26 April 2009
Smash Mansion
Dear Diary,
Master Hand did something different when it was time for the climactic battle against him. Instead of challenging us one-by-one, he took all of us to Final Destination and told us that he and Crazy Hand were going to fight everyone at the same time. The last Smasher standing would win the challenge.
The ensuing battle was a frenzy. The two Hands shot lasers at us and swiped, swatted and punched all across the stage, with Crazy Hand dropping his bombs. They'd also dive down and grab the first Smasher they saw in a viselike grip, forcing the victim to try and break free. Those who had projectiles fared the best, as they could attack the Hands from a safe distance while trying to regroup. Heavier fighters fared well, too, but their strength cost them speed, and they were frequently caught in the Hands' attacks. For my part, I just leaped and darted from Hand to Hand, peppering them with f-airs and flip kicks, pulling out my three "special moves" when they were in a vulnerable position. I kept my eyes on the situations of my fellow Smashers, and when one or both of the Hands managed to corner them, I swiftly came to their rescue. Around half of us wound up knocked off the stage, but by then, we'd completely subdued Crazy Hand, leaving us only Master Hand.
With his powerful surprise attacks, MH whittled his group of opponents down to Koopa, Wario, Dorf and me. The former three, sadly, weren't above taking cheap shots at me while I was busy with the Hand of Creation. When the four of us remained, I don't think those three landed a single blow on him—only on me. MH frowned in disapproval whenever they did this, and I could tell they were in for a tongue-lashing when this was over. Those three were so ungrateful—just moments ago, I took the heat off them when the two Hands had them on the ropes. They might have changed since Tabuu's failed attack, but they didn't change that much.
Eventually, MH forced the villainous trio back into the fight, but I still did most of the work, landing the final blow on him. Those three were—disappointed, to say the least.
After MH gave Wario, Dorf and Koopa a good talking-to in his office, he summoned us all to the Main Hall, thanking us for keeping him and his twin on their toes. The closing ceremony would be held sometime next month, and as always, our remaining matches wouldn't count against us if we lost. After that, some Alloys brought out a big cake and an equally big tub of ice cream to help celebrate the 10th anniversary of Super Smash Bros!
After everyone had a slice, we were allowed to take some cake home with us. These tournaments as a whole nearly came to an end, so it was very nice of MH to end things on a high note!
Luigi
8 May 2009
Smash Mansion
Dear Diary,
After breakfast, MH summoned us to the Main Hall, where he gave another speech praising our bravery during the Tabuu incident. Then, we sat around and talked about what we liked about Brawl and what could be better. The general consensus was that the Smash Balls were a welcome addition, as before then, there wasn't a definitive way to turn the tide in a Smash battle. But then, the mood turned solemn as we discussed how the Subspace adventure changed us. I talked about how it had forged a bond between me, DDD and Ness. Lucario said that it had led to a deep friendship, a bromance even, with Meta Knight. And it had pushed Mario and Pit closer, as well, along with Samus and Pikachu, and Falcon and Olimar, Ness and Lucas and Diddy, Fox and Falco. Finally, we all agreed that if something like that happened again, then we'd be ready.
After the closing ceremony, we packed our stuff and killed time in the lounge. Tomorrow, we get to go home. Following the Fawful business, Mario and I have resolved to check up on the MK more often during these tournaments. Which actually reminds me, there will indeed be a fourth tournament, and MH has promised that this one will blow our minds.
I'm gonna hold him to that.
Luigi
17 May 2009
MK
Dear Diary,
Guess what? Mac called me up and told me that he was competing in another boxing event tomorrow, and for the first time in years, I'll be able to make it! I passed the news along to Josh and his folks, and they told me that Mac invited them to cheer him on, as well. Mario wouldn't be serving as referee this time, but he encouraged me to have fun and cheer my hardest.
Mac also emailed me an ad for the event, promising that the last boxer standing would be pitted against a surprise opponent. Hm. Maybe that's why Mario won't be able to referee, because he's become a fighter who can mix it up with even the best boxers!
I guess I'll just have to find out this opponent's identity tomorrow.
Luigi
18 May 2009
Brooklyn, NY
Dear Diary,
Josh, Joan, Jules, Jackie, Jas, Jake (with his parents) and I, along with Janice and Jamie, arrived at the arena long before the event was scheduled to begin and grabbed ringside seats. While wandering about the concourse for something to eat, Doc Louis greeted us and then sneaked us into the locker room so we could talk to Mac.
