18 July 2007
MK
Dear Diary,
Sleep comes to me only in short bursts. Most of the night, I'm wide awake, thinking about what happened. How I gave in to those feelings inside me, thanks to Nastasia's hypnosis. How my alter ego had no qualms over hurting Jasmine. How I almost helped some psycho destroy all worlds just because I was secretly jealous. I didn't see this coming. I thought I was handling it! Mario and I have squabbled and fought, but I always brought my envy under control, and we made up. Given the Koopa situation, I couldn't afford to let my jealousy rage out of control. Yet it did. And now I can barely sleep, because I can't stop thinking about it.
And when I'm not thinking about it, he is. He's laughing and chortling and telling me how fun it was to finally push back against Mario, that I don't need Josh and his family. His voice whispers in my ear, and it makes me shudder—he's trying to draw me back in. I can't let him. I won't. I have to fight back. Otherwise, his voice will always be inside my head, I'll never get a decent night's sleep, and all of my relationships will suffer. There's no way I'm gonna let that happen.
Relief comes when I'm in Josh's gym or in Jules and Jackie's. Either one is fine. A good forty-five minutes to an hour on a spin bike gets that voice out of my head. Especially in the cycling studio, with the instructor's music pulsing around me and my fellow cyclists. I close my eyes and let everything melt away, stopping only when my muscles start yelling at me. The workouts help in spades, because after I get home, I shower and fall into bed, dozing off almost instantly, with no nightmares to torment me, for a while, at least.
I apologized profusely to Josh and Joan for endangering their son, daughter-in-law and granddaughter, but to my surprise, they didn't hold it against me.
"It was that Dimentio freak who dragged them into that mess," Joan said reassuringly, "not you."
Josh and Joan's forgiveness made me feel a little better.
Next, I apologized to Jamie and Janice. They didn't blame me, either. I feel so blessed to have such forgiving friends.
This afternoon, once my workout was done, I visited Josh in his office.
"You were right, Josh," I said. "You were right."
"It's not too late," Josh said softly. "Now that you've seen what hiding those feelings can do, you can finally talk them over with Mario. Otherwise, some other powerful villain will use it against you."
"How can I broach the subject?" I asked. "I'm not the only one torn up over what happened. Mario's pretty shaken over having to fight me—three times."
"You can broach the subject once he's had time to recover—or you can be willing to hear him out if he broaches the subject," Josh told me. "Either way—you have to address it if you want to get past it."
I nodded. I would wait until Mario was ready, and then I'd finally confess everything to him. The days of hiding everything inside me are over.
Luigi
22 July 2007
MK
Dear Diary,
I was relaxing at home, watching a sitcom, when Mario knocked on the door.
The second I let him in, he started talking.
"Lil' Bro—why didn't you tell me?" he asked.
I knew exactly what he was talking about.
The two of us sat on the couch, and I began explaining everything to him.
"Mario—it's true. I feel like I've spent the last twenty-one years in your shadow. But—I didn't think it was proper to tell you. I didn't want to ruin anything. If I said anything—then I'd come across as petty and selfish. You're the better hero, anyway."
He looked at me like I was crazy. "You're just as good a hero as me," he said. "If I'd gone on that first mission by myself, then I don't think I would've made it far. Yes, the Toads acknowledged me, and didn't acknowledge you, but I wish you'd said something—I would've corrected them."
"I almost died for you, several times," I told him. "I put in just as much effort as you, perhaps more. So when the Toads mobbed you like a savior and left me in the dust, was I upset? Yes. Did I hold you personally responsible? No. I didn't want to give you the wrong idea, Mario." I lowered my head and began to cry. "I love you so much. I'd do anything to protect you. But everyone stumbles over my name and calls me the Green Mario—and after a while…" I sobbed deeply, Mario gathering me into his arms.
"I'm sorry, L," he said.
"I'm sorry, too," I hiccupped. "I let my feelings get the best of me…"
"No," said Mario. "That was Nastasia, not you. You hear me? You were hypnotized into serving the Count."
"And why did they pick me? Because I was the perfect host for the Chaos Heart. She was able to tap into the feelings I've hidden from you…"
"Oh, Luigi—Luigi," said Mario, kissing me on the cheek.
I just clutched him and sobbed.
