Important Info:

1) Meta Knight is based on the anime Hoshi no Kaabii, where he's more of a father/teacher figure to Kirby

2) Lucario is female and Greninja is male.

Disclaimer: Nope. Just nope.

Gratitude

Sum: Mario had seen many things in his adventures, but being thanked by a goddess somehow out shined them all.

~ ~ ~ Us ~ ~ ~

Mario shared another morning breakfast with his brother.

"Did you sleep well?"

Luigi nodded, his mouth full of egg. Once he finished the younger brother smiled. "You?"

A shrug as he finished his orange juice. It was strange to not share a room, after all the years they had. Mario didn't want to say that he hadn't been sleeping well, knowing his brother would worry. "Alright…I think I'll go train for a bit…you want to come?"

The younger plumber shook his head. "You go on ahead; I'm not feeling up for a spare today." He softly laughed.

"Did you not sleep well?"

"No, no! Nothing like that…"

"Oh…you sure?" Mario frowned.

His brother hummed in confirmation, "Yeah, I'm sure, bro." Piercing the last of his egg the green clad plumber finished his breakfast.

"What are you doing if not training?"

Luigi smiled, "I'm going to go see Dedede and spend some time with Yoshi and Kirby."

The older brother nodded, yet remained with an uneasy look on his face. He fiddled with his fork, wanting to know why his brother was more concerned than usual. Yet, Luigi wasn't sure how to ask without sounding ungratful for Mario's love and wasn't sure what to say to help reassure his brother. They sat in uncomfortable silence, something both brothers noticed yet neither could find the proper words. They were both saved as the Popstar King came stomping in.

"Ho, Luigi don't forget you and I were going to go look for Shrimp."

The younger plumber got up, "Of course, Dedede." He caught the look of relief that passed through Mario's eyes. "I'll see you later, big bro."

The older Italian nodded and watched his brother and the penguin stroll away. Mario sighed, before slowly getting up himself. He placed his dishes in the designated cleaning area and left, taking his time. The tournament was still preparing and new Smashers were appearing every now and then. Master Hand had sent a time table for them to be ready in a couple of months stating he was traveling the different dimensions still. He'd commented on the notes the Smashers had sent him earlier, approving most. Mario knew he'd have to get the others together again lat-

"Mario!" The shout jolted him out of his thoughts. And it was the only warning he got before Pit collided into him, nearly sending the two to the floor. The Captain of the Royal Guards rapidly righted himself and apologized to his fellow Smasher. "Sorry Mario! I didn't mean to run into you so hard!"

"Right, it's okay. No harm done." He smiled at him. "But were you looking for me?" The plumber could clearly see the angel was happy, extremely happy about something. And if there was one thing about Pit, it was his cheerfulness was contagious.

"Yeah! Come on! I want you to meet someone!" He grabbed Mario's hand and led him down the hall. Pit was literally bouncing on his feet as he pulled Mario along. The Italian chuckled at the others enthusiasm. He had a decent idea as to what was causing the Captain of the Royal Guards so happy.

A new Smasher. But who?

"Come on, Mario!" The Captain of the Royal Guards pleaded, eyes alight and a grin on his face.

It reminded him of Luigi and his younger days. With an unexpected yank, Mario's iconic hat slipped from his head.

"Whoa! Hold on, Pit!"

The two momentarily paused long enough for the plumber to retrieve his cap and slip it back on before Pit resumed his joyful leading.

~ ~ ~ Us ~ ~ ~

Mario liked to think he was very worldly, concerning the Mushroom Kingdom and its inhabitants and other counties bordering it. But even all of his experience couldn't prepare him for this.

Mario had never met a goddess before.

Palutena was beautiful. Mario, felt a bit of shame, as he'd sworn Peach was the most beautiful woman he'd ever met. But where Peach had a more natural and simplistic beauty, Palutena's was ethereal.

He pulled his hat off, feeling it was accepted behavior upon meeting someone of her status. He still did it with Peach on occasion. "It's an honor, Lady Palutena." Mario greeted, using the same title Pit did whenever he talked about her.

