10 February 1997
MK
Dear Diary,
Peach hosted another kart race today. Each of the tracks were updated with a fresh, new look, and she'd even added a few new ones, like Luigi Raceway. (Well, at least there's a racetrack named after me. Progress!) Also, the kart race's layout had changed. There were still four cups: Mushroom, Flower, Star and Special, but there were four races per cup, instead of five. In addition, we could utilize new items, such as Triple Mushrooms, Super Mushrooms, Fake Item Boxes, Banana Bunches, Triple Green Shells, Triple Red Shells and Spiny Shells (God, I hated those things!). Racing alongside me were Mario, Peach, Toad, Yoshi, DK and Koopa, along with a brand new racer—Wario. I could see him and Mario shoot each other glares throughout the race.
The day's races ran in this order: Mushroom Cup, Flower Cup, Star Cup and the Special Cup as the grand finale. The weather also held, save for a brisk chill in the morning. But before long, the temperature didn't matter to me. Once again, something deep inside me began to boil, and it roared to life as soon as I hammered down on the gas pedal. I still remembered being left out of Mario's painting-traversing and star-collecting adventure last year, albeit we talked things out. Even after then, Koopa kept trying—every Tuesday or Friday, or even every Tuesday and Friday. I did my part, I protected Mario from the worst of what Koopa threw at us, and I got dirty and sweaty and bruised and bloody. And no matter how hard I fought, all the Toads seemed to see was Mario. Instead of throwing a tantrum, I'd just focus it inward and use it for productive purposes, like my daily sweat-outs at Josh's gym (which actually reminds me, Jackie's about to pop any day now!), plumbing jobs in both the MK and Brooklyn (business is still going strong, even stronger), dancing to the latest, hottest tunes in solitude in my room—and this. My feet on the pedals, my hands on the steering wheel, maneuvering my kart through asphalt, dirt roads, stone roads and even ice, and I took the aggression and frustration and focused it all on one thing, and one thing only—the finish line.
This time, my sleeves were rolled up to my shoulders, perspiration sparkling along my arms. My heart pistoned in time with my engine and the engines of the racers around me. At the green light, I rocketed off, muscling against the others for the item block and the ramp that would give me an advantage. No obstacles on the courses deterred me—not one. Not even driving against traffic on Toad's Turnpike, not even the lava on Koopa's Castle. My lips were pressed tightly together, my eyes were narrowed, an item—a Shell or a Banana or one of them in threes—heavy in my hand. My blood was red-hot, and anyone who dared throw a Shell at me or trip me with a banana peel or launch me with a False Item Box was screamed at. By the time the Special Cup started, I was really worked up, taking on the bridges of DK's Jungle Parkway, the steep canyons of Yoshi Valley and the wooden docks of Banshee Boardwalk with unbelievably steely nerves.
It all culminated on Rainbow Road, the track somewhere in space, with its big drops, wide loops, corkscrews and hairpin bends. Unlike the race in 1992, there were star-shaped guardrails, but thanks to the drops, there was still a chance of falling off the course. I raced past neon-light portraits of me and the other racers, which was a lovely aesthetic addition. Roving Chomps zig-zagged throughout the course, but I was able to evade them with ease, "Coco Jamboo" by Mr. President blaring on my car's stereo. Nothing like a little Eurodance to boost me through a race. I threw back my head and sang along to the chorus, my stomach doing flips and jumps whenever I encountered a drop, a corkscrew or a hairpin bend. On the final lap, I whooped and hollered and gave it everything I had, flying across the finish line in first place to the strains of "Ecuador" by Sash. The song continued as I did my victory lap and the spectators cheered for me.
"Bingo! Oh-ho-ho!" I cried as I hopped out of my kart to showers of confetti. "I'm-a Luigi, number one!"
The awards ceremony was held at Peach's castle. In addition to the gold trophy, a gold medal was draped around my neck, as I'd performed exceptionally during the other cups. Yoshi placed second, and Mario placed third. The other racers joined the audience in applauding as more confetti and streamers showered us—except for Wario, who drove off in a huff. A Bob-omb chased after him, and we watched as it catapulted Mr. Ravioli (that's his nickname) into the air.
"Wah!" he shouted in displeasure.
