12-2: Giga Koopa!
"Dio," breathed Luigi as Giga Koopa's demonic eyes pierced through him. It was as if he'd been cast into the Ninth Circle of Hell. The abomination towering before him was the ultimate embodiment of evil, the creature occupying the worst nightmares known to man. Luigi's heartbeat throbbed against his ears as he glared at Giga Koopa, straight and tall, shoulders back despite the fearsome presence.
"GWA-HA-HA! Let's see you scurry your way out of this!" chortled Giga Koopa as he lunged at the man in pink.
But Luigi stood his ground, his mouth a thin line beneath his moustache. He raised his fists—a bit shakily—but his azure eyes indicated his commitment to this final battle. Strength surged from his stout heart and into his bloodstream. His strident battle cry pierced the silence as a fully charged forward smash met Giga Koopa's charge. The ultimate clash between the villain and the cowardly hero had begun!
Watching the two exchange blows from his seat in the stands, the King of Evil smirked. He hoped Luigi would enjoy the secret ingredient he'd added to the final boss of Adventure Mode. If Master Hand learned of it, though, then he'd be in serious trouble! But seeing Final Destination drenched in Luigi's blood would be worth whatever punishment the Hand of Creation meted out to him!
Meanwhile, Giga Koopa's transformation had failed to achieve the desired effect on Luigi—or he was trying to hide it. His face was hard, solemn and determined, his strong shouts echoing across Final Destination, as he concentrated his mightiest attacks on Giga Koopa. It was as if he was battering a rock. His opponent didn't flinch or wince in the slightest. Still, Luigi wouldn't give up. There was a strategy in place against Giga Koopa. Offensively, he'd spare nothing with his smash attacks and powerful special moves. Defensively, he'd use fireballs and strong attacks. He sidestepped a blast of Fire Breath and returned with an explosive misfire into Giga Koopa's chest. The beast smoldered, yet he took the hit without toppling off his feet, a cruel smirk on his lips. Fists up, breathing deeply, Luigi waited for Giga Koopa's next move.
And he didn't have to wait long. Giga Koopa lunged and slashed a clawed hand forward, only to wind up slashing air and taking a vicious forward smash to the torso, followed by another and another and another. Luigi landed his spearhand strike all over the monster's fleshy underbelly and finished the combo with a breakdance sweep, and then a strong side to space Giga Koopa out. The beast tucked into his shell and spun at Luigi, but the pink-clad plumber easily vaulted over him. As soon as the move finished, Luigi slammed him hard with a Fire Jump Punch, another breakdance sweep, an up smash, several open hand stabs to the jaw and face, a flurry of f-airs and finally an aerial Cyclone. He fast-fell into a quick barrage of fireballs as he strategized over how to pounce next. Then, inspiration struck. He allowed Giga Koopa to go on the offensive and used the open space to try and evade the strikes, helping himself to quick damage points using his fast roundhouse and aerial kicks and chops. Giga Koopa went in for a grab, but that was what Luigi had waited for. He read the grab attempt, dodged and landed a string of Cyclones on him, topping it off with a d-air. Then, he switched gears and unleashed his most violent and painful blows, blows he knew were reliable . But Giga Koopa laughed them all off.
"Is that all you've got?" he crowed. "I've been hit harder by a…"
But the insult fell on deaf ears. Luigi concentrated his focus on his battle plan and his offensive and defensive techniques. Every villain like Giga Koopa had a weak spot—somewhere—somehow. They weren't invulnerable or super-armored for long. They were intimidating and put up a great fight, but they were beatable. As Giga Koopa continued to jeer, he wasn't paying attention to what Luigi was up to, allowing the plumber to sneak a misfired Missile into the center of his belly. This would've winded him, but to Giga Koopa, it was a pitiful little tap. Luigi ducked under hammy fists and let loose with more smashes, determined to get that damage up and to prove this fiend wrong once and for all. His hands and limbs started to ache, yet he continued to keep going. He had to!
Giga Koopa suddenly snatched Luigi in the Koopa Klaw and pulled him up to his fearsome face!
"You're no match for me, Greenie," he sneered. "What makes you think you can win if I've beaten you before? You made a mistake to challenge me. A big mistake."
Chomp. Chomp. Chomp. Chomp.
"If only you had your friends to save you. Looks like they're busy with other things."
Giga Koopa continued to chomp away at his pink-clad opponent before throwing him down and body-slamming him.
