Game Clear!
Two weeks later…
Once again, the Seating Area was filled to capacity. Its occupants sported green in some area on their body. Green shirts, green bottoms, green dresses, green hats. Even green wigs, green jewelry and green makeup. Some even dyed their hair green, got their faces painted and sported temporary tattoos. Concessions were hopping, selling hot dogs, garlic fries, cheese fries, chili fries, popcorn, peanuts, caramel corn, sodas, cotton candy, ice cream, pizza, candy and "lotsa" spaghetti. The roaring crowd nearly drowned out the sounds of battle below.
"Go, Luigi! You can do it, Luigi!" the Smashers cheered as the man in green took on arguably one of the toughest Event Matches in Melee—Event 51. He was pitted against three villainous powerhouses, Giga Koopa, Ganondorf, and the psychic Pokémon, Mewtwo. They were no top tier fighters, but they were still quite powerful and held nothing but scorn and contempt toward their green-clad challenger. All fighters had three stock, and there was no time limit.
Luigi had been fighting against the trio for over an hour, and the damage he racked up on the three was quite impressive. Still, between Giga Koopa's heavy blows, Ganon's dark magic attacks, and Mewtwo's telekinetic attacks, he was in danger of losing one of his stocks. He'd just managed to take a stock from Mewtwo, with Ganondorf possibly next. Giga Koopa remained the hardest to KO, and it seemed that he wanted revenge for being trounced during Adventure Mode.
As he battled, Luigi remembered the Smashers before him who had unsuccessfully attempted Event 51. He'd been in the front row, alongside Peach, on the day Mario had faced off against those three. The red-clad plumber had barely escaped the encounter alive. Neither had Kirby, or Peach, or Link—or his other friends, for that matter. Not only had they been reduced to beaten, bloody heaps, but also they had been humiliated—forced to grovel and beg for the sinister trio's mercy! But Luigi wouldn't grovel to them. He'd never beg from them! And he wasn't about to capitulate to them!
Sidestepping Mewtwo's Shadow Ball, he grabbed the psychic, pummeled him several times and then hurled him into Ganon, knocking them both to the floor. Giga Koopa covered them with his Fire Breath and charged forward, but Luigi dropped to the floor and swept his legs around, halting the attack. He immediately dashed forward and piled on his smashes, aerial attacks, Cyclones and some Missiles before taking the monster's first stock with a hefty Trowel Stab. Giga Koopa was a tad easier to work with now that he wasn't backed up by Ganon's magic.
Speaking of Ganon, he delivered a brutal Warlock Punch to Luigi's face, sending him sprawling onto his back. He struggled back up, only to be rewarded with another Warlock Punch to the body. The Gerudo King chuckled as Luigi coughed up blood and paid for it when a get-up kick attack met his jaw. Before he could recover, Luigi had him in a savage chain-grab and Smash attack combo which made fireworks explode in his head. With an angry yell, the plumber took Ganon's first stock with a Super Jump Punch.
Then, Mewtwo came at him, ready for more, and Luigi reset himself, keeping his explosive emotions in check. They danced wildly all over his face, but they'd only hinder him in battle. Instead, he focused them inward, converting them into energy and self-motivation. Aware of Mewtwo's Confusion attack, he didn't use fireballs on him. Instead, he spent a while working the psychic with strong attacks and watching carefully for that Disable move, which disoriented him. He did use fireballs to prevent Giga Koopa and Ganondorf from rushing to Mewtwo's aid, though, deciding to isolate the three to make them easier to beat. Mewtwo tried to Teleport to different areas of the stage, but Luigi managed hard reads on him, greeting him with an up smash or a down smash. Sometimes, Mewtwo would telekinetically throw Luigi to one of his allies, who would use the surprised man as a punching bag until a forward smash brought the offensive streak to an end. He'd batter multiple opponents with his Cyclone and quickly decide which one to go for next based on the damage percentages and the stock remaining for each fighter. Mewtwo was in danger of losing his last stock, but Ganon and Giga Koopa were slow and more susceptible to Luigi's combos. He'd quickly weigh possibilities in his mind before deciding to combo up on Mewtwo. Mixing Smashes with karate chops and flying kicks. Chain-grabbing and chain-throwing him. Taking dangerous, telekinetic moves such as Disable, along with tail lashes, Shadow Balls, electric attacks and strikes with dark auras. Continuing to keep the other two separated and at bay. After Misfiring into the psychic Pokémon, Luigi took his second stock with a b-air.
