T Plus 16 Days
Falco's eyes blinked open, and he saw a Greenie smile down at him, chattering something in greeting.
"Morning," the avian mumbled, rubbing the sleep from his eyes and stretching before rolling out of the bed.
He stumbled toward the bathroom, only to find a Slammer seated on the toilet, reading a newspaper.
"Dude!" balked Falco. "Lock the door!"
The Slammer grumbled something as Falco closed the bathroom door.
"How do you guys even go, anyway?" Falco wanted to know.
Luckily, there was another vacant bathroom nearby, where Falco attended to his toilette. Minutes later, he was showered, attired in fresh clothes and ready to take on a new day.
His phone chimed, and he answered with a crisp "Yeah?"
"Hey, Falco," greeted Luigi's voice. "The Three Sisters are hosting breakfast at the Haunted Towers' rooftop pool. Would you like to join us?"
"Sure. I'll be right there."
"Great. See you then."
"Yeah. See ya." Falco hung up and took a breath, replaying his talk with King Boo last night. He wanted to warn Luigi that his archrival was up to no good, but did he really need the stress at the moment?
He was brought out of his thoughts by the Slammer he'd encountered in the bathroom gently scooping him onto their back.
"Did you wash your hands?" asked Falco.
The Slammer rolled their eyes and nodded before flying the avian out of the Gloomy Manor and toward the Haunted Towers.
Luigi was waiting for Falco when he arrived at the rooftop pool, the Slammer alighting in front of the table. Falco slid off the Slammer's back and thanked them for the ride before taking a seat next to the man in green.
A trio of ghosts soon arrived, setting down plates piled high with various breakfast foods. Then, they made themselves comfortable in the other seats around the table, making eyes at Luigi.
"You're the Three Sisters?" asked Falco.
The three ghosts nodded.
"Yeah—the big ghost is Herlinda, the small ghost is Lucinda and the thin ghost is Belinda, though she also answers to Melinda," Luigi explained. "I first met them in a haunted graveyard not far from here."
"But they lounge around here now?"
"They do."
Everyone seated at the table served themselves and began to eat.
"This is really good," said Falco.
The Three Sisters chattered something in thanks.
"So Falco—I hope you slept well," said Luigi.
"I did. Did you?"
"More or less. Listen, after we're finished, I need to check on—him."
Falco set down his forkful of food. "I'll do it," he said.
Luigi raised an eyebrow.
"You don't need to deal with him. Not now," said Falco.
"Mario told me not to, but—he doesn't understand," said Luigi. "I need to see him in that Vault, so I can know that he's securely locked away and in no position to hurt anyone close to me."
"He—really left a mark on you, didn't he?"
Luigi nodded. "He did." Clearing his throat, he changed the subject. "I hear that Professor Gadd turned the Bunker's lower level into a workshop for you."
"That's true," said Falco, "and it's—right next to the Boo Canister. So I can keep an eye on him for you."
"Has he talked to you?" Luigi suddenly asked.
"Luigi…"
"Has. He. Talked. To. You?"
Falco sighed. "Yes," he finally confessed. "He told me that he's thinking about you, and that he knows what's going on in Smash. He doesn't like it one bit, surprisingly."
"That's because in his mind, only he can torment me," huffed Luigi.
"Yeah—he made that pretty clear to me," said Falco. "He also asked me if I'd turn on you again."
"And what did you tell him?"
"I told him—no."
"Do you really mean that?" asked Luigi, "or did you just say what he wanted to hear?"
"I really mean it," said Falco. "I won't lash out at you like that again."
Luigi fixed him with his gaze before leveling another forkful of food into his mouth.
"I'll try to remember that once we're back in the Smash Mansion," he muttered.
"Luigi…" sighed Falco.
The Three Sisters looked questioningly at them.
"It's quite all right," Luigi said in response to their gazes. "Falco and I have just run into a little hurdle in our friendship, but—we're trying to stay positive."
"About that," said Falco. "I've thought about what you asked me last night, and the answer I can give at the moment is—we'll just have to take it one match at a time."
Luigi bit his lip. "You're right," he said.
Professor Gadd suddenly appeared in the doorway. "Luigi," he said gravely, "may I talk to you for a minute?"
The man in green stood up and joined his mentor. "Yeah, what is it?"
"Grave news from the Smash World," sighed Gadd. "It's—it's Mario. He…"
"What happened to him?!" Luigi wanted to know.
