7 December 2019

Smash Mansion

Dear Diary,

Today was the first anniversary of Super Smash Brothers Ultimate, and what a difference a year made! When the tournament first kicked off, Jas and Jake were still getting ready to welcome their twins. Now, Joanna and Josh are eleven months old, resting comfortably in their parents' laps as they cheer me on in the stands. Nelle was only two months old, and now she's fourteen months old and beginning to walk, on her way to babbling and being potty-trained. As for her big brother, he was just beginning his romantic relationship with Miranda. But now, the two of them are officially an item. I guess the Last Resort adventure pushed them closer together.

At the beginning of Ultimate, I didn't think I'd be able to bury the hatchet with Falco. Then, the business with Galeem and Dharkon happened, and I'll always remember the relieved look on his face when Mario and his group freed me in the Mysterious Dimension. First, we started talking again, and then came the day when I invited Falco to lunch and officially allowed him back into my orbit. Our heated exchange had happened four years ago, I had new down-throw combos, and I realized that it wasn't fair for me to hold that grudge. In hindsight, I made the right decision, because I had to deal with him a month later. My life was too unpredictable to hold grudges, anyway.

Of course, over this past year, I had to say goodbye to Joan, but I took solace in the fact that she was still with me in spirit. Plus, her ghost, along with Josh's ghost, had provided much-needed assistance in the final fight with King Boo. Watching the ghosts of your two longtime friends whale on your worst enemy is something you don't see every day.

On my first day back from the extended leave MH had granted me, it was like nothing ever happened. I swiftly fell back into my normal routine, giving each of my matches my all as Mario, Peach, Julian, Jackie, Jasmine and Jake sat in the front row and the twins greedily ate everything up with their eyes. For most of my down time, I was sparring with Miis in the Training Area, but I also visited the lounge for some snacks and a warm cup of hot chocolate. None of the Smashers have asked about my "trip", and I don't feel that it's necessary. They've probably seen it on the news, and there's no sense in going on and on about it.

Daisy and I had an intimate dinner this evening, and I didn't mind rehashing that night's events to her. She listened as I narrated, and when I was done, she told me that she was proud of me for standing up to the source of my worst nightmares for the third time. Then, I told her about Gooigi and about how being in a life-or-death situation further bonded us. I didn't have to tell her about the kiss we'd shared—she understood that there was something between us. She took it in very good humor, by the way, and she even joked about having a threesome with the two of us.

Wow—that would be interesting.

Tonight, however, was about me and Daisy making up for lost time. I held her and told her how much I loved her as I rocked her world. Her fingers threaded through my hair and trailed down my back as she begged me for more, and I gave her more until both of our bodies trembled and our sheets were a big mess. We caught our breath, and we continued having fun in the shower.

I'm getting excited again just thinking about the hot and steamy things I did with Daisy. She stirring a little next to me, so let me see if she's interested in another round.

Okay, night-night!

Luigi

10 December 2019

Smash Mansion

Dear Diary,

Jasmine and Jake celebrated their six-month wedding anniversary with a spa day. They started the day with twin massages, followed by customized facials, body wraps and finally mani-pedis. In between services, the couple sipped on mimosas and read magazines, and a light lunch was provided. Their mani-pedis concluded at three in the afternoon, which was enough time for them to tune in to my last few matches of the day.

They paid me a visit in the Smash lounge, where I gave them an anniversary card. After they told me about their spa day, they thanked me for helping them during the Last Resort business and for ensuring their twins' safety.

"He can't hurt you again," I said, "and neither can Hellen."

"I'm taking Jas out for dinner," said Jake, "and then we'll cut loose at a nightclub for a bit before returning home and watching a romantic movie."

"Mom and Dad will watch the twins until we get back," said Jas.

Jake shuddered. "To think—if he'd had his way, then we wouldn't have made it to six months—or a year! L—how can Jas and I ever repay you?"

"You can repay me by not tarnishing this special occasion with such thoughts," I said. "We beat him, and just leave it at that."

Jake nodded. "We beat King Boo," he said.

"We beat King Boo," said Jas.

"We beat King Boo," I said.

While I was relaxing in my room after dinner, Julian called, and I could hear Joanna and Josh cooing and giggling in the background.

"You wanna know something?" he asked.

"What?"

"For the first time since Mom and Dad passed away, I feel—happy," said Jules, "and I never thought that would happen again. I feel blessed and at peace, and I'm sure Jackie feels the same way."

"How are you guys doing?" I asked.

"We're getting ready for the holidays, so we've been busy," Jules told me. "Then, we have to help Jas and Jake prepare for the twins' first birthday. Time flies, doesn't it?"

"Especially when you're fighting a sadistic marshmallow," I quipped.

