彡离境彡 (Departure)
"Can you believe it, Luigi?" Professor E. Gadd exclaims in utter joy, "I'm sure you remember Vincent van Gore, right?"
"Oh, he's that crazy artist guy," Luigi replies blandly, "What about him?"
"Well," Gadd continues, "I've been noticing a change in atmosphere of the mansion, and he may have something to do with it. You know what this means?"
"You expect me to go back there, don't you...?"
"That depends if you're up for the challenge." Gadd begins shuffling inside an old, tattered bag, "I got some good news and bad news for you, sonny. Which one do you want to hear first?"
"Um," Luigi fidgets with his fingers uneasily, "The bad news."
"The bad news is that Gore created vicious, killer ghosts. Trust me, these ghosts are nothing like the ones you've encountered before! They'll rip you to shreds when they ever get a chance!"
"WHAT?!" Luigi shouts in disbelief, his voice quivering as he speaks, "T-tell me the good news n-now...!"
"Here's the good news: You can tell the killer ghosts apart from the rest!"
Luigi loudly exhales in relief, placing a hand on his forehead. "Could you please give me more information about these g-ghosts?"
"Of course!" Gadd says in excitement, "What would you like to know?"
"How can I tell them apart, and what attracts them?"
"Pay close attention to claws and razor sharp fangs, boyo!"
"My god, they all have sharp fangs, Gadd! Well, most of them do anyway."
"Oh well. You asked what attracts them? Why, living things, ESPECIALLY humans get their attention."
"Mama mia...! I'm a gonna die!"
"Not if you keep this with you at all times," Gadd says matter-of-factly, holding out an object covered with blue satin cloth. "Unwrap this and use it ONLY when you're inside the mansion. Wear it at all times and you'll be just fine!"
Luigi carefully places the mysterious object into his overall pocket, making sure it won't fall out while he's walking. He then begins making his way up the ladder to leave.
"Leaving already, Luigi?" Gadd asks with concern in his voice.
"You helped me save my brother," Luigi speaks softly, "So I will help you with your research."
Gadd's toothless grin is the last thing Luigi sees before he leaves the safe of the bunker and into the dark and dangerous night...