out of the office, nearly crashing into Jimmy, Timmy, Remy and Rory. Frantic expressions were on their faces, and they were sweaty and ashen.
"Master Hand, thank goodness!" shouted Rory. "Something—something has happened…"
"Was there an accident?" asked MH.
"It's far worse!" exclaimed Jimmy. "The match with the two Steves, Link, Zelda and Peach—I—I can't…"
Timmy rested a hand on Jimmy's shoulder as he took charge. "Peach, Link and Zelda have been rushed to the infirmary," he said. "The two Steves really did a number on them. It could hardly be called a match anymore."
"If something was going wrong, then did anyone try to stop it?" asked MH.
Remy nodded. "Mario, Sheik, Toon Link—even Dorf and Koopa—were the quickest on the uptake and started shouting for the match to be stopped. They had to watch as Steve and Stevie completely overpowered the others, and that was when they figured out that something wasn't right. It took a lot of Mii-power to pull the two Steves off of them."
"Where are those two?" MH wanted to know.
"Right here." Eden and Lauren arrived on the scene, holding the two Steves formally by the arm as they struggled.
"We caught them trying to slip out amidst the chaos," Lauren explained.
MH glared severely at the two Steves. "Escort them to their rooms for now," he said. "I want them to think very hard about what they've done."
"Gladly," said Eden. She and Lauren then led the two Steves away.
"The other three—are they at least conscious?"
"Yes," said Rory. "They should be back on their feet tomorrow. But Mario—he's our biggest worry. He saw what the two Steves did to her, and given what they did to Luigi—I'd better call Amy!" He stepped aside to do just that.
"J—s. You don't need to say anymore," said MH. "I need to get over there."
The Hand of Creation rushed off to the infirmary on the double.
By the time MH arrived, the waiting room was crowded with Smashers. MH zeroed in on Mario, looking distraught as Yoshi and Rosalina tried in vain to comfort him. Dorf, Wario and the Koopalings were doing the same with Koopa, who looked equally distraught. He really did love Peach, didn't he?
Dr. Mario stepped outside to calm everyone.
"They're going to be okay," he said.
The Smashers sighed in relief.
"Can we see them?" asked Mario.
"Right now, I'm limiting it to close friends and relatives," replied Dr. Mario.
Koopa and Dorf's shoulders sagged, but they raised no objection. Toon Link, Sheik, Yoshi, Rosalina and Mario got up and filed inside.
"Please," said MH. "I need to speak with them."
Dr. Mario thought it over before letting MH pass. "Try not to upset them," he said.
Peach, Zelda and Link lay in their hospital beds, a simple IV drip attached to their arms. However, they looked in relatively good spirits. Toon Link and Sheik stepped over to speak quietly with the two Triforce bearers, while everyone else approached Peach's bedside.
"Hey," she greeted.
Mario smoothed Peach's hair out of her face as he knelt down. "Oh, Peachy…"
"I'm okay," she said. "I could take it."
But her words did nothing to comfort Mario. Seeing the woman he loved battered and hooked up to an IV was like seeing Luigi in that condition all over again. And the same people had put her there, no less! He should've been in that free-for-all—maybe he could've stopped it before it flared out of control.
"Why would they do this?" asked MH. "Why would they risk another suspension? Do you think it had something to do with…?"
"I don't wanna say what I think," said Mario, clasping Peach's hand in his.
"There could be another reason," Peach spoke up.
MH frowned.
"When I saw those four guys headed toward Mario's room, I gave him a call and warned him," Peach explained. "If it hadn't been for me…" She trailed off.
"What does that have to do with the two Steves?" asked Mario. "They're not friends—are they?"
"You think that Crazy Hand was behind that attack, right?" asked Peach.
"Right," said MH.
"Then—the two Steves were probably acting on his orders," said Peach. "The revenge for what Mario did was just a big fat bonus to them. And Link and Zelda—they eavesdropped on Koopa and Dorf in the café, when they were talking about the plot to get Luigi nerfed."
Mario's eyes flashed. "Either Koopa found out and told Crazy Hand, or…"
"No, Mario. I don't think Koopa's behind this," said Peach. "He'd never wish any harm upon me—he just wants me as his queen. You should've seen him—he looked ready to rip those two apart with his own claws."
