I Love Azathoth

Once Jonah finished recovering, he resolved to tackle the final stretch of his journey through the mansion. Each step forward brought him closer to Aza, but also closer to whatever sinister finale King Boo had planned. He tightened his grip on the Poltergust 3000, the faint hum of its engine his only comfort as he ventured through the remaining rooms.

The mansion was relentless in its challenges, but Jonah pressed on, capturing the last portrait ghosts one by one. The Toy Soldier Trio stood rigidly in formation until Jonah outmaneuvered their synchronized attacks. A little ghost girl, probably related to the Twins, floated eerily but was no match for a well-timed flash. Then came the eccentric Jarvis, a ghost with an affinity for popping out of jars to surprise his victims—though Jonah found the repetitive game of "hide and seek" more annoying than terrifying.

When he stumbled into the icy domain of an ice climber-like ghost, Jonah felt the sting of frost biting at his skin. The room was a blizzard, but a quick flick to absorb a fire elemental spirit turned the ride against the spirit. Finally, there was Vincent Van Gore, the artist ghost responsible for crafting the myriad minor specters Jonah had battled throughout the mansion. The encounter was almost poetic as Jonah sucked the ghost's self-proclaimed "masterpieces" into the Poltergust, leaving the so-called artist to rage before meeting the same fate as his creations.

After what felt like an eternity, Jonah captured the last Boo. The last key that he now held was heavy in his hand—not physically, but with the weight of knowing it was the final step before facing King Boo. All the rooms in the mansion were now lit, and the oppressive atmosphere of the house seemed to ease just slightly.

Jonah stood before the ominous final door, his breath steadying as he placed the key into the lock. The heavy creak of the door echoed ominously as it swung open, revealing King Boo's secret altar. At the center of the room stood a grand, grotesque painting of Aza, her serene face contrasting sharply with the eerie aura emanating from the canvas.

King Boo floated before the painting, turning to face Jonah with a wide, mocking grin. His crown glittered as his voice boomed through the chamber.

"So this is your beloved Aza, isn't it, Jonah?" King Boo sneered. "Oh, how sweet and romantic that you'd come all this way for her. Such dedication! But alas…" His expression twisted into malevolent glee. "Her painting is looking a bit lonely. Don't you think it needs a companion? A Jonah painting, perhaps? Then my gallery will truly be complete! BLEH-HA-HA!"

Jonah raised the Poltergust, determination etched across his face. "You'd be wise to surrender, Boo."

"Surrender?" King Boo scoffed, feigning shock. "You misunderstand! I'm not afraid of you." His grin widened, teeth glinting. "Granted, I'll admit that infernal vacuum of yours along with something... else about you gives me pause. But thanks to a little… assistance, I've gained an ally far more terrifying than anything you can muster."

Jonah's brow furrowed. "An ally?"

"Yes," King Boo hissed. "A powerful friend who shares my distaste for meddling do-gooders like you." He raised his ghostly arms, the air in the room growing heavy. "But before we get to that, how about we set the stage for your final act? Join your lover… inside the painting!"

The room spun violently as King Boo flew into Aza's painting, merging with the image as it transformed into a portrait of Bowser. The painted dragon-turtle opened its massive maw, and a vortex of swirling energy pulled Jonah in before he could react.

Jonah's world tilted and blurred, and when he landed, it wasn't the final arena he expected. The space was dark, illuminated by garish neon lights and scattered Halloween-themed decorations. The air smelled of decay and… was that faintly roasted pumpkin? Jonah struggled to his feet, realizing his Poltergust 3000 and Game Boy Horror were missing. Worse still, his arms and legs were bound tightly in thick rope.

Dice clattered to the ground beside him. A low, rumbling laugh filled the air, and Jonah froze as a shadow loomed over him.

"No… it can't be…" he whispered, noticing a familiar face.

From the shadows emerged a towering figure, sack-like skin stitched with eerie precision, eyes glowing with mischief and menace.

"Well, well, well…" the figure drawled, his voice dripping with mockery. "What have we here? The Eldritch King, huh? Ooooooo, I'm really scared!" The figure threw his head back in laughter. "So you're the one everyone's been talking about? HAHAHAHA!"