"I'll tell you when you calm down," said Gadd.
"Okay," said Luigi. "What happened to my bro?"
"The two rascals who beat you up tried to play the victim card. They gave a falsified account of their run-in with Mario to a news reporter, and now the story is everywhere. The good news is that the Smashers and the MK aren't buying it, but Mario still needs to smooth things over."
Luigi said nothing.
"Worse yet—the two were in a free-for-all with Peach, Zelda and Link yesterday. And they…" Gadd faltered and swallowed. "By the time it was over, the latter three were hospitalized, and the two troublemakers managed to escape."
Luigi's face was set and hard. In a chillingly calm voice, he asked, "Could you excuse me for a moment?"
Gadd nodded and moved aside, and Luigi briskly walked out of the room.
1.1.1
"Of course I know they're listening!" Gadd heard Luigi exclaim into the phone. "I want them to hear! I want them to hear it all!"
Falco joined Gadd. "How bad?" he asked.
"Someone has it out for Mario," said Gadd, "and Luigi's not happy."
"You know what they're doing there?!" they heard Luigi snap. "Tell those geniuses what they have done!"
A brief pause.
"I don't give a [bleep]!"
Falco, Gadd and some of the ghosts flinched. Luigi rarely used such language, but when he did…
"Tell them! Go tell them! Crazy Hand, the two Steves—you can tell Reggie for all I care! I'd love to hear how they'll explain this! Tell f—ing Sakurai! Tell them!" This was followed by a hushed "God—mit!"
Luigi rejoined everyone outside, his face flushed, fire in his eyes.
"Professor," he said, "have you ever been so angry that you could just—slam a ghost?"
"Not really—no," said Gadd. "Why?"
"Because Crazy Hand is the one who helped the two Steves escape, and Master Hand is trying to find them," huffed Luigi. "Oh, and the four guys who antagonized Mario is helping him, too. They're very sorry about what they did, and 'it won't happen again'. Gee—where have we heard that before?"
Falco shifted uncomfortably. "Maybe—maybe I can help," he offered. "I can contact the Star Fox crew, and we can track down those three."
"I don't doubt your skills for a second, but this is Crazy Hand we're talking about here," said Luigi. "He's unpredictable, and he loves chaos."
"Well—we're co-conspirators," said Falco. "They trust me—kinda. I can talk them into doing the right thing and taking the punishment."
"Steve and Stevie put me in the hospital," said Luigi. "They put Peach, Zelda and Link in the hospital. Who's to say they won't do the same thing to you?"
Falco said nothing. Luigi made a good point.
"Master Hand is smart," said Luigi. "I know he'll do what he can to resolve this situation."
"I hope so," said Falco.
"I hope so, too," said Gadd. "My heart goes out to Mario. I hate that he's stuck in this mess."
"But he'll get himself out," said Falco. "It's what he does."
"I'd better call him," said Luigi. "I don't want him doing anything stupid."
He headed toward the Gloomy Manor, where he could make his call in private.
"Luigi?" Gadd called after him.
Luigi turned.
A smile tweaked at the corner of the Professor's mouth. "Slamming ghosts?"
"What? It was the only metaphor I could think of," said Luigi before heading inside.
"Slamming ghosts," Gadd muttered, stroking his chin. "Slamming ghosts—I'd better remember that…"
1.1.1
MH and Dr. Mario walked into the hospital room, where Peach lay on her bed, Mario seated beside her.
"Morning," greeted Peach.
"Morning," said Dr. Mario. "How are you feeling?"
"Better," responded Peach.
"How about you, Mario?" asked MH.
"Can't complain," said Mario.
"I've enlisted the help of the three primary conspirators of Project Nerf to bring my brother and the two Steves back to their senses," said MH. "In exchange, they will only be fined for their role in this mess, and I've promised them that they'll come to no harm." He cast Mario a severe gaze as he spoke.
"They really want to help?" asked Peach.
"I sensed genuine remorse when we spoke," said MH.
"What about Steve, Stevie and Crazy Hand?" Mario wanted to know.
"I'll deal with them," said MH. "If I want to avoid a messy end to this, then I must provide them an incentive to give themselves up."
Mario pressed his lips together, but he said nothing.
Dr. Mario checked Peach's vitals. "Wow—you've recovered nicely," he said. "You'll be out of here by this afternoon."
