Content Warning: Character death!
1 January 2016
Smash Mansion
Dear Diary,
Happy 40th anniversary! And I must say, you're looking fabulous at 40!
I'd like to take a moment to reflect on the four decades we've spent together. When we first met, I was a regular Giuseppe living an ordinary life in Brooklyn. Then, I met Josh and Joan, helping them bring Julian into the world. I witnessed Mario experience love, and then heartbreak, for the first time, and I was there when he became a hero to the people of New York City. Then came the fateful day when Mario and I crawled through that pipe, discovered the MK and fought a fire-breathing turtle/dragon hybrid—and won. Mario won the heart of a beautiful, feisty Princess, while I won the heart of a beautiful, tomboyish Princess. We got to show our fighting skills in the Smash tournaments. We saw New York, and America as a whole, stand up after two devastating attacks on the World Trade Center, the last of which brought them crumbling to the ground. And most importantly, I began to shed my phasmophobia with the help of an eccentric scientist, a resilient redhead and a reserved brunette.
Through all of that, you were there. You opened your pages to me—and I want to thank you with all my heart. Here's to the next 40 years!
Luigi
3 February 2016
Smash Mansion
Dear Diary,
Today was the day we rolled out the red carpet for the three final additions to the Smash 4 roster. After we ate breakfast, we walked directly to the Assembly Hall and took our seats, chattering among ourselves until MH appeared.
"Smashers," he said. "Today is a historic day, as we round out the participants of our fourth tournament. Please welcome to the stage, Corrin and Corrine!"
We clapped as the dragon twins walked in, side-by-side and hand-in-hand.
"My path is clear!" said Corrin. "I've made my choice!"
"Let's do this!" added Corrine.
The duo struck a pose as we applauded again.
"Finally, I'd like to present the winner of the Smash Ballot—Bayonetta!"
The raven-haired Umbra Witch sauntered onto the stage and blew a kiss. "Let's dance!" she said.
Pit and Dark Pit looked away.
"Thank you for having me, Master Hand," purred Bayo.
"You're welcome," said MH.
After the introductions came an informal meet-and-greet. The dragon twins told us a little bit about their lives, and then Bayo talked about the powerful angels she'd battled and her up-and-down friendship with her fellow Umbra Witch, Jeanne. I wasn't upset that Bayo won, you know. I was just upset that Daisy was once again robbed of an opportunity. Thanks to my emotional support, Daisy had grown less angry and even talked about meeting Bayo.
"It's nice to meet you," I said to Bayo as we shook hands. "I really hope we can be friends."
"I hope so, too," she said.
"Just—don't hurt Pit and Kuro," I entreated. "I really like them."
"No need to worry," smiled Bayo. "I only deal with angels who threaten to destroy the delicate balance of the universe."
"Oh," I said.
I phoned Daisy later and told her about Bayo's introduction.
"She was very gracious," I told her.
"How about Corrin and his sister? What are they like?"
"Uh—they can turn into dragons at will?" I offered. "How are you holding up?"
"I'm doing what you do when the universe punches you in the face—playing the grateful game," said Daisy. "At least I got the chance to try, you know? And it may not be the only chance in this lifetime. There could be another Smash game a few years from now."
"True," I said. "Rumors are swirling of a brand-new Nintendo console. And usually, where there's a new Nintendo console, there's a new Smash game."
"I'm not giving up hope, L," said Daisy.
"And neither am I," I said.
When life gives you spaghetti sauce, you make spaghetti. I'm gonna make the most of Bayonetta's inclusion in Smash 4 while holding out hope for Daisy's future as a Smasher.
Luigi
15 April 2016
Smash Mansion
Dear Diary,
It's not looking good for Josh. He barely shows up at my matches, instead watching from home. Each time I see him, he's weakening, deteriorating. He's bravely smiling on and savoring the days when he can still feel the sun on his face, but there's no question in my mind that he's fading. He's become more reliant on a cane, and Jules tells me that he spends most of his time sleeping. Josh's health has declined to the point that Jules has taken over his dad's gym, leaving Jackie to run the gym in the MK. Now that Jas is in college, however, one of the gyms would have an extra pair of hands.
