Brother's Loyalty: Endgame

Silent Running

"Please tell me that you have a training area of sorts in here," was the first thing the green-capped ghost hunter said upon entering Gadd's lab.

"Why, yes," said the Professor. "Yes, there is. Follow me."

Gadd showed Luigi to the Lab's training area, where the latter shut himself in for the next forty-five minutes or so. Gooigi, Polterpup and Gadd watched from the area's window as he fired off Suction Shots at the bullseyes and cutouts in front of him, zeroing in on the cutouts in Hellen's and King Boo's likenesses. He whirled on the simulation ghosts that accosted him, stunning them and slamming them around. His face was fierce, his eyes snapped and sparked, and he was sweating rivulets.

Finally, Luigi stood there in the middle of the room, chest heaving, jaw clenched, before adjusting his cap and exiting the training area.

He purchased a bagel with cream cheese and some cranberry juice from the shop, eating the small meal in silence. After wiping the cream cheese from his lips, he walked over to Gadd's vault and emptied the Poltergust.

"Gooigi told me that you captured all of the Boos," said Gadd.

"I did," Luigi replied.

Gadd laughed and clapped his hands. "I knew you could do it, youngster!" he cried. "I have something to help you celebrate this achievement—a new flashlight!"

The Professor held up the flashlight for his mentee to see. "It doesn't do much, but it can project a Boo on the walls."

Luigi wasted no time equipping the Poltergust with the new flashlight. "Thanks," he said. "It's the thought that counts."

"You're welcome," said Gadd.

"Have you reached the last floor?" asked Chad.

"I have," replied Luigi. "I'm gonna make a few stops, and then I'm heading up there."

"They're waiting for you," Brad said quietly.

"Who? King Boo and Hellen?"

"Yeah."

"And so is Mario," Thad piped up, "and our Princess. Please, bring them back safely."

"I will. I swear to you, I will. Professor...?"

"Yes, sonny?"

"When I exit this lab, I'm not coming back until Mario and Peach are rescued and their captors are defeated," said Luigi.

"I know," said Gadd.

"And if something happens—then don't come back for me."

"Luigi, my boy...!"

"Do. Not. Come. Back. For. Me."

Gadd facepalmed. "If you die..."

"I'm not gonna die. But should the worst happen..."

"I'm telling you that if King Boo and Hellen do something to you, then I'll feel like it's on me," Gadd explained. "I don't need that on my conscience."

Luigi smiled. "You always been such a good father figure to me," he said, "and for all those times you put me in scary and dangerous situations—I forgive you."

Those three words lifted most, if not all, of the weight from the elderly Professor's shoulders.

Luigi drew Gadd in for a hug. "Thank you. For everything you've done for me," he said.