It was him—Oogie Boogie. From The Nightmare Before Christmas. Jonah's mind raced. How? Why? He didn't have time to dwell on it before Oogie began to sing, spinning Jonah around like a prop.

Oogie began to sway to an unseen rhythm, his broad grin stretching wider as he circled Jonah, bound and helpless. With a theatrical flourish, he burst into song, his deep, gravelly voice echoing ominously in the chamber.

"You're joking, you're joking, I can't believe my eyes!

You're joking me, you gotta be—this can't be the right guy!"

He leaned in close, examining Jonah like a carnival oddity.

"He's nerdy, he's awkward, oh, I don't know which is worse!

I might just split a seam now, if I don't die laughing first!"

Oogie grabbed Jonah and spun him around in a mock waltz.

"When Mr. Oogie Boogie says there's trouble close at hand,

You'd better pay attention now, 'cause I'm the Boogieman!"

He flung Jonah into the air, letting the chain suspending him catch the slack. Jonah winced as he dangled, trying to maintain his composure while Oogie pranced around like a performer.

"And if you aren't shaking, there's something very wrong!

'Cause this may be the last time you hear the Boogie Song!"

From the shadows, King Boo's eerie voice joined in, harmonizing with ghostly glee.

"Woo hoo! Woo hoo! Woo-ohhh!"

Oogie tipped his head back, his stitched smile splitting wider. As if on cue, a swarm of spiders emerged from his stitched eyes, scuttling down his face like grotesque confetti.

"I'm the Oogie Boogie man!"

Jonah blinked at the sight, grimacing. Then, almost involuntarily, he found himself singing along. "Release me now, or you will face the dire consequences!" He froze mid-note, groaning. "Oh, great, now I'm doing it too."

Oogie smirked, snatching a massive axe from a nearby weapon rack. Jonah's eyes widened as Oogie tossed the blade down—but instead of striking, Oogie yanked him out of harm's way at the last second.

"Ah, you're joking! You're joking! I can't believe my ears!

Would someone shut this fella up? I'm drowning in my tears!"

Oogie wiped a fake tear away with exaggerated flair, then leaned down, his face uncomfortably close to Jonah's.

"It's funny, I'm laughing, you really are too much!

And now without your permission… I'm gonna do my stuff."

Jonah's brow furrowed. "What are you going to do then?"

Oogie cackled and grabbed Jonah by the rope, dragging him toward a giant roulette table that had risen from the floor. His voice dropped to a sinister whisper.

"Oh, I'm gonna do the best I can."

With a snap, the table spun to life, glowing with neon colors and pulsating with an unnatural energy. Oogie tossed his dice into the air, his giddy laughter resounding as he continued his song.

"Woooooahhh! The sound of rolling dice is music to me is music in the air!

Cause I'm a gambling Boogieman, although I don't play fair.

And it's much more fun I must confess, with lives on the line!

Not mine, of course—but yours, my friend! Now would be just fine."

The table spun faster, and Jonah felt the force dragging him toward its edge. A chain snapped taut, hoisting him high into the air as shadowy specters emerged from the glowing surface, their hollow eyes fixed on him.

Jonah twisted in his restraints, shouting over the cacophony. "Release me now, or you'll have to answer for this heinous act! Seriously, you don't want Aza to—"

Oogie cut him off.

"Oh, brother! You're something, you really put me in a spin!

You're not comprehending the position that you're in.

It's hopeless, you're finished! You haven't got a prayer!"

The roulette table stopped abruptly, and Jonah was left dangling inches above its glowing surface as Oogie approached with a wicked grin. He poked Jonah's forehead, sending him swinging slightly.

"Cause I'm Mr. Oogie Boogie, and you ain't goin'... NOWHERE... HAHAHAHA!"

Jonah gulped. "Okay… that was a solid performance. But seriously, how are you here? And when did you partner up with King Boo of all ghosts?"

Oogie chuckled, tossing his dice in the air. "Let's just say we've got a mutual contractor. Someone who really wants to see you squirm. But enough chit-chat!" He slammed a lever, and Jonah's restraints released, dropping him onto the roulette table. "Let's see how you handle things without your precious vacuum!"