He moved in on Ganondorf then, making him pay for the fast one he'd pulled two weeks earlier. Though Ganon's dark-magic fueled blows were nothing to laugh at, his mobility was subpar at best, and his jump height was pitifully low. Luigi got him with short-hop aerial blows, mainly his spiking d-air and his chain-grabbing and throwing skills. He styled plenty of impressive combos on the King of Evil. But Ganon rallied against this plumber with his downward stomping kick, his flaming axe kick which broke shields, all of his Smash attacks and all of his special moves. His Warlock Punches made Luigi's vision blur for a few seconds. His Dark Dive had an electric effect to it. His Gerudo Dragon was enhanced by dark magic. And his Wizard's Foot could propel Luigi across the stage. One of his favorite things to do was to chain grab with his up throw before smashing him into the floor. He'd try to hurl him into the trajectory of an ally, but Luigi kept them perfectly spaced. He also caught on to what Ganon was up to and quickened his pace, landing rapid, long-range strikes before closing in with heavier attacks. Eventually, a misfired Missile claimed Ganon's second stock.
The Green Missile had also struck Giga Koopa, hurtling him off the stage. Luigi wasted no time in setting up a Fence of Pain with his f-air. Once they were far enough from the stage, he spiked him with his d-air, causing him to plummet helplessly off the stage. Luigi recovered to the platform with another misfired Missile, ramming into Mewtwo as he charged a Shadow Ball. But Ganon lifted his leg and brought it down hard on Luigi with an explosive blast, sending exquisite pain shooting down his nerves. Giga Koopa stepped in with a double-claw strike and a vicious double-footed kick, causing Luigi's mouth to go slack briefly. Before Mewtwo could add to the mix, Luigi straightened and raised his fists, a little pale and dribbling blood but slicing into them with his eyes. Ominously, the trio closed in on him.
For a quick moment, Luigi retreated into his thoughts, checking in with his body and assessing how much more damage he could take before suffering a stock loss. Then, he focused on the cheering around him, imagining the sea of green-clad spectators filling up the bleachers, rather than a sparse crowd like he expected. He picked out Mario's voice, hollering in Italian, Dr. Mario doing the same. There was Peach's voice. DK's ape sounds. Link and Zelda with another Hylian war chant. Even Sheik, intermittently, yelling in Sheikah. Samus whooping. Yoshi chortling. Kirby's high, cheery voice yelling "Hii!" or "Poyo!". Fox and Falco chanting Luigi's name. Pichu, Pikachu and Jiggs squealing over the plumber facing a powerful Legendary. Falcon cheering as if for his favorite sports team and still exhorting Luigi to show moves. Ness, this time bringing Ninten and Ana along with Jeff, Paula and Poo, the psychic kids cheering their heads off. Nana and Popo rhythmically knocking their mallets together in a "clapping cheer".
"Gimme an L!" Knock-knock.
"Gimme a U!" Knock-knock.
And so on till they spelled Luigi's name.
Finally, were Marth and Roy, spewing all sorts of motivation in Japanese and English.
Luigi closed his eyes. Listened to the cheers. Listened to the support. And breathed, deeper and deeper, tasting sweat mixing with blood. And reflected. Reflected on everything he'd been through over the past few weeks—or the past two years, for that matter—and how the surge of power from his friends, from his brother and from deep inside himself helped him survive.
Under his breath, he whispered, "Dammi la forza una volta di più."
