Author's Note: (Updated racefic on September 2, 2007.)

It is not exactly a crowning achievement that this leg had to be so long. Over thirty thousand words. Thankfully, I at least MADE an effort to shorten it a bit, but it was more effective on leg three...there is probably only one instance where it is easily distinguished in this chapter. Do not worry, though...because of high school, it can be considered that I am FORCED to shorten things considerably...just that this chapter was entirely finished while on summer vacation, and therefore, was not given the chance to be minimized on the run.

Review Answers: I honestly didn't expect to have such early positive encouragement from reviewers this time around—thank you guys so very much! I hope that you'll all stick around past this leg to where the grass becomes not only greener and much more tantalizing, but shorter, too!

SSBFreak: Really sorry to hear about what happened to your own go at this series, man…but I do hope you find the enjoyment you're seeking in your new attempt. I mean, hey…after me completely burning out on the MKAR several times, but keeping this one going…I'm positive you'll find your place in no time! Thanks for the continued support!

Master Ruck: Yes, yes. It seems our former world conqueror friend may have some troubles just making it around the world this time, hmm? Heheh, thank you!

DM (Anonymous): I really wish I had played the original Paper Mario, and I also wish I could play Super Paper Mario. Sadly, inclusion of either one's characters would sorta break my plans on TTYD5, since they wouldn't necessarily be game-specific from The Thousand-Year Door itself. But it was a nice suggestion; really, you have my gratitude.

DonPianta (Anonymous): You know, I've considered that more than once, but I'm not sure what I'd do, since they already have a million Smash to utilize. Anyways, thank you!

Sonowa (Anonymous): Let's see how your calls go, all right? See the bottom leg trivia for clarifications on just what I intend to imply…hehe…

llppoo33: Whew! Thanks for the understanding; it's just that I have this annoying habit of habitually apologizing whenever it's not exactly necessary, lolz. As for Puni Elder and Puniper, yes, I'm sorta glad they're gone, too. Turns out the legacy of Punis never being the first team eliminated has now ended!


Disclaimer: This is the first opportunity to place this at an appropriate spot. I do not own the Amazing Race or any of the characters originally appearing in Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door; however, just over half of the cast of teams have no provided names, and were given ones as shown, but personalities remain intact, along with additional details to add depth of personality. Although the original Yoshi concept is copyright to Nintendo, Miles and Blaise are characters of mine…literally.


Loading the Memory Card… The save file in Slot A has been loaded!

Previously, on the Amazing Race…

"GO!"

Twelve teams of two left the elevated, floating town of Glitzville to begin a race around the world. The race was kicked off in a new fashion when teams were forced to free-fall the two thousand feet on gravitating boards.

"WHOO, BOY! THIS IS SO FREAKIN' AWESOME!" Shellshock shouted, doing a few grabs and twists with his board.

"EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEK! WHOOOOOOOOOOOA!" Hannah shrieked, holding onto her ears as she dropped.

"Extravagant this is! Wind is rushing by with speed of incredibility!" Larry noted.

"This is pretty cool!" Puniper exclaimed, spinning his board around in mid-air.

At the airport, teams were required to claim tickets for one of two charters that would carry them to the Snowflake Lake region. Things got ugly in a race to claim the last spots on the faster flight that a certain team won, surprising their adversaries.

"They're gonna take away our chances of getting on! RUN!" Ishanil shouted to Frankie.

"Bro, hurry up! They might be down to the last set of tickets, for all we know!" Hooktail screamed.

"Look! Those other teams might beat us to the counter!" Shellshock pointed.

"Not if we dash for it!" Koopinator said, plucking the Dark Koopa off the ground and sprinting past several surprised travelers.

Tutor and pupil Puni Elder and Puniper somehow managed to grab the final two seats, and joined the other group. Upon their arrival in the county, teams encountered their first Roadblock, which had them sliding down a frozen waterfall on a toboggan. While some participants related it to their fall from Glitzville, for some reason, some others were terrified by the experience.

"YEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHH! WHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO-HOOOOOOOOO!"

"BUH BUH HUH HUH, I WANT MY MOMMY!"

"AAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHH, CRAAAAAAAAAAAAP!"

"WHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!"

When leaving the next morning, a few teams experienced problems getting to the destinations of their Detour choices.

"I thought you said you were 'navigating,' Kojo…I don't see any sign of Snowflake Lake anywhere." Kory said crossly.

"Where the heck is this place?" Blooey muttered. "Don't tell me we're lost already…we were there just last night! Do you think we took the wrong exit or something?!"

"…Oh, dang…I'm really that far off?!" Puniper cried in horror.

"DRAT! How the heck did we get so far off?!" Gloomtail demanded.

Going strong throughout the leg, dating Squeeks Pierre and Rana sped through the 'Skate' option of the Detour, and taking advantage of their first departure, were able to arrive first to the pit stop.

Miles gave the two a grin. "Pierre and Rana. You're…team number one!"

The handholding turned into a large hug in which Pierre lifted his girlfriend several inches above the ground, twirling her around in a happy dance.

But for two other lost teams, things were completely different. It all came down to a car race to the finish that dragon siblings Gloomtail and Hooktail managed to win, making them safe. However, for the tutor-pupil Punis, the story's final chapter was written.

"It's my unlucky pleasure to tell you that you've both been eliminated from the race."

Skating Squeeks Steal Front; Punis Downsized

Eleven teams remain. Who will be eliminated next?


This is Snowflake Lake, a mild region of tundra known for its jolly atmosphere and conditionally ongoing soft snowfalls. And on its northeastern boundaries is the small town of Snorigination, a regular residential area of apartment housings whose tenants have had records of traveling more than 15 miles per day to reach their jobs all the way across the frozen expanse. Its margins house the Field of Shapement, a grid of ninety ice sculptures that depict the theorized shapes of a wide variety of different snowflakes—its unique melt-and-refreeze, yet constant appearance, has made it known to be one of the top historic attractions in terms of longevity. This snowy turf was also the first pit stop in a race around the world.

Teams checked in at the end of the last leg to take part in a mandatory pit stop that allows them to eat, sleep, and mingle with the other teams. The eleven teams waiting here have no idea where their next destination is, or what kinds of challenges await them. They must use a series of clues to make their way to the next pit stop.

Several teams managed to make their way up from horrendously bad starting positions to finish ahead of their opposition, namely duos Bob and Larry, and Toce and Koopie Koo. Will they further their strong performances and continue to capitalize on their strengths to remain near the top? How will the bodily limits of Grodus impede or help his team throughout the next leg? And after putting up a poor performance, can siblings Gloomtail and Hooktail rise up to the challenge and pull out of the dreaded last place spot?

Pierre and Rana, who arrived at 8:58 A.M…

"YEEEEEAAAAH!"

"WHOO, FIRST, BABY!"

…will depart at 8:58 P.M.


Apparently, the case with the area was long days and short nights—the clocks were nearing a 270 degree angle, yet the sun was still shedding some light on the horizon. In spite of this, buildings and houses all over the Snowflake Lake area were dotted with lights in preparation for nighttime, and activity was ceasing to a smooth halt.

At the Field of Shapement, quite a strange phenomenon was going on. The few rays of sunlight that were hitting some of the ice sculptures were reflected and redirected like a series of mirrors, as if all ninety of the statues were being directly touched by the light; it was impossible to tell one ray from another, since both the snow and ice were covered in a pastel mixture of angelic warm colors.

In the relative middle of the field was the pit stop mat, whose location marker was glowing with a bit of helpful light. Standing in front of it were the dating Squeeks, patiently waiting for their time to make tracks. Since the two had fur (and quite coarse hides at that), they didn't really have much of a need for heavy winter clothing; instead, both had matching black and white scarves wrapped dutifully around their necks. The only other accessories were Rana's light pink headband, and two sets of earmuffs that covered the sensitive parts of the mice's inner ears.

Pierre & Rana: Dating- 1st to Depart, 8:58 P.M. (Snorigination Outskirts, Field of Shapement)

When their time to scat finally arrived, the couple tore open the envelope. While Pierre held it, Rana tore off the protective strip and took out an ocean blue folder.

"Route Info. 'Drive yourselves back to Streamsnow International, and board a flight for Dinosaur Land. From Yoshi's Island Airport, take a carriage to the Yellow Switch Palace, and search within for your next clue. Warning: Yield ahead.'"

Teams must now drive themselves 4 miles back to the city of Snowflake Lake, and find a flight that will carry them 6,911 miles to the region of Dinosaur Land, a series of interconnected isles that lies in the ocean. Upon landing at the main commercial island, the one inhabited mostly by Yoshis, teams will need to travel by taxi another 5 miles up the main hill to the third highest spot in the area, the rise that houses the Yellow Switch Palace. This mysterious castle atop the mount seems to flicker in and out of existence, and is the holding area for millions upon millions of small yellow blocks that can be seen as industrial building tools all throughout Dinosaur Land. Here, within the confines of this compound, teams will find their next clue.

"'You have 55 Smash coins for this leg of the race.'" Rana concluded.

The mice watched with interest as the two Smash bills (a fifty and a five) dissipated into coins shortly before entering the credit card, which Rana put back into the fanny pack.

"Okay, babe…let's go!" Pierre encouraged.

"We came in first in the opening leg, and believe me, it was an absolutely awesome feeling." Pierre recalled. "Although the race has been known to completely scramble the order with things such as transportation and tasks, it's exactly the step we'll need to completely define just where we stand amongst the other teams. If we can withstand something like a flight bunching us up and still coming out on top, it'll be even better for us!"

While Rana took the driver's seat, Pierre leapt into the one directly behind, taking out their map from the previous leg.

"Alright…so, back to the airport we go." Pierre stated, flipping on the overhead light. "Let's see now…"

"Wait, hold on…let me get out of this jumbled mess of marked cars first…" Rana interrupted, rotating the wheel until she was in a good position to pull out without bumping into any of the other parked vehicles.

Koopinator & Shellshock: Sparring Partners- 2nd to Depart, 9:06 P.M. (Snorigination Outskirts, Field of Shapement)

Whether through tenacity or through zero requirements, Koopinator was enduring the nippy weather without wearing anything but his usual, regular armor (which didn't look all that warm). On the other hand, Shellshock had kept on his purple hoodie from when they'd first entered the region, along with a pair of black mittens.

Waiting off the mat, the two other following teams were patiently waiting for the Glitzville guys to leave. When the time came for the boys to open their clue, they did so.

"We have some Route Info…" Shellshock announced. "'Drive yourselves back to Streamsnow International…'"

"I'm not all too sure on how much of a 'partner' the 'Nator is, just based on what happened in the first leg. He acted really cold…showed no emotion or support…it was like he wasn't a Koopatrol…it was like he was a…robot or something." Shellshock remembered. "To be honest, he acts like a total jerk when he does that…and it's questionable just how much longer I'll be able to put up with him… I'm puttin' in all of my effort, and he doesn't recognize it. That alone drives me nuts!"

After finishing the details on the paper, Shellshock wordlessly watched as Koopinator deposited the money into the storage card.

"Hurry it up. We have an opportunity to get some work done, even if the airport is not yet open." Koopinator said, motioning for the Koopa to follow. "If there is one thing I would hate, it is to be Yielded."

With a groan, Shellshock complied and started weaving around the ice sculptures, trailing after his speed-walking partner and trying just to catch up. Shortly after, the next team stepped onto the mat.

Toce & Koopie Koo: Lifelong Friends- 3rd to Depart, 9:07 P.M. (Snorigination Outskirts, Field of Shapement)

Dressed warmly for the weather, the Petalburg girls were decked out in matching red parkas. Toce had her light-brown hair pulled back in a ponytail at the back of her head, leaving her sideburns to hang freely, while Koopie Koo just left her blonde ponytail the way it usually was, underneath a pink headband. Along with the heavy jackets, Toce also had long john pants, pink gloves and boots, and Koopie Koo, a colorful rainbow-colored scarf.

"Okay…we're good to go with ours." Koopie Koo said, ripping the paper off from the back of the envelope. "'Drive yourselves back to Streamsnow…'"

"When we fought back from last place to the bottom of the top three in the previous leg, I was thrilled to hear it. That's a pretty awesome feat, especially considering that it was just the first leg, and we were just getting our engines going." Toce reminisced. "But, we still haven't shown the other teams our top potential. We're still going, and we're pretty soon going to completely steamroll the rest of the competition!"

Toce placed the credit card back into its pocket in the fanny pack. She then turned to her partner.

"We're off, girl! Let's see what's in store for us this time around!" Toce exclaimed.

"Right behind you all the way." Koopie Koo responded energetically, doing a cute salute. "Hopefully the Yield isn't used on us or anything."

"Oh, it won't be…"

They jogged off and made their way through the columns and rows of works, allowing the next subsequent team to leave.

Grodus & Crump: Charity Partners- 4th to Depart, 9:08 P.M. (Snorigination Outskirts, Field of Shapement)

To cover his complex system of wires and hardware up, Grodus was almost completely covered in a majestic red robe with white trim—the only things sticking out were his head and hands, which were covered by wool mittens to prevent the internal temperatures of the circuitry from getting too cold. Not bound to such measures, Crump was still keeping his purple cover and goggles, but had a large red jacket covering his torso, monogrammed on the back with a white 'X.'

"Go ahead and open it already…" Grodus commanded. "I'm starting to get chills…"

"A-Okay!" Crump obeyed, tearing open the envelope and taking out the Route Info. "'Drive yourselves back to…'"

"I kinda feel guilty, 'cuz I can't help but shake the feeling that this team's not working as equals like we'd originally planned. I mean, it always did it fine when we did charity work at the help center and stuff…there was obviously some unevenness when Grodus was still a head, but it just didn't stick out until now, y'know?" Crump waved his hands about. "Guess there are some things outta my control, though…his body can't handle too much at one time. Oh well…least I get to take most of the credit, then! Buh buh huh huh huh huh huh!"

"There goes the money…" Grodus said, holding the bills up to the card before depositing it back in its correct area on Crump's waist. "Ready to go?"

"Yup, sure am." Crump confirmed, holding a thumbs up. "Here we go, buh huh huh!"

Taking chase after the other teams, Crump held back his running as he tried to let a hobbling Grodus keep pace.


Like when the teams had first arrived aboard its incoming transport, Streamsnow International was once again relatively empty and void of the usual hectic rush that would flow through its halls under normal circumstances. Only the occasional plane would be seen slowing to a stop on the runways, but few to none were leaving back out.

After navigating through the confusing mess of roads to the various terminals, a marked car grabbed one of several open slots in a parking garage. Its occupants opened the trunk and retrieved their baggage before heading out and into the airport.

Pierre & Rana: Dating (Streamsnow International, Main Building, Booking Counters)

"Looks like they're already closed up tight for the night…well, that stinks." Pierre remarked as the two strode through the near-vacant ticketing booths. "Hopefully this means we're safe to just get a good night's sleep for tomorrow…"

"Yeah…it even looks like they don't have an Internet café at this airport." Rana stated. "That's sort of odd…"

"Well, at least we know that no one can get anything from under our noses when we're not looking…let's go find a place to crash, babe."

"Good idea…least we still have an even chance of making it to that first Yield station like everyone else…"


Bob & Larry: Leadership Associates- 5th to Depart, 9:14 P.M. (Snorigination Outskirts, Field of Shapement)

Unlike when they'd taken part in the starting dash at the start of the race, the two Bob-ombs were both wearing the same type of furry brown hat (Larry's usual white general's cap was absent). Other than that, because of their being used to the cold temperatures, they were dressed in nothing else.

"'Drive yourselves back to Streamsnow International, and board a flight for Dinosaur Land…'" Bob started.

"Our taking of the top half in leg number one was a wonderful achievement." Bob stated. "Never have I felt such pride, even in my timing in the exploding armies in younger ages. I am thinking we are destined for great things to go on for us in the rest of this race, and am hoping we can be the team aimed to be beating, taking spotlight soon."

"Good we are to go, yes?" Larry inquired with interest.

"Yes, yes." Bob responded, dumping the money into the card. "Of closing the airport most likely is, though. Rushing should we be?"

"…Probably not…the airport is most likely of closing, so we are unable to prevent the Yielding from happening."

Kojo & Kory: Childhood Friends- 6th to Depart, 9:18 P.M. (Snorigination Outskirts, Field of Shapement)

Somehow, Kojo had gotten rid of whatever hair problems Kory had caused earlier on, and had joined his buddy in leaving his gelled spikes uncovered once again. Unused to the chilly weather, the Petalburg guys had donned heavy jackets in the respective colors of blue and gray.

"It's time now. Go ahead and open it." Kojo directed.

Kory nodded, pulling out the Route Info. "'Drive yourselves back to Streamsnow International…'"

"Well, we ran into some problems in the first leg…most of which were totally my fault, which really sucked." Kojo recollected. "It's quite a change from what the two of us are usually used to, too…usually it's Kory who messes up on something, and me that gets kinda irate at him for it…but it was different the other time. Needless to say, I'm not wanting to encore that performance…if we want to get better than sixth, we might have to change up a few details in the way we compete in this race."

"Alright…so we're good to go now." Kojo said, depositing the Smash bills. "Let's head out; I don't wanna get Yielded!"

"Right on."

Blooey & Jerry: Best Friends- 7th to Depart, 9:22 P.M. (Snorigination Outskirts, Field of Shapement)

Although his skin was required to be kept moist, Blooey didn't need it to be frozen—he was protected by a heavy brown coat that somehow accommodated all of his tentacles. In contrast, Jerry was wearing a short, puffy purple parka that was zipped up tightly over his rotund form.

"'…From Yoshi's Island Airport…'" Jerry murmured.

"Hey, we made it through the first leg…that's something to be proud of, since Screamy and Torque fell there on their season, so we have something going for us, and that's really good." Jerry said. "Aside from those navigating problems, we did pretty good…but it's kinda embarrassing that I was the root of the difficulties…that's why we're completely switching roles in hopes that it'll do us some good, and we can finish a bit better from now on."

After taking care of business, the Blooper and Bob-omb went back to their marked car, and hopped in. Like what Jerry had assured, he was the one driving, and let Blooey take care of the map.

Frankie & Ishnail: Reform Leaders- 8th to Depart, 9:24 P.M. (Snorigination Outskirts, Field of Shapement)

The two syndicate heads were dressed in similar jackets, Frankie in a heavy white one, and Ishnail in a heavy black one. The only other thing that was different was Frankie's changing of the leaf skirt for long johns that covered his legs; other than that, the two were pretty much the same in wardrobe, right down to the sunglasses.

"'…take a carriage to the…'" Ishnail read.

"De first leg was a downright embarrassment…not really de kinda ding we were expectin' to happen. I mean, we were hopin' to place much higha up than just dis eighth place we sittin' at." Frankie explained. "I'm not too sure if it's anyone's fault, really…but de skiin' thing was hard for Ishnail, and it's probably what brought us down to de bottom. Hopefully dere'll be nothin' of de sort to impede us from now on."

"Dis is leg number two, and we're still here." Frankie declared. "Let's go and keep it dat way."

"I'm all for it, Frankster. Let's go."

Making their way back through the hodgepodge of sculptures, the organization heads got back into their marked 4x4.

Theata & Hannah: Best Friends- 9th to Depart, 9:26 P.M. (Snorigination Outskirts, Field of Shapement)

Eccentric Theata's brown hair dangled down in three ponytails on all sides of her head but the face, while Hannah's locks were once again left to hang down to her shoulders. They were both wearing light-blue parkas and black athletic pants. An additional set of accessories on Hannah's part were the two red cross-shaped earrings that dangled from underneath her hair.

"'…Yellow Switch Palace…'" Hannah quietly continued.

"For the first leg, we were both just okay with staying in the race… That very first run gave us a really good opportunity to completely size up the rest of the competition, and by the looks of things, we'll be running at top speed and still get left behind if we don't do something about it soon." Theata remarked. "I hate to say it, but we're pretty much underneath everybody. It might be hard for us just to survive this thing…"

"Fifty-five…got it." Theata stated, watching as the money zipped into the credit card. "Come on, let's get to the airport."

"Right…we're not a likely target for the Yield, though…are we?"

"Meh…I kinda wish we were…" Theata said disdainfully.

Lahla & Rocko: Coworkers- 10th to Depart, 9:32 P.M. (Snorigination Outskirts, Field of Shapement)

To accommodate for the loss of temperature, Lahla had donned a bright red coat that seemed to hang below her floating body. Rocko was wearing a green parka that extended down to his legs, only leaving his feet uncovered. His hands were covered by large red gloves.

"'…search within for…'" Lahla carried on.

"What I really hated about that first leg was how much I stood out like a sore thumb on a healed hand. A single mappin' mistake went and got us down to near last, and I'd think we left that Ice Rink Colosseum close to the front of the pack, too!" Lahla exclaimed. "But this time, things'll be much different with our new lineup."

Rocko put the bills into the safety of the card. "Alright…dat's set. You ready?"

"Of course, pardner! Now, let's rock this race and make up for this morning!" Lahla cheered.

As the light-blue ghost took off, eagerly weaving through the ice sculptures, the yellow Pianta struggled to keep up, occasionally tripping on the oversized jacket.

