Miserably, Luigi carried a pile of stolen goods.

He snuck out of a house with haul in hand, brushing aside the fabric curtains that hung from the doorway. On previous escapades, he'd nearly gotten tangled up in the unorthodox exits; he quickly came to the realization they were customary for the Hoohoo Village residents. Once parting the portière, he made eye contact with the thief who'd dragged him along on this mess of a quest. He was perched against a boulder. Two full bags laid next to him.

On the walk over to Hoohoo Mountain, Luigi had a telling reintroduction to Popple, finally reminded of his name at the thief's insistence. They talked extensively about the plan. Popple explained (with smug satisfaction and glee, mind you) that with the village abandoned since Boo's arrival, it was the perfect opportunity to strike.

That sad fact only made Luigi feel worse about what he was doing right now.

"There you are," Popple spoke without looking up. He clapped his hands, focused on the haul rather than Luigi's growing trepidation. "Hurry it up and gimme the loot!"

"I am hurrying!" Luigi called back.

He picked up the pace but made sure to keep his voice low. The streets might have seemed empty, but if even a single soul was around, he didn't want anyone knowing it was him helping Popple. Shame already bubbled in his gut. He pulled down the sides of his cloak with his free hand.

With his other hand, he relinquished his haul to Popple's grasp: a few canned goods, some fruits and vegetables that remained unrotted, and full bottles of Chuckola Cola. He dropped the stolen things like they were poison on his hands, trying to wipe away the icky feeling of thievery from his sweating palms.

Popple looked over the items, 'hrm'-ing the whole while. Luigi stood still. He refused to take anything that couldn't easily be replaced. If he wanted it, he thought, he could go and get it himself.

That fact didn't go over Popple's head. He tutted disappointedly but conceded to Luigi's moral code.

"It'll do. Keep looking."

He sat up, scooping Luigi's recent haul into one of his overfilling burlap bags. He then grabbed the bags up in a fist, slugging them over his shoulder. If Luigi wasn't so cross with the criminal, he might have been impressed at the feat of strength. But it was the command of 'keep looking' that sent Luigi back into action.

He went down the path, sights set on the next house. Polterpup was up somewhere ahead, most likely preoccupied with rolling around in dirt. Distant happy barks kept Luigi moving forward confidently.

Popple kept up behind him. "C'mon, let's get a move on! For every minute you keep me waiting, that's one more minute you go without your Beanstar piece, see?"

Luigi grumbled, picking up speed... if only to maintain distance between him and his thieving companion.

The spiraling thicket didn't quite reach Hoohoo Mountain, at least not in the same way it had with the rest of the kingdom. Going from the outskirts of town to the base of the mountain left the air dry and the earth muddy, leaving little plant life for the ghosts to manipulate. While the walk over—weaving through woods and underbrush—was treacherous, they now settled into cautious safety. Luigi shivered as he recollected the memories of hiding from ghosts, and sucking up the few bold ones that got in his and Popple's path.

The ghastly appearances were scarce at the mountain. Not many ghosts wanted to be somewhere they couldn't play, and judging from the ruined houses and empty streets, it seemed they'd played with Hoohoo Village all they could. Luigi might have turned the other way and refused this venture had anyone been here. But the houses were abandoned. Dust gathered on the countertops and shelves.

He could only hope the residents were safe, wherever they were.

He felt a pseudo-responsibility for the denizens of the Beanbean Kingdom. After all, Peasley cared for them more than anything, so Luigi had to show an equal amount of care and attention. Because someday, when Luigi and Peasley were— well, when they— when they were—

He shook his head.

Focus.

Soon Luigi was tasked with hauling one of the bags. The weight alone filled his feet with cement. He had to lift it off the ground entirely, swaddling it like it were a flopping, thrashing creature.

They traveled cautiously over one of the rickety bridges linking cliffside to cliffside. Maybe it was his imagination, but it seemed to be creaking more than usual. The rushing waterfall at his side didn't help his anxiety. He pictured the bridge giving way and the water below consuming him. That is, if he landed in the water at all. He shivered.

His eyes roamed. The village in such a messy state of disarray reminded Luigi of the first time he'd visited. But this time, instead of Cackletta's conquest, it was Boo's. He tried avoiding the thought.

His and Mario's quest throughout the Beanbean Kingdom had really begun here, in this very village. It was where they'd gotten their hammers. It was— well, it was the start of many things, he supposed.

Smiling, his gaze periodically shifted up towards the mountain's peak, the memory of Peasley settling in his head. He paused, blushing.

"Hey! Stop standing 'round like a dope and hurry your behind over here!"

