Epilogue: A Clean Slate
Chad and Luigi had been taken to a hospital not far from the Smash Mansion. The slashes and burns they'd sustained were cleaned, disinfected and bandaged, and after their vitals were taken, they were advised to remain hospitalized for at least two days. Presently, they sat in neighboring beds in the same hospital room, eating the hearty lunch the staff had provided for them.
"I thought you said Dracula didn't starve you," said Luigi.
"He didn't," said Chad, "but after nearly three years of more-or-less the same thing, this is a welcome change."
Luigi smiled at Chad, who smiled back.
"Man, I owe you one," said the New Englander. "Plain and simple."
Just then, Crazy Hand floated into their hospital room, looking contrite.
"Oh. Look who's here," Chad said coolly.
"Hey, guys," said CH.
"Hey," said Luigi.
"Didn't expect you to try and save Chad," said CH.
"Then you still haven't been paying attention," said Luigi.
"Luigi, I was wrong about you," said CH. "I heard about what happened last year, about how you helped Mario stop that 'royal wedding', and I also heard about your performance in 2016's combo exhibition. When you first bested me back in Melee, I was a bit jealous, but in the years since Project Nerf, I've had time to think, and I've concluded that it was wrong for me to throw a hissy fit because you stood up to my power. Please, accept my sincere apology. I'll do whatever I can to make this up to you."
Luigi smiled. "Apology accepted, Crazy Hand," he said. "It's good to have you back."
CH exhaled in relief before turning to Chad. "I owe you an apology, too," he said, "for letting the two Steves beat you up and then handing you to Dracula. If I'd just taken the time to cool off, then maybe I would've realized that you were right not only about Project Nerf but also about the entire concept of revenge. It's like a poison—it'll take you over and turn you into someone you're not."
"When did you figure that out?" asked Chad.
"Once the two Steves became increasingly psychopathic. They started talking about visiting you at Drac's castle and—well, you know. And try as I might, I can never forgive them for putting my dear twin brother in danger. When I learned that those two psychos were in custody, I was relieved. So, I finally decided to come back and face the consequences of my actions."
"It was about time you came around," said Chad. "I'm not gonna get all buddy-buddy with you just yet, but I gotta hand it to you—you sent that anonymous tip to MH and the other Smashers. Thanks to your timely information, they were able to get me and Luigi out of Drac's place after we handed him his [bleep]. So I wanna take the time to thank you personally."
"Thank God you're both alive," said CH.
"As Chad said, the two Steves were apprehended and are currently awaiting trial in an undisclosed location," Luigi spoke up. "They pulled one last dirty trick to get under my skin, enlisting the help of Samus's archnemesis—Ridley. He ambushed my bro, Samus and Mega Man, and he's also connected to you—and Dracula."
CH shifted nervously.
"MH, my bro and I obtained records of several inbound and outbound phone calls between you and Ridley, and also between you and Dracula," Luigi went on. "We also found several wire transfers from you to Dracula two days after Chad was taken, and a couple of wire transfers from you to Ridley the day before Mario, Samus and Mega Man infiltrated that factory. There's also video footage of you instructing the two Steves on how to sabotage the container where Master Core was being held and later helping them escape the Smash World. I'd say that's an airtight case."
"Luigi, I…" CH began.
"Chad and I spoke to your brother earlier," Luigi broke in. "He's agreed not to press charges and to keep you on as assistant master-of-ceremonies—for now. In exchange, you will testify against the two Steves and tell the court everything you know."
CH shrugged. "Seems fair," he said.
"Let's hope you've fastened your seatbelt," Chad said icily, "because make no mistake, Crazy Hand, you are ours now. We say jump, you say where. Unless you prefer to be Mario's punching bag. You know how he gets when people try to make his little brother miserable."
"Just like with Mr. Sakurai, he's willing to give you another chance," said Luigi. "He's already promised that you'll come to no harm. But while my bro and I believe in second chances, we do not believe in third chances. Are we clear?"