Mario laughed heartily, and I couldn't resist a chuckle.
After the awards ceremony, we all went inside the castle and had ourselves a little banquet.
I really hope we have more of these kart races!
Luigi
16 March 1997
Brooklyn, New York
Dear Diary,
Earlier this morning, Julian and Jackie's daughter was born. The proud papa told me the whole story after the fact. When Jackie awoke with mild contractions, Jules rushed her to the hospital, calling Josh and Joan the minute he pulled into the parking lot. She was admitted within minutes. Both had decided for a water birth, so Jackie's room had a special tub for the occasion. Julian had gotten into the tub with her, holding her and encouraging her through the contractions. After thirty minutes to an hour of relatively painless labor, Jasmine Marjorie Merrick came into the world, healthy and pink and wailing for her mom. Jules confessed that he'd never cried so much as he did at the sight of his little girl, and Josh and Joan bawled right along with him. Jasmine, or Jas for short, spent her first few hours of life curled up on her mom's bare chest, and after the nurses checked her vitals, weighed her and measured her, she got to do the same with her dad before snuggling with her grandfather. After a morning full of bonding time, Jules and Josh invited me to meet the new arrival.
I remember the feel of the warm bundle in my arms. Jas looked at me with those big eyes, and she smiled slightly, as if she already knew I was friends with her parents and grandparents. She had her mom's hair, but most of her dad's facial features, and her eyes were looking to become her dad's color, too. Under her parents' watchful eye, I cuddled with and talked to her, and when Mario came in later, he was allowed to hold Jas, too.
The new family was moved into a new room shortly thereafter, where mother and daughter would be kept for observation for a few days. Jamie and Janice also arrived to meet their granddaughter. Mario and I spent most of the day with them, leaving only when the nurse politely shooed us out to check on them. When we decided to head home for good, we shook hands with Josh, Joan and Julian.
"Whatever you need," I told them, "be it babysitting or extra supplies…"
"Don't worry," said Jules, eyes still glistening with tears. "We'll give you a buzz."
"We'd really love to have you in Jasmine's life," added Josh.
I beamed. "I'd like that, too," I said.
Mario and I are spending the night in our Brooklyn apartment. I think Mario's asleep, and I'll follow shortly, but not before I tell you how happy I am for Josh, Julian and Jackie and that they asked me, not Mario, to play a pivotal role in Jasmine's life.
Luigi
19 May 1997
Brooklyn, NY
Dear Diary,
Shortly after becoming a dad, Julian celebrated his 21st birthday. It was a rather low-key affair, hosted in the apartment he shared with Jackie and little Jasmine. We all sat in front of the TV and watched a movie, and then we turned the living room into a dance floor. Most of the guests got to hold Jas and dance with her, and she just giggled and enjoyed the ride. By the time the cake arrived, Jas was asleep on Jackie's chest. We sang the birthday song and watched Jules blow out the candles before Jackie put her daughter down for a nap.
Jules smiled at the birthday presents we gave him. "But the best present is currently napping in her crib," he said. "I'm so happy I'm a dad."
Jas stirred when we were helping to clean up, so the birthday boy went to tend to her, reappearing with her snuggled against him without a care in the world.
"Say bye, Jas," he said softly.
"See you later, Jules," I said. "Happy b-day!"
Wow. Jules can now legally drink and gamble. Not that I would encourage him to do those things…
Luigi
23 June 1997
MK
Dear Diary,
I was in Toad Town today when I came across Oliver, and he told me of a rumor floating around. A rumor about a fighting tournament coming to these parts, organized by someone more powerful than Peach herself. I remembered the boxing tournaments Mac tended to compete in, and that I have some boxing experience myself, so I asked Oliver where he heard this rumor. He just shrugged and told me that it's a rumor that's been floating around for some time. And this fighting tournament wasn't exclusive only to the Mushroom Kingdom.
"That's interesting," I said. "If Mario and I were to sign up for this tournament, then we'd meet new people. Not to mention the possible political and military alliances Peach can establish through us."
"That's a good way to think," said Oliver, "but—it's still a rumor. We have no actual proof that a fighting tournament is happening, much less where it'll take place. It's just something to think about, should you be interested."
