Sarasa Nightmare

Chapter 2-1

The morning found Luigi not at home but instead in front of the castle gates.

... He was one of many.

As Luigi saw the two castle guards turn away 'hero' after 'hero,' he contemplated walking away. If they wouldn't let any of the ones with ripped bods, chiseled faces, and more in, then there was no way they would let him in.

Luigi even saw a Chain Chomp get turned down.

He was just about to make his retreat, to avoid profound humiliation when he suddenly found himself in front of the two guards.

"What's your name and business here?" the one on the left grunted.

"Luigi. And I saw the bulletin posted in the square," he replied without the front of his mind even deciding to do so.

"What could someone as scrawny as you possibl..."

"Wait," a voice said from out of sight, cutting the guard off. "I know that name from somewhere."

"I recognize him, he's a farmer who comes into town sometimes," the second hulking guard finally spoke.

"No, not like that. His name, it's so familiar. I've heard it before. Luigi... Luigi... Luigi..."

Unlike the chants of his dream from the night before, there was no great reverence in the stranger's voice. Instead, it was as if the unseen voice had forgotten anyone was even there and was talking to himself.

The two guards rolled their eyes, and the one on the left opened his mouth, obviously preparing to tell Luigi to scram.

"Mario's little brother!" the voice suddenly exclaimed. "Let him through, let him through."

The two guards looked at each other before looking back at him, clear disbelief in their eyes, but they stepped aside enough that he was able to see the Toad hiding behind them.

"Come on. You are exactly what Princess Daisy has been looking for. You'll help; I know it."

Luigi stepped dumbfoundedly between the guards to follow him.