Luigi got up quickly and stared down Giga Koopa. "What makes you think I need to be saved?" he challenged, aiming a mighty kick at the beast's jaw.
"Oh, you think I'm blind? You think I didn't see you crying a river to your friends because I beat you? They really laid me out to dry when I was pitted against them." Giga Koopa laughed off some more of Luigi's attacks and delivered several brutal claw swipes to his face and chest. "Did you not inform them that this was on your agenda? They would've turned out to support you from miles around. But do I see any of your friends here? No. They know that no matter what you try, I'll beat you up all over again."
Ignore him. Ignore him. He just wants to get to you. Luigi clenched his jaw as he shot some more fireballs, threw fully charged smash attacks and leaped at Giga Koopa for flying kicks and chops. He attacked harder and harder, but nothing seemed to work. Giga Koopa was a nigh impregnable titan!
With a deep, menacing laugh, Giga Koopa blocked Luigi's next attack and cannoned a leathery fist into the plumber's face. The man in pink had barely scrambled back up when Giga Koopa brought down his massive fist over and over. Final Destination trembled with each devastating blow. Agony exploded all over Luigi's body, but he willed himself not to scream. His blood smeared Giga Koopa's fists, which only intensified his ferocity. After smashing Luigi a few more times, the beast decided to really have some fun and pounced on him shell-first, drilling into him with his spikes. Volts of electricity issued from the spiky shell and into the body below him. Luigi rallied with punches and fireballs, but Giga Koopa could take it in spades. He gripped the plumber in a crushing hold, pummeled him several times with fiery horns and then took several fiery bites out of him before violently pinning him to the floor.
"This is going to hurt—a lot!" promised Giga Koopa, his claws flashing menacingly in the light.
He pounced on Luigi then, slashing and ripping into him with claws, spines, horns and fangs infused with dark magic, electricity and fire, respectively. He forcibly slammed his larger body onto Luigi's over and over. He continued to punch his pinned foe with his meaty fists, excited by the claret-red blood drooling from the wounds he inflicted and leaking onto the purple floor of Final Destination. He was on top of the word; invincible! This meager plumber hardly left a dent or a scratch on him! Thank goodness for godlike gloves who understood what he was going for here! He'd always wanted to turn Giga in Smash—to remind the other Smashers who was the mightiest of them all. Now—he was going to have more power than he could ever imagine! Whenever Luigi tried to escape, Giga Koopa read him as hard as his shell and re-captured him with the Koopa Klaw, biting like the animal he was, raking at every inch of his face and then concentrating his strikes on Luigi's chest and ribcage, the crimson overalls darkening as he drew more blood, spreading like wings all over the pink shirt, running into his hair and hat and gloves. Luigi's mouth was clenched shut, his eyes still blazing, continuing to struggle against Giga Koopa, refusing to let his opponent see his pain, even as blood dribbled from between his lips and the beast's blows grew unbearable. Giga or not, Luigi wasn't about to lose to him again!
"C'mon, Greenie! Let's see some more of those fancy strategies and hard reads! I dare ya!" chortled Giga Koopa as he picked up Luigi and spun around with the plumber balanced on his shell, the spikes cutting and tearing everywhere. Luigi tried to roll away, only to be punished with a down special. A Whirling Fortress collided with him then, forcing him toward the edge of the stage. Luigi managed to throw a fireball at the base of Giga Koopa's foot when he tried to stomp him. As Giga Koopa yowled and hopped around, Luigi picked himself up and peppered him with surprisingly powerful Smash attacks, impulsively spitting a mouthful of blood into Giga Koopa's face. The monster blinked a few times before calmly wiping it off and ended the pink clad plumber's offensive streak with a massive dropkick to the chest.
Luigi lay on his back, gasping, the wind knocked out of him, his limbs wobbly. Gobs of blood drooled from his wide-open mouth and his nose. And then Giga Koopa towered over him, belching out a plume of fire. Bright orange and red flames enveloped the being on the floor, so intense that the spectating Gerudo King had to shield his eyes. He was shocked and outraged to discover that the man in pink was still holding on after that fiery assault. What a stubborn string bean!
And as Giga Koopa looked at his foe, he laughed and stomped him hard with his good foot. "I must say, that was very clever," he spat, "but it's over, Green Stache. It's all over. I really wish all of your friends were here, so they could watch as I tear you to shreds a thousand times over. They deserve it, and that's the truth."
Stomp. Stomp. Slash. Slash.