"The same to you, Mario. I wish to express my gratitude for protecting Pit from before, as well as vouching his battle skills ." The goddess replied, nodding at him.

"Oh, it was nothing, Lady Palutena. He saved me as many times as I him." Mario replied. "It wouldn't have been right, if he hadn't attended the tournament after helping rescuing it!"

She smiled, "I see. Pit has found a valuable friend in you...and please, no need for such formalities. Palutena will suffice."

The plumber replaced his cap, straightening until it was in its familiar place.

"Much better." She laughed. "I must say, you looked…how is it phrased? 'Naked' I believe? Without your hat on."

Pit nodded. "Yeah, Mario! You looked funny without your cap on!"

"I've seen much of you before. Pit's a big fan of yours." Palutena commented. "In previous tournaments, he's always cheered for you."

"Lady Palutena!" The angel groaned, flushing.

Mario was astonished. They had been broadcasting their fights from the very beginning? Since the very first tournament?

The goddess smiled teasingly at the Captain of the Royal Guards. "He even has a doll of you and some of the other fighters and frequently created battles between you all." She giggled, as Pit groaned and muttered something about the ground swallowing him, his blush growing. "You always won of course." She added making Pit moan louder.

"Lady Palutena, please!"

The plumber chuckled at the information.

"Mario!" a voice called out, one that brought a smile to Mario's face. Princess Peach went straight towards him. "There you are!" Peach exclaimed. She then saw the angel and goddess. "Oh! You must be a new Smasher! I'm Princess Peach, but Peach will be fine. And you are?"

"Palutena."

"Oh! I knew I recognized you! Master Hand used your portrait for Pit's Final Smash last tournament!" The Mushroom Kingdom ruler smiled. "It's a pleasure to finally meet you! Oh, there are so many people to introduce you to! I can show you around and help you find your room!"

"That sounds wonderful. I'd love to have a guide and meet my fellow…Smashers, is it?" The goddess replied, linking arms with the blond. "Goodbye, Mario, Pit. It was a pleasure."

"Oh! Mario, I baked a cake for all of us to share later!" Peach added before leaving.

The Italian nodded. "I'll be there with Luigi and Yoshi."

"Bye, Princess Peach, Lady Palutena…" The angel replied a bit sullenly.

Mario waved farewell to them. "It was good to meet you Palutena."

The two women were already talking like old friends as they strolled away. Mario nudged Pit. "A doll huh? I should've brought some of those figurines from my world for you."

"Mario, not you too! Ugh! Please…please don't mention this to anyone…" He rubbed a hand over his face, but it did nothing to hide his renewed blush. The plumber laughed. "I find it flattering."

The Captain of the Royal Guards straightened. "Really? You…don't find it…weird?"

"No, Pit. I don't. Come on. Let's go spare for a bit. Maybe we can even persuade some others to join us."

Pit beamed. He would take any opportunity to spend time with his idol. As he walked beside the Italian, he cleared his throat. "Um…Mario?"

"Hmm?"

"Thanks for…well…everything!"

He patted the angel on the back, careful of the wings. "Your welcome."

I've always liked the idea of Pit being a big fan of Mario and sort of hero worshiping him. And then, him being all giddy and fanboying over Mario in the Subspace Emissary. Mentally at least. I feel...rusty...and to my knowledge...Mario hasn't met a goddess before...I really hope I'm right about that! If not...shhhhhh...let's pretend, ya?

Hey all! So I've decided 'Us' will follow not only Marth, Ike, and Meta Knight, but others as well (I have no plans of any Smasher being...'initiated' into the trio, and I'm thinking that's probably for the better). Not nearly as much as our favorite trio, but an occasional piece here and there. This is one of those glimpses at other Smashers and their lives at the tournament. The Sheik/Zelda and Samus/Aran will be another one of these other glimpse. I know, I know…I'm way behind. After all, it'll be here in a few more weeks! And I've totally been playing the demo to keep me tide over until the full game comes out! I can't wait to play some of them! No spoilers though!

Have a good weekend lovely readers!

ZGDog over and out!