Chapter 3: It Begins with a Letter

Luigi's life was mundane; day in and day out he went through the same routine. Get up in the morning, make breakfast, answer mail…..visit the ruler of his entire world to partake in casual conversation, plan parties involving precarious mini games that could result in one's demise, somehow drive a go-kart underwater, through loop-de-loops, and over a rainbow, and, on occasion, rescue said ruler from a giant dragon/turtle overload.

Okay. The common folk might have different opinions on his life being mundane.

But it wasn't always absurd. Growing up in the prosperous New Donk City, he, along with his older brother Mario, led humble lives. They lived in a small, quaint apartment, and, through years of fascination with plumbing, opened their own business entitled: Mario Brothers, Inc.

For a while life was peaceful. Mario and Luigi would go from house to house, brandishing their tools upon the filth that suffocated the once immaculate tubes of the city. But everything changed when their benevolent ruler, Princess Toadstool Peach, was kidnapped from the sinister King Bowser Koopa and his soldiers.

Luigi wasn't the brave type. Shy, timid, and always running from trouble, he didn't think of rescuing the princess himself. Mario, however, was the anthesis of him; outgoing, brave, and headstrong, he couldn't stand by and watch this miserable creature keep a poor, defenseless person hostage. Dragging Luigi along, they managed to defeat the Koopa King, and rescue the princess from his dark, damp dungeon.

Since then the two brothers had become national heroes, having saved the kingdom numerous times (although most of their heroics involve saving the princess from Bowser; guy is so persistent, Luigi would say). However, Mario would take most of the credit. Luigi's timid nature often held him back from partaking in many of their adventures. He was nothing more than a shadow that meandered behind his brother's huge reputation.

There were times when he didn't mind his brother's popularity leaving him in the corner. The high, respectable opinions about his brother were warranted. He was kind, carrying, and courageous – all distinct qualities a hero should carry on his shoulders. Luigi looked up to his older brother for those traits, and loved him. But being in the shadows meant no one acknowledged his existence, aside from his immediate friends and family.

It was unfair sometimes, to not be treated with respect for all your efforts. Luigi tried to ignore such saddening thoughts that seeped into his heart. Although a kind and loving person, living in the shadows has made him somewhat cynical, and a bit sarcastic. Regardless, he swallowed those feelings into his stomach. At the end of the day he was alive, happy, and healthy. He was perfectly content with leaving the dangerous missions to Mario; his nerves couldn't handle them.

Luigi was in the wood grain kitchen cooking breakfast on the stove. Sizzling in the pan was tomato sauce resting on top of scrambled eggs (a family favorite). The concoction's smell perfumed throughout the kitchen, creeping past his black moustache right into his oval shaped nose. He was donning his usual outfit: a long-sleeve green shirt tucked inside blue overalls, brown shoes, white gloves that look like they were stolen from Mickey Mouse, and a green cap that had a white circle printed in the middle; the letter "L" was embedded inside the circle.

He was whistling an uplifting tune to keep himself occupied (a tune he and his brother whistled on a frequent basis; they would call it their theme song). Realizing the eggs were close to finished, he shouted above the dominant sizzling noise to call Mario, who he assumed was still asleep. No response after a few moments.

He tried again: "Bro, you up!?"

The only response he got was from the sizzling eggs.

"Mama mia!" he exclaimed in his Italian accent. "And I thought I was a big sleeper."

He walked at a brisk pace into their bedroom, which was simplistic in design: a dresser with six drawers, three colored red, three colored green; a nightstand; and a wooden bunk bed standing right next to the door. The top bed had a red blanket, while the bottom had green (Luigi chose to sleep on the bottom; he was known to be rather clumsy, and dared not fall from the top bunk). For a moment, he listened for sounds of his brother's snoring. Still silent. In the back of his mind was a hint of worry, but rationalized that Mario was having a peaceful sleep.

Luigi stood on the bed and raised his toes to get a good view. To his surprise he found Mario absent. Unusual, he thought. His brother was not one to leave without informing him. The worry in his mind started to climb up a short hill. Before Luigi could mull over this situation, a sudden knock at the door startled him, and he fell right onto the floor; he felt the sudden jolt in his back as he landed.