"Hey!" said Mac as Doc ushered us in.
"Hi, Mac," greeted Josh, shaking Mac's hand and giving him a hug. "How do you feel about this one?"
"There's talk about this mystery opponent," shrugged Mac. "They're boasting about how he's nigh unbeatable. I've heard them say the same thing about other boxers I've defeated."
He pulled on his purple hoodie. "You'll be ringside, right?"
I nodded. "We made sure of that."
"Just like old times, right?" asked Mac.
"Just like old times," said Jules, "except, you know, I was just a kid."
"And now you have one of your own," said Mac. "Hi, Jasmine—you've gotten tall!"
Jas blushed. "I can't wait to see you in action again, Mr. Mac," she said.
"You're actually about to graduate from elementary school?" asked Mac.
"Yes, sir. And I'm very proud of it."
"That's the spirit, Jas. Don't forget—stay in school, because there's more to life than just being a fighter."
Jas nodded. "Good luck, Mr. Mac."
"Just call me Little Mac."
"Okay, Little Mac."
Jas then introduced Mac to Jake, and although the pair insisted that they were friends, Mac wasn't convinced. We all sat around for a few minutes and chatted like the old friends we were, and then Doc whisked us back to our seats before the locker room security could catch us.
Mac emerged onto the ring in his best form yet, wearing a red muscle shirt and white boxing shorts with blue stars on them, along with his trademark green gloves. He gave us a wave and a wink as he passed us by and climbed into the ring, hopping on the balls of his feet, bursting with pent-up energy. I couldn't help but notice how popular he'd become since his start in the 80s, but that he still kept his down-to-earth, underdog mentality. He was a hero in his own right, but he'd chosen to stay a hero to the little guy. And I say that kind of hero is the best hero.
The night opened, as always, with a match against Glass Joe. He'd always been the easiest opponent in Mac's title fights, and one of his main flaws was his vanity, always trying to discourage Mac from hitting him in the face. We weren't surprised when Glass Joe was knocked out not long into the second round.
After Glass Joe, Little Mac fought several more opponents we knew all too well. Bald Bull, Soda Popinski, Von Kaiser and King Hippo had their rematches with the Bruiser from the Bronx. But in the front row, my friends and I cheered the loudest and hardest, and whenever he was sent to the mat, he locked eyes with us before pulling himself back up. There was Doc, in Mac's corner, shouting out directions as he noshed on a chocolate bar. And there was Mac, a twinkle in his eye and a slight smirk on his face as he bobbed and weaved before dashing in to hammer at his opponents. It promised to be a high-octane night.
I won't narrate all of Mac's fights tonight. If I did, then the descriptions would start getting a bit repetitive. But I'll tell you that he fought a new opponent named Disco Kid and a hulked out version of himself, named Giga Mac. And finally, once he'd beaten them all, Mac was finally introduced to his mystery opponent—Donkey Kong!
"What?!" I exclaimed as DK dropped down into the ring on a rope ladder, surrounded by banana bunches and a barrel.
"Yikes," said Josh.
You must remember that Josh and his folks have seen DK fight before—and I've experienced it firsthand in Smash. All of us exchanged looks, worried for Mac.
DK wore red boxing gloves with the DK symbol on them in yellow, along with his signature red tie. When he saw us, his face broke out in a grin, and he waved.
"Sorry, big guy," Josh said quietly, "but we have to root for Mac on this one."
"I'm with you there," I said.
Mac looked at us as if to say, "I'm fighting THAT?!"
"You can do it, Mac!" I called to him.
Mac nodded, pumped his fist and turned to face DK.
The King of the Jungle liked to posture for the crowd, making goofy faces, dancing around, taunting Mac and beating his chest. But he was also quite the serious boxer, and also a mass of muscle compared to the diminutive Mac. His boxing style was similar to his playstyle in Smash, his swings a bit slow but savage—he even had a modified version of his clapping attack. He'd also try to slam his fists onto Little Mac from above, and a single punch could take a lot out of his foe. But Mac would attack when DK was busy taunting or scratching himself or preening, and he was a speedy dodger. My friends and I clung to our seats, rooted, as Mac did his best to evade DK's hammy fists and sent a ton of rapid fire punches into his face and body. One eye was swelling up, and he was bleeding from the mouth, and there were other large bruises all over him. But Mac also gave DK a bloody lip and nose, and there was a slight cut over the ape's eyebrow. During breaks, Mac would splash himself with the water Doc proffered and glance reassuringly at us.
