1 January 2006
MK
Dear Diary,
Happy 30th anniversary! I'm still sailing on a cloud of euphoria from Mario's passionate defense of me to the Star Gate. It's like nothing can hurt me anymore.
Julian and Jackie's gym is set to open sometime this year, and Peach has invited Jackie to audition for the MK Ballet Company. However, the couple reiterated that they'd split their time between here and Brooklyn, so Jasmine wouldn't be too homesick or separated from her friends for long periods of time.
Speaking of friends, Grace is handily juggling her work as Gadd's employee with being a mom, and Roland's a big help. Yeah, he's still wary toward me, but he's not entirely antagonistic. He still wants a college degree, so he's taking online college courses, which offer more flexibility. Despite being full-time parents, the Butters are still madly in love with each other.
We'll just have to see how things go as the year progresses.
Luigi
24 February 2006
MK
Dear Diary,
Roland has softened his attitude toward me since the beginning of this year. He invited me for coffee, and we sat and talked things over.
"Listen, I'm sorry, all right?" he said. "I didn't mean to act so—abrasive. Being a first-time parent made me so—antsy. But I don't want you getting the wrong idea about me. I appreciate how you helped Grace, and how she helped you. And maybe I should take the time to say—thanks."
"You're welcome," I said.
"Let me make this up to you," said Roland. "Gavin's first birthday party is coming up, and we're planning on holding it at Mushroom Park. Would you be interested in helping out?"
"Sure—I'd love to," I smiled. "Thanks."
"You're welcome. And—if that Koopa keeps giving Peach any trouble, I can give you a hand," he offered.
"I'll think about it," I said. "Okay?"
"Okay."
We shook hands before heading our separate ways.
Roland Butter is—one complicated man, to say the least. Either he figured things out on his own, or Grace talked some sense into him. But even though we're on better terms now, I'm still keeping an eye out for him. Old habits die hard.
Luigi
20 March 2006
MK
Dear Diary,
Jules and Jackie's MK-based gym is now open! They held a ribbon-cutting ceremony this morning. Julian wore a nice business suit, Jackie wore a peasant dress and Jas was clad in a blouse and skirt. Security was through the roof, not just for the family, but also for Peach. Koopa could take advantage of this event, swoop down and grab her! Well—nothing of the sort happened, but we weren't about to take chances!
Peach gave a short but effective speech commemorating the gym before Jackie and Jules cut the ribbon. The Toads applauded, excited at the prospect of exercising without holding a sports tournament, as multicolored confetti streamed down on everyone. Then, the couple gave us a tour of the property. There was a weight training area, a cardio area, a cycling studio, a dance studio, a smoothie bar, locker rooms and a pool. While the gym was filled with state-of-the-art equipment, it retained the original gym's down-to-earth atmosphere. Josh must be so proud!
Later that day, I dressed in workout clothes and became one of the new gym's first clients, signing up for a flexible membership with many benefits. The very first thing I did in that gym was try the cardio area. There were treadmills, arc trainers, rowing machines—and spin bikes! After my usual workout, I rested for a while before trying out a spin class.
Best decision ever. That spin class had one of the most energetic cycle instructors I'd ever encountered. Everyone in the class got breathless to a variety of tunes, and we were encouraged to adjust our resistance level as needed. Cycling by myself was when I could be alone with my thoughts, but cycling with a group, hearing the breaths of other people and the gears whirring was a more—immersive—experience. I loved this new gym already, and I made sure to tell Jules and Jackie on my way out, as well.
But I'm still going to Josh's gym. It's always been a huge part of my life, I've gone there in the past to calm down, and I don't want that to change just because of a newer gym. I can split time between the two. For example, if I have time after completing a plumbing job in New York, I can decompress in Josh's gym. He can rest easy for now—he's not about to lose one of his best customers!
Luigi
3 April 2006
MK
Dear Diary,
As promised, Roland allowed me to help out at Gavin's first birthday party at Mushroom Park. I chaperoned the young children, organized several races and helped soothe the birthday boy when he got fussy. There were a few freckles on his cheeks, and I knew they'd multiply as he got older. His curls had been tamed somewhat, but they still tended to bounce in his face.
