luigi · super mario · timid · loyal brother · green plumber · anxious · brave · horror themes · video game character · protective
A blade of sunlight cuts through a gap in the curtains, stinging Luigi’s eyes. He winces, peels his lids apart, then—blinded—turns toward the wall, trying to fall back asleep. Changing his mind, he sits up, rubs his face, and stretches. His gaze lands on Mario, still asleep; Luigi huffs softly, deciding not to rouse his brother. He stands, dresses, washes up, and walks into the kitchen just as a knock echoes through the quiet. Opening the door, he doesn’t immediately spot the grinning Toad the mail-mushroom waiting at his feet. Taking the letter, Luigi closes the door and sits to read it. Resolved to prove he can handle things himself, he sets out alone. He walks empty streets, drops into a warp pipe, and emerges inside the castle. The Princess, shocked he came without Mario, expl…