The 39 Clues: Race for Time

by Matt1251

Ten Mario characters are thrust into a world where not everything is what it seems. There are no alliances. Friendships are tested as they fight for the biggest, most critical prize in gaming history... My first ever story!

1. Chapter One

The 39 Clues: Race for Time

Chapter 1

Peach's Castle, Midnight

A knock was heard on the castle door at midnight. Immediately, a Toad came to answer it, but no one was there. It was just an envelope- no, two. Must be the Mailtoad, the Toad thought. He looked at the addresses intently for a moment, then took the stairs to the third floor. He knew exactly who it was for.

Mario lay restlessly on his bed. He just knew something was up, but what? Suddenly, a knock at the door was heard. Now who could that be at this hour? He opened the door and almost stepped back.

"Mamma mia! What are you doing up?" he asked to the Toad.

"I got this in the mail just now," he replied, "and it's for you and Luigi. I think it might be worth taking a look at."

"We get hundreds of letters." Mario shot back. He took the letter and turned it over. "What makes you think this-" Then he saw on the back a stamp labeled, "Top Secret" and "Classified". The Toad looked at him worriedly.

"Is something the matter?" he asked.

"No, no, it's nothing." Mario said. "Alright then, I'd better get some rest. Good night."

"Good night." the Toad replied, and closed the door. He didn't take the stairs down again, though. Instead, he went further down the hall to a section labeled, "Servant's Quarters". He opened the door and there lay more doors. He went past door after door until he came to a silver plated door, with a silver embossment on the side. "Assistant's Quarters", it read. Not wanting to disturb Toad, the assistant, he slipped the second envelope under the door and went back to his station.