"I'm surprised, though, that your beloved brother hasn't shown up yet. Just wait till he and Peach see what I'm doing to you now. They'll finally see how useless and pathetic you are! GWA-HA-HA-HA-HAAAAA!"
Slash. Stomp. Again and again and—
"You're wrong."
Giga Koopa hesitated. "What?"
"You're wrong, Koopa."
A fiery fist smashed into Koopa's left flank.
The pain started to register within the giant Koopa. "How dare you?!" he roared, wincing.
Luigi rolled to his knees, calmly let fly some fireballs, and then stood. He was completely dissociated from the pain of Giga Koopa's sadistic strikes. "How dare you?" he retorted, bravely approaching his enemy and sidestepping when he tried to knock him down. "How dare you try to cut me down even though we both know you can't? How dare you automatically assume that I'll fold just because my brother isn't by my side? How dare you act like you own the place—how dare you disrespect me, my brother and my fellow Smashers?"
POW! Luigi speared his hand hard into Giga Koopa's chest.
"You couldn't have been more wrong about the situation and about me. It's not over. Not yet. Not until I say so."
Luigi smash attacked again and again, as hard as he could tolerate, sweeping his legs, knifing his hand, slamming an occasional up smash—and then he switched to sharp aerial attacks, readjusting his battle plan, now focused on building damage on the incredible hulk. By now, the plumber was covered in bruises and blood, tracking the latter all over the stage as he once again moved fluidly, attacking ferociously yet strategically. He left the face alone for a while and went for the fleshy underbelly, plunging Trowel Stab after Trowel Stab into it, using his down smash to punish a tech, kicking him solidly in the chest and in or near the ribcage. He noticed that Giga Koopa was finally starting to hurt, as if Luigi's attacks had gained power. And they were, with each passing second.
"You're wrong about something else, Koopa," Luigi said darkly. "Mario, Peach and everyone else are with me. Not in person—but they're with me!" He scored a vicious volley of blows to Giga Koopa's face once he'd sufficiently doubled over. He made Giga Koopa flinch, wince and grimace. That was a great sign.
"I feel their strength inside me! I feel their spirits! I feel their words and their hearts and their power and their wishes! I hold them in my heart, and thus I feel them! And what do you hold in your heart? Absolutely nothing! Your heart is nothing but blackness—you only think of taking and taking and never giving back! But I'm not as weak and wimpy as you'd like to think! I may not be as fearless as Mario—but I'll never lack in courage!"
Luigi crouched down and let fly a glorious misfire into the center of Giga Koopa's chest, knocking him back a few inches.
"You can punch me!"
He swung and landed a blow to the snout.
"You can kick me!"
His roundhouse kick cracked Giga Koopa's jaw.
"You can slash me up!"
A Trowel Stab to the neck.
"You can throw me around!"
One—two—three karate chops to the face.
"And you can burn me!"
Fireball after fireball met various areas on Giga Koopa's body.
"But I swear by the Stars that you will not, shall not and cannot break me!"
Luigi battered him with a short-hop Cyclone.
"I lost to you, and you wanted it to deflate me—but it didn't! I am a Phoenix, Koopa! I rise from the ashes! And though your words twisted the knife of defeat—they inspired me! They were the reason why I dutifully woke up at six each morning and resist the urge to sleep in for a mere minute! They were the reason why I worked and trained harder and harder—why I kept practicing my skills till I could do them in my sleep! You boosted my will to keep trying and trying until I finally got it right!" The man in pink whaled away at Giga Koopa as he spoke. "Sometimes, I heard your jeers at night. Sometimes, I came close to believing what you said to me that day. But I prayed that someday we'd meet on the battlefield again—so you could see the error you made in underestimating me! You've sowed that day—and today, you're going to reap!"
Giga Koopa got a claw strike in, but Luigi hardly felt it, plowing more fiery fists into that bulky frame, beating him like a Sandbag. He jumped and landed a successful d-air spike before resuming the barrage of Smash attacks.
"Why do you persist, Greenie?" growled Giga Koopa. "Why bother getting up every time I knock you down? What do you need to prove by fighting me—that you're not a wimp? Or are you fighting for someone—your brother or the Princess? I'll get my hands on her eventually—and you and Mario will never see her again! Your puny resistance is futile. Why won't you just give up?"
"Because," breathed Luigi, "I fight for a just cause—a cause I believe in. You fight for personal gain and power—but I fight for the safety and security of my people! And I'll never cease fighting until the threat you pose is gone for good!"
"So be it," snarled Giga Koopa.