Popple didn't take much notice to Luigi's romantical musings. He wasn't a good talker, certainly less chatty than Harhall. Now and again, he would shout orders to Luigi. That was the extent of their interaction. He didn't even know why Luigi was trying to put the Beanstar back together, other than a presumed measure of Luigi's goodwill. He made no mention of Peasley; he saw no reason to.

So far, Popple had been anything but a kind companion. Even Harhall in his most condescending mood would have been welcome company comparatively. Popple had already threatened Luigi, shoved him around, cursed him out... and if Luigi didn't do everything he asked, he forfeited his reward. He needed the piece more than anything. So even though he hated it, he went along with gathering things for the world-class criminal, tying things up into bags and stuffing them into larger ones.

The pile of fruits, foods, trinkets and any other provisions Popple demanded grew by the minute. The emptiness of the houses didn't make Luigi feel any better about this "trade", if one could even call it that. A day of crime and thievery for a Beanstar piece? It was hardly fair! He begrudgingly searched underneath nooks and crannies, stretching on his tiptoes to the spaces Popple couldn't easily see.

"It's for my survival," Popple insisted time and time again as Luigi complained for the umpteenth time. "You don't want me to starve, do'ya?"

Luigi would always hesitate. He knew full well his intrusive thoughts might win if he answered without thinking. "...no."

"Rightio. So let's get back to work."

He slapped Luigi on the back, spurring him into action. He handed him a stale piece of bread as he did: something the thief had picked out especially for Luigi while going over his earnings. Luigi took off his backpack, tossing the moldy bread aside and taking out one of Harhall's generously-donated protein bars instead.

He took out a water bottle too, downing the contents in a few gulps.

The blaring midday sun beat down on him. Sweat soaked into his clothes. With all the layers he had on, it was like he'd been dipped in water and subsequently stuffed in a locked sauna. He wanted to take off his cloak, but keeping his identity hidden was still a necessity from his point of view. If not from ghosts with prying eyes, then from lingering Hoohooligans. He still felt awful about everything.

Periodically, he would also check on the Beanstar piece to make sure Popple hadn't swiped it away while he wasn't looking. It always sat snugly in the pocket near his hip.

Popple seemed content using Luigi's assistance as much as he could. Nothing in Luigi's accomplice position required him to be silent though, so he took every opportunity he could to ask questions. "Isn't this enough?"

"Nope, sure ain't. I'll tell you when, Rookie."

Something told Luigi that this operation was about more than just worries of starvation.

They moved from house to house, clearing the streets of every last item Popple found value in. Whenever he threw apart the shelves in wild attempts to find hidden treasures, Luigi took the time to put them back together. He caught wobbling vases before they shattered on the floor, carefully returning them to their respective spots.

He wished he had time to write apology letters to everyone, as though to helplessly explain the situation. Even though no one was around, knowing he had a hand in such a huge robbery made his insides twist. Somehow, if he did repair the Beanstar, he would be sure to repay everyone — tenfold, even! He was sure Peasley would be able to help, if...

No, when he rescued him.

"Shake a leg, green! Stop messing with that."

With his shoddy repair attempt halted, Luigi's hands flung up from a rickety floorboard Popple had ripped off its nails. He stuffed it back into place best he could; he made a mental note to fix it completely someday. It would be another part of his retributions.

He sat there on his knees, Popple posted up in the doorway. The thief stood tossing a shiny decoration between his hands; it didn't even look like it was worth much, but he'd taken it anyway.

"A-At this rate," Luigi said, "they'll have nothing to come home to. Shouldn't we, I-I don't know, just... just—"

His protest was met with befuddlement. So much befuddlement, in fact, that Popple stopped fidgeting with his shiny toy. Confused, he tilted his head. "That's kind of the point."

"But…"

Popple groaned. "Listen, I get that you're having some moral quandaries right now, but we really ought to get going. Sun's gonna set eventually, and we gotta be wrapped up by then."

"What happens at sundown?"

"The ghosts come out, nitwit. Haven't you been paying attention?"

"So..." Luigi took the opportunity. "W-Why don't you leave earlier?"

A laugh. "Look at it this way, see? Ain't no schmoes coming back to town anytime soon. And rumor has it something real nasty shows up here from time to time once night falls. That's why you're here, ghost bait- erm, hunter."

He held a hand up to his chin, chuckling.

"No one is gonna care if their house is torn up. Eheh, and even if they do, they'll think it's just the ghosts. No coppers getting their mitts on the great shadow thief this time!"

Luigi frowned; if only Popple knew how close he was to someone with real Beanbean Kingdom authority. His grip on the bag he carried tightened.

Popple went up ahead. He laughed as he went.