"We don't want to cut too much of his hair," Grace had explained to me. "And I think he likes his curls."
"He gets that from me," Roland had proudly added.
It was a short party, as Gavin was getting a little drowsy and was due for a nap soon. While the guests helped themselves to cupcakes, Gavin got to eat a small birthday cake with a "1"-shaped candle on it. His parents helped him blow out the candle, and he giggled as he started shoving handfuls of cake into his mouth.
After Gavin was cleaned up, his parents helped to open his presents. My present to him was a green hat with an "L" on it, along with a onesie made to look like my shirt and overalls.
"That's very creative," gushed Roland.
"Indeed! And so nice of you, too," added Grace. "Thank you, L."
"You're welcome," I said.
By the time the party ended and I'd helped the parents clean up, Gavin was fast asleep on his mom's shoulder. The Butters quietly said goodbye to me before buckling their son into his child's seat, got in the car and drove home. After seeing them off, I, too, went home.
Luigi
15 May 2006
MK
Dear Diary,
Peach has been grabbed again! She and Mario were going on a nice walk when they saw smoke pouring out of the castle. As Mario left to investigate, BJ sneaked up on her and whisked her away! Now, Mario and I must chase that bratty Koopaling down before Peach falls into his dastardly dad's hands!
I think BJ knows that Peach really isn't his mom, but he's just as obsessed with her as his dear old dad. Yes, it's a different kind of obsession, but still.
Time for another mission to rescue our Princess. Let's-a go!
Luigi
1 July 2006
MK
Dear Diary,
It was just like old times, Mario and I jumping and sliding our way through eight worlds. Only this time, there were new—or upgraded—enemies hindering our progress. Luckily, we managed to get our hands on some new power-ups as well as the old. There was the Blue Shell, which gave us a shell on our back so we could imitate a Koopa Troopa. The Mega Mushroom turned us into a colossal giant for about a minute or so, and we stomped happily through enemies and obstacles. Mini Mushrooms shrank us down to bite size, allowing us to get past tight crevasses. Roulette Blocks were scattered throughout each level, gifting each of us with a random item. Helpful Toads sold us their wares in Toad Houses, and some of them offered us ice cold energy drinks for free. Awesome.
Our journey to rescue Peach took us through grasslands, deserts, islands, oceans, forests, ice, rocky mountains and even the sky before leading us to a dark, purple forest which turned into a volcanic environment. I couldn't help but notice that Mario swallowed his pride and outright looked to me for assistance more often. And remembering what the Star Gate had said enabled me to take the lead as needed. Our first-ever adventure had pushed us to rely on each other, and our first post-Star Gate adventure pushed us even harder. Often, Mario would pass me the stronger power-up, and when faced with a boss, I'd use that power-up to cover his back. I repaid him by taking the most severe attacks aimed at Mario, and whenever someone got a hit in, I gave them a scathing look. Mario would really get upset whenever they attacked me, too.
Like we usually do throughout these ventures, we worked on our own time. We subsisted on snacks when we wanted, slept when we felt like it, rested when we needed it. Our earphones were plugged in, iPods once again set to shuffle, and we charged them frequently. On Julian's 30th birthday, I took the time to compose and send him a handmade card. Generally, we kept our breaks short. Another minute at rest meant another minute Peach spent in Koopa's claws.
A boss waited at the end of each world. The first boss was Koopa, followed by Mummipokey, Cheepskipper, a giant Mushroom Defector, Petey Piranha, Monty Tank and Lakithunder. In addition to these bosses, BJ gave us some trouble at the end of each Tower we cleared. We fought them with fireballs, punches, kicks and our other power-ups, but our most vital weapon was our Ground Pound. The bosses we encountered tended to give up after three Ground Pounds—the trick was timing them correctly.
