Shadow of Doubt- Mafia in the Mushroom Kingdom

Day 3- Dawn


Point of View- Birdo

Having stayed up late into the night, Birdo slumbered throughout sunrise, her large eyelashes not opening for anything. Yoshi had awoken way before she had, and trudged down to the dining room like the previous mornings, waiting for everyone, and this time, waiting to see if someone else would meet a fate similar to Daisy's.

However, before Birdo's dreams were over, she was visited by the same dark swirl that had appeared in her dreams the previous nights. Claiming to be the Dark Phantom, the miasma spoke once more, his booming voice resonating off the unseen corners of her dreamscape.

"Hear me!" The Dark Phantom cried, "You may have destroyed one, but four remain! With the new dawn, someone has perished, and you will do well to mark my words! From here on out, you know we are real, and we will kill without hesitation. Use your day wisely, for it may be your last."

"Come back here!" Birdo shouted, clawing for the Dark Phantom, but the shadowy cloud disappeared before she could get any more out of it. Was this thing truly being conjured by the Vibe Scepter, and if so, who had stolen the artifact and placed it at the shrine. Birdo's head was swimming with thoughts when she finally awoke, and realizing the morning was creeping along, Birdo knew time was ticking.

Rising from bed, enjoying the warmth of the plush comforter Peach had provided, Birdo looked back at the mattress longingly. If only she could have a few more moments of sleep before beginning another painful day. She still hadn't come to grips with the macabre deaths of Daisy and Boo, and how Boo had actually been a part of the mafia, confirming the grisly conspiracy.

Showering for a few minutes and then drying off, Birdo adjusted a fresh bow, opting for a lighter shade of pink today. Feeling a bit sprightlier with the paler pink, Birdo carried herself downstairs with a cheery air, wanting to rid of the depression that hung over everyone.

"Morning Birdo," Toad waved, his eyes sunken and expression grim.

"I would say good morning, but things certainly haven't been good," Birdo replied, looking at the short fellow.

"We must stay vigilant," Princess Peach commanded, gliding into the dining room in a beautiful lilac gown. Always looking ravishing, Peach's face was powdered and her crown had been freshly shined. Despite the terrible circumstances, Peach still took time to look stunning.

"Who are we missing, because I pray all of us are fine," Rosalina chimed in, sweeping in from the staircase. Birdo realized she was not the last to the dining room, and few stragglers were still missing. Wario and Waluigi had yet to come downstairs, and Dry Bones was nowhere to be seen as well.

"Looks like we're missing three," Mario observed, scratching his mustache thoughtfully. The hero looked a little tired, but the past two days had taken a toll on everyone. Luigi was crying softly at the table, whimpering a terrifying sound, mourning the loss of Daisy.

"I wish I could do something," Yoshi admitted, patting Luigi on the back.

"Let us know if we can help at all," Hammer Bro consoled, talking to Luigi from across the dining table.

"Thanks everyone," Luigi said warmly, "I just…can't…Daisy…."

"Where are those three?" Birdo asked loudly, wanting to confirm that everyone was still alive. The absence of the three men was making her nervous, because she truly wanted them all to be alright. If no one had perished in the night, then perhaps the mafia had called it quits once Boo was lynched.

"We're here," Wario and Waluigi said in unison, plodding down the stairs in methodical rhythm. The two men, one short and stout and the other tall and lanky, arrived in the dining room, signaling their safety. With everyone downstairs but one, people started to assume the worst. Before anyone could say anything though, Toadsworth cried from upstairs.

"Princess! Come quick!" The old toad bellowed, his voice carrying all the way down the grand staircase. At once, everyone dashed up the stairs, some straggling because of initial shock. Leading the charge, Mario ran to Toadsworth's panicked voice, arriving in the threshold of the bedroom Dry Bones and Boo used to share together.

"Mamma Mia," Mario groaned painfully, doubling over at the damage.

"No…," Hammer Bro choked, "It…can't be."

But it was, for in a pile in the middle of the bedroom, reduced to nothing but dirt and rubble, was the skeletal frame of Dry Bones. He had been smashed into smithereens, his bony body transformed into chunks and dust.

"Who could've done this?" Birdo asked somberly, laying a hand on her chest.

"The mafia," Waluigi spat, "That's who."

"This is terrible!" Toadette screamed, tears flowing down her face. Three friends were now dead, and the mafia was still at large. Four of their members remained, and no one had an inkling of suspicion towards anyone.

"I can't look at this," Toad admitted, walking away from the room in disgust. Following him, Toadette was wracked with sobs, and soon little by little, the group trickled away from the horrifying scene, leaving the destroyed body of Dry Bones behind.

"This must be stopped at once!" Luigi cried, still distraught over Daisy, and now Dry Bones.