"I—there's something I have to tell you," Mario went on.
I pulled myself together a little bit. "You looked in my diary?" I asked.
Mario looked taken aback. "How did you know?" he asked.
"After you stopped Koopa from taking over Peach's Castle in '01, you started acting a bit—different," I said. "And all of a sudden, it was like you started—noticing things. How did you find my diary, anyway?"
"When I got back, I noticed that my footsteps sounded—hollow—when I reached a certain area," Mario explained. "It was like I was standing on a trapdoor, so I gave it a Ground Pound, and sure enough, I found myself in a secret room. That's when I found your diary and started—reading. I only meant to flip through it, but then I saw—I'm sorry, Luigi. I'm sorry for sniffing around in your diary. I'm sorry I wasn't there for you. I'm sorry I didn't notice your situation sooner. But I'm paying attention now, and I'm gonna make this up to you. Whatever it takes. I'm gonna rectify certain inequities."
"Oh, Mario," I said. "You are already making this up to me. By talking to me about this." I drew a shuddering breath. "Do you think we need counseling?"
"I really can't say," he said, "but if you think counseling will help, then I'll call Dr. Toadley tomorrow and see if he can pencil us in."
"Why not Dr. Mario?"
Mario rolled his eyes. "He's obviously biased," he said, and I laughed.
So, we sat on that sofa and talked some more, and by the time he left, I felt at peace, proud of myself for finally following Josh's advice after twenty-six or so years. And that night, when his voice tried to tempt me, I told him—in my mind, of course—to [bleep] off.
I have a feeling that things are going to get better.
Luigi
23 July 2007
MK
Dear Diary,
Our appointment with Dr. Toadley went swimmingly! For close to thirty minutes, Mario and I simply talked to each other, saying exactly what was on our minds with the bare minimum of filters, as Dr. Toadley listened in and jotted down notes and gave advice on how to communicate with each other. For example, he taught us how to use "I" statements to get certain points across. An "I" statement made things sound less hostile and defensive and more assertive, yet empathic. After we were finished, Dr. Toadley decided that we should see him once a month, and if he saw significant improvement between us, then we'd start seeing him bi-monthly. Mario and I agreed.
Later that day, I told Josh about it, and he nodded in agreement.
"I think you made the right decision," he said.
"Josh—you've helped my relationship with Mario more times than I can count," I said. "I can't thank you enough."
Josh blushed.
Still later, I called Grace and brought her up to speed on recent events.
"How's Gavin?" I asked.
"He's your typical two-year-old," she said. "Roland and I have our hands full!"
"If you need a break…" I offered.
"Oh, Luigi—you're too kind. But what about the MK? What if that Koopa attacks while you're in L.A.? Mario will be left to fend for himself."
"My God, you're right," I gasped.
"But we appreciate the offer," Grace assured me.
"The door's always open if you wanna visit," I said.
"Thanks, L," said Grace.
I hung up and got ready to make dinner.
Let me tell you, tonight will be the first healthy sleep I've had in two months.
Luigi
22 August 2007
MK
Dear Diary,
When I checked my mail this morning, my eye caught two envelopes with a familiar seal on them. I grabbed the mail, raced back home and presented one of the envelopes to Mario. You should've seen his eyes widen.
Together, Mario and I opened the two envelopes and read the letter from Master Hand, inviting us to his third tournament—Super Smash Brothers Brawl! Preparations were already underway, and the tournament was set to commence in March of next year. Quickly, Mario and I wrote back, telling MH that we'd be delighted to participate in Brawl. I decided not to mention the incident that took place earlier in the year.
We visited Peach to tell her the news, and she told us that she, too, had been invited back—along with Koopa.
"We dealt with him once, and we can deal with him again," she said optimistically.
Later that afternoon, we got a call from DK. He excitedly told us that he'd also been invited back for Brawl—and that his nephew, Diddy, had just sent in his application. I'd seen Diddy fight against K. Rool in 1999, so I had no doubt in my mind about his skills.
"How about the other Kongs?" I asked. "Were they interested?"
"Not really—they want to remain on DK Isle in case K. Rool or some other enemy wants to try something else. Diddy remembers you from the K. Rool battle in '99. He can't wait to see you again."
"Tell him I said the same thing," I told him.