"There's only a few more houses," he said, rubbing his hands together. "You take the one on the left, I take the house on the ri..."

His voice trailed off.

"Hu—?" Luigi wearily looked up at Popple's silence.

But not in time to notice something large at his feet. He tripped, toppling over something, and then over himself. He dropped Popple's things, which instantly made the thief explode with anger. He rushed over quickly to the fallen goods. Assuredly, he did not help Luigi up, not in the slightest.

Meanwhile, Luigi groaned, lifting his head. He looked back at what he'd stumbled over.

Through his hazy, head-rattled vision, he could just barely make out a blur of dark grey. Whatever it was, it was stiff, solid, and it hurt bad. The front of his foot stung. Bits of the same color flaked off on his shoes, dust covering his boots. He continued to survey the thing as his head cleared. He could make out a long, cylindrical part... then jutting pieces... all shaping into a...

His heart dropped.

It was a statue: a stone statue. One depicting a screaming Hoohooligan, arms raised and face frozen in terror.

He held back a shriek of horror. Luigi flipped over, scrambling to get away from the sight. His backpack and Poltergust weighed heavy on his back, as though keeping him chained to the earth. His breath quickened. He shut his eyes and shook his head but memories came flooding back, crashing into his brain, reminding him of more statues and marble and—

Someone gasped.

"Get down!"

He didn't have time to process before Popple slammed into him and threw him to the ground. The two tumbled, rolling out of sight and inside a house. The fabric curtains swayed. Popple grabbed hold of them, keeping them still. He let go slowly, backing away.

Luigi spat dirt out of his mouth.

"Wha-what are you doing?" he whispered.

Quick as a bullet bill, Popple covered Luigi's mouth. "Quiet, you!" he hissed. "I'm keeping us out of trouble, see?"

"Trouble?"

He peeked out the doorway, keeping an eye out for whatever the problem might be. He found nothing. Nary a soul. He didn't even know where Polterpup was! Whatever the danger was, it would have really had to sneak up on them for Polterpup not to warn them—

"Wait. Are there g-ghosts?"

Popple nodded, eyes wide.

"And not just any ghost. The head honcho is here." He shook his head. "And there ain't no way your tiny backpack can stop that guy..."

"You—" Luigi's voice dropped, forced to a squeak. "You don't mean…?"

Floating shadows passed the open doorway. A familiar voice answered for him.

"You haven't seen him?"

Immediately, King Boo's cruel tone sent Luigi's heart racing.

His face drained of color. Luigi shrunk, shoulders scrunched in and knees digging into his chest as he rolled silently to the corner and out of harm's way. He tightened up his cloak, hoping to blend into the shadows.

His head was screaming a million things: go and take care of him, stop him, give yourself up, take that crown off his head, throw Popple outside, use your Poltergust, whistle for Polterpup— but he did nothing, and in truth, he COULDN'T do anything. He was paralyzed, a captive audience member to Boo's distant but far too close (too close for comfort) voice.

A feminine voice joined in. "N-No, your Majesty. But don't you think...?"

"He's defied me one too many times! Don't you understand that, Hellen?"

Luigi held both hands over his mouth now. It was like his heart had dropped into his stomach. Acid stung at his insides, organs flipping around wildly. He'd come too far to get caught now, and now his two greatest adversaries were looking for him. He had to assume they hadn't seen him yet. He would have been a smoldering pile of ash by now, had that been the case.

"Isn't it reassuring, my love, that there's no sign of him?" Hellen responded hopefully. Luigi could hear the strained smile in her throat.

"Not at all," Boo growled. "That means he's somewhere I don't have eyes on him."

"Oh, he's probably hiding away somewhere. He's far too cowardly to face you again."

"Ha!"

The sound of King Boo's sharp laughter made Luigi flinch.

"As if! No. No, no, nonono... Luigi's blind heroism will bring him right back to me, just like it always has," he said bitterly.

"He wouldn't. He knows what will happen, doesn't he?"

"Bleh. He'll do anything for the ones he loves."

That made the two pause. In the excruciating, fleeting second of silence, Luigi's eyes slowly traveled up to the house's open window. In the beaming sunshine, he could just barely make out Hellen's slender figure. Boo hovered outside his gaze.

"Is that so? Just like you'd do for me, right?" Hellen filled in the blanks. She raised and placed a hand tenderly on Boo's side. "Right, my love?"

"Hmph." Boo threw Hellen's hand aside, slapping it away with a nub. "I'll do anything to stop HIM. If he assembles that stupid star again, there's no telling what could happen. If he manages to get to the castle... eugh, you heard the rumors, he has that- that infernal machine again! I don't know how he got his grimy mitts on it. I thought we destroyed it! And if those rumors are true, he'll suck all my loyal subjects up again, sentencing them to a lifelong of dusty imprisonment!"