Gloomtail & Hooktail: Siblings- Last to Depart, 9:47 P.M. (Snorigination Outskirts, Field of Shapement)

Apparently, the dragon brother-sister combo was unfazed by the cold, and had simply decided to keep on the blue and pink jackets that were used at the start of the race. Despite the refusal to change wear, it also seemed like Gloomtail had a bit of an icicle running down from his left nostril—he knocked it off, but a few seconds later, the start of another one had reappeared.

"'…From Yoshi's Island Airport…'" Hooktail muttered.

"It definitely wasn't a good feeling to come in eleventh on the first leg. I mean, we were so confident that we would do so much better than that. We fancy ourselves as strong creatures, and when we were bigger, we completely were. Maybe it's just the loss in size that's made us lose our touch…" Gloomtail mused.

"We're still doing okay on money…that's a good thing." Gloomtail said, placing the paper into the credit card for safekeeping. "Well…let's get out of last place."

"I'm completely ready for that…I bet big brother's extremely disappointed in us for doing that in embarrassing ourselves…" Hooktail muttered sarcastically.

"Please, he doesn't even know what a television is…as far as we're concerned, he's out of the picture…" Gloomtail responded.

The quadrupeds clambered into their marked car, the only one remaining outside the field, and drove off.


Gloomtail & Hooktail: Siblings (Streamsnow International, Main Building, Booking Counters)

"Yup…everything is closed for the night. Great. Now I guess we just have to wait for tomorrow morning and everything to open back up again." Hooktail remarked crossly. "I probably won't be able to sleep, knowing that we're still without tickets…and that there's a Yield ahead…"

"Yeah…that, plus we're getting all cozy back up with the other teams…something I really want to look forward to…" Gloomtail rolled his eyes. "Come on, let's go find some seats off by ourselves…"

Kojo & Kory / Toce & Koopie Koo (Streamsnow International, Main Building, Seating Area)

For some reason, the two Petalburg teams had chosen to sleep near each other. While Kojo and Kory were preparing themselves to go to sleep, Toce and Koopie Koo watched them warily.

"Remember, guys…I'm already taken." Koopie Koo sniffed. "Koops is the guy in my heart, so don't get any ideas…"

"Yeah, because if you do…" Toce merely shook her head in prepared sympathy.

The male Koopas looked at each other, bemused looks on their faces before they looked back at their Petalburg neighbors.

"Geez, Kookoo…I thought you remembered that we aren't like that." Kojo muttered. "Step off on the aggressiveness a bit, will ya?"

"'Kookoo?'" Toce repeated, turning to her racing partner, who was turning a bright red.

"Um…I-I…er…" Koopie Koo nervously giggled, stammering as she tried to find words.

"We knew her back a few years, don't worry…" Kory assured, leaning back in his chair. "She's not cheating on the newest mayor or anything…so you can cool your jets, Toce."

"We're just here to get some sleep, 'kay?" Kojo said, a confirming tone in his voice. "But then again…we'd understand if you two were the ones to…you know…"

At that statement, both Toce and Koopie Koo immediately started laughing as they turned redder than ripe strawberries.

"Oh, shut up!" Toce commanded.

With laughter of their own, the guys gave each other a high five.

Lahla & Rocko: Coworkers (Streamsnow International, Main Building, Seating Area)

"By the looks of things…all of the teams are here and accounted for in the airport already." Lahla informed. "Means we're all set and prepped to go to sleep. So, let's get some shuteye and get rested for tomorrow…it'll be a long second leg if we don't, you know!"

"You don't need to tell me dat twice…" Rocko murmured, flipping his legs up over onto an adjacent seat.

However, unbeknownst to the two, Lahla's rough guess was incorrect. There was actually one team missing from the bunch.


Koopinator & Shellshock: Sparring Partners (Snowwide Web Café)

Yawning, the sunglasses-wearing Koopa covered his mouth. "You done yet? I just so wanna crash…I feel drained…"

"…It's done." Koopinator affirmed. "We are all set and booked for the quickest flight from Streamsnow International for Dinosaur Land. All that is left to do is pick the tickets up tomorrow morning."

"Great…can we please just get over to the airport now and sleep, then?"

"…You will wait, or I thorn you in the side." Koopinator stated nonchalantly.

Shellshock immediately shut up, a you-have-got-to-be-kidding look entering his expression.

"I have to print the information and receipt so that we can properly claim our boarding passes…" Koopinator said, making a few clicks with the mouse. A sheet of paper slowly curled its way out of the printer at the end of the row of computers. "There."


After a nighttime with little to no activity, the airport was finally starting to kick back up in productivity again. Several early morning flights were coming in, and passengers were streaming out. This new turn of events woke the late-rising teams, some of which instantly became grouchy and moody at being waken so abruptly. Others wasted no time in charging over to information desks and asking the clerks there for assistance to be directed to the booking counters with the fastest flights out.

But, needless to say, a certain pair of racers was without the need of asking for help. They made a beeline straight for one of the counters instead.

Koopinator & Shellshock: Sparring Partners (Streamsnow International, Main Building, Isle Flights Counter)

"We are here to pick up some tickets." Koopinator said impassively, holding up the printed paper to show to the clerk.

"Okay…party name Koopinator?" she asked.

"Yes."

"Alright then, Mister Koopinator…I'm printing them right now…"

(Koopinator & Shellshock- 1st on Isle Flights 801)

"Sweet…so we should be cruising through this leg with no problems." Shellshock remarked.

"Hurry up…we have to go over to the flight terminal." Koopinator ushered. "Our plane leaves in less than a quarter of an hour."

"Oh, right…"

While the Glitzville guys had been picking up their reserved tickets, two other teams had been watching with extreme interest. When they left, they hurried over to the counter in hopes of claiming seats on the same flight.

Lahla & Rocko / Toce & Koopie Koo (Streamsnow International, Main Building, Isle Flights Counter)

"Hi…we're needin' to know what time your flight to Dinosaur Land arrives, hon." Lahla stated.

"It comes in at 4:00 P.M. local time. It's supposed to be the fastest flight there from this airport." The Koopa responded. "Although it connects at another airport, you'll only re-board on an adjacent terminal. That okay?"

"Sounds good to me…think we should go ahead and take tickets, dearie?" Lahla consulted her partner.

"Well, allow me to briefly interject. The flight is boarding around this time, so you should make your decision."

"…In dat case, yes." Rocko agreed.

(Lahla & Rocko- 2nd on Isle Flights 801)

"Okay, thank you!" Lahla said, snatching the two tickets from the desk as soon as they were prepared. "Come on, hon, let's go!"

As soon as the co-workers moved out of the way, the eavesdropping team after them went up to the counter.

"We need tickets on that same flight for Dinosaur Land, please." Toce requested.

"Two of them." Koopie Koo cleared up.

"All right…"

(Toce & Koopie Koo- 3rd on Isle Flights 801)

The girls accepted the passes as they were handed over the counter.

"We've gotta hurry if we want to make it to the terminal before they close the doors!" Toce urged. "Hurry, Koopie! We can't afford to miss this opportunity!"

"I'm with you!" Koopie Koo assured, taking off in a full sprint to catch up with her friend.

Frankie & Ishnail / Grodus & Crump / Theata & Hannah (Streamsnow International, Main Building, Mushroom International Counter)

"So you're sure that this is the fastest flight you've got?" Ishnail repeated again. "We've gotta be sure."

"Yes…as far as I can tell, it's the best one out of the airport." The Toad answered. "Do you want seats or not?"

"Dat's good…we'll take two." Frankie nodded.

(Frankie & Ishnail- 1st on Mushroom International 3010)

"Danks very much." Frankie said, scooping up the tickets.

After the reform leaders passed through, the next team in line stepped up.

"We'd like to get two of the same tickets as them, please." Hannah requested.

"Sure thing…"

(Theata & Hannah- 2nd on Mushroom International 3010)

While her partner put away the passports, Theata took the boarding passes from the desk.

"Thank you very much, sir." Theata said. "Come on, Hannah…we should probably get through security and stuff now instead of later."

"Okay…"

"That was SO degrading, standing in a line…" Grodus groaned, watching as the Toads hurried around the counter and disappeared around the corner to the checkpoint.

"Uh…you sure this is the flight we want?" Crump asked hesitantly.

"Yes, I'm sure…that information girl sounded pretty convincing, so we should go ahead and trust what she gave us." Grodus said firmly. "Two tickets on that next flight to Dinosaur Land, and make it snappy!"

(Grodus & Crump- 3rd on Mushroom International 3010)

Upon the print-out of the papers, the X-Nauts picked them up.

"…I'm not going to say it. You say it." Grodus commanded.

"…Er…thank…you?" Crump said shakily before turning away. "…He made me do that… buh buh huh huh huh…OW!"

"Well, I certainly wasn't going to say it." Grodus huffed, rubbing the knuckles of his metallic fist as his partner dizzily swayed around.


Luckily for the teams riding aboard, they all made it in time to catch their flight. While Shellshock seemed disappointed that they were sharing the plane with two other teams, Koopinator simply ignored them.

"THIS is where we get back at them for their rudeness last leg, hon." Lahla snickered, whispering to her partner.

(Isle Flights 801- Departing at 7:47 A.M.)

This is the first flight off the ground carrying teams. It is scheduled to connect at Delfino Airstrip before arriving at its final destination of Dinosaur Land. Currently flying on it are sparring partners Koopinator and Shellshock, co-workers Lahla and Rocko, and lifelong friends Toce and Koopie Koo.


Blooey & Jerry / Kojo & Kory / Pierre & Rana (Streamsnow International, Main Building, Mushroom International Counter)

Having found no other faster options to Dinosaur Land, the three teams were set in line to buy tickets from the Mushroom International airlines desk.

"So it's the fastest one they have here…that's good." Blooey mused. "Two tickets for us please, sir."

(Blooey & Jerry- 4th on Mushroom International 3010)

"Thanks." Jerry stated hastily, taking the tickets that were passed over to him.

While the best friends went over to pass through security, the next squadron strode up.

"Two for Dinosaur Land, please…" Kojo requested.

(Kojo & Kory- 5th on Mushroom International 3010)

"We have some down time before it leaves…" Kory observed. "Eh…might as well get to the terminal to check in anyways…"

"You've got that right…we better play it safe than sorry." Kojo reminded.

The childhood friends took the same route as the other two before them, allowing the dating Squeeks up to step up.

"Same thing they got." Pierre stated routinely.

(Pierre & Rana- 6th on Mushroom International 3010)

"Cool…thanks a bunch!" Rana said, taking the passes from the counter. "Come on, babe…we still haven't eaten yet…"

"Oh, alright…"

Bob & Larry / Gloomtail & Hooktail (Streamsnow International, Main Building, Mushroom International Counter)

Eventually, the only two other teams without tickets wandered up to the counter that the Toad was manning.

"We've gotten word that you have the fastest flight out of the airport to Dinosaur Land." Gloomtail stated. "That true?"

"Yeah…what of it?"

"We need a pair of tickets on that plane. Now." Hooktail ordered.

"…Fine."

(Gloomtail & Hooktail- 7th on Mushroom International 3010)

"Hrmph…that took way too long, just finding a flight for ourselves…" Gloomtail groaned. "Come on, lil' sis…let's beat it."

The dragon siblings left the area, allowing the final team to walk over to the clerk.

"Two tickets we are needing for the flight that is going to Dinosaur Land." Bob appealed.

(Bob & Larry- 8th on Mushroom International 3010)

"Thanking you, we are." Larry bowed gratefully. "Making it to the terminal we should be now."

"Yes, yes."


As one of the planes with the famed 'Mushroom International' emblems imprinted on its side and tail sped down the runway in preparation to take off, the eight teams aboard sat back in their seats. It seemed all of them were ignorant to the fact that they were actually on the later of the two flights.

(Mushroom International 3010- Departing at 10:52 A.M.)

This is the second flight directed towards Dinosaur Land, and carries the remainder of the teams. Riding aboard are best friends Blooey and Jerry, leadership associates Bob and Larry, reform leaders Frankie and Ishnail, siblings Gloomtail and Hooktail, charity partners Grodus and Crump, childhood friends Kojo and Kory, dating couple Pierre and Rana, and best friends Theata and Hannah.


Over the peaceful region of Dinosaur Land, the skies were relatively clear, with only a few harmless unthreatening clouds wafting overhead, riding the light breeze. Ocean waves provided a peaceful backdrop noise, accompanied by an ensemble of singing gulls that seemed to circle around the area in its V-formation flock.

The island in the southwestern most corner of the province, Yoshi's Island, was one of the smaller parts of the interconnected aisles, but it definitely wasn't one to be discounted. The recent boom of tourism had caused it to fly sky high in business—the seaside villages were not only home to wooden cottages that housed the various species, but also shops and restaurants. An open-air airport was located in the northeastern edge of the land mass, built over what had been the remains of Iggy Koopa's temporary castle, though an unconvincing replica of the stone fortress towered up from the very center of the airdrome as an interesting piece of history.

Oddly enough, the runways were mere wooden piers that jutted out from the side of the island and ran onto the beach, but they seemed to support the weight of the airplanes sufficiently enough. One of said airplanes made a landing on the smoothed-out surface and made its way over to the main airport, pulling into a terminal.

(Isle Flights 801- Arriving at 4:07 P.M.)

After breezing past customs, the three teams that had been riding frantically rushed out of the airport's main central dome in an attempt to gain a lead. Instantly spotting the closest queue area for taxis, one of the pairs made its way over, a certain team member carelessly pushing past protesting patrons to the doorway.

Koopinator & Shellshock: Sparring Partners (Yoshi's Island Airport, Taxi Exit)

"Move out of the way." Koopinator commanded unemotionally, shoving the Koopa that was running the line out of his path.

A nervous Shellshock simply tried to avoid the fiery gaze of the previously waiting investors (some of whom were sprawled out on the ground) as he followed his discourteous partner over to one of the open taxis.

"We need to go to the Yellow Switch Palace." Koopinator told the driver. "Get us there fast, or no pay."

Wisely choosing not to argue back, the Yoshi merely nodded and motioned for him to step into the transport, a set of covered benches on wheels that were attached to his saddle.

"Come on, Shellshock—we have a ride." Koopinator rushed, dropping his backpack off into the compartment at the back of the cab.

The Koopa complied and hastily jumped in, allowing the Yoshi to take off at a respectably speedy pace for an on-foot character pulling along a set of weights.

Having seen most of the scene, the two other teams gave the retreating carriage a disgusted look.

Lahla & Rocko / Toce & Koopie Koo (Yoshi's Island Airport, Taxi Exit)

"That guy is really asking for it, isn't he? What kind of person would even think of doing such a thing like that?" Koopie Koo made a face. "He's horrible…"

"He don't deserve to be participating in this here competition, hon." Lahla agreed. "Not only does he got no sense of fair play, but he's a real stinker when it comes to manners! Believe me, we have first-hand experience…"

"I'm willing to believe it." Toce said distastefully. "If he thinks that cheaters are going to win like that, we're going to give him a rude awakening."

"Seriously, what kind of uncouth dunce would ignore a line of innocent standbys just to get to a taxi and get to the Yield first?" Toce questioned. "Who in the world is like that? Koopinator is nothing but an emotionless robot bent on winning this race at all costs, and he just plain frankly doesn't deserve to win if that's his 'playing style.' That's a big no-no."

"I dought dat guy followed a code of honor…" Rocko mused to himself. "Looks like de rumors were all wrong…musta been some different guy…"

"Well, I sure hope that they don't use the Yield on us or anything…that'd be SO cheap!" Toce voiced heatedly. "Guys, if we get there first, we've gotta try to do something to get rid of them…but no Yielding each other."

"Course not, hon." Lahla nodded understandingly.

In time, the rest of the line passed through, and the two teams were brought up to the waiting taxis.

"…Well, this is certainly something new…" Koopie Koo murmured, looking over the carriage. "Um…we need to go to the Yellow Switch Palace, please."

"Okay. Hop in!" the Yoshi exclaimed, directing towards the container he was attached to.

"We'll see you girls there at the palace, 'kay?" Lahla called out as she placed her backpack into the rear of her team's taxicab.

"Alright!" Toce responded, giving a thumbs up before she stepped into their taxi.

The Yoshi carrying Toce and Koopie Koo took off, allowing the dinosaur pulling Lahla and Rocko to follow shortly afterwards as they raced out of the airport, down the dirt trails to the exit.


Unlike what would have been expected by hearing its name, the Yellow Switch Palace wasn't actually a magnificent bastion in appearance on the outside. It was nothing more than a simple, humble dome with a large white exclamation mark running down the front, and the entrance doors underneath the dot. However, the interior was something very different—whitish blue columns supported the gigantic mass in a circle in the middle, while a grand quantity of yellow blocks (the integer would most likely have stretched past that of even the millions) was stacked all over in piles, groups, and lines.

Since the building was located up on a large green hill, anyone wanting to visit would have to either walk up the provided pedestrian's trails, or drive through the curving roads. A Yoshi carriage finally made it to the front circle that housed the parking space for the large fortress, the driver panting and relatively tired from being rushed to make it up the exhausting mount.

Koopinator & Shellshock: Sparring Partners (Yellow Switch Palace, Parking Circle)

"I suppose that will just have to do…" Koopinator muttered, jumping out of the seat. While Shellshock went around back to heave the backpacks from the holding area, he marched forward to pay the runner. "…You charge 18.50 Smash for that simple ride? How dishonorable…"

With a flick of disgust, the metallic warrior ejected ten Smash coins from the credit card. The money clattered at the dinosaur's feet, forcing him to pick them up and place them in his money box. Choosing not to try to fight over the charge, the Yoshi minimally turned around and started back down the hill.

"Come on, Shellshock." Koopinator ordered, grabbing his backpack from the ground and hoisting it onto his shell.

"…This guy is HARSH…" Shellshock muttered under his breath, following along. "…He's not even ever this bad whenever we spar together…"

The two Koopas entered into the enormous hall. Although Shellshock wanted to at least take a moment to express his amazement at the beautiful interior, Koopinator's attention was immediately centered on the post set in front of a column that had a large yellow sign on the top, with the word 'YIELD' on it in big, black letters. Behind it was the clue box, planted right in front of a large yellow button jutting up from the very middle of the circle of columns.

"Get a move on and quit sightseeing. We are not tourists; we are in a competition." Koopinator commanded imperturbably, dashing over to the mat.

This is the first of three Yields spread out over the course of the race. At this spot, any one team can Yield another team—that is, to stop racing for a set amount of time. However, the setback to this power is that all teams are only able to exercise their Yielding power once. If a team finds that they've been Yielded, they must flip over this hourglass and wait until all of the sand empties to the bottom before they can continue on.

"We choose not to Yield any other team…that would be against my rules of play." Koopinator declared into the camera before taking their team picture from the small box. "All right, it is done. Shellshock, stop moving so slow and get your tail over to the clue box."

Rolling his eyes in annoyance, the sunglasses-wearing turtle followed over the tile-covered floor over to the black carton on its post.

Koopinator & Shellshock: Sparring Partners- Currently in 1st (Yellow Switch Palace, Main Switch)

Reaching underneath the flap, the Koopinator pulled out an envelope. In one swift motion, he stripped off the tear-along lines and took out the Route Info from inside, completely disregarding a green folder sitting next to it.

"'Drive yourselves to Donut Plains and locate the entrance to Vanilla Dome, where your next clue awaits.'"

Teams must now hop into one of these marked vehicles and drive 5 miles back across forested Yoshi's Island to arrive at the wooden bridge connecting it to the neighboring island of Donut Plains, a unique landmass inhabited mostly by a large lake in its center. They will have to make the additional 7-mile drive around Donut Lake to arrive at the main opening to the Vanilla Dome, a towering cavern that sticks out from the northern edge of the isle. It is here that teams will find their next clue.

"We are now using marked cars…good." Koopinator mused. "You are the one that is navigating, so you better not make any foolish mistakes."

Shellshock gulped, taking the folded map that was shoved in his direction.

They retreated back outside to the parking circle, where a line of eleven marked cars were waiting in the midst of the crowd, pointed out towards the exit. After running past several of the autos, they found the one meant for them, and deposited their backpacks into the trunk area.

Koopinator speedily jetted the car forward and swerved around the very edge of the line before erratically curving into the double-backing road that started going downward to sea level.

"WHOA!"

Just as that occurred, two more Yoshi cabs arrived up the hill, and were forced to avoid the mad driver. The Yoshis shook it off and stopped as close to the front doors of the dome as they could, allowing their passengers out. They quickly paid and grabbed their bags before rushing into the dome.

Toce & Koopie Koo: Lifelong Friends (Yellow Switch Palace, Column Circle)

"This place is pretty neat…" Koopie Koo murmured in awe. "Check out how high the ceiling goes! It's like you're looking up and up!"

"Right…okay, we choose not to Yield anyone…our only prime candidates just left the building." Toce announced, pulling their team's picture from within the box. "Alright…now for that clue…"

Right after the girls left the mat, Lahla and Rocko stepped on and went through the same procedure, taking their photograph out before heading over to the container holding the clues. Toce opened one and took out two folders before eyeing them carefully.

Toce & Koopie Koo: Lifelong Friends- Currently in 2nd (Yellow Switch Palace, Main Switch)

"Huh…we don't need the Fast Forward to show up that Koopinator guy…" Toce muttered, placing it back into the paper hold. "Route Info… 'Drive yourselves to Donut Plains and locate the entrance to Vanilla Dome…'"

Lahla & Rocko: Coworkers- Currently in 3rd (Yellow Switch Palace, Main Switch)

"'…where your next clue awaits.'" Lahla completed. "Alright, ya'll…it's high time we knocked down those there Glitzers from that snobbish standpoint of theirs! Now we have another chance to change our fate!"