He stared at the ceiling with a frown. "Oh, so it's going to be one of those days, huh?"

He made his way towards the door, grumbling all the way, soothing the pain in his back with a gentle hand rub. Upon opening the door, he was greeted by a turtle creature hovering in the air using his giant white wings. The top of his forehead was concealed by an old-fashioned aviator hat and googles; resting at his hip was a light brown mail bag, which was attached to a shoulder strap. In his hands was a lone white letter.

"Morning, Parakarry, "Luigi said. "What can I do for you?"

"Well, I was just dropping off the mail when I noticed an unstamped envelope in your mailbox," he said. "Says it's for you."

Luigi took the envelope and glances at the front. A nervous feeling pinched at the soles of his feet. He recognized his brother's unmistakable handwriting. Whenever Mario left for a new adventure, he would at least say good-bye in person. But this was unlike his brother in the slightest. Why so abrupt? Was this adventure urgent? His worry was now sprinting towards the hill's peek.

But he hadn't even opened the letter yet. It was too soon to assume the worse. He thanked Parakarry, said good-bye, and started to reenter the house.

"What about your other letters?" Parakarry asked. "Would you like them now?"

"Is there one asking if I'm eligible to win fifty-thousand coins?"

Parakarry rummaged through his bag and pulled out the exact letter. "Right here."

"Leave the rest in the mailbox, then," Luigi said. "Thanks."

Parakarry notice a grievous expression on Luigi's face as he closed the door. He hoped everything was alright in the household. There was nothing he could do. People needed their letters, and he couldn't keep them waiting.

Luigi sauntered over to the kitchen table; his nerves became stronger with each step. There was a moment where he didn't want to open the letter. Who knows what foreboding message was printed on it. But not reading it would be worse; he wouldn't stop thinking about its contents all day. It could be a call for help.

Easing into his chair, he removed a letter from the envelope, unfolded it, and fixed his light blue eyes upon the printed words. He exhaled as he started right from the top – and his breathing became rapid as he got towards the middle. By the end, his worry had reached the top of the hill with a triumphant shout, transforming into panic.

Luigi dropped the letter, thunderstruck. So many thoughts were running through his head. This was bigger than any kidnapping; bigger than the cosmic horrors they've fought against. Existence itself was in danger. Worst of all, Mario was gone.

An invisible string of anxiety was pulling him straight into the air. Unsure of what to do, he rushed into the bathroom and splashed himself with water, trying to ease his nerves.

"Okay, Luigi. Get a hold of yourself," he said in his thoughts. "Panicking ain't going to fix the issue, as much as I'd like it to. What do I do? Who do I tell? Peach? No way! I don't want her to worry! Who else? Who else? I know! I'll tell Yoshi!"

Luigi turned off the stove, grabbed what look like a garage door remote, and hurried outside of his house. It was a beautiful day; clouds were minimal, which let the sun flaunt its bright rays over the Mario Brother's house. His front yard contained a hole covered by a gray metal lid. He pointed the remote at the hole and waited, expecting something to happen.

Nothing did.

Luigi let out an exasperated sigh. "Is the pipe broken again?"

He hit the button several more time. Still no avail. Growing frustrated, he hopped up and down on the metal lid. Luigi prepared to land on it again when a giant green pipe popped out from the ground, pushing him straight into the air. All he could do was scream as he spun around in the sky, and then fell right into the pipe, bouncing around the tube until he reached the other side. His body slammed into the edge of the pipe.

Luigi's groans of pain and dizziness echoed throughout the tube. For a moment the room was spinning. He shook his head, regaining his sensed. Placing both hands on the edge of the pipe, he pulled himself out, grumbling in annoyance over the poor reliability of pipe door openers. Ahead of him lay the peaceful capital city of the Mushroom Kingdom: Toad Town. After Mario and Luigi's various rescues of the princess, they decided to move into here, so that they were always close by to visit her. Or to protect her when Bowser attacked.

Toad Town was inhabited by strange mushroom-like creatures known as Toads. They were short people that wore sleeveless vests and had large shrooms resting on their heads, sprinkled with spores of various color – the most common being red. It was another busy day in Toad Town. Toads were walking up and down the streets going about their daily lives.