The two ran at each other again, Luigi landing his blow first, immediately launching into one of his combos, going for the throat, now seeing a K.O. on the horizon. His injuries hardly mattered anymore. His energy replenished with each attack he threw. He wasn't going gently into that good night. Even when all hope seemed to be lost, he continued to believe in himself, to think about the hurdles he'd jumped over to get to this battle and rage against the obstacles hindering him now. Just like in 1P Mode, all sorts of random doubts and fleeting urges to retreat tried to drag him back, but he muddled through them, just like he muddled through the cruel voices of Ganon and Koopa trying to entangle him. And Master Hand had hit him with everything he had, but his body stood strong through it, just like it stood strong through Giga Koopa's enhanced attacks. There was fire inside of him, keeping the shadows at bay and motivating him to fight on through another day. And no one, especially Koopa, no matter how large he grew, was going to snuff out those flames! This fire in him burned brighter and hotter, reflecting in his eyes and in his voice as he shouted passionately.
You can do this, L. You can do this. You have to keep going—you have to keep fighting!
Giga Koopa rammed his massive head into Luigi, sending him to one knee and then clawed him in the side. But Luigi drew himself back up.
You're never gonna break me, Koopa.
Crouching low, Luigi kicked out his heel into Giga Koopa's kneecap before straightening and throwing a spin kick. Giga Koopa tried to retaliate, but Luigi was ready for him with fireballs. The monster tried to dodge, but his size made him slow and sluggish, and he fell victim once again to Luigi's most painful attacks. He was beginning to bruise and bleed. His super armor had begun to weaken. And he also noticed that the dark magic effects, fire effects and freezing effects were fading as Luigi forced him into a defensive stance. Either he was growing weaker—or the man in pink was growing stronger!
L—you've got this. You're gonna beat him!
You sure are!
Wha—who said that!
It's just like you said—we're right behind you, L! We believe in you!
Luigi was overjoyed. It was the voices of his friends, rallying him, girding him, keeping him strong despite the pain in his body. He allowed himself to remember the cheers sounding through the stands on the Battlefield that day, the spirited cries of encouragement floating down and answering his own exclamations. How they had turned out in numbers, some bringing their friends along, for the sole purpose of showering Luigi with much-needed support, knowing that facing down a massive turtle would require an emotional boost. How they had worn green or hoisted brightly-colored signs, chanted his name, broke out "the Wave". How they'd sat through the match from start to finish when they easily could've done other things in that time period. And how, even after he lost, they continued to stand by him, cheering him up and pointing out that even legends made mistakes sometimes. They reminded him of his earlier impressive victories and still considered him a formidable force in Melee. Thanks to them, he'd recuperated and recovered from the loss and emerged ready to try, try again!
You've got this, Bro! I know you do! I've seen you during the times we battled him together, and I can honestly say that I could never beat him without your help! You may have lost that day, Bro—but he didn't defeat you! Sei un sopravvissuto! Puntare in alto! Non mollare! Si tu puoi! Ho fiducia in te!
Standing there on the Battlefield, Luigi had met Mario's blue eyes and saw the concern and confidence in them. For a moment, his face had relaxed, a smie had spread across his features, and he'd offered his big bro a quick, reassuring wink.
You are not worthless or weak. Remember that. It was only one month ago that you saved my life even though I know you wanted to run. You faced your biggest fears—for me. And if you can beat your fears—then you can beat Giga Koopa.
He's right. The Princess's soft, dulcet tones joined in. You can do anything, once you put your mind to it. Didn't you tell that to little Ness once? When I watched you that day, I wasn't looking at a coward. I was looking at a man who never lets anything crush him. Don't let that monster crush you! Stand and fight! Show him who's boss!
Peach held Mario's hand as they watched the two combatants stare each other down. Luigi's wink and broad smile had reassured her along with her love. Of course, she didn't count on him losing, but did it really matter? You couldn't win at everything—losses were what helped you get better, not victories. She'd always remember the look of commitment on Luigi's face and the way he never shied from Koopa's intimidating glare—despite his fists shaking a little bit when he raised them. As Dean shouted the start of the match, Peach blew a kiss down to the man in pink.
Do it! Just—do—it! I know you can, and you know you can, too!
You're right, Princess. I know I can. If I can beat Master Hand and the King of all Boos, then I can beat Giga Koopa!
Mario told me what you did in that mansion. And all I have to say is—if you were truly a coward, then you would've left him to fend for himself. But you didn't.