Josh is maintaining his sunny disposition and positive outlook until the bitter end, though. He told me himself that he's not spending his last days languishing in some facility. With our help, he's crossed items off of his bucket list and stayed in the fitness business for as long as he could, stopping by at his gym to check on his soon-to-be-former employees. Every other day, I video-chat with him, and we reminisce about our early years as best friends and the adventures we went on together.
"Don't forget what I told you about the grateful game," he said. "When I'm gone, I don't want you to stop playing it, understand?"
"Yes," I said.
"Make sure you play it often," added Josh, "because you'll feel the urge to ask yourself, 'What's the point?' And the grateful game will give you the answer."
"Okeydokey," I said.
"And remember what I said about Mario," Josh told me. "You two may clash, but he needs you, and you need him. You are a team; the same blood runs through your veins. Don't let a petty squabble tear you apart."
"I won't," I vowed. "I promise you; I won't."
Josh smiled. He's always had such a wonderful smile.
Luigi
19 May 2016
Brooklyn, NY
Dear Diary,
Mario and I were invited to Julian's 40th birthday bash, and MH gave us the day off so we could attend. The affair was held in Jules and Jackie's backyard, and I could tell that they splurged a little bit. There were finger foods arranged buffet-style, a nacho bar and a souped-up sound system playing party music. The living room was fashioned into a gaming area, with various Nintendo, PlayStation and Xbox consoles set up. Jules and Jackie emceed the festivities, organizing dancing contests and games like limbo, bingo, charades, musical chairs and Truth or Dare. Then, we all joined in a playful roast of the birthday boy.
We sat at tables as an ice-cream cake with two number-shaped candles making the number 40 was brought out. Everyone sang "Happy Birthday", and then Jules made a wish a blew out the candles.
"It's unbelievable how you've grown," I told the birthday boy later. "I was there when you were born, and now—you have a gym of your own."
"Yeah—it's a little weird," said Jules. "I'm just glad Dad could make it."
We gazed at Josh, sharing a lovey-dovey moment with Joan.
"Spend all the time you can with him," I said. "I think that's all you can do right now."
"I know," said Jules.
"Happy 40th," I said, giving Jules a hug.
After the cake was cleared away, Jules put on some more party tunes, and we danced into the early evening.
It was the most fun I'd ever had at a birthday party.
Luigi
21 May 2016
Smash Mansion
Dear Diary,
I miss Falco so much. I miss going for rides on his Arwing and talking with him over food and drink. It's still so saddening how our friendship ended. But for the life of me, I can't get past the words he said. And all he has to say for himself is "I'm sorry." Where was his remorse when he was trying to insinuate that it was my fault? Where was his remorse when he stood there and hurled those ludicrous accusations at me? What was he thinking when he tried to smooth it all over with lunch at a pizza place? A pizza sure wasn't going to erase what he put me through.
But I see him, laughing with Fox and cracking jokes, or sitting in the lounge, sipping on a cocktail. I want to go to him and ask "How've you been?", but I can't. The memories are holding me back; it's like he's a familiar stranger. Do I want to give our friendship another try? I don't know. Is it too late to even consider that? I don't know, either. He seems to be doing a good job not thinking about me, that's for sure.
It feels as if I'm standing at a crossroads, with only two directions available to me—left and right. But which direction should I go?
Luigi
12 June 2016
Smash Mansion
Dear Diary,
As soon as I woke up this morning, I knew that something was wrong. It was quiet and still. There was no sound of breakfast being prepared. When I looked outside the window, I saw that all of the flags were being lowered to half-staff. That was always a sign that something tragic had taken place.
A Mii gently knocked on my door, and then told me to get dressed and report to the Assembly Hall. They didn't tell me why, but there was this solemn look on their face—
I did as I was bidden and joined the other half-asleep Smashers in filing into the hall. MH was already waiting for us, as was CH, bowed in grief.
"Please, sit," MH softly commanded, and we obeyed.