"In that case," said Peach, "Mario and I would like to head for the MK as soon as I'm discharged."
"Are you sure you'll be in any condition to travel?" asked MH.
"She will," said Dr. Mario. "Her vitals are normal, she doesn't have a concussion, there are no fractures—just bruises. She's healed quicker than I expected."
"I'd still recommend that you wait until this evening, when all of the matches have concluded," said MH. "I've arranged a few easy bouts for you, but as soon as you feel unwell, please let someone know."
"Okay," said Peach.
"Will you be okay, Mario?" asked MH.
"I'll do my best," Mario replied.
His cell phone rang.
"Excuse me," said Mario, stepping outside to take the call.
"Don't worry about Mario," said Peach. "He's been through worse than this."
"I just don't want him to attack those two again and get himself into more trouble," MH explained.
"Is that it?" asked Peach. "Or do you just want an excuse to keep antagonizing him over what he's already done?"
"All Smashers must face the consequences for breaking my rules," MH told her. "No exceptions."
"He won't attack them again," said Peach. "I'll make sure of that."
"He loves you," acknowledged MH, "and he loves your kingdom, and he loves Luigi. He'll do anything to keep all of you safe. But the fact of the matter is—I'll set a bad example if I just let him do what he wants in the name of protecting you."
Peach smiled. "Well—we don't need protection all of the time," she said, "but we do appreciate his help."
"I'll let you rest for now," said MH, "but make sure to let me know when you're about to head to the MK."
"Will do," said Peach.
She laid back on the bed and closed her eyes as MH took his leave.
1.1.1
"Luigi…" Mario slumped against the wall upon hearing his baby bro's voice.
"Hey, Mario," said Luigi. "I heard about what happened. Are—are you all right?"
"Y—yeah, I'm fine."
"How about Peach—is she all right?"
"She's okay—she'll be out and about sometime this afternoon."
"Link and Zelda…"
"Same condition. They're all fighters," Mario assured him. "How about you? How are you holding up?"
"The best I can," said Luigi. "I've spent the last few days helping Gadd and hanging around with the ghosts. I—really shouldn't tell you this, but a surprise visitor dropped in hours after I arrived."
"Who?" asked Mario.
"Falco."
"Falco?" Mario's throat tightened. "How…?"
"Professor Gadd wanted to help us sort things out," explained Luigi.
"And—are you?"
"Well—we're spending time together. I'm showing Falco around. And we haven't gotten into another shouting match yet. You should see him interacting with the ghosts here."
"You're serious about this," realized Mario. "You really want to be friends with him again. Even after what he said."
"Well—not yet. I'm not rushing into a reconciliation. And give him some credit—he apologized. He wants our friendship back as much as me."
"There comes a time when we must all answer for our actions," said Mario.
A beat.
"I agree," said Luigi.
"What will happen when you get back?" asked Mario. "As far as you and Falco are concerned?"
"We'll just—take things slowly. Match by match, day by day. Look, Mario—he wants to atone. He's going to that meeting. And if you act like you want to attack him the second you see him, then that'll discourage him."
"I'm not gonna attack him," promised Mario.
"Bro…"
"I'm not gonna attack him," Mario said again.
A pause.
"Peach and I are going to the MK later today to straighten things out," said Mario. "After your suspension ends, how about you meet us there, and bring Falco with you?"
"Okeydokey," said Luigi. "I doubt they believed those two, though."
"It's just a precaution," said Mario. "There are still plenty of gullible people in this world."
"You're right," said Luigi.
"The two Steves did what they did because they want revenge," sighed Mario, "and I hope that someone tracks them down before they wind up in Evershade Valley."
"They don't know where it's located."
"If they find out…"
"Then I'll be ready for them," Luigi said confidently.
"Oh, Bro…" Mario blinked back tears. "I hope you're heeding my advice and avoiding him."
"I am. But I wish I was with you right now. You're alone, and these sadistic people are doing these sadistic things to you…"
"I'm not alone. I've got Peach, and the other Smashers are rallying behind me."
"I hope you understand why I took off…"
"I do, Lil' Bro. I do. Even if you hadn't, you wouldn't have seen this coming."
"How are things with you and Master Hand?"
Mario swallowed. "Better. We're learning to trust each other again."
Another pause. "Liar."
"I should've known I couldn't sneak anything past you," said Mario. "He—initially believed the two Steves' story. Then, he called me into his office and he…" He couldn't finish the sentence, a sob choking him.