"Do you think he'd want word of his involvement to spread?" asked Mario.
"Koopa looked extremely upset about the whole thing," said MH. "I'd say that he's grown remorseful over his actions."
"Someone wants to send me a message, though," Mario said darkly. "First, they try to trample my reputation, and now this. What if they track Luigi down and…?"
"I won't let that happen," promised MH. "I will summon Steve and Stevie to my office to discuss suspension and possible expulsion from the tournament."
"I hope you do expel them," said Mario.
"Master Hand—as soon as I'm discharged, I'd like to go to the MK," said Peach, "and I'm taking Mario along. The Toads must've read that newspaper by now, and we need to set the record straight."
MH nodded. "You may go," he said.
Suddenly, Lauren and Eden limped into the infirmary, hand-in-hand, hair disheveled and sweaty.
"Master Hand," said Eden. "The two Steves have escaped."
"What?" cried Mario.
"We stood guard outside their rooms," said Lauren. "As you can see, we fought our hardest, but…"
"We'd better get you two patched up right away," said MH.
"You've got to send some people after them!" cried Lauren. "They—they overpowered us because—they had some help."
"Help?" asked MH. "From who?"
"Crazy Hand," the two women said in unison.
There was nasty silence.
"They're definitely hiding something," Mario said after a while.
"Don't worry," said Master Hand. "We're gonna find them, and I'm gonna get to the bottom of this."
Peach set her lips. "See that it's done," she said briskly, "or you'll experience a backlash the likes of which you've never experienced before."
1.1.1
"It's done," said Stevie as he sat with Steve and Crazy Hand in the Best Western hotel room where the Hand of Destruction had hastened them. "I doubt that anyone will want to stick their noses in our business after today."
"Well done, both of you," CH said warmly. "I couldn't have carried out this plan better myself. However, our biggest priority is locating Chad."
"He probably ran off to publish a tell-all about us," hissed Steve.
"If he tells anyone, then it'll eradicate the leverage I have over him," said CH. "We need to find him before he spills the beans."
"He's smart," said Stevie. "He won't leave a bread crumb trail."
"Then," smiled CH, "we lull him into a false sense of security. Make him think that the danger has passed, so that he'll drop his guard and make a few crucial mistakes. And then—we pounce."
"Wow," breathed Stevie. "That's f—in' brilliant."
"They don't call me the Hand of Destruction for nothing, Stevie," giggled CH.
"You know that we'll have to be wary of the MK and Hyrule now," said Steve, "and Stevie and I know that Mario can pack a punch."
"Mario and Link can't do anything," CH said confidently. "If Mario flips his lid again, then he'll get himself in more trouble. And Link will face suspension as well if he tries anything."
"The Toads weren't as gullible as we thought," sighed Stevie. "We were unable to turn them against Mario. But at least we got under their skin, with their Princess in the hospital and all."
"You said it," laughed Steve.
"And when Luigi gets back from his vacation," giggled Stevie, "then we'll have more fun, won't we?"
CH smirked. "Yes, we will."
1.1.1
Vincent was relaxing in his new castle in the Dark Lands when his cell phone chimed.
"Hello?" he answered.
"Hello, Vincent," said the voice on the other end.
Vince started. "Master Hand?"
"The one and only."
"Hey, there," Vince said genially. "What's the latest?"
"Well, for starters, two of your fellow conspirators put three of my Smashers in the hospital," said MH. "Of those three, two of them provided information about your—endeavor."
Vince snapped his fingers. "That sounds like Steve and Stevie!" he cried. "MH—my brothers and I have practically disowned those two. They've taken it way too far!"
"And not only that—my dear brother, Crazy Hand, helped them escape, and there's also reason to believe that he arranged the whole thing," MH went on. "Now, here's my proposal. Since you, Manny and Shane are no doubt the only ones they trust at the moment, I'd like you to get in touch with them and persuade them to turn themselves in."
"How are we gonna do that?" asked Vince.