The two Hands floated before us with an air of melancholy before MH spoke.
"I'm afraid we've had a terrible tragedy on our hands," he said. "At around 2a.m., a gunman attacked the Pulse nightclub in Orlando, Florida, in what appears to be an act of homophobia."
It was so silent you could hear an Invincibility Star drop. I could feel my heart fall into the pit of my stomach.
"The attacker killed forty-nine patrons before turning the gun on himself," MH went on. "At least fifty-three more were injured."
We all exchanged horrified glances.
"The attacker, Omar Mateen, had a history of aggressive, violent and homophobic behavior," said CH. "At least two women had filed restraining orders against him in the past. Law enforcement had every opportunity to prevent this tragedy—and they didn't."
"God—mit!" snapped Samus, breaking the silence. "How many more? How many more tragedies does it have to take?!"
Falcon, sporting a pained look, did his best to comfort her as she broke down.
"I wish I knew, Samus," said CH. "I wish I knew."
"All of today's matches are canceled on account of this horrific event," said MH. "Anyone who wishes to remain in their rooms may do so. However, I highly encourage all of you to attend tonight's march and vigil to honor the victims."
"And now—if you'll join us in a moment of silence," said CH.
We all lowered our heads in a silent prayer.
"Thank you," MH said after a while. "You are dismissed."
I stumbled back up to my room and turned on the TV, numb until I saw the reports all over the news. The reporters recounting the horror and death which had interrupted a night of carefree dancing and celebration. Seeing it in front of me on the TV screen just tore me up. I buried my head into my pillow and sobbed.
49 dead at the hands of a disturbed man who'd exhibited the warning signs long ago. 49 people who committed no crime, just like those children slain at Sandy Hook Elementary. 49 lives lost because one man simply didn't approve of their sexual orientation. 49 souls who didn't deserve to die. Why was the first choice always violence and death? How did they let this man get his hands on a firearm, anyway? I muted the TV and covered my mouth with my hands to muffle my sobs. Samus was right—how many more people would have to die before something was finally done about this mess?
I pulled myself together and called Julian.
"Jules, it's awful," I said. "They say he gunned down 49 people and injured 53 more before killing himself."
"Luigi—we just heard about it ourselves," Jules sighed heavily. "Dad isn't taking it well; he's not as strong as he once was. The first thing we did after regrouping was call Jas and tell her how much we love her. She's stopping by later today. Next week, she'll be back home for good, as she's almost done with her finals."
"Have her call me when she gets here," I instructed.
We chatted some more before hanging up.
I spent the day in my room, listening to music and ignoring the TV, leaving it only to eat in the cafeteria. As promised, Jas phoned me the minute she arrived at her parents' house. She sounded distraught.
"I found out about it because there was a Safety Check on Facebook," she explained. "Some of my friends were going to college or vacationing in Florida! I was very worried for them!"
"Were they…?" I asked.
"They weren't at the nightclub when it happened, but some of their friends or family members were. Many of them were left in critical condition! I told them to send me a message the first chance they could—during the train ride to my parents, my phone was blowing up with texts. They're calling it the second-worst mass murder in our history!"
"Thank goodness you're okay."
"Grandpa was very shaken up. We had to make him some tea," said Jas.
"How's Jake?" I asked.
"He's also shaken up. Before I left, I gave him a big hug and told him that I love him always." Jas sniffled. "How are you holding up?"
"I was numb until I saw it all over the news. We're holding a candlelight vigil later tonight. Wanna come?"
"I'll talk with my parents. They'll probably want to come, too. It all depends on how Grandpa's feeling."
"God help us, Jas," I said before hanging up.
The Smash Mansion is now draped in rainbow flags and ribbons. Sworn enemies are once again united in grief as they face the sobering reminder that hate and bigotry still exist in the modern world. The enemies we face may have dastardly plans we must thwart time and again, but going on shooting rampages and mowing down innocents is one thing they won't do.
The march is about to start; I need to get ready.