"Will do. See you at the tournament!" laughed DK.
"See ya," I said before hanging up.
Next, I broke the news to Josh and his folks. They didn't know if they'd be able to spectate like they used to, now that they're running two gyms, but they assured me that they were rooting for me all the same.
"The matches are televised now," I said.
"That's even better," said Jackie. "If we can't make it in person, then we'll watch you on TV. Either way, you'll know you still have our support."
"Hey—are you guys okay after...?" I ventured to asked.
"Yeah, Jules and I are fine, and so is Jasmine," Jackie assured me. "She's doing well in school, and she's pretty close with that kid, Jake. Too close, I admit."
"Give her my best," I said, "and tell her—I'm sorry."
"She's not mad at you," said Julian, "and neither are we. We're just elated that we got to have a little adventure."
The last of my guilt melted away at Jules's words.
When I got back from the gym, Mario was waiting, his face pale.
"What's wrong?" I asked.
"It's—Wario," he said. "He just gave me a call and told me that he sent in his application for the Brawl tournament. If he gets in…"
"Mario, relax," I told him. "He's your childhood rival, and he's nothing like Koopa. What's the worst he could do?"
"When it comes to people like Wario and Koopa, I'll always assume the worst," he said.
"Well," I told him, "if Wario tries to antagonize you, then he'll have to answer to me."
Mario smiled. "Thank you, L," he said.
This upcoming tournament is exactly what I need to get my mind off of recent events!
Luigi
20 October 2007
MK
Dear Diary,
Mario and I have received phone calls from our fellow Smashers in these past two months, confirming that MH invited them all back for Brawl. Samus, especially, gave us some interesting news. MH was allowing her to fight both with and without her Varia Suit. She told us that three years ago, she'd wound up stranded somewhere, and someone had taken her suit, leaving her with only a sidearm and her hand-to-hand skills to defend herself. After word got to MH, he was psyched enough to allow her suit-less self into Brawl as "Zero Suit Samus", or ZSS, for short.
Sadly, Dr. Mario, Pichu, Young Link and Roy wouldn't be returning for Brawl. Link told us that his younger self would be replaced by a cartoonish version of himself named Toon Link, and Marth announced that another Fire Emblem representative, Ike, had sent in an application. Kirby excitedly told us, in his own language, that his two frenemies, King Dedede and Meta Knight, would make their Smash Bros debut next year. Fox informed us that his frenemy, Wolf O'Donnell, had also applied to join the roster. Pikachu announced, in pika-speak, that not only would a new Pokémon, Lucario, join the Smashers, but also there would be an actual Pokémon Trainer, who would use three Pokémon: Squirtle, Ivysaur and Charizard, to fight.
If there are any new fighters, I guess we'll just have to find out next year.
Daisy seemed a tad—melancholy—when I told her. I think I know why. Ever since Mario freed her from Tatanga, she's never had an adventure of her own. With her plucky, tomboyish nature, I think she'd fit in well among the Smashers. I promised her that as soon as I could, I'd talk to Master Hand about inviting her to any future tournaments on the horizon.
Brawl is promising to be an interesting affair!
Luigi
12 November 2007
MK
Dear Diary,
The Star Festival's taking place tonight! This is one of the most important nights in the MK, as it commemorates the creation of the very first Power Star. On that night, a comet filled the sky, and out of it spilled dozens of shooting stars. The first Power Star was made from these Star Bits.
Jules and Jackie are closing their gym early today to prepare, and they invited Joan, Josh, Janice and Jamie, as well. The former two would be able to attend, but the latter two had prior commitments and had to decline. Roland gave me a buzz and said that he, Grace and their son might be able to make it, but Gavin tends to fuss if he's kept up too late. And Peach sent Mario a letter, asking him to meet her at the castle tonight, as she has something for him.
"I'll be catching Star Bits with the Merricks and the other Toads if you need me," I told him.
"I promise—if anything happens, I'll pick up the phone," smiled Mario.
We shared a hug before he left for the castle.
I guess it's time for me to head out. You won't believe how quickly this place will become crowded. Josh and his folks have a designated meet-up spot, but still.
Tomorrow, I'll tell you all about it!
Luigi
14 November 2007
Ghostly Galaxy
Dear Diary,
I'm glad Grace and her family decided to sit out the Star Festival. Otherwise, they would've been caught up in the latest mess Koopa made!