At that, Luigi's heart lightened. He thought about his shoddy replacement of a Poltergust. Out of instinct, he gripped the nozzle. If it could fool Boo, maybe he wasn't so powerless after all. A single speck of hope dropped into his lap.

"But… w-we killed him! Surely he knows the danger!"

"And he should have STAYED killed! I thought this 'gift' of yours"—his voice oozed with venom, nearly sarcastic—"was supposed to work. You told me it would be 100% effective in keeping him dead. Triple-dead even! You swore!"

Hellen's ghostly features turned paler than they were already. She laughed nervously, rubbing her hands together. "But s-sir, you have to account for the fact—"

"I account for nothing, Gravely!" he snapped. "I account for you to get your job done. I account for you to fulfill your promises to me. Prove your devotion! Why is that not happening?"

"I-I—"

"And what of your other gift, hm?" Boo continued, maddened with rage. "Are we going to lose our surefire bargaining chip because of your incompetence? Is that it?"

Luigi's heart skipped.

"No sir, not at all!" A pause. "Here. I-I'll go and make sure of it..."

"I'm not keeping you around to guard the statue, Gravely...! You're out here to find LUIGI!"

His voice exploded and boomed, angry lightning bolts sparking from his crown. The storm of anger seeped into the house's open doorway, coating the walls in sickly neon green. Luigi shrunk back further; he wished he could sink into the wallpaper.

"That," he said darkly, "is your main priority, Hellen."

"But your majesty, if you're worried about the prince, I-I want to take that weight off your shoulders!" she offered. "Please, allow me to—"

"We have ghosts guarding that wretched Queen and her entire staff. No one will be helping him before we find out... even if your half-baked spell wears off."

Hellen winced. Luigi could see the sting of hurt in her ghostly eyes. "I'm just trying to… I want to make you feel better. All of this must be stressful, my love, I know- a-and things might look dire at the moment. But I promise I won't disappoint you. We'll be ready for him. Won't that make you feel better?"

"Ohooho, yes it will." King Boo regained some of his composure. Toxic grime filled his throat, shaking with rage. "I'll be ever so thrilled to introduce him to a fate worse than death..."

"Good… good! At this rate, Luigi couldn't possibly stop you. We have an army." Once more, Hellen reached out. Boo didn't resist her touch. "My love, you must stop worrying about him! Why don't we have a relaxing spa day instead, together? We can put those green freaks back at the castle to work!"

Again, Boo's face contorted. He glowered with agitation, speaking bitingly and floating away from Hellen.

"I know Luigi far better than you ever will. He is MY arch-nemesis, not yours."

"But I thought... I thought we were doing this, together, for us! For our kingdom, to rule as king and queen forever—"

He snapped. "Silence!"

She was. Boo followed suit, quiet for a great deal of time. Luigi watched as the two hovered unsteadily. Through the window, he caught Boo's stare. He glared daggers into Hellen's soul, purple irises wild with disgust and rage.

"I would suggest," he said slowly, "to not return to the castle unless you have Luigi's head in hand."

"S-Sir, please..."

"Forgiveness and rewards come after results, Gravely..."

With a dramatic turn, he floated away. He offered one last word.

"I'm off to take the rest of my frustrations out on the locals. Don't follow me."

The air shifted.

Popple went to move out, but Luigi grabbed hold of his arm, wordlessly shaking his head. He kept an eye on Hellen through the window. He knew she'd want nothing more right now than to skewer his heart and present it as a gift to her beloved king. Sweat visibly beaded down his face.

Hellen held her head low.

After what felt like an eternity of waiting, she floated away and slinked down one of the bridges. Only when the lingering, distant sound of creaking planks stopped did Luigi release Popple's arm. They peeked outside through the fabric curtains in the doorway. Luigi released a weary, much-needed sigh of relief. Popple dusted himself off.

"Woof. What was that all about? Dame's living a sad life, that one."

Luigi didn't talk. Internally, his brain was going haywire.

He tightened his cloak around himself, panic settling in. He had too much to process: Polterpup hadn't made a sound in the few terrifying minutes Boo was here, the Hoohooligans were being turned to stone, and- and Peasley! Peasley was still at the castle. But thankfully, from the sound of things, it seemed like he might have a chance of getting away! On one hand, it relaxed Luigi instantly. If there was a will, Luigi was assured Peasley would find a way. But the proceeding thought and imagery of Peasley being subdued and tortured again by the castle's ghosts sent his heart into rapid palpitations. He felt like he might get sick, but he didn't want to lose his (lack of) lunch in someone's tidy house.

