T Plus 6 Days
An airship flew across the morning skies, her engines quiet. Aboard her were last night's slumber party guests, en route to the Smash Mansion, with Koopa at the wheel as Captain. Her deck had been turned into a banquet hall, with her passengers enjoying a variety of breakfast foods and juices.
Back in the Smash Mansion, Mario surprised Luigi with breakfast in bed. They ate their meal together, watching the morning news on TV and enjoying each other's company, their heated exchange two nights ago all but forgotten.
In the skies, Koopa joined his guests at breakfast, as a Koopa Troopa had offered to take the wheel for him.
"We should do this more often," he mused as he heaped up his plate with eggs and breakfast meat.
"I was just about to say that," said Falco. "Thank you for your hospitality last night."
"Hey, Dorf—who's the first person you're looking forward to fighting again?" asked Manny.
"Luigi, of course!" laughed Dorf.
"Why am I not surprised?" asked Manny.
"Hey," Shane said to Koopa. "I'm glad you didn't invite Crazy Hand. He's given off some creepy vibes lately."
Marth shuddered. "He's been asking us 'hypothetically' if we'd tell anyone about Project Nerf and giving us gifts for our 'loyalty'."
"These last few days have given us all sorts of doubts about our actions," said Kyle. "I keep asking myself if there was another way to handle those combos."
Everyone chattered in agreement.
"Either we confess—or Master Hand or those plumbers will find out," warned Roy.
"Or Chad will tell them," offered Stevie.
"Chad—the one who quit?" asked Wario.
"And we're starting to think we're happy he did," said Marth. "We were blind, and that was why we were mad at him."
"Are you kidding?" hissed Stevie. "Chad was a coward through and through. He bailed because he wanted to protect his brand-new image!"
"Keep telling yourself that," said Falco.
Meanwhile, the Bros primed themselves for the day, first with a cardio kickboxing class, and then with a Zumba class. Mario was still stunned that Luigi could dance like that.
"You'll be out there today?" Luigi asked before he went to check his schedule.
"Oh, yeah!" smiled Mario.
"We're okay, right?"
"We are," Mario said softly. "We're totally okay."
The two plumbers hugged, deeply and tenderly, before reluctantly separating.
Koopa's airship made her final approach and docked at the Smash Mansion. Ramps around the ship lowered, and her passengers streamed into the walkway leading to the building. They were all headed for the same place—the Main Hall, where the schedules awaited.
Luigi was already there when they arrived.
Don't make eye contact, they thought.
But they felt his eyes on them and wondered if they should confess everything to him, right then and there. Dorf and Wario wisely chose not to tell him how they looked forward to beating him in a Smash battle. Steve and Stevie quietly excused themselves and left, since they were suspended, anyway. The rest stood there, staring into space, waiting for Luigi to finish looking over his schedule so they could check theirs.
"I can see that you two enjoyed yourselves last night," Luigi said tersely.
"Is that a crime?" asked Koopa.
"I didn't say it was a crime. I'm not accusing you of anything. It's just that I find this an odd coincidence. You're all partying and celebrating after I got nerfed, and then beaten nearly senseless by your two friends, Steve and Stevie."
For what it's worth, said Mewtwo, we're sorry those two attacked you.
"Yeah," said Marth. "We didn't mean for that to happen."
"I bet," said Luigi. Then, his eyes lit up. "Wait. What are you talking about?"
"Yes, we hated your combos," Roy jumped in, "but not so much that we wanted to beat the you-know-what out of you in the Training Area."
"You know, it's funny how Master Hand suspects something about this new patch," Luigi said pointedly. "Any of you happen to know anything about that?"
"If we did, then we would've told Master Hand," said Koopa.
"And Mario thinks something's up, too," said Luigi. "Who knows what he might do in these coming two weeks, seeing that he has some time on his hands now?"
Everyone exchanged quick looks, Falco doing his best to hide behind the others.
"And if either of them doesn't find anything out—there's a good chance someone else will," Luigi went on. "Maybe I'll start doing some detective work myself. You've been enjoying my nerf too much for comfort."