In the heart of town was a large blue double-door metal gate that lead to Princess Peach's castle. Embedded on the gate was a yellow star that had two beady oval shaped eyes. Luigi hurried to the gate, opened it, and entered the castle grounds. Standing before him was the tall, proud castle looking out towards the horizon.

Distant eyes could make out the red roofs from afar. It was made from the most potent gray marble, and was guarded by four short towers – two in the back, two in the front. Above the entrance was a stained-glass window; a beautiful picture of Princess Peach was carved into it, albeit lacking her facial features. She wore her elegant pink dress, white gloves, and golden crown as she made a praying gesture.

The castle itself was surrounded by a moat. Water poured down from a powerful waterfall located northwest of the castle. Visitors often heard its dominating presence as they walked up towards a grassy hill, which included a winding dirt pathway leading to the castle. Luigi ignored the path and ran straight up the hill until he found himself at the castle's bridge. His frantic eyes darted left and right; he had to find Yoshi.

The raging waterfall's sound found itself in competition with loud snoring. Following the sound, Luigi saw Yoshi asleep under the shade of a short, bushy tree. Yoshis are a friendly race of strange dinosaur/dragon creatures. Many inhabit their own personal island, but some choose to be a part of the kingdom's every day, busy lifestyle. Yoshis come in various colors, and green is often considered the rarest to encounter.

While on one of their adventures, Mario and Luigi stumbled upon Yoshi, and witnessed the miracle of life as he cracked out of a white egg with green spots. The brothers gaped upon noticing his light green skin gleam in the sun's bright rays. With no parents in sight, the brothers took Yoshi home, adopted him, and he became a part of their family.

The baby dinosaur was in a deep, peaceful sleep. His body was curled into a ball. Soft sighs exited from his giant balloon shaped nose. A trail of orange spines traveled town the back of his head. Resting on his back was a lone red saddle; he loved to give everyone a ride on his back (despite Mario's plump girth). A streak of white went from his mouth, to his underbelly, and ended at the back of his tail. Wherever Yoshi went he wore red shoes.

Luigi shook the dinosaur in hopes of waking him. No avail. His eyes remained shut. Luigi scanned the area for anything useful, and found an oval-shaped flower with orange pedals. For a moment Luigi considered his options – his method for waking Yoshi was crude, but this was urgent. He needed to tell someone. Already his scrambled thoughts were pushing against his tongue, wanting to break out into words.

Upon touching the flower, the color of Luigi's clothes changed: his hat and shirt were white, while his overalls became green. He pointed his gloved finger right at Yoshi's tail.

"Sorry about this," he said, a hint of regret in his tone.

A green fireball emerged from his finger; he shot it right onto the tip of Yoshi's tail. The flame settled their, and a light smoke emerged, making its way towards Yoshi's nostrils. Upon smelling the smoke, Yoshi – still half-asleep – opened his oval eyes, and glanced around the vicinity; he tried identifying the source of the smell.

"Mmm," he said. "Something good cooking. Smell like roasted Yoshi."

He drifted back to sleep as if thinking someone was making breakfast. The flames became stronger, and soon he could feel them. As if someone kicked him in the back of the head, Yoshi bolted awake, eyes widen in shock.

"Wait, that me!" he shouted.

Luigi watched with guilt drooping down his moustache as Yoshi flew high into the air, howling from the burning pain. After landing, he dashed for a lake located to the right of the castle. He spun around upon reaching the shore, and held his tail over the water. There was a brief hesitation – Yoshi had aquaphobia. The mere thought of dipping his tail in the water made his spines stand even taller; he thought they would topple over. But the burning took precedence. It was growing stronger.

He dipped his tail in the water, feeling the cool liquid evaporate the flames. His body relaxed from the sensation, which was followed by a sigh of relief. Luigi approached his friend with careful steps, not sure how the young dinosaur would reply to being scorched. The magical transformation lifted, as Luigi's clothes returned to their normal colors.

Yoshi waved his tail around, drying it off. His eye soon met Luigi's. A cheerful smile appeared on Yoshi's face, almost as if he forgot the whole ordeal.

"Good morning, Luigi!" Yoshi said; he spoke in a gentle, childlike voice. A suspicious look appeared on his face. "Wait, were you one who burnt Yoshi's tail?"