Luigi
16 July 2016
Smash Mansion
Dear Diary,
We're still rattled and sobered by the events in Orlando last month. Phone calls and texts have been regularly exchanged between me, Jules, Jackie, Joan and Josh. The Butters have even checked in from time to time. Koopa, Wario and Dorf haven't antagonized people as much, and I've found myself comforting Falco, along with the people who gave me grief over my down throw. I may still be upset at them, but they're hurting over this as much as I am. There's probably not a reconciliation on the horizon, but I still want to take the time to comfort them.
In happier news, Jules and Jackie celebrated their 15th anniversary with a trip to Coney Island. It was just the two of them and a day of fun and romance as they screamed their lungs out on rides, ate hot dogs and cheese fries, splashed down flume slides and rode in the Tunnel of Love. Jas, Jake, Josh, Joan and I, along with old friends alike, sent them anniversary cards and gifts. Jackie's always been among my fans, but I never saw Jules fly into a funk over this. Maybe because he and his parents were already friendly with me, but still.
"We're gonna make it to twenty-five," Jules said later that night. "I can feel it!"
"What are you planning for that occasion?" I asked.
"That's top secret, L," laughed Jules. "Besides, best not think too far ahead, right?"
"Right," I said. "Good night, Jules."
As I hung up, I remembered watching him grow, just as I'd watched Jas grow. The newborn baby I helped deliver in the backseat of Josh's broken-down car was now a 40-year-old husband and father. And he didn't even look a day over 40.
The world is changing, as is everyone around me. But that's what makes the world so special.
Luigi
11 September 2016
Brooklyn, NY
Dear Diary,
The 9/11 Museum was an immersive, minute-by-minute account of the sordid event which shattered our lives fifteen years ago. When we entered the exhibit, we heard voices describing where they were and what they were doing when the news first broke. One exhibit showed newspaper clippings and snippets from the news reports we watched. One big chunk of the building was on display, as well. And we also got to walk through some of the old foundation. There was a computerized world map, and we were able to tap the area closest to where we were from and write an encouraging message.
Josh accompanied us to the museum, declining health be d—ned, with Joan by his side, as always. They were present during those 102 harrowing minutes, and they wanted to help keep the memory of the fallen alive. After touring the museum, we ate a light lunch and went to the memorial, gazing out over the stone in solemn contemplation.
We stayed at the memorial, immersed in comforting silence, until the sun had nearly set. Then, we all hugged and parted ways.
"Luigi?" called Josh.
I turned, and Josh smiled.
"Thank you," he said.
I smiled back before Mario and I headed to our old apartments.
Luigi
18 October 2016
Evershade Valley
Dear Diary,
On the 15th anniversary of my first ghostly adventure, I brought Josh and his family to Evershade Valley, where they got to fully experience Gadd's work with the paranormal. The valley's ghosts are still doing well; the Dark Moon is still intact. Gadd and Becky set out snacks for us and answered all of Josh's questions, while the ghosts swarmed happily around the new company, a few Slammers giving piggy-back rides to Josh and his brood. Finally, they all got to tour Gadd's Bunker, the Gloomy Manor, and the Haunted Towers.
"So," said Josh. "This is where it all started."
"It is," I said, a little proudly.
Much later, Josh, Mario and I lay on our backs, blankets snugly wrapped around us, staring up at the Dark Moon.
"I've never seen anything like it," mused Josh. "That actually makes ghosts friendly?"
"These ghosts, at least," I said. "Before then, I thought that all ghosts were out to get people. But I shouldn't judge a book by its cover, should I?"
"No," said Josh. "You should always keep your mind wide open. You'll never know what'll find its way in."
Mario and I chuckled.
"When I was at King Boo's mercy," said Mario, "and I thought my game was gonna end, I was thinking of only one person. Only one—and it wasn't even Peach. It was you, Luigi. Even three years ago, when I was completely immobilized, I could think about and dream of you. I was confident that you'd defeat King Boo and come get me. And that's why I wasn't afraid. Okay, I was a little afraid, but I wasn't afraid for myself—I was afraid for you. But when I saw you fighting on in a mysterious dimension, that fear vanished, too."
