I Love Azathoth

Jonah wiped his brow after clearing out a few rooms connected to the Parlor, his Poltergust 3000 humming quietly on his back. Wrangling ghosts had started to feel more natural, though a few moments tested his patience—like slipping on a banana peel left by a mischievous green monkey ghost. After a quick recovery (and a muttered curse about needing better shoes), Jonah rounded up the cheeky specter and moved on.

Stepping back into the Parlor hallway, Jonah was about to head right when his Game Boy Horror chimed with a playful ringtone. He pulled it out and pressed a button.

"Moshi Moshi?" Jonah answered with a smirk.

"Hold up, Jonah!" E. Gadd's enthusiastic voice crackled through the tiny screen. "I'm picking up some unusual readings ahead—stronger spirits than the ones you've dealt with so far. I reckon it must be some of the escaped gallery ghosts!"

"The Gallery ghosts?" Jonah asked.

"Yep! They're a cut above the regular spooks. These fellas are smarter and tougher—they've got tricks up their sleeves! The ol' flashlight trick won't work on them so easily. You'll need to use your GB Horror to scan them. Each of these ghosts has a weakness you can exploit—find it, and you'll have a shot at catching 'em. Be observant, lad!"

Jonah nodded, feeling a mix of excitement and trepidation. "Got it. Thanks for the heads-up."

E. Gadd gave him an encouraging thumbs-up through the screen before signing off.

Pocketing the GB Horror, Jonah pushed forward, unlocking a door at the end of the hall and stepping into a narrow corridor. His flashlight beam illuminated flickering shadows, and the faint squeaks of ghost mice echoed off the walls. He vacuumed up a few of the ethereal rodents as well as some scattered coins glinting on the floor.

He tried a few doors before finding one that wasn't locked. It creaked open to reveal a cozy but eerie study. A fire crackled in the fireplace, its flames casting ominous shadows on the walls. Jonah immediately thought it was a miracle this place hadn't burned down yet.

His eyes landed on a ghostly figure seated in a rocking chair. The spirit looked like a middle-aged man with a ginger mustache and neatly combed hair. He appeared engrossed in his book, rocking gently back and forth, entirely ignoring Jonah's presence.

Pulling out the GB Horror, Jonah scanned the spectral figure.

"This is Neville, the bookish father. He gets caught off guard when he shows he's tired."

"Gotcha," Jonah muttered, switching off his flashlight to avoid alerting the ghost.

Jonah waited, quietly observing as Neville flipped a page, his translucent face calm and focused. After a few moments, the ghost yawned, leaning back in his chair and rubbing his eyes.

Now!

Jonah snapped his flashlight on, the beam catching Neville mid-yawn. The ghost flinched, momentarily stunned. Jonah didn't waste a second, switching to the Poltergust and aiming it at the spectral figure. The vacuum roared to life, and Neville was sucked in, putting up far more resistance than the standard ghosts Jonah had faced. Jonah gritted his teeth, gripping the nozzle tightly as he was dragged across the rug.

"Come on, just get in already!" Jonah growled, pulling with all his strength.

After what felt like an eternity, Neville's energy gave out, and with one final pull, Jonah sucked him into the Poltergust.

"Boom! Gotcha!" Jonah cheered, pumping his fist in victory.

As the lights in the study flickered on, Jonah spotted a glint on the desk—a key. He grabbed it and made his way back into the hallway, heading toward the next room.

Unlocking the door, Jonah entered a slightly drafty bedroom. A large mirror dominated one wall, while a curtain fluttered beside a cracked window. In front of the mirror stood a blonde ghost woman, her hair piled elegantly atop her head as she fussed with a comb. Unlike Neville, she noticed Jonah immediately, turning to address him.

"Do you mind, dear?" she said with a faintly annoyed tone. "I'm in the middle of something."

Jonah's eyebrow quirked. "Right... Sorry to interrupt."

Ignoring her protests, Jonah pulled out the GB Horror and scanned her.

"This is Lydia, the spoiled wife. She hates drafts that mess up her hair."

"Noted," Jonah muttered, moving toward the window.

With a firm tug, Jonah yanked the curtain aside, letting in a strong breeze. The wind swept through the room, and Lydia shrieked, clutching her hair.

"Oh dear! Such a draft!" she wailed, floating toward the window to fix the curtain.