His eyes flashed open, glaring defiantly at Mewtwo, Giga Koopa and Ganondorf. He was at home stretch—the trio only had one stock remaining! With a yell leaving nothing to the imagination, he launched back into battle, knocking the three away with a Cyclone and then dealing with them one by one. First up was Giga Koopa, who Luigi lit into with smash attacks while evading wild claw swings. Finally, he laid him out to dry with an impressive Super Jump Punch. Mewtwo seized him and hurled him into the air, but Luigi DI'd to safety and rammed him with two misfired Missiles before grabbing his tail and slamming him all over the platform. This led to an aerial combo culminating in a third Green Missile, rendering the Legendary psychic down for the count.
Now, only Ganondorf remained.
There was apprehension in the Gerudo King's eyes, apprehension which he tried to shove away with a derisive sneer at his opponent. But Luigi met the sneer with a face like granite, dukes up, fists and breathing steady. His and Giga Koopa's days of bossing around the other Smashers were over.
"This is what you get for trying to cheat," Luigi said tightly before knifing his hand into Ganon's collarbone.
Ganon roared indignantly and threw a Warlock Punch at him. The blow missed, but Luigi still felt the powerful shockwave, almost toppling him off his feet. Regaining his balance, Luigi pivoted and rocketed a hook into the side of Ganondorf's face, followed by a blow under the chin and straight punch to the face. Next, Luigi fluidly spun and kicked Ganon hard in the chest before landing five aerial chops on him, plus a strong Cyclone. After blindsiding him with sissy fists, Luigi switched to Smash attacks and throws, sensing the finish line ahead and knowing that he couldn't waver now. He heard the crowd exploding into a frenzy. He heard his own exclamations, blazing and echoing every which way. He heard his heartbeat. He heard his breath blasting hotly from between his lips. He heard his blows making contact with his opponent. He heard Ganon's cries of pain and dismay. And he heard the small voice in his head, telling him that he was going to do it!
Finally, Ganon violently thrust his shoulder at Luigi, sending him reeling. He then reached out to grab him, but Luigi nimbly leaped aside. Offering Ganon one final hard look, Luigi summoned his last ounce of strength, wound up, and exclaimed:
"Checkmate!"
The Smash attack collided with Ganondorf, launching him skyward. The King of Evil screamed pitifully as he tumbled into endlessness.
SUCCESS!
The crowd leapt to their feet, screaming madly. They tossed Luigi flower bouquets, Fire Flowers, Stars and Mushrooms.
"Yeah! You did it, Luigi! You showed them what for, Luigi! You've won a gold medal, Luigi!"
Heat rose to Luigi's cheeks. Humbled by such an outpouring of adoration, he lowered his head and softly kicked the ground, tears of joy springing to his eyes.
Well I thought I knew you, thinkin' that you were true
Guess I, I couldn't trust called your bluff time is up
'Cause I've had enough
You were there by my side, always down for the ride
But your joy ride just came down in flames cause your greed sold me out in shame
After all of the stealing and cheating you probably think that
I hold resentment for you
But uh uh, oh no, you're wrong
'Cause if it wasn't for all that you tried to do, I wouldn't know
Just how capable I am to pull through
So I want to say thank you
Cause it
'Cause it makes me that much stronger
Makes me work a little bit harder
It makes me that much wiser
So thanks for making me a fighter
Made me learn a little bit faster
Made my skin a little bit thicker
Makes me that much smarter
So thanks for making me a fighter
Never saw it coming, all of your backstabbing
Just so you could cash in on a good thing before I'd realize your game
I heard you're goin' round playin', the victim now
But don't even begin feeling I'm the one to blame
'Cause you dug your own grave
After all of the fights and the lies cause you're wanting to haunt me
But that won't work anymore, no more,
It's over
'Cause if it wasn't for all of your torture
I wouldn't know how to be this way now and never back down
So I want to say thank you
Cause it
'Cause it makes me that much stronger
Makes me work a little bit harder
It makes me that much wiser
So thanks for making me a fighter
Made me learn a little bit faster
Made my skin a little bit thicker
Makes me that much smarter
So thanks for making me a fighter
How could this man I thought I knew
Turn out to be unjust so cruel
Could only see the good in you
Pretended not to know the truth
You tried to hide your lies, disguise yourself
Through living in denial
But in the end you'll see
You won't stop me
I am a fighter and I
I ain't goin' stop
There is no turning back
I've had enough
'Cause it makes me that much stronger
Makes me work a little bit harder
It makes me that much wiser
So thanks for making me a fighter
Made me learn a little bit faster
Made my skin a little bit thicker
Makes me that much smarter
So thanks for making me a fighter
You thought I would forget,
But I remember
'Cause I remember
I remember
You thought I would forget,
But I remember
'Cause I remember
I remember
'Cause it makes me that much stronger
Makes me work a little bit harder
It makes me that much wiser
So thanks for making me a fighter
Made me learn a little bit faster
Made my skin a little bit thicker
Makes me that much smarter
So thanks for making me a fighter!