He moved his lips, but Popple closed the silence first.

"And man, whoever that Luigi chump is... he is in one HEAP of trouble. Ha!" Popple laughed, slapping Luigi on the back. "Good thing it's not me. Right, Rookie? You get me."

Luigi looked at him, blinking with his mouth open. He felt offended, for a second at least. Then it hit him, all at once.

Popple didn't know his name.

For once in his life, he didn't care that someone didn't remember who he was. All things considered, this was probably for the best. He was just relieved Popple didn't realize that ghost-capturing vacuums were actually a rarity, not a norm. "R-Right."

"Now that the big bloated ghost is gone." He clapped his hands together. "Let's get-a crackin'. We've got a few more spots to rob, and the day's moving fast—"

"Is he gone?"

Luigi jumped.

Having asked the question, a meek voice spoke. Popple and Luigi turned to face the source, startled out of their conversation. Behind them, hidden beneath a workbench, was a Hoohooligan girl.

She looked at them hopefully before asking again.

"Is he gone?"

Luigi didn't know how to answer. He attempted to, but his infrequent words came out garbled. He was so relieved to see someone alive and well (and not made of stone for once) that all his articulated words left him. The Hoohooligan looked between the thief and ghost-hunter, who exchanged their own set of wary glances.

Popple shook his head at Luigi. "I'm not looking to get involved with any witnesses. Take care of this, Rookie."

He left. Luigi could only hope he would avoid getting petrified until he got out there. The Hoohooligan watched him leave, relaxing.

"So... is he gone?"

"What? Oh! Y-Yeah! He's gone." Luigi forgot about his anxiety for a moment. Heroism took over. "He left..."

"Good." The Hoohooligan released a breath. "It's always so scary when he shows up."

"Does he... does he come here often?"

"Mm. Basically every other day. He finds the living and he..."

She shut her eyes and shook her head. Luigi knew what terrors lied at the end of the sentence, so he didn't pry further.

"I-I've been hiding for days," she proceeded to explain. "My partner went out trying to figure out what was going on too. They haven't come back since, and I've been too afraid to go out and look for them. I'm... scared of what I'll find..."

Luigi's memories flashed to the carvings of terrified expressions etched in stone. He could only hope that wasn't the case.

He sighed and sat down across from her, trying to relax his shoulders. Despite his excruciating fear, he wanted to get across to her that everything would be okay. At the end of the day, he was a hero at heart. He wanted- needed to do good for the village, just like he needed to do for the rest of the Beanbean Kingdom, no matter how big or small that task might be.

She sat silently, tracing dust on the ground.

"Blablanadon's been gone all day too. He went into town."

Luigi recalled his trip to the summit, and both times Blablanadon had assisted him and his brother. He'd introduced him to Peasley, after all. "Why is he there?"

"He wanted to figure out what was going on... he's our eyes and ears in the sky." She motioned above. "He tells us everything."

"Yeah?" Luigi wanted to ask a thousand questions, but he kept his attention focused on comfort. "Like what?"

"Like..." she started.

But she couldn't finish.

"...Luigi?"

He sat there for a moment, unable to comprehend the fact that his name had been uttered. He was shocked she actually knew him. After a momentary lapse in speech, he leaned in. He couldn't hide his surprise, but he hoped his words and attention would make up for it.

"Yes?"

"I know… without the Beanstar, and Hoohooros being inert, we aren't safe. But it can't be as bad as it seems, right? Wh... what's gonna happen to the Kingdom?"

Luigi wished he could quell her worries. But even he didn't know the answer to her question. "I-I... I don't know."

"Mm..." she mumbled sadly. Her eyes, dark-ringed and hollow, went downwards.

"But... I have something that might help you feel better."

He reached into his cloak pocket. He brought out the shimmering Beanstar piece for her to see. He even pressed it into her hands, letting the warmth and glow of the artifact fill her soul with reassurance. A faint smile curled on her face.

"I have one piece. Popple- uh, t-the robber outside, he's got another one..."

"Oh, we all know Popple in this village. Rotten little thief." She scowled. "What's his deal this time?"

"He's… uhm, I'm kind of his hostage, until he robs all these houses." He gestured. "Then he'll hand over his piece... and I-I'm real sorry for this, all this, I really am, and I'll pay everyone back eventually, I promise, I just need the piece—" he worriedly exclaimed.

The Hoohooligan laughed curtly. "It's okay, Luigi. I trust you. You wouldn't do something bad unless you had to. That's just the kind of guy you are."

"H-How do you know that?" He couldn't keep himself from asking.