"I can explain that," said Dark Pit.
Luigi's look cut him off. "Enjoy it while you can," he said icily, "because my 'disadvantage' won't last for long. You have yourselves a nice day."
The man in green turned on his heel and left.
"Yeah—good talk," Koopa called after him.
The conspirators were more relaxed in viewing their schedules, for they didn't have Mario to worry about for the time being. But this time, slight foreboding crept into the stomachs of those who saw Luigi in their timeslots. Because they knew he was right—he was learning how to adapt to the nerf. The euphoria was slowly coming to an end, and they had to get back to business and fight.
Furthermore, who was to say that they didn't have to fight the close friends of the Mario Bros—Peach, for example?
1.1.1
It was mid-morning. Mario was in his room, freshening up from a workout in the Training Area. Just as he changed into fresh clothes, someone gently knocked on the door, a familiar dulcet voice calling to him.
"Just a minute." Mario strode over to the door and opened it.
"Hey," said Peach.
"Look," he quietly began, "if you're here to dress me down over what happened with those two, now's not a good time."
"And what if I do give you some grief for it?" challenged Peach. "Are you gonna blow a fuse like you did with Luigi?"
"I…" Mario sighed heavily, the guilt still there.
"Yeah. News travels fast. You didn't really think I wasn't gonna find out, did you?"
"Erm—for a second there, yeah. I kinda did."
"Well—if you chose to blow your top again, I might not give you this," said Peach, holding up one of her cakes.
Mario salivated.
They made themselves comfortable on Mario's bed, leveling out careful slices of the rich pastry onto their plates.
"Don't get me wrong, Mario," Peach was saying. "I know why you beat up Steve and Stevie. It's just—I can't believe you did it."
"That's almost exactly what Luigi said," said Mario.
"You should listen to your brother," said Peach. "The other Smashers can't stop talking about it, and they totally empathize with you over the subject. They just need to process that you went that route."
"So—I've got some notoriety now," said Mario. "That's good to know."
"It must've been satisfying to you, and it would've been satisfying for me to watch. Sneaking a peek at them in the hospital that night was a healthy dose of catharsis for me," Peach went on. "I'm just having trouble reconciling the man who did that to the man who's fought for me, defended my kingdom and rescued me countless times for almost 30 years."
Mario paused mid-chew. He didn't really think of it that way.
"Your intentions were honorable, yes. But what example did you set for your fans that night—for the young kids who want to be like you when they grow up? What example did you set for the Toads? Do you think they'll look at you the same way again?"
"I'm sure they'll understand," said Mario.
"Believe me, if I walked in on someone attacking you, then I'd rush to your defense. If I wasn't in that cage, then I'd be in the thick of those fights with that turtle. But to me, violence is a last resort."
"And I could've ignored them? That's almost like a broken record to me," said Mario. "Like I keep saying, I tried to ignore them, but what they were saying—they minced no words on how much they enjoyed putting Luigi in the hospital."
"You know," Peach said. "The Smashers like to think of it as you getting suspended for Luigi's sake. That you took the punishment he would've come under had he confronted his attackers himself."
"If he confronts them, then it'll be on the battlefield. He told me so himself. He's got a lot of self-restraint." He looked at her with puppy-dog eyes. "You're not…?"
"How could I be upset at you? You cooled off, you apologized to him, and you're taking steps to make it right. You're not like Falco, who just said 'I'm sorry' and thought the matter was closed." Peach's eyes shone. "Personally, you going to such extremes to defend Luigi is—admirable. Kinda like—a vigilante hero."
"A vigilante hero," Mario said quietly. "That's a good way to put it."
"You may be out of commission for two weeks, but we haven't forgotten you," said Peach. "We're greatly anticipating your return."
Mario blushed. "Thank you."
They leaned over the cake platter and kissed.
Then, Mario told Peach about what happened between him and Master Hand, what the latter had said to him after administering the punishment.
"I'm not trying to excuse how I acted with Luigi," he said when he was finished. "I want you to understand."