"And it won't be wasted." Toce assured. "Come on, I'm pretty sure I saw where the cars were parked in the lot on our way in…"

The foursome dashed back outside and into the center of the circle, and quickly found their marked vehicles. They placed their backpacks in the trunks before clambering in and driving off, Toce and Koopie Koo once again leading.


Koopinator & Shellshock: Sparring Partners (Wooden Bridge, Yoshi's Island-Donut Plains)

"…so we just follow the road that goes around the lake, and we should be there in no time." Shellshock finished. "Is THAT simple enough for you?"

"Do not take that tone of voice with me." Koopinator stated impassively.

"…Unlike you, I'm unable to forge a robotic tone with my voice box…" Shellshock grumbled.

"And no back talk, either. Focus on finding a way to cut this drive in half—locate a shortcut of some sort."

Sighing, Shellshock grudgingly obeyed and dug his face back into the grooves of the large map.

Toce & Koopie Koo: Lifelong Friends (Yoshi's Island Highway)

"We should be coming up on the bridge that leads over the gap to Donut Plains pretty soon." Koopie Koo informed.

"Got it. Thanks, girl." Toce acknowledged, switching lanes. "Can you see if Lahla and Rocko are still behind us?"

Koopie Koo leaned over the side of her chair and squinted to see through the glass.

"Er…I think so… Yeah, I'm pretty sure that's them…Lahla is keeping pace."

Lahla & Rocko: Coworkers (Yoshi's Island Highway)

"This is just so great, hon! We've gotta hardly do any work—those girls are doin' it all for us!" Lahla exclaimed. "All I gotta do is drive, and that ain't a problem!"

"…I'm not so sure about dis…it's kinda like cheatin'..." Rocko muttered hesitantly. "…You so sure we should be aligned with dem just like dat?"

The Boo shrugged. "I dunno…but it can't hurt to try something unspoken like it for a while, see how we do. 'Sides, we all got one common goal right now…and that's to stop those coons ahead from winnin' this here race!"


The Vanilla Dome, a towering grotto with a civilization on both its inside and outside, seemed to rise out of nowhere from the northern edge of the Donut Plains island. There was no warning beforehand—the land was straightforward and flat before suddenly going upward in a vertical climb that formed the exterior of the enormous cavern that housed a world all on its own.

There appeared to be a manmade hole in the side of the cave made in the shape of a basic ovular edge. A large space of cleared dirt rested before it, and close by, was the clue box on its familiar yellow and red stand. A curious sight was located just to the right of the access; a set of four ropes dangled from a ledge overhead, and waiting nearby were several creatures that looked a lot like race personnel.

A first marked car arrived on the scene, skidding to a sputtering halt in an open field of grass. From inside, the two racers leapt out and ran over to the clue box. Noting the recognizable board of numbered stickers posted right below it, they grabbed the number '1.'

Koopinator & Shellshock: Sparring Partners- Currently in 1st (Vanilla Dome, Donut Plains Access)

Without the urges from his partner, Shellshock tore the envelope open and pulled out a red folder.

"The second Roadblock!" He announced. "'Who is willing to attempt to climb to the top?'"

A Roadblock is a task that only one person may perform, and no one person may perform any more than eight on the entire race.

In this Roadblock, that participant will have to do a simple, but strenuous activity done by many thrill-seeking sightseers and energetic tourists visiting the very edge of the Donut Plains peninsula—climbing up the 132 feet up to the first ledge on the outside of the caverns, which marks the beginning of Vanilla Heights. To do so, team members will be provided with a safety harness and rope, and will have to rock climb the natural way, finding their own hand and footholds on the uneven surface. Once the participants have managed to climb up, they will be allowed to rappel back down to their partner, and will then receive their next clue. However, one main obstacle rests on this task—only four lines are available at one time, and turns are given on a first-come, first-served basis.

Koopinator gave the nearby equipment a glance before giving his declaration. "This one is all me. Just stand by and watch."

"…Like I have anything else to do…" Shellshock mumbled.

"Rock climbing in the most basic format…should not be a problem." Koopinator mused.

Hustling over, the armor-wearing fighter showed the nearest recruit, a Super Koopa, his sticker. Nodding, the cape-wearer proceeded to get him harnessed up.

"So…what's your name?" He asked.

"…Is that of any importance? Koopinator."

"Alright, Koopinator…" It was obvious that the Super Koopa was fighting the urge not to laugh. "Remember…in natural rock climbing, you never hold onto the rope. That's a hazardous safety danger, since it makes it hard for the person belaying to—"

"I can figure it out for myself. Just focus your strength on preparing me, and leave the rest in my hands." Koopinator ordered.

Pausing for a second, the Super Koopa made an appalled face before continuing on with the safety measures. When he was done, he stepped back and cupped his hands around his mouth.

"Good to go here! Koopinator is ready and waiting!"

An Amazin' Flyin' Hammer Brother at the top perch (who was actually grounded at the moment) leaned over the ledge and gave a thumbs up.

"Send him up! Climb on!"

The Super Koopa turned to Koopinator. "Go for it…"

Not even waiting to be told twice, the metallic warrior immediately started scrambling up the rock face, digging his talons into the rock to make his own holds when there was none available for use.

"…Whoa…" Shellshock gawked.

It was quite an impressive speed—by the time the other teams arrived at the site, Koopinator was nearly finished with his ascent.

Toce & Koopie Koo: Lifelong Friends- Currently in 2nd (Vanilla Dome, Donut Plains Access)

"Great…he's almost done with whatever he's doing…" Toce grumbled. "Roadblock. 'Who is willing to attempt to climb to the top?' Want me to do this one?"

"…I think I can handle it." Koopie Koo responded, eyeing the rock wall. "I'm no Koopinator, but I can probably climb that cave just as easily."

"Alright…go for it, girl!" Toce cheered, sending the blonde Koopa off with the '2' sticker.

Lahla & Rocko: Coworkers- Currently in 3rd (Vanilla Dome, Donut Plains Access)

"Dis one is obviously a task meant for me…" Rocko stated. "You don't mind or nodin', do ya?"

"Course not. If you can do it faster than me, go ahead." Lahla answered, motioning towards the remaining lines. "Catch us up, hon."

Nodding, the yellow Pianta went for the next open rope, '3' sticker in hand.

While Koopie Koo and Rocko were getting suited up for the task and briefed with safety instructions, Koopinator made it to the ledge. He pulled himself up onto the surface and faced the Hammer Bro, who had been struggling just to keep pulling in the rope to keep pace.

Koopinator (Vanilla Heights Initial Ledge)

"Geez you're fast…" the Amazin' Flyin' Hammer Bro wheezed. "Nice going…okay…I'll set the rope wheel to reverse so you can rappel back down, but I'll have to change your harness first…"

Hands impatiently tapping on his legs, Koopinator waited while the supervisor untied the two knots on his harness and started putting the ropes back on in a different format.

"Okay…to rappel, all you really have to do is—"

"I can figure it out for myself. Just focus your strength on preparing me, and leave the rest in my hands." Koopinator repeated, using his exact same words.

"…Well, excuse me…" Agitatedly, the plump Koopa finished off the safety procedures. "Koopinator is ready to rappel down!"

"Send him down!"

"Go ahead…break a leg."

Ignoring the sarcasm dripping from the voice of the Amazin' Flyin' Hammer Bro, Koopinator started bouncing backwards off the wall in a rapid descent.

Rocko (Vanilla Dome, Climbing Ascent)

Only about a minute into the first part of the task, Rocko had proven that he was just as decent as the metallic warrior when it came to rock climbing—his spongy hands almost seemed to conform to the edges of the rock, allowing him to ignore the need for strong handholds, and swiftly make progress up the cave exterior.

"WHOO! GO, ROCKO! YOU GOT IT GOIN' HOT, HON!" Lahla screamed from below.

The Pianta merely smirked and paused to flash his partner a thumbs up.

Koopie Koo (Vanilla Dome, Climbing Ascent)

Whereas the bulky Pianta Parlor worker was speedily ascending the outside of Vanilla Dome, the smaller Koopa, who was obviously expected to be more nimble, wasn't doing as well. Koopie Koo appeared to be struggling to find good holds on her line, and even when she did, on occasion, slipped a hand or foot from the rock. Luckily, since she was keeping contact with three body parts at all times, she didn't fall off completely, and was continuing at a steady, but slower, pace.

"Go, Koopie Koo! Just like a spider, now! You can do it!" Toce shouted her encouragement.

"I'm doing my best!" the blonde replied meekly. "This spider hasn't ever climbed before, though!"

Shrieking when her hand was denied its hold on a pair of holes for her fingers, Koopie Koo managed to calm herself down and keep on going, searching for appropriate holds wherever she could.

"You're doing good; don't give up!" yelled the Paragoomba below that had suited up the participant.

Koopinator (Vanilla Dome, Rappelling Descent)

In no time at all, the impatient soldier had bounded all the way down the outside of Vanilla Dome and made it back to the bottom, where the Super Koopa then took off his harness and helmet. When he was done, he wordlessly handed over a clue envelope.

"Thanks." Koopinator muttered disdainfully.

Koopinator & Shellshock: Sparring Partners- Currently in 1st (Vanilla Dome, Donut Plains Access)

After rendezvousing back with his partner over at the side of the path, the metallic Koopatrol opened the envelope he'd obtained.

"Well, Sir rush-a-lot? What does it say?" Shellshock asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Do not take that edge of tone with me." Koopinator reminded, to which Shellshock let out an annoyed sigh and rolled his eyes. "Detour. 'Lake Circle' or 'Fake Square.' 'Pick a local tradition to perform and test your luck.'"

A Detour is a choice between two tasks, each with its own pros and cons. In this Detour, teams will have a choice between two enjoyable cultural customs favored by residents of Donut Plains—"Lake Circle" or "Fake Square."

In "Lake Circle," teams will need to travel 6 miles to the Superkoopa Boathouse, where they will be seated at this table, and briefly instructed on how to construct what is known as a donut boat, a toy circular vessel. They will then be led out onto Donut Lake, where their dinghy will be attached to a string, and they will be escorted into a motorboat as it speeds in a large arc around the boundaries of the waters. If the teams arrive back at the pier and their small ships are still mostly intact, they will receive their next clue. However, if they weren't put together correctly, and fell apart with too many pieces lost to the lake, teams will be forced to start the process all over again, remaking another donut boat.

In "Fake Square," teams will need to travel a lesser distance of 2 miles to the Donut Ghost House. Upon their arrival, they will be led inside to a unique hall that is five stories high, and filled with 1,330 doors. Teams will have to open these doors and search inside to try and find one of 15 doors that all mysteriously lead to the same location—the Top Secret Area, a haven full of limitless power ups, and the area where several reclusive superstars make their home. Upon being lucky enough to make it out of the Ghost House and reaching this quiet refuge, teams will receive their next clue.

"We should do—"

"I would rather go for an unreliable boat than a luck-based needle-in-a-haystack type of challenge." Koopinator interrupted. "Come, Shellshock."

"…Fine…"

Seeing that it was virtually pointless to try to argue, an exasperated Shellshock kept his temper in check as he followed the Koopatrol back over to the marked car in the field. They both hopped in and their car jolted forward with Koopinator at the wheel.

"…Even his partner thinks he's a jerk…" Toce observed.

"Kinda makes you feel sorry for that guy, huh?" Lahla said sympathetically.

"Yeah…"

Rocko (Vanilla Heights Initial Ledge)

A few more minutes passed before another participant reached the turning point of the task, and it was none other than the quickly-climbing Rocko. While his Amazin' Flyin' Hammer Bro changed the harness style, he briefly gave a quick rundown of how to lean the body backwards and how much of a grip to keep on the rope while rappelling down the rock face.

"Okay! Rocko is suited in!"

"Good! Ready down here!" shouted the Monty Mole.

"You're all set, man. Go for it." The plump Hammer Bro encouraged.

The quiet Pianta complied, and put himself in a sitting position before making his first bound off of the wall.

Koopie Koo (Vanilla Heights Initial Ledge)

It took a while for her to get the hang of it, but the headband-wearing Koopa was able to pull herself up to the protrusion before Rocko reached the bottom of his decline. Her Amazin' Flyin' Hammer Bro did his best to work fast in changing her connection while hurriedly giving the explanation.

"You think you can handle all of that?" he asked concernedly. "'Cuz, if you lose that plant, you might bump your body against the wall instead of just your feet."

"Uh-huh…I think I got it." Koopie Koo nodded.

"Alright…Koopie Koo is all set!"

"Ready and waiting!" shouted the Paragoomba.

Looking at her, the flabby Hammer Bro motioned for her to go ahead. Although shaky at first, Koopie Koo managed to put herself in the pose that she'd been advised, and started making small hops downward, releasing a little bit of rope with each one.

While Koopie Koo was just getting started, Rocko completed the descent. Upon reaching the bottom, his Monty Mole uttered a quick congratulations before undoing the harness and handing over the clue envelope.

Lahla & Rocko: Coworkers- Currently in 2nd (Vanilla Dome, Donut Plains Access)

"Great job with that there rock explorin', hon! You were fantastic!" Lahla praised. "Alright, so what we gotta do now?"

"It's de next Detour. 'Lake Circle' or 'Fake Square.' 'Pick a local tradition to perform and test youse luck.'" Rocko read.

The two employees quickly glanced over the descriptions and mind silent decisions before consulting each other.

"I think our best choice is with 'Lake Circle,' buildin' and testin' out one of those boats." Lahla stated. "Whaddya think, hon?"

"I'd havta agree." Rocko concurred.

As the co-workers hurried back over to their marked car, Lahla turned around in mid-float.

"Ya'll sure you'll be okay here?" she called out.

"We'll be fine; don't worry about us." Toce assured. "Just take care of business. Do what you have to in order to get in front of them."

"Gotcha!"

With that, the turquoise Boo jumped into the driver's seat of the waiting vehicle and drove back out onto the path, Rocko giving her directions from behind.

Koopie Koo (Vanilla Dome, Rappelling Descent)

"You can do this…only a few more to go…come on, Koopie…focus…"

Quietly muttering encouragement to herself as she descended down the outside of Vanilla Dome, Koopie Koo continued with her spree of small hops and jumps. Before she knew it, she was at the bottom, and the Paragoomba was taking off her safety equipment.

"…Gee…that was tough…" Koopie Koo panted. "…And I thought that some of Koops' tasks were hard…I'm exhausted…"

"Nice job, Koopie Koo!" Toce clapped from the sidelines. "Hey, cheer up! You did it, right?"

"Yeah…but we're leaving in third…" Koopie Koo responded flatly. "Thanks…"

Toce & Koopie Koo: Lifelong Friends- Currently in 3rd (Vanilla Dome, Donut Plains Access)

The orange-haired Koopa took the clue from the Paragoomba and carried it back over to her friend, where she opened it.

"Detour. 'Lake Circle' or 'Fake Square.'" Koopie Koo announced. "'Pick a local tradition to perform and test your luck.' Uh…okay. Which one should we do? You think we can do the boats?"

Toce took a moment to answer. "…Hmm…you know, I think we should actually test our luck just opening the doors at the Donut Ghost House. It's closer to our current location…maybe we can pull into the lead."

"…Well…alright…" Koopie Koo responded hesitantly.

Having come to a consent, the Petalburg girls dashed back over to the lone marked car and hopped in.


Located on the very water's edge, the Superkoopa Boathouse was a wooden hut separated from the rest of the town known as Donut Hills by a short dirt road. Two bodies of water could be seen at the same time from standing in the vicinity—one was obviously Donut Lake, while the other was the ocean that flowed through the gaps of the islands; the building was close enough to just barely view the wooden bridge leading over from Yoshi's Island. A series of pure white motorboats were parked on the sandy shores facing the opposite end of the lagoon, and the hut's entryways were unblocked and just inviting for visitors to come in.

A marked car sped through Donut Hills and made a sharp ninety-degree turn on the following path, coming to a screeching halt right in front of the Superkoopa Boathouse. Two turtle-like figures jumped out, and with the prodding of the taller one, they rushed into the abode.

Koopinator & Shellshock: Sparring Partners (Superkoopa Boathouse)

"Hey…g'afternoon, fellows," greeted a Super Koopa sitting down at a long wooden table. "Here for the Detour, I presume? Cool…just have a seat, and I'll get you started on building a donut boat."

Following the directions, the Glitz Pit combatants pulled out two stools and sat down. While Shellshock innocently waited as the Super Koopa stood up and started walking over, Koopinator was already fiddling around with the various tools and parts.

"Now, it's really quite simple, making a donut boat…" The Super Koopa started. "I'll be helping you along by demonstrating on one of these unused sets right over here…now, the first step is to—"

"We do not require your assistance to complete this task." Koopinator stated.

A bit startled, the Super Koopa blinked. "…Erm…excuse me? Come again?"

"I hate repeating myself." Koopinator said hotly. "We do not require your assistance. We can figure out how to create this 'donut boat' with ease. Just get the motorboat and line ready, and we will be out there in a minute."

"…Oh, gosh…" Shellshock slapped his face.

The cape-wearing Koopa scratched his head. "Uh…well, okay…suit yourselves. I'll go tell one of the drivers to get ready, then…"

Still confused at the rudeness, the Super Koopa exited through one of the open airways, leaving the two racers alone.

"Shellshock, help me piece this together…it should be simple enough." Koopinator stated, taking a look at one of the donut-shaped finished products displayed on a nearby shelf. He then started putting large parts of wood together, using the provided nails to adhere them to each other.

"…I don't have any freakin' idea how to do this." Shellshock argued. "You just scared off the only directions we had!"

"We do not require instructions. This is easy…"


The eerily broken down Donut Ghost House sat in the middle of two lines of trees, eloquently looming over the side of the road with its creaking pieces of wood and lumber, a disgusting stench emitting from its rotting boards. Of course, it had little to no effect on the ghostly residents, but it was enough to keep others away at a safe distance; that section of the road was disturbingly clear, unlucky drivers choosing instead to pass through an optional side road. An alarming disturbance in the sky directly above the creepy setting caused the blues to be blocked out, and a ray of gloomy gray to fall over the house in a circle, as if a nonexistent cloud was blocking the sun's rays.

Instantly upon seeing it up close, the marked car set to stop slowed down (it hadn't been paid much attention when passed by the time before) and eventually just rolled over to the side edge of the road, finding no explicit place to park anywhere else. Slightly freaked out, two females crawled from the doors and uncertainly walked over to the large oak doors. They both screamed in surprise and hugged each other in fear when the panels creaked open by themselves, but calmed down to an extent upon seeing the face of an amused Boo float over.

Toce & Koopie Koo: Lifelong Friends (Donut Ghost House, Entrance)

"You're here for the Detour, right?" the Boo asked, receiving a shaky nod from the girls. "…Then follow me…and try not to get lost."

Looking around nervously, the Petalburg women observed the dark surroundings—if it weren't for the occasional candle, it would've been pitch-black, and they would've had to squint just to see the faint glow of light that the Boo was giving off as he floated down what was presumably the entrance foyer.

"…Maybe I'm having second thoughts about this…" Toce muttered, protectively holding on to her friend's arm. "…Think it's too late to turn back?"

"Y-Yeah…" Koopie Koo replied, responding with the same scared latch onto Toce. "E-Even if I wanted to, I th-think I'd be too freaked out just to get out…"

After a little bit of walking, the Boo stopped and turned around. Through his small bit of light, the girls were able to see a large pair of wooden doors, similar in appearance to the ones at the entrance to the ghost house. The Boo signaled that this was the spot before twisting back around and pulling the flaps open. Stepping back, the two friends were amazed at what they saw next.

"Oh. My. Gosh." Toce uttered.

There was a large hallway that stretched as far as the eye could see, running straight in the direction away from the doors. The room had widened out considerably, and a protective lining was set in the center, providing a walkway several feet wide on the opposite side. Doors were placed on the walls about a yard apart, up to where they just seemed to disappear from view, and there was good reason for that. A maddening distraction was in the center of the room, towering up all five floors of the chamber—a crowd of Boos, Eeries, and giant floating green bubbles were wafting about in a hauntingly inviting dance.

While Toce simply gaped, Koopie Koo let out a large scream of fright upon seeing the spectacle. She was comforted seconds later when the Boo shushed her and motioned towards the two rows of doors.

"Well…uh…so…I think we should start on the second or third floors…what do you think, Koopie Koo?" Toce asked, pointing towards the nearby spiral staircase.

"…I think…I'm going to faint…"

"Don't."


Lahla & Rocko: Coworkers (Superkoopa Boathouse)

"Here it is…" Lahla pointed out as she braked the car to a halt in front of the wooden hut. "Come on, hon! Looks like those boys are already here!"

The co-workers rushed into the boathouse to find the Super Koopa waiting for them with a smile. He motioned them over to a spot on the table far away from the other team and sat down close by with a set of parts in hand before starting on his explanation.

"This should do it." Koopinator remarked. "Complete."

Leaning up from the table, the metallic warrior moved out of the way to reveal a donut-shaped vessel with a rudder on the bottom shaped like a shark's fin, and a sail sticking out from the center hole.

