16 March 2002
Brooklyn, NY
Dear Diary,
Jasmine's fifth birthday party was held at a water park. I asked Daisy to accompany me, and she accepted. And boy, Jas was thrilled to meet my Flower Princess. We explained to her what a "special friend" was, and that when she got older, she'd meet a special friend of her own.
"Like Jake?" she asked. "I think he's my special friend, because I really, really like him."
"I really can't say," said Daisy. "Only time will tell."
"Yeah," I said, remembering Grace's story about Greg. "And your special friend doesn't necessarily have to be the one you marry."
"Marry? And have babies? Ick!" grimaced Jas. "I didn't say anything about marrying Jake. I only said that he's my special friend."
Daisy and I exchanged a look.
I volunteered as a chaperone, keeping the younger party guests out of trouble and tending to them whenever they got "boo-boos". When some were wary of the water slides, I identified with them, so I accompanied them during the ride, both of us screaming and laughing in no time. The majority of the little ones recognized me and shyly confessed that they preferred me over Mario, and they told me about this game for the GameCube, Luigi's Mansion. So—they made a video game out of my exploits. Plus, it was the launch title for the GameCube. Bonus points!
When we weren't riding down water slides or splashing in the pool, I kept the young party guests occupied by telling them my side of the mansion story. They listened quietly, goggle-eyed, only asking questions when I was finished.
"And people say I'm not brave," I shrugged.
"But you are," one of the kids, identified by her name tag as Monica, told me. "You are."
"Just—cautious," said another, named Kate. "My mommy and daddy say that being cautious is a good thing, because if you're not, then you can get a boo-boo."
I gave a nervous laugh. "You don't have to remind me."
"Is it okay if I tell my parents and my friends about this?" chirped a boy named Bradley.
"Just—be careful who you tell," I said.
"That was a very fun story," said another boy, and I finally got a good look at Jake, Jasmine's special friend.
He was dressed in a white shirt with a purple clip-on bow-tie and tan slacks with black suspenders. His hair was wavy and dirty-blonde, and his hazel eyes were innocent and kind. Jake and Jas were sitting next to each other, covertly holding hands.
"Thank you for sharing, Luigi," Jake went on.
"You're welcome," I said.
"But I'm not scared of any ghosts or Boos or their kings," he said, puffing out his chest. "Just let one come near Jas. I'll knock 'em out flat!"
"I was thinking the same thing!" gasped Jas.
"You—really like each other, don't you?" I asked.
"Yeah," the two said in unison.
"Do you see yourselves as—special friends?"
They scrunched up their faces. "Yuck!" they shouted.
"Luigi!" shouted Jas, giving me a death glare.
"Okay, truce," I said quickly.
"But, yeah," said Jake. "I really, really like her. Jas—do you really, really like me?"
"Yeah! You're my best friend!" chirped Jas.
I just smiled.
Later on, we enjoyed sandwiches (the crusts were cut off for the kids) and potato chips. At four o' clock, the cake and ice cream were brought out. We sang "Happy Birthday" and cheered as Jas blew out her candles. Once we had our fill of sweets, Jas opened her birthday presents. Her friends gave her Barbie dolls, a tiara—even a few Luigi plushies. But Jake's gift was especially worth giving—a game guide for Luigi's Mansion! Jas smiled and gave Jake a big hug.
The festivities started breaking up at 5:45. It was 6:30 when I said goodbye to the birthday girl, her family and the remaining guests. As always, I decided to spend the night in my Brooklyn apartment.
Luigi
16 July 2002
Brooklyn, NY
Dear Diary,
Today is Jackie and Jules's first anniversary! The happy couple celebrated their first year as husband and wife at their favorite restaurant, and all of their friends were invited. Jas seemed to understand the occasion and was relatively well-behaved. We all sat at a long table and toasted the pair, wishing them happiness for many years to come.
But so much has changed in the first year of their marriage. I look out the window of my old apartment and see the empty space where the Twin Towers used to stand. And the couple told me themselves—any movie involving the Towers, or even old jokes about the Towers are less appealing now. There was this one movie in which the protagonist went crazy and snapped at a flight attendant toward the climax, which used to be funny, but in the wake of those attacks, it's just—chilling. I guess we're still trying to make sense of it all.