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Luigi stood in the Reception Hall, his tears finally spilling as his blue eyes scanned the cheering Smashers. They came with more flower bouquets, balloons, ribbons, glitter and confetti, most of it green. Koopa, Ganon and Mewtwo sulked a good distance away, but they hardly bothered Luigi now. A hush fell over the room as Master Hand floated over, a trophy in hand.
"For outstanding heroism, perseverance and commitment in the face of adversity, both on and off the battlefield, it's my pleasure to present you, Luigi, with your personal Smash Red trophy!"
"Thank you so much!" Luigi said tearfully as he accepted the trophy. "I had to fight and bruise and bleed a lot to get to this point. But I don't think I would've made it if it weren't for you all. Thank you—for staying by my side."
The man in green examined his trophy. It showed him in his usual green getup, arms crossed behind him as he did his shy dirt kick. Impulsively, Luigi brought it to his lips, unable to contain his feelings of closure and vindication. He'd freaking done it. Despite what Koopa thought, Luigi had shown him that he was far from pathetic and useless and gave him and his friend, Ganondorf, a run for his money. He was as super as Super Mario, and anyone who thought otherwise should try their luck against him in a Smash Battle.
Attached to the trophy was a piece of paper which read:
"Luigi has worse traction than his brother, but he's a more powerful jumper. His fireballs aren't affected by gravity, so they fly straight horizontally. The Green Missile is similar to Pikachu's Skull Bash, but there's a 12.5% chance of a spontaneous misfire. Luigi's taunting pose inflicts minor damage."
Bringing his trophy to his lips once more, Luigi walked out of the reception hall, sent off by the applause of the majority of the roster. He brushed past Koopa and Ganon without even looking at them—he defied them to ruin this moment—and headed straight to his bedroom. He locked the door, opened the curtains and windows, and placed the trophy on his nightstand, gazing at it admiringly. Finally, he slipped off his boots, took off his hat, climbed into the bed and rewarded himself with a much-needed nap.
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Koopa sat in the Smash Lounge later that night, sipping a Scotch, when Ganon sidled up next to him. "Mind if I join?" he asked.
"Sure," smiled Koopa. He turned to the bartender. "A strong one for my friend, if you please."
The bartender nodded and fixed Ganon a drink.
"I can't believe this," sighed Koopa.
"Believe what?" asked Ganon.
"That Greenie beat me—twice," huffed Koopa. "Who does he think he is?"
"I have to hand it to you—I didn't expect him to beat me, either," Ganon softly admitted. "And when I cast that magic on you—I thought his situation was hopeless."
The bartender handed Ganon his drink, and the Gerudo King instantly knocked back a quarter of it.
"I was beaten by a coward—in front of a full house, no less," Koopa went on. "I thought I made my point clear when I creamed him that first time. And yet he had the audacity to challenge me?"
"Well, I guess it was bound to happen," sighed Ganon. "I could see it in his eyes whenever we picked on him."
"What do you mean?" frowned Koopa, confused.
"It's no secret—the Smashers were simply waiting to see us fall," explained Ganon, "and after what we said to Luigi, he was a ticking time bomb. Our defeat by his hands was inevitable from the word 'Go'."
Koopa took another sip of his drink and ordered another one. "There's more to that green 'stache than meets the eye, isn't there?" he asked after a while.
"Indeed," nodded Ganon. "Too bad we had to find out the hard way."