"…Well…it looks right…" Shellshock guessed, comparing it to the replica on the shelf.

"It looks better. Come on."

A surprised Lahla and Rocko looked up just in time to see the turtles dash out the door.

"They're done already?" Lahla asked in disbelief. "No way…"

"It's probably not a good craft…" the Super Koopa assured.

Koopinator & Shellshock: Sparring Partners (Donut Lake, Motorboat Point)

"We're here to test out our donut boat." Koopinator informed one of the waiting driver Super Koopas, who nodded.

The cape-wearing Koopa inspected the round vessel for a moment before tying a single rope around its edge. He then motioned for the sparring partners to hop into his craft.

"Think it'll hold out?" Shellshock asked as he sat down on the bench.

"…What kind of question is that? Of course it will." Koopinator responded as the Super Koopa started the engines and took off from the shore.


Toce & Koopie Koo: Lifelong Friends (Donut Ghost House, Grand Hall)

Opening another door, the brunette was annoyed to find a teasing sign in the small room with the words 'TRY AGAIN' painted on in red letters, and a badly drawn face (complete with the tongue sticking out and bottom eyelid pulled down) hanging from a nail on the wall. Infuriated, she slammed the door shut, the sound of a candle falling from its hold echoing from inside the room.

"Okay. This is getting really old…" Toce stated, upping her mental count. "That's been what…ten doors now, and I've found nothing but stupid signs inside!" She irately turned over to look across the room, and tried searching through the fog of dancing ghosts. "Koopie, how're you doing over there!"

"Not so good! I keep on getting freaky-looking signs in my rooms!" Koopie Koo shouted back over the din of singing ghouls. "And they look like they're written in blood or something!"

"Don't worry, it's not! It's just red paint!" Toce yelled.

"…Or is it…" whispered a voice.

Snapping around, Toce turned to try and find the source of the statement, but upon swiveling on her heel, she found nothing. She gave the door a skeptical look before moving down the line to its neighbor.


Lahla & Rocko: Coworkers (Superkoopa Boathouse)

"What'd I tell you?" the Super Koopa voiced, peering out the window. "Their boat was nothing—it was ripped to shreds by those speeds on the water."

"And dey're not even all de way around yet…" Rocko murmured. "…Geez…"

"Well, we won't do the same thing…we paid attention to instructions." Lahla mumbled, drying out the paper for the sail. "Hand me a rod, would ya, hon?"

Koopinator & Shellshock: Sparring Partners (Donut Lake, Riding Circle)

"I can't see…is it still in good shape?" Shellshock queried, squinting his eyes to look at the donut boat following behind. "…It looks…kinda beaten…"

"It's fine." Koopinator stated, arms crossed as he watched.

Eventually, the Super Koopa piloted the motorboat all the way around the lake, and pulled into a stop at the dock right before the line of the remaining speedboats. He reached back and pulled in the string. At the end was only a few pieces of wood that were still attached to the rope. Evidently, the rest of the wooden parts had been disassembled and fallen off into the lake.

"…Sorry, but that's completely wrong. You'll have to do it again." The Super Koopa stated, showing the debris.

"…Stupid piece of junk…" Koopinator muttered, scrutinizing the wooden remains.

"…Can we PLEASE ask for help this time?"

"No."


Toce & Koopie Koo: Lifelong Friends (Donut Ghost House, Grand Hall)

"AAAH!" Koopie Koo screamed, jumping back in fright as a cackling Boo leapt out at her. "DON'T DO THAT!"

"Heheheh…I love this assignment…" the Boo chortled, slamming the door back shut.

"…I don't." Koopie Koo narrowed her eyes in annoyance, moving onto the next door. She opened it to find only a 'NOT HERE' sign nailed onto the wall, and a cobweb in the corner. "…Bleck…"

"Koopie Koo! I found one!"

Turning around, the Koopa was able to see her friend waving at her from the other side of the second floor. Gulping, she looked back at the distance she'd already covered, and then at the group of ghosts in front of her.

"…Well…here goes nothing…"

Slinking into her shell, Koopie Koo catapulted herself into the midst of the partying specters, who bounced her around a bit before depositing her on the other side of the hall, allowing her to pop back out right next to her partner.

"…Nice." Toce said in awe. "…Come on, this one doesn't have any message or anything like that…it's probably one of the doors we were looking for."

Happy to oblige, the female Koopa followed into the narrow corridor. The friends rushed along through the dark passage for a while, hands linked tightly together, before they reached another door at the end.

"…Please don't be some crazy specter that's just going to scare me half to death…" Koopie Koo murmured as Toce pushed it open.

Luckily, the door opened out to reveal something unexpected—a scenic trail of blooming flowers that spread color right before the edge of the gray circle on the outside. The tan-colored dirt path in the middle led straight out to a clearing about a good fifty yards away, where five item blocks could be seen with their question markings spinning, and a group of small houses were clustered around in a semicircle.

"All right! This has got to be the Top Secret Area the clue talks about!" Toce exclaimed, spotting the clue box under the central block. "Come on!"

The thrilled pair rushed down the trail and over to the clue box.

Toce & Koopie Koo: Lifelong Friends- Currently in 1st (Top Secret Area)

"I sure hope we didn't lose too much time with that." Koopie Koo remarked, watching as her best friend pulled out a blue folder.

"Route Info!" Toce called out eagerly. "'Drive yourselves to the eastern shore of Donut Plains, and use a motorboat to cross the lagoon over to the Forest of Illusion. Locate the town called Illusorhark, and choose one of the marked clearings. Successfully crack a code by figuring out which one of five Bob-ombs is a non-explosive decoy and destroy it to receive your next clue. You only have one try, and if you fail, you will have to wait thirty minutes before obtaining the envelope.'"

Teams must now drive themselves to the eastern shoreline of the Donut Plains isle—from the 'Fake Square' option the distance is only 2 miles, but taking the shortest possible route from the 'Lake Circle' choice results in having to go 3. Upon their arrival, they will need to hop into their assigned marked motorboat and use it to travel the 14 miles across the Dinosaur Lagoon to the island that holds the Forest of Illusion. From the western banks, they will have to travel by taxi an additional 5 miles from Chimerawood to the city of Illusorhark, where they will find a series of marked clearings. Each clearing holds a set of five Bob-ombs; while four of them are active, one is actually a harmless decoy. Teams will need to successfully figure out which one is the red herring and destroy it to find the next clue. However, if teams fail to find the right one on their initial shot and accidentally make one of the live Bob-ombs explode, they will have to wait out a penalty of half an hour before they can head over to get the clue.

"Cracking a code?" Koopie Koo voiced. "I remember that Koops did something like that on his race…but it wasn't anything involving explosives…"

"It should be safe. Come on, I think I see the trail that leads out of here!" Toce pointed.

The girls rushed back down the path that led to the Top Secret Area to the Donut Ghost House, but instead of going back through the door, they veered to the side through a line of trees that was marked by a race flag. After going for several seconds, they found themselves deposited back near the entrance to the eerie domicile, right next to their marked car.

"Sweet…looks like we haven't had any other unwanted visitors while we were in there." Toce joked. "We should split before it gets too late…sure hope that we've got a good shot at beating that Koopinator guy!"

"You said it."

Unaware that they were actually holding the lead, the lifelong friends jumped back into their marked car and, with Toce at the wheel, drove off.


Lahla & Rocko: Coworkers (Donut Lake, Motorboat Point)

"So you think your donut boat is ready to go out on its test run?" asked the piloting Super Koopa as he attached the small craft to the rope that was tied to the motorboat.

"Well, we certainly hope so, hon." Lahla responded. "If anythin', we just wanna get outta here before those other two."

"Yeah…a race at its best." The Super Koopa mused, nodding. "Well, just to let you know…donut boats aren't actually designed for this kind of high-speed travel, so it's only the really good ones that make it around unscathed. So…let's see whatcha got."

Upon hearing the news, the co-workers looked at each other before looking down at the small dinghy. They gazed at it pleadingly for a few seconds before jumping into the motorboat and holding on as the Super Koopa drove it away from the shore.

Koopinator & Shellshock: Sparring Partners (Donut Lake, Motorboat Point)

Not long after Lahla and Rocko's motor-powered carrier took off, Koopinator came running out of the boathouse, Shellshock following behind.

"'Nator, I'm not so sure that thing is gonna do it." Shellshock said warningly.

"Nonsense. Quit your doubts." Koopinator commanded. "With the nails placed at strategic points instead of just holding together joints, the donut boat should be able to hold together for this turn around the lake."

"…Sure…whatever…"

They headed over to the same driver they had before. He gave their hastily-made craft a quizzical look before attaching it to the rope and motioning for them to get in.


Toce & Koopie Koo: Lifelong Friends (Donut Plains Eastern Shore)

After a relatively short drive following the island line, the two females arrived at the far eastern shore of Donut Plains, and found the full line of eleven motorboats waiting for them.

"Hey, all eleven are still there! That's great—it means we're in first!" Koopie Koo realized ecstatically. "WHOO!"

Laughing, Toce obligingly parked the car nearby. They pulled their backpacks out of the trunk of the small vehicle before running over and depositing them into the marked boat with their picture on the windshield. Then, they hopped in themselves.

"Looks like it's set to go straight over to the Forest of Illusion already…" Toce observed. "You wanna drive?"

"Oh, definitely…especially since you've been hogging the seat of the cars all the time…"

"I've offered you several times, girl…"

Completely enjoying the fact that they were the current frontrunners, the giggling companions sped off across the tarn, Koopie Koo in control of the steering and gas.


Lahla & Rocko: Coworkers (Donut Lake, Riding Circle)

"Okay…so we'll see exactly how well that head manager taught you two." The Super Koopa stated, pulling into the final curve to the docks. "You guys ready to see?"

"Uh…yeah." Rocko shook his head up and down tentatively.

"Hopefully it's good news…" Lahla murmured, looking back at the cruising boat in worry.

When the motorboat floated over to the pier, the co-workers jumped out, followed by the cape-wearing Super Koopa. He pulled their rope in and heaved the small boat out of the water.

"…Nope…sorry, but there are way too many pieces missing off of it."

With a sigh, the dejected Pianta Parlor workers quickly thanked the driver before rushing back over to the Superkoopa Boathouse in hopes of trying again.

Koopinator & Shellshock: Sparring Partners (Donut Lake, Motorboat Point)

"BLAST IT ALL!"

One could only guess what happened with this case.

"I told you so…ow!"

An agitated Koopinator sprinted back into the wooden hut, with Shellshock walking behind, complaining as he rubbed his throbbing head.


Like the rest of the Forest of Illusion, Chimerawood was a town surrounded almost entirely by trees. It had a picturesque view of Dinosaur Lagoon on one side, but that was about the only other difference in color from the wooden homes and surrounding trees. In the distance was a rubble of gray stones that had once stood as a magnificent fortress, which appeared to be under construction for a rebuilding effort.

While the other two teams kept up their try-and-fail streak, the bonded friends were basking in the sun and enjoying the breeze that whipped their hair about as they zipped through the waters. It was a mostly uneventful ride except for the constant laughter; by the time they arrived at the shores of the Forest of Illusion on the banks of Chimerawood, they were both energized and ready to continue on with the leg.

Toce & Koopie Koo: Lifelong Friends (Chimerawood Shoreline)

Pulling the motorboat up to a steady halt on the sandy shore, Koopie Koo gave her cohort a high five before reaching back to heave her backpack from the compartment of the vessel. They both then jumped out and walked up the steps off the beach to the road.

"So now we have to find a taxi…hopefully there are some patrolling about." Toce mused.

Providentially, a cab passed by not too long after the girls set to searching, but after seeing the Yoshi-pulled carriages back at Yoshi's Island, it wasn't the kind of vehicle the two were expecting. Instead, the taxi was made up of a Goomba inside of a dense-looking bubble, which was attached to a wagon (although that part was similar in fashion to the taxis on the first isle). Nevertheless, upon seeing the 'TAXI' sign on top of the cart, they hailed it over.

"Excuse me, but we need to go to the town of Illusorhark." Toce told the Goomba through the material. "Could you take us there, please?"

"Sure! Just hop in, and leave the rest to me!"

They both deposited their heavy luggage into the back section of the carriage and sat down expectantly. When the Goomba started running, his bubble moved forward and forced the wheels of the coach to start rolling.

"…Looks like there's a bit of cultural difference, even within the region…" Koopie Koo whispered into her partner's ear.


Lahla & Rocko: Coworkers (Donut Lake, Motorboat Point)

"Sorry…try it again."

As the exasperated couple walked away from the docks, they both rolled their eyes in unison.

"Okay…I ain't keepin' track of just how many times we done this, but it's too many." Lahla complained. "I'm havin' my doubts on our craftsmanship for this task, hon…think we should continue?"

"We wasted enough time on dis as it is…hopefully our experience will get us lucky." Rocko reasoned. "De other task is purely luck-based…we might lose more time switchin'."

"If you say so…I just hope we're not stuck here forever." Lahla groaned, hovering inside the Superkoopa Boathouse. "Let's try this again…"

Koopinator & Shellshock: Sparring Partners (Donut Lake, Motorboat Point)

"…Are we going to ask for help NOW?" Shellshock asked testily.

"…Shut…up…" Koopinator muttered through clenched teeth. "…Yes…we will sit through a lesson…but that is all…"

"If we'd done it in the first place, I bet we would've gotten out of here by now." Shellshock stated.

Turning around before he went through the doorway, Koopinator exhibited a glare that clearly muttered the words 'Shut up' again in their own way. However, Shellshock was unfazed as he defiantly gave a piercing gaze of his own back. With the action at a stalemate, the partners refocused their attention back instead on going over to the Super Koopa and asking for help.

"Excuse me, kind sir…but…I think we're ready to 'listen' now…" Shellshock said, pointedly looking at his fuming partner upon the utterance of his exaggerated word.


Illusorhark was a quaint village located in the midst of a forest clearing in the middle of the woods. Unlike some of the other hidden nearby cities and towns, its buildings weren't made of wood; instead, they were crafted using brick and mortar, so it stood out like a sore thumb with its red colors among the summer greens surrounding it. Placed all around the grassy edges of the town were eleven marked circles of trimmed grass. Each one had a set of five push-based triggers on one end, and cables that were hooked up to respective Bob-ombs waiting on the other edge.

A bubble-pulled taxi came to a stop in front of one of the large circles. The riders disembarked from the attached coach with their baggage and paid the Goomba driver's fare by putting some money into a closed compartment on the outside of the carriage before walking over to the clearing.

Toce & Koopie Koo: Lifelong Friends (Illusorhark, Marked Circle 6)

"Okay…this shouldn't be too hard…" Toce stated, placing her pack down on the ground. Koopie Koo did the same. "So, one of them is a decoy…which one is it?"

All five Bob-ombs stared over at the girls, blinking simultaneously.

"…Um…are they all alive? How could one of them be a decoy if they can all blink like that?" Koopie Koo inquired. "That's creepy…"

"…Hmm…well, we can't tell if they're breathing…" Toce observed. "…Hey, I've got an idea!"

Reaching into her backpack, the brown-haired Toad pulled out a bar of chocolate.

"…What're you—"

"Just watch…I'm willing to be this'll work."

Toce waved the brown bar around alluringly through the air in wide arcs, easily catching the attention of the four real Bob-ombs. They started following it back and forth, their bodies swaying in unison as they gazed at the treat.

"…Bob-ombs like chocolate?" Koopie Koo lifted an eyebrow.

"Not all of them…I just wanted to see what it would do." Toce shrugged. "The one that's not moving is most likely the decoy…let's hope I'm right."

She reached over and pushed down the second lever from the left on their panel. It creaked downward, and released a spark that traveled the length of the fuse, somehow not catching the surrounding trimmed grass ablaze as it sped towards the respective Bob-omb. Upon reaching the motionless black sphere, it disappeared at the feet.

"…Tell me if we get blown up…" Koopie Koo murmured, covering her eyes.

The Toad girl watched with interest as the decoy split into several pieces, revealing a small black box within. The spark ignited the box, catching it afire. It shriveled away to bits, unveiling the clue envelope, protected by a small metal cage.

"Alright!" Toce cheered, running over across the circle.

Peeking one eyelid open, Koopie Koo realized that they were safe. With a sigh of relief, she ran after her friend, who opened the unlocked lid to the barrier and took out the contents. As she did so, the other four Bob-ombs, free from their part of the task, gratefully stood up and went their separate ways.

Toce & Koopie Koo: Lifelong Friends- Currently in 1st (Illusorhark, Marked Circle 6)

"Yes!" Toce exclaimed. "Koopie, listen to this! 'Make your way by taxi to the next possible pit stop at the front doors to Ludwig Koopa's castle.'"

Teams must now make their way by taxi 7 miles out of the Forest of Illusion to the next possible location for the pit stop, located atop Cookie Mountain at the re-built remnants of Ludwig Koopa's castle. This scenic overlook at the bastion's front gates, the second highest area in Dinosaur Land second only to the peak of Vanilla Heights, is the possible pit stop for this leg of the race. The last team to check in here may be eliminated.

"'Warning: The last team to check in may be eliminated.'" Toce concluded.

"The next 'possible' pit stop?" Koopie Koo repeated. "I sure hope that this isn't a superleg or anything…it's been long enough as it is."

"Definitely…let's hurry so we can find out." Toce said. "Come on!"

They both ran back over to their backpacks and heaved them on before rushing out to catch a bubble-pulled taxi being drove by a Bob-omb.


(Mushroom International 3010- Arriving at 6:01 P.M.)

Against the backdrop of the slowly setting sun, the second plane pulled into the runway of Yoshi's Island Airport and steered up to its terminal to allow the passengers to get out. After a bit of weaving through foot traffic and showing their passports again at customs, teams started spilling out of the main arrival halls and into the outer section of the open-air airfield.

Surprisingly, there were no waiting customers in line for the taxi queue, so there were plenty of Yoshi-pulled cabs at rest outside of the exit.

Kojo & Kory: Childhood Friends (Yoshi's Island Airport, Taxi Exit)

"We need a lift to the Yellow Switch Palace." Kojo informed the leading dinosaur. "Think you can get us there fast; we're in a pretty big rush."

"There isn't any kind of closing time for it or tickets involved, are there?" Kory asked curiously.

"Um…as far as I know, it's open access to the public…and it only closes late at night, so you should be safe…" the Yoshi responded. "And of course I can take you there; that's what my job is!"

"Cool! Alright, we're with you, buddy!"

The Petalburg Koopas were comfortably seated and already halfway out of the taxi road before the next set of teams showed up at the doors leading to the line of Yoshis.

Frankie & Ishnail / Pierre & Rana (Yoshi's Island Airport, Taxi Exit)

"Yellow Switch Palace, capeesh?" Ishnail told the driver, stuffing his backpack into the provided compartment.

"Fast as you can possibly go, too. Dis is an important ding we're in." Frankie added.

"I've always heard of these Yoshi-pulled carriages, but I never thought I'd actually get to ride in one…" Rana murmured, stepping into the cab. "This is so cool!"

"Well, let's get the most of it!" Pierre exclaimed. "Full speed ahead, man! If you can get in front of that other taxi, that'd be great, too!"

Blooey & Jerry / Grodus & Crump / Theata & Hannah (Yoshi's Island Airport, Taxi Exit)

"Make sure you go as fast as possible." Crump told the Yoshi as he started trotting down the road. "We're in a race, buh-huh! And it won't pay if we fall behind!"

"Especially if those other taxis behind you pass us! Don't let it happen!" Grodus ordered.

"Follow that retreating cab, and pull ahead if you can." Theata instructed. "We can't risk being Yielded by them!"

"I sure hope we're not the last ones out of the airport…" Jerry mused.

"We shouldn't be." Blooey reassured. "See those other two taxis? Try and get ahead of them, 'kay?"

Bob & Larry / Gloomtail & Hooktail (Yoshi's Island Airport, Taxi Exit)

"Get us there ahead of any other taxis you see on the road." Hooktail ordered. "They might hold the other teams in the competition we're in!"

As the dragons' taxi started down the path, the Bob-ombs hopped into the next one in the line, putting their backpacks in the luggage area.

"Good feeling I am not having…" Bob muttered. "Something is of telling me we are in a bad position…"

"We shall not be staying in last if that is the case." Larry responded. "Yellow Switch Palace, please!"


Lahla & Rocko: Coworkers (Donut Lake, Motorboat Point)

"This is getting so tiring…please tell me we did it this time…" Lahla groaned.

Watching in tense anticipation, the two followed with their eyes as the Super Koopa pulled up the donut boat.

"It took a while, but…" He flashed a grin. "There are enough pieces still on for it to be considered fit for sailing again. You pass."

Lahla & Rocko: Coworkers- Currently in 2nd (Donut Lake, Motorboat Point)

"YES! FIINALLY!" Lahla screamed with delight, doing multiple loops and turns through the air.

"Dank you very much…" Rocko said, bowing as he was handed the envelope. "I sense de pit stop coming up after dis next task…we gotta drive to de eastern shore and get a motorboat of our own to drive across de lake."

Slowing down from her mid-air celebration, Lahla bent over to look as Rocko showed her the Route Info.

"…Hmm…thirty-minute penalty? That'll be nothin' compared to what we just went through…let's get over there, hon!"