"Crystal," CH quickly replied. Anything was better than facing Mario's wrath.
"Thanks for visiting us," said Chad. "We really appreciate it."
"Now rest up," added Luigi. "You'll need to be energized and ready for your day in court."
CH nodded and withdrew from the room.
"Is he really interested in starting over?" asked Chad.
"Only time will tell," replied Luigi, "but I'll be watching him very closely over the next few days."
1.1.1
"Has the jury reached a verdict?"
Luigi slipped one hand into Mario's and the other hand into Chad's, bracing them. Bracing himself.
"We have, Your Honor."
Peach rubbed Mario's back comfortingly, while her free hand held Zelda's.
"Will the defendants please rise?"
Attired in matching business suits, Steve and Stevie rose to their feet, joined by a new attorney, since their old one had quit in disgust following the Ridley business.
The two Steves' trial had been the Smash World's equivalent of "the trial of the century". Almost everyone they'd wronged had lined up to provide condemning testimony. Mario had testified about how their victim act had nearly soiled his reputation. Peach and Zelda had testified about how they'd used a Smash battle as an excuse to land them in the hospital. Chad had testified about their ambush of him in the hotel room, followed by his imprisonment, where they'd used him as a punching bag before CH had "gifted" him to Dracula. Crazy Hand had kept his promise and flipped on the two Steves, talking about their involvement in Project Nerf. The Hand of Destruction's testimony had no doubt swayed the jury, but the most powerful testimony had come from Luigi. He'd told the court that the two Steves' participation in Project Nerf had set in motion a chain of events which led to him being teased and tormented. Then, he'd testified about the attack in the Training Area, followed by his harrowing battle with Master Core.
After the testimony, Chad, Peach, Zelda, Mario and everyone the two Steves had hurt delivered victim impact statements, with Luigi's statement being the most memorable.
"You've gone after me to try and look big," he'd concluded, "but now you've been exposed as the cowards you are. Once you've been judged by a jury of your peers, I'm gonna walk out of this courtroom and live my life. You are neither hot nor cold, and because you are lukewarm, I shall spew you from my mouth."
Now, Luigi sat with his friends, his loved ones and his fellow Smashers, waiting for the jury to deliver their verdict.
"On count one of the indictment, conspiracy to subvert the Smash Bros tournament, how do you find?"
"We, the jury, do find the defendants—guilty."
"On count two of the indictment, battery and assault in the first degree, how do you find?"
"We, the jury, do find the defendants—guilty."
"On count three of the indictment, battery and assault in the second degree, how do you find?"
"We, the jury, do find the defendants—guilty."
"On count four of the indictment, battery and assault in the second degree, how do you find?"
"We, the jury, do find the defendants—guilty."
"On count five of the indictment, reckless endangerment of the Smash Mansion's occupants, how do you find?"
"We, the jury, do find the defendants—guilty."
"On count six of the indictment, resisting arrest, how do you find?"
"We, the jury, do find the defendants—guilty."
"On count seven of the indictment, kidnapping in the first degree, how do you find?"
"We, the jury, do find the defendants—guilty."
"On count eight of the indictment, false imprisonment, how do you find?"
"We, the jury, do find the defendants—guilty."
"On count nine of the indictment, attempting to mislead law enforcement and tournament officials, how do you find?"
"We, the jury, do find the defendants—guilty."
"On count ten of the indictment, accessory to attempted murder in the first degree, how do you find?"
"We, the jury, do find the defendants—guilty."
Justice was served. Steven Ordway and Steven Beck were guilty on all counts.
The judge gazed sternly at the two convicted men. "Is there anything you'd like to say before I pronounce sentence?" she asked.
"We don't regret what we did," Steve said defiantly. "Not one bit."
"Luigi got what he deserved," added Stevie, "and that's the honest-to-God truth."