Then, Yoshi's happy voice floated in as Luigi knocked Giga Koopa off his feet. Yoshi!
The green dino had sat next to Mario that day, watching Luigi with glittering eyes. What had stuck with him, besides Koopa's post-victory rant, was seeing Luigi dig in his heels even when he found himself at a disadvantage. And loss or not, Luigi had cared for Yoshi after he'd hatched from an egg. No matter what, Luigi would always be his mommy!
Yoshi!
You're right, Yoshi. I've been the best mother you've ever had. I've protected you and loved you. And I always will...
He smiled internally as he heard DK's voice giving a motivational speech in ape-speak. Though they got off to a rocky start, the tie-wearing simian had never underestimated him, especially upon seeing his prowess in various sports. DK was also historically a low-tier, a predicament which Luigi understood all too well. Seeing him in the stands, wearing a green tie and rooting for him, had been further proof that he'd changed his ways.
DK had made himself comfortable in the center row, guzzling on bananas, erupting in spirited ape cries as Luigi's adrenaline erupted on the battle stage. And after the loss, DK had taken a loaf of banana bread up to Luigi's room to cheer him up. The King of the Jungle would spend the next few days breathing down Koopa's neck. Too bad it didn't unnerve him—
Luigi dodged another hammy fist to the head and went in with a series of karate chops and jabs, finishing with a blinding smash attack. Giga Koopa leaped into the air and performed his down special, crashing down hard onto the plumber. As Luigi struggled back up, trying to reorient himself, a familiar, strident voice rang in his ears.
The winds of courage are strong in you, L! Farore will protect and defend you! I don't care what that turtle says—you're still one-half of the Green Team. You're tough. You're gritty. You're titanium. And you never—ever—back down!
The Green Team. Luigi had coined that moniker for him and Link two years ago while awaiting a Team Battle atop Hyrule Castle. Something about the name stirred something in them both, and not only did they beat the opposing team, they continued to partner up for future team clashes.
Nobody is ever without fear—and it's okay to be afraid. But nobody is without courage either, and I know that despite your fears, you can rise to any challenge. But fear not—I'll always be by your side!
And so will I. So far, I have enjoyed fighting alongside and against you. I can tell that this is something that you're serious and passionate about—but that you also like to relax a bit and have some fun. You're nothing like the prima donnas that come here to just beat up people and win. You know that there's more to the table than winning.
Zelda had known that respect and appreciation were more important to Luigi than winning. Yet at the same time, she knew that Luigi hoped to make a statement by winning against particular people. Like Koopa, for instance. He'd wanted to show that turtle that he had to fear him as much—and maybe more than—Mario. But when he lost, Koopa was convinced that he'd always be weak. Luigi had spent the weeks since training harder and dreaming for a rematch to prove him wrong.
He could still hear Zelda and Link, sitting together one section to Mario and Peach's left, cheering and chanting in Hylian. Though Luigi didn't know a word of Hylian, he could tell by the tones and cadences in their voice that they were sounding a war cry. His mind supplied the blast of Hylian horns and the deep booming of Hylian war drums, further stirring him into action against his smug foe.
And then Zelda had visited him afterwards, giving him advice and calming him down, knowing that he wanted to barge into Koopa's room and let him have it for what he'd said to him. She'd encouraged him to wait it out, to reflect over the day's events, to decompress and to practice. There would be an opportune moment to release that aggression—and today just wasn't the day. Thanks to Zelda's wisdom, Luigi was able to cool off, look upon the match with fresh eyes and realize where he'd erred.
Taking your prey requires patience and skill, the last of the Sheikahs chimed in. You must stalk the prey, read the prey, become the prey—confuse the prey and trick him into dropping his guard. Your prey won't know until it's too late that he's fallen into your trap.
Soft lyre music rose into his stormy mindscape, and Luigi could imagine Sheik's eyes studying him from under her veil, contemplating the sight before her. She had to be one of the most level-headed Smashers here. When Zelda's advice wasn't enough, then she'd turn into her alter ego and offer some more wisdom, with a dash of tough love.
You can defeat this beast, L. I'll be right behind you every step of the way...
Thank you, Sheik—
You can thank everyone else, too, 'cause we're not going anywhere!
Sammy! It's you!
If you can beat me with my hi-tech armor and weapons, then you can beat Godzilla here. I have faith in you, L. We all do. Now show him who's boss!