It all ended up at Koopa Castle, where we faced down the villainous father-son duo. Peach was on a platform away from the danger zone, her face glowing with hope. But when I looked closer, I noticed something—off. She fixed her hair periodically, and her makeup was a little out of place. Her dainty, gloved hands played with her pumps, taking special interest in the pointy heels.
"Tough luck, plumbers!" boomed Koopa. "Thanks to Peach, BJ and I are about to get everything we ever wanted—a beautiful Princess, the perfect mom and the whole MK! You'll never see her again!"
Mario and I narrowed our eyes at Koopa, and our battle began.
BJ had given his dad something which allowed him to grow three times his size. While Koopa fired bowling-ball sized fireballs (and iceballs) at us, BJ spun around in his shell, trying to knock into us. Mario and I could easily subdue BJ, but as always, it was Koopa who gave us the biggest fight. He bounded this way and that, trying to stomp us. When we showed even greater persistence, he sliced and slashed with his claws, tried to Ground Pound us, and spun around in his shell. But I helped Mario evade the most brutal of Koopa's blows, and vice versa. All the while, Peach shouted down to us, the tone of her voice sounding so—giddy and joyful, as if she knew that we'd beat him. We'd been at this for over twenty years—whatever Koopa threw at us, we'd bounce right back.
Mario and I stood on that bridge, winded and wounded and wired, with still enough juice in us to kick Koopa into the next century. Our eyes met, and Mario gave me a nod as if to say, I'm with you to the end of the line. I nodded back, and we both raised our fists as Koopa stomped toward us and roared, ready to make our last stand—
—when Koopa suddenly jerked, his eyes rolling up in his head, and collapsed face-down onto the floor. His massive body slid off the bridge and into the ditch below, revealing a red pump lying where he once stood.
We smiled up at Peach, who casually waved back at us, her remaining pump in hand.
The platform she was on broke, and she glided herself down onto the bridge below. Mario and I ran up to meet her as she landed.
"Thank you," she said, kissing us both on the cheek.
The rumble of a car engine broke the moment. Seconds later, the Toad retainers arrived in their cool car, "Hips Don't Lie" by Shakira playing on the stereo. Happily, the three of us hopped into the car, and we all hit the road for Peach's castle.
Upon our arrival, a crowd of Toads had assembled, two of them helping Mario and Peach out of the car. I don't think they even looked in my direction.
"Mario's done it again!" they cheered, hoisting my big bro onto their shoulders and carrying him inside the castle.
I just remained in the car, listening to the music, fighting those familiar feelings threatening to creep over me. I'd made a resolution following the Star Gate incident, and I was going to keep it. Not all resolutions were easy to keep, after all. But I just thought after what the Star Gate had said to us, Mario would start paying just a little more attention—
None of the Toads had seemed to realize that I was still out here, sitting in the car. Not a single one came out to check on me. That was all right. I wasn't a kid; I didn't need to be checked on. I could handle this. I've handled this for two decades. I was just exhausted after another long adventure. And if I went into that castle, it would be Mario, Mario, Mario. Mario this and Mario that and oh, we can't live without Mario, look what Mario's done for us. If I was lucky, I'd at least get a slice of cake. Being exposed to that wouldn't help me keep to my resolution.
Eventually, however, I climbed out of the vehicle and pushed open the doors into the castle. Mario came running up with the biggest slice of cake I'd ever seen, offering it to me. I was feeling better already. Gratefully, I took the slice, and then Mario turned toward the crowd.
"Hey, let's hear it for Luigi!" he cried, and the Toads all cheered.
Aw—thanks, Mario. You're supporting your brother, indeed.
Luigi
16 July 2006
Brooklyn, NY
Dear Diary,
Jules and Jackie threw a little party to celebrate their fifth anniversary. It was a casual affair, taking place in their backyard, with the couple firing up the grill with hot dogs, burgers and ribs. They'd also invited a few of Jas's classmates, including Jake. The interaction between them is heartwarming, from Jas giving Jake half of her burger to Jake shyly asking Jas to dance with him. And they're only nine years old. Can't you believe it?