"I won't give up," he mouthed at us.
"You've got this, Little Mac!" cried Jas. "We believe in you!"
And then, the fight would begin again, DK relying on brute strength and Mac relying on his swiftness and iron will. Each time DK managed to punch him, he shook it off. Even when he was close to getting a TKO, Mac kept fighting. His determination soon paid off, as he managed to knock down DK for the third and final time.
"Yeah!" we all shouted as the bell was rung and the ref raised Mac's arm in victory.
Doc helped us slip under the ropes so we could personally congratulate Mac.
"I can't believe it," he gasped. "DK's a fearsome fighter, and I beat him."
"We're happy for you, Mac," nodded Josh. "If you can beat DK, then you can beat anyone."
"You all came through for me tonight," said Mac. "Thank you."
"You're welcome," I said before walking over to DK.
"D—n, he's good," the ape mused as I helped him up. "You know him?"
"Yeah," I said. "Just as long as I've known you. I've been a longtime fan of his."
"You two have a lot in common," said DK. "Both of you fought me and won—and you kept getting up after everything I threw at you."
He lumbered over to Mac and shook his hand.
"If I whetted your appetite, then I happen to know a venture that could use a fighter like you," said DK. "You did well as an Assist Trophy, too. Want me to put in a good word to Master Hand?"
Mac looked deep into his eyes. "Why not? I'll finally have the time to try out this new Smash thing."
I blinked. "What are you saying?"
"L, Josh—this is my last bout. I'm retiring from the WVBA," said Mac. "Doc and I were talking about it, and—I think I've had a good run."
"Wow," I gasped.
"It's best that I cut my losses before I get serious brain damage," said Mac.
"But Mac," I said. "What will you do, now that you're no longer in the circuit?"
"Maybe," smiled Mac, "I'll get a job at Josh's gym."
Josh smiled. "We could use some extra hands."
Mac slung his arms around me and Josh as we all walked toward the locker room.
Once Mac was showered and dressed, we went to a nearby pizza place for a celebratory meal. After we all said goodbye-for-now, I headed to my old apartment to crash.
Even though Mac has decided to retire, his story is far from over.
Luigi
6 June 2009
Brooklyn, NY
Dear Diary,
I joined Jules and his folks at Jas's elementary school commencement ceremony, which took place in the school's gym. The proud dad wore a checkered business suit, while Jackie was clad in a floral-print dress. The beaming grandparents sat behind their son and daughter-in-law, Josh's hand on his son's shoulder. When Jas's name was called, Jules covered his mouth with one hand and broke down, and I felt myself getting choked up, too. The snugly swaddled newborn I got to hold in my arms was now finished with elementary school, about to start junior high. Jas was beaming from start to finish, waving joyfully at us—but her eyes were also moist. She held her diploma daintily across her lap as she took a seat, and later on, all of the graduates got to take individual and group photos.
"Jasmine—you did it!" breathed Jules as he hugged his little girl (well, she wasn't quite little anymore). "We've never been prouder of you!"
"Thanks, Dad," Jas said humbly. "I couldn't have done it without you guys."
"So," Jackie ventured. "Are any of your friends following you to junior high?"
"Yes, but the best part is, Jake is one of them!" gushed Jas.
Jules looked worried. Josh and Joan exchanged knowing looks.
After the ceremony was finished, there was a small lunch, and the family was taking Jas out to her favorite restaurant later. I declined their invitation, deciding that a celebratory graduation should be something shared between Jas and her immediate family. But I did decide to spend the rest of the day in New York, looking after the plumbing business.
Luigi
28 June 2009
Los Angeles, CA
Dear Diary,
Grace has been Mrs. Roland Butter for five years. Five years, and her love for him has yet to waver. Yet there's still the small matter of Roland chafing a bit whenever I interact with Grace, and his spouse of five years is finally starting to catch on.
"You don't have to worry about him," I heard her say to him as I arrived for their anniversary party. "Nothing's going on between us, if that's what you're worried about."
"It's not just that," he said gently. "Did you see his Negative Zone in that tournament? What if it rages out of control—what if you get hurt? And Gavin—what if he gets caught up in it?"
"Do you—see a Smash Ball around here? No? Then there's nothing to fret over, all right?"
A sigh. "All right."