"We're wasting time," Waluigi said bleakly, "We must begin this investigation at once!"

"He's right," Peach agreed, "We must stay vigilant. Dry Bones would've wanted us to press forward."

"He did so well at the last trial," DK concurred, "He wouldn't want us spending all day grieving over him."

"Then so be it," Yoshi stated resolutely, "We shall begin today's investigation."

"I'm going to go off by myself today," Birdo added, "I think I need some time alone. I want to check out some more active regions of the kingdom, see if the more populous areas are picking up any notion of what's going on."

"I pray that they don't," Peach replied, "I don't want the kingdom descending into chaos over this."

"Yes," Wario thought aloud, "We must be tight-lipped about this."

"Then off we go!" Toad and Toadette said in unison, leaving the castle grounds to start the investigation.

"They do everything together," Rosalina observed, making a mental note and then carrying on her way, probably back to the observatory to watch the kingdom on a whole. Leaving by himself yet again, Mario waved goodbye and trotted off. One by one, everyone trickled away, going on their separate routes to investigate the recent death of Dry Bones, and solve the mystery of the heinous mafia.


Location- Yoshi Hill

Staying true to her word that she would investigate the more populous areas, Birdo first paid a visit to her home town, Yoshi Hill, where she lived with Yoshi. The bowling green was littered with the species of dinosaur, various colors and unique saddles lighting the town up like a cosmic firework. Sauntering into the town, Birdo made sure she still looked nice in front of her neighbors, her vanity shining through in even the darkest of moments.

"Well good morning Birdo," a neighbor called, waving to the stylish girl. Birdo waved back, carrying on like nothing was the matter. Several more neighbors and friends wished her their hellos, turning back to their paltry conversations when they were done. Sashaying across the main walk of Yoshi Hill, Birdo thought she'd visit Raphael the Raven, who had made his home in Yoshi Hill since moving from Lavalava to the main hub of the kingdom. Since the signing of the peace treaty between the Yoshis and the Ravens, Raphael had succeeded Gran Jefe as the town sage, so Birdo paid him a visit instead.

Answering the knock on his door, the old raven sang, "Hello Birdo, so nice to see you. Come in, come in. Fleur just left, but she'll be back for lunch. What brings you here?"

"Oh I won't be long Raphael," Birdo smiled curtly, the corners of her mouth fighting the pleasantry in light of recent events.

"What a shame," Raphael cooed, "But I suppose I should lay out some snacks anyway. I just got the recipe for Snowbunnies from General White, and I cannot stop eating them! Here, have a few."

"Thank you," Birdo replied, munching on the sweet treat. "I'm actually here to ask you a question," Birdo continued, getting right to the point.

"Hmm?" Raphael cocked his head.

"It's about…a personal matter," Birdo answered thoughtfully, not wanting to tell anyone about the mafia like Peach had suggested earlier that moment.

"Then I won't delve in too much, just tell me what's been troubling you," Raphael inquired.

"You used to live on Lavalava, close to the volcano. I heard there used to be some magical relics there…do you know anything potent enough to cause…multiple people having the same dream," Birdo rambled, not really knowing how to approach the topic.

"That's a…," Raphael was lost for words, "Very interesting request. I won't ask why you need my advice though," the Raven pointed out. Thinking for a moment, he came up with a response.

"There's nothing on Lavalava that would do the trick, but…," he thought harder, "I do know of two items that could send out identical wavelengths as to cause multitudes of the same image. In this case, the dream that is being shared. The first is the Vibe Scepter, which is entrusted to the care of the princess. The second is the Deku Leaf…no…that's not it. The second is the Star Rod. But no one has seen the Star Rod since the fall of Star Haven back when Bowser won it from Eldstar in the Battle of Star Haven, during the Star War."

Raphael noticed Birdo had zoned out, and the Raven chuckled, "I'm so sorry for boring you with my little history lesson. Why don't you go pay Eldstar and the other star spirits a visit over at the Celestial Chamber? That's where they relocated to when Star Haven was destroyed."

"Yes," Birdo agreed, "I'll do that. Thank you Raphael."

"It's always a pleasure," the large bird nodded, opening the door for Birdo and sending her on her way.

Outside, Birdo bathed in the warmth of the morning sun for a few moments before following the path out of Yoshi Hill. On her way out, she saw someone familiar chatting with a Light Blue Yoshi, in fact, it was her crush, Yoshi.

"Hey Yoshi," Birdo waved cheerily, wondering what he was doing here, well, he did live here with her.

"Good morning Birdo," Yoshi replied merrily, giving her a quick hug. "How are things…with you know?"

"I'm fine," Birdo replied, holding onto her arm softly. "I'm on my way out to the Celestial Chamber."

"Oh," Yoshi answered, "Going to see the Star Spirits?"