On the positive side, the new and improved Luigi emerged during Jules and Jackie's first year as Mr. and Mrs. I'd cautiously tiptoed into the mansion, alone and armed only with a flashlight, and I'd confidently strode out with the Poltergust 3000 on my back, a mentor and two new best friends, the youngest of which had turned 20 almost four months ago. Nowadays, I was acting more like a leader, rather than a follower, because I showed them all that I could lead when push came to shove. Finally, while our first rescue mission pushed me closer to Mario, the mansion pushed us closer still.
After the dinner, Jules and Jackie told us that they were going to "finish" their honeymoon. Not in Barbados, but somewhere a bit closer—like Miami. There should be plenty of kid-friendly activities to keep Jas occupied. Then, they told me that Jas agreed to a compromise regarding a possible gym in the MK. They'd stay in New York over the school year and visit the MK over the summer. That way, she wouldn't leave Jake and her other friends behind.
We said our goodbyes in the parking lot, and then I drove back to my apartment. I gazed out my window, nursing a glass of wine. There were two beams of blue light filling the empty space the Twin Towers left behind. It was both beautiful and sad at the same time.
I fell asleep, feeling surprisingly at peace.
Luigi
19 July 2002
MK
Dear Diary,
So—Mario and Peach have decided to go on a little vacation. And after risking my life and confronting my deepest, darkest fears to save him from eternal imprisonment in a portrait, you'd expect him to invite me to come along, too, right?
Noooooooope.
In fact, he left without so much as a by-your-leave. All I got from him was a letter stating that he was catching a flight to this place called Isle Delfino, and that he'd be gone for at least two months. But he knew that the MK would be just fine in my hands.
Yes, Mario—the one who saved your [bleep] would be left behind to protect the MK from possible threats in your absence.
My reward for my bravery was being locked out of the loop—again.
No sense in staying bitter about it. When life gives you spaghetti sauce, you make spaghetti—and then you eat it. And if you can't eat it all in one go, you save it for later.
A good round of dancing dispelled the worst of my anger. Then, I took on plumbing jobs in Toad Town, in the rest of the MK and in New York. My temper further cooled when I passed Ground Zero. There were a lot of things worse than being out of the loop. I shouldn't make a huge deal over it, because Mario and I needed each other now more than ever.
At 2 in the afternoon, the Toads thanked me and assured me they could handle things from here. I was at home, contemplating paying Daisy a visit, when my phone rang.
"Hello?" I answered.
"Hi, Luigi," Grace's voice chirped on the other end. We'd exchanged contact information several days into the Melee tournament—which is still going on, by the way. MH is having scheduled maintenance done on the stages.
"Hey, Grace. What's new with you?"
"Becky and I have decided to vacation at Isle Delfino—and we ran into Mario on the flight," said Grace. "He wanted me to tell you that he's sorry for not telling you about his plans sooner, and also for not inviting you."
"Aw, that's okay, Grace. I've gotten over it. But it was nice of him to apologize," I said. "Where's Mario now? Skinny-dipping in the ocean with Peach?"
"Uh—that's also why I called," Grace's voice turned somber. "Luigi—Mario's been taken into custody—for a crime he didn't even commit."
"Dio! What happened?"
"When we landed, there was this paint-like goop everywhere," explained Grace. "Mario met the witnesses' descriptions. He didn't even get a chance to defend himself."
"I can scrape some bail money together, but it's gonna take a while," I said.
"I don't even think they gave him bail," huffed Grace. "I think the only thing they'll allow him is a phone call. Expect him to contact you later in the day. I'm so sorry about this, L."
"You didn't do anything wrong," I said softly. "You did the right thing by telling me. But I hope you enjoy your vacation regardless."
"Thank you, L."
"Is Peach all right?"
"She is, and she's determined to fight this thing to the end. I'll keep you posted on the situation."
"I appreciate it. Take care, Grace."
"You, too." Then, she hung up.
I couldn't believe it. My big bro, handcuffed and then caged like an animal for something he didn't do! Was he framed? Was it a misunderstanding? Was it…?
My phone rang again.
"Hello?"
"Luigi!" That was the second time I'd heard Mario's voice sound like that. "Thank God! I didn't even think they'd allow me!"
"Grace told me," I breathed. "They didn't hurt you, did they?"
"Well—no," said Mario. "They used the old intimidation tactic about throwing me in with the hardened criminals for a little 'fun'—but I know they don't mean it. Luigi—you've got to believe me, I'm innocent!"
"Of course," I said. "You'd never vandalize anything."
"Peach told me that she saw a shadowy—thing—in my likeness during the in-flight video," he went on, "but I was too distracted by the delicious seafood I was bound to eat to spot it. I think—I think this is karma coming to get me."