"I strongly suggest that you find a way," MH said coolly. "In exchange for this, and for your attendance at Chad's meeting, the only punishment you'll receive for your actions is a fine."
Vince stroked his chin. "What about Stuart?" he asked. "He's a different man now. If you can see your way to giving him a second chance in Smash—then we'll talk."
"That's something I'll have to take up with my other Smashers," said MH, "but I'll see what I can do."
"Okay," said Vince. "We have a deal."
"Very well," said MH. "I'll have my cell phone on at all times. Call me once you get through to them."
"Will do. Bye."
Vince hung up and sighed. CH and the two Steves were now loose cannons, and if he and his brothers wanted to atone for their actions, then they needed to stop whatever those three were planning before significant damage was done. With that thought, the eldest Bennigan Brother began sending texts to Shane, Manny and Stu. They'd powwow at his castle in order to decide on the best course of action.
1.1.1
Word of this latest turn of events hadn't yet reached Luigi and Falco. Currently, the two of them were in the Gloomy Manor's cellar, which had been significantly tidied in the two years since the Dark Moon fiasco. The elevator leading to it was repaired and up to code, the room proper was cleared of spiderwebs and sprayed with air freshener, and it was now hosting some volleyball games, with Luigi and the (formerly) Grouchy Possessor as the team captains. These games had grown more heated throughout the day while still remaining civil, and everyone was impressed with Falco's skill at the sport. Halfway through the second game, Luigi had removed his shirt, causing all of the ghosts to start admiring him. Eventually, some gentle rebuking from the Possessor had helped the opposing team re-focus, and the ghosts on Luigi's team were still able to play some good ball despite the, er, distraction.
Luigi let out an emphatic grunt as he gave the ball an impressive spike, netting his team yet another win. The ghosts cheered and hoisted their team captain into the air, while Falco performed the customary Gatorade-drenching.
"Awesome job, Luigi!" laughed Falco.
"You weren't that bad yourself," Luigi told him.
"Fox, Krystal, Kat, Slippy, Peppy and I have discovered a lot of pastimes when we're not saving the galaxies," said Falco. "We've even played a few friendly games with Star Wolf."
"Star Wolf? I thought you guys hated each other."
"We don't hate them, and they don't hate us," Falco explained. "We just have—conflicts in ideology."
"Makes sense," said Luigi.
The Possessor and their team floated over to shake hands, and then they all took the elevator back up to the second-floor lobby, where Gadd waited for them with some pizza and sodas.
"I'm telling you—that was the best fun I'd had in a long while," said Falco after he and Luigi situated themselves with a slice of pizza and a can of soda.
"Same here," said Luigi.
"Now I'm really starting to envy you," Falco went on. "You're living in a kingdom where such sporting events are commonplace, along with the parties and kart races. I'd love to live in the MK, hands down."
"Yeah—it's a good place to live," conceded Luigi. "Relatively stable economy, exceptional standard of living, high life expectancy—but there's a flip side to that coin. A flip side that involves a lovesick turtle invading at least once or twice a week."
"But that same turtle often attends those sporting events," said Falco. "It's like—it's like you're good friends one day and sworn enemies the next. What's up with that?"
"It's like Star Fox and Star Wolf, I guess," said Luigi. "Clashing ideologies."
"But knowing what Koopa does, how can you tolerate being in the same room with him?"
"Because Peach, Mario and I tend to be compassionate and forgiving—most of the time," Luigi explained.
"Uh-huh," said Falco, taking a bite out of his pizza.
"These ghosts, however—they're surprisingly good hosts," the avian continued after swallowing his food. "They know a good thing or two about throwing down."
"They're the friendliest ghosts I've met so far," said Luigi, "and they really want to make up for what happened in 2013. That's why I've decided to keep in touch with the Professor. The more I discovered about these ghosts, the more open-minded I could be regarding them. Fourteen or so years ago, I wouldn't have dreamed of coming here to cool off!"
"My friends and I agree that your first solo adventure changed you for the better," said Falco. "Look what you wouldn't have accomplished if it hadn't happened."