"He reamed you out again?!"
"Yeah…"
Luigi swore in Italian.
"Chad, Charlie and a few others broke it up, and then MH threw up this black, swarm-like substance," Mario sniffled. "I don't know if that's what caused him to snap, but—I can't believe…" More sobs escaped him. "I don't wanna tell you what he said."
"You don't have to," Luigi said gently, having recovered his composure.
"I'm glad you called me," said Mario. "It's because of you I keep holding on. Always you…"
"I know, Mario. I know."
"Okay, I guess I'll let you go now. We'll meet up in three days' time and get ready for the meeting."
"All right, Mario. Just hang in there."
"Will do. Bye-bye."
"Bye-bye."
Mario hung up and released a shuddering breath. Then, he allowed the calm to wash over him. He needed to be strong for the people he'd sworn to protect.
1.1.1
Dressed in their business best, Chad and Charlie exited the car they'd rented and strode purposefully toward Daisy's castle.
"May I help you?" asked one of the royal guards as the two entered.
"We have an audience with Princess Daisy," said Charlie.
"Right this way," said the guard.
Charlie and Chad followed the guard down the hall, across the lobby and up the stairs to one of the conference rooms.
"Please, sit," instructed the guard. "The Princess will be here shortly." On those words, the guard left.
"Well—here we go," said Charlie as the two of them sat together.
"I'm so nervous," Chad confessed with a laugh.
"It's okay, Chad—just breathe," said Charlie. "She's not gonna eat you."
A few more guards walked in, set some cookies and cakes on the table and walked back out.
"Thanks again for doing this, Charlie," said Chad.
"No problem," beamed Charlie. "Thanks for having the courage and integrity to come forward."
Chad smiled.
The doors opened, and Chad and Charlie rose as Princess Daisy strode in, flanked by her personal guards. In lieu of her usual orange gown, she wore a sleek, form-fitting yellow dress with a big sunflower print in the middle and a sky blue bauble at her bosom. Her auburn hair was in a loose ponytail, a sterling silver necklace was around her neck and a conservative amount of makeup was applied to her face. Her bright eyes studied her two visitors.
"You stand in the presence of the Crown Princess Daisy of Sarasaland," said one of her personal guards.
"Hello, Your Highness," said Charlie. "My name's Charlotte Thorne. We spoke on the phone yesterday."
Daisy smiled. "I remember you," she said, extending a gloved hand for Charlie to shake.
"And I'm Chad Wrainwright," Chad introduced himself. "I'm part of the Super Smash Bros tournament."
"Hi," said Daisy as she and Chad shook hands.
Daisy then turned to her guards. "Leave us," she softly commanded.
The guards obeyed.
"I understand that you have a request to make of me," said Daisy, turning back to Charlie and Chad.
"We do," said Chad. "Charlie and I are planning something big, and we're hoping we could host it here in Sarasaland."
"We're looking for a large venue," said Charlie. "A lot of people are gonna attend."
"I see," said Daisy. "What's this event you're planning?"
"Well, uh…" Chad cleared his throat. "It's a meeting. Several Smashers, including me, did something terrible to another Smasher, and we wanna make things right by confessing everything."
"So—this is a truth and reconciliation type of deal?" asked Daisy.
"It is," said Chad.
"Wow," said Daisy. "That's an odd coincidence."
Chad tilted his head. "How so?"
"Because just last month—people were pitching a fit because Luigi had so many combos," said Daisy. "And not just Smashers—there were also tournament players who chose to throw tantrums rather than buckle down and practice. To make things worse, Master Hand and Sakurai kowtowed to them."
Chad and Charlie exchanged a look.
"That's what this 'truth and reconciliation' thing is about, isn't it?"
"Yes, Your Highness," said Charlie.
"You can call me Daisy."
Chad chose his next words carefully. "I was in on it for a hot second, but by the time I snapped myself out of it, there was enough evidence against me," he said. "Three of the conspirators are using that evidence as collateral to get me to do their bidding, and they made it clear that if I slipped up even once, then the evidence would fall into Mario's lap."
"And if you confess, then you'll no longer be under their thumb," said Daisy.
"Exactly," said Charlie.
"However, we need to keep this meeting private," said Chad. "If my enemies find out about it, then it'll be a disaster."
"Who are your enemies?" asked Daisy.