"Jake and Jasmine, sitting in a tree, K-I-S-S-I-N-G!" teased Kate. "First comes love, then comes marriage—then comes a baby in a baby carriage!"
"Not if I have anything to say about it," vowed Julian, but in a playful tone.
"Dad," sighed Jas.
Once the grill was extinguished, we all gathered round as Jackie and Jules cut an ice-cream cake and began leveling out slices onto plates. Then, the couple got downright lovey-dovey, feeding each other spoonfuls of the cake, getting icing all over their mouths and using kisses to discreetly lick off the icing.
"Yuck," giggled Jas.
As evening fell, it was time for the kids to go home, and for Jas to get ready for bed. After the kids and their parents had left, it was just me, Mario, Josh, Joan, Jackie and Jules. We sat around, snacking on leftover cake and talking. Finally, we decided to leave the pair to some "private time" and took our leave, too, Mario and I staying the night at our apartments.
What's their secret?
Luigi
27 July 2006
MK
Dear Diary,
Which sport hasn't Mario revolutionized yet? Well, today, he crossed basketball off the list.
We were all going about our own business near the park when the basketball courts caught Mario's eye. It wasn't long before we secured a few basketballs and took over one of the courts for some three on three games. It started off with me, Mario, Yoshi, Peach, Daisy, Waluigi, DK, Wario, BJ and Diddy. But as a crowd gathered and the games heated up, some new players joined the fray, as well. Birdo, Koopa, Dixie Kong, a Paratroopa, a Boo, and a Fly Guy jumped in, as well as a few visitors, like the White Mage, Cactuar, Moogle and the Black Mage. Someone explained that those four characters were from the Final Fantasy franchise. If we included a few more franchises, then this would've been like Smash Bros, except with basketballs.
It wasn't a tournament, per se—it was just a series of random basketball games. A few phone calls from Peach and Daisy later, vendors had arrived on the scene, selling everything from cookies to Chinese food. Eventually, we all just changed into lighter clothing and played away the rest of the day. Nobody kept track of which team won the most games. It was just another way for all of us to get together.
Luigi
11 September 2006
Brooklyn, NY
Dear Diary,
Exactly five years have passed since that dreadful Tuesday morning. Five years—funny how so much can change in five years, and yet how so much can remain the same. Mario and I found ourselves drawn toward Ground Zero this afternoon. They've cleaned up a lot of debris, and there's talk about constructing a memorial at the site of the Twin Towers. I think that's an excellent idea. It's something to fill the void and commemorate the lost souls.
Jas was four when it happened, but now that she's in fourth grade, she's gained a better understanding of the situation. And standing at Ground Zero, she began to tell me and Mario her story.
"I remember that I was in preschool, playing with Jake and Claire and a few others," she said. "Then, our teacher came in, and she looked—shaken. She was almost about to cry as she told us to grab our things and wait outside for our parents. And then she said that something had happened at the World Trade Center, and they had to shut down the school for safety reasons. I didn't like the way she was saying that, and when Grandma Janice arrived, I was throwing so many questions at her. We were driving to her and Grandpa Jamie's house when I saw the smoke. It was everywhere, and people were screaming and running. When we got home, Grandpa and Grandma sat me down and explained that someone had flown planes into the Towers, and one of them had collapsed. Then, they sent me upstairs, and I wished my mom and dad were there."
"We were in the MK, bracing ourselves for Koopa's attack," I told her. "We were still focusing on it when the news first broke, because we didn't know…" A tear slid down my face.
"Nobody knew," said Jackie, "until it was too late."
"But look at us now," said Joan. "We haven't fallen. We haven't thrown in the towel. We've shaken off the rust and moved forward, but we've also taken the time to remember what happened and how it touched us, and why we continue to fight for what's right."
"Yeah," I said. "The world stopped, but it started moving again. It was touch and go at first, but now—all that exists is a scar. But at least it's not a raw, open wound anymore."
"Well spoke, Luigi," said Josh. "Well spoke."
