Luigi's Nightmares

A Sign of Four

The moon hovered hugely and ominously over the mansion Luigi called "home". In spite of the way he'd acquired it, he'd gradually grown fond of the place. Ten years ago, at Master Hand's request, Luigi had repurposed the mansion into a battle stage for Brawl, the Hand of Creation going gaga over his brilliant ideas. Ever since then, it had become a popular stage for sparring and casual play, and Luigi even hosted a few parties there. But now, Master Hand had a surprise waiting for him in this mansion. What was it?

A pair of glowing red eyes materializing across from him answered his question. Luigi snapped into a combat stance, his heart doing about fifty, as the red eyes unblinkingly scrutinized him. Three more pairs of unblinking, glowing red eyes came into view, silently watching the man in pink. They were like a quartet of cats hiding in the shadows, watching their prey, studying it, taunting it, waiting to pounce. This prey, however, was a tough customer. He stood straight and tall, fists raised, a little shakily, of course, but he didn't so much as whimper—he didn't give them anything. He fixed them with a steely, piercing stare, his mind flitting through the possible ways he could go into this fight. When faced with multiple opponents, he tended to fight more defensively, using fireballs to keep them from ganging up on him at once, and once one of them was in close enough range, he'd whale on them. Whoever these red-eyed creatures were, Luigi would deal with them in the same fashion.

Master Hand hovered over the combatants, well out of view, watching as Luigi stared his foes down. So far, he was keeping his cool. But then again, this was only the beginning.

"Ready..." he commanded. "GO!"

The lead pair of red eyes gave a signal, and the four opponents darted quietly toward Luigi. It was then that he recognized the quartet.

They were a group of Dark Toon Links.

However, this fact didn't make Luigi hesitate. He was already launching his fireballs at them, discouraging them from making a direct charge. The lead Dark Toon Link signaled again, and his three buddies scattered.

Luigi glanced up as a Dark Toon Link hopped onto a platform above him and pointed his sword downward, ready to stab. Seconds before the blow, Luigi acrobatically flipped backward, kicking his attacker in the face along the way. The lead Dark TL lunged, but Luigi was ready for him, too, aiming a side kick at his midsection. A third Dark TL ran up from behind and got in a slash to the back. Ignoring the pain, the man in pink speared his hand at the little sneak, launching him diagonally. He barely dodged two more slashes from the fourth Dark TL and nimbly leaped toward another platform on the stage, the quartet giving chase. Luigi, however, kept them at bay with a backwards kick.

The lead Dark TL pulled out a bomb and flung it at Luigi, but he leaped aside and jumped onto the roof of his mansion. Two Dark Toon Links waited for him there, and they didn't look happy. With a battle cry, they charged him. In contrast, Luigi moved quickly and quietly, dropping his body low to the hardwood floor and executing his signature breakdance kick, popping the duo high in the air. As they tumbled into the sky, Luigi followed them, continuing his offensive with his Cyclone move. The two were sent in different directions.

He didn't notice the Dark TL below him until it was too late. The opponent thrust his sword upwards, striking Luigi in the abdomen. The plumber reeled in the air, allowing the lead Dark TL to leap in and assail him with a flurry of sword strikes. But Luigi regained his bearings and threw his combo-breaking jump-kick, followed by a quick string of karate chops, finally sending him earthward with a downwards twirling kick.

The other three Dark Toon Links rushed over and helped their leader up.

"Enough of this!" cried the lead Dark TL. "Let's finish him!"