"If he can forgive you, then so can I," said Peach. "Just—don't be afraid to tell any of us about it. We'll—try to hold it together."
"Okeydokey," said Mario.
They set aside the cake, plates and cutlery before kissing again, Mario gently rolling onto Peach and sliding his hands down her body and under the skirt of her dress, eventually divesting her of that garment while she did the same to his overalls and shirt. They made out for about fifteen minutes before doing the same to their undergarments. For the rest of the morning, they made love on Mario's comfortable bed, next to a nearly-eaten cake, as the autumn sun streamed down.
1.1.1
Master Hand had barfed up some more of that black substance earlier that morning. He felt better now, but he was very curious as to where that stuff came from. It was probably stress, but he'd been stressed before and didn't puke up anything. MH made a mental note to see Dr. Mario as soon as his hectic schedule allowed him.
He pressed the intercom and got in touch with Jimmy. "Could you bring him in, please? Thank you," he said.
Several moments later, Jimmy walked into the office, accompanied by a stone-faced Mario. Jimmy nodded and withdrew, leaving MH alone with the portly plumber.
"Hello, Mario," greeted MH. "Please, have a seat."
Coldly, Mario obeyed. In his eyes, MH saw that he was none-too-pleased to be summoned here. He could only pray that the man in red would hear him out.
"Mario," MH began. "I wish to apologize for what I said to you that night. You may have been in the wrong, but I had no reason to tear you apart like that."
"No," Mario said, his voice hard. "You didn't."
"It was like—a switch flipped, you know? Like I was a different person altogether. I honestly don't know what made me act like that."
"Yeah," said Mario. "They all say that."
"While I brought up some valid points, I should've presented them in a nicer way," MH went on, "and I know for a fact that what happened that night in 2001 was nobody's fault except those Boos."
Mario said nothing, his eyes fixed unflinchingly on the Hand on Creation.
"You did what you did to discourage them from going after Luigi again, I get that. But I can't make exceptions to breaking the rules and compromising our integrity."
"Our integrity?" asked Mario. "Or yours?"
"Mario—I'm swallowing my pride here," said MH. "You have every right to be hurt by the words I volleyed at you."
"It's because of your position that you didn't wind up a smoldering heap on the floor," Mario said tightly.
"Getting aggressive won't make things any better," cautioned MH. "Now, I know I said some brutal things, but at least try to listen to what I'm telling you."
"Yes, well—I have no interest in whatever you have to say."
"That's too bad, because we're having this talk, whether you want it or not," said MH. Composing himself, he continued, "Contrary to what I said, you're doing a great job as Nintendo's mascot, fighting for what's right, saving the Princess, giving the masses a hero to look up to. And the way you love your brother—I wish they made more games examining that. But heroes have flaws, and they can't be exempt from facing the consequences of their actions. I didn't want to suspend you, but I had no choice. In fact, I gave you a relatively short suspension compared to the two Steves because I considered the 'why' as well as the 'what'."
"Hm. That's good to know," said Mario. "Here's what you left out—you had a choice when it came to reacting to what I did, and you chose to say those things."
"I certainly did not," said MH. "They just—came out. I've asked myself why they did, and I can't think of an answer."
Mario laughed sharply. "Words like that always 'come out'. Either that, or they 'slip out'. Like it makes it better."
"I'm not making any excuses for my words, Mario," said MH.
"Yeah? Well good for you, because I can't get them out of my head!" Mario suddenly burst into sobs. "I keep going back to that night when I was in that portrait, banging on it, as Luigi faced the epitome of fear, with nobody around to help! And then when that jester possessed him—twice—I had horrible nightmares for days after that! And now—the suspicion that people had him nerfed just for [bleeps] and giggles—I can barely list all the times I failed him!" He sobbed explosively, stormily, chest heaving and snot stringing from his nose. MH gave him a few tissues.
"I know it's hard, but please, forgive me," said MH.
Mario fiercely shook his head, continuing to cry uncontrollably.