Happy to have finally finished, the elated collaborators charged back through the Superkoopa Boathouse and jumped into their marked car.

"It looks like dere's a shorter route to dat shore…we gotta take it to save time." Rocko said. "Alright…make de left outta town and head down de road…"

Koopinator & Shellshock: Sparring Partners (Donut Lake, Motorboat Point)

"I guess it works…" the Super Koopa shrugged. "It qualifies, so you two pass."

"...It's about time…" Shellshock rolled his eyes.

Koopinator & Shellshock: Sparring Partners- Currently in 3rd (Donut Lake, Motorboat Point)

"That took entirely too long…" Shellshock muttered as his partner opened the envelope. "…Those other two finished a while ago, 'Nator…maybe we have a chance to catch them…"

"And we will." Koopinator said determinedly. "There is a motorboat ride across Dinosaur Lagoon that will give us a good opportunity. Hurry, if we leave now, we should be able to make up for lost time."

With somewhat rejuvenated spirits, the turtles dashed back to their marked vehicle. However, when Shellshock started giving directions, he unintentionally steered Koopinator back towards the road they'd come from when arriving from the Roadblock—the one that would force them to make the long drive around the lake to arrive at the shores.


Kojo & Kory: Childhood Friends (Yellow Switch Palace, Column Circle)

"Well, there's not any point in Yielding anyone now and making enemies…so we're not planning on using it." Kory announced, taking their picture out of the stand's box.

After checking in at the Yield mat, the male Koopas went over to the clue box and took one out.

Kojo & Kory: Childhood Friends- Currently in 4th (Yellow Switch Palace, Main Switch)

"Think we should go for the Fast Forward?" Kojo consulted.

"Nah…something tells me we'll do just fine on the main racing track." Kory responded.

"Alright. 'Drive yourselves to Donut Plains and locate the entrance to Vanilla Dome, where your next clue awaits.'" Kojo read. "Okay…we both know that you're the one navigating, pal."

"Yeah…we can't afford to lose time like last leg." Kory agreed.

With the Route Info and enclosed map in hand, the two guys rushed back out of the dome and into the parking circle, where they easily located their marked car. They dumped their backpacks into the trunk before Kojo took to the wheel and started back down the hill.

Frankie & Ishnail: Reform Leaders (Yellow Switch Palace, Column Circle)

Although the two taxis had parked at nearly the same time, the syndicate heads were quick in paying, retrieving their bags, and rushing into the Yellow Switch Palace.

"Dink we oughta Yield dose Squeeks?" Frankie hurriedly asked.

"No, let's save our power for later." Ishnail decided. "We're not Yielding anyone yet."

Pierre & Rana: Dating (Yellow Switch Palace, Column Circle)

A relieved dating couple stepped onto the mat shortly after hearing the news.

"Thanks, guys…" Pierre mumbled. "…Heh, if you'd done that to me, Ishnail…I don't know how I would've aligned myself after the race…"

Rana giggled. "Well…it'd be just cruel to Yield the other teams behind us…so we aren't planning on using the Yield, either."

Frankie & Ishnail: Reform Leaders- Currently in 5th (Yellow Switch Palace, Main Switch)

"No Fast Forward…saving that, too." Ishnail said, ignoring the green folder. "Route Info…hey, Frankster…we're goin' to some place with donuts!"

"…You ain't makin' fun of me, are you?" Frankie narrowed his eyes, patting his gut.

"Course not…" Ishnail lied.

Pierre & Rana: Dating- Currently in 6th (Yellow Switch Palace, Main Switch)

"I'm pretty sure I saw the marked cars outside." Pierre stated. "Come on, babe!"

"Right with you!"

Grodus & Crump: Charity Partners (Yellow Switch Palace, Column Circle)

As Grodus mechanically walked with large steps up to the mat, Crump rushed to reach into the fanny pack to pull out the sticker and get the Yielding procedures done.

"Hurry it up!" Grodus commanded. "Before the others show!"

"Who do I Yield?" Crump demanded.

"Those two Koopas, remember! We discussed this on the plane!"

Crump shuffled through the remaining pictures. "Buh! They aren't in here!"

"Drat! Then get the dragons! HURRY!"

Complying, Crump stapled the picture of the siblings onto the board at an astonishing speed before pasting his team's sticker under the 'COURTESY OF' area.

"We choose to Yield Gloomtail and Hooktail!" Crump declared quickly before dashing over to the clue box with Grodus in tow.

Grodus & Crump: Charity Partners- Currently in 7th (Yellow Switch Palace, Main Switch)

The two X-Nauts quickly scanned through the details of the Route Info.

"Okay, I got it! Now let's beat it before they arrive and kick our butts!" Grodus ushered.

"Our plan was to utilize the Yield to attempt knocking out a strong team early in the game. Obviously, our prime candidates would be teams like those fighters Shellshock and Koopinator, the boy band wannabes Kojo and Kory, or even Frankie and Ishnail." Grodus explained. "But when we got there, all three had already passed through…so our next target was a team who would most likely prove strong later on, and that's the dragons. My circuits describe their potential, and those quadrupeds are dangerous competitors to reckon with! Although they didn't do so hot in the first leg, they would surely be a threat late in the game—that's why we wanted rid of 'em!"

As Crump pulled Grodus along by the arm back outside, the next two teams came running in. Right before the leaders were about to step onto the Yield mat, they realized that it had been used, and therefore, instead rushed straight to the clue box after retrieving their picture. The other team followed suit shortly afterwards.

Theata & Hannah: Best Friends- Currently in 8th (Yellow Switch Palace, Main Switch)

"They aren't gonna like that one bit…" Theata chuckled, taking out the Route Info. "Hmm…I think we should save that Fast Forward, huh?"

"Probably…" Hannah agreed.

"Good. 'Drive yourselves to Donut Plains…'"

Blooey & Jerry: Best Friends- Currently in 9th (Yellow Switch Palace, Main Switch)

"'…where your next clue awaits.'" Jerry finished. "Okay…"

"Hurry, Jerry! We want to get in front of those girls on the road!" Blooey urged.

The Toads scurried out of the building and into the lot, the Blooper and Bob-omb following close behind as they jumped into their respective marked cars.

Gloomtail & Hooktail: Siblings (Yellow Switch Palace, Column Circle)

"Come on, sis! Pick up the pace a little so we can…what the…"

"What's wrong, brother? Did…oh no…"

Both dragons' jaws dropped in complete unison as they stared into the picture of themselves stapled up on the board. The eyes then eventually dragged over to the smaller picture of a grinning (it was hard to tell) Grodus and Crump, posted under 'COURTESY OF' on the panel.

"…You have GOT to be kidding!" Gloomtail roared. "WHY THE HECK DID THEY YIELD US?!"

"I don't know!" Hooktail grumbled, flipping the hourglass over. "Those two are going to pay for this!"

"Why in the world those idiotic automatons used the Yield on us, I have no idea. Sure, I'm aware of that larger one…Grodus, whatever his name was…and how he has that prohibiting function, but still! If that's their reason, why not just stop up some weaker team to save their sorry hides to race for another leg? Why not Yield a pair like the Bob-ombs or those two girly Toads or something? WHY US, DANGIT?!" Gloomtail bellowed. He eventually managed to calm himself down. "…All I know is one thing…they are going to REGRET the day they ever stepped foot on the race…"

With an annoyed groan, the two quadrupeds plumped down on the mat to wait until the sand fell to the bottom.

Bob & Larry: Reform Leaders- Currently in 10th (Yellow Swich Palace, Main Switch)

"I am thinking that we save the Fast Forward for them if they are needing of it." Bob said, motioning over towards the unseen Yield mat behind a column. "We are not needing it, even if we are the second-to-final team to be passing through."

"Indeed…so we go to Donut Plains." Larry double-checked.

"Yes, yes." Bob affirmed.

As the two compassionate Bob-ombs hurried out of the dome as fast as their legs would carry them, both dragons batted an eye.

"When this sand runs out, we might still have a chance at catching up…" Hooktail breathed. "If no one already took the Fast Forward, then we can save ourselves."

"No one else better've been so greedy as to use it…" Gloomtail mumbled.


Due to its method of destruction being a rocketing thrust into a nearby hill, most of Ludwig's castle had been easily recovered and simple to piece together—the large fortress stood as grand and imposing as it had when it had first been stationed atop Cookie Mountain. The view from the cliff's top was simply magnificent, as one was able to see nearly all of Dinosaur Land from the standpoint, from the Forest of Illusion to Chocolate Island, Yoshi's Island to Donut Plains, and part of Vanilla Heights to the Twin Bridges. Combined with the fact that it was getting late in the summer's day and the sun was starting to produce its familiar aurora of warm colors, the attractive observation was truly a sight to behold.

Of course, two waiting figures weren't letting the vision go wasted. As they stood behind the pit stop mat and its location marker labeled 'Dinosaur Land,' their attention was mainly fixated on observing the blending colors change the rest of the sky and everything under it, from the surrounding oceans to the engulfed islands. The red Yoshi host named Blaise had his arms crossed and feet planted squarely shoulder length apart, while the green greeter beside him had much more of a relaxed position.

"So it's only the second elimination now?" the green Yoshi asked curiously.

"Yeah. Evidently, my partner Miles ended up taking out the two Punis in the first leg…not too surprising, in my opinion." Blaise stated. "I'm never too sure why he even bothers casting Punis into the group…they never really do all that well… And I made a bet with him that the next team to go would be those old Bob-ombs…with the exception of Zessworth, the old team almost always makes an early exit."

"…Hmm…okay…" the Yoshi nodded in understanding. "…I think I see the first team coming now!"

Team ? (Ludwig's Castle, Front Doors)

Exiting out from their bubble cab, the two racers pulled their backpacks out before depositing the necessary amount of pay into the box provided for the purpose. As the taxi started rolling away, they turned around and dashed the few yards up to the mat and excitedly hopped on.

"Welcome to Cookie Mountain of Dinosaur Land." The green Yoshi said merrily, extending his four-fingered hand out for handshakes.

"Thank you, it's a pleasure to be here."

"Sure is!"

With a bit of a skeptic look etched onto his face, the red dinosaur eyed the two suspiciously, as if they were holograms there just to mess him up. They were instantly both somewhat unnerved under the stare.

"…It's been an entire season ever since the first team I checked in at the end of a leg was a female team…" Blaise mused. "…Well… Toce and Koopie Koo. You are team number one."

Toce & Koopie Koo: Lifelong Friends- 1st Place, 6:15 P.M.

"All right!" Toce exclaimed. "Sweet!"

"Yahoo!" Koopie Koo cheered.

Right after their respective expletives, the two turned towards each other for a high five before pulling in for an elated embrace of glee.

"I've got some more good news for you, so hold off on the speakerphones for just a minute." Blaise instructed. Although they didn't scream further and their attention was focused on the red Yoshi, the two girls were still interlocked in an ecstatic squeeze. "As the winners of this second leg of the race, you have both won an all-expense paid one-week vacation here at the Dinosaur Land region under no-race circumstances, staying in a five-star resort of your choice either in the Forest of Illusion or atop Vanilla Heights. With this package, you'll have complete access to all of the exciting activities and attractions in the area, including scuba diving, parasailing, and of course…the unlimited food. You can enjoy it after the race."

It took a moment for the bonus to register in the heads of the girls, but when it did, they both let out another overjoyed holler of delight.

"This is SO great! Koops and his dad didn't even place first until the final leg, and they missed out on awesome vacations and stuff like this!" Toce reminded. "This place does have stuff for vegetarians, right?"

"Yeah…"

"Awesome! UNLIMITED food!" Koopie Koo shrieked. "Thank you, thank you, thank you!"

Unlike the first season where Blaise returned a hug from the first place female team, he instead irritably held Koopie Koo at arm's length while picking his ear.

"Well, you can prepare some other stuff just for us, Blaise…and you tell that to Miles, too." Toce stated. "We're taking this race all the way, and you'll be seeing us coming in first again, I can assure you that!"

"…Whatever you say…" Blaise nodded, smoothing out the ruffles in his black shirt.


Lahla & Rocko: Coworkers (Donut Plains Eastern Shore)

"…Ten motorboats are left." Lahla quipped. "That must mean that the girls already went and passed through here. Least the number's not any lower."

"Always a good sign…" Rocko agreed.

Without wasting anymore time, the co-workers climbed into their assigned motorboat and zoomed off into the waters, Rocko taking hold of the functions.

Koopinator & Shellshock: Sparring Partners (Donut Plains Eastern Shore)

Needless to say, the taller of the two fighting turtles was quick to express his displeasure at seeing two other cars parked in the area, and two motorboats already missing from the row, their once-presence marked by the gaps.

"Those blasted parlor people must have already been through here…along with those girls…" Koopinator observed. "Quite unusual…"

"Well, let's try and catch up!" Shellshock urged.

"Yes…they probably both will fall at the disarming of the Bob-ombs coming up…it is there that we will claim our rightful lead."


Kojo & Kory: Childhood Friends- Currently in 4th (Vanilla Dome, Donut Plains Access)

"Roadblock time…" Kory announced. "'Who is willing to attempt to climb to the top?'"

"…Think it somehow has something to do with those ropes and stuff over there?" Kojo inquired, pointing over at the race personnel and their lines. He received a shrug. "…Eh…I'll go ahead and do it. It can't be as bad as what you had to do last leg…"

"Yeah…it isn't." Kory snorted. "You've just gotta rock climb up to that ledge and rappel back down…no sweat, right pal?"

"Of course not. Let me at it." Kojo stated, heading over to the Super Koopa with the '4' sticker.

Pierre & Rana: Dating- Currently in 5th (Vanilla Dome, Donut Plains Access)

The mice dashed over to the clue box and claimed the '5' slip just as another car pulled in after them.

"Here's the second Roadblock…and it looks like rock climbing by the looks of things." Pierre said, glancing over at Kojo, who was just starting up the wall. "You wanna do it, babe?"

"Mmmm…I don't know…" Rana murmured uncertainly. "I think it'd be much faster if you, the getaway king, did it…"

"Mwah, again?" Pierre voiced. "…Eh…alright, babe…but you're not slacking on the next one…"

Giggling, Rana put her paws up defensively. "I'm not slacking, dear…I'm just saying I think it'd be much better if you went ahead and did it."

"Right…" Pierre gave a playful peeved look before heading over to the next open worker.

Frankie & Ishnail: Reform Leaders- Currently in 6th (Vanilla Dome, Donut Plains Access)

"Roadblock…it's your turn to do one, Frankster." Ishnail reminded. "Make me proud, man."

"Well, okay…I guess dat it looks simple enough." Frankie said, taking the '6' sticker over to the third staff member.

Kojo (Vanilla Dome, Climbing Ascent)

Right off the bat, the former athlete showed a strong performance as he scrambled up the wall, quickly locating decent holds for his fingers, even hanging on by just the tip of one finger on several occasions. It made up for the fact that he wore large boots, but nevertheless, he obeyed safety procedures and kept contact with three points at all times.

"All right, Kojo! Great effort, buddy!" Kory yelled.

"Effort? This is pretty easy…" Kojo murmured. "…Heh, just as long as I don't look down, I could keep on doing this for a while…"

Frankie (Vanilla Dome, Climbing Ascent)

Just like his subordinate Rocko, Frankie's squishy Pianta hands were able to easily cling to the rock face, giving him an advanced control over how he climbed. Although he started considerably later, he easily passed Pierre on the way up, and was ascending at a pace similar to that of Kojo.

"Whoo-whee! Look at 'im go! Frank, you're a natural at this!" Ishnail cheered. "Catch up with that Koopa and we've got this!"

"Doin' my best to, Ishnail!" Frankie hollered back.

Pierre (Vanilla Dome, Climbing Ascent)

Although the larger Frankie had passed him, it wasn't to say that Pierre was doing badly—in fact, he was making good progress by using his little limbs to find simple holds, but since he was smaller, it took much longer for him to cover the same ground as the other two climbers. All the same, Rana egged him on from below.

"Go, Pierre! You can keep pace with them, babe!" Rana heartened. "Show them what kinds of getaways you're used to doing!"

"You've no idea, babe…" Pierre smirked fondly at the mention of his prowess.

It was only at the point that the last-place Pierre was at the halfway mark, and the leader Kojo was at about three-fourths that the next marked car arrived.

Grodus & Crump: Charity Partners- Currently in 7th (Vanilla Dome, Donut Plains Access)

The X-Nauts rushed over and pulled the '7' sticker from the stand before taking out an envelope and ripping it open.

"'Who is ready to attempt to climb to the top?'" Crump read. "It's your turn to do a Roadblock, you know."

"…Yes…but…that's rock climbing that they're doing over there." Grodus pointed. "Do you think I'd be able to do that as quickly as them? No."

"Actually, yeah…your brain can control that many functions at one time…at least, it should…" Crump reasoned. "Buh huh huh, give it a shot…we've gotta keep our counts even anyway."

"…Fine." Grodus huffed and went over to the last open rope.

Kojo (Vanilla Heights Initial Ledge)

While Grodus was getting his briefing and being harnessed up to start the task, the spiky-haired Koopa reached the ledge that marked the boundary of Vanilla Heights. The Amazin' Flyin' Hammer Brother immediately took off his harness and started changing it around.

"Nice job on that…if you were so fast, you should have a breeze just rappelling back down."

Theata & Hannah: Best Friends- Currently in 8th (Vanilla Dome, Donut Plains Access)

"They're rock climbing…" Theata observed. "…And rappelling…hmm…who should do this one, I wonder?"

"Me?" Hannah asked meekly upon finding the Toad's gaze resting on her. "You can't be serious, Theata…you know how I am with physical sports like that…"

"Well, it's not like I'm any better…" Theata reasoned. "Besides, you can do it, girl. Just believe!"

"…Oh…all right…" Hannah rubbed her arm nervously. "But I have to wait until one of them finishes before I can start."

"Don't worry about that…it looks like Kojo is almost finished."

Blooey & Jerry: Best Friends- Currently in 9th (Vanilla Dome, Donut Plains Access)

"Neither one of us will have an advantage at this sort of challenge…" Blooey remarked worriedly. "Well, actually…maybe I could use my tentacles…"

"Then you should be the one to take care of it." Jerry concluded. "Quick, take that sticker so we can claim a spot in line."

Frankie (Vanilla Heights Initial Ledge)

After reaching the top, the Pianta patiently waited while the Amazin' Flyin' Hammer Bro started changing his harness.

"Dat was kinda tirin'…" Frankie panted. "…Rappelin' ain't as hard, right?'

"No, not at all…you just balance your weight on falling in a controlled manner…"

Grodus (Vanilla Dome, Climbing Ascent)

Unlike the three other guys moving about the outside of the darkening cavern, Grodus wasn't having such an easy time. Apparently, his brain was slow in moving all of his joints for such a delicate task—twice he had already slipped off and had to grab back onto the wall with his metallic fingers. Not only that, but his large robe was also preventing him from moving his swiveling legs, perhaps the only real advantage he would've had, to reach useful spots.

"Come on, Grodus! I designed your body just for stuff like this!" Crump shouted. "Keep on going strong! Buh buh huh huh huh! You can do it!"

"That's what you think!" Grodus grunted. "This is hard stuff!"

The robotic creature reached up with his arm to try and grab a small indent, but his brain wasn't quick enough to send an impulse to his fingers, and unresponsive, they were unable to grab on, causing him to lose his grip on the rest of the wall.

"GACK!"

Panicking, he flailed about before managing to latch back on. Shakily breathing, he continued climbing.

Pierre (Vanilla Heights Initial Ledge)

"Whew…that was a bit of a workout…" Pierre remarked, wiping the sweat from his forehead. "So I get to rappel back down to the bottom now?"

"Yeah. Don't worry, it's probably going to be easier for you than the climb up." The rotund Hammer Bro assured.

Kojo (Vanilla Dome, Donut Plains Access)

It didn't take very long for the nimble Koopa to get back to the bottom, where the Super Koopa proceeded to bring him off of the harness. When he was finished, the shell-less turtle handed over an envelope and motioned for Hannah to step up.

Kojo & Kory: Childhood Friends- Currently in 4th (Vanilla Dome, Donut Plains Access)

"Nice…you were pretty fast with that one." Kory said, clapping his hand onto his friend's back.

"Thanks." Kojo smirked, taking the Route Info out. Before reading it aloud, the two walked out of hearing range of the other teams. "Detour. 'Lake Circle' or 'Fake Square.' 'Pick a local tradition to perform and test your luck.' Hm. Well, that's not very helpful…we don't have enough elbow room to try 'testing' out our luck."

"Well, we've gotta choose one of them." Kory reminded. "…We've both taken crafting classes before…"

"…At a summer camp."

"…Still. If we follow the directions right, we should be able to do 'Lake Circle' without having to retry too many times." Kory reasoned. "Come on, let's go for it."

As the Koopas departed the area, another marked car parked and its occupants hurried out.

Bob & Larry: Leadership Associates- Currently in 10th (Vanilla Dome, Donut Plains Access)

"Tenth we are, still…" Bob observed. "Which one of us is able to do the rock climbing?"

"Neither…" Larry replied, watching the action unfold on the rock wall. "…Maybe I am having of a better chance. I shall have a shot at it."

"But to wait you must for one of them to finish and give you an open line. Wait here and rest your body in preparation." Bob insisted.