The Star Festival started out normally, with everyone catching as many Star Bits as possible, eating some good food and just hanging out and having a ball. But then, an hour into the festival, we heard a loud BOOM. I'm sure it caused Josh and his family to experience some unpleasant 9/11 flashbacks, because it certainly did in my case! After recovering myself, Josh, Joan, Julian, Jackie, Jasmine and I leaped into action, calming the Toads down and getting them to safety. That's when we saw Koopa's airships flying overhead, en route to Peach's Castle. Oh, no—I had to call Mario!
I whipped out my brand-new iPhone to call him—but then, Koopa's minions attacked us! The Toads, the Merricks and I fought as hard as we could, but our opponents' sheer numbers prevailed, and we all wound up separated in the confusion. As an insult to injury, our attackers cast me into the Ghostly Galaxy, with Jasmine joining me!
It's been a day and a half of sheer Hell. I don't know if Mario's okay. I do know that Josh, Joan, Julian and Jackie are worried sick about Jasmine, and that I need to find a way to tell them that she's with me. There are Boos everywhere, cackling and leering at us. And as far as I'm concerned, Peach could once again be in Koopa's clutches. Where's the Poltergust 3000 when you need it?!
However, Poltergust 3000 or no Poltergust 3000, my top priority is protecting Jas. She brought her slingshot with her, but I'm not leaving anything to chance. My pyrokinesis scares off the Boos, and there are standard enemies I can defeat with a Ground Pound. Jas and I have our phones, so maybe her parents can use them to track us down. Also, both of us had packed some snacks before heading to the festival, which means we don't have to worry about going hungry.
I wasted no time in calming Jasmine down, and we decided to explore the Ghostly Galaxy tomorrow, once we got some rest and worked up our courage. We picked a spot where the Boos were less likely to bother us as our "camp", and once our phones picked up a strong signal, I sent a text to Jules and Jackie, explaining the situation and assuring them that Jas is in good hands.
Thank God I brought you along with me, too. It's a small distraction from the creepiness and a way to keep track of time. I'd better get some sleep, though. Jasmine's depending on me!
Luigi
15 November 2007
Ghostly Galaxy
Dear Diary,
Today, Jas and I set off on our exploration, and I'm happy to report that it was rather productive. Jas helped me collect Star Bits and assemble them into Power Stars, and we solved puzzles which yielded us more Power Stars. Jas could hold her own against several enemies with her slingshot, but I also taught her how to do a Ground Pound, just in case. As we continued exploring, Jas told me about her deepening friendships with Jake and Kate, and I told her about the upcoming Brawl tournament.
"I didn't tell them about helping you and Mario save the multiverse," said Jas. "I didn't think they'd believe me."
Further along in our journey, we learned more about what happened. Koopa saw the Star Festival as his opportunity to rule not only the Mushroom Kingdom, but also the stars! Jas and I received food and supplies from the Toads we encountered, and we faced off against such enemies as giant Mushroom Defectors, the Koopalings, Monty Mole and a giant Dry Bones. I kept Jas on the sidelines during the tough fights, but the two of us still made a good team!
Throughout the adventure, we kept our nerves steady in a variety of ways, but what really helped Jasmine was an old limerick I taught her: "A flea and a fly in a flue were imprisoned, so what could they do? Said the fly, 'Let us flee!' Said the flea, 'Let us fly!' So, they flew through a flaw in the flue." Maybe it was the alliteration, but I heard Jas rapidly mutter the limerick under her breath when we were faced with a daunting trek. I'm simply glad it helps.
We're back at our camp now, resting up and tending to our wounds using the first-aid kit a Toad gave us. Julian replied to my text, saying that he and Jackie teamed up with Mario, and the three of them should be here soon. I passed the news to Jas, and she simply smiled. She's fast asleep as I'm writing these words, using my shoulder as a pillow.
I guess that's all for now. Tomorrow's another big day!