"Ehehe! Well, being the town gossip, I hear everything from Blablanadon. And he talks about you a lot. Mostly about how good you are for the prince! You know they were childhood friends, right, Blablanadon and Peasley? Still are, really!"

"O-Oh." Luigi's face turned red. The thought of being offered so much praise behind the scenes sent him spinning. "I-I-a... that's... c-cool..."

"Sure is," she said. "But back to the Beanstar! You're assembling it, right?"

He nodded.

"I knew it!" She squealed. "This is so exciting. I heard about your miraculous recovery, saw the wanted posters, and a part of me just knew you'd do it. I always eavesdrop when the king shows up. He's been really worried about it! And... hold on..."

She leaned closer. Luigi did the same as she beckoned him in.

"I didn't want to tell you while Popple was around," she lowered her voice suddenly. "Didn't want him to get any ideas. But..." She glanced back and forth, making sure no one was listening. She whispered, "There's tell of a Beanstar piece that landed in Gwarhar Lagoon… it plopped right into the ocean and sunk to the bottom! Blablanadon said so!"

"R-Really?" Luigi's eyes lit up.

He needed new direction, and this was it.

"Mm-hmm! I'd bet you money that's where the next piece is. Then you'll have three of them! You'd be halfway there." The Hoohooligan excitedly stood. She handed the one Beanstar piece back to Luigi in the process. "And we'll be out of this nightmare at last..."

Luigi chuckled. It came out sadder than he was hoping. Somewhere, deep down, a piece of him knew still this was partially his fault. But he didn't have time for a pity party. The next piece was out there. All he had to do was get the one from Popple and move right along. He stood up, dusting off his cloak and pants.

"Thank you so much. F-For all the information, for everything. Please stay safe while I'm gone, I'll have the Beanstar back together as soon as possible, I-I promise..."

He moved toward the door, but she tapped him on the back, handing him a shiny copper necklace.

"Why—?"

"So you can tell Popple that's all you found worth taking."

"Oh, I-I can't..."

"It's really not worth anything." She giggled, whispering, "Just looks that way."

Luigi wanted to protest, but he instead smiled and nodded. He pocketed the shiny thing.

"I'll keep an eye out for your partner."

"Please. And be safe, Luigi. You've saved our kingdom once... I know you can do it again!" She stood in the doorway, holding open the curtains for Luigi to exit. "I hope to see you again once this is all over."

Luigi looked back at her, nodding. She offered one last encouraging smile as the curtains shut.

Outside, the sun was setting past the horizon line, dipping into the rolling hills in the distance. The mountain's peaks and valleys cast gigantic shadows over the terrain. Luigi had to squint, hiding his eyes while the sun moved down. He had to get moving toward the South if he wanted to get to Gwarhar Lagoon by sunrise. He'd be willing to venture through thick and thin if it meant the Beanstar could get repaired sooner.

But first, he needed the one thing he came here for.

"Popple!" he called.

In the next moment, he didn't receive an answer from the thief. Instead, straightaway somone different joined him. Polterpup phased out from the ground, leaping into Luigi's arms and licking him across the face, covering his pale skin in ectoplasmic slobber that clinged to his already-damp clothing.

"There you are!" He laughed still, happy to know about his puppy's safety. Polterpup snuggled into his chest. "Have you seen Popple, doggy?"

To his surprise, the dog barked excitedly.

He pointed his snout in the other direction, where Popple was staggering back toward Luigi. His many bags of pilfered items being dragged behind him, Popple wiped at his forehead. He wasn't looking ahead. Instead, he looked down at something in his hands.

"Popple!"

The thief looked up, a scowl in his eyes but a smile on his face. The thing he was holding instantly went behind his back. "What is it, green?"

"I think..." Luigi said, gesuring to the many full bags Popple had with both hands, emphasizing. "Okey-dokey, you have to have enough by now right? And it's getting late. So… you… we... we should just part ways now." He held out a hand expectantly. "Please."

Popple side-eyed Luigi. He continued to keep the hidden item he'd been surveying out of view. Then, his smile widened.

"Suuure. Sure thing. But, I have just one last thing—"

Luigi groaned, but tried to keep it internal. "What else?"

"Why don't we get some sleep first?"

Luigi paused; he wasn't expecting that. In Popple's one-track mind, any suggestion other than thievery was foreign.

"W-What?"

"Wherever you're headed, you'll need to go out during the day. Much safer that way, see? Sun's setting... 'sides, you need your sleep. Come morning, you get your piece, I head out, end of story."

Luigi skeptically looked Popple up and down. Polterpup leaned back in Luigi's arms, growling faintly. "I don't..." He looked behind him.

"I have everything in this village I want. And I have nothing I need from you now." He smiled. "So, let's set up a shelter in one of these houses... and get some sleep."