Jonah seized the opportunity. He switched on his flashlight, catching her in the beam as she struggled with the fabric. Lydia froze, giving him just enough time to activate the Poltergust.

The vacuum roared again, and Lydia shrieked as she was pulled away from the window. She struggled wildly, her translucent form twisting in every direction, but Jonah held firm. With a final yank, he sucked her into the Poltergust, collapsing to his knees as the room's lights flickered on.

Breathing heavily, Jonah glanced around the now-bright bedroom. On a nearby vanity, another key sparkled in the light.

"Alright, that's two down!" Jonah said with a grin, grabbing the key and making his way back into the hallway. "Not too bad so far."

As he turned the corner toward the next door, he couldn't help but feel a growing confidence. Sure, this Mansion was creepy, but he was starting to get the hang of this ghost-hunting thing.

Jonah paused in the hallway, the muffled sound of a baby crying reaching his ears. The unsettling noise sent a chill down his spine. "Creepy... Why does it always have to be creepy babies?" he muttered under his breath.

He checked the door from which the noise emanated. The lock clicked open with the key he had just found, and he cautiously pushed the door ajar.

The room was a nursery, decorated with pastel colors and heart-shaped patterns. It had an air of innocence, but the ghostly chill lingering in the air turned it into something unsettling. A crib sat against the far wall, its delicate wooden frame adorned with fading ribbons. Inside lay a spectral baby, its translucent form softly glowing as it slept soundly.

Jonah approached cautiously, pulling out the GB Horror and scanning the ghost. The screen displayed the name "Chauncey – The Spoiled Baby." Beneath it, a note read: "Likes to play, but doesn't know when to stop."

Jonah sighed. "Great. A baby ghost that throws tantrums. This'll be fun."

Looking around, Jonah noticed a rocking horse in the corner of the room. He gave it a push, setting it in motion. The creaking sound echoed through the room, and Chauncey began to stir. The baby's form flickered as it rose out of the crib, yawning. Its wide, innocent eyes locked onto Jonah.

"Hey! Wanna play with me?" Chauncey asked, its voice a mix of sweetness and mischief.

Before Jonah could answer, the baby shook its rattle, and suddenly, stuffed teddy bears floated into the air. Jonah barely had time to react before they came hurtling toward him. One smacked him square in the forehead.

"Hey! That's assault with a cuddly weapon!" Jonah yelled, dodging another incoming bear.

Growing fed up, Jonah grabbed a ball rolling nearby with the Poltergust, switching to reverse mode and taking aim, he launched the ball straight at the ghostly baby. The ball smacked into Chauncey's head, causing them to spin in place.

"Owie!" Chauncey cried, glaring at Jonah with glowing eyes. "You gave me an owie! I just wanted to play! I hate grown-ups!"

"Yeah, well, my definition of 'play' doesn't involve stuffed animals trying to knock me out!" Jonah shot back.

Chauncey's face twisted into a scowl as they shook their rattle violently, throwing a full-blown tantrum. The air in the room grew thick and heavy as the baby wailed.

"Why do you have to be bigger than me?!" Chauncey shrieked. "I've had enough! Small! Now grow smaller! Itsy, tiny, little, wee! Goo-goo, ga-ga!"

Before Jonah could react, a strange energy surrounded him. His vision blurred, and when it cleared, he found himself standing on a massive, soft surface. It took him a moment to realize he was inside the baby's crib—but now he was the size of a doll.

"Oh, come on!" Jonah groaned, looking up. Chauncey loomed over him, now massive and menacing, its grin far less innocent.

The ghost baby cackled, summoning enormous rocking horses from the ether. They charged at Jonah like spectral battering rams. Jonah dodged the first one, barely avoiding being flattened. The next attack was a barrage of giant bouncing balls, each one narrowly missing as Jonah darted around the crib.

While Chauncey was distracted by another tantrum, Jonah seized his chance. He activated the Poltergust, capturing one of the giant balls. With a sharp tug, he spun and fired it at the oversized baby. The ball struck Chauncey in the face, making them recoil.

"Gotcha!" Jonah shouted, rushing forward.

Chauncey flailed as Jonah began pulling it into the Poltergust. The vacuum roared, and Jonah held on tightly as the baby's immense strength dragged him across the crib.

"You're going in!" Jonah growled, gritting his teeth.