"I am in fact," Birdo stated, "I'm hoping they can provide some insight."

"That's a good idea," Yoshi admitted, "I'd tag along, but I want to check out Kalahari Central."

"That's fine," Birdo replied, a bit miffed. Yoshi hadn't been paying her any attention as of late, and even thought this mafia was stalking the streets, she still wanted Yoshi's affection in these dark times.

"Well," Yoshi laughed happily, completed oblivious to the problems, "I'll be seeing you."

"See you around," Birdo winked, trying to keep up her confident aura about her. Yoshi began to walk away, but then whirled about.

"I'm so sorry!" Yoshi laughed, running up to Birdo, "I nearly forgot to give you this. It's a Hot Pepper, it's a little spicy, but it'll make you very fast. I want you to have it in case you find yourself cornered by the mafia, it'll make for a quick getaway."

"Thanks," Birdo replied sweetly, feeling warmth from his gift. Did this mean he hadn't forgotten about her, perhaps she was wrong about him? Clearing her thoughts, Birdo accepted the heartfelt gift and planted a firm kiss on Yoshi's cheek.

"See you Yoshi," she said mysteriously, and Yoshi just smiled, walking off towards Kalahari Central, leaving Birdo to go investigate the Celestial Chamber by herself.


Location- Celestial Chamber

Arriving at the glorious monument, Birdo crept inside, careful to be quiet. This hallowed ground declared respect, and the shining statues to each Star Spirit glittered in the rising sun. No one was currently at the monument, giving Birdo the perfect window to talk to the Star Spirits alone.

"I wish for someone to hear my plea," Birdo recited softly, knowing the incantation needed to summon the Star Spirits. Spinning into vision, the seven stars took form, hovering in the air before her.

"Ah, it is Birdo," Eldstar said thoughtfully, "We knew you were coming."

"Yes," Skolar said, adjusting his glasses, "You're looking for answers."

"Tell us your troubles child," Mamar implored sweetly.

"I need some help," Birdo surrendered, "There is a terrible group calling themselves the mafia at large, killing my friends. I need some help as to who they are."

"Their identities are unknown to us," Muskular confessed, "But we do know of their existence. They operate in regions our vision cannot pierce."

"He's right," Kalmar added, "The mafia hide their faces from the light, making it hard for us to discern their identity."

"But we will help you as much as we can," said Eldstar.

"Did someone steal the Vibe Scepter?" Birdo asked, wondering if they knew of the magic relic's absence.

"Just a fortnight ago," Misstar confessed, "However they took it in the night, obscuring our sight.

"As I suspected," Birdo thought aloud, "So the Vibe Scepter is powering the Phantom Shrine, interesting."

"That does not mean the Vibe Scepter is powering the dreams, just because of its absence," Klevar deduced, "Someone may have stolen it to throw you off."

"Like a red herring?" Birdo surmised.

"Precisely," Skolar inferred, "The Vibe Scepter may not be powering the shrine. Tell us what you learned from the Raven."

Shocked by their knowledge of everything, Birdo continued, "Raphael told me only two things can cause disturbances as such. If it's not the Vibe Scepter, then could it be the Star Rod?"

"No, it could not," Mamar replied, "The Star Rod is sealed within the heavens. We preserved it after the Battle of Star Haven. It would be a travesty if Bowser were to get his hands on it."

"So that's where it's been," Birdo thought deeply, "That's good to know. So the Vibe Scepter is powering the shrine!" Birdo extended a finger towards Klevar for effect.

"All I said was that the Scepter's disappearance did not necessitate its function at the shrine," the studious star pointed out.

"Well," Birdo said slowly, "Thank you. I'm glad to know that the Vibe Scepter is powering the shrine, that's mean if we can remove the scepter, the mafia will lose some of their hold."

"Be steadfast Birdo," Eldstar praised, "Dark times are ahead."

"They're already here," Birdo admitted, frowning dolefully.

"Do not despair!" Muskular cried, "Think of those who still live, the ones you are helping!"

"It is true," Kalmar added, "Don't frown. Smile at your successes." The mustachioed star echoed, before the lot of them disappeared into thin air. Nodding at the knowledge she had procured, Birdo departed the Celestial Chamber to go look at some other places.


Location- Koopa Bank

Taking the road back to Mushroom City, Birdo decided she'd run an errand before going to Toad Town. She needed to move some coins from Yoshi's account into hers, because he recently bought a new Wii U, and she didn't want him spending any more money. Entering the bank, Birdo noticed Hammer Bro in line to perform an operation.

"Hello Hammer Bro," Birdo waved, happy to see a friend.

"Good afternoon Birdo," Hammer Bro greeted, "Here to make a deposit?"

"No," Birdo explained, "I'm moving some funds."