The table spun beneath Jonah's feet as shadowy monsters began to emerge from the neon abyss, their glowing eyes fixed on him. Jonah clenched his fists, gritting his teeth.

The roulette table whirred beneath Jonah, spinning faster with every second, the painted numbers and neon lights blurring together in a chaotic vortex. Oogie stood at the edge, cackling like a deranged conductor orchestrating the mayhem.

"Let's see how lucky you really are, kid!" Oogie bellowed, his dice glowing ominously in his hand. With a flick of his wrist, he tossed them onto the table, and as they clattered, the floor beneath Jonah erupted into motion.

The first obstacle emerged: massive axes swinging down from above, their sharp edges gleaming like guillotine blades. Jonah managed to slip out of the ropes just in time, rolling to the side as the first axe whooshed past, missing his arm by inches.

The floor shifted again, sending Jonah sliding toward another section of the spinning table. From the shadows, mechanical gunslingers rolled out on wheeled platforms, their glowing red eyes locked onto him. They raised their revolvers, the barrels clicking ominously as they took aim.

"Oh, you're gonna love this one!" Oogie jeered. 

Jonah dove behind a stack of oversized poker chips just as the first volley of bullets shattered the space where he'd been standing. He bolted from cover, weaving between the remaining gunslingers as their bullets pinged off the table. Jonah leapt over a low blade, slid under a swinging mace, and narrowly avoided a spring-loaded boxing glove that punched through a nearby pillar.

Finally, he spotted Oogie standing near the edge of the table, laughing and tossing more dice in the air. Jonah grit his teeth and charged forward, dodging one last trap—a giant spiked wheel rolling straight toward him. He jumped at the last second, landing on top of it and using its momentum to propel him toward his target.

"Gotcha!" Jonah shouted, grabbing at a loose thread on Oogie's side as he tackled him.

Oogie staggered, his laugh faltering for a moment. Jonah yanked the string hard, expecting the sack to unravel and reveal bugs like it did in the movie. Instead, Oogie's body shimmered, collapsing into a pile of shadowy fabric that evaporated like smoke.

From the darkness, Oogie's voice boomed, mocking. "Congrats, Jonah! You beat my shadow puppet! But you didn't think I'd go down that easy, did you?"

Before Jonah could reply, the ground shook violently. The spinning roulette table stopped abruptly as the ceiling above cracked open, revealing a sky that burned with swirling flames and eerie green light. Jonah shielded his eyes as a thunderous roar filled the air, shaking the entire dimension.

From the opening, a massive figure descended—Bowser. Only it wasn't the usual King of the Koopas. This Bowser looked grotesque, his shell and body stitched together like a patchwork sack, with mismatched limbs and glowing eyes. The familiar jagged grin of Oogie Boogie stretched across the monstrous face, and the entire creature oozed with spectral energy.

The abomination landed with a deafening crash, its enormous claws crushing part of the roulette table. Its dual voices—Oogie Boogie's deep voice and King Boo's more high-pitched cackle—echoed in perfect harmony.

"Now this is what we call teamwork!" they said in unison. "And without your little Poltergust 3000, you're toast!"

Jonah stared up at the towering monstrosity, his heart pounding in his chest. His mind raced, searching for a plan. "Okay, so… no vacuum, no weapons, and I'm up against the Frankenbowser of nightmares. Great. Just great."

The creature took a step forward, its massive foot crushing the remains of a gunslinger robot as it let out a ground-shaking roar. Jonah clenched his fists, adrenaline coursing through his veins.

The Frankenbowser unleashed a torrent of fire, its molten breath scorching the ground as Jonah sprinted to avoid the flames. The heat licked at his heels, and the creature's twisted laugh echoed around him. It didn't relent, conjuring spiked balls out of its massive hands and hurling them with deadly precision. Jonah weaved and ducked, narrowly avoiding most of them, but one exploded near his side, sending him tumbling to the ground.

Groaning, Jonah scrambled to his feet, clutching his chest. "I need the Poltergust to counter that," he muttered, scanning the chaotic arena.

His eyes locked onto the Poltergust 3000 and his Game Boy Horror, carelessly discarded near the roulette table's edge. His heart raced as the Frankenbowser inhaled deeply, preparing another fiery assault. Jonah didn't hesitate, making a mad dash for his gear.