Mario clenched his fist.
"Steven Ordway and Steven Beck, you have been charged, tried and convicted of your crimes against the Smash tournament as a whole and against Luigi Mario in particular," said the judge. "As these crimes are numerous in quantity and sinister in nature, combined with your blatant lack of remorse, I hereby impose the maximum sentence of life imprisonment without the possibility of parole. May God have mercy on both your souls."
Luigi seared the two Steves with his Death Stare as they were led out of the courtroom.
"Ladies and gentlemen of the jury, the Smash World thanks you for your service," said the judge. "You are dismissed, and court is adjourned."
The jurors filed out of the courtroom, followed by the Smashers and everyone else in the gallery. Luigi's face softened into a huge smile. A miserable chapter in his life was finally closed, and a more exciting chapter was about to begin.
1.1.1
Three months elapsed, and summer turned into autumn. As the leaves turned various shades of orange and fell from the trees, and as people headed to the grocery store to buy their Thanksgiving turkeys, the Smashers once again met up in the gymnasium, psyching themselves up for Master Hand's final pre-tournament update.
At ten in the morning, MH arrived, along with Jimmy, Timmy, Remy and Rory, bearing numerous breakfast foods and beverages.
"Hello, Smashers," he said. "I apologize for the long wait."
"That's okay, Master Hand," said Mario, helping himself to some of the food as everyone else followed suit.
"Today's announcement will focus on some new fighters, as well as a returning one," said MH. "I'll also talk about some new and refurbished game modes. I hope you're ready."
"We're always ready, Master Hand," said Luigi.
"First of all, I'd like to introduce the new and returning fighters," said MH. "After much deliberation, I've decided to welcome Stuart Bennigan back into the fold, with the understanding that he'll never antagonize a Smasher again. Joining him will be his brothers—Vincent, Manny and Shane!"
Light applause greeted his announcement.
"What of it," mused Luigi. "They'll grow on me eventually."
"Also joining the tournament is another Street Fighter—Ken Masters!"
"No way!" Ryu exclaimed. Ken was his frequent teammate and frenemy.
"He'll be an Echo Fighter, but a lot of fans had pined for his inclusion," said MH. "I also sensed that Ryu was feeling a little—homesick. I hope having Ken around makes things a little better, Ryu."
"A little? Master Hand, Smashing with Ken will make things a lot better!" grinned Ryu.
"Next up on Ultimate's roster is the Fire and Wrestling-type Pokémon, Incineroar!" MH went on. "He behaves like your typical wrestling heel, but he's actually quite friendly. The kids love him."
The assembled Pokémon enthusiastically applauded.
"Incineroar," mused Mario. "He sounds like one Inferno of a guy."
"In addition to Ken and Incineroar, we'll also be getting some latecomers, just like in the previous tournament," said MH. "One such latecomer is expected to join our ranks in February of next year, and he's someone we know all too well. Did I mention he's from the Mario franchise?"
"Dio!" exclaimed Luigi. "You're inviting Waluigi?!"
"No," replied MH. "This latecomer is—Piranha Plant!"
There was stunned silence.
"What?" Mario asked flatly.
"Piranha Plant is the most recognizable enemy from your rescue missions," MH explained. "Think of him as the little Smasher that could. He can attack by chomping his opponents, and by spitting out fireballs, poison and spiky balls."
"That's called a Ptooie," Luigi spoke up.
"Plus, he can also attack with his leaves, the pipe he's growing in, and do all sorts of stuff I'll let you discover for yourself," MH brightly added.
"So—he can just move around by hopping from here to there in his pipe?" asked Peach.
"Yup," said MH.
"Wow. Waluigi got dissed in favor of a Piranha Plant," snickered Luigi. "What are the odds?"
"You're trolling us, aren't you?" asked Mario. "You've gotta be trolling us, Master Hand!"
MH smirked. "Maybe," he said. "Maybe not."