Chauncey managed to shake free, sending Jonah sprawling onto his back. Before Jonah could recover, an enormous rocking horse slammed into him, knocking him aside like a ragdoll.

Jonah groaned, clutching his ribs. "This... is the worst babysitting gig ever!"

He pushed himself to his feet, ignoring the pain. The baby was giggling triumphantly, but Jonah wasn't about to let it win. He repeated the strategy, dodging incoming attacks and launching another ball at Chauncey. This time, he was ready.

As the baby became vulnerable again, Jonah activated the Poltergust. He pulled with everything he had, sweat dripping down his face as Chauncey screamed and flailed. The ghost's strength waned, and with a final tug, it was sucked into the vacuum with a pop.

Jonah slumped to his knees, exhausted but victorious. He let out a shaky laugh and stood, doing a dramatic spin as he holstered the Poltergust's nozzle onto his back.

"Ha! Take that, you oversized brat! Bet your parents never disciplined you, huh? Well, consider yourself grounded!" he proclaimed, striking a victory pose.

With a flash of light, the room returned to normal. Jonah found himself back in the nursery, the crib once again normal-sized. The eerie glow was gone, replaced by warm, steady light.

On the pillow in the crib lay a pink, heart-shaped key. Jonah picked it up, examining the intricate design before tucking it into the GB Horror's hammerspace.

Just as he turned to leave, the Game Boy Horror chimed again. Jonah answered it, seeing E. Gadd's concerned face on the screen.

"Jonah! Can you hear me? Oh, thank goodness you're okay! I lost contact with you all of a sudden... I was a tad worried."

Jonah leaned against the wall, catching his breath. "I'm fine, professor... Just had a bit of babysitting to do, you could say."

E. Gadd chuckled. "Babysitting, eh? Ho-ho! Sounds like quite the ordeal. You're looking a bit tuckered out. Why don't you head back to the lab? Boss ghosts tend to fill the Poltergust 3000 to the brim. And by the way... I'm sure you showed that big baby who the real boss is!"

Jonah grinned despite his exhaustion. "Yeah, I guess I did."

As he ended the call, Jonah glanced back at the now-quiet nursery. 

[TIMESKIP]

Back at the lab, Jonah stood alongside Professor E. Gadd, staring at a strange, humming machine in the center of the room. The contraption was a mix of pipes, glowing panels, odd looking tech and mechanical arms that looked both impressive and haphazardly assembled.

"Good job, Jonah! You made it back in one piece!" E. Gadd said, clapping Jonah on the shoulder with a surprising amount of vigor for someone his size.

Jonah smirked. "Thanks, Doc. Though I think I might need a chiropractor after all that ghost wrangling."

E. Gadd ignored the comment, gesturing proudly to the machine. "Now, take a gander at this beauty! This fine piece of craftsmanship took me nearly twenty years to perfect. Behold—the Ghost Portraitificationizer! This is what turns captured ghosts into paintings for display. And not only that, but—ho-ho—it can even reverse the process, bringing painted ghosts back if needed!"

Jonah whistled, circling the machine. "That's... equal parts genius and terrifying. So, how do we use it?"

E. Gadd grinned, his round glasses reflecting the machine's glow. "Simple as pie, my boy! Just plug your Poltergust 3000 into the slot over there and let the magic—err, science—happen!"

With a shrug, Jonah walked up to the machine and connected the Poltergust's nozzle to the designated port. Almost instantly, the machine whirred to life.

Inside the transparent pipes, the captured ghosts were sucked from the vacuum and sent spiraling through the machinery. Jonah watched, fascinated, as the machine worked. The ghosts were pressed flat, their once-free forms condensed into vivid, glowing canvases.

"Now," E. Gadd explained, "since ghosts are invisible in their natural state, the first step is making them visible. Then we press 'em down flat, and—voilà! Ghost portraits!"

The process finished with a cheerful ding! The machine spat out three freshly made paintings onto a tray: Neville, Lydia, and Chauncey. Each portrait was eerily lifelike, their ghostly expressions frozen in time.

"Impressive work," Jonah said, examining the portraits.

His attention shifted to a separate compartment where the machine deposited coins, bills, and gold bars—his earnings from the mansion.

E. Gadd caught his glance. "Oh, that? Don't worry, my boy! I've no use for most of the treasure in that mansion. Consider it your payment for the... ahem... hazardous labor. You keep the lion's share."