Flames roared toward him, the heat searing his back. Jonah dove to the side to avoid it, but the fire was too close—it was about to incinerate everything he needed. Desperation surged through him as he threw out a hand, as if sheer willpower could save his tools.

Suddenly, an invisible force tugged at the Poltergust and Game Boy Horror, yanking them away from the flames and straight into Jonah's hands. He froze, staring at the devices, then at his trembling hands.

"Did I... did I just do that?" he whispered in disbelief.

Across the battlefield, King Boo and Oogie Boogie's synchronized voices erupted in outrage. "WHAT?! Telekinesis?! SINCE WHEN?!"

Jonah strapped the Poltergust onto his back with a determined smirk. "Okay... lets try this again."

The Frankenbowser roared, hurling another volley of spiked balls. Jonah activated the Poltergust, its nozzle sucking up one of the projectiles midair. With a sharp burst, he reversed the flow, launching the explosive back at the Frankenbowser. The spiked ball detonated on impact, ripping the head clean off the monstrous body.

King Boo shrieked, flying out of the decapitated head. Jonah didn't waste a second, aiming the Poltergust to capture him. But Oogie Boogie, controlling the floating head, retaliated. The severed Frankenbowser head shot icy shards from its mouth, forcing Jonah to dodge while trying to maintain his grip on King Boo.

The ghost managed to slip free and darted back into the stitched-together body. The Frankenbowser reassembled itself with a sickening crunch, standing tall once more. Its dual voices bellowed in unison, "ENOUGH GAMES!"

The ground trembled as a massive swarm of writhing, crawling and flying insects poured forth like a tidal wave, commanded by the Frankenbowser. The bugs surged toward Jonah, their sheer number threatening to consume him.

"Let's see you handle this!" the creature roared.

Jonah's mind raced. There was no way he could vacuum up a swarm this size or outrun it. Then he remembered something—a failsafe hidden in his inventory. Yanking out the Game Boy Horror, he frantically scrolled through its menu and pulled out a shimmering Power Star from his hammerspace inventory.

Just as the wave of bugs crashed down, a rainbow explosion erupted from Jonah's body, vaporizing the swarm in an instant. The Frankenbowser stumbled back in shock as the glowing, invincible Jonah emerged from the radiant light, fists clenched and brimming with newfound power.

"Oh, thank you, Aza!" Jonah cheered, basking in the Power Star's energy.

The Frankenbowser's voices stammered. "WHAT?! But how?!"

Jonah smirked, his confidence soaring. "You see, when absorbing a Power Star, for the next 30 seconds... I am INVINCIBLE!"

He couldn't resist. Rainbow light pulsating around him, Jonah started dancing, pumping both his fists in the air and shaking his hips side to side for a rhythm only he could hear. It was utterly ridiculous—and totally empowering. With a cocky grin, he motioned with his fingers for the Frankenbowser to come at him.

With a guttural roar, the Frankenbowser charged, swinging a massive fist. It collided with Jonah's chest, but he didn't even flinch.

Jonah grinned up at the monster. "What part of 'invincible' didn't you get?"

Dropping into a sprinter's pose, Jonah launched forward with a sonic boom, moving faster than the Frankenbowser could react. He slammed a punch into its chest, tearing the stitched body apart in one devastating blow. The creature collapsed in a heap as King Boo was sent flying out, screeching in panic.

Jonah caught the ghost mid-air, dribbling him like a basketball before slamming the Poltergust's nozzle into his face. The vacuum roared to life, pulling King Boo in with a final, echoing scream. The ghost's crown clattered to the floor as the Poltergust clicked shut, sealing him inside.

The dimension began to shift, the flaming sky and roulette table fading back to normal as the Frankenbowser's remains disintegrated. Jonah spotted Oogie Boogie's brain bug wriggling away in desperation.

"But she promised us!" it squealed.

Jonah's boot came down hard, squashing it with a satisfying crunch. As the Power Star's energy finally faded, Jonah stood victorious, panting but grinning. "Game. Set. Match."