The Mario reps whispered among themselves.
"All right, settle down," said MH. "As a reward for helping Chad and Luigi, I've invited Simon and Richter Belmont to the Smash tournament, and they accepted."
"Great!" cried Luigi. "I'll get to spend more time with them!"
"I don't expect Ultimate's roster to be finalized until 2020 or 2021," said MH, "so expect some more fighters to be introduced along the way. Now, let's move on to the variety of events awaiting you in this newest tournament.
"We'll still have the types of battles you know and love, like one-on-one, Team Battle and free-for-all. But in Ultimate, you'll get the option of turning off the stage hazards, as they can be very annoying at times. Crazy Hand and I will organize bracket-style elimination battles every Friday. And here's our most ambitious new feature—Squad Strike. Squad Strike battles will be fought in teams of three or five. If someone in one team is defeated, then the next teammate will take their place, and so on and so forth until there's one team left standing. And we'll also have the Fighting Mii Team for Multi-Man Smash events, but I'm happy to introduce All-Star Multi-Man Smash, where you'll continuously fight the entire roster in the order of their debut game."
"We're loving it already, Master Hand," said Luigi.
"Ultimate isn't just a Smash tournament," said MH. "It's a love letter to Smash tournaments past, present—and future."
The Smashers applauded.
"Finally," MH concluded. "Ultimate will have its very own theme song. I challenged singers and songwriters from around the world to write this theme song, and the winner turned out to be—Pauline."
"Did she perform it, too?" Mario asked excitedly.
"She performed the demo version," said MH, "but the final version will be sung by one of her aides, who co-wrote the song. Would you all like to hear the demo version?"
"Yes, please," replied Mario.
MH took out his phone and connected it to a Bluetooth speaker. Then, he accessed his music library, selected a song and pressed "play".
The Smashers listened as Pauline's voice belted out the lyrics, with a simple piano accompaniment.
"By the way," said MH. "That's Stanley on the piano."
"Mario's right," said Marth. "Pauline's a really good singer."
"But her aide's voice is better suited for the lyrics," said MH. "You'll hear the final version on the tournament's opening day."
The Hand of Creation paused the music and turned to the Smashers.
"Once again, I'd like to thank you all for coming," he said. "Have a safe and happy Thanksgiving, and I'll see you on December 7 for the beginning of—Super Smash Brothers Ultimate!"
The Smashers applauded.
Another Street Fighter was on his way. The Bennigan Brothers would have an opportunity to fight alongside a man they used to hate. An extraordinary Pokémon would join the fold. A low-level enemy from Mario's adventures would get to show his stuff. Two members of the Belmont clan would mix and mingle with Smashers old and new. And best of all—Luigi would wear his new Poltergust into battle, with his beautiful Flower Princess by his side!
Good times ahead, indeed.
1.1.1
It was, finally, the day they'd all waited for. The Smashers packed their things, said goodbye-for-now to their friends and relatives and waited at their designated meeting places for the Miis to pick them up and drive them to the newly-refurbished Smash Mansion. Overall, it had a generally modern look, with outlets and USB charging cables in every room, and it was more spacious than during the previous tournament. The buses transporting the Smashers parked in the large parking lot, where more Miis awaited to check everyone in and take care of their luggage, Lauren and Eden among them.
As soon as they walked through the Smash Mansion's front doors, the Smashers from the fourth tournament were confronted with faces they hadn't seen in years. The outpouring of emotion from both sides was immediate, and in seconds, they were all in a massive group hug, exchanging rapid fire how've-you-beens and other pleasantries.
After everyone calmed down, the Smashers made themselves comfortable in the Main Hall, where they could now order a variety of food and beverages from a menu.
As Luigi got situated with his meal, he saw Falco approaching him with his own food.
"May I sit here?" asked Falco.
"Sure," smiled Luigi.
Falco exhaled and took a seat beside Luigi. It was a good start.
