#booloney

Shrewd floated in silence for what seemed like ages, staring through Booloney with a concentrated rage. As the seconds ticked by, the Boo felt a sense of dread slowly climb up his back.

Just what was this ghost trying to get at? This Sneaker wasn’t familiar to him at all!

“It’s just a Sneaker... That’s it.”

Upon hearing this, Samson looked offended, flinching back and withdrawing a bit. Had what Booloney said really struck such a chord? Was he really supposed to remember her?

“Of course, my mistake...” Shrewd growled. “You are far too self-centered to even remember those you have hurt.” 

He turned to face the canister, leering in through the window.

“After all, you were just following orders! Why should you be expected to take the blame or retain any of your crimes? ‘Let’s subject the ghosts to experiments on the crystals! See what happens! Surely there WON’T be any negative side-effects!!”

He slammed his hand against the side of the canister, making it shake. Booloney bounced around in shock a bit, before catching himself.

Crystals? Experiments? Wh...

Then he remembered.

When they had taken over Evershade, the curious crystals found in the mines had piqued his curiosity. Eager to be of some assistance to his king, Booloney suggested using them in some way. How interesting that the ghosts of the valley had a reaction to them--After some time in a crystal, they grew much stronger!

Of course, even though the ghosts had been under King Boo’s control at the time, that didn’t mean they were willing participants...

“I...” Booloney tried to speak, but his voice died quickly in his throat.

“Now you remember.” Was all Shrewd said in response, turning away. He floated over to Samson and gave her a comforting pat on the shoulder.

“Samson is one of a few who haven’t managed to recover from their heightened state. These individuals are prone to surges in their power. Painful to the ghost and destructive to their surroundings, you see. All because of your choice.”

Booloney remained quiet, eyes slowly dropping to the floor of the canister. He had really done something so horrible... But... It was to help King Boo! Who cared about the state of other ghosts? 

Booloney did. 

Even if King Boo expressed distaste towards the other ghosts in their previous haunts, Booloney still felt like they could be allies. After all, they were all dead...

“I’m sorry...” He choked out. “If I had known that would have happened, I wouldn’t have--”

“BUT YOU DIDN’T KNOW.” Shrewd screeched, bolting to the side of the canister again. “AND AS IF YOU’RE ONE TO CLAIM YOU’D DO OTHERWISE. BLINDLY FOLLOWING THAT MANIC KING TO NO END.”

“Sylvester, back off.” Samson said from her spot. “You’ve got him captured. No sense in further berating him.”

Shrewd glanced at her, brow furrowing in frustration. It was in that moment Booloney realized Shrewd was quite similar to King Boo: fiercely protective of his subjects. A shame things had to happen the way they did...

“I will talk with the other Possessors to figure out what a suitable punishment would be for you.” Shrewd then said, moving from the canister once more. “But for now, I’ll let you stew in your guilt.”

The other ghosts left the room, and soon it was just Booloney, trapped in the canister.