I nodded. "I'm definitely interested," I said, "and I'm sure Mario will be, too. Perhaps tales of his feats have spread beyond these borders."
"Hey," said Oliver. "Agnes and I have faith in you. You'd do fine in such a tournament. You can jump higher, your sliding can help you dodge—not to mention that you're taller and a little more athletic."
I smiled. "Thanks," I said.
Oliver's words stayed with me for the rest of the day, when I helped Mario complete plumbing jobs, when I gave Daisy another steamy phone call, when I saw about Josh, Julian, Jackie and 3-month-old Jas (who wound up getting her dad's eyes, as I predicted), when I did my usual workout at the gym. They remained even as I put on a CD for me to dance and shimmy to, bolstering my confidence. If I could hold my own against Mario in a kart race, a tennis tournament and in a mild shoving match, then I could hold my own against him (and others) in a full-on fight. I've always wanted to go several rounds with him, anyway.
If rumors of this tournament come to pass, then I'm definitely signing up.
Luigi
16 March 1998
Brooklyn, New York
Dear Diary,
Still no word on whether or not there's going to be a fighting tournament. I know for a fact that organizing something like that takes time—and funds. However, the rumors haven't died down yet. Oliver and Agnes have to correct me when I say it's a "boxing" tournament, because according to these rumors, the tournament would welcome more fighting styles than just boxing. I'm apprehensive—until I think back on how Mario and I fight Koopa. Our fighting style isn't particularly flashy, but it gets the job done. Maybe the two of us should start working on our fighting skills more, because fighting in a tournament is different from fighting to defend a kingdom and its beautiful ruler. I'm still keeping my fingers crossed that rumor will become fact.
But that's not the point of today's entry.
Today was Jasmine's first birthday, and both Mario and I were invited. Rather than hold it in a sweaty gym, Josh, Joan, Jules and Jackie hosted a modest-sized affair at the park, with close friends and the gym's frequent clients as party guests. The kids climbed on the jungle gym or took turns in the swings, and Josh even rented a bouncy castle for them. The grown ups sat together, socializing and telling jokes, until Jackie got out her CD player and put on some dance music. Later, the hosts organized games for both the kids and adults, like limbo, sack races and musical chairs, with separate sessions for different age groups. They did this because they didn't want anyone getting hurt. I think that's smart.
For food, we enjoyed some hot, fresh pizza, and toward the end of the party, the hosts brought out the cake, plus a personal one for the birthday girl. We all sang "Happy Birthday" to Jas, and her mom and dad helped her blow out the single candle on her cake. Everyone cooed and took pictures as Jas messily ate her personal-sized cake, her mouth and hands getting full of the dessert. After the parents cleaned her up, they helped Jas open her presents.
Once the presents were opened, most of the guests had to head home and put their children to bed, and Jules and Jackie gave them some treats to take with them. Mario and I stayed a little longer, chatting with the hosts and making Jas laugh. We, too, received some goodies to take home as we took our leave.
A long day of partying tends to leave a person drained. I'd better get some rest.
Luigi
18 May 1998
MK
Dear Diary,
Guess what, guess what?! There's going to be a fighting tournament! It's not just rumors and speculation anymore! An actual fighting tournament is coming!
Mario and I found out in the exact same place I first heard the rumors—in Toad Town. The two of us were taking a little stroll when we passed a couple of polygon-like humanoids sitting at a booth.
"You must be the Super Mario Brothers," said one of the polygons.
"That's us," said Mario. "I'm Mario, and that's my bro, Luigi."
"They say that the two of you fought a stubborn monster four times your size and won," said the polygon. "Is that true?"
"Yes," we said in unison.
"And that you continue to protect and defend this kingdom from those who may want to harm it?"
"We do," I said.
The second polygon looked us over and chuckled. "Do you think you're the only role models out there—the brave everymen standing up to a fantastical tyrant, the ones who'd lay down on a wire without question and let the others crawl over you?"
"We're only human," said Mario. "Not gods."
"He's right," I added. "We bleed, we feel pain, we can have our hearts broken. We're just humans who do the right thing."
"That's not what I mean," said the second polygon. "Mario, Luigi—you've become part of an entire multiverse. You just don't know it yet."