"I overreacted," Luigi said after a while.
Falco blinked. "Pardon?"
"Three years ago, I overreacted after you…"
"So did I," said Falco. "I was wrong to blow up at you about your combos. But—it's in the past now."
"Indeed," said Luigi, "and now I think the two of us have another shot."
Falco's eyes widened. "You mean—you forgive me?"
Luigi smiled broadly. "I do, Falco. I do. You've made genuine efforts to turn over a new leaf. And since this tournament's theme is 'Everyone is here', I've decided to take the risk and renew our friendship."
Falco's eyes misted over.
"And don't worry about Mario," added Luigi. "I think he's come around, too."
"Hm. I guess I should be grateful," said Falco.
Luigi laughed. "Never change, Falco," he said. "Never change. But…" His voice turned serious. "I hope you realize the significance of all this. My bro and I are putting everything on the line and giving you a second chance. Let it not be in vain."
"It won't," promised Falco. "So help me God, it won't."
Luigi raised his glass. "To us," he said.
"To us," said Falco, and then they toasted.
They turned as Chrom, Isabelle, Ken, Simon, Richter, Dark Samus, Incineroar, Young Link, Pichu, the Ice Climbers, Wolf, Red and Snake headed over to their table.
"There he is!" chuckled Wolf. "Nice to see you again, Luigi!"
"Hey there, old friend," added Snake.
"Hey, guys," said Luigi.
"It's lovely to meet you," chirped Isabelle.
"It's lovely to meet you, too," said Luigi. "Your boss is no slouch in combat, that's for sure."
"I've heard," smiled Isabelle, "and neither am I."
"Marth, Roy, Ike, Lucina and the other Fire Emblem reps tell me that you fight ghosts," said Chrom. "Is that true?"
"Every word," replied Luigi. "They threatened my bro, so all bets were off. And recently…" He blushed. "I—I fought Dracula."
"The Dracula?!" gasped Young Link.
Luigi nodded. "I had some help, but still."
"Dracula had imprisoned another Smasher in his castle, and Luigi went to rescue him after getting a distress signal," explained Simon. "His ghost vacuum was no match for Death, and if Richter and I hadn't been there…" He trailed off. "We gave him a few pointers, and that allowed him to hold his own against both of Dracula's forms."
Luigi, Simon and Richter then told the small crowd about the battle with Dracula.
"Whoa," breathed Wolf. "You're something else, Luigi."
"He also fought an entity called Master Core," Falco piped up.
"Who's Master Core?" asked Snake.
"A malevolent black swarm created by Tabuu," Luigi explained, blushing even deeper before telling his listeners about the harrowing fight against Master Core's combat forms.
"Tabuu?!" balked Snake. "Didn't we whip his [bleep] in Brawl?"
"We did," replied Luigi, "but he was smart and crafty, transferring his consciousness into Master Core so he could attack the fourth tournament. He had a personal vendetta against me and Mario, since we landed the final blow. Somehow, Master Core infected Master Hand, causing him to go off on Mario several times, but MH's body resisted Master Core's influence, causing him to throw up that black swarm. He briefly managed to hold it in a containment unit, but the two Steves sabotaged it, causing Master Core to escape and rampage through the Smash Mansion. When I saw them heading for Mario, I had no time to think. I was ready to die for him. And when Master Core tried to escape to the Dream World, Mario arrived with MH to help me fight them there."
"Wow," said Ken. "You saved a lot of lives that day."
"Your loyalty to Mario knows no bounds," added Red. "We need more younger siblings like you."
"Facing down the King of all Boos twice, a malevolent black swarm and Dracula?" Wolf put in. "Is there anything you can't do?"
"Probably not," said Falco.
The Smashers fell silent as Master Hand teleported in, followed by Crazy Hand.
"Hello, Smashers," MH greeted warmly.
"Hello, Master Hand," the Smashers replied.