"Never mind that," Luigi said, quickly changing the subject. "We've got a big problem! But we can't tell anyone, got it?"

Yoshi titled his head to the side as if something else caught his attention.

"Princess Peach?" Yoshi asked.

"Not even her royal highness."

"Daisy?"

Luigi appeared somewhat annoyed. "What part of 'not allowed to tell anyone' don't you get? This is top secret!"

"Good morning, ladies!" Yoshi said, waving his hand. "We talking about something top secret. Want to join us?"

Luigi flinched; the hairs on his head rose in fear. Turning around, he saw Princess Peach and Princess Daisy standing before them. Princess Peach's light blue eyes were fraught with concern. Meanwhile, Daisy was scowling at him, with both hands placed on her hips. She was Princess Peach's best friend, and ruler of Sarsaland, a neighboring kingdom. She wore a dress akin to Peach's, albeit hers was yellow with orange scattered through it. Unlike Peach's long, flowing blonde hair, Daisy's was orange. and somewhat shorter.

Daisy and Luigi were in a romantic relationship. He admired Daisy for her high sprung personality, which would always give him a bit of strength when he needed it. Right now, he was terrified of the expression on her face; it was as orange as her hair.

"Yes, Luigi," Daisy said, sarcasm hissing out from her lips. "Please let us join in and hear all about it."

Luigi rubbed the back of his neck, trying to think of an excuse. He opened his mouth to speak – and ran away towards a giant green pipe.

"Wait, don't go down there!" Daisy said.

Too late. Luigi jumped right in, hoping to find sanctuary from his enraged girlfriend.

"That's where the royal piranha planet sleeps," Daisy said; her voice had gone soft with worry.

They heard Luigi scream as he leaped out of the pipe. Behind him was a giant man-eating plant. It began shooting fireballs out of its mouth, which flew straight at him. Luigi kept his head low as he ran away from it. The creature – in complete distress – spewed fireballs all over the area.

"WHY DO WE HAVE ONE OF THESE!?" Luigi shouted.

An awkward, timid smile appeared on Peach's face. "I wanted to try it out for the royal barbeque."

"Should've struck with the grill," Daisy said. She turned to Yoshi. "Alright, damage control! You're up! Eat those fireballs!"

Yoshi stood up tall with a courageous expression on his face and saluted her.

"Fireballs me favorite meal of the day!" he said.

He opened his mouth, unleashing his long tongue, and wrapped it around the fireballs. He swallowed them whole, feeling a quick, tickling burn as it went down his throat. In seconds the fireballs were consumed, and the creature, growing tired, retracted into the pipe. Everyone regrouped with Luigi, who had dived onto his stomach, and pressed his face into the grass. He sat up after hearing the commotion die down.

"Good work, Yoshi," Peach said.

Yoshi patted his stomach. "Thanks, but fireballs needed a bit more kick to them. Me disappointed."

"Hey, Yoshi," Daisy said with a grin, "say the thing."

"What thing?" Yoshi asked.

"Y'know, the thing you say whenever you eat fireballs," Daisy said.

Yoshi's eyes widened upon realizing what she was requesting. "No, not that!" He placed dramatic hands on both of his cheeks. "Please no make me say it!"

"Aw, but you're so cute when you do it," Daisy said, cooing.

Yoshi crossed his arms and gave a defiant, "No!"

"I'll give you a chocolate frosted cake if you do," Daisy said in a sing-song voice.

Unable to resist something so sweet and delectable, he gave in to Daisy's request. He hated uttering this sentence; it felt embarrassing to him, especially since he said it all the time when he was younger.

"Fireballs? Yum," he said with a slight monotone in his voice.

Daisy laughed. "That never gets old!"

Princess Peach helped Luigi onto his feet. He turned to her with a guilty glare in his eyes.

"Sorry about—" Luigi started to say.

"Listen, why is it so important for you to keep this secret from me?" Peach asked.

"Well, it's just…I don't want you to worry," Luigi said. "I feel like this is something I should take care of myself."

"But don't you think I'd be more worried if you didn't tell me?"