Jonah grinned. "Now you're speaking my language."

After a quick breather and a snack, Jonah made his way back to the mansion. The familiar chill of the foyer greeted him as he stepped inside, but this time, a figure was waiting for him.

Infetsa stood at the center of the room, her tail swaying gently as she bowed in greeting. "Welcome back, my King. Congratulations on clearing the first area of the mansion. Your efforts bring us closer to claiming victory."

Jonah smiled at her. "Thanks. Hope waiting around isn't too boring for you."

Infetsa shook her head, her hair glinting faintly in the dim light. "It's no trouble at all, my King. I live to serve you now." She hesitated, then tilted her head. "Are you hungry?"

Jonah blinked. "I guess I could go for another snack…"

Her face lit up. "Then please, partake of me my King!"

Before he could respond, she offered her tail, its tip glowed with heat faintly. Jonah recoiled slightly.

"Uh... I already told you, I'm not sure how I feel about eating your tail," he said, scratching the back of his neck.

Her expression faltered, her large eyes shimmering with disappointment. "Do you not want me, my King?"

Jonah groaned internally. He couldn't resist those eyes. "…Fine! Just a small bite, okay?"

Her sadness vanished, replaced by sheer delight. With an effortless motion, she detached the tip of her tail and handed it to him. Jonah hesitated, gulped, and then took a tentative bite.

The flavor that hit his tongue was beyond anything he'd ever experienced. Sweet, rich, and utterly otherworldly, it flooded his senses like a culinary symphony.

"Oh... my... Outer God..." Jonah gasped, his eyes widening. "THIS IS AMAZING!"

Infetsa giggled as Jonah continued to gush over the flavor before composing himself. He swallowed and cleared his throat. "It's... really good. Thanks."

She beamed, her tail regrowing the tip seamlessly. "It pleases me greatly to satisfy you, my King. You may partake whenever you desire."

Jonah made a mental note not to indulge too often—something that delicious could become addictive. Shaking off the daze, he turned toward the double doors in the middle of the foyer. Retrieving the pink heart-shaped key from the GB Horror's inventory, he unlocked the doors and stepped inside.

The hallway beyond was long and dimly lit, shadows stretching across the walls. Jonah kept his Poltergust at the ready, sucking up ghost mice and collecting stray coins as he explored.

In one bathroom, he found another key hidden inside a cabinet. After some trial and error, he located the door it unlocked. Jonah stepped inside, finding himself in an ornate ballroom.

"Okay, but seriously... why does a haunted mansion need a ballroom?" Jonah muttered, looking around.

The room was grand, with a polished floor and elegant chandeliers. As Jonah moved further in, he encountered more minor ghosts, dispatching them quickly with the flashlight and Poltergust.

Then his eyes fell on a pair of ghostly figures waltzing in the center of the room. The couple glowed faintly as they danced in perfect sync, their movements eerily graceful. Jonah scanned them with the GB Horror, which revealed their names: The Floating Whirlindas.

"Caught up in their eternal dance, they're only vulnerable when they pause to bow," the device explained.

Jonah crouched nearby, watching the couple's routine. When they paused to bow to each other, he sprang into action, flashing them with his light.

The ballroom erupted into chaos as the Whirlindas broke their synchronized dance, their ghostly forms flailing as Jonah fought to wrangle them into the Poltergust.

"Come on... stay still!" Jonah grunted as the vacuum tugged him across the room.

After a fierce struggle, the couple was sucked inside, their wails fading into silence. The room's lights flickered on, signaling Jonah's victory. He leaned against a wall, catching his breath.

"Ghost hunting's no waltz in the park," he muttered, wiping sweat from his brow.

Jonah opened the creaky door at the back of the ballroom, stepping into what appeared to be a dusty, forgotten storage room. The air was thick with cobwebs, and stacks of old furniture loomed in the dim light. Jonah flicked on his flashlight, scanning the room for any signs of trouble.

As expected, a group of ghosts materialized, their eerie laughter echoing off the walls. Jonah sighed, gripping the Poltergust. "Alright, let's get this over with."

After a brief but intense struggle, Jonah managed to capture all the ghosts, leaving the room bathed in the warm glow of a newly lit lights. He wiped his brow and noticed something odd on the far wall—a large button, partially obscured by a layer of grime.

"Huh... I wonder what this does?" Jonah muttered. Without much thought, he pressed the button.