"What?" we gasped.
"We've been sent on behalf of the being known as—Master Hand," said the first polygon. "He's learned of your adventures, and he wants you to participate in a little get-together he's throwing."
"Master Hand?" I repeated.
The polygons showed us a photo of a giant white glove.
"He's the Hand of Creation," said the second polygon, "and he's been around since the beginning of time. Trust me—he's older than he looks."
"I've heard rumors of a fighting tournament," I ventured. "Is that the get-together that this Master Hand is organizing?"
"Indeed," said the first polygon, "and it's not just any old tournament. It's a tournament exclusive to other Nintendo characters. A crossover event never attempted before. If you want your skills tested, or just wanna have fun and make friends, then this is the event for you. All you have to do is fill out and mail in an application, and you'll have a chance to be among—the Super Smash Brothers!"
"Super Smash Brothers," we repeated.
"That's the name of this tournament?" I asked.
"Or you can just call it Smash," said the first polygon.
"So, what do you say?" asked the second polygon. "Do you wanna step onto the battlefield and test your fighting skills against Nintendo's other heroes?"
"Well," said Mario. "We'd love to, but we have loved ones we need to talk it over with."
The polygons smiled.
"Take all the time you need," said the second polygon. "We'll be here until December 31. You have until then to sign up."
"Great," I said. "Thanks. We're glad we ran into you."
"We're glad we ran into you, too," said the first polygon.
I was wired. This fighting tournament—Super Smash Brothers—looked to be better than I thought! But I couldn't sign up for anything without running it by Daisy first. Blood sports are the most dangerous kind of sports!
Luigi
19 May 1998
Sarasaland
Dear Diary,
The first thing I did after both our plumbing businesses closed for the day was head over and talk to Daisy about Super Smash Brothers. She told me that she already heard about it, but she was happy that I didn't jump in without talking to her about it first. Daisy told me that she knew there were risks, but that some risks were made to be taken. She also said that I'd be the perfect addition to a tournament, because even though I don't start fights, you can be d—ned sure I'll finish them.
"Come on—don't you wanna show Nintendo what Mario's little brother can do?" she asked.
"I've always wanted to do that," I said.
"Then I'll be cheering for you!" she said. "I think you should sign up, because it'll change you for the better."
I blushed. "Thanks, Daisy," I said.
After discussing the tournament, she invited me to spend the night at her castle, and I said yes.
I was pleasantly surprised at how many ways I could use my mouth to make Daisy—bloom. She wore a nightie with a cut-out in the middle, a cut-out which gave a perfect view of the swell of her breasts. As soon as we were alone, I knelt down and kissed all over the swell, eliciting deep gasps from her. I gave the patch of skin exposed by the cutout as much attention as she could take before I unclasped the nightie straps and watched her breasts spring free.
Once the nightie was discarded, I moved my mouth up and down her body, spilling an ocean of kisses as I went. She stood perfectly still, breathing heavily, and I continued to lavish her domes and belly with my lips. Then, I moved lower still and made her feel like she'd never felt before.
All that night, I used my mouth and nothing else, and it turned out that all I needed was my mouth. With my mouth, I didn't have to worry about hurting her or causing any bruises or irritation. The explosions my mouth gave her were more potent and satisfying, the nectar flowing like lava down my tongue. And I didn't have to worry about getting tired or—finishing too soon. I just needed to catch my breath, and then we were at it again. We started with her standing, and when her knees almost gave out from her numerous releases, we continued on the bed. And while she was recovering, I could simply move my mouth back up. Her lovely domes got most of the mouth action when I wasn't tending to her flower pod.
She's resting right now, and so I've decided to take a rest and tell you about our—talk. Earlier, I called Julian to wish him a happy birthday and tell him about Smash. I'll probably go to sleep when I'm finished. Otherwise, Daisy and I will go a few more rounds. Mmm—I'm getting excited just thinking about it.
Okay, see you tomorrow!
Luigi
20 May 1998
MK
Dear Diary,
I told Mario the good news about Daisy, and in turn, he told me that Peach gave him her blessing yesterday. Was it the prospect of new allies, or a genuine desire for him to enjoy himself? Maybe it was both. Anyway, the two of us went to Toad Town and met up with the polygons.