"Then..." A lightbulb flashed across Luigi's mind. His face lit up. "Hand over the Beanstar piece now."

"What?"

"L-Like you said, it's getting dark, fine. But you have nothing else you want from me. So if you want me to trust you... then we need to make the trade now."

"You really don't trust me?"

Luigi blanked, a deadpan expression on his face.

"Ughh, fine."

Popple dug into his pocket, pulling out his piece of the Beanstar. He threw it into Luigi's open palm. Luigi scrambled to hold onto it, sweaty hands making it slip and slide an embarrassing amount. Once it was secure, he stuffed it deep into his cloak. It nestled alongside the other one.

"There. You got what you want. Now c'mon."

Popple lifted a finger, beckoning Luigi to follow him across one of the bridges. He pointed to one of the empty houses. The whites of his teeth, stretched to a smile, shone in the night.

"Hurry now. Let's get some sleep, Luigi..."

They set up camp for the night, taking refuge in an empty house. Before setting up, they made themselves certain it was empty too, calling out for any stragglers. Secretly, Luigi hoped for a response, but there was nothing.

Popple checked again underneath the floorboards, positive there'd be hidden treasures underneath. Unfortunately for him (and very fortunately for Luigi), he'd cleared the many Hoohooligans out of house and home. All their spoils ended up in bags, which Popple now lounged against leisurely, like sinking into pillows.

Luigi slept more simply. It was no "Harhall's couch", by any means, but it would do. All he did was wrap up in his cloak toward the corner of the room. His Poltergust and backpack rested against the wall. He hugged himself tight, cocooning, looking akin to a dark green, fuzzy caterpillar.

Eventually, the sun completely set. No light filtered in through the curtains or windows. Despite the warmth in the day, Hoohoo Village was chilling at night. Luigi shivered as bursts of cold air swam around the room. It left his teeth chattering. He closed in further on himself. Polterpup snoozed under his arms, keeping close to his chest. Despite the ghostly, chilling exterior, his loyal pup offered a level of comforting warmth. The Beanstar pieces rested comfortingly in the folds of his cloak, glowing like a pocket nightlight.

All that to say, Luigi had no real intentions of sleeping. He couldn't trust the shadow thief, day or night. Once he knew Popple was sound asleep, only then did he think he could get some rest. But even then, sleep seemed unlikely. Maybe resting his eyes, but that was the extent.

He whispered goodnight to Polterpup, Gooigi, and begrudgingly, Popple (out of inherent civility). He rested his hands on his stomach, looking up at the broken roof above. The moon was full. He wondered if the ghosts would wander out this far tonight.

The hours went by slowly.

Eventually, Popple began loudly snoring. When Luigi looked, the thief was drooling over his bags of loot. He held onto them possessively, so any hopes Luigi had of sneaking away some of the items and returning them were dashed.

Shuffling in his cloak turned blanket, he sat up. Polterpup was still sleeping, so Luigi's arms phased through him, setting him gently on the ground. He stuffed his hands in his pockets. What he wanted more than anything right now was some time to relax and rest, but he needed a way to do that without putting down his defenses. He slipped past the open doorway, taking the quiet opportunity to wander out on his own.

Just as he'd suspected during the day, ghosts were scarce at Hoohoo Mountain. Over the rolling hills, he could spy glowing ghosts as far as his eyes could see. Despite the imminent danger of the rest of the kingdom, he felt at peace here on the mountain. It held a sense of nostaligc familiarity: a sanctuary for his drained soul.

The nearby waterfall rushed, neverending. He crept over one of the bridges, back toward the Hoohooligan girl's house. He didn't want to bother her, by any means, but it was comforting to be somewhere where he knew a helping hand was only a call away.

Whenever he found a petrified Hoohooligan, he heaved and lifted them up against the side of a house. That way, when he freed them at last and the spell lifted, they'd be somewhere safe and supported. He himself leaned up against the sides of the houses too, sighing as he collapsed, knees giving way.

He wiped his face. Eyes traveling to the sky above, he watched the clouds roll past the moon. Distantly, the sounds of the evening filled his ears. Notably, he heard screechy, nocturnal creatures, with crickets and nightlife chirping away. Wind wooshed around him. Something flapped its wings and blotted out the moonlight for a second. He paid it little mind as it disappeared into the night. Out of sight, out of mind.

Squeezing his eyes shut, he exhaled. Finally, things were looking up for him.

Here he was, defenseless and out in the open, and he'd yet to be threatened, attacked, or jumpscared. Maybe it was the two pieces of the Beanstar talking, or maybe it was his sense of pride, but having an idea of where to go next made him feel like he was on top of the world. And in a way, he was! From his vantage point, he could see the entire kingdom in all its rightful glory. Though it was currently consumed by a ravenous plantlife, it was still, in its own way, home.