Luigi sighed. She was right. What was the point? The Mushroom Kingdom's greatest hero was missing. Everyone had a right to know why he had vanished. Unanswered questions can lead to an inventible outcry of panic, and that wasn't his intention. Peach and Mario were also in a romantic relationship. She loved her Mario so much. As the kingdom's ruler, she didn't need that extra stress biting at her neck.

Daisy placed an arm around Luigi. He looked to see an encouraging smile on her face.

"Yeah, Weege," Daisy said. "Besides, you guys have saved this world so many times. Let us help you out for a change."

Luigi felt his cheeks grow hot as he stared deep into her eyes. He felt calm and secure in her presence. In his heart he had nothing to worry about. She, along with Peach, would be there to support him through this difficult time. Yoshi, too, as he smiled at Luigi with reassurance.

"Okay," Luigi said. "You win. I'll tell you all what's going on."

Peach sighed with relief, while Daisy gave him a thankful peck on the cheek. If Luigi's face could get any redder, he would've been mistaken for a tomato. He folded his hands onto his lap and stretches his arms, becoming bashful. His eyes were closed.

"Let's head to the study for some privacy," Peach said.

The two princesses left for the entrance. Yoshi started following them. Luigi decided to return the kiss, unaware that Daisy had moved away, and his lips met Yoshi's big nose. His eyes opened in terror upon recognizing the dinosaur's scaly skin. Yoshi was now the one blushing. Luigi pulled away and wiped his lips with his sleeve.

"Dino germs!" Luigi cried.

Yoshi licked Luigi's chin, and pulled him into his cheek for a big hug.

"Aw, me 'plastically' love you, too," Yoshi said.

Luigi couldn't help but smile from his use of the wrong word.

"That's platonic, buddy," Luigi said.

Daisy called to them, and they hurried towards the castle. Unbeknownst to them, a pair of eyes was watching their movements. A strange turtle creature wearing glasses was hovering overhead, riding on a cloud with a perpetual smile. Rummaging through the cloud, he pulled out a tiny spider that had a microphone strapped to its back. The turtle creature descended towards the entrance, making sure not to be seen.

He leaned over as far as he could and released the spider on the bridge. It followed everyone into the castle.

High above the Mushroom Kingdom – beyond the clouds – a peaceful place glanced at the world below. It was known as Star Haven, and was home to tiny star creatures; they aspired to grow up and grant wishes to the citizens of the kingdom. Most important of all, it was home of the seven-star spirits: ethereal beings that watched over and controlled the mystical Star Rod. Created from ancient magic long ago, the rod contains an unfathomable amount of power.

Whoever held the rod could wish for anything their heart desires. In the wrong hands it could bring devastation to the entire kingdom. Bowser once stole the rod for his own sinister purpose, but was stopped by Mario and his friends. Learning from their past endeavors, the Star Spirits kept a closer eye on mystical rod of wishes.

The rod – along with the Star Spirits – resided in a sanctuary, which was surrounded by water. Many would wander into the sanctuary to have an audience with the wise, all knowing Star Spirits. Their knowledge was vast and invaluable. Inside the sanctuary, the Star Rod rested on a pedestal. Surrounding the rod were seven giant, long light blue crystals; the tops had a flat surface. Each Star Spirit was hovering atop the crystals.

The once serene atmosphere was blown away by a wind of dread that circulated throughout the room. Everyone could sense dark energy – the likes which have never been felt before. An energy so strong that its influence spread not only their world, but the universe itself like a life-threatening plague.

Klevar, a bright Star Spirit who held a book in his hand, expressed his concern. "It's almost like I can hear the hearts of every world crying in agony. Just what sort of malevolent force is at work here?"

"Isn't there anything we can do to help?" Misstar asked. She was one of two female Star-Spirits, and was colored pink.

Nearest to the Star Rod was Elderstar, the designated leader of the Star Spirits. A disheartening sigh could be heard through his white bushy mustache.

"I'm afraid not," he said. "This darkness that threatens our universe is incomprehensible – I can't even begin to fathom how strong it is. I fear that not even the Star Rod itself could destroy a power of this magnitude."

Muskular, a star wearing a sailor's hat, said, "But what about the other worlds? Do we let them suffocate to death in a blanket of darkness?"

"There are far too many worlds out there," Kalmar said. He was a star that had a toothbrush shaped mustache. "We can't possibly save them all."