"We're in," we told them, and this made them smile.
"Have these filled out by the end of November," they said as they handed us our applications.
Mario and I thanked them and went home.
The application asked for our names, addresses, contact information and an emergency contact (Daisy was mine). Then, they asked for any prior fighting experience (it didn't have to be much, thank God), if we had any conditions they should know about, and finally, a short essay as to why we wanted to join the tournament. After I finished, I read over my answers three times and carefully placed the application in an envelope.
"How's it coming, Bro?" I asked.
"Almost done," said Mario. "Let's mail these in tomorrow."
"Good idea," I said.
My application's on the kitchen table, so I can simply scoop it up tomorrow on the way out.
Luigi
21 May 1998
MK
Dear Diary,
Well, we did it. Another possible journey has been set into motion. Mario and I handed our completed applications to the polygons, who told us that we should expect a letter from Master Hand in January of next year. We thanked the two and then decided to calm our nerves with a stroll through Toad Town.
"I really hope we get in," I said.
"Me, too," said Mario. "We should get out and see the world while we're still young."
"The world—or the other eight worlds?" I wryly asked.
"L—not every place has eight worlds to go through," said Mario. "Some have more, and some have less."
"But just think about it," I told him. "Maybe we could befriend the other participants, and they'd be willing to help us with our—situation. And if they have a situation of their own, we can help them."
"They'll scratch our backs and we'll scratch theirs," Mario said softly. "That's brilliant, L! And maybe after this tournament thing, we'll be able to keep in touch and communicate."
"Yeah," I said, "but what if that doesn't turn out, after all? I just can't help but wonder if things will go wrong."
Mario slung an arm around me. "Listen to me," he said. "I know something like this will have its downs as well as ups. But no matter what happens, just have fun, do your best—and be yourself."
"Be myself," I repeated.
"And whatever happens, I'll be here for you. Always," vowed Mario.
I was touched. "Thanks, Bro," I said.
And we hugged in the middle of the town square, many Toads pausing in their activities to fawn over the sight.
I remember the sense of excitement and trepidation when I applied to join Sal's crew almost fifteen years ago. When I filled out my application, and during the walk to Toad Town to mail it, that sense visited upon me again. Once again, I'm poised to tread down a new road, a new road which will hopefully bring me more friends as well as more adventures.
Luigi
16 June 1998
Brooklyn, NY
Dear Diary,
Today, Julian and Jackie graduated from NYU. Mario and I sat in the front row with Josh, Joan, Jamie and Janice, with Jasmine sitting on her paternal grandmother's lap, watching the graduates file toward the podium. With each name called, the grad's family members and friends cheered up a storm. My eyes traveled down the crowd of grads in their caps and gowns and tassels until I finally found the the two I was looking for. Jules and Jackie held hands, exchanging lovey-dovey expressions. They also looked a bit nervous, which was understandable. They were about to go out into the world, after all.
The Merricks, the Spellmans, my bro and I paid the ceremony no mind until we heard Julian's name. We looked up and saw him standing at the podium, beaming as he accepted his college diploma. Josh stood up, and Joan balanced Jas on her hip as she did the same, and then I stood. Jules waved at us and raised his arms in triumph, visibly fighting back tears. When the faculty reached Jackie's name, I stood up again, along with a tearful Jamie and Janice. Jackie was also tearing up as she received her diploma. When all of the names had been called, Jules took his girlfriend in his arms and kissed her deeply, causing Joan to cover Jas's eyes.
I helped Josh, Joan, Jamie and Janice take photos of the two grads, and then we all went to our favorite restaurant to celebrate this momentous event.
Truly, I wish Jules and Jackie the best.
Luigi
20 July 1998
MK
Dear Diary,
Mario and I have been plumbers for 15 years, and we've recently opened up a branch of Mario Bros Plumbing right here in the MK. Business for both locations is booming. Maybe it's because of our creative print ads or entertaining TV commercials. Mario and I had just as much fun making them as the Toads and New Yorkers did watching them.
Anyway, we celebrated our 15th plumber-versary with a cake at our MK location and week-long specials for our clientele. When business was done for the day, Mario and I toasted with hard cider and allowed ourselves to think about what could lie ahead of us. There were too many possibilities to count.