Luigi nodded. "The first time I confronted ghosts head-on, I didn't really think I'd make it," he confessed. "Parts of my mind tried to make me turn around, run home and hide under my bed. But I kept saying 'no', kept visualizing Mario's face, because if I abandoned him, then I'd have it on my conscience for the rest of my life. Even when battling him, I wouldn't retreat, bow or give in. Because Mario was watching and cheering me on. I said to myself, over and over, 'Do it for him'. And I did."
Falco listened silently, eating his pizza and sipping his soda.
"Afterward, the Professor let me keep the Poltergust 3000. He told me that I needed it more than he did. I kept it cleaned and polished, and I took it to the Professor once a month for routine maintenance. But between 2001 and 2013, I tried to distance myself from that life. I had nightmares about the incident, and I still do. So, I hoped against hope that I'd never have to face a ghost again and let the 3000 model gather dust. But Fate had other plans and gave me the Poltergust 5000.
"Once the Dark Moon was restored and I saved my brother a second time, something changed. I came to realize that maybe, just maybe, ghost-hunting is a part of me. The Professor told me himself that I was the only ghost-wrangler he knew. And even now, I have to be ready. What if he's endangered again? What if Mario's endangered again? What if…?" He took a few deep breaths, calming down. "And deep inside me, I enjoyed the adventure. I was happy there was something I was good at after all of these years of being accused of clumsiness and cowardice. I was happy and honored to be a hero in my own right—a hero who has flaws and embraces them, rather than trying to escape from them. My Poltergust may be a vacuum, but to me, it's so much more. And I really can't distance myself from one of the most pivotal moments of my life."
"You're right," said Falco.
"I think that the Dark Moon episode affected me the most," Luigi went on. "The night in the mansion made me push back against my phasmophobia, but my first visit to Evershade Valley was when I could really take a sledgehammer to it. I'm still skittish, but I'm not deathly afraid. And nowadays, that fear comes from him, rather than from ghosts in general. Have you ever wondered why I have a new Final Smash in the current tournament? My adventure in Evershade Valley, combined with my year, finally put those negative feelings to rest."
"I'm really glad it did," Falco told him. "That Negative Zone really freaked me out. And imagine it—you're playing volleyball and socializing with the very beings which used to frighten you out of your wits!"
"And it feels good, too," said Luigi.
They finished their pizza and helped themselves to some more slices.
"Despite the ghostly presence, Evershade Valley is a good place to relax and clear your head," said Falco. "You made the right decision to come here during your suspension. You get to slow things down a little bit, there's nobody trying to beat you up, the locals are friendly—it's the total package. I hope to learn more about ghost wrangling as the week goes by. And when it's time to head back to the Smash Mansion—we'll be ready for what lies ahead."
"I'm sure Professor Gadd would love to share his knowledge with you—and so would I."
Falco blinked. "You—you'd really do that?" he asked.
Luigi stared deeply into the avian's eyes. "I would," he responded. "I'd love to mentor someone the way the Professor has mentored me."
Falco was positively beaming. "I knew that dropping in here was a great idea," he said.
There was a long, comforting beat between them.
"And then what?" Luigi suddenly asked.
"Hm?" asked Falco through a mouthful of pizza.
"After my suspension has been lifted and after the meeting Chad has planned, when we're back in the Smash Mansion," Luigi explained. "Then what?"
"We—uh—we move on," said Falco.
"I'm following the Professor's advice and using this time to reconnect," said Luigi, "but what will our return to the Smash Mansion mean for us?"
"What do you mean?"
"I fear that it's gonna take more than a week in Evershade Valley for me to move past what you said," Luigi explained, "and when we get back, there will be more people taking cracks at me due to my nerf, and with them will be the reminder that your words helped kickstart it."
Falco said nothing.
"We'll make the most of our time together here, I'm sure. But when the calm has passed, and we're in the heat of a Smash match—where will that leave us?"
The avian fumbled for a response. "I—I…" Then, he looked straight at Luigi. "I don't know, L," he said sadly. "I honestly don't know."
1.1.1
Later that evening, Falco and Luigi found themselves back in the lab, listening as Gadd told stories of his adventures prior to meeting the latter, sipping on hot chocolate. Falco was only half-listening, the question Luigi posed to him earlier still rattling around in his mind.