"Furthermore, we have no idea as to what worlds reside out there," Elderstar said. "Even for us, such an expedition would be perilous. And what of this world? We simply can't abandon its people. Our job is to protect the Star Rod and make sure everyone's wishes come true."

A gruff, sinister male voice said, "Well, got some news for ya, gramps; you're taking a vacation to another world."

A wave of fear splashed onto everyone's faces. They knew that voice all too well. Spinning around, they saw a giant monster hidden in shadows. His only defying features were the two horns sticking out of his head, and the burning red eyes that glowed through the darkness.

On the streets of Star Haven, the voices of uproarious, childish voices filled the quiet mundane afternoon. Star Kids were flying around, chasing each other in a jumbled circle. One kid didn't take part in the excitement. His name was Twink, and he sat on a white bench nearby, drowning out the tumultuous noise with a good book.

A cold breeze flew through his body. Something about it didn't feel right. It was harsh, rough, and powerful. Each gust seemed to be stronger than the next. Glancing over his shoulder, he noticed a cloud of darkness hovering over the sanctuary. His stomach started aching with trepidation. Throwing his book aside, he flew over to the sanctuary.

Emotions of fear and anger rushed through every fiber of the Star Spirits. They remembered the horrid things Bowser put them through – to ruining their peaceful sanctuary, draining their life energy, and imprisoning them in cards. Bowser's red eyes continued lurking in the darkness.

"Hey, guys," Bowser said, nonchalant. "Long time no see. Hope you're not sore about the last time I wrecked the place."

The cracks in Muskular's temper were growing bigger with each syllable he heard out of that repulsive creature's maw.

"Oh, you're right," Muskular said, "We're not sore….we're LIVID!"

Muskular tried to attack, but Kalmar held him back.

"LET ME AT HIM!" Muskular shouted with unblinded rage. "I'M GOING TO DINE ON TURTLE SOUP TONIGHT!"

"Compose yourself, Muskular," Elderstar said. "His evil claws shall not grasp the Star Rod a second time."

Bowser could only laugh at Elderstar's weak claim.

"Oh, I'm so scared," he said. "Whatchya' gonna do? Twinkle, twinkle me to death?"

"Now that's just prejudice to us Star People!" Skolar said, his voice now rising in anger.

Elderstar smiled under his mustache. "Bowser, your problem is that you do not learn from your past mistakes. You come up with the same foolish plans, and every time they fail. Such as now. I surmised that you'd try to steal the Star Rod again. This time we are prepared for your assault."

"STAR SOLDIERS, ASSEMBLE!" Elderstar cried out.

Hundreds of Star Kids flew in from the windows and congregated in front of the rod. The brave little stars wielded spears, all of which were pointed at the Koopa King. Twink peeked in the window as the last one entered. He was horrified to see the Koopa King attempt to steal the Star Rod again; but was hopeful the Star Warriors would push him back.

They were competent fighters who have spent every day of their lives training to protect the Star Spirits from intruders. Everything was leading to this moment. Despite Bowser's intimidating size, the warriors remained stoned faced; their expressions would not drop in fear.

Bowser could only laugh at the Star Spirit's feeble attempt of a defense. "Oh, no. Whatever shall I do? I can't possibly win against their cuteness. Bah! Give me a break, old man."

"Do not underestimate these young ones," Elderstar said. "Their greatest strength is unity – when they work together, nothing can overcome them."

"That so?" Bowser asked. "Well, hope you don't mind. I brought a few pals along as well."

Bowser snapped his finger, causing a few portals of dark energy to appear. Mysterious figures walked out of the portal and stood alongside the king. Again, they too were silhouettes, but the whites from their eyes glowed in the darkness. The Star Spirits murmured among each other; they have never encountered creatures of such size and scale before. They were not of this world.

"Methinks this should even the odds, wouldn't you say?" Bowser asked.

The figures took slow steps towards the Star Warriors. A pool of darkness started covering the light blue walls that gave the sanctuary light. As the figures crowed together in the shadows, they appeared as a giant, dark, unidentifiable creature with multiple cold eyes, never losing sight of their targets. The Star Warriors huddled together in fear. Twink shut his eyes in terror….

….as the once peaceful sanctum was filled with screams.

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