Roland appeared to loosen up around me after that talk with Grace. He admitted that he was just as worried about me as his wife during last year's drama, as well as the Blorbs drama earlier this year. He also told me that if he and Grace decided to renew their vows, then I'd be his first choice for a best man. I really don't know if he's trying to placate Grace, butter me up (snicker) or both, or if he really means it, but I'm keeping an open mind and meeting him halfway. I know that he loves Grace and that he'd never hurt her, and that he spent most of his childhood surrounded by Piantas, so she's the first human contact he's had in a long time, and he really wants to cherish her. I'm not trying to make excuses for him, but—
That, however, was all but forgotten once the party got into full swing. Roland was still quite charmed by my dancing prowess and put my drinks on his tab. We all socialized and laughed and cracked jokes as the spirits poured and the food was passed around. By the time the anniversary cake was brought out, most of us were quite tipsy (Gavin was spending the night with his grandparents, but his parents were still abstaining).
"Are you doing anything else to celebrate?" I asked. "An exotic vacation?"
"We're thinking about going to the place where we first met," said Roland. "Isle Delfino. It'll be an anniversary for both of us, and a bit of a homecoming for me. We'll talk to my in-laws and see how long they're willing to keep Gavin. Luigi—we're okay, right?"
"Yeah," I said. "We're okay."
Roland winked at me. "Keep on doing what you do," he said before rejoining his wife.
Ah, Super Roland Butter. I'll never know what to think of him.
But hopefully, he and Grace can make it to their 10th anniversary!
Luigi
25 August 2009
MK
Dear Diary,
I spent most of the day talking to Jules and Jackie. You see, today was Jas's first day of middle school, and both parents were on edge. Starting at around 9:30 this morning, the two began calling me every few hours, sounding very frazzled. Jules, for the most part, was more concerned about his daughter's closeness to Jake and what he might be doing with her. I've only met the kid a few times, but I know that Jake is a sweet boy who'd never take advantage of anyone. But Jules would simply say that it was what they all said. Most of my conversations with Jules were mainly Jake this and Jake that and if he ever lays hands on Jas or hurts her or makes her shed even a single tear, then he'll sing soprano for the rest of his days and never father any children. But don't all fathers feel that way?
Jackie, on the other hand, liked to make small talk, and I had to coax her to spill her thoughts about Jas at a new school. With the rise of new technology, like Facebook and the newborn Twitter and Android phones, has come the rise of cyberbullying. Jackie's just worried about what would happen should Jas become a target.
"Tell her to do what I do," I said. "Ignore them."
"If only it was that easy," sighed Jackie.
At around 4 in the afternoon, they called and apologized for hounding me so. Jas emerged from her first day as a middle school student unscathed, and she'd even made more new friends. I told them that there was no need to be sorry; they did the right thing in turning to a friend for advice and comfort. Still, they promised me that they wouldn't blow up my phone as much tomorrow, and the many days after that. And I got to talk to Jas, who sounded both happy and exhausted at the same time. I kept the conversation short so that she could get started on her homework.
Imagine Jules and Jackie's state of mind once Jasmine starts high school!
Luigi
15 November 2009
MK
Dear Diary,
You're not gonna believe this. The Koopa King has struck once more—grabbing Peach in the middle of her birthday party! We were all at the castle, enjoying ourselves, when someone brought in this huge cake. And from this cake, out jumped the Koopalings, who made off with Peach during the fracas and sped off on Koopa's airship.
I mean, what kind of person would snatch the object of their desires on their birthday?!
No sense in moping about that, though. Mario and I, joined by a Blue Toad and a Yellow Toad, must chase after that airship and rescue our Princess—again.
Here we go!
Luigi
3 December 2009
MK
Dear Diary,
Mario and I were grateful for the extra company during this rescue mission. Not only did we have two more souls to talk to, but also we had additional help in solving puzzles and getting past obstacles. Those Toads have more pluck than they realize, and they were pretty enthusiastic in helping us save their beloved monarch.
We had the usual power-ups to aid us, the Super Mushroom, 1-Up Mushroom, Invincibility Star and Fire Flower. But on this go-round, we made the acquaintance of the Ice Flower, which allowed us to throw iceballs at our enemies, the Penguin Suit, which gave us better traction on icy terrain and allowed us to slide on our bellies as well as throw snowballs, the Propeller Mushroom, which gave us higher jumps and stronger Ground-Pounds, as well as a cute-looking propeller on our heads, and the Mini Mushroom, which shrank us to bite-size, allowing us to walk and run on the water's surface. Yoshis would also pop up from time-to-time, happy to give us a lift on their backs.