"Two guys named Steve," replied Chad, "and Crazy Hand."
"You mean the two brutes who beat up my man?" gasped Daisy.
"Yes," said Chad.
"And Crazy Hand is the assistant master of ceremonies!" exclaimed Daisy. "Why would he…?"
"We don't know," sighed Charlie. "We honestly don't know."
"This is ridiculous," said Daisy. "Luigi has been harassed, dumped on and subjected to senseless hate from the beginning. He's spent most of his adult life trying to prove himself a hero. Even after facing his fears twice, he's been denounced as a scaredy-cat. Any other person would've broken under all of that, but Luigi's an extraordinary guy. And I'm lucky to be in love with him."
"You've done a good job supporting him," said Chad. "That's why I picked Sarasaland to hold the meeting."
"When will it take place?" asked Daisy.
"Four days from now," replied Chad. "We also need to stop Crazy Hand and the two Steves before they enact their next plan—Operation Ballot Box."
Daisy blinked. "Ballot Box?" Then, the realization dawned on her. "God Almighty…"
"Yep. They wanna lock you out of Smash—for good."
Daisy compressed her lips. "They let Peach in, they let Rosalina in—they practically let in every princess except me," she said. "Since Mario rescued me from that alien creep, I've been relegated to the back-burner. Nintendo only put me in sports games and spin-offs, but I was never a major character. So many people have dissed me as a potential Smasher that I've forgotten all of their names."
"Which—happens to all Smash hopefuls," said Chad. "No need to be a drama queen about it. Here's what I need—a venue large enough to seat at least 30 people, including but not limited to a giant hand, a hulking reptile and a bulky Gerudo."
"Koopa was in on this?" asked Daisy. "I shouldn't be surprised. He's buddy-buddy with Luigi one day and antagonizing him the next. Don't worry—I'll get you a venue. It'll be in the heart of the Capital and closed to the press so word won't get out. But we'll also need vendors, security, first-aid—and that costs money."
"We'll chip in and bring our own food," said Charlie. "We don't need anything fancy—maybe some hot dogs, croissant sandwiches, pigs in a blanket—stuff like that."
"I'll pull some strings and get you guys some food," Daisy assured them, "but security and first-aid is the main thing. How do you plan to spread the word?"
"I'll send hand-written letters to those who are willing to come," said Chad, "and I also want to keep them updated in real-time without CH intercepting my messages."
"We can help you with that," said Daisy. "Thank you for bringing this to my attention. I'll call a meeting with my advisors to decide on a venue and who to hire as the security. Hopefully, we'll come to a decision by tomorrow afternoon."
"Thank you, Daisy," said Chad.
"Feel free to help yourself to some sweets before you leave," said Daisy.
"We will," said Charlie.
"And Daisy?" asked Chad.
"Yeah?"
"Take it easy on them," implored Chad. "Try not to scare them too much."
"I make no promises," Daisy said with a sweet smile.
Chad and Charlie shook hands with the Flower Princess before she walked out of the room.
1.1.1
The two Steves were still in hiding with CH when the Hand of Destruction's cell phone buzzed.
"Who's that?" Stevie asked cautiously.
"It's Vince," replied CH. "He's standing right outside with his three brothers."
Steve and Stevie exchanged looks.
"Let them in," Steve said finally.
CH crossed the room and opened the door, allowing the Bennigan Brothers to enter. Salutations and handshakes were exchanged.
"How did you find us?" asked Stevie.
"We participated in a scheme together," Vince said craftily. "My brothers and I could find you anywhere."
"What brings you to our humble abode?" Steve queried.
"Do we need a reason to check up on our boldest conspirators—and our surprise benefactor?" cooed Manny. "Listen, Steve and Stevie—it's true that our last interaction was acrimonious, but—we were just trying to look out for you. Getting Mario upset won't do us any favors."
"Well—he's gonna get upset if he finds out about Project Nerf," Stevie said smartly, "so sooner or later, he'll be after us."
"Even so," said Shane, "my brothers and I wanna put the past behind us. So, what do you say? Are we friends again?"
The two Steves smiled.
"Ah, what the heck," said Stevie. "We were enemies for a day, but we're conspirators for life."
"What he just said—goes double for me," smiled Steve.
The two of them hugged the Bennigan Brothers as CH smiled on.
"We're glad you're here," said Steve once the hugfest ended. "Chad Wrainwright bailed on us. We fear that he could spill the beans on our operation."