Samus had immediately announced her support for Luigi, with her green top, green headband and green and white nails. He'd noticed her craning her neck, studying him intensely, as he psyched himself up. He'd heard her hardcore cheers, glimpsing her waving a green scarf, during the battle. And after he lost, Samus had offered him tips on how to cope with crushing, humiliating losses, drawing upon personal experiences. They seemed to help, but Luigi really couldn't wait to get his hands on Koopa again.
There were times during my missions when I felt I couldn't go on, too. But after the first Smash tournament, I started thinking of you during those moments. Know why? 'Cause you're amazing under pressure. You keep your head high and your eyes fixed on your goal. And you hang tough and never let go. Kudos to you, L, for never letting go.
Yes. I'm hanging in there. I'm never letting go. I'm soldiering on and fixing my eyes. And my eyes are fixed—on beating this menace! I can do this! I can—I can—I can—I CAN!
Hii!
Kirby—
Poyo! Poyo, poyo poyoy popoyo poy poyo, poyo! Poyo—poy poyoyo popoyo poyoy, poyo, poyo, poyo, poyo po poyo, poyo! Poy! Poyoyo! Poyo, poyo poyo! Popoyo, poy! Poyo!
Of course, Kirby. Luigi was honored to be considered a positive role model to the little fluffball. Since he'd been in his predicament two years ago, he was going to draw from that experience and provide Kirby with the tools he needed to survive. He remembered Kirby listening, wide-eyed, as Luigi told him stories of the battles he'd won in spite of the odds, of the fighters he'd stood up to and of the friends who rallied to his cause like he was doing now. And when Luigi walked in on Kirby at his lowest point—he'd confessed to his own moments of darkness, when he'd been tempted to do what he just caught Kirby doing, but what good would come out of that? From then on, Kirby immediately dropped everything and ran to Luigi whenever he felt like he was drowning. And in return, Kirby made sure to attend all of Luigi's matches.
Kirby's cheeriness was just what the doctor ordered when Luigi arrived to battle Koopa. He sat between Jiggs and Pikachu, "poyo"-ing and waving his appendages, the childish joy back in his eyes. He was so happy to have brought back Kirby's carefree attitude, the sense of accomplishment further amplyfying his confidence. And after the loss, Kirby had given him a nice-sized slice of cake. Yep—he was back to his old self, or close to it!
The puffball's cheery voice continued to permeate his mindscape as he danced about Final Destination, facing down Giga Koopa and giving no quarter with his blows. He landed Trowel Stabs on critical areas on the hulking body. He dodged or shielded against Fire Breath. He smashed hooks all over the body and face. He defied the glinting claws, glittering fangs and shiny spines. And he yelled and hollered his throat raw, hurling dares toward the beast at the top of his voice.
Believe it or not, I've always rooted for you, intoned Fox's voice. Even when I was poking fun at you, I knew deep in my heart that you were capable of more than I could ever imagine. When I was up there, watching you, all I could think was, "Wow, how come you're not top tier?" You've risen through the ranks, but you've stayed modest and humble, and for that, I truly admire you. I may be a bit of a jerk to you sometimes, but I respect you.
Me, too. C'mon—we're both Brooklyn babies! Sure, we're the top dogs of Melee, but we know defying the odds when we see them. And you, buddy, are definitely defying the odds.
Fox—Falco—I can't thank you enough...
Don't mention it...
The two reps of the Star Fox team had been clustered with the other Melee Elite, sharing nachos. Falco had lifted a wing in salute to Luigi—one Brooklynite to another—and Fox had waved. Luigi had returned the latter with a curt nod. It was great that Fox was cheering for him—but it didn't change how he continued to consider himself a "Melee God". But gradually, he found his anger ebbing as he released boatloads of tension on Koopa. And after Koopa had taunted him, Fox had begun to lay off his own cocky attitude, offering to spar with the plumber on rough days.
Pika, pika!
Pichu, chu!
Puff! Jigglypuff! You've got this, L!
In spite of everything, in spite of the unexpected feud erupting between Luigi and Pikachu, the Electric Mouse still had the plumber's back. Pichu had sided with Pikachu out of loyalty, but in reality, he couldn't bring himself to hate Luigi. The two of them had cheered for the man in green, not for Koopa, during that dramatic battle. And Jiggs—though she was on Melee's "A List", she was still one of the Formidable Four, and she'd never forget that special bond with Luigi.
Yes! Show him ya moves!
