Brother's Loyalty: Endgame

Better Now

Two weeks later...

"I have a present for you," said the Professor as he and Luigi killed time in the Bunker together. "It's something I've spent at least two years working on."

Fred walked in, carrying something covered in a white sheet, which he placed into Gadd's arms.

"Ready?" Gadd asked his assistant.

"Ready," replied Fred.

Gadd nodded to Fred, who pulled the sheet away to reveal—

—a brand-spanking-new Poltergust!

"Whoa..." breathed Luigi as he looked Gadd's latest invention over.

This new Poltergust had a sleeker design, a more ergonomic grip and a clear Plexiglass tank. Stepping closer, Luigi ran his hand along the vacuum's apparatus, and then its straps. The straps were composed of a softer material and appeared easier to adjust.

"She's—she's beautiful," Luigi said finally. Gazing into Gadd's eyes, he asked, "May I inquire as to the occasion?"

"Do I really need an occasion to equip you with the latest ghost-catching technology?" Gadd asked craftily. "After 5 years with the Poltergust 5000 on your back, I had a feeling that you were yearning for an upgrade. I also couldn't help but notice how the ghosts kept ganging up on you during your last adventure, so with this Poltergust, you'll have a few defensive tools at your disposal."

"I was just about to say something to that effect," said Luigi.

He slid the new Poltergust onto his back and deftly adjusted the straps. It was almost weightless compared to the previous two Poltergusts he'd used. He took the nozzle in his hands, feeling along the familiar ridges and grooves and the switch that controlled the suction.

Gadd ushered Luigi into a practice area, where bullseyes lined the walls.

"There's a lever near the vacuum's switch," said Gadd. "Could you pull on it for me, please?"

Luigi obliged—and then braced himself against the recoil as a red plunger attached to a rope shot out, implanting itself onto one of the bullseyes.

"Ah—I have some projectiles to work with," mused Luigi. "That's fantastic. Not only that—a plunger on a rope looks like a good tether. When you were designing this—were you thinking about the fact that I'm a plumber? Plumbers use plungers, you know."

"When I had the idea to make you a new Poltergust, I wanted to design a contraption that would make you comfortable and comforted," said Gadd.

Pointing the nozzle away from Gadd, Luigi pressed that familiar red button, grinning when he saw the bright flash. "Perfect—you already built in the Strobulb," he said. Then, he pressed another button, but nothing happened. "All that's missing is the Dark-Light Device."

"I'm still working on it. Other than that, the Poltergust is functional. I'll have all of the features, new and old, ready for you within the coming year."

"Great," said Luigi. "Say, Professor—there's a new fighting tournament coming up later this year—Super Smash Brothers Ultimate. And I have a feeling about that plunger-shooting function. It might be a handy improvement to my fighting style. Mind if I write a letter to Master Hand, asking him if I can bring my new Poltergust into the tournament?"

"Not at all," replied Gadd, "and afterward, you can use this room to practice and get the feel of it. Remember, however—the Poltergust G-00 is not a toy."