Manny frowned. "Chad bailed a long time ago. He only showed up for two meetings before deciding this was 'too extreme' for him."
"I thought I could reel him in by holding the evidence of his collaboration, however brief, as leverage," sighed CH. "I thought wrong."
"We're trying to track him down," said Stevie. "Any idea where he is?"
"Not at all," said Vince. "We haven't really spoken. And there are far more pressing matters to contend with."
"What's that?" asked Steve.
"There's reason to believe that the Mario Bros have already learned of Project Nerf," said Stu, "and there're extremely fired up about the stunt you just pulled on Peach. Targeting Zelda has also put Link on the warpath."
"Oh, dear," sighed Steve.
"And MH—has started asking us questions about Luigi's nerf," added Manny. "We managed to bluff our way out, thank goodness, but I don't know how long our story will hold."
"What we're about to ask of you is difficult," said Vince, "but you need to give yourselves up to Master Hand with all haste. MH could show you some leniency if you do."
"And deal with that plumber? Not a chance!" balked CH.
"Don't you want to clear your name?" asked Vince.
"It won't be long until your brother comes to you for answers," added Shane. "Returning to the Smash Mansion will be a show of good faith, and it will take some of the suspicion off of you."
"Say for the sake of argument that Mario and Link manage to track you down," said Vince. "After what you did to their respective Princesses, Steve and Stevie face a harsh beatdown, and CH will come under fire for aiding and abetting them. If you turn yourselves in to Master Hand, then you'll only have to deal with him, and he'll tell Mario and Link not to antagonize you."
"What—did he tell you that?" scoffed Stevie.
"Did he ask you to come here?" added CH.
"Heavens, no!" balked Shane. "We tracked you down because we care about you, and we want you to make the right choice."
"Wh—why did you do that, anyway?" asked Vince.
"Link and Zelda eavesdropped on Koopa, Wario and Dorf gloating about Project Nerf," explained Steve, "and there's no doubt that they told Master Hand. We wanted to discourage them from delving further into the matter."
"How does Peach factor into this?" Stu wanted to know. "Was she just in the wrong place at the wrong time?"
"When I sent Jimmy and his team after Mario, Peach saw them coming and tipped off her hero," said CH.
"And that's a bad thing?" asked Manny.
"For us, it was!" cried Stevie. "They nearly caused our plans to fall apart!"
"What plans?" asked Vince. "Our top priority right now is keeping Project Nerf under wraps! We won't even start on Operation Ballot Box until next month! Look—each action causes a reaction. Striking against those near and dear to Mario will cause him to strike back and put our future projects at risk. There's still time to clean up this mess. Surrender yourselves to MH while you still have the chance."
CH floated there, stunned. "Who are you, and what have you done with the Bennigan Brothers we used to know?" he asked. "The ones who dedicated their lives to making things difficult for Luigi, no matter what got in their way?"
"Those days are long gone!" cried Vince. "We had our eyes opened! We've come to realize that there's more to offer in life than making someone we don't even know miserable!"
"My God—you've gone soft," gasped Steve. "Somehow, we knew this would happen."
"Watching people beat up Luigi lost its appeal," sighed Manny, "at least, to us. I don't know about you guys. Maybe you had it in for Luigi from the beginning, and Project Nerf was a means to an end."
"What has he done to you, anyway?" challenged Shane, "besides defeat you in a fair fight?"
"What has he done to you?" CH shot back.
The Bennigan Brothers exchanged looks. They were unable to answer that question.
"All we're saying is—you're in enough trouble as it is," said Vince. "They're gonna find you sooner or later—so it might as well be sooner."
"So—that's it, then?" Stevie asked in disbelief. "You're bailing on your own brainchild?"
"It was a poorly-conceived brainchild," said Manny. "If we'd known something like this would happen, then we wouldn't have dreamed it up. But it's the beginning of a new age. The sooner you accept that, the better."
There was a nasty silence.
"You f—ing traitors," CH said in a low, calm voice. "You're siding with Luigi now?"
"We didn't come here to fight," Shane said evenly. "We came here to talk some sense into you."
"Yes, well—I think we're done talking," said Stevie. "Mark our words—the next time we meet, it will be as enemies."
Vince's face hardened. "So be it."
"Go. Now," CH hissed.
With their heads held high, the Bennigan Brothers filed out of the room, closing the door behind them.