Mario sighed deeply before continuing.
"I'm sorry, Luigi. I must come off as an ungrateful b—d right now! You saved my life, and this is how I thank you!"
"It did feel like that," I said honestly, "but I handled it."
"Luigi, in case the worst happens, I want to say—thank you. Thank you for saving my life. Thank you for always believing in me. Thank you for always having my back. It may seem like I'm taking you for granted, but I'd never do that. You're my blood. I'm only trying to protect you."
"I know."
"That night, I told myself, 'I know I'm gonna make it through this, because I have my lil' bro.' That's how much I count on you."
"Oh, Mario. I have faith in Peach and Grace. They're gonna help clear this up."
"I sure hope so. Talk to you later, Bro."
"Bye, Mario."
I hung up and sighed deeply. My feelings regarding this situation were conflicted. Mario had apologized, but I was still a little stung over being left out. Six years ago, the same thing had happened, and I thought he'd learned the first time. Evidently not.
A little later, I went to Josh's gym to sweat out the last of my heated feelings. I spent an hour on the spin bike, staring straight ahead as I focused my emotions on my pedaling strokes. After catching my breath and recovering, I battered a punching bag. Which actually reminds me, the Smash Mansion now has something similar in the Training Area. They're canvas bags with big, beady eyes on them, and Master Hand calls them Sandbags. So, if the Training Room was empty, or I just couldn't find a sparring partner, I just used a Sandbag to practice. But we'll get to that later.
Josh walked up to me as I rested on a bench. "I called Peach," she said. "She told me everything. Really, they just assumed Mario was the culprit because he fit a description? What kind of justice system do they have here?"
"I don't know," I huffed, taking a draught of Gatorade.
Julian walked over. "How come he didn't invite you?" he asked.
"Julian," Josh said in a warning tone.
"That's okay, Josh. Mario already apologized," I said. "Not that it makes it better. But think about it—what if I'd been arrested along with him? If I'd seen them put their hands on him and rough him up, I would've taken action!"
"Definitely," said Jules.
"And had I pleaded his innocence, I would've come under suspicion, too," I added. "I just hope things work out."
"Me, too," said Josh. "I know your brother's a good man. He didn't maliciously leave you behind, nor did he—cover a beach with paint."
"You always know how to make me feel better, Josh," I said.
"That's what friends do," said Josh.
After my workout, I headed back home and gave Daisy a buzz. Peach had already told her about what happened with Mario. We commiserated over it a bit before changing the subject to more—steamy—matters. It really helped me work off my angst, manipulating myself as I vividly described the naughty things I wanted to do to Daisy and hearing her moan and gasp and sigh and eventually scream my name in response. A perfect end to an okay day.
I hope things look up tomorrow. But don't we all?
Luigi
20 July 2002
Smash Mansion
Dear Diary,
Master Hand has learned of Mario's situation and attempted to reach out to the Isle Delfino Police Department, with no success. Everyone else was whispering about it in their free time. I was able to keep it from distracting me while fighting, but there were some (i.e. Dorf and Koopa) who thought that Mario's absence meant open season for me. I swiftly got that idea out of their heads by proving that I could still tussle with the best of them without my big bro around.
That afternoon, we all got a development. Peach gave us a call and told us that Mario, thankfully, wouldn't serve any jail time. In return for this leniency, he'd have to perform some community service. Translation—clean up all that paint. Luckily, Mario had acquired a device designed by none other than Gadd himself, F.L.U.D.D. Then, Mario got on the phone, and we were all relieved to hear his voice. Mario told us that with his new gadget, cleaning up the paint would be a breeze. In addition, he'd also try to find out the real cause of the beach's defacing. He also added that F.L.U.D.D. was sentient and tried to comfort him during his night in a cell.
"We're going to be friends," he said joyfully. "Together, we're gonna clean up that mess, solve this mystery—and enjoy our vacation. Wish me luck, everybody!"
"Good luck, Mario," I said, relieved that not only was Mario a free man, but also he'd retained his sense of adventure and joy.
After I ate dinner in the cafeteria, I called Grace, and she told me that she'd help him as best as she could, just like she helped me. I told her to make sure she set aside some time for herself, and she laughed, assuring me that it wouldn't be a problem.
I'm definitely sleeping better tonight.
Luigi
22 July 2002
Smash Mansion
Dear Diary,
Mario's still hard at work cleaning up the paint while soaking up some sun and sea at the same time. He's encountered a few bosses, like Monty Mole and Petey Piranha, but he's found ways to defeat them using F.L.U.D.D. Resourcefulness definitely runs in the family, can't you tell?