The room rumbled as a section of the wall slid backward, revealing a hidden chamber. Jonah's curiosity piqued, and he cautiously stepped into the newly revealed space. The room was darker and colder, with a metallic grate embedded in the floor. A tattered poster hung lopsided on one wall. Jonah tilted his head, pulling the poster away to reveal a second button—this one large and painted a bold, ominous red.

"Big red button hidden behind a creepy poster in a haunted mansion. Yeah, this definitely seems like a great idea," Jonah said sarcastically. Still, he pushed the button.

The moment he did, the grate on the floor creaked open, releasing a chilling fog that poured into the room like a ghostly waterfall. Jonah leaned over the opening, peering into the dark void below.

"What the heck is—"

Before he could finish, a sudden whoosh of movement startled him as countless spectral figures shot up from the grate. Jonah stumbled back, his eyes wide as a swarm of Boos burst into the room, their round, white forms darting and swirling like a chaotic storm.

"Who's there?!" one of the Boos demanded, its voice sharp and accusatory. "Who dares disturb our slumber?"

The Boos turned their eyes toward Jonah.

"Oh, look! A human!" another Boo said, its tone laced with mocking amusement. "Haven't seen this one before."

"And he's got the nerve to waltz in here like he owns the place!"

Jonah instinctively reached for his Poltergust, his grip tightening on the nozzle as the Boos' laughter grew louder, more sinister.

"We'll do to you what we did to that other girl," one Boo sneered, its grin growing wider. "Only worse!"

Before Jonah could respond, the room grew eerily quiet as a larger figure emerged from the grate. The other Boos parted to make way for him—a Boo with glowing red eyes, a long, eerie blue tongue, and a crown perched atop his head. The crown's centerpiece was a massive red gemstone that sparkled ominously.

Jonah froze as the figure floated closer, exuding an air of authority and malice. This had to be King Boo.

For a tense moment, their eyes met. Jonah couldn't quite explain it, but there was something unnerving about the way King Boo stared at him, almost as if he could see straight into Jonah's soul. The silence was heavy, filled with unspoken tension.

One of the smaller Boos suddenly broke the moment. "Wait! What's that on his back?"

The crowd of Boos collectively gasped as they noticed the Poltergust.

"IT'S E. GADD'S POLTERGUST 3000!" one screamed.

"EVERYBODY SCRAM!"

The Boos scattered in all directions, phasing through walls and disappearing into the depths of the mansion. King Boo lingered for a moment longer, his sinister chuckle echoing in the room before he phased into the floor and vanished.

Jonah stood alone in the aftermath, releasing a shaky breath he hadn't realized he was holding.

"Why do I feel like... he knew something about me?" Jonah murmured, his hand brushing the back of his head.

His Game Boy Horror chimed, breaking the silence. Jonah quickly answered the call, E. Gadd's concerned face filling the screen.

"Jonah! Are you alright, lad?" the professor asked, his voice tinged with urgency.

Jonah nodded, still catching his breath. "Yeah... I think so. But, uh, a swarm of Boos just came flying out of the floor. Care to explain?"

E. Gadd stroked his chin thoughtfully. "Those were the fiends! The very same ones who released all the ghosts from my paintings and conjured up this cursed mansion! I wondered where King Boo and his gang had gone off to... hiding in the mansion all along, were they? Well, I must say, Jonah, you've done a splendid job flushing them out!"

The professor then chuckled nervously. "But, well... perhaps it would have been better if you hadn't... let them all escape... but no use crying over spilled ectoplasm, eh?"

Jonah huffed. "You expect me to take on a swarm of Boos at once?!"

E. Gadd waved a hand dismissively. "No, no, of course not. You'll deal with them one at a time. Eventually. Now, come back to the lab for a moment. We've got some things to discuss."

Sighing, Jonah nodded. "Fine. Be there soon."

[TIMESKIP]

Back at the lab, Jonah stood across from Professor E. Gadd, who was busy scribbling notes in a cluttered journal. The lab buzzed softly with the hum of machinery, the air tinged with the faint scent of ozone.

"Ah, Jonah! Back in one piece, I see," E. Gadd said, looking up and adjusting his oversized glasses. "Now, about your situation... it seems like your girlfriend has been taken by that gang of Boos. Poor girl, truly."