And then what?
By this time next week, Luigi would be back to fighting matches and discovering new combos. But as he'd said, it would be open season for him all over again. Would the two Steves repeat their attack? Would others attack him, as well? And what about Mario? The last time they'd spoken, the man in red was ready to put Falco's actions behind them, but what he'd endured could prove to be a setback. And with it all would be the memories of that post-match exchange, when Falco chose to throw a salty fit rather than buckle down and practice. Would it undo all of the progress they'd hopefully make in Evershade Valley? Only time would tell.
Gadd finished his current story and yawned. "I don't know about you, but I think it's time for me to hit the hay," he said.
"Yeah, I guess I'd better turn in, too," said Luigi. "I'm gonna sleep over at the Haunted Towers tonight. The Hiders there are good company."
"I'll have a few Slammers walk you over there," said Gadd.
As if on cue, a Slammer appeared and scooped Luigi onto their back before flying out of the lab.
"And I'll sleep here in the Gloomy Manor," said Falco.
Gadd smiled broadly. "Follow me," he said. "I have a surprise for you."
The two of them walked to Gadd's Bunker, where the eccentric professor took the avian down to the lower level.
"Whoa…" breathed Falco when he saw what Gadd had done with the area.
It was his very own workshop! His Arwing was parked there, along with some tools and manuals, so he could tinker with it as he pleased. There was also a stack of paper, a basket of pens and pencils, a music player and some CDs, a desk, a laptop and a minifridge, along with a microwave and some snack items.
"I didn't want you to feel homesick," Gadd explained.
"Thank you, Professor," said Falco. "This means a lot to me."
"Of course, you'll have some company," said Gadd, indicating the Boo Canister.
Falco tossed his head. "I'm not afraid of any Boos," he crowed.
"Just—don't provoke them, okay?"
"Okay."
Gadd smiled before leaving Falco to his own devices.
Falco allowed a wing to trail along his aircraft as he surveyed his temporary workshop. It felt just like a home away from home. He'd go here when he needed to think, when there was any nervous energy he needed to let out. And whenever Luigi needed space, this would be where the avian would retreat.
He crossed the room to the music player and was about to put in a CD when a slight twinge made him turn toward the Boo Canister.
One of the Boos was staring intently at him.
"Uh—hi," said Falco, waving at the Boo.
The Boo waved back.
"Don't mind me," said Falco. "I'm just—looking around the place. We're gonna be neighbors for a few days."
In response, the Boo cackled their signature, high-pitched cackle.
Cautiously, Falco stepped toward the Boo Canister. "What have you been doing for the past two years? How have you passed the time?"
The Boo blushed and covered their eyes as Falco approached.
"Hey—it's okay," Falco told them. "I won't hurt you."
Having reached the Boo Canister, Falco curiously peered inside at the multitudes of Boos residing within, chortling and cackling with each other. The Boo in front of him slowly removed their appendages from their eyes before licking their tongue at the avian.
"Wow—you guys are just cute little bedsheet ghosts, aren't you?" asked Falco. "You're just—little white balls of cuteness with fangs and long tongues and beady eyes. You sort of remind me of Kirby."
The Boo cackled again, just floating there and doing aerial rolls from time to time.
Gently, Falco placed his wing on the glass, and the Boo did the same thing with one of their appendages on the other side.
Falco laughed. "You are so adorable," he said, withdrawing his wing. "I hope you don't mind if I hang with you guys for a while."
The Boo just grinned at him.
"I guess—you won't."
Falco watched as several more Boos turned around to lick their tongues at him, studying him curiously.
"What, you've never seen an anthropomorphic bird before?" he asked with a chuckle.
And then a pair of large, glowing violet eyes met Falco's as a large Boo face was thrust into his line of vision, accompanied by an ominous, throaty cackle.
In no time at all, Falco's body was primed for action, his feet retreating him a few paces, his Blaster trained on who he knew was the King of all Boos.
And the Master of Illusions—the bane of Luigi's existence—doubled over with a hearty laugh, his constituents cackling alongside him.