But the big news today came from Grace. She was following my advice and relaxing on the beach in her bikini, drink in hand, when she saw a young man around her age emerge from the water. According to Grace, this man had deep red, curly hair, a broad, muscular chest and wore red-orange swim briefs. She told me that she couldn't stop staring at the man as he strolled through the surf, onto the sand—and walked straight up to her.
They made small talk, and then the man introduced himself as Roland Butter, or Rollie to his friends. He'd lived on Isle Delfino his whole life, raised by its inhabitants, called Piantas, for reasons she'd rather not tell me just yet. Then, she introduced herself, and he'd only quirked an eyebrow when she told him that she hunted ghosts for a living. The two of them hit it off immediately, spending the rest of the day together. They rendezvoused with Mario and F.L.U.D.D. early that evening, and Roland was sympathetic to Mario's situation and promised to help in any way he could.
Roland Butter, huh? He sounds like a pretty good guy.
Luigi
31 July 2002
Smash Mansion
Dear Diary,
I can safely say that Grace is smitten with Roland. When we talk on the phone, she can barely stop gushing about him, and I have to remind her to update me on Mario's situation, too. She sent me a few pictures in the mail, along with a postcard, and they look so happy together. When she was done singing Roland's praises, she told me that Mario was almost finished cleaning up the paint—and encountered an old friend, sort of.
Apparently, there was a paint-based clone of King Boo, named Teresa, who manned this slot machine thing, which could either reward Mario or give him enemies to fight. Mario, luckily, kept his wits about him and found Teresa's weakness—hot peppers! Way to get that clone fired up, Mario!
In other news, Mario finally got a good look at the culprit—his shadowy clone! He chased him throughout the island, but eventually lost him. But Grace made up for that by snapping several pictures of Shadow Mario. She plans to show them to the police when they're done developing, so she can prove once and for all that Mario's innocent.
And a got another postcard, from Julian and his brood. They're really enjoying themselves in Miami. The next thing on their agenda is visiting the Space Center in Cape Canaveral. He and Jackie have always had a space travel fetish, after all, and they hope to pass it along to Jas. After everything that's happened, I'm just glad they managed to snag some downtime.
Call me crazy, but I have a feeling about that shadowy clone. Who else wants to stick it to Mario for making a fool out of him countless times? Who would benefit the most if Mario suddenly found himself thrown in jail?
Plus, I haven't seen Koopa in the Smash Mansion for a while. That only makes him more suspicious.
Just some food for thought.
Luigi
4 August 2002
Smash Mansion
Dear Diary,
Shadow Mario has struck again! Mario gave me a buzz, and his tone was excited as he told me that his clone had made off with Peach! Imagine that—snatched on her own vacation. When will she ever catch a break? I wished Mario good luck in rescuing her before hanging up and passing the info along to Master Hand.
"Do you know where Koopa went?" I asked him.
"I'm afraid not," he replied. "He just told me that he had a family matter to attend to."
"And you let him go?" I asked incredulously. "He's a villain, Master Hand. He's been a threat to the MK even before Mario and I got there. Didn't you suspect something?"
"Not really," said MH. "No."
I just shook my head. "Wow," I said.
"He sounded very sincere, Luigi. I'm powerful, but I'm not all-knowing."
I jerked a nod. "I'll remember that," I said before striding out of the office.
Note to self: don't rely on Master Hand when it comes to Koopa.
I ran into DK in the lounge, and he gave me a loaf of banana bread. It's been twenty years since I helped him and Mario make peace—twenty whole years! I'm so happy he didn't forget, even though he started a new life in DK Isle. DK's gift made me forget about my annoyance at Master Hand—if only a little bit.
Before I went to bed, I called Grace. She told me that the photos she'd taken of Shadow Mario were developed, and that she just picked them up, quickly adding that she, Mario and Roland are chasing after the clone as fast as they can. I really can't wait to meet Roland. His willingness to help Mario, no questions asked, really says a lot about him.
I have to get some shut-eye. See you tomorrow!
Luigi
7 August 2002
Smash Mansion
Dear Diary,
It turns out that Shadow Mario is none other than Koopa's youngest son, BJ! Using his Shadow Mario persona, BJ framed Mario for vandalizing Isle Delfino and has now brought Peach to his dear old dad! Mario told me everything over the phone, his voice breathless. And not only that—BJ thinks Peach is his mom. Say what?