"Your brother's a good man, Mario," said Josh. "Don't ever forget that."
"I won't," said Mario.
"Promise me—you'll look after Jules and Jas," Josh said after a while. "Both are entering very significant periods in their lives. Jules is approaching his middle years, about to experience the ups and downs of his child becoming an adult. He's gonna walk Jas down the aisle, hold a grandchild or two and navigate her through the newfound privileges and responsibilities of adulthood. And what if Jas winds up with a broken heart? I need you to help them through the things I went through." He slid his hand over mine. "Don't let anything bad happen to my son and granddaughter when I'm gone."
"Don't worry, Josh," I said softly. "They're in good hands."
"And another thing," said Josh. "You and Mario need to look after each other, depend on each other, communicate with each other. Mario's a part of you, and you're a part of him. You two are a team, a dream team—the Mushroom Kingdom's last, best and only line of defense against Koopa and his forces. There will be days when you can barely stand each other, but at the end of the day, you have each other's best interests at heart. Promise me—you won't let an argument tear you apart. Promise me."
"I promise," I said.
"I promise," echoed Mario.
Josh sighed deeply, as if a great weight was lifted from his shoulders. "Now I can finally rest," he murmured.
Eventually, Gadd, Becky and the Butters joined us, armed with their own blankets, and we all sat in a circle, eating hot dogs and s'mores, telling stories and jokes. A big smile was on Josh's face, and he appeared less fatigued and weary. It seemed that my old friend was now at peace.
Luigi
19 October 2016
Brooklyn, NY
Dear Diary,
We'd slept over in the Gloomy Manor, as there were plenty of guestrooms for all of us. I'd glanced out the window, the twinkling stars and the ghosts playing together lulling me to sleep. This morning, I awoke to muffled shouts and broken sobs. As the grogginess left me, I recognized Julian's voice, causing my breath to catch in my chest.
Josh, I realized.
I wrestled into my clothes and raced into the hallway, where Jas was huddled in Joan and Jackie's arms. The ladies' eyes were red-rimmed, and Jas's lips were trembling. In their looks, I saw everything.
"Oh, no…" I said. "Josh…"
"He's not breathing!" sobbed Jas. "Dad's in there, trying to help him!"
I started to say something, but was cut off by an ambulance siren.
"Stay here," I commanded as I went to the Gloomy Manor's entrance. A team of Toad EMTs charged forward, carrying a stretcher between them.
"He's inside," I said as I directed them toward Josh's room. I didn't go in, though. I didn't want to see him like that.
At the EMTs' request, Jules stumbled out, sweaty and haggard. "Oh, my God," he said. "Please—I'm not ready. I'm just not ready."
Joan wrapped her arms around him, cradling his head against her chest as if he was a child. "It's all right," she said gently.
I heard the EMTs gamely trying to save Josh's life, but I already knew, as he must've known last night. It was over. My eyes met Mario's as he arrived on the scene, and a saddened expression crossed his face. We tried to brace ourselves for the inevitable. We tried to be ready.
But we're never ready for such things.
Somberly, the lead EMT stepped out of Josh's room. We all turned and looked at her. And then we knew.
"I'm sorry," she said.
Joan pressed her hands against her mouth, sobs shaking her frame as she absorbed the fact that her husband, the man she'd spent most of her adult life with, had passed on. Jules lowered his head as it sank in that his old man had departed this earth. And Jas broke down as she realized that never again would her grandfather spoil her or serve as parental override.
Slowly, I took off my cap and bowed my head, tears racing down my cheeks. I felt Mario slide his arms around me.
And then my knees gave out, and then I was in Mario's arms, crying for one of my longtime friends.
We joined Josh's surviving family as they were reduced to sobbing wrecks on the ground. At one point, we were aware of Gadd, Becky, Grace and her family walking in on us, the elderly Professor shielding Jas with his body as the EMTs wheeled out Josh's still form, on a stretcher and covered in a white sheet.
I went over to Jules and Jas, draping an arm around each of them, honoring my promise to Josh. "We're gonna be okay," I hiccupped, trying to be strong. "We're gonna be okay."