Falcon. What was Luigi going to do with him? Even as he remembered the cocky yet encouraging smile on the racer's face as he sat beside Samus, he also remembered his behavior and his words during the first tournament, the mixed emotions giving him even more energy to unleash on the now-staggering Giga Koopa.
What I said to you that night was wrong, L. I can't lie about that. I guess I let my rankings get to my head. But all of that's in the past now. I'm a new man, a changed man. A man who believes in you and who knows you can send that big, bad Koopa running for his mommy! Keep fighting the good fight, and remember, I know you can do it! You're the backbone and the spine of the Formidable Four, anyway! You can make that spirit live, breathe and jump again! Don't let Koopa's words rule you—confront them! Fight! Win! Yes!
When I look into your eyes, I feel like I can do anything, Ness's voice whispered in Luigi's ear. From day one, you've inspired me to keep going, to pay no attention to what everyone else thinks about me. After you beat Master Hand, you told me that if I put my mind to it, then anything is possible. I want you to know that I'm praying for you, and so are Jeff and Paula and Poo. Recieve our prayers, and gather strength from them!
I believe in morning sun
Always gonna shine again and
I believe a pot of gold
Waits at every rainbow's end, goes
I believe in roses kissed with dew
Why shouldn't I believe the same in you?
I believe in make-believe
Fairy tales and lucky charms, and
I believe in promises
Spoken as you cross your heart, oh
I believe in skies forever blue
Why shouldn't I believe the same in you?
You may even say I'm a fool
Feelin' the way that I do
You can call me Pollyanna
Say I'm crazy as a loon
I believe in silver linings
And that's why I believe in you
I believe there'll come a day
Maybe it will be tomorrow
When the bluebird flies away
All we have to do is follow
I believe a dream can still come true
Why shouldn't I believe the same in you?
You may even say I'm a fool
Feelin' the way that I do
I believe in friends and laughter
And the wonders love can do
I believe in songs and magic
And that's why I believe in you
You may even say I'm a fool
Feelin' this way about you
There's not much I can do
I'm gonna be this way my life through
'Cause I still believe in miracles
I swear I've seen a few
And the time will surely come
When you can see my point of view
I believe in second chances
And that's why I believe in you!
Remember, L—if someone messes with one of us, then they mess with all of us!
Ness had brought his three friends along that day. Luigi recognized Jeff by his mop of blond hair and his glasses. Beneath his teal jacket had been a Kelly-green T-shirt. Paula's hair was arranged into two pigtails, and she was clad in a green and white ensemble accentuated by darker green ribbons. And Poo wore a simple green cotton tunic. Ness had worn his usual striped shirt, denim shorts, sneakers and red baseball cap, but he'd had the letter L with a white accent painted on both cheeks. All four kids held a green-dyed Mr. Saturn in their laps, occasionally waving them about as they cheered. It was as if Luigi could feel their well-wishes flowing into his bloodstream!
This time, well-wishes from the majority of the Smash roster poured in from every corner, charging Luigi like the Energizer Bunny. Electric sparks danced through his system and ran in currents along his bruised body, and he focused those currents to create a new energy ball sitting at his waistline, right atop his pelvis. He breathed, moving it up to its regular place at his navel, and he kept it there, kept it growing and growing, as he glared fiercely into Giga Koopa's eyes and threw his remaining might into his already powerful attacks.
We love you, Lu! We know you can do it! The Ice Climbers sang out. You're almost there! Can you almost taste it?
Indeed, Giga Koopa was barely hanging on. Only a few more blows would send him beyond that blast line! But like any villain, he wasn't going down without one last fight. He held nothing back with his claws and shell, still managing to trap Luigi in a pin or a Koopa Klaw from time to time. The pain was so much that the plumber almost went limp. But he knew he couldn't. He sucked in his breath and breathed through each attack dealt against him, fighting defensively, using his strong side to poke through a shield or push him away, searching for an opening. And eventually, he'd find one.
The pink clad man's body was screaming at him to quit as his life's blood continued to escape, but he dared not. Not while this hulking monster stood before him. Said monster was also covered in bruises and blood, but his attacks were still strong. Luigi wouldn't rest until his tormentor got his just-desserts. And with the voices of his friends rallying behind him, there was a chance that he would.
In one ear, Marth's soft, somewhat breathy voice exhorted and encouraged in Japanese. In the other, Roy's boyish but sure voice further spurred him on with words as fiery as his Sword of Seals. These two swordsmen didn't cross his path during Adventure Mode, but they, too, had showed their support that day.