Luigi
20 November 2007
Ghostly Galaxy
Dear Diary,
Jasmine and I discovered a Mushroom which could turn us into Boos! Thanks to this neat find, we could explore the more Boo-dense areas and easily blend in. Stocking up on food and supplies is our top priority, but we're still trying to gather information on Koopa's plan. Presumably, he has Peach with him, which means that Mario's taken it upon himself to rescue her, and Julian and Jackie tagged along with him to find Jas. Hopefully, Jas and I can meet up with them, so we can help them stop Koopa from conquering the universe. There's still no word on Josh and Joan. I hope they managed to find shelter.
I also hope Mario and Co. get here soon, but I'm keeping my courage up for Jas's sake.
Luigi
26 November 2007
Comet Observatory
Dear Diary,
Mio Dio! I thought Jasmine and I would never get out of the Ghostly Galaxy! After twelve days of adventuring, our nerves were shaved razor thin! But we never gave up hope, and sure enough, Mario, Julian and Jackie arrived at our camp earlier today! Jules and Jackie immediately glomped Jas, and I jumped into Mario's arms, allowing my calm veneer to drop in favor of overpowering relief. He was mildly disheveled and bruised from his own adventures, as were Jules and Jackie, but they were still in one piece. Jas and I gave him the Power Stars we'd managed to collect, and I glimpsed Jackie and Jules beaming with pride at their daughter. Before leaving the Ghostly Galaxy, the five of us battled an enemy named Bouldergeist and obtained a Grand Star after their defeat.
En route to the Comet Observatory, Mario, Jules and Jackie filled in the blanks regarding the current situation. Koopa had attacked the Star Festival because he wanted to recreate the galaxy in his own image, and as Jas and I suspected, he took Peach, along with her castle, with him because—why not? Jas and I were more than ready to help despite our experience in the Ghostly Galaxy, but Mario wanted to introduce us to someone first.
Her name was Rosalina, and she was in charge of the observatory. She was a platinum-blonde young woman wearing an off-the-shoulder light blue dress with star patterns on it. In her hand was a magic wand. When Mario and I arrived with Jules, Jackie and Jas, she introduced us to her children, the Lumas. Well, she introduced me and Jas, because Mario, Jackie and Jules had already been acquainted with them at this point. There was even a Luma hiding under Mario's cap! Rosalina explained to us that she met Mario after Koopa and one of his advisors, Kamek, had blasted him into outer space, and she's tasked Mario with finding and collecting as many Power Stars, as well as Grand Stars, as he could, in order to stop Koopa from taking over the universe. Along the way, he'd encountered Jackie and Jules, frantic with worry over Jas. After receiving my text message, they'd banded together to find us.
"I picked up a distress signal from the Gusty Garden Galaxy," said Rosalina.
"Maybe that's Mom and Dad," said Jules. "We need to get them out of there as soon as possible."
"I'm in," I said unhesitatingly.
"How about we all rest first?" suggested Mario. "We'll set out for the Gusty Garden Galaxy tomorrow. After all, we've been through quite the ordeal so far, you and Jasmine especially."
"All right," I sighed.
Guess I'd better get some sleep.
Luigi
3 December 2007
Comet Observatory
Dear Diary,
Today was an extremely trying and exciting day. Leaving Jasmine in Rosalina's care, I joined Mario, Julian and Jackie in a most cosmic adventure! We were introduced to new Mushrooms, like the Bee Mushroom and the Spring Mushroom (I like the Bee Mushroom better). In the Gusty Garden Galaxy, the three of us located Josh and Joan in the middle of a knock-down, drag-out fight with one Major Burrows. After we came to their aid, Josh and Joan explained to us that they'd caught their adversary bullying and harassing the cute and innocent Star Bunnies. Major Burrows soon found out in a painful way that I don't like bullies, regardless of where they're from. The five of us laid the smackdown on that big bully, saving the Star Bunnies and earning a Grand Star in the process. Joan and Josh then gave Mario the Power Stars they'd found and told us about their other adventures in the Gusty Garden Galaxy while they recuperated. Finally, they asked if they could accompany us for a while.
"Sure," I replied. "We could use the help."
"Yeah," added Mario. "Just be careful."
Next, we proceeded to the Freezeflame Galaxy, where we tangled with various intervals of ice and lava, faced off against Baron Brrr, collected purple stars and scaled to the top of the summit to collect silver stars. Finally, we explored the shifting sands and tornadoes of the Dusty Dune Galaxy, also dodging Bullet Bills and hunting for treasure along the way! By the time we returned to the Observatory, we'd notched several boss battles under our belts and had collected armfuls of Power Stars and Grand Stars. Rosalina was surprised by the fruits of our endeavors, but she swiftly composed herself.