Let's hope our business makes it to its 25th year!
Luigi
27 July 1998
MK
Dear Diary,
Here's a new saying I like to go by nowadays: La vida es un carnaval.
Where did I get that saying? From the song of the same name by Celia Cruz. It's one of the songs I can listen to—and dance to—again and again.
Like today—I chose a random CD to pop into my stereo, and lo and behold, the first familiar strains came to my ears. "La Vida es un Carnaval" began to fill the room, and my body began to move to the engaging rhythm. I closed my eyes and rolled my shoulders and let the melody fill me, and soon, my body was winding every which way. As I danced, I released the nervous energy which had taken up residence since the day I mailed my Smash application. If I didn't get in, I could always get some more fighting experience under my belt and try again. But I really REALLY wanted to make it, because I'd had it with being viewed as second-rate. Entry into this tournament meant that I could finally spread my wings and become more than just a wingman. Imagine if I could win battles without Mario's help, with nothing except my fists and my individual skill set. Imagine if I could take a punch and get right back up. Imagine if a spectator for the tournament saw me walking by and said, "Hey, that's Luigi!" instead of "Hey, that's Mario's little brother!" Imagine if people finally realized that I didn't need Mario to hold my hand all the time. Imagine if I took on Mario himself—and won. Imagine if I had the chance to battle this Master Hand and take everything he threw at me. Imagine…
The possibilities swirled about my mind as I danced, vaguely aware of people watching me through the window. I was wearing a pair of stretchy yoga pants and no shirt, so I could understand why that was the case. But I didn't worry too much about it, continuing to spin and whirl and undulate and gyrate. I usually don't pay attention to the lyrics when I dance, but this particular song was one exception.
The lyric roughly translates to: "Life is a carnival". And life is a carnival. It's a celebration, it's a festival, it's a party. You celebrate the days you've been given, use those days to mix and mingle with new people, and the little games you see at a carnival are the hurdles thrown at you—you either win the prize or have to try again. And the intimidating carnival rides—are the times you must ask yourself, "Should I take the plunge?" And then you'll find that the rides aren't so intimidating after all. Not only do you celebrate the days you've been given, you also celebrate what the days give you. Life is one big carnival. La vida es un carnaval.
So, I kept on dancing and dipping and rocking and swaying, winding my hips and shimmying, thinking on what and where my life had brought me so far—and celebrating it all.
Luigi
18 December 1998
MK
Dear Diary,
Peach hosted a party at her castle today, with Toad, Yoshi, DK, Wario, Mario and me in attendance. This party consisted of a day full of mini-games with a common theme. Each theme was consistent with one attendee. Mario had a Rainbow Castle theme, Wario had a Battle Canyon theme, DK had a Jungle Adventure theme (treasure hunting, yay!), Peach had a Birthday Cake theme, Yoshi had a Tropical Island theme and I had an Engine Room theme (likely a shout-out to my past as a mechanic). Some of the mini-games were easy, other games were difficult and a handful of games were outlandishly complicated. The games either had us think or were merely based on luck and chance. I found that if I just stood there during several games, then I could win. That's right—I learned how to win by doing absolutely nothing! By completing these "themes", we earned Stars, and the participant who wound up with the most stars was crowned—the Super Star! As always, we all ate cake after the games were finished, along with some ice-cream to cleanse our palate. Cake and ice cream. Om-nom-nom-nom-nom.
It was a welcome distraction from getting ready for Christmas—and thinking about whether or not I'll get into that tournament.
Luigi
31 December 1998
Peach's Castle, MK
Dear Diary,
We're five minutes away from popping the champagne and watching the fireworks show. And let me tell you, I'm super-excited for this coming year. It could be the year that I get my first taste of life in a fighting tournament, or the year that I could say that I at least applied to participate in one. In five minutes, it'll be 1999, but in less than a month, I'll get a fateful letter from the being known as Master Hand. And in the final moments of 1998, I have a feeling that when Master Hand's letter falls into my hands, my life will set a new and surprising course, whether or not I make it in.
So, out with the old, and in with the new! Let's party like it's 1999!
Luigi