"Welcome, all of you, to Super Smash Brothers Ultimate," said MH. "This tournament is nothing like the previous four tournaments, because now—everyone—is—here!"
The Smashers cheered.
"I've even decided to give Crazy Hand a chance to redeem himself," MH went on. "We've talked in the interim, and he wants everyone to know that he's sorry for what he's done."
I'll believe it when I see it, thought Luigi.
"To those of you who've been here since the beginning, those of you who joined in Melee, those of you who joined in Brawl and those who joined in Smash 4, CH and I are glad to have you back," continued MH. "Now, will the newcomers please line up?"
The newcomers broke off from the returnees and formed a single-file line.
"Introducing first, all the way from Sarasaland, is the addition we've all been waiting for—the tomboyish Flower Princess, Daisy!"
Daisy laughed and spun around. "Hi, I'm Daisy!" she greeted.
"I love you, Principessa!" Luigi exclaimed.
"I love you, too, sweetie!" Daisy replied.
"Aww…" cooed the Smashers.
"Next," said MH, "please welcome the ruler of the Kremlings—King K. Rool!"
K. Rool sauntered forward and struck a pose as the Smashers clapped. DK gave his rival the "I'm watching you" gesture.
"Hailing from the Metroid franchise is the Cunning God of Death and the leader of the Space Pirates—Ridley!"
Ridley unfurled his wings and screeched at the sky before taunting Samus. Luigi gave him a stony look as Mario squeezed his hand.
"Also from the Metroid franchise is Samus's Phazon-corrupted clone—Dark Samus!"
Dark Samus hovered forward and posed like a model on the runway.
"Up next is the Wrestling and Fire-type Pokémon—Incineroar!"
Incineroar posed like a wrestling heel, eating up the applause.
"Here's Lucina's old man—Chrom!"
"Anything can change!" shouted Chrom as he did a few sword flourishes.
"Put your hands together for Mikey and Maggie—the Inklings!"
Wearing matching smiles, Maggie and Mikey struck a team pose before brandishing their Splat Guns and playfully splattering the Smashers with ink.
"Thanks for inviting us!" Maggie said brightly.
"Woomy!" added Mikey.
"Give it up for Ken Masters!"
Ken showed off some of his moves and then gave a "bring it" gesture. "C'mon!" he said.
"All right!" cheered Ryu, waving to his old friend.
"Over here are the heroes of the night—Simon and Richter Belmont!"
Luigi and Chad enthusiastically cheered as the two Belmonts also struck a team pose.
"Hailing from Baltimore, Maryland are the Bennigan Brothers—Vincent, Manny, Shane and Stuart!"
The four Bennigan Brothers sauntered forward, giving everyone a royal wave.
"And last but not least, let's give a warm Smash welcome to—Isabelle, the Villager's faithful assistant!"
"Thank you!" trilled Isabelle. "Thank you very much!"
"Of course, we'll see several more fighters in the coming months," said MH. "As I mentioned before, Piranha Plant is expected to make his debut next February. Also at this time, I'd like to announce another latecomer—Joker, from the Persona franchise. He should arrive sometime next April."
The Smashers applauded.
"I'd like Ultimate to be about leaving the past behind and starting over," said MH. "In that spirit, I'd like to play the final version of Ultimate's theme song for you while you're all receiving your room assignments. It's called, 'Lifelight'. Hope you enjoy."
Master Hand then played the song over the Main Hall's loudspeakers as the newcomers and returnees formed two separate lines and the Miis prepared to hand out room keys.
Colors weave into a spire of flame
Distant sparks call to a past still unnamed
Bear this torch against the cold of the night
Search your soul and reawaken the undying light!
Backed up by a full symphony orchestra, Pauline's aide gave the lyrics feeling with her slightly operatic, soaring vocals. And as Luigi stood in line, listening, he felt as if the lyrics were telling a story—his story—the story of the first 30 days after patch 1.1.1.