"…Indeed."

Frankie (Vanilla Dome, Donut Plains Access)

As expected, the Pianta syndicate leader was the next one to make it down. His Paragoomba quickly took off the safety gear before handing over a clue and motioning for Blooey to come over and get suited.

Frankie & Ishnail: Reform Leaders- Currently in 5th (Vanilla Dome, Donut Plains Access)

"Nice, Frankster! You passed a team!" Ishnail applauded. "Hurry, so we can get that other one that just left!"

"…It's a Detour." Frankie announced. "…Eh…I ain't dat good with building dings…you?"

"…Other than battle weapons, no." Ishnail said inexpressively, rubbing his arm. "But I don't like the looks of that other task…we'll have to try."

"Alright…let's do it, den."

The consortium bosses hurried back to their marked car and sped off.

Hannah (Vanilla Dome, Climbing Ascent)

"Oh…okay…that one should be good enough…" Hannah murmured. "Then I move my foot up…"

"Come on, Hannah! You can do it! Don't be afraid!" Theata encouraged.

In spite of her previous apprehension, the jacket-wearing Toad wasn't doing too badly at all. Although she took a moment or two at every step to search for another hold, she was quickly gaining on Grodus, who was just barely making progress.

Pierre (Vanilla Dome, Donut Plains Access)

Upon making it down to the ground, the purple-furred Squeek waited as the Monty Mole removed his safety equipment. He collected all of it and gave a clue envelope in exchange before telling Larry, the only remaining Roadblock participant waiting off to the side, to step up for preparations.

Pierre & Rana: Dating- Currently in 6th (Vanilla Dome, Donut Plains Access)

"Sorry 'bout that, babe…ended up letting Frankie pass me." Pierre said apologetically.

"Don't worry about it, dear." Rana waved off. "We can pass them at the next task—I overheard that it's a Detour. What have we got?"

"'Lake Circle' or 'Fake Square.' We either build a boat and test it out on a round around that lake we passed earlier, or we search for a certain door that will lead us to the Top Secret Area." Pierre responded.

"…Erm…I'm feeling lucky right now. Let's try and find the door." Rana suggested.

"Okay…"

Blooey (Vanilla Dome, Climbing Ascent)

"Hey…I'm not too bad at this at all!" Blooey realized. "Woo-hoo! Yeah!"

Using the sticky edges of his tentacles, Blooey was able to disregard the need for decent footholds, and crawled up like a tarantula on the edge of a tank. He was quickly pulling away from the Bob-omb below and catching up to the other two participants above.

"Go, Blooey! You're gaining on them!" Jerry called out.

Larry (Vanilla Dome, Climbing Ascent)

"This is of a small difficulty…hopefully I am able to do it…" Larry mused.

With only a set of legs, it seemed like the white Bob-omb was having troubles with the climbing task. But, he was in actuality using the added support of the powers all handless creatures had—that left him decently sustained to at least manage to perform the task, albeit slowly.

"You can do this, White! Focused you must be to succeed!" Bob reminded.

Grodus (Vanilla Dome, Climbing Ascent)

"Oh, shoot…" Grodus groaned as he noticed Hannah inching up the far side of the rock wall. "They're starting to pass me now! Gah, stupid body! Come on…"

"Go, Grodus, go!" Crump shouted. "Don't let them pass us, not after all that work we went through to get here!"

"Don't rush me!" Grodus hissed. "I'm going as fast as I possibly can!"

"Think faster and harder to climb!"

"I CAN'T, YOU FOOL! MY BRAIN CAN ONLY CONTROL SO MANY OF YOUR STUPID CIRCUITS AT ONCE!"

Taken back in surprise, Crump's voice rose as well.

"Don't yell at me! At least I designed you a body so you could climb! Buh, without it, you wouldn't even be racing here!"

"WELL, IT'S MY BODY! SO SHUT UP AND LET ME DO THIS!"

Hannah (Vanilla Heights Initial Ledge)

The female Toad eventually reached the small outcropping, where the Amazin' Flyin' Hammer Bro proceeded to change out her harness.

"…That was really tiring…" She murmured quietly. "The rappelling won't be as hard…right?"

"Naw…it should be much easier, since you're holding onto the rope as you go back down…but you're going to have to bend your knees and lean backwards as if you're sitting down in a chair…"

Blooey (Vanilla Heights Initial Ledge)

Shortly after Hannah had reached the ledge and gotten started with the rappelling explanation, Blooey caught up and latched onto the ground as his harness was redone.

"Whew! Just gotta get down there fast, and I'll have this task done!"

Grodus (Vanilla Heights Initial Ledge)

Eventually, after both of the other participants started back down, Grodus managed to pull himself up to the shelf.

"…Looks like you had a bit of trouble there…" the fat Hammer Bro muttered, undoing the knot. "…You're a robot, right?"

"…Different one than you might be thinking." Grodus replied quickly, an irritated edge in his voice. "Don't press it."

Slightly startled, he nodded and continued modifying the harness before starting the explanation of how to rappel.


Pierre & Rana: Dating (Donut Ghost House, Grand Hall)

"Whoa…you've gotta be kidding me!" Rana gasped. "This place is humongous!"

"…Well, they did say that there were over a thousand doors in here…" Pierre reasoned. "We better start looking before any other teams show up, babe…"

"Alright, but we're sticking together…all those ghosts are making me nervous…"

The Squeeks went over to one side of the first floor and started alternating to open the doors.

"All that's in here are stupid signs…" Pierre muttered distastefully at a 'GO AWAY' painting. "This is going to take a while, isn't it…"


Blooey & Jerry: Best Friends- Currently in 7th (Vanilla Dome, Donut Plains Access)

After getting removed from the safety gear, Blooey hurried back over to his partner with the envelope.

"Cool, we're now in the lead for this grouping." Jerry said admiringly. "Nice job, Blooey."

"You know it." Blooey said proudly, taking out the folder. "…A Detour…hm. Do you think that 'Fake Square' is a good option? It's closer to us…but it sounds really time-consuming."

"It's better than trying to build a boat…I can at least open a door without having to learn." Jerry joked.

"Well, alright then. To the Donut Ghost House we go!"

Theata & Hannah: Best Friends- Currently in 8th (Vanilla Dome, Donut Plains Access)

Shortly after the Strudel Continent team left, Hannah darted to where her teammate was.

"…Sorry about that…I let Blooey pass me…" She murmured apologetically.

"Hey, don't worry about it." Theata responded energetically. "I bet we can catch up to everyone at the Detour…let's see… 'Lake Circle' or 'Fake Square.' Uh…well, making boats sounds fun. It's farther, but what the hey…"

"I'm willing to give it a try…" Hannah offered.

"Okay, we'll try it then." Theata finalized. "Let's hope it's not too hard of a task."

Larry (Vanilla Heights Initial Ledge)

"Thanking you, I am…most difficult for me that was…" Larry wheezed. "Thinking am I, this is too much of a race…we are overwhelmed…"

"You can try making up for it on the rappel back down. It's much easier than the climbing for you, I'm sure." The Amazin' Flyin' Hammer Bro assured. "Um…though I don't recall the procedure for armless creatures, your legs should be enough to allow you to do it without problems…"

Grodus & Crump: Charity Partners- Currently in 9th (Vanilla Dome, Donut Plains Access)

"Buh! Well, it's about time!" Crump scolded as the larger X-Naut dashed over. "Now we're probably closer to the back than before!"

"I TOLD YOU THAT I CAN'T CONTROL SO MANY FUNCTIONS AT ONE TIME!" Grodus shouted. "YOU CAN'T REPRIMAND ME FOR SOMETHING OUTTA MY CONTROL, CRUMP!"

Raising his hands in self-defense, the short alien immediately quieted while the agitated half-android opened the envelope.

"If it's building something, I can calculate how to do it correctly…we're doing 'Lake Circle,' and we're catching up." Grodus declared. "Get in the car."

Obediently, the shaken Crump scampered over to the marked vehicle and hopped into the driver's seat to wait for his partner, who marched over.


Lahla & Rocko: Coworkers (Chimerawood Shoreline)

The yellow-skinned Pianta docked the motorboat on the banks of Chimerawood, allowing his team to grab the backpacks and disembark from the small dinghy.

"Yoo-hoo! Taxi!" Lahla called out, twirling about in the air.

"I dink dat de bubbles around dese parts just might be de drivers…" Rocko scratched his head. "Er…try gettin' dat one's attention…"

Obviously, the kitty Boo used her flair to attract the full notice of the nearby driver, and shortly afterwards, the two had climbed into the carriage and were en route to Illusorhark.


Kojo & Kory: Childhood Friends (Superkoopa Boathouse)

Upon arriving at the wooden hut on the edge of the darkening waters, the spiky-haired Koopas were directed to sit down. The Super Koopa manager of the joint walked over and sat in front of them.

"Here to perform the Detour, I presume?" he asked.

"Yeah…and we're hoping to get it on our first shot." Kojo informed.

"Well, that's what I'm here for…to help you."

Frankie & Ishnail: Reform Leaders (Superkoopa Boathouse)

"Hey! We need some help over here so we can get started!" Ishnail yelled.

Because the main owner was still instructing Kojo and Kory down the table, another worker rushed over to give assistance.

"Sorry, sorry…I was over repairing one of the models…" the Super Koopa apologized. "Okay, so I just need to help you guys by showing you how to build it, correct?"

"Dat's it." Frankie nodded.

"Alright…should be no sweat at all…"


Bob & Larry: Leadership Associates- Currently in 10th (Vanilla Dome, Donut Plains Access)

Fortunately for the general Bob-omb, the rappelling aspect of the task had indeed been much easier for him than the climbing. After getting unhooked from the harness, he walked over to Bob with the clue envelope in his clutches.

"A better job you did than what I would have managed." Bob tried helpfully.

Larry just sighed. "Yes, but it was still not enough…maybe we shall have another chance with this…" He opened the envelope. "…A Detour…splendid! Building boats is of an easy caliber for us!"

"Yes, yes! 'Lake Circle' is the choice for us!" Bob agreed.

Hoping that this was a decent opportunity to pull ahead, the elderly Bob-ombs rushed back to their marked car and jumped in.


Gloomtail & Hooktail: Siblings (Yellow Switch Palace, Column Circle)

"Took it long enough…" Gloomtail grumbled as the last grains of sand fell from the top half of the hourglass. "Finally we can get over to that clue box!"

"Let's get out of this joint—all the yellow is hurting my eyes!" Hooktail complained, scampering over to the stand.

Gloomtail & Hooktail: Siblings- Currently in Last (Yellow Switch Palace, Main Switch)

"This is going to be our only chance to catch up…please be something manageable…" Hooktail muttered before opening the Fast Forward folder from the envelope. "'Drive yourselves to Caffellage on Chocolate Island and successfully eat an entire local specialty, a Russet-ocolate Cake, at the Lage Café.'"

A Fast Forward is a single grant located on most legs of the race. Any team that uses a Fast Forward will be able to skip all additional tasks for the leg and head directly to the pit stop, but each team is only able to use their Fast Forward power once; therefore, they must decide when it is most advantageous to use it.

To claim this leg's Fast Forward, teams will have to drive themselves to the town of Caffellage on Chocolate Island, located 3 miles from the Yellow Switch Palace, and head to this place—the Lage Café, a local snack bar renowned for expressing the finest of Chocolate Island's best meals and deserts. They will then have to consume the wholesome of a local delicacy, known as a Russet-ocolate Cake, loaded with not only several different types of rich chocolates, but also mousse, whipped cream, and small chips. If a team is able to successfully finish off the platter, they will receive the Fast Forward.

"A cake? That's it?" Gloomtail questioned. "Man, that'll be no sweat! I haven't had dinner yet! We're coming to that pit stop, Blaise, and we're not gonna be in last!"

"No, we aren't!" Hooktail agreed. "Come on, we've gotta get to the marked cars!"

The dragons rushed out under the evening skies over to the only remaining marked vehicle in the near-empty parking circle, and got in.


Blooey & Jerry / Pierre & Rana (Donut Ghost House, Grand Hall)

"I have no idea how many doors it's been already, but this is a total pain to be doing…" Pierre mumbled. "And those ghosts flying around behind us are just getting plain annoying…"

"Tell me about it, babe…" Rana replied over the cacophony of singing screeches. "You think we should go up to the next floor or something?"

"Nah…we have to stay with this…we're going to run into one of those hallways sooner or later…and when we do, we'll be able to get out of here." Pierre responded optimistically.

Up on the fourth floor, the recently-arrived Blooey and Jerry weren't having any luck, either. Like the mice, they'd opted to stick together on the same row and skip doors, letting each other open alternating entrances.

"Wow…this is time-consuming…there are actually a THOUSAND doors in this place?" Jerry squeaked. "No wonder I can't see the ends of this hallway…"

"I just want to see the Top Secret Area as soon as possible…it's so dreary in here." Blooey complained. "Why in the world do ghosts enjoy the dark so much?"

"…Because…it's fun to play pranks in the dark…"

Spooked, the Blooper spun around to look at the doorway, but there was nothing there.

"…Creepy…" Blooey muttered before heading over to the next doorway.


Grodus & Crump / Theata & Hannah (Superkoopa Boathouse)

"Hand me that next piece." Grodus commanded. "We're nearly done with a top-grade donut boat, and we will be in the lead in no time!"

"Buh…if you say so…" Crump muttered, holding up another section of wood.

"Geez, how're they doing that?" Theata questioned. "Ours looks nothing like theirs, and we followed all the instructions…right?"

"I think so…we'll just have to test it out and see." Hannah answered.

Kojo & Kory: Childhood Friends (Donut Lake, Motorboat Point)

"Darn…I thought for sure that the first one would be able to handle that trip." Kojo said unhappily. "Guess we have to try again…"

"Yeah. We better step on it in case someone gets beginner's luck." Kory replied, leading the way back to the boathouse.

Frankie & Ishnail: Reform Leaders (Donut Lake, Motorboat Point)

"Well…er…in the dark, it looked like it was still there…" Ishnail chuckled nervously.

The somewhat amused Super Koopa shook his head. "Sorry, but the whole thing chipped off the rope. You'll have to do better than that if you want to get the clue."

"Dat's just what we're gonna do, den." Frankie responded. "Come on, we gotta try dis again."

"And get it right this time." Ishnail added, following his partner up the small trail to the hut.


Koopinator & Shellshock: Sparring Partners (Chimerawood Shoreline)

"Yet again we are beaten here…but we still have a chance…"

The Glitz Pit fighters dragged their backpacks up the flight of stairs to the main street.

"Hey, there's still some…cabs…roaming around at this hour, 'Nator!" Shellshock pointed out. "We're in luck! Taxi! Over here!"

When Shellshock failed to get the attention of a nearby bubble-taxi, Koopinator rolled his eyes before letting out a wolf whistle—needless to say, it worked.


Bob & Larry / Frankie & Ishnail / Kojo & Kory (Superkoopa Boathouse)

"Interesting…so the mast is nothing more than being of adhered to the inside circle." Bob confirmed.

"Yeah. It's not really an important part to you here for the Detour," replied the Super Koopa. "In fact, it's usually one of the first pieces to go…but it'll definitely count if it stays on when the ride is over."

"Ah…very noteworthy." Larry said, nodding.

While the leadership Bob-ombs were getting their basic explanation from the Super Koopa manager, the other two teams in the shop were busy at work constructing their donut boats. However, while Frankie and Ishnail were rushing just to put another one together, Kojo and Kory were eavesdropping and taking note of any good details being restated.

"…Think we'll get it this time?" Kory inquired.

"Got to. There's too many teams here for us to keep failing…we've gotta succeed at this sooner or later." Kojo gave his reply.

"Hurry, nail those two sections together." Ishnail directed. "Frankster, make 'em even and quit taking your time!"

"I'm tryin' my best to get dese wooden nails in and firm, so quit rushin' me!" Frankie responded irately.

Theata & Hannah: Best Friends (Donut Lake, Motorboat Point)

"Drat! We just missed it? You're sure?" Theata asked in disbelief.

"Yeah…from what I can tell, you're just a few missing parts below the mark." The Super Koopa shrugged. "Sorry…gotta do it again, girls."

"Hurgh…fine, we'll give it another shot." Theata sighed before turning around.

"It's okay…we'll get it soon." Hannah assured. "Maybe if we just tweak it a little bit, we can make it on our next try."

"Right. Okay, I'm focused. Let's do it!"

Grodus & Crump: Charity Partners (Donut Lake, Motorboat Point)

Stepping out from the speedboat, the X-Nauts patiently waited for their Super Koopa to finish reeling in the rope from the water. Crump leaned against the wooden poles of the pier, while Grodus crossed his arms.

"…Here it is…" the Super Koopa muttered, picking the boat up and untying it from the twine. "…Remarkable…not too much damage done. This definitely passes."

"Alright!" Crump cheered. "Awesome!"

"What did I say again? We'd finish before anyone else." Grodus said triumphantly.

Grodus & Crump: Charity Partners- Currently in 4th (Donut Lake, Motorboat Point)

Focusing his electronic signals, Grodus tore the envelope open and slid out the Route Info.

"…Disarming a code of bombs…this, I can also do with ease." Grodus declared. "We're moving up the ranks today."

"Great! You see, I knew that the body would come in handy!" Crump grinned.

Grodus turned to his partner and, after a moment of silence, expressed his agreement with a small smile of his own.

"Hey, it has its flaws. But when we were at the bottom, this thing pulled us right back up to the top." Grodus commented, pointing to his robes. "I've gotta hand it to that accomplice of mine…although the design is hard for me to work, it's got some pretty dang good details to it! GACK ACK ACK ACK!"


Lahla & Rocko: Coworkers (Illusorhark, Marked Circle 1)

"Five Bob-ombs…and one of dem is the one that won't explode…" Rocko mused.

"…How're we supposed to figure this one out, hon?" Lahla queried. "They're all blinking and everything as they just sit there!"

The two co-workers stared across the circle at the set of waiting bombs.

"…Maybe if I…" Lahla trailed off before going into a frenzied spin of twirling and dancing through the air. "…Didn't work…they ain't movin' from the spot at all!"

A glint appeared on the sunglasses of Rocko, despite the fact that the forest canopy wasn't letting in very much light, and his back was turned towards the nearby lamppost. He started towards the panel of triggers.

"…Rocko? Uh…what're you doin'?" Lahla asked. "We still don't have a…Rocko?"

Without hesitation, the Pianta had pushed the lever on the far right. A fuse ran the length of the cord before hitting the corresponding Bob-omb, splitting it into pieces. The protective outer covering burnt away, revealing the metallic holding box and the clue inside.

"…Whoa…" Lahla gasped.

Lahla & Rocko: Coworkers- Currently in 2nd (Illusorhark, Marked Circle 1)

"It's de next pit stop at Ludwig's Castle." Rocko informed, squinting past his sunglasses to see in the dim lighting. "We gotta catch another taxi!"

As her partner rushed back over to claim his backpack, Lahla spun around to catch the attention of a driver down the road.

"Done."


The small town of Caffellage sat near the edge of the waters of Dinosaur Lagoon, overlooking the cliffs that towered out of the sea. Buildings seemed to be crafted out of pure chocolate—in the evening light, it looked more like brown rock, but the chew marks and bites on some walls that clearly gave the whole area away.

Near the very center of the village was a large, circular building of chocolate—the Lage Café. Evening hours provided the best business; the lot was jam packed with transports, and the tables were all virtually filled. All except for one.

Gloomtail & Hooktail: Siblings (Lage Café, Seating Area)

After arriving at the restaurant, the dragons had been led to a round table in the very center of the floor. It looked like it had been prepared for multiple teams to take the challenge, but they only filled two of the seats.

"Alright…let's get this started!" Gloomtail urged. "Bring it on already!"

On cue, a Dino Rhino carrying a large covered tray on his back came rumbling out from a set of silver, polished swinging doors. He lumbered over to the table and slid the platter off.

"…Geez…" Hooktail mumbled, glancing at how the cover rose almost two feet up into the air.

"…Bon appetite," the Dino Rhino stated before dramatically lifting the lid up.

Immediately, both siblings' eyes widened at the sight.

The Russet-ocolate Cake was more than just a pastry—it was a towering work of art. It had a large brown base with at least a two-foot radius, and was at least six inches high. Decorative flowers and symbols were posted all over the sides at different intervals, along with colorful strips of icing. A swirling of gooey mousse was squashed on the top by another swirl of white whipped cream, which had several other chocolate candies plastered onto its lines.

"…Whoa…" Hooktail made a face.

"…Whoa…" Gloomtail started to drool. "Oh, boy! This was SO meant for us as a task!"

Pushing the silverware placed around him away, the black dragon eagerly placed his front paws on the table as he leaned over the edge of the concoction.

"DIG IN, SIS!"

And with that, he plunged his head into the midst of the cake and began gulping and chewing hungrily, causing nearly the entire grouping of patrons to stare in amazement. Hooktail gulped and looked around nervously before leaning over as well and digging onto the outside.


Bob & Larry: Leadership Partners- Currently in 5th (Donut Lake, Motorboat Point)

After all of their note-taking, the Bob-ombs had succeeded in making it on their first try. Elated, they opened the envelope handed over to them by the Super Koopa.

"Thanking you we are!" Bob nodded appreciatively. "…Next task should be simple for us…figuring out a puzzle involving Bob-ombs, we are."