"Okay—then tell me how to make it right. I'd do anything. I hope you know that."
"Any-thing?"
"Yes, anything."
"You really want to make this right?" Mario choked out. "Then tell me who'd want to nerf my brother! I want the names of those who came to your office to lose their [bleep] over him!"
"Oh, my God. This again?"
"No, no." Mario's eyes narrowed. "You said you'd do anything to earn my forgiveness. I'm asking for the Smashers who put the idea of nerfing Luigi in your head."
"You wanna be mad at me? Then be mad. Yell at me. Punch me. Throw fireballs at me. I'll take it all, because I deserve it for hurting you," said MH. "Just—don't ask me to breach confidentiality."
"They probably used confidentiality as a cover," spat Mario, more tears streaming down his face. "Only one Smasher told Luigi what he thought of him directly, and that was Falco. And even then, he played the victim. They're all cowards. Miserable f—ing cowards."
"I'm still investigating, all right? Once I find something, I'll publish a report which you can access on the website, and the culprits will be dealt with accordingly. Look, I'm sorry about my behavior, I truly am, but don't try to guilt-trip me. What will your fans, Peach and Luigi think of that?"
Mario considered this. Then, he slowly began to calm down, taking deep breaths and wiping his tear-stained face. The cold, hard look returned to his visage as he looked at Master Hand.
"I will have time on my hands for the next two weeks," he said stonily, "and since your confidentiality rule isn't doing any favors, then I'll probably launch an investigation of my own. And I promise you, I will find out what I want to find out. In the meantime, you're going to think about what you said to me, why you said it to me, and what made you think you could get away with saying it to me." He rose from his seat. "You have yourself a nice day, Master Hand."
Mario turned around and marched out of the office.
He roamed the halls, fists clenched, shaking in anger. He passed various Smashers who gazed curiously at him, but decided to leave him be. There was only one exception to that, though.
"Hey, Mario," laughed Koopa. "How's your suspension coming? I hope you won't mind if I pay our Peachy a visit during your enforced leave."
Mario gave him a volcanic stare and continued on his way.
"Another time, then," said Koopa.
The man in red walked toward the special parking lot, where he knew the VIPs kept their vehicles. Noticing a golf club laying around, he grabbed it, enjoying the feel of it. He was glad he came across this golf club. It was good to have a golf club. One could do many things with a golf club.
Mario continued walking until he was among the cars, the rage so great he could barely breathe. Fiery eyes scoured the cars until they fell on the big one. And then sweat popped out on his skin, and his breath came fast.
Oh, yes. The big one…
Back in MH's office, Rory had just brought the glove his lunch. "How'd it go?" he asked.
"I don't think he's forgiven me yet," mused MH, "and I honestly don't blame him."
Crash! Crash! Crash!
Rory stiffened. "What was that?"
"The garage!" barked MH. "Hurry!"
Rory took off toward the garage, shouting for his three friends as he went. The smashing sounds grew louder, faster and more violent as the foursome drew closer.
Nightsticks drawn, Rory, Remy, Jimmy and Timmy burst into the garage. "Don't move! We've got you!" they cried in unison.
But there was nobody there. Only shattered glass, broken windows, headlights and taillights, and a badly beat up frame. Together, these things made up what used to be Master Hand's private vehicle.
1.1.1
After going through the surveillance footage, Timmy turned to MH. "What shall we do with him?" he asked.
"We'll let him get as much of this nonsense out of his system as he can," MH said quietly. "If his hostility persists, then I'll have to take further action."
"I like Mario," said Remy. "I hope it doesn't come to that."
"Same here," said MH.
The phone rang, and Jimmy answered it. "It's him," he said, holding out the phone to MH.
Sharply, MH took the phone. "You waltz into the private garage and smash up my vehicle?!"
Mario's voice was unsettlingly serene. "Now will you change your mind?"
"Change my mind? Not a chance!" vowed MH. "You have no idea who you're dealing with, but you'll soon find out."
"Give me the names," Mario said quietly.