We spent the day in the area, talking quietly and contemplating what had happened to us in these last five years. Eventually, we sat around a table, noshing on Nathan's Hot Dogs and fries, before ending the day in serenity at Central Park, watching the sunset.
Now, I'm back in my apartment, gazing out at the city—our city. The place where the Towers stood doesn't feel like a void anymore. And if there was going to be a memorial, then it would chase away the ghosts of 9/11 and give all of us true closure.
In time, though. In time.
Luigi
18 October 2006
MK
Dear Diary,
Just as I was getting dressed this morning, someone knocked on my door. I put on my cap, pulled on my gloves and answered it. And there was Mario, standing there, holding out a medium-sized cake with "Thank You Luigi" written on it in green icing, a huge smile on his face. Standing behind him were Roland and Grace, Gavin on the former's hip.
"Surprise!" the trio said in unison.
"Oh, my…" I said. "What's the occasion?"
"Luigi—it's the 18th," said Gracie.
"The—18th of October," I realized. "It was five years ago today."
"Yeah," said Mario, "and I thought we might celebrate."
I blushed. "Oh, Bro…"
I let them inside, and Mario set the cake on the table while the Butters laid out the place settings.
"And to wash this cake down," said Grace, "I was thinking about a nice, refreshing glass of strawberry-kiwi punch."
"Because it's green?" I asked, teasingly.
"Yup," said Grace, pouring the aforementioned beverage into a pitcher.
Mario set down a cake server and a knife. "Care to do the honors, Lil' Bro?" he asked.
"No, thanks, Mario," I said. Off of everyone's looks, I added, "Wanna do it with me?"
"All right," said Mario.
Together, Mario and I cut out a neat slice of cake, eased it out, and slid it onto one of the plates as Grace and Roland clapped and Gavin laughed.
"Looks good," said Grace.
Mario and I levered out three more slices, and then cut a small slice to give to Gavin. Then, I took the pitcher and filled our cups with strawberry-kiwi punch.
"I know it's been mentioned many times," said Mario, "but Luigi, you saved my life, along with the balance of the MK. The Star Gate may have only acknowledged the instances I risked everything for you, but five years ago, in that mansion, you risked everything—and more—for me. For all I know, you had every right to leave me to an eternity as King Boo's plaything, given the situation regarding our fame. But you didn't. Because our brotherhood and bond is more important than fame, and you recognized that. Luigi—you're not only my baby bro, but also my teammate, my partner in life, my wingman. And on this day, the fifth anniversary of an unlikely rescue—we drink to you." He raised his glass. "To Luigi."
"To Luigi," said Grace.
"To Luigi," said Roland.
Gavin just smiled as he lifted his sippy cup.
I raised my glass, the liquid sloshing a little due to my trembling hand. "Here's to you, too," I said. "To Gracie, for meeting me at a very strange time in my life. To Roland, for giving Grace not only a second chance at love but also a beautiful bambino. And to Mario—for believing me, loving me, cherishing me, comforting me and honoring me, no matter what."
And then we all drank.
It wasn't like the lavish parties for Mario, just like the celebration immediately after my adventure. But it was recognition, credit and acknowledgement—three things there's been a dearth of for me lately. Five of us, eating cake, drinking strawberry-kiwi punch, reminiscing about the mansion and then talking about lighter subjects while Gavin babbled about this and that. Just taking the time to catch up before the day began.
And you know what? I may not be heroic material, but I can be a hero. I'm far from a perfect person, and there aren't a lot of perfect people in this world. But I have loved ones I'm willing to protect. I have a strong moral code and a sense of justice. I have the brains and brawn allowing me to hold my own in a fight. And I have undying hope for each time I see the sun come up.
I admit it, freely and proudly—I'm not the type of person Mario is. But that's what makes me unique. And if I need to throw a few punches, then you can be d—n sure I will. Being cautious isn't the same as being useless or spineless, and I'm none of those things. I have flaws, but I'm also a hero in my own right.
So those Toads should just take me as I am.
Luigi