"Simple, indeed. Off we shall march!" Larry agreed.

The two Bob-ombs hurried up the path and went around the boathouse before reaching their marked car.

"To the Donut Plains shore, we shall go. Taking short path we will be…" Bob informed.

Kojo & Kory: Childhood Friends- Currently in 6th (Donut Lake, Motorboat Point)

"Alright! Sweet! Thanks so much!" Kojo exclaimed, taking the clue.

"Looks like listening to the other guys really helped us with this one…" Kory grinned. "So, where are we headed?"

"…Not the pit stop…we have to use motorboats to cross the lagoon over to the Forest of Illusion, where we're going to need to find a decoy from five Bob-ombs." Kojo explained.

"In that case, there's still a chance to catch everyone else in front of us…let's go."

Frankie & Ishnail / Theata & Hannah (Superkoopa Boathouse)

After their respective repeated failed attempts, the two teams were back at the drawing boards, fixing up more donut boats for another try.

"It's getting really dark out…I wonder if we're in last right now…" Hannah murmured worriedly.

"I sure hope not…" Theata said, hammering in a wooden nail. "Otherwise, we might be here all night…that last one wasn't even close."

"But we have to keep trying."

"We have to."

"Here, let me do it…" Ishnail grumbled, snatching away the hammer. "Can't seem to get it, can you?"

"Quit arguin' and just do dat job if you're wantin' to finish!" Frankie replied heatedly.

"Well, I am! But the way you're working, we're NEVER going to get out of here!"


Gloomtail & Hooktail: Siblings (Lage Café, Seating Area)

Astonished applause sounded from the crowd of onlookers seated at the various tables in the café as a stuffed Gloomtail and Hooktail pulled their messy faces away from the crumbs on the large platter.

"…Mmmmmm…this is the fullest I've felt in centuries…" Gloomtail whispered dreamily. "…I've never known anything to taste so good…"

"…My stomach hurts…" Hooktail groaned.

Seeing that the speedy dragons were finished, the Dino Rhino lumbered over and presented them with the Fast Forward award clue.

"Awesome…thanks…"

Gloomtail & Hooktail: Siblings- Currently in 3rd (Lage Café, Seating Area)

The black dragon hastily wiped his paws off on a nearby napkin before opening the green folder.

"…What's it say?" Hooktail leaned her head over curiously.

"'Congratulations on winning the Fast Forward award. A helicopter waits outside; show it to the pilot, and he will fly you directly to the next pit stop at Ludwig's Castle atop Cookie Mountain.'"

Having won the Fast Forward, Gloomtail and Hooktail may now skip all tasks and head directly to the next pit stop, at Ludwig's Castle. Due to the incredibly large distance and method of travel, they will have the unique pleasure of being escorted there by a helicopter that will head straight over the lagoon to arrive at the hill.

"Awesome! We don't have to drive ourselves for this one!" Gloomtail exclaimed, teetering up onto his paws. He grabbed the folder in his muddled fangs. "Come on, sish! Let'sh go!"

"Ugh…I don't know if I can stand a trip up in the air like this…"

Nevertheless, Hooktail was ushered outside by her brother. Just as the clue had stated, they found a helicopter pad and a flying transport waiting for them there. Gloomtail showed the helmet-wearing Koopa the folder clenched between his teeth, and the turtle motioned for them to climb in before he stepped back into the cockpit.

"This is gonna be so great…" Gloomtail uttered before strapping himself in.

"…I think I'm gonna hurl…" Hooktail moaned.

"Not on me, you won't…"


Koopinator & Shellshock: Sparring Partners (Illusorhark, Marked Circle 9)

"…So…come up with a solution to it yet?" Shellshock asked.

"No. But it should simply be the one that is the odd card out…I have a feeling it is that one." Koopinator pointed.

"…Can't we try some other kind of method?" Shellshock turned to the Bob-ombs on the other side. "Hey, which one of you won't explode when we push your trigger?"

They all simply blinked simultaneously in response.

"…Asking a question is not the solution." Koopinator reprimanded, slugging Shellshock over the head.

"OW! Hey, it was worth a shot!"

"Hardly. Now, let me try it…" Koopinator ordered, pushing past his partner. He marched over to the panel of levers and pushed the central one, sending out the fuse.

It…broke the decoy and burned the barrier.

"Lucky guess…" Shellshhock grunted, unimpressed.

Koopinator & Shellshock: Sparring Partners- Currently in 4th (Illusorhark, Marked Circle 9)

The metallic warrior retrieved the envelope from its cage and ripped it open, walking back over to his partner.

"…We are now headed to the pit stop at Ludwig's Castle." Koopinator informed. "I will get us a taxi."

Shellshock covered his ears and grimaced as the armor-wearing combatant let out a wolf whistle right near his head.


Blooey & Jerry / Pierre & Rana (Donut Ghost House, Grand Hall)

"I have no freakin' idea how many freakin' doors we've tried opening, but this freakin' task is gettin' on my freakin' nerves!" Blooey proclaimed irately. "Jerry, this is stupid…we've gotta switch tasks. We're never going to find it!"

"We should be getting close, though." Jerry tried to reason. "The likelihood is that one of them is located somewhere on this floor…we should reach it soon."

"…Urgh…I'll be old and even more wrinkled when that hour comes around…" Blooey groaned, opening another door to find a 'LOSER' sign posted on the wall.

However, for the dating Squeeks, things were different. After opening a door and not finding an annoying sign, Rana had motioned for her partner to come over, and together, they'd run down its length to find a doorway at the end.

"Well…here goes nothing…this should be the right one…" Pierre muttered, pushing open the wooden board.

Much to their relief, it emptied out to show the darkening skies, and the path leading to the hidden haven sprawled out in front of them.

"Awesome, that must be the Top Secret Area!" Rana pointed. "Come on, babe!"

Pierre & Rana: Dating- Currently in 8th (Top Secret Area)

"…Motorboats over to Illusorhark in the Forest of Illusion…alright. Let's do this!" Pierre exclaimed after scanning through the Route Info.

The mice hurried back over to the path near the doorway they'd exited. They spotted the shortcut out, and followed it to the entrance to the Donut Ghost House.

"I'm glad we're still not in there…but by the looks of things, there's someone still struggling inside." Rana observed, eyeing the other marked car.

"Least we're not in last. That Bob-omb thing sounds a bit tough…" Pierre muttered, starting the vehicle.


Grodus & Crump: Charity Partners (Donut Plains Eastern Shore)

"Looks like we're in fourth place…" Grodus mused. "Good enough…if we can keep it that way, I'll be satisfied for this leg."

"Definitely not too shabby if we can hold it up long enough to reach the pit stop!" Crump said, leaping into the front seat. "I'll drive! Buh buh huh huh huh huh huh!"

"Fine—just hurry!"


Team ? (Ludwig's Castle, Front Doors)

After exiting their transport with their backpacks in tow, two team members rushed over to the mat.

"Welcome to Cookie Mountain of Dinosaur Land," greeted the green Yoshi.

"Thanks, hon!"

"Yeah…dank youse very much."

A somber Blaise dully looked at the pair. "Lahla and Rocko. You are team number two."

Lahla & Rocko: Coworkers- 2nd Place, 7:22 P.M.

"All right! Whoo!" Lahla shouted excitedly. "Way better than that performance last leg! Yeah!"

"Definitely a more admirable placing." Rocko agreed. "Let's keep dis job up."

"We'll certainly try!"


Bob & Larry: Leadership Associates (Donut Plains Eastern Shore)

"Good it looks like we are doing!" Larry exclaimed. "All of these boats are still here! We are ahead of quite a few teams!"

"Yes, yes!" Bob said jubilantly. "Come, we must pilot our own across the lagoon!"

Without further hesitation, the Bob-ombs hopped into a marked motorboat and drove it off the shores, Bob controlling the wheel.


Frankie & Ishnail / Theata & Hannah (Superkoopa Boathouse)

"Back to the drawing boards yet again…this is getting REALLY discouraging…" Theata remarked flatly. "I don't know how many times we've tried this…it's like we keep on getting worse and worse!"

"I don't know what's going on with that…" Hannah murmured. "Maybe we should ask for the explanation for a second time…"

"…What is that going to do? How'll that help us?"

"…Well…the very first time after hearing it, we almost succeeded. If it's fresh in our minds, maybe we can improve on what we did that time…"

Theata sighed defeatedly. "Okay, fine…hey, you! We need some help over here, please!"

"This is so freakin' retarded…" Ishnail muttered angrily. "We're stuck here probably in last place with two girls, and we can't even pass them…if we get beaten by them, I'm gonna be SO mad…"

"Den let's try and get dis done." Frankie replied, attaching the mast to the donut boat. "Quit your talkin' and keep buildin' so we can get outta here."

"What the heck does it look like I'm doing, Frank?" Ishnail shouted crossly.


Blooey & Jerry: Best Friends (Donut Ghost House, Grand Hall)

Unlike what Jerry had said, the two friends had yet to run into one of the special doors that would take them to the all-important Top Secret Area; in fact, they'd actually finished opening all the doors on one side of the hall, and had moved onto the next side, continuing with their previous method.

"Oh my gosh, this is taking forever…" Jerry groaned. "I thought for sure we'd find the right one, but I'm starting to think there's not even one on this floor…"

"There better be." Blooey said, turning around. "I don't wanna stay in here all freakin' night just opening doors amongst a bunch of partying poltergeists! We are getting OUT of here!"

The discouraged Bob-omb watched as his partner slammed a door shut in irritation and moved on.

"…But when?" Jerry whispered.


Kojo & Kory: Childhood Friends (Donut Plains Eastern Shore)

"Okay…there are still quite a few motorboats left, so we're still in good shape." Kojo noted. "Hopefully we can get to the pit stop before it gets too dark and we'll be forced to take out our flashlights…"

"It shouldn't for a few more hours." Kory assured, glancing at the setting sun. "We've still got time."

"Alright…so, who's driving this boat?" Kojo asked. "Doesn't look like we have to use maps…does it?"

"…Quit trying to play mind games with me and go ahead and drive if you want…" Kory shoved his friend into the boat playfully. "I'll be driving something soon enough…"


Team ? (Ludwig's Castle, Front Doors)

"Hurry it up! Quit moving so slow!"

One teammate had to wait for the other to run over before they both were able to get onto the mat.

"Welcome to Cookie Mountain of Dinosaur Land," said the green Yoshi with a polite wave.

The red-skinned dinosaur started to speak. "Koopinator and Shellshock. You are team number three."

Koopinator & Shellshock: Sparring Partners- 3rd Place, 7:34 P.M.

"Expected from partway through the leg…" Koopinator responded emotionlessly. "We will claim that deserved top spot soon enough."

"…Eventually…" Shellshock quipped.


Blooey & Jerry: Best Friends (Donut Ghost House, Grand Hall)

"I found it! I found it! There's no sign in this one!" Jerry hollered.

"No fooling?!" Blooey asked. "Awesome!"

The Blooper followed the trail of his friend into the hallway, where they ran through the darkness before finding the door at the end. Jerry pushed it open, and the two were greeted by the welcoming sight of the road that led to the Top Secret Area cove.

"It's about time!" Blooey whooped. "Let's go get that clue!"

"Right behind you!"

Blooey & Jerry: Best Friends- Currently in 9th (Top Secret Area)

"…We're using motorboats to cross Dinosaur Lagoon over to the Forest of Illusion…hopefully someone got lost on the way there or something, and we can slink forward." Jerry stated. "If Pierre and Rana already left, then that's bad…"

"But if their car is still here, that's good. Let's check it out." Blooey suggested.

Upon heading back in the direction of the Donut Ghost House, the best friends veered to the left to follow the forest trail around, and were eventually deposited back out near the front, where a single marked car was haphazardly set, leaning on the side of the road.

"Aw, crap…" Blooey groaned, spirits plummeting. "That's bad. We're behind one team…who knows how many others are ahead…"

"Well, we can't just spend time lamenting about it. We'll have to keep on going." Jerry said, pushing him towards the car.


Pierre & Rana: Dating (Donut Plains Eastern Shore)

"Only less than half of the boats are still here…and one of them is ours." Rana remarked. "At least we're still staying ahead of some teams…that's a good thing."

"Yeah, but I don't wanna be here when they inevitably catch up. Come on, babe." Pierre ushered. "Let's get this leg over with…"

"I'd love to, ASAP."

After the two jumped into their motorboat and slipped off their packs, Pierre throttled the speedy vessel forward and into the lake.


Team ? (Ludwig's Castle, Front Doors)

Needless to say, the two waiting Yoshis were already aware of the fact that a team had gone for the Fast Forward, but still seemed surprised upon watching the helicopter make its landing at a field on the bottom of the hill. Shortly afterwards, two four-legged creatures came galloping up the path with backpacks attached to their bodies. While one of them retained energy even after the run, the other looked quite sick and queasy.

"Welcome to Cookie Mountain of Dinosaur Land," stated the greeter.

When the two didn't give a response, Blaise took it as his opportunity to give the results.

"Gloomtail and Hooktail," he announced, "You are team number four."

Gloomtail & Hooktail: Siblings- 4th Place, 7:45 P.M.

"Fourth?" Gloomtail repeated, a hint of disappointment in his voice. "…Huh…I guess the other three teams not on our flight must've already checked in…oh well…least we stayed in this leg, even after being Yielded, right sis?"

No response.

"…Uh…sis?"

At last, Hooktail released her pent-up stomach tension…all over her brother.

"EW, GROSS! HOOK, I TOLD YOU NOT TO UPCHUCK ON ME!"

"…Sorry…" Hooktail apologized sheepishly in between the convulsive breaths before she collapsed. "…I'll…I'll be alright…"

"Arororororororo…eww…" the Yoshi turned away, making a face. Unsurprisingly, Blaise just stood there, eyes ever-so-slightly averted from the puddle of brown and white vomit that was being created from chunky drips in front of his feet.

"…I'm going to have to call in the clean-up crew for this, or else the other teams won't be able to check in properly…" he muttered. "…Hooktail, are you sure you're okay?"

"…Just…ate…a bit…too much for…dinner…and dessert…"


Frankie & Ishnail: Reform Leaders (Donut Lake, Motorboat Point)

"Sorry…doesn't work. Try it again."

"…GRAAAAAAAAAAARRRRGGGH!"

Theata & Hannah: Best Friends (Superkoopa Boathouse)

The two girls ignored the syndicate leaders, who practically stormed back through the doorway.

"Hopefully we get it right this time…" Theata muttered. "I don't wanna be around when they finally explode…"


Grodus & Crump: Charity Partners (Chimerawood Shoreline)

Shortly after abandoning their parked boat on the banks and retrieving their backpacks, the two X-Nauts rushed up to the main street.

"Is that a taxi I see? It looks weird!" Crump exclaimed. "Hey, over here!"


Blooey & Jerry: Best Friends (Donut Plains Eastern Shore)

"Not very many left…shoot…" Blooey grunted. "Come on, Jerry…if they happen to be on their way here right now, it'll be a fight to the finish! And we're going to keep battling until Blaise sings, telling us to stop!"

"Bad analogy…I don't think Blaise sings." Jerry murmured. "He'd be more likely to take up playing an electric guitar…and he's not even the musical type…at least, I think…"

"…Whatever." Blooey rolled his eyes, starting up the motorboat. "Less talk about the co-host and more racing! Here we go!"


Bob & Larry: Reform Leaders (Chimerawood Shoreline)

Parking their motorboat amongst the mob of others at the shores, the Bob-ombs hurried up the steps and walked over to a parked cab on the side of the road.

"Excusing us, you must try please." Bob started. "We require transport to Illusorhark."

"And a quick one at that we are needing." Larry added.


Theata & Hannah: Best Friends (Donut Lake, Motorboat Point)

A nervous pair of girls waited while the Super Koopa hauled in their latest donut boat. Theata tapped her foot on the wooden planks, while Hannah had her hands tightly gripped together behind her back as she elevated herself up and down on the soles of her shoes repeatedly.

"Isn't this your first time riding with me?" he asked. "…Well, regardless…it's the first time I've been the driver to hand out an envelope…you passed."

Theata & Hannah: Best Friends- Currently in 10th (Donut Lake, Motorboat Point)

"WAHOOO! YEAH!" Theata screamed exultantly. "AWESOME!"

"Thank you so much." Hannah said in a more controlled manner than her partner. "Hurry, Theata, open it!"

"'DriveyourselvestotheeasternshoreofDonutPlainsanduseamotorboattocrossthelagoonovertotheForestofIllusions. LocatethetowncalledIllusorharkandchooseoneofthemarkedclearings. Successfully—"

"Theata, slow down…I can't understand a word you're saying…"

"No time! We have to split and use a motorboat to cross the lagoon, girl! Let's go!"

Frankie & Ishnail: Reform Leaders (Superkoopa Boathouse)

"…Dang! It sounds like dey just finished, and we're still here!" Frankie pounded his fist on the table. "Hurry up dat hammerin', Ishnail!"

"HELP ME INSTEAD OF ORDERING ME AROUND!"

"Well, excuse me—youse is the one who wants to do everythin'!"

"JUST SHUT UP AND HELP!"

"FINE, QUIT YELLING, DEN!"


Kojo & Kory: Childhood Friends (Chimerawood Shoreline)

"We're on our way to Illusorhark. Can you get us there quickly?" Kojo asked hopefully.

"Sure can. Just hop in." The Goomba in the bubble replied.

"That's just what we'll do!"


Grodus & Crump: Charity Partners (Illusorhark, Marked Circle 2)

"Too…easy…" Grodus muttered, just taking one look at the group of five Bob-ombs before reaching over to slam down one of the triggers.

"Tell me if it was the right one…" Crump winced as he watched the flame travel along the string.

"You nincompoop, it's obviously the right one!" Grodus berated.

Needless to say, the half-android's powers were tried and true as all coverings were lost to reveal the envelope inside.

"Told you."

Grodus & Crump: Charity Partners- Currently in 5th (Illusorhark, Marked Circle 2)

"Pit stop at Ludwig's Castle…" Grodus murmured, scanning the Route Info hastily. "We need a taxi! Get one!"

"On it! Hey, you over there!" Crump waved his hands around to call the attention of a bubble cab.


Pierre & Rana: Dating (Chimerawood Shoreline)

"Illusorhark…we're looking for a group of circles with Bob-ombs in them." Pierre told the occupant of the bubble.

"Preferably if you could get us there as fast as possible." Rana added. "We'd really appreciate it."

"Sure thing." The Bob-omb nodded.

"Awesome…come on, babe."


Bob & Larry: Leadership Associates (Illusorhark, Marked Circle 4)

"…Easy enough to tell for us, it is." Bob shook his head. "Hopefully this will be of what can push us closer to front."

"Indeed. Pressing trigger will I be now?" Larry inquired.

"Yes, yes."

The white general marched over and pushed down one of the triggers on the panel, releasing the spark that traveled over to the line of Bob-ombs. Said bomb fell into pieces, and the protection withered away into a pile of ashes to show the cage inside.

"An easy task for us, thank goodness." Bob said happily.

Bob & Larry: Leadership Associates- Currently in 6th (Illusorhark, Marked Circle 4)

"Taking a taxi to the peak of Cookie Mountain for Ludwig's Castle, we are." Larry informed, holding the Route Info under the nearby streetlight. "Finding a taxi we should be for carriage."

"Right away." Bob nodded. He exploded, sending a bright flash up into the air.

"Seeing one coming, I do." Larry remarked as Bob fell back down to the ground unharmed.


Theata & Hannah: Best Friends (Donut Plains Eastern Shore)

"Only three boats left…ours, the one for the dragons, and the one of the Rogueport leaders…" Theata murmured, looking at the pictures on the windshields of each motorboat. "Looks like luck is on our side…we haven't seen the dragons at all since the airport, so we should be safe."

"I sure hope so…" Hannah said quietly, placing her backpack down gently into the holding compartment of the water-travel vehicle.

"Hang on tight…we've got some catching up to do, regardless!" Theata warned, grabbing a hold of the steering controls.


Frankie & Ishnail: Reform Leaders (Donut Lake, Motorboat Point)

The Super Koopa towed up the rope from the waters, with the syndicate heads watching expectantly. Ishnail's fingers were crossed, and Frankie was doing the same—however it was possible with his fingerless Pianta hands, especially with the wedding band around one of them.

"…Sorry…nope."

As the tension was broken and the cape-wearing worker simply strode away, the two men angrily glared at each other.

"We've GOT to keep trying, or we're NEVER going to get out of here…" Ishnail managed through gritted teeth.

"Don't be tellin' me dat…let's just get it done…" Frankie responded.


Kojo & Kory: Childhood Friends (Illusorhark, Marked Circle 7)

After putting down their backpacks, the two Koopas curiously walked over to the start of the circle and looked at the grouping of Bob-ombs.

"Looks like those are the five…and we need to figure out which one is actually a decoy." Kojo muttered. "They're all blinking at the same time…are they all alive or something?"

"Probably…can't have a decoy without four other real ones…" Kory reasoned. "So…how should we go about this?"

"…Everyone feels pain." Kojo snapped his fingers. "What if we throw rocks and see which ones react to it?"

"Hey, now that should work…"

Looking around in the grass, the boys managed to find several decently sized pebbles. They started tossing them at the five Bob-ombs, one by one.