"About that—Jackie and I can't thank you enough," breathed Jules. "We still can't believe he sent a heavily-armed SWAT team to our door and then doxed us. But when he showed up in the flesh, I thought…"

"Stop," I gently cut him off. "I'm gonna tell you what I told your daughter and son-in-law earlier. Don't torture yourself with what happened and what could've happened. Know that I rescued you, and that you helped me defeat him, and let's move on."

"Hm. That's a great idea," said Jules. "Jackie and I are planning a night on the town tomorrow. Wanna come with us?"

"No, thanks," I replied, "but you two have fun."

"All right—talk to you later, L," said Jules. "Keep on dancing in the rain—it certainly helped in my case."

We said our goodbyes and hung up.

In spite of what happened in October, I'm strangely happy, too. That's one thing King Boo will never take away from me.

Luigi

21 December 2019

Smash Mansion

Dear Diary,

For some odd reason, I found myself drawn toward the spot where I first met Josh and Joan and helped them deliver Julian. I was struck by how much had changed, and at the same time, how much hadn't changed. The phone booth where I called the paramedics, and later my boss, was now empty. The store where I'd bought supplies for the parents-to-be was now a superstore. All of the neighboring businesses were also different, and the snowfall gave everything a magical appearance.

But just like 43 years ago, the streets were still bustling with people, their arms full of last-minute holiday purchases. Taxi cabs still honked their horns, bicyclists still whizzed past and people still chattered. I bet that even in an age of smartphones and social media, a Good Samaritan would take the time to help someone whose car had broken down and whose significant other had gone into labor.

Snow continued falling around me, and I allowed a few flakes to land on my tongue. I reflected on the simple act of kindness which led to a long-lasting, multi-generational friendship. The frazzled couple facing car trouble on their way to bring another life into the world would go on to teach me how to dance in the rain, to play the grateful game and to handle my envious feelings toward my big bro. The baby boy whose dark hair peeped out from his mother's womb would share his secrets with me, and when it was his turn to experience fatherhood, would invite me to be part of his daughter's life. And that daughter, in turn, would demonstrate her bravery when we were stuck in the Ghostly Galaxy, become a mother and join her parents and her husband in following me into danger, rather than watch from the sidelines.

"What's on your mind?"

I opened my eyes. Julian and Jackie stood next to me, arm-in-arm, bundled up against the cold.

"A lot of things," I replied. "Leave it at that."

"What are you up to?" asked Jackie.

"I'm on my lunch break," I said.

"So are we," said Jules. "We figured we'd squeeze in a little holiday shopping. Care to join us?"

I beamed. "Why not?"

We entered the superstore and bought some last minute gifts for our loved ones, and then we ate a light meal at a nearby restaurant.

"Imagine," mused Jules, "going shopping at the street where I was born."

"Your parents' car was right in front of that store," I said, "and I was simply headed for a bite to eat. If I'd headed a different direction, then I don't know how my life would've turned out."

"Me, neither," said Jules.

"Things happen for a reason," said Jackie. "I certainly believe that."

"It's not that far-fetched," I said. "If Mario and I hadn't crawled through that pipe, then we wouldn't have become heroes, we wouldn't have fallen in love with Princesses and we wouldn't have become so adept at kart racing and sports. And if I hadn't fallen for that 'free mansion' trick, then I wouldn't have met the Professor, Grace or Becky, I wouldn't have faced my fears…"

And I left it at that.

Back at the Smash Mansion, as I prepared for my afternoon matches, Professor Gadd called. He, Becky and the ghosts were hosting Christmas at the Grand Gadd Hotel, and all of my friends and I were cordially invited. After making sure it wasn't another stunt, I accepted, and then I spread the word to Mario, Peach and any other Smasher who was interested. The Merricks would also be there, along with the Spellmans, the DeWitts, the Butters and Miranda. Oliver, Agnes and Alec would be able to make it, as would Kate, Ed and Claire.

"I guess we'll be busy over the next few days," said Gadd when I updated him. "We'll see you on Christmas Day."

"See ya," I replied before hanging up.

Wow—Christmas at the new hotel? I'd better start packing!

Luigi

25 December 2019

Grand Gadd Hotel & Suites

Dear Diary,

Unlike last time, our vacation at the Grand Gadd went off without a hitch. There were no traps or vengeful arch-nemeses—just hours of holiday fun!

Today was also Joanna and Josh Jr.'s first Christmas, and they looked adorable in their holiday-themed outfits. Josh Jr. wore a set of fake reindeer antlers, and Joanna wore an elf's cap. Both were staring in wonder at the luxurious hotel they'd stay at overnight.

Gadd, Becky, Grace, Steward and Brea greeted us at the door, and the Goob employees checked us in while the Hammer bellhops helped us with our luggage. Once we were settled into our rooms and had some time to rest, we all met up at the lobby, where we sat around, told stories and listened to holiday tunes while enjoying hot chocolate or apple cider.