Jonah picked up King Boo's crown from the ground, turning it over in his hands. It shimmered faintly in the light. "Might as well hang on to this," he muttered, stashing it in the hammerspace of his Game Boy Horror. "Could sell it later... or keep it as a trophy."

Just as he was dusting himself off, the Game Boy Horror buzzed in his hand. Jonah tapped the screen, and Professor E. Gadd's familiar face popped up, grinning ear to ear.

"Jonah! YOU DID IT!" the professor exclaimed, practically bouncing with excitement. "Truly remarkable, my boy! I may have designed the Poltergust 3000, but you ran all the way to the top. Simply astounding!"

Jonah scratched the back of his head, a sheepish smile tugging at his lips. "Well, I had a little help... but thanks, Professor."

E. Gadd sniffled, pulling out a handkerchief to dab at his eyes. "Oh, you've made me so proud! Ahem, sorry about that."

As Jonah explained the events of the battle, E. Gadd's eyes widened behind his glasses.

"So, let me get this straight," the professor said, leaning closer to the screen. "You were sucked into a painting where you fought King Boo, who was controlling a giant, fire-breathing Bowser suit? And there was also a sack-man made of bugs, this 'Oogie Boogie,' teaming up with him in this separate dimension? My boy, I've heard some wild ghost stories in my time, but this one takes the cake! And I've been at this for over 60 years!"

E. Gadd chuckled, reminiscing. "Can you believe I once started out as a young whelp who trembled at the mere idea of ghosts? Ah, how times change. But enough about me! Now, grab that painting with your girlfriend inside and bring her back to the lab. Seems she's taken a little... nap, hehe. I'll get the machine ready to free her."

Jonah's heart leapt at the thought. He wasted no time retrieving Aza's painting, gently cradling it before heading back to the lab.

[TIMESKIP]

Standing beside the professor's bizarre contraption, Jonah watched as E. Gadd tinkered with the controls.

"Hard to believe," the professor mused, adjusting a dial. "All that action you went through lasted only a single night! Well done, Jonah. With the mansion those Boos built gone now, and all the ghosts captured, you've truly earned your rest. The treasures you found seem real though, so—like I said—you get the lion's share."

Jonah smiled, exhaustion and pride washing over him. "Thanks, Professor. But what about Aza?"

E. Gadd nodded quickly. "Ah, yes, yes. Your girlfriend is the top priority! But first, let's deal with these remaining ghosts."

Jonah placed the nozzle of the Poltergust into the machine's slot. The device roared to life, sucking out the spirits contained within and processing them into vibrant, detailed paintings. One by one, the finished portraits popped out, including the final one: King Boo, forever captured in a defiant scowl.

E. Gadd chuckled, admiring his work. "I'd wager my life savings nobody else has such a lovely collection of ghost art. Hehe!"

Just then, Infetsa walked into the lab, her fiery eyes glowing faintly as she approached. "Ready, E. Gadd?"

Jonah blinked, looking between the two. "Wait a second—how do you two know each other?"

E. Gadd waved his hand dismissively. "Oh, we crossed paths during the blackout. She defended my lab from a particularly nasty creature. I must say, Jonah, I didn't realize you were royalty! Quite the impressive servant you've got there."

Jonah flushed. "I'll... explain later. For now, Aza?"

E. Gadd nodded, carefully placing Aza's painting into the machine. "Freeing someone from a painting is a delicate process... but simple enough when you put the machine in reverse! Stand back, my boy."

The contraption hummed and whirred, reversing its usual function. Jonah stepped closer, his heart pounding as light flooded the slot. With a loud pop, the machine spat out its contents—along with Aza, who launched herself straight at Jonah like a bullet.

Before he could react, she tackled him to the ground, her blonde hair spilling around them as her blue eyes sparkled with relief.

"My hero!" Aza gushed, peppering Jonah's face with kisses.

E. Gadd chuckled, stepping back. "Ah, young love. Truly heartwarming."

Infetsa watched with a small, satisfied smile, her arms crossed as the couple reunited.

Jonah grinned up at Aza, still catching his breath. "You just had to be the damsel, didn't you?"

Aza giggled, her cheeks flushing. "You didn't actually think I was in real danger, did you? But... yeah, I did."