"Good work, all of you," she said.
"Thanks, Rosa," Mario replied.
We rested, and then Rosalina and her Lumas hosted dinner for us.
"Listen, Bro," said Mario. "I know you mean well, but—I think you and the Merricks should return to the MK and watch over the Toads. I'll take it from here."
Biting my lip, I nodded. "Good luck, Bro. Stay safe."
"Same here," said Mario, ruffling my hair.
After dinner, Rosalina's starship dropped me, Josh, Joan, Jules, Jackie and Jas off in Toad Town before taking Mario back to the stars to resume his quest.
Well—it was fun while it lasted. Now, it's back to keeping up morale until Mario gets back.
Luigi
14 December 2007
MK
Dear Diary,
I can honestly say that I did a good job looking after the MK's denizens while Mario was off in the galaxy. I was also relieved to see that Josh and his folks came out of their little adventure more or less okay. Jackie and Jules thanked me for watching over Jasmine during our stay in the Ghostly Galaxy, and Joan and Josh thanked me, their son and their daughter-in-law for helping them in the Gusty Garden Galaxy. Jas blushed as her parents and grandparents heaped praise on her for her bravery. But now that the excitement was over, it was time for them to relax for a while and cherish the memories they'd made. I couldn't have agreed more.
Mario's final confrontation with Koopa had decided the fate of the universe. That turtle fought by belching out fire, generating seismic waves and trying to ram Mario with his shell. But Mario countered with his Star Spin technique, eventually sending Koopa flying—into the sun. While they were battling, Peach had taken a leap of faith off of Koopa's airship—catching Mario's hand after he'd defeated Koopa.
Unfortunately, their fight led to the creation of a black hole. But then the Lumas showed him that they were more than just cute lil' stars. Working together, they sealed the black hole and caused what could be described as a supernova, sacrificing themselves in the process. As Mario grieved, Rosalina appeared and told him that all stars would eventually be reborn. And then, he heard the newborn stars crying—they sounded just like newborn babies—
Mario found himself back at Peach's castle, along with Peach and Koopa. The former looked pretty well, notwithstanding a black hole and a supernova explosion, and Koopa was merely dazed for someone who'd been knocked into the sun. Wisely, Koopa had decided that enough was enough and headed back to his castle, while Mario helped Peach back into hers.
"I really hope I see Rosalina again," he said after he was finished telling his story. "She's pretty cool."
He'd better not let Peach hear that.
So, not only did Mario save Peach, but also he saved the universe.
Can any other plumber put that on their resumé?
Luigi
31 December 2007
Peach's Castle, MK
Dear Diary,
The drama of Count Bleck and Dimentio is finally behind us, and our main focus of the coming year is the Brawl tournament. Master Hand said that he'd try to allow me and Mario to implement our respective Gadd-designed gadgets into our fighting styles, and he'd also posted something onto the brand-new Smash Bros website. Since the end of the first tournament, he's spent his time working on a "vessel" which would help unlock our "true powers". After some scrapes and stumbles, this "vessel" is finally complete, and he'd show it off to us on the first day of Brawl. And not only that, we'd also get some new Smashers to join us on the battlefield. There's nothing more special than getting to show a new Smasher the ropes.
But I'd say that the biggest accomplishment of this year is finally having "the talk" with Mario, finally telling him everything that's been on my mind since our adventures in the MK began. Over two decades later, Josh's advice and suggestions have finally paid off. And I guess the universe thanked Josh for said advice by giving him and his family a small adventure of their own. They're currently mingling in the castle right now, along with me, waiting for the big fireworks show.
However, just because the cat's out of the bag doesn't mean I don't need you anymore. Oh, no. Now that my status as a shadow is an open secret, I need you more than ever. There may be times when Mario will let himself be wrapped up in the attention after a rescue mission and forget. There may be times when those feelings will well back up, and I'll need a confidante in case I do something drastic. And generally, writing in you makes me feel better.
What a year this has been. As always, it's time to say goodbye with a splendid fireworks show—and to say hello to 2008—and Brawl.
Luigi