We were still quite miffed that Koopa crashed Peach's birthday party, which gave us a little extra energy in traversing through eight worlds. The four of us explored grasslands, sun and sand-swept deserts, icy wintry wonderlands, beautiful beaches with sparkly waters, lush jungles, rocky mountains and even the clouds in the skies above. At the end of each world, a Koopaling waited for us. Defeating them was relatively easy once we figured out their fight patterns—just Ground Pound them thrice. Along the way, we made sure to enjoy ourselves, resting at Toad Houses, splashing in the cool surf of the beaches, playing around in the snow and catching snowflakes on our tongues and keeping each other's spirits elevated. We listened to our favorite songs on our new Android phones. We ate, slept and rested whenever we needed and kept our stays in the Toad Houses as brief as possible.
Finally, we reached the volcanic world leading to Koopa's Castle. After tangling past crumbling structures and trying not to fall into the sea of lava, the four of us burst into the castle and made our way to that bridge, where Koopa waited and Peach sulked in a cage, her back to us.
There were no preludes. Faces set, we leaped into action, the two Toads using fireballs to fight from a distance while Mario and I took on that monster head-on with our usual punches and kicks, even grabbing and throwing him to one another. Finally, Mario nailed him with that singular downward punch, sending Koopa into the lava below.
"Serves him right," he muttered.
"Easy," I cautioned, putting a hand on his shoulder.
"Oh, boy," said the Yellow Toad. "That was fun!"
"Tell me about it," laughed the Blue Toad.
We all looked up at the golden-haired figure in the cage, who promptly turned around and laughed. That wasn't Peach! That was Kamek, Koopa's trusted advisor! We'd been duped!
Kamek cast a spell, and Koopa slowly emerged from the lava—now several times his size!
"Holy [bleep]!" yelped the two Toads.
The four of us took off, leading the giant Koopa on a chase across intricate floating platforms with shortening footholds, wide chasms and delicate stone walkways as he belched giant fireballs at us and swiped with his claws. Whenever we could, we turned around and launched our own fireballs at him, but it did little good. I think I caught a slash or two as I tried to protect our Toad companions. Luckily, several Propeller Mushrooms were nearby to help us navigate the increasingly perilous environment. Faintly, we heard a familiar voice shouting to us, and we concentrated on that voice and that voice alone.
Soon, Peach came into view. She was in a gilded cage with a ribbon on top, watching the four of us with cautious optimism. In one hand, she tightly clutched a hairpin, and we could tell that she'd been endeavoring to pick the lock. Save for the slightly disordered hair, the light film of sweat on her face and the barely noticeable disturbance in her makeup, Peach was relatively untouched.
"It's okay!" Mario called to her. "We're gonna get you out of here!"
Peach smiled and pointed below her, and that's when we saw the big yellow button with the exclamation point on it.
Perfect!
With one last jump, all four of us landed on the button, stopping Koopa in his tracks and sending him plummeting down the chasm.
"I just wanted to wish her a happy birthday!" roared Koopa as he fell.
"Way too close!" gasped the Blue Toad as the Yellow Toad nodded vigorously.
We looked up as the bottom of Peach's cage opened, and she used her magic to gently float down.
"Wow, what an a—hole," she huffed as she smoothed her dress. "Thanks for teaching him a lesson."
"You're welcome," said Mario. "Sorry you had to go through this on your b-day."
"Are you kidding?" giggled Peach. "You came for me, Mario! This is the best f—ing birthday ever!"
The two Toads blushed at the not-so-dignified profanity.
Peach leaned forward and kissed Mario deeply on the mouth. "Thank you," she said, in a gentler tone.
Mario sighed pleasurably, hearts in his eyes.
We whipped around as the Toad retainers showed up in their usual ride, "I Gotta Feeling" by the Black-Eyed Peas playing on their stereo.
"Hey, guys!" they greeted. "Need a ride?"
"Actually," I smiled. "I have a better idea."
Along with the Yellow Toad and Blue Toad, I commandeered two of Koopa's hot air balloons and souped them up with a good sound system. I rode in one balloon, while the Toads road in the other. We carefully guided them outside Koopa's castle, where the retainers had Peach and Mario waiting for us.
I touched down first in my balloon, climbed out and then held the door open, inviting Mario and Peach to board. Silently, they accepted, Mario giving Peach his arm as they stepped inside. After tossing the Toads a wave, I made a grab for the railing so I could safely re-board and wound up grabbing air, losing my balance and falling to the floor. Turns out, the door had slid closed, and Mario and Peach had taken off without me. I could see them as the balloon began its ascent, exchanging mushy, loving looks. Sigh. Left in the dust again.