Once we were nice and warmed up, we went outside, joining Joanna and Josh Jr. as they played in their first snow. We helped them make tiny handprints, tiny snowballs and finally their first snow angels. The twins shrieked with laughter, obviously enjoying this new experience.

After the twins were done experiencing the snow for the first time, Nikki, Lindsey and Ginny used their magic to conjure up an ice skating rink, along with ice skates on our feet. After wobbling on the ice a little bit, we gained our footing, paired off and glided around the rink. Joanna and Josh, Jr. just held onto their parents, enjoying the ride, and Nelle had a big smile on her face as she rode on Roland's shoulders. We stayed on the ice for about an hour, and then we had a big snowball fight before heading back inside.

We all filed inside the performance hall to watch Wolfgeist and His Ghostly Orchestra in a special Christmas concert. After lunch at the seafood restaurant, we killed time at Dr. Potter's botanical gardens and Ug's museum. Later, the Butters and the DeWitts took their kids to the two arcades.

I stopped by the movie studio to visit Morty, who was delighted to see me.

"You look better than the last time I saw you," he said. "You're not as pale, and it seems you had a good night's rest! But you're still a little bruised and bandaged."

"I barely feel them," I said casually. "Do you have another movie in the works?"

"I'm glad you asked," said Morty. "I was thinking about making a biopic—or a documentary."

"A little bit of non-fiction, huh?" I asked. "Who's the subject?"

"You," Morty replied with a blush.

I also blushed. "How—how much of my life do you plan to cover?"

"Just—the part where you begin to fight ghosts," said Morty. "So—we'll start in 2001 and end in the present day."

"Do you really think you can cram 18 years into a feature-length film?" I asked. "I mean—that's a lot of material and a lot of people to interview."

"My team and I are up for the challenge," smiled Morty. "We intend to create an epic saga of brotherly devotion. Hey—that would be the perfect biopic title—Brotherly Devotion! Or maybe—A Plumber's Promise?"

"A Plumber's Promise—that's a catchier title," I said.

"Then A Plumber's Promise it is!" gushed Morty. "Ah, yes—I can see this biopic taking shape right now, filled with drama, gripping action and breathtaking suspense! Would you—would you like to help me make this movie happen?"

"Morty—it would be my pleasure," I replied.

Morty floated over and kissed me on the cheek. "I'll let you know when filming starts," he said. "Merry Christmas."

"Merry Christmas," I replied.

Later that afternoon, Johnny led us in a holiday-themed Zumba class, with Gloria providing the music. Then, it was back to the performance hall for a production of The Nutcracker, with Jackie in the role of the Sugar Plum Fairy. When the ballet ended, it was almost time for dinner.

Following a shower, we changed into something formal and walked into Soulffle's restaurant for our Christmas dinner. There was ham, turkey, roast beef, stuffing, green bean casserole, sweet potato casserole, candied yams, corn, biscuits, gravy, cranberry sauce and more. Plus, there was plenty of eggnog to wash it all down, and let's not forget about the variety of desserts to satisfy our sweet tooth!

All of us sat around the large table and enjoyed this bountiful feast. I saw Roland and Grace exchanging lovey-dovey looks, pausing their meal every so often to help Nelle with her food. Boy was I relieved that they managed to get their marriage back on track. Gavin and Miranda also shared mushy looks, their own love story officially taking root. Nearby, Mario and Peach giggled over something, once again in a place of stability following their hiccup on the Moon. Jackie laid her head on Julian's shoulder, their love still going strong after eighteen years of marriage. Jasmine and Jake remained the picture of young love, even after welcoming twins into the world. There was Professor Gadd, the eccentric but dependable paranormal scientist, chatting happily with Rebecca, the two of them bouncing back from the events of that October night. Gooigi, my newest ally, told jokes to the ghosts he'd helped me fight just two months earlier. My adorable Polterpup nuzzled against my leg, and I sneaked him a few scraps of food. Finally, I gazed at Daisy—my beautiful Flower Princess who stole my heart and finally made it into a renowned fighting tournament after so many years of wishing.

"Oh, Daisy," I said. "I love you so much. I always have."

"I love you, too, L," she replied, taking my mouth in hers for a deep kiss.

After dinner, I sat in my hotel room, gazing out the window at the snowfall. And through the flurries, I spotted the ghosts of Josh and Joan, playing in the snow together, looking just as youthful and in love as they were during our first Christmas as best friends. Smiling hugely, I watched them frolic in a wintry wonderland, sharing a passionate kiss as the snow swirled around them.

"Merry Christmas, you two," I whispered.

I crawled into my bed, turned on the TV and ordered some mint tea with extra sugar from room service.

This was definitely a holiday season to remember!

Luigi