You told me of your perilous adventure to rescue your brother. You told me that people don't take you seriously enough. But I'm not among them, Marth assured him. Don't be afraid, for I'll be right here. Everything will be all right.
Hey, don't forget me! Roy chimed into the other ear. Don't forget about everyone else, either. Listen to them! Listen to their voices, replenishing you, reminding of what makes you heroic in your own right! Listen to them, praying for you and chasing away your fears and the shadows of doubt! Listen to them, giving their energy to you and letting you know that you're in their hearts, even though they can't watch this battle in person! Listen, L—listen!
WE LOVE YOU, LUIGI!
YOU'RE NUMBER ONE!
YOU'RE COOL!
YOU CAN BEAT THAT MONSTER IF YOU BEAT MASTER HAND!
WE'RE NOT GIVING UP ON YOU!
WE'RE NOT ABANDONING YOU!
YOUR PAIN IS OURS! YOUR JOY IS OURS!
WE'RE A FAMILY HERE—WE'LL WEATHER THIS TOGETHER!
HANG IN THERE, LUIGI!
Hundreds—thousands—millions of voices in Luigi's head—not bad, but good—not discouraging, but empowering! They rekindled the expiring embers of his determination and brought him from the brink of exhaustion. Their voices were in his voice as he continued to shout in the heat of battle. And whenever those pesky negative feelings threatened to creep back in, he'd remembered the numbers who turned out to watch him make a stand against Koopa. He lost, but he'd made a statement that day—he wasn't so easy to take down! And as long as he had his friends—losing a match didn't hurt so bad!
And with one, final spirited blow, Luigi sent Giga Koopa crashing onto his back. As stars swirled around the beast's head, his opponent marched over and roughly grabbed his tail.
"Don't you see, Koopa? All of this time, my friends were with me, encouraging and inspiring me! And what did you have? Your claws? Your shell spines? Your fangs and horns? Your minions? Your pal, Ganondorf? You thought all of that could take me down? You were wrong! I have the power of friendship on my side! The unwavering loyalty of the friends I've made in Smash defies your dark magic and might! I think of them in each battle I fight! I remember what they've done for me—and that's what helps me survive! Your words hurt—they cut me—but I healed and I got back up, thanks to my friends! They are the lights in my life and the lights making my spirit glow! I cannot thank them enough for how they helped me see how wrong you are about me. I get scared easily, that's true—but I'll never back down from a fight! If you want to take me, then you'll have to kill me! I'll never bow, bend or break to your will! I'll beat you a million times over, or perish in the attempt! Because no matter what you throw at me—FRIENDSHIP ALWAYS WINS!"
Grunting with the effort, Luigi hoisted Giga Koopa off the stage and began to swing him like a merry-go-round. He started off slow, but then he picked up momentum and speed, pivoting on his heels as the two of them continued to twirl together. Giga Koopa clawed at the air, but Luigi's grip on his tail was like a vise and only tightened in response. Finally, when the massive turtle was at the proper velocity—
"I'm-a Luigi, number one! And nothing crushes me!"
With this final declaration, he released Giga Koopa, sending him rocketing off Final Destination and into oblivion.
SUCCESS!
Thank you—my friends, thought Luigi as his foe, trophified once more, dropped into the darkness like a stone, shattering into pieces like a stone.
"I got you," Luigi said softly. Then, his voice shot up. "You spiteful, hateful, bullying monster! I got you! I got you! You almost destroyed me! Your words deprived me of decent sleep for days afterward! But it's over! For you! You'll never bother me like that again, you hear me?! Never again!" The pain from the battle finally began to register, the last of his fury extinguishing forevermore. "Never again. Never again…"
"Very well done, Luigi," said Master Hand as he floated over. "Of course, I counted on Ganon tampering with my mechanics. I genuinely wanted to see what you could do."
Tears shone in Luigi's eyes. "Did you really think I could beat him?"
MH smiled. "Just like you said to Ness that day—nothing is impossible, if you put your mind to it."
"Thank you, Master Hand," Luigi said in a jerky voice. He then gazed toward another area of the stands, where everyone else had been sitting all along. "Thank you all. For believing in me…"
His eyes glazed over, his knees gave out, and he collapsed, thoroughly spent, onto the floor.
"I've got him," said Master Hand as he gently scooped up Luigi and carried him away.
Translation: You're a survivor! Stand tall! Never let up! Yes, you can! I believe in you!
That...was...epic! No wonder it took so long!
Please review! Only one chapter left!