She leaned down, pressing a deep, lingering kiss to Jonah's lips. For a moment, the world seemed to fade away.

When she pulled back, Aza's grin turned playful and lustful. "Now, I think I owe you a proper hero's reward, don't I?"

Jonah's face turned bright red as E. Gadd cleared his throat, grabbing Infetsa by the arm.

"Let's give them some privacy," the professor whispered, shuffling toward the door.

Infetsa nodded knowingly, following E. Gadd out of the room and leaving the lovers to their moment of bliss.

[TIMESKIP]

Jonah had put the treasure from the mansion to good use, building a new home on the same plot of land where the haunted monstrosity had once stood. This new mansion was smaller, but its sleek, modern design reflected Jonah's tastes—bright, open spaces, clean lines, and a warmth that made it feel like a true home rather than a gothic nightmare. Large windows let in natural light, and every room seemed to radiate a welcoming energy.

E. Gadd had been a regular presence throughout the construction process, supervising the installation of a fully equipped lab in the basement. After Jonah explained everything about Aza—the Outer God who loved him, his role as her eternal consort, and his eventual transformation into an Eldritch being—E. Gadd had been shocked speechless for the first time in decades. But his scientific curiosity quickly took over.

"An Eldritch, you say? Fascinating! Positively fascinating! My boy, do you know the research opportunities this presents?"

With E. Gadd's enthusiasm reignited, he agreed to work as Jonah's personal scientist, assisting with whatever strange and supernatural adventures awaited.

One evening, Jonah returned home after a supply run to find Aza and Melody chatting on the living room couch. Melody, now freed from her painting thanks to Aza, had settled into an ethereal yet cheerful existence in her ghostly form. The two women giggled like old friends, and Jonah was caught off guard by the sight.

"What's going on?" Jonah asked, cautiously setting down his bag.

Melody smirked. "Oh, just reminiscing about the little kiss I gave you back in the mansion."

Jonah's face turned a shade of pink. "Wait… you're not mad about that?" he asked, looking at Aza.

Aza tilted her head, her beauty glowing faintly even in her human guise. She smiled warmly. "Mad? Why would I be mad?" She giggled, giving a dramatic sigh. "Jonah, my darling, you're the only soul I'll ever love. But I have no objections to you finding more lovers. In fact, I encourage you to do so."

Jonah blinked, startled. "Encourage it?"

Aza nodded, her expression as serene as ever. "Of course. Remember, I'm the Ruler of the Universe. My perspective on these things might differ from a mortal's. And since I can't always stay in this human form or remain on Earth as often as I'd like, I'd feel better knowing you had loving company while I'm away."

Jonah's surprise melted into understanding. "So… you're really okay with this? You don't think it cheapens what we have?"

Aza's expression softened, her gaze locking with his. "Not at all. Our bond is eternal, Jonah. I know your heart belongs to me, just as mine does to you. What we share is… special. Unshakable." She leaned closer, resting a hand on his cheek. "I only ask for one thing."

Jonah holds her hand softly. "What's that?"

Aza turned her head toward Melody, then back to Jonah. "Let me meet any girls you're interested in. As the Head Wife, it's only fair I ensure they're worthy of you."

Melody giggled, her spectral form glowing faintly. "We've already had a good chat, and I passed her test. I'm sweet, loyal, and," she wiggled her fingers dramatically, "immortal."

Aza smiled at her, then turned back to Jonah. "Melody would be a good addition. She's talented, kind, and," Aza's eyes sparkled, "she plays beautiful music."

Before Jonah could respond, a familiar figure entered the room. Yog grinned widely as she steps in through a portal. "Speaking of music, you know our dear Aza has always had a soft spot for pipes and flutes."

Jonah chuckled, raising an eyebrow. "Pipes and flutes?"

Aza blushed faintly, her form flickering with tentacles slightly before she pulls them back in. "They soothe me," she admitted quietly.

Jonah laughed, leaning in to kiss her gently. "I love you... I'm glad you choose me."

Aza smiled against his lips, her voice a soft whisper. "I love you too... I never could have dreamed of someone like you, Jonah... You're my soulmate."

Jonah's heart swelled at her words. He pulled her close, resting his forehead against hers. "And you're mine. Always."