"The far left one reacted…it bounced backwards slightly." Kojo pointed.

"Second one blinked out of line." Kory reported.

"Third one closed its eyes and ducked…" Kojo smirked.

"…The fourth one didn't have any kind of movement at all. It's probably that one."

Kory shoved down the second trigger from the right, sending out the spark. It traveled along the large fuse across the trimmed grass…and blew up its Bob-omb, causing all of the others to explode.

"WHOA!"

Luckily, although it was a large explosion, the actual blast didn't reach even farther than the halfway point of the circle. While the four Bob-ombs scampered off, the Koopas were left to look at a black, paper-like covering with a timer attached. It had '30:00' marked in red numbers, and started counting down.

"…Guess we should've tested the last one…drat…" Kory groaned.


Team ? (Ludwig's Castle, Front Doors)

A team hobbled up the hill and onto the mat, which was illuminated by a glow from behind at the rebuilt castle's lights.

"Welcome to Cookie Mountain of Dinosaur Land!" the green Yoshi said with a smile.

"…Erm…thanks?"

"…Real hoot of a place…"

Blaise seemed to take offense at the second comment, but he kept his cool. "Grodus and Crump. You are team number five."

Grodus & Crump: Charity Partners- 5th Place, 8:11 P.M.

"Fifth…well, it's still a relatively high placing." Grodus mused. "I could've sworn there were only three other motorboats missing, though…and we weren't passed on the way here…"

"Buh, maybe one of the other teams took that Fast Forward." Crump suggested.

"Maybe…sure hope that our plan didn't fall through, though." Grodus replied.

With a knowing sneer painted on his lips, Blaise patiently listened as the X-Nauts walked into the castle to rest, only to be greeted by a couple of beastly shouts and roars, obviously coming from a couple of agitated dragons. This was followed by a series of frantic screams, shrieks, and begging.

"…Uh…are they going to be okay? What if something happens to them?" the Yoshi asked worriedly.

"Security can handle it…" Blaise responded nonchalantly.


Blooey & Jerry: Best Friends (Chimerawood Shoreline)

Abandoning their motorboat, the Strudel continent teammates rushed over to the road, where they managed to locate a passing taxi.

"Illusorhark, please." Jerry requested.

"What is with these weird taxis?" Blooey questioned to the open air as he pushed his backpack into the rear area.

"…Don't hate because you couldn't do this wicked job." The Goomba retorted.

Blooey waved his tentacles about with a sarcastic motion as the carriage jolted forward.


Team ? (Ludwig's Castle, Front Doors)

Exiting from their taxi, the next duo quickly ran up to the pit stop location as fast as their feet could carry them.

"Welcome to Cookie Mountain of Dinosaur Land," the green Yoshi said merrily.

"Thanking you, we are."

"Bob and Larry." Blaise paused for a moment. "You are team number six."

Bob & Larry: Leadership Associates- 6th Place, 8:17 P.M.

"Middle of the pack is where we are staying…" Bob mused. "Hopefully it will keep up, yes, yes?"

"Indeed. Yet, I cannot help but worry—middle will become back in time." Larry reasoned.

"Then we will have to improve and stay with the new placing arrangements."


Frankie & Ishnail: Reform Leaders (Donut Lake, Motorboat Point)

"Nope. Not. Even. Close."

"…DAAAAAAAAARRRRRRGGGH!"

"Will you calm down?!"

"NO! NO, NO, NO, NO, NO! NOOOOOOOOOOO!"


Pierre & Rana: Dating (Illusorhark, Marked Circle 10)

Upon stepping out from their taxi, the love-involved Squeeks noticed the two Koopas patiently waiting out the duration of their timer at one of the other circles.

"Looks like they weren't able to do it right…" Pierre observed. "We should be able to get it."

"With a bit of luck, yeah…" Rana said, glancing over at the line. "How do we know which one is the fake?"

"…That's what I'm still thinking about…" Pierre stated. "…Hmmm…well, the clue says we're forbidden from going over to scope them out from up close…maybe if we look at the amount of luster they all have?"

"…They all look the same to me…it's too dark to judge by something like that." Rana remarked.

"No, no…I think I can see a difference."

"Really?"

"Yeah." Pierre went over to the panel. "I think…it's this one."

He pushed down the far right lever, sending out the spark. It traveled along the ground…and caused its corresponding Bob-omb to explode.

"GACK! Wrong one!"

As the four Bob-ombs scuttled off, released from their part of the task, the timer on the black covering started to count down.

"Great…I'm thinking that was just the amount of light that was making it over from the streetlamp, babe." Rana theorized.

"…Whoops…" Pierre chuckled sheepishly. "…My bad…"


Frankie & Ishnail: Reform Leaders (Donut Lake, Motorboat Point)

"Maybe you should take some more time and care in creating each one of your donut boats." The Super Koopa suggested. He looked at the donut boat in his hand and pointed to it. "N-o. No."

An agitated Ishnail had to be held back by the larger Frankie, the former of which was flailing his arms about in an irritated, fuming, uncontrolled frenzy.


Blooey & Jerry: Best Friends (Illusorhark, Marked Circle 11)

The best friends took one of the remaining unused circles. They briefly eyed the two waiting teams in the other sectors before turning to look at their line of Bob-ombs.

"This one is all yours, Jer." Blooey informed. "Sorry, but I'm not too good about this kinda thing…your insight should do the trick, though."

"…I guess…" Jerry sighed, but stepped up to view the bombs. "…Gotta be…gotta be…that one…"

Without further hesitation, the cherry Bob-omb pushed down one of the triggers. To the amazement of the nearby Pierre and Rana, the decoy shattered into pieces, and the black paper shriveled up to reveal the cage containing the clue envelope.

"Right on!" Blooey cheered. "See? I knew you had it!"

Blooey & Jerry: Best Friends- Currently in 7th (Illusorhark, Marked Circle 11)

Jerry quickly opened the cage and retrieved the envelope.

"…The pit stop is up next!" He gasped. "Come on, Blooey! We're still in this! We're safe!"

"I can say 'yes' to that!" Blooey whooped. "Let's go grab a taxi!"

As the Blooper and Bob-omb ran off back to the street to catch a bubble cab, the two waiting teams nervously glanced at their respective timers.


Frankie & Ishnail: Reform Leaders (Superkoopa Boathouse)

One could almost feel the tension in the air as Ishnail whittled away at the pieces of the donut boat, making an ear-splitting screech using a screwdriver.

"What de heck do ya dink you're doin' with dat?!" Frankie complained.


Kojo & Kory: Childhood Friends- Currently in 8th (Illusorhark, Marked Circle 7)

The timer of the Petalburg guys finally expired, causing the paper to erupt in flames and burn away to reveal the protected cage inside. Seeing this, they ran over and took out the envelope.

"That took quite a while…" Kory groaned. "At least we're still safe for the moment…"

"Yeah…that is, until the mice get out…hopefully the other teams are still stuck back there." Kojo responded softly. "We've gotta catch a cab for Ludwig's Castle on Cookie Mountain now."

"'Cookie Mountain?'" Kory repeated. "…I can understand 'Donut Plains,' but seriously…"

"Hey, don't look at me, man…it's what it says here on the card. Now let's just go and grab a taxi!"


Team ? (Ludwig's Castle, Front Doors)

After the quick jog up the hill, the next pair stomped onto the mat.

"Welcome to Cookie Mountain of Dinosaur Land," greeted the green Yoshi.

"Sweet…thanks!"

Blaise opened his mouth to talk. "Blooey and Jerry. You are team number seven."

Blooey & Jerry: Best Friends- 7th Place, 8:36 P.M.

"Seventh again?" Blooey voiced. "…Well, okay…least it's better than getting something lower."

"We would've been in ninth if we'd failed at that bomb task…" Jerry murmured.

"Yeah, and thanks to you, we moved up a bit!" Blooey congratulated. "Great job!"

"Heh…"


Theata & Hannah: Best Friends (Chimerawood Shoreline)

"Finally…that ride took forever." Theata commented. "Hurry, Hannah! We should still be in this if we move it like never before!"

"Right."

The girls hurried up to the street, where they wandered around for a while before finding a parked bubble cab.

"…This must be a taxi…um, we gotta go to Illusorhark, and we're in a big rush. You know the place?" Theata queried.


Pierre & Rana: Dating- Currently in 9th (Illusorhark, Marked Circle 10)

"Yes…thank you!"

When their black paper ignited in flames, the Squeeks dashed over and took the clue out from the metal cage.

"Well, that was a humongous waste of time on our part…hopefully we're not too late." Pierre said, ripping it open. "…Pit stop at Ludwig's Castle? Okay, we gotta split!"

"Let's go find a taxi." Rana said, putting on her backpack. "I think I see one roaming around over there…hurry!"


Team ? (Ludwig's Castle, Front Doors)

"Welcome to Cookie Mountain of Dinosaur Land," said the green Yoshi.

"Thank you very much."

Blaise verbalized the news. "Kojo and Kory. You are team number eight."

Kojo & Kory: Childhood Friends- 8th Place, 8:44 P.M.

"…We're slipping a bit…we really have got to kick up our performance." Kory remarked. "…Or else we could end up being eliminated really soon…"

"Yeah. Well, it could've been worse…this is something that we should manage to recover from." Kojo reasoned. "There's always chances to get back in front…"


Frankie & Ishnail: Reform Leaders (Donut Plains, Motorboat Point)

The Super Koopa heaved the remains of a donut boat from the waters.

"…Sorry, but no. Completely wrong."

An astonished Frankie just dropped his hands in disbelief.

"What time is dis for us? The 'nth?!' We're never goin' to get dis done!"

Ishnail kicked his boot at the pier's support beam in anger, only to receive a jolt of pain.

"YOW!"


Theata & Hannah: Best Friends (Illusorhark, Marked Circle 3)

"Gee…I'm not sure which one could be the fake. They all look the same…" Hannah said quietly.

"There's gotta be a way to figure it out." Theata stated.

The two Toad girls stared at the line of five Bob-ombs for a moment, trying to figure out a solution to their dilemma.

"…I'm too tired to be playing a game of odd card out…" Theata groaned. "Maybe we should just take a random guess and hope for the best…"

"…Is that really a good idea, though?" Hannah asked fearfully, gasping. "What if the ones behind us catch up and do it right? We'll most likely arrive last…"

"Not if we quit wasting time just trying to decide." Theata said sneakily. "Come on…let's take a chance."

A panicked Hannah seemed to contemplate the risky choice for a moment. Eventually, she brought her head up and down in a slow and steady nod.

"…W-Well…I guess we d-do have a twenty percent chance of getting it right…but…still, that's really low…"

"Nothing to it. Just press one…"

Theata pushed a trigger, only to hear the sound of one explosion (followed by several others shortly afterward) sound through the air. Although disappointed, she managed to keep a chipper smile as the four real Bob-ombs rushed off, and the timer started counting down.

"…See? That wasn't so bad…if there's someone still behind us that catches up, we can still most likely beat them." Theata assured. "Unless they're some super geniuses, they probably won't figure it out in time."

"…I sure hope you're right…" Hannah murmured worriedly.


Team ? (Ludwig's Castle, Front Doors)

Bounding through the grass, the two teammates held hands as they jumped onto the mat.

"Welcome to Cookie Mountain of Dinosaur Land," remarked the green Yoshi.

"Gee, thanks. Really nice place this is."

As the two turned around, Blaise gave the verdict. "Pierre and Rana. You are team number nine."

Pierre & Rana: Dating- 9th Place, 8:58 P.M.

"Oooh…ouch." Rana's ears drooped. "We really fell from that top today, didn't we…"

"Yeah, babe…but that was partly my fault with the bomb thing…"

"Well, it wasn't just that…we dropped from the front part of our flight's group all the way to near the back…and that is NOT good."

"Unlike our expectations, we really failed in keeping our hold on the front part of all of the teams. If we had managed to keep a good scoring after placing first, it would've meant that we were doing good… It was either a stroke of bad luck today, or we just aren't cut out for this at all…" Rana bit her bottom lip at the voiced possibility. "…Er…maybe in the next leg, Pierre and I will have better luck with our final standing…"

"We can recover from this…" Pierre assured. "Just wait. We're going straight back up to the top!"


Frankie & Ishnail: Reform Leaders (Donut Plains, Motorboat Point)

"Okay, you know what? Stop asking me to be your driver…get one of the other guys. This is tiring, telling you time and time again—slow down and try to do better with your craftsmanship! None of your attempts have even come close to passing!"

As the Super Koopa briskly walked away, a highly insulted Frankie and Ishnail managed to keep from lashing out. Unfortunately, the held anger was re-directed towards each other rather than at the supervisor.

"I TOLD YOU WE WERE SUPPOSED TO USE MORE THAN JUST ONE NAIL!" Ishnail shouted.

"DID NOT! DIS IS ALL YOUR FAULT—IF YOU WOULD JUST LISTEN ONCE IN A WHILE, WE COULDA BUILT IT RIGHT AND GOTTEN OUTTA HERE BY NOW!"

"SHUT UP! YOU DON'T KNOW WHAT YOU'RE TALKIN' ABOUT, FRANKIE! YOU'RE A REAL DUNCE, YA KNOW?!"


Theata & Hannah: Best Friends- Currently in 10th (Illusorhark, Marked Circle 3)

Much to the girls' relief, the timer expired before anyone else showed up at the group of marked circles.

"See? The strategy worked—and it saved a whole lot of brain power exertion." Theata stated, rushing over to grab the clue from its confinement.

"…Thank goodness…" Hannah breathed. "…So, where are we going now? The pit stop?"

"You got it, girl. We're evidently going to a castle of some kind!" Theata exclaimed. "I so have never seen a real castle before, like, this is gonna be rad!"

"We should go get a taxi…"

Before Hannah knew what had happened, Theata had sped past her and stopped a nearby taxi.


Frankie & Ishnail: Reform Leaders (Superkoopa Boathouse)

Although they were working on a donut boat, the syndicate heads were working on in silence. There was little to no interaction between the two—they were working on separate parts at the same time, not bothering to ask or hand over tools or parts as needed.

Evidently, the two were steaming mad at each other, but had been resolved enough to keep trying to complete the task in hopes that they would eventually accomplish the required goal.


Team ? (Ludwig's Castle, Front Doors)

After paying their driver, the second-to-last team rushed up to the mat in the darkness, stepping on together.

"Welcome to Cookie Mountain of Dinosaur Land," said the green Yoshi politely.

"Thanks."

"Thank you very much…"

"Theata and Hannah." Blaise paused for a moment. He narrowed his eyes at the two females, causing them to shudder uneasily. Finally, the quiet was broken. "You are team number ten."

Theata & Hannah: Best Friends- 10th Place, 9:31 P.M.

"WHOO! Oh, thank you!" Theata shouted for joy. "We're still in! Just barely, but we're still here, baby! YEAH!"

As her friend pumped her fist up and down happily, Hannah quietly giggled.

"I was really scared there for a few moments…I thought maybe a team had passed us or something…" She admitted embarrassedly.

"Well, we're still in this thing!" Theata screamed. "YEAH-HAH! WOO-HOO!"


Frankie & Ishnail: Reform Leaders (Superkoopa Boathouse)

The tired men toiled into the night, repeatedly trying and trying, only to fail time and time again. They cycled through several employees who eventually left until only the main manager remained with them, continuing to watch and drive them around as necessary. However, he wasn't being lenient at all—their undeserving attempts were met with only blunt refusals.

It was well past midnight and already into the morning hours while Frankie and Ishnail were outside with their flashlights when it happened.

An unexpected visitor strode out of the darkness and onto the pier.

"Whoa…Blaise…wh…where'd you come from?" Ishnail demanded.

The red Yoshi shook his head in a command to be quiet as he raised his hand.

"…Dis can mean only one ding…" Frankie sighed irately. "You'd only come out here for one reason…"

Realizing what his partner was getting at, Ishnail groaned. "…Dagnabbit…"

"It's true. The last team checked in over six hours ago." Blaise informed them. "There was no way I was just going to wait there for all eternity for you two to finish, so I had to come out here."

The pair nodded slowly.

"And so it stands; this is in fact, an elimination leg. Although you never checked in, you are still considered the last-place team."

Frankie & Ishnail: Reform Leaders- Last Place, -:--

Knowing what was obviously coming next, the two leaders crossed their arms and braced themselves for the all-powerful verbal assault of only a sentence—the one almost all race competitors dreaded to hear.

"I am sorry to tell you that you've both been eliminated from the race."

Frankie & Ishnail: Reform Leaders

Finish Place- 11th (ELIMINATED)

Although they'd been prepared, the news in itself was stunning to the two leaders of the Rogueport organizations.

"…Dat's…fine…" Frankie managed to say, breaking the uncomfortable silence. "…It was nice for you ta be havin' us here…"

"…Hrumph…" Ishnail grunted.

"Sadly, dis race ended badly for us. We were expectin' to last a whole lot longer dan we did—I mean, just look at us. We'd be classified as one of dose good all-male teams dat you'd expect to go real far in the competition. But, it ended up bein' worse…I dunno how Fransesca would feel about dis terrible performance…but I know she'd still love me…" Frankie sighed wistfully. "…Can't be de case between me an' Ishnail, dough. Dose long hours at de Detour showed us we could never work together to negotiate over much more important matters…afraid dat dis race spelled the end of Rogueport's peace. I got an uneasy feelin' dings are changin' back at dat seaside settlement once we return…"

"We really tried, but it just didn't work out in the end. We got stuck with this impossible task, and the impossible just ain't somethin' either of us are used to dealin' with… And quite frankly, keepin' peace between me and him is just impossible." Ishnail said flatly, waving his hands about in a final motion. "As of now, the truce between the Piantas and the Robbos is officially off! There's no way for peace to last between us! No way, no how! This race at least taught us one thing—once enemies, always enemies, even under new management! That Frankster is a real jerk under pressure, and we could never be able to sort our differences aside. Sorry, but this is the better version of what could've inevitably happened…at least here, we found it out for ourselves…"

Blaise silently watched (in a horrifying amusement) as both Frankie and Ishnail unfolded their arms. They turned towards each other and shook hands.

The battle was officially on once more between the two most renowned syndicates of Rogueport.

Without another word, the two former teammates then turned to walk away in opposite directions off the pier, the red Yoshi making no move to stop them.

Unfortunately, another relationship had been delved into and broken apart from the inside during the trip on the race. This time, the numerous pieces were of vital importance—it meant that a civil war was once again engaged. And the raging battles were sure to be as expansive as Dinosaur Land itself, the reaches going as far as the current darkness could stretch.


Next time, on the Amazing Race…

An unusual Roadblock ends up garnering great precedence over the whole turnout of the leg.

"Guys, don't leave me out on the fun! Lemme switch with someone, come on!" Gloomtail pleaded.

"That was way too fast…geez!" Lahla groaned irately.

"Hey! That's not fair!" Crump complained, dusting himself as he got up.

One team conspires to utilize the Hazard as a means of gaining an advantage to rid of one of the rival teams.

"…Hmm…this could do the trick. It's risky, but with luck, it can be what we need to take them out."

And the resulting effect creates a drawn battle line.

"…You'll pay…"


Leg 2 Trivia

- It was originally planned for Gloomtail and Hooktail to catch a flight that would also connect at Delfino Airport, allowing them to make the same connection as the three lead teams, but it was scrapped in favor of them turning tail after being Yielded to do the Fast Forward.

- The noncanon description of the Yellow Switch Palace interior was inspired by visiting several notable landmarks while sightseeing in Paris, France. More often than not, art museums and even churches, featured paintings or fascinating depictions on the ceilings that especially piqued interest (and photographs where allowed).

- This leg's Roadblock unintentionally ended up being similar to that of one featured on TAR10, Leg 4.

- Although the author has naturally rock climbed before while at an outing in Arizona, he forgot most of the vital sayings and safety procedures given to him.

- The original frame of the "Lake Circle" option of the Detour required teams to board a motorboat and complete ten laps around the lake. The new, rendered addition was inspired when the author viewed a fountain full of mini-boats while sightseeing in Paris, France.

- The number of doors in the Donut Ghost House of the "Fake Square" option of the Detour is based off of the number "266," which is the code given when translating the word "Boo" into a phone. It was multiplied by five, the usual number of Dragon/Princess coins available in most stages of the game (and coincidentally, the number of item blocks located within the Secret Area), to obtain the given number of doors for the task.

- The ideas for the taxis pulled by Yoshis/bubble-riding species was pulled from seeing (but not riding) a cycle-based cab in Paris, France.

- The original Fast Forward idea for this leg was to eat four bars of chocolate, reused from the Junctionleg of TTYD2, where the idea of having a Fast Forward on the leg was scrapped. It was then re-formatted using experiences of chocolate foods that the author ate while vacationing in Paris, France, the most common of which being mousse (nearly twice every single day).

- Elimination order for TTYD3 was completed in the middle of Leg 2, while TTYD2's finale was still being finished. In other words, the author created a basic leaderboard involving the eliminated teams and the final three. Unlike plans for TTYD2, however, this order is set in stone.


Author's Note: An extremely long leg, but again, I look forward to submitting one where the scroll bar might actually have a decent size for once with the coming of the next one. Hope that this one was also enjoyable as it is. Until the next update, this is milesyoshidino34, out.