Jonah barely suppressed a smirk. The idea of Aza being overpowered by a group of Boos was laughable, but he let the professor continue.

"Boos are tricky creatures," E. Gadd explained, pacing as he spoke. "It's common knowledge—or, at least, among paranormal researchers like myself—that Boos grow in strength when they gather in numbers. They don't just multiply their power; they combine it in ways that make them exponentially more dangerous. That's likely how they managed to overpower your girlfriend."

Jonah bit the inside of his cheek to keep from laughing outright. Aza wouldn't even need to lift a finger to deal with a swarm of Boos if she were present. If anything, the Boos should be running from her, not the other way around.

E. Gadd stopped pacing, his expression turning serious. "If your goal is to save her—and I assume it is—there's only one way to do it: divide and conquer. Capture each Boo, one by one, and steadily chip away at the group's collective strength. But beware, Jonah: Boos, as their name suggests, love to hide. They'll wait in shadows, lurking just out of reach, and then jump out to startle you when you least expect it. Finding them won't be easy. You've got your work cut out for you."

Jonah crossed his arms, frowning. "Okay, but... how exactly am I supposed to track them all down? I can't just go running around blindly."

E. Gadd's eyes twinkled with excitement. "Ah, I was hoping you'd ask that! You see, my boy, the Game Boy Horror I gave you isn't just for communication or scanning ghosts. It has a secret function—a little something I've been developing in secret for years! I call it... the Boo Radar!"

Jonah raised an eyebrow. "The Boo Radar?"

The professor nodded enthusiastically, practically bouncing on his feet. "Yes, yes! The Boo Radar is designed to detect those elusive Boos. It works by identifying anything round and Boo-like in the immediate vicinity. When it senses a potential Boo hiding nearby, it will flash red to alert you. From there, it's up to you to sniff them out!"

Jonah glanced at the Game Boy Horror in his hand, turning it over to inspect it. "So... it's basically got a Boo detector?"

E. Gadd wagged a finger. "Oh, don't undersell it, my boy! This little gadget is the culmination of years of research into Boo behavior and spectral technology. It's more than just a detector—it's your key to systematically dismantling King Boo's army. Without it, you'd be wandering around aimlessly, wasting precious time. But with the Boo Radar, you'll have the upper hand!"

Jonah gave a small, appreciative nod. "Alright, fair enough. I'll give it a shot."

E. Gadd clapped his hands together. "That's the spirit! Now, remember, Boos are cunning. They'll try to hide in furniture, behind objects, even inside mundane household items. Don't let your guard down, and always keep an eye on the radar. The moment it flashes red, you know you're close."

Jonah chuckled lightly. "Guess this just turned into a glorified game of hide-and-seek."

"Precisely!" E. Gadd exclaimed. "But in this case, the stakes are much higher than finding your friends in the backyard. Stay focused, Jonah. You're doing splendidly so far!"

Jonah slipped the Game Boy Horror back into his pocket, taking a deep breath. He was starting to get the hang of this whole ghost-hunting gig, but it was clear things were about to get even more challenging.

"Well, guess I'd better get back to it," Jonah said.

"Indeed," E. Gadd replied with a grin. "Go forth and show those Boos who's boss! And don't forget—you've got the Poltergust 3000 and my brilliant inventions on your side. You'll do great!"

With a wave, Jonah headed back toward the mansion, steeling himself for the task ahead. The thought of facing King Boo again loomed in the back of his mind, but he pushed it aside. For now, it was time to tackle the Boos one by one.

[MEANWHILE]

Down in the dimly lit basement of the mansion, King Boo floated restlessly around a chamber draped in gold and crimson fabrics. The room, adorned with treasures stolen over centuries, exuded the regal air befitting a self-proclaimed king. Yet, despite the wealth and splendor surrounding him, King Boo was uneasy.

That human... something about him felt wrong. Not in the usual way a pesky ghost hunter felt wrong, but something far deeper. King Boo, the strongest of his kind and a master of dark magic, could sense it. That boy's aura wasn't natural—it radiated a peculiar energy, one that pricked at his instincts and made his ectoplasmic form shiver. Worse still, the human was working with that accursed professor, E. Gadd. The thought made King Boo grind his teeth, the tips of his blue tongue flicking in irritation.

He stopped mid-flight, gazing at his reflection in a cracked mirror. His glowing red eyes burned brighter as he muttered to himself. "There's more to him. I need to know what..."