"Go get them!" I said. "I believe in you!"
"You don't have to remind me," he said before hanging up.
Leave it to Koopa to ruin someone's vacation—again. Leave it to him to involve his son in his scheme, grooming him to be just as villainous when he grows up. And leave it to Koopa to drag two twenty-year-olds into this. Technically, Roland and Grace voluntarily got involved, but it does little to negate the impact of Koopa's actions!
I got to blow off some steam in a new event MH set up. The Home Run Contest. MH gave each of us a Home Run Bat, placed a Sandbag in front of us, and gave us ten seconds to batter the Sandbag before sending it flying with a powerful swing. SMAAAASH! A strong swing combined with hard, unrelenting blows allowed me to send the Sandbag about 1028 ft. Not bad. Ultimately, I placed third in the contest. MH promised to hold more of these Home Run Contests in the future.
I sure can't wait to use a bat on Koopa after Mario's finished with him.
Luigi
26 August 2002
Smash Mansion
Dear Diary,
The drama on Isle Delfino has finally come to an end. Mario's name is cleared, Peach is safe, and Koopa's even decided to take a vacation of his own with BJ. Let me tell you what Mario and Grace told me over the phone.
Mario, Grace and Roland confronted Koopa in his hot tub, where he was relaxing with BJ and Peach. The hot tub had five points on it, resembling a star—or the Sun Sprites BJ had also made off with while framing Mario. Peach looked okay—only her head and shoulders were visible above the water, and her umbrella was on a duck-shaped pool float. Koopa, upset that the trio had disturbed his "family get-together", went on the attack with his Fire Breath, while BJ assisted by firing Bullet Bills. Grace and Roland had jumped into the water to help Peach climb onto the pool float while Mario battled Koopa. Using F.L.U.D.D.'s jets, he performed a Ground-Pound on each of the five platforms around the tub. Roland, Grace and Peach got in on the action by flinging bucketfuls of water at the villainous father-son duo. Peach also used her umbrella to deflect some Bullet Bills and get in some licks against Koopa. After the fifth and final platform was destroyed, the hot tub fell apart, sending all occupants falling earthward. Koopa, Mario and BJ were screaming as they plummeted down, while Grace and Peach were holding onto the former's umbrella. Upon realizing that the weight was too much, Grace told Peach that it was an honor meeting her, let go and allowed herself to fall—right into Roland's arms! Turns out, he'd somehow acquired a Cape Feather, allowing him to gently float down, along with Peach. Respect, Super Roland. Respect.
They all landed on the beach more or less all right—but the throwdown had left F.L.U.D.D. in very bad shape. Painfully, it had asked Mario if it had helped him during the adventure before shutting down in his arms. Mario told me that F.L.U.D.D. had indeed helped him, and they'd become the best of friends.
Just like the Poltergust had become my friend during my own proverbial trial by fire, but that's missing the point.
Peach, Grace and Roland had done their best to comfort him, and the quartet had concluded the day by watching the sunset.
But the Toads had one last surprise for Mario—a newly repaired F.L.U.D.D.!
"The vacation starts now!" the robot had announced.
Due to the—setback, Mario and Co. would be staying on Isle Delfino for two extra months, hoping to return before Halloween. But it didn't matter that I wasn't with them—I was just happy they all were safe, and that Koopa had once again gotten his just desserts.
"Hey, Luigi," Grace told me once she and Mario were done narrating the adventure.
"Yeah?"
"I think I've fallen in love," sighed Grace. "I know Roland and I met only a month ago, but—I just feel something when we're in the same room together. And the way he donned that Cape and caught me in his arms when I was ready to give my life for Peach—so romantic!"
"I'm really happy for you, Grace," I said. "Just—take it slowly, all right? You're young. You'll have plenty of time to determine if he's that special person. When I met my special one, I waited a little over two years to tell her how I felt, and it worked."
"Thanks for the advice, L," said Grace. "Hopefully, we can meet up when I get back. I'd love for you to meet Roland."
"I'd love to meet him, too," I said. "He sounds like a wonderful young man."
We said goodbye-for-now and then hung up.
And so, once again, all was well and another day—and Princess—saved, thanks to my big bro, with some major assists from a new friend and the young, red-haired man who splashed out of the surf and into her life.
And once again, the little brother was kept out of the loop, but just like last time, I made peace with it, made do and moved on. I'm just relieved that Mario surmounted this latest adversity thrown at him.
Luigi