"How about one of these days, we have lunch together and talk this out?" offered MH. "We can…"
Click.
MH sighed and handed the phone back to Jimmy. "He threatened me and hung up," he said. "All right, you four. I want you to keep a closer eye on him than before and find out the places he frequents the most. If he even sneezes in a manner you find suspicious, you let me know. Whatever he has on his mind, it's your job to discourage him." He let out a huff. "For a little man, he's a big problem."
1.1.1
Mario was back in his room, playing Smash on his 3DS. His eyes were narrowed, and his tongue slid across his lips as his fingers flew over the controls. He was deep into the game, but not so deep that he couldn't hear the knock on his door or the voice calling his name.
"Luigi," he said, pausing the system and answering the door.
"I brought dinner," said the man in green, holding up the tray. "I thought you were sick of cafeteria food."
"Good guess," said Mario.
The duo made themselves comfortable on the bed, and Mario put on an on-demand movie to watch while they ate.
"I must say, Bro—I never thought you had it in you," said Luigi.
"How did you find out?" asked Mario.
"You're kidding, right? It didn't take long for the news to spread," said Luigi. "You're really devoted to me, huh?"
"I am."
"So—why this sudden interest in the people who complained to MH, hm?"
"If your nerf was deliberate, then they're the first suspects. There's obvious motive," explained Mario.
"And once you find out the people who yelled about me, then what?" asked Luigi.
"I'll interview them," said Mario.
"Bro, you're looking out for me, and that's great," said Luigi, "but I don't want you getting yourself into more trouble." He playfully ruffled Mario's hair. "Taking a golf club to Master Hand's car? You've always been quick to action, but never that quick. And that won't get any answers, will it?"
"I guess not," conceded Mario.
"Second of all, acting out like that will make me reluctant to give you these." Luigi withdrew a tape recorder and a manila envelope as he spoke.
Mario raised an eyebrow. "You found something?"
"Koopa picked up his friends Wario and Ganondorf from the train depot," said Luigi, "and they went out to eat afterwards. Link and Zelda were also there, and they invited me to listen in. Zelda recorded as much of their conversation as she could, and she made several copies of the tape. She gave one copy to me and kept the rest, along with the original, in a safe location."
"Smart," said Mario. "What's in the envelope?"
"Link and I took some photos," said Luigi. "Wario said something about a club called 'Let's Nerf Luigi'. You can question him about it, if you want—but that would give away the fact that someone listened in on the conversation. Wait for the opportune moment to chase after these leads."
"Opportune moment?"
"I know you don't trust MH right now, but if we bring this to his attention, he can protect us."
"You really think he'll get the truth out of them?"
Luigi smiled. "He's very intimidating. Take as much time as you need looking through all of this."
"Thank you, Luigi," Mario said sincerely. "I could really use you on the case."
"You're welcome, Mario. Are you sure we're okay? I shouldn't have pushed you like that…"
"What happened that night was my fault. I'll take the blame. You were just trying to help," said Mario. "But can we not talk about it anymore? Now that we have a lead, I think we should focus our energies on it."
Luigi brightened. "Agreed."
After finishing their dinner, Luigi whipped out his own 3DS, and the Bros spent the rest of the evening playing each other in Smash, speaking no more of what happened between them recently. Mario wasn't allowed to fight in Smash battles for two weeks, but MH said nothing about playing the game on a 3DS or Wii U.
Finally, Mario's eyelids drooped, and Luigi's thumbs got tired.
"Great game, L," said Mario.
"Same," said Luigi. "Take a break before going through the stuff I gave you. Because if you wind up expelled…"
Mario put a hand on Luigi's shoulder. "Once I cool off, I'll talk things out with MH and apologize for the car," he said, "but I won't do anything to further jeopardize my standing in this tournament. That's a promise I can keep."
Luigi smiled at his brother. Despite the occasional fights, friction and the usual fame inequality, he was very grateful to have Mario in his life. "Good night, Bro," he said.
"Good night, L."
They embraced, and then Luigi headed to his own room to wind down for the night.
Please RR.