[MEANWHILE]

The late afternoon sun cast long shadows over E. Gadd's recent modest 'garage sale'. The eccentric scientist stood proudly by a makeshift table filled with odd trinkets and inventions that no one but him could possibly understand. A few townsfolk browsed curiously, though most simply nodded politely and moved on.

Amidst the clutter, the centerpiece of the sale was a peculiar painting: the portrait of King Boo, his expression frozen in eternal fury and frustration. E. Gadd had placed it on display with a sign that read, "NOT FOR SALE – PRIZED COLLECTION."

E. Gadd adjusted his glasses and muttered to himself, "A real masterpiece, that one. I'd wager no one else in the world has such a painting! Too valuable to let go, even for science!"

The small bell above his garage tinkled as a new visitor entered. E. Gadd turned to see a woman, strikingly tall and elegant, her presence commanding the air around her. She wore a flowing black dress that seemed to shimmer like liquid shadow, her eyes gleaming with an unsettling charm. Her long, sleek hair cascaded down her back like an inky waterfall, and her smile was both inviting and unnerving.

"Good afternoon," she purred, her voice rich and melodic. "What a fascinating collection you have here, Professor E. Gadd."

E. Gadd blinked in surprise. "Ah, well, you've got a keen eye, miss! Not everyone appreciates the ingenuity of my work."

The woman's gaze drifted to the painting of King Boo. Her smile widened ever so slightly. "And this? This piece is extraordinary. There's something… captivating about it."

E. Gadd straightened. "Ah, yes, the crown jewel of my collection! That there is the infamous King Boo himself, trapped in his portrait. A trophy of my young protégé's heroics. It's not for sale, I'm afraid."

The woman tilted her head, her smile never faltering. "Not for sale? Oh, what a pity. Surely you could make an exception for someone with such an appreciation for the macabre."

E. Gadd shook his head firmly. "I'm sorry, miss, but it's not about the money. That painting is a reminder of a grand adventure and a testament to science triumphing over the supernatural!"

The woman's eyes glinted. "Science, you say? Well, perhaps I can appeal to your sense of reason."

She raised her hand and subtly waved it in front of E. Gadd's face, her movements almost imperceptibly graceful. A faint, otherworldly shimmer flickered in the air between them.

E. Gadd's expression grew hazy, his body relaxing as if a heavy fog had rolled over his mind. The woman's voice became a soothing song in his ears. "Now, Professor, don't you see? It's just a painting. A dusty old relic, really. Hardly worth keeping, wouldn't you agree?"

E. Gadd blinked slowly, his thoughts clouded. "Just… a painting? Well, now that you mention it…"

The woman leaned closer, her smile sharpening like a blade. "Yes. It's nothing special. You'd be better off selling it to someone who truly appreciates its… aesthetic value."

E. Gadd nodded, his resistance melting away. "You're right. Just a painting. Alright, miss, it's yours for… oh, let's say 50 coins."

The woman's laughter was like the chiming of dark, enchanted bells. "A generous offer, Professor. Here's your payment." She handed him a pouch of coins, her fingers brushing his with a chill that lingered.

As she lifted the painting effortlessly, the air around her seemed to grow colder. She turned on her heel and strode toward the exit, the faint hum of an otherworldly tune trailing behind her.

Once outside, beneath the dimming sky, the woman glanced at the painting. Her expression shifted into something far more sinister as her form began to shift. Her elegant dress seemed to unravel into tendrils of darkness,.

"Well, well, King Boo," she murmured, her voice dripping with malice and delight. "You've had your fun playing the ghost king, but under my command, you'll be much more useful. Let's see just how much chaos we can unleash together."

The painting shimmered faintly, as if the trapped specter within was already aware of his new master. Nyarly grinned, a smile that promised madness and destruction.

"Oh, yes," she said, her voice rising into a cackle that echoed into the growing night. "This is going to be fun... Better leave before mommy comes to discipline me for my involvement back in the Mansion now, I'll have to deal with her punishment later sadly."

And with that, Nyarlathotep disappeared into the shadows, the portrait of King Boo clutched tightly in her hands, leaving only a chilling silence in her wake. 

(END OF LUIGI'S MANSION ADVENTURE)