Smiling faintly, he sat up. He took his time on the way back.

He moved behind the houses, trailing his hands along the wall. His digits moved across brick, stone, and wood, gliding from one end of the house to the next. He used it partially as a grounding technique, taking in every indent and crease.

He stopped.

Fluttering in the wind, a piece of paper caught his attention. It sat pasted on the side of the house. He'd nearly given himself a paper cut on it. The wind whipped it around, so he couldn't get a good look until he held it down with an open palm.

"...h-huh?"

He had to look twice. It was like something out of a dream.

His face, plastered on a poster, alongside smaller ones of Polterpup and Gooigi, greeted him. Underneath his name, a hefty sum of coins and riches were promised for his capture. He ripped it off the wall, clutching it so tightly his knuckles turned white as snow. He'd seen this exact thing back at the Last Resort. And that time, though horrifying, it didn't fill him with the same sense of dread he had sitting in the pit of his gut now.

What made it so different becoming startingly clear, as he heard the sound of a vacuum switching on in the distance.

He jumped to attention, grabbing each side of his cloak and running all the way back to the house Popple was in. He threw open the curtains, gasping.

A shocking sight greeted him. Popple stood with Luigi's Poltergust in hand, the pack strung up over the thief's back. He was wielding it against the glowing, snoozing mass on the ground. Polterpup didn't so much as stir even as Popple inched closer.

"H-Hey!" Luigi screamed.

Popple turned back to him, eyes wide. Still, the shock didn't make him drop his weapon of choice.

"What are you doing? You don't even know how to use that!"

"Hehe... well it's pretty self-explanatory, Luigi." Popple spoke menacingly.

Luigi's eyes traveled down to the wanted poster he held suffocatingly in his grip. Of course Popple would want the money, of course he'd recognize his face, of course, of course he would—! Despite all his precautions, Luigi felt like an idiot. Tears welled in his eyes. His face turned red with anger and embarrassment. How did he not notice before?

"I'm just taking care of business, see?"

With that, he turned on the vacuum. Before the ghostly dog could react, Popple took aim, and sucked him up into the nozzle. Luigi went to subdue him but once the process started, he couldn't do anything to stop it. Polterpup stirred at the last second, half of his body already in the nozzle. He wriggled his paws helplessly into the air, but Luigi's makeshift invention worked far too well. He could only sit and watch.

With a howling whine, Polterpup disappeared into the Poltergust. The normally-satisfactory clunk that followed made Luigi's heart split in half.

"No!"

"There!" Popple announced. "That's one of you down..."

"Polterpup didn't do anything to hurt you!"

Popple rolled his eyes. "Well, aside from nibbling on me, it doesn't really matter what he did to ME. What matters is your little mutt did something to that king! And that king, hoo boy, he is loaded, green! Absolutely stuffed with riches," Popple explained with the same eerie smile. "Once I hand you over, your mutt, and this... thing... he hates so much…" He gestured to the Poltergust, but Luigi could tell he wasn't entirely sure what it was. "He'll pay me handsomely!"

Luigi marched toward Popple, but the thief came prepared. He held tight to the straps.

"Not so fast. Try anything, and I dump everything of yours into the waterfall."

Luigi's eyes darted to the broken floorboards. The hole was just large enough to throw the Poltergust into and, though he didn't see it on Popple, his backpack was sure to follow. Like a switch going off, Luigi's demeanor transformed instantly. He stood still, but trembled uncontrollably.

"You tricked me!"

"No tricks," Popple denied. "Think of it more as a change in plans."

"But— you-!" Luigi burned with rage.

"Think of it this way." Popple lifted both hands, explaining his thought process. He couldn't help but sneer. "If I hand you in, I can put in a good word for you at least. Eh? How's that sound? I go free, I get my goods. Heck, you won't even need those Beanstar pieces where you're headed, so I get those too! It's a win-win for everybody, see?"

Luigi stepped back. Dread made his internal organs tighten.

"He's... he's not going to give you anything," he warned. "He'll just trick you!"

"Hm. That might be so, pal. But as it stands, I'd rather gamble with him, than spend any more time dealing with you..."

Popple crouched down, grabbing a torn-up wooden plank with both hands.

"Sorry, Rookie. Maybe next time."

With that final "apology", Popple rushed forward. Luigi didn't have time to react as Popple raised the wooden plank up into the air. He brought it straight down, aiming in the direction of Luigi's skull.

With a firm TWHACK, Luigi hit the floor.