Becky escorted all of us to Brooklyn, where we dropped off Joan, Jules, Jackie and Jas at their homes before heading to our apartment. Following a shower and a change of clothes, we met up with the grieving family and began the taxing but necessary process of making arrangements.
Josh would have a direct-to-burial service, where he'd be laid to rest in the family plot. Per his wishes, we'd then send him off with a party, rather than an expensive funeral. The service would be held next week, and Master Hand has agreed to excuse us from the tournament for a month to give us time to mourn.
I honestly don't know if a month will be enough.
Luigi
26 October 2016
Brooklyn, NY
Dear Diary,
Josh was given a wonderful send-off. A procession of limousines whisked me, Mario and the surviving family to the cemetery, where we all sat under a canopy. A team of pallbearers carried Josh's casket in and set it on a stone slab in front of us. It was ivory marble, decorated with wreaths of lily and baby's breath.
A pastor led us in prayer and then committed Josh's body to the earth. Joan was given a bouquet of flowers, while the rest of us was each given a rose. Then, Josh's widow walked over to the casket and whispered a few words before Jules, Jackie, Jas and Jake joined her. They placed a few bottles of Gatorade, a headband, and a Walkman radio on the casket before heading back to their limo. I stood at Josh's casket for a few minutes before reaching into my pocket and placing a Star and a Fire Flower onto it.
"You can rest now, Josh," I said. "We'll be all right."
Then, I turned and made my way to join the family.
Two hours later, we all celebrated Josh's life at his and Joan's house. His most frequent gym clients were in attendance, and Little Mac also attended, alongside Doc. Joan, Jules, Jackie and Jas shared their fondest memories of him, and then, I went up and talked about Josh's reliability as a confidant and all of the times he gave me advice. I credited him with helping me stabilize my personal and professional relationships and acting as a constant in my life, even as I went from a regular Giuseppe to a protector of a fantasyland.
"I'll never forget what Josh did for me," I said, "and I know that even though he's no longer with us, I'll continue to feel his presence."
The rest of the attendees said a few words, and then we toasted to Josh and shared a solemn meal. I bore up well until I returned to my apartment and saw a picture of me with Josh and his family. Then, I fell onto the bed and cried. I guess it finally hit me for the first time that he was gone.
Godspeed, Josh. I'll never forget what you've done for me.
Luigi
8 November 2016
MK
Dear Diary,
I've spent my time helping Joan and Jules settle Josh's estate, and it's only a glaring reminder of his passing. In the interim, my fellow Smashers have sent me well-wishes and sympathy cards. It helps, but not much. I miss Josh's face, beaming at me, as I walked through the gym doors. I miss his mad dash for his phone to call Mario and tell him, "I've got him." And I'll miss seeing him in the stands when I return to the tournaments, his voice carrying over the other voices and spurring me on.
I was at home, watching a program on TV, when it started to rain. It was a gentle rain, the drops soft against the windowpane and whispering against the grass. I aimed my remote at the TV and turned it off before putting on my coat and going outside. The raindrops left light kisses on my forehead and cheeks, and I tilted back my head and closed my eyes, allowing them to land on my eyelashes, eyelids and nose. A slow smile stretched across my face.
And then I began to dance.
Laughing as the droplets continued to fall onto my face and through my hair, I danced and spun and twirled in the rain. Because to me, this was no ordinary rain. This was a sign from Josh, watching me from the heavens, reminding me of the lessons he'd imparted. Reminding me that despite the grief and loss and strife, there was still so much to be grateful for. I was grateful for my friends in Brooklyn, in the MK and in the Smash tournament. I was grateful for Becky, Gadd and Grace. I was grateful for Mario, grateful for Peach and grateful for Daisy. And I was grateful for—well, being grateful, present and here. Here, in the gentle November rain, I began to play the grateful game once more—for myself and in Josh's memory, as he was the one who taught me how to play it.
Outside my house, in my front yard, as Thanksgiving fast approached, I was literally—and figuratively—dancing in the rain.
Luigi