"Well, he did save Mario from that mansion," murmured Koopa, "and man, you should see him at our kart races and sport events! It's like it's in his blood!"
"You cause trouble for Peach, and yet she lets you compete in sports?" asked Ganon.
"There are moments of peace between us. It's complicated," shrugged Koopa. "Man, Greenie sure packed a punch!"
"Well, has it occurred to you that there's more depth to him than just a timid, overshadowed brother?" asked Ganon. "Sure, he's shy and quiet and terrified of ghosts, but there are a lot of things that you don't know about him. He genuinely wants to make friends and have a good time. He wants to prove that he can be heroic in his own right. He will fight and perform to the best of his ability when needed. He's the most dependable person I've ever met."
Koopa sighed heavily. "You're right. He's not just some second-rate Mario."
"I could see that he was nervous, a little scared," Ganon went on, "but his eyes—they were more than just windows to his soul. They made it clear that he was going to stick this one out. No matter how much we intimidated him—he was going to fight us through to the end, even if it meant getting seriously injured—or worse."
"Amen to that," nodded Koopa.
"I mean, look at Link," said Ganon. "He's an elf boy at first glance, but he's also a remarkable swordsman, an expert archer, a master of artillery—and a mean ocarina player and equestrian. And it's obvious that he loves Zelda dearly and will do anything to help her. Zelda, too—she's smart, beautiful, maternal and knows magic off the top of her head. I can't count those qualities out when I'm scheming against them."
"Well, I can't disregard Green Bean's assistance to Mario when we're locking horns," Koopa said softly. "He's a good man—and a good brother. Green looks good on him, too—but don't quote me on that."
"Let's make a deal," said Ganon. "Let's stop thinking of excuses to pick on our green-clad nemeses and at least try to take them seriously. Because believe me—they're powerhouses when they want to be."
"You said it," nodded Koopa. He raised his glass. "To the Hero of Time and the Eternal Understudy—the greenest and worthiest of underestimated foes."
Ganon smirked. "Cheers," he said as he clinked his glass with his pal's.
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"What brings you here, Master Hand?" asked the mystery man as he greeted the Hand of Creation in an undisclosed area.
"Luigi's adventure in the mansion surely changed him for the better," said MH. "It allowed him to withstand insults from King Koopa and Ganondorf. But two weeks ago, Luigi went on another adventure. Here are some highlights from it."
MH inserted a videotape, and he and the mystery man watched silently as Luigi braved perils from eight worlds before squaring off against Koopa in his regular and then his Giga form.
"Wow," breathed the man.
"Not only that, but also he became the first Smasher to clear Event 51," said MH.
"Against Giga Koopa, Ganon and Mewtwo?!"
"Yes."
"Master Hand—is there anything Luigi can't do?" the mystery man questioned in wonder.
"I'm asking the same thing," replied Master Hand.
"But I think that there's more to your visit than showing me video clips," the mystery man said knowingly.
"That is true," said MH. "Given Luigi's accomplishments in Melee, it's time to expand his role in Mario's adventures—make him more than the sidekick. Just imagine the fantastical things he can do out of loyalty to his big bro—cure him of strange illnesses, venture with him through his archrival's innards, team up with his baby self, fight alongside him in battles—even create a version of himself out of his best dreams who can grow to titanic proportions to get his bro out of danger! Just imagine!"
"What do you have in mind this time?" asked the mystery man.
"Why make a Mario game when you can make a Mario and Luigi game?" proposed MH. "A single-player Mario and Luigi game which incorporates hand-eye coordination, puzzle solving and turn-based play into hours of RPG fun?"
"A Mario and Luigi single-player RPG game? That's a good idea!" smiled the mystery man. "But—what do you want in return?"
"Since the first tournament, I have worked on a vessel which will help my Smashers unlock their true powers," said MH. "I could use some help in putting the finishing touches on it."
The mystery man smiled and shook MH's hand. "Sounds like a deal," he said.
Master Hand smiled hugely. The road to Luigi's next adventures had begun!
Translation: Give me strength once more.
SPECIAL THANKS!
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