"Oh, man!" he cried. "What did I tell you? Gets them every time!" He exchanged high-fives with his Boo brethren before turning back to Falco.
"Don't move," Falco commanded in a low voice.
King Boo just giggled. "This canister is completely impregnable," he said, "and an unexpected accident would cast a slight pall on your visit." He eyed the avian's Blaster, and Falco slowly lowered it but didn't holster it.
"That's better," said King Boo.
Falco's eyes quickly examined the Boo Canister, searching for even the tiniest flaw, anything that the Boos could exploit, so he could report it to Gadd. Thankfully, he found nothing of the sort.
"Relax," King Boo told him. "If I wanted to break out of here, then I would've done so already."
Falco frowned. "You—like being here?"
"It has its moments," grinned King Boo. "You'd think that two years cooped up in here would take a toll on my mind, but it hasn't. Wanna know why?"
"Uh—why?"
"Because there's a special someone on the outside who's keeping me going," hissed King Boo.
Falco's blood froze.
"And besides, we get free Internet if we behave," King Boo shrugged, "but most of the time, I think of him. Just like I know he's thinking of me."
Falco shuddered.
"So," said King Boo. "My old pal Luigi is having a rough go of it in these Smash tournaments lately."
"He is. That's why he retreated here."
"And there are some who—disapproved of his combo ability. Disapproved of it enough to have it nerfed."
"Yes."
"And after the 't's' were crossed and the 'I's' were dotted, they set upon him more viciously because he didn't have those combos anymore."
"They did."
"He was even—beaten up in the Training Room."
"Wha—how do you know all of that?"
"We just know," said King Boo as his brethren giggled. "We know everything—especially when it comes to Luigi."
"That's—that's not creepy at all," said Falco.
"We also know that Luigi was suspended after defending his beloved brother," King Boo went on, leering at Falco. "It seems that the poor fellow isn't catching a break."
"No, he isn't. A lot of people want to hurt him for reasons I don't know or don't understand." Falco let out a huff. "Anyway, what do you care? I thought you hated his guts."
"Tch—'hate' is such a strong word," admonished King Boo. "He may be responsible for my imprisonment, but I actually rather enjoy him."
"Do you?"
King Boo nodded. "He has such beautiful blue eyes—I can still see the way they dilated during our latest encounter."
"You're obsessed with him," said Falco.
"Why wouldn't I be?" King Boo retorted. "He may be a thorn in my side, but he's a good-looking thorn in my side. He has a nice body—a very nice body. So lean and muscular…" The Master of Illusions stared dreamily into space, licking his lips.
"Oh, my God," gasped Falco. "You're a psychopath."
King Boo had the gall to look offended. "I'm not a psychopath," he said. "I'm a high-functioning sociopath. There's a very big difference."
Falco blinked. "Whatever you say," he said.
King Boo scrutinized the avian. "You used to be friends with him," he said, "but you had a falling-out."
Falco nodded. "I said some things that I shouldn't have."
"And you were also involved in this—Project Nerf."
"I was."
"By the time you came to your senses, it was too late."
"Okay—no need to rub it in."
King Boo tilted his body to the side. "You want to make things right with him," he said.
"Yes. More than anything."
King Boo smirked. "You miss his company," he went on. "Even after everything that's happened."
"I—I do."
"And he misses yours."
"I can't speak for him, but…"
"That wasn't a question," King Boo broke in. "I can feel it. We all can."
Falco's grip tightened on his Blaster. He could see now why King Boo was in Luigi's darkest nightmares.
"Will you turn on him again, Falco Lombardi?" King Boo cryptically asked.
Falco narrowed his eyes. "How in the Hell did you know my name?" he growled.
King Boo's violet eyes seared into the avian. "Will you turn on him again?"
Falco glowered at the Master of Illusions. "Never," he replied.
"Good," hissed King Boo, "because there's only one soul allowed to make Luigi's life a living Hell, and that's me. Got it?"
"If you say so," replied Falco.
Finally, he holstered his Blaster. "I have to go to bed now," he said. "Good talk."
He could feel those eyes burning into his back as he turned and left the room as swiftly as he could.
Please R&R.