The first strains of "Party in the U.S.A." snapped me out of my thoughts, and I spun around to see the two Toads with their hot air balloon, happily inviting me to ride with them.
"Thanks!" I said as I hopped aboard, and we, too, took to the skies.
We arrived at Peach's Castle as the sun began to set, making a smooth landing at the castle's entrance. Peach and Mario exited from their balloon first, followed by me and my Toad companions.
"M-A-R-I-O! Mar-i-o!" cheered the Toads, causing a huge smile to break out on my bro's face.
A few Toads ran up to hug the Blue Toad and Yellow Toad.
"Thank goodness you're all right!" they exclaimed.
"Well, we had the adventure of a lifetime," said the Blue Toad. "If you come with us, then we'll tell you all about it…"
"You two go on ahead," I said. "Tell the others I'll join them later."
"Okay," said the Yellow Toad. "Bye, Luigi! Thanks for helping us!"
As they walked into the castle, I strode out into the grass and flopped down on my back, gazing at the darkening sky and the brightening stars.
I risked my hide in commandeering those balloons, along with the Blue Toad and Yellow Toad. I wanted to give Peach something special to make up for her ruined birthday. She'd smiled at me, indicating that she appreciated the gesture, but on Mario's end? No so much as a simple "thank you". And he'd taken off and left me there.
And once again, all of the Toads went gaga over Mario, but for me—crickets. At least those two Toads got something.
I lay there in the grass, keeping my breathing steady and my thoughts on the positive side. And then I saw the small, bright yellow lights hovering above me.
Fireflies.
Multitudes of them materialized as night fell, drifting lazily through the air. Around me, they danced, their lights flickering in a visual symphony. Something about those fireflies and the way they lit up the night and the blades of grass began to soothe me, the usual melancholy following a rescue mission beginning to fall away. Slowly, I sat up, watching those fireflies dip and float and wink, and I smiled. I began to imagine the fireflies as the little lights in my life, the lights I should hold onto to keep me from falling into the darkness. Maybe Mario didn't mean to take off on that balloon without me; he was sidetracked with making sure Peach was okay. And at least the Toads gave me a ride, and it was quite enjoyable.
I cupped my palms and watched a single firefly fall into them, studying it intently as its light flickered in an intricate pattern. It was reminding me—yes, reminding me—that I was still guided by these little lights. As long as I followed them, I'd never get lost. As long as I followed them, the lights would never extinguish. And as long as I followed them, life would still be worth living.
Feeling much better, I released the firefly and watched it rejoin its brethren.
Peach's cake could wait. Right now, I was drinking in the millions and millions of lights in my life—the breathtaking dance of the fireflies.
Luigi
31 December 2009
Peach's Castle, MK
Dear Diary,
The 2000s had ushered in a new millennium, and with it, sweeping changes for my life in the MK and Brooklyn. I'd made a new best friend, saw my honorary nephew marry the love of his life, stabilized my relationship with Mario (somewhat) and finally proved myself to be the hero I knew I could be. I'd witnessed the heart-wrenching attacks on the Twin Towers on national television, became an unwitting vehicle of evil and went toe-to-toe with the King of all Boos and a malevolent blue humanoid tyrant, and yet after each incident, I'd built myself back up as a stronger person. Mac was expanding his horizons by retiring from boxing, while Jasmine was expanding hers by entering the world of junior high. Mario and I went on adventures spanning numerous kingdoms and worlds, including galaxies and the innards of our sworn enemy! Old stories had ended, sure—but new stories had begun.
And these new stories will continue and bud off newer stories in the 2010s. Jasmine could grow up, fall in love, decide how she wants to grow up and take her first steps toward independence from Jules and Jackie. Roland could further navigate the new world he's found himself in as a husband and father, and finally come to terms with the fact that I had a place in it as his wife's friend and colleague. Mario and I could face off against more enemies like Fawful and Cackletta and the Shroob Princesses and Tabuu, further cementing our status as a dream team. And maybe—just maybe—I could expand on my ghost-hunting expertise just a little bit more. My Poltergust 3000 is sitting in my room, gathering dust, after all. It needs to see some more action, or it'll just break down.
But most of all, I hope that whatever happens in the 2010s, the lights in my life continue to burn and dance around me like fireflies, reminding me to never give up—or give in.
I need to find myself a prime viewing spot for the fireworks. Happy New Year!
Luigi