1.1.1
Back in the Smash Mansion, Peach, Zelda and Link had signed their discharge paperwork and were getting ready to leave the hospital when someone tapped softly on the door.
"Who is it?" asked Link.
"Poyo!"
"Kirby?" asked Peach.
The door opened, and the Star Warrior tottered inside, three get-well cards tucked in under his arm. A big smile was on his face as he handed the cards to the trio.
"Wow, Kirby," said Peach as she read her get-well card. "Thanks!"
"Poyo," said Kirby, motioning for the trio to follow him.
They went off to Kirby's room, where another get-well card lay on his desk. Kirby picked it up and showed it off to Link, Peach and Zelda.
"Is that—for Luigi?" asked Zelda.
"Poy," replied Kirby.
Then, the Star Warrior led the trio to the Main Hall, where the other Smashers were gathered.
"What's this about, Kirbs?" asked Fox. Then, his eyes fell on the card. "Oh, my—is that…?"
"Poyo poyo!"
Kirby set the card on one of the desks, upon which several markers were scattered. Then, he gazed over his fellow Smashers. "Poyo?"
Solemnly, the Smashers formed a single-file line in front of the card. Each of them took a marker and wrote a brief message on it before signing their names. Even Marth, Koopa, Dorf, Wario, Roy, Mewtwo, Dark Pit and Chase, among those who didn't think highly of Luigi, signed their names on the card.
"This is very sweet of you, Kirby," Mario said warmly.
Kirby smiled warmly. "Poyo!" he chirped.
Once the Smashers had signed the card, Kirby added his own message and signature. Master Hand floated into the room, flanked by Lauren, Eden, Jimmy, Timmy, Remy, Rory and Amy. They, too, signed the get-well card, and then MH slipped it into an envelope, which he addressed and then stamped.
"I'll send this by express mail to Evershade Valley," said MH. "Thank you, Kirby. I know that Luigi will appreciate the gesture."
"Poyo poyo poyoyo poyo," Kirby said softly.
"Before you do that," said Mario, "how about you send it to Sarasaland first? I'm sure Daisy would like to sign the card, as well."
"Of course," said MH. "After dinner this evening, you and Peach are free to go to the MK."
Mario smiled. "Thank you, Master Hand."
1.1.1
"Good—you're packing," said Rory when he ventured into his sister's room.
"You really want me to follow him to the MK?" asked Amy as she put another stack of neatly folded clothes into her suitcase. "Why would he cause any trouble there?"
"We just want to make sure he doesn't," said Rory.
"All he wants is to disprove the two Steves' lies," Amy said softly.
"Yes, we understand, but…" Rory sighed. "Until tensions between him and Master Hand are resolved, we don't know what he's gonna do." He gave Amy a manila envelope. "These are the details of the hotel reservation I comped for you."
"Perfect," smiled Amy as she slid the folder into her carry-on.
"Of course, we don't believe in all work and no play," said Rory, "so when you have time, do some sightseeing. Relax. Try to at least act like a tourist."
"That won't be too difficult," said Amy.
She zipped both her suitcases closed. "All right—I think that's everything."
"I have a car ready to take you to the airport," said Rory, "but before you leave—I have something for you."
Remy appeared in the doorway, holding a case. Rory opened it and took out a steel baton, which he handed to Amy.
"Whoa," Amy breathed as she studied her brother's gift.
The baton was light purple and covered with silver and gold glitter. Amy skimmed her thumb across it, pausing when she found a small button. Pressing that button caused the baton to extend outwards.
Rory grinned. "It telescopes," he said. "There's no telling who you might run into in the MK."
"Cool," said Amy.
"Turn it over," instructed Rory.
Amy obliged. Engraved in the metal was a simple but sweet message: To my cool lil' sis, with love—Rory.
"That means," smiled Rory, "that I'll be in the MK with you in spirit, protecting you."
Amy pressed her lips together, set down the baton and jumped into Rory's arms.
Rory buried his face into Amy's shoulder. "Be careful out there," he entreated.
"I will," breathed Amy.
The siblings parted from the embrace, and then Amy pressed the button on her baton again, retracting the telescoping portion.
"Mind if I see you off?" asked Rory.
"Absolutely," replied Amy. She felt truly blessed to have a brother like Rory.
The two of them left the Smash Mansion together as Remy looked on.
Please R&R.