On that day, when the sky fell away,
Our world came to an end
In our eyes, did a fading sun rise in the dark?
Glimmering shadows…
At 6:12a.m. on September 30, 2015, Luigi had felt as if the sky had fallen away, and that his world had come to an end. But he'd stood tall against the persistent muscle memory and the physical and verbal harassment, eventually using the nerf to his advantage and discovering new down-throw combos, with his Big Bro and the rest of his friends by his side.
Silence grows, in the spaces between,
Stretching out beyond time
Rising up, as a chorus of souls find a voice,
Flickering through the void…
Luigi's trust in Master Hand had taken a blow, especially after the Hand of Creation had lashed out at Mario. And after the two Steves had put him in the hospital, Mario had promised Luigi that he'd let it go, only to break that promise hardly a fortnight later. Words had been exchanged between them, but the Bros had talked things out over a nice dinner the following evening, as they always did. Then, Crazy Hand had sent Jimmy, Timmy, Remy and Rory to attack Mario, while the two Steves had targeted Peach for trying to warn her beloved, along with Link and Zelda for secretly recording a gloating session between Koopa, Dorf and Wario. When Luigi came to his bro's defense, MH had rewarded him with a 10-day suspension and added onto Mario's suspension for trying to fight back. And once truths were laid bare at Chad's convention, Luigi had to contend with the two Steves' escalating antics, the King Boo fan club, Master Core's attack and the revelation that Mr. Sakurai was behind the plot to nerf his down throw. But from the ashes of what he'd endured, Luigi had risen up and become a stronger person and a stronger fighter. He'd taken the plunge and started to repair his friendship with Falco. He'd begun to trust Master Hand again. And God willing, he was on his way to trusting Crazy Hand again.
Here's where we stand, hand clenched in hand,
Everyone caught in the struggle;
This is the day we finally find our way,
Stepping into our tomorrow!
In spite of the disagreements between them, Mario had been Luigi's primary mainstay throughout those first 30 days—and beyond. Mario had cheered Luigi on at that combo exhibition. While he was on a globe-trotting odyssey to save Peach from a forced marriage, he'd frequently called and texted Luigi to check if he was okay. When Luigi jumped into the final battle on the Moon, Mario had accepted his lil' bro's help, no questions asked. And how could he not acknowledge Peach, his unofficial sister-in-law? By giving Mario ample time to prepare for Jimmy and co.'s ambush, accompanying him when he explained himself to the MK's populace and staying level-headed during the averted "royal wedding", she'd helped Mario keep his own sanity, which in turn had allowed him to help Luigi retain his sanity throughout this mess. They'd faced down the obstacles as a team, and as a team, they'd take on whatever Ultimate had in store for them.
Every soul contains a whisper of light,
Growing louder as it calls to unite
From the distance sings a chorus of souls,
Rising slowly, stirring heat from the coals!
Luigi allowed his gaze to sweep over the crowd of Smashers, old and new. Mario and Peach beamed at him. Daisy blew him a kiss. Simon and Richter gave him a nod. Falco gave him a [bleep]-eating grin. Marth, Roy and the other Smashers who used to fulminate over his down throw now gave him warm, encouraging looks, with Chad adding a little fist-pump, his other hand holding Charlie's. This was a new tournament, a new day—a clean slate, where old grudges were left behind and old wounds were starting to heal.
"Let's-a go," said Luigi in a low, determined voice.
The man in green took a deep breath, smiled at Eden as she gave him his room key and took his first steps on the freshly paved road that was—Super Smash Brothers Ultimate!
Colors weave into a spire of flame
Distant sparks call to a past still unnamed
Bear this torch against the cold of the night
Light will guide you, on your way to the ultimate fight!
The End
Three years and six days later, this story is finally finished! I'd like to thank you all for reading, and I'll see you next time. Stay safe, and stay cool this summer!