"Aw, what's the matter? You look like you've seen a ghost."

The voice, melodic yet dripping with malice, echoed from nowhere and everywhere. King Boo whirled around, scanning the room. "Who's there?"

The voice laughed—a soft, chilling sound that made the very air feel heavier. "Over here, darling," it purred.

King Boo turned back to the mirror, and his crimson glow dimmed momentarily as he recoiled at the sight that greeted him. The reflection no longer showed his gilded chamber. Instead, the glass rippled like water, revealing a grotesque throne of twisted, malformed flesh. The throne writhed as if alive, its surfaces punctuated by groaning mouths and weeping or bloodshot eyes that blinked out of sync.

Seated atop this unholy construct was a figure unlike any King Boo had encountered. A woman, if she could be called that, lounged with predatory grace. Her skin was a dark, otherworldly blue, smooth yet cold like polished obsidian. Her hair, white as snow, framed her angular, elfin features. Her eyes glowed eyed and pierced through the veil of the mirror as if they could see into his very soul.

King Boo puffed up his chest-or lack thereof, trying to mask his unease. "Who are you?" he demanded, his tone sharp but faltering slightly.

The woman's lips curled into a smile, revealing sharp, pearlescent teeth. "Oh, I go by many names," she said, her voice as silky as it was sinister. "The Black Pharaoh, the Crawling Chaos... but you may call me Nyarly, for now."

Her words were like a dark melody, and though every instinct King Boo had screamed at him to tread carefully, he couldn't help but be intrigued. He narrowed his eyes, floating closer to the mirror but keeping a wary distance. "Why are you here? What do you want?"

Nyarly leaned forward, resting her chin on a clawed hand. "Oh, it's not about what I want, dear King of Boo's. It's about what you want. I couldn't help but notice you seemed... stressed. That 'human' has you rattled, doesn't he?"

King Boo bristled. "I'm not rattled! That human is nothing but a nuisance. I'll deal with him in due time."

Nyarly chuckled, a low, resonant sound that made the mouths on her throne twist into grotesque smirks. "Oh, I don't doubt your strength. But I also know you're smart enough to recognize when you're out of your depth. That human isn't ordinary, is he? There's something about him... something even you can't put your finger on."

King Boo said nothing, but his silence spoke volumes.

Nyarly's grin widened. "Lucky for you, I have an offer. How would you like power? Not just the fleeting strength your little ghostly tricks give you, and not what dark magic does either, but true, absolute power. Power beyond anything a Boo—or any other spirit—has ever dreamed of?"

For a moment, King Boo forgot his unease. The idea of such power, of crushing not only that irritating human but also ensuring his eternal dominion over all ghosts, all the land, was too tempting to ignore. "I'm listening," he said cautiously.

Nyarly leaned back on her throne, lacing her fingers together. "It's simple, really. Complete a small task for me, and I'll grant you power beyond imagining. Think of it as a mutually beneficial arrangement."

King Boo's curiosity was piqued, but he wasn't foolish enough to accept blindly. "And what's the catch? What do you get out of this?"

Nyarly's eyes glimmered with amusement. "Let's just say I enjoy... watching the chaos unfold. Your success benefits me indirectly, of course, but it's you who stands to gain the most."

King Boo tilted his head, his suspicions lingering but outweighed by his ambition. "What kind of task are we talking about?"

Nyarly's grin grew impossibly wide, a sharp, predatory gleam in her teeth. "Oh, nothing too difficult for a king like you. I simply need you to... defeat that human... his name is Jonah. I'll give you a little something that may help give you a needed edge, as well as a partner who should be helpful to you."

King Boo frowned, mulling it over. "And if I do this? You promise me power?"

Nyarly nodded, her voice dripping with confidence. "More power than you've ever dreamed of, dear King Boo. Just defeat him and then give me the portrait containing him after. So, what do you say? Are you a betting Boo?"

King Boo's red eyes flared, his uncertainty melting into a sinister grin of his own. "Alright, Nyarly. You've got yourself a deal."

Nyarly's laughter echoed as her form faded from the mirror, leaving the room to return to its gilded splendor. King Boo floated there for a moment, staring at his reflection with renewed determination. Whatever game this Nyarly was playing, he intended to win—and he would make that human-Jonah regret ever setting foot in his domain.

(TO BE CONTINUED)