"Oh," Hammer Bro replied sheepishly, "I'm withdrawing my coins. I don't want my assets harmed if this stuff heads south."

"You mean…?" Birdo raised an eyebrow.

"Yeah," Hammer Bro sighed, "That."

"I understand," Birdo realized, "You wouldn't your money freezing if something were to happen to you."

"It's a scary thought," Hammer Bro explained, "But I have to be prepared for it."

"I guess we all do," said Birdo with a melancholy tone. Nodding his head in agreement, Hammer Bro proceeded to the counter with a somber step, and Birdo realized the reality of it all. They would have to take precautions to ensure things were in the right state of affairs if they were to die. The thought was a bleak and macabre one, but it was a possibility. Birdo considered withdrawing, but realized she'd want Yoshi to collect the interest if she were to pass, so she just moved two thousand coins from his account into the savings, and then left the bank.

Noticing Hammer Bro was already long gone, Birdo somberly continued on her way to Toad Town, sad at the prospect of losing a friend, or even losing herself.


Location- Koopa Village

Having to pass through Koopa Village on her way to Toad Town, Birdo passed through the old town. Several koopas were socializing outside, and Birdo noticed Rose Koopa outside chatting with Kamira, the wife of Kroop.

"Good afternoon," Rose waved to Birdo, the morning already have slipped into afternoon. Birdo supposed it was true, she had already visited Raphael, talked to the Start Spirits at the Celestial Chamber, and visited the Koopa Bank. Waving to Rose, a wave of inspiration hit Birdo.

"Hello," Birdo smiled, pleasantly stopping next to Rose and Kamira.

"Care to chat?" Kamira offered, always the maven for gossip.

"That'd be lovely," Birdo acted thrilled to stop and make small-talk, even though she knew she had somewhere to be.

"Well," Rose admitted, "We were just discussing those fashionable red boots I saw in the window of Sylvia's."

"The bob-omb that runs the high fashion store in Poshley?" Birdo asked.

"Yes, that Sylvia. Her store is so luxurious, I never go there. But those boots were so sparkly, I'm asking for them for my birthday. If only Kolorado would remember," Rose said lugubriously.

"When did you go to Poshley?" Kamira asked innocently.

"Oh two days ago I think," Rose pondered aloud.

"Two days?" Birdo asked, in a little bit of shock.

"Why is that striking to you?" Rose questioned, confused.

"You weren't in Mushroom City two days ago?" Birdo interrogated, her voice growing feverish with anxiety.

"No," Rose said awkwardly, "Whatever is the matter?"

"Nothing!" Birdo shrieked, "I must go!" With that, Birdo bolted out of Koopa Village, half-contemplating using the hot pepper to make a mad dash out of there. She just picked up some valuable information, and at top speed, she hurried towards Toad Town to close off her investigation so she could tell everyone her new find.


Location- Toad Town

Zooming into Toad Town, Birdo leaned on a post to catch her breath. Several of the strolling Toads gave her odd looks, but dismissed the oddity of her arrival. After catching her breath, Birdo decided she would head for the Post Office, wondering if she could see the documentation of the suspicious letters they had all received.

Strutting over to the Post Office, Birdo was almost there when she heard a cacophonous shriek, one that rose from directly behind her.

"He's going to kill him!" And elderly woman toad cried, her voice filled with fright.

Whirling around, Birdo could see, standing in the Bub-ulb garden, was a terrified Toad, cowering under the looming hammer of a menacing Hammer Bro. Not knowing how to react, Birdo sprinted over to the two of them, trying to sort this wild, deadly matter out.

"Get back Birdo!" Hammer Bro threatened, waving a second hammer at her.

"Hammer Bro!" Birdo shouted, hoping to shake his senses.

"I said get back!" The hammer-wielding koopa cried, waving the weapon around manically.

"Someone help!" Toad cried, oppressed by the approaching blow. Stopping Hammer Bro, Birdo shouted, "Hammer Bro! What is the meaning of this?"

"Help!" Toad wailed, tears falling down his face in fear. The residents were all shaken up, not knowing what to do in the crisis. With all of these onlookers, Birdo had to make sure the word of the mafia wouldn't hit the streets.

"He's one of them Birdo," Hammer Bro cried, his voice not keeping quiet for the oblivious folks around them. Worried and scared Birdo tried to reason with Hammer Bro.

"You liar!" Toad hissed, wanting to do something about his dreadful situation.

"How do you know?" Birdo gasped, "This isn't how to handle this!"

"He's responsible!" Hammer Bro claimed, "He killed them!"

The citizens were beginning to panic. This dark conversation was filling them in on too much, and Hammer Bro was about to spill the beans.

"He's part of the mafia!" Hammer Bro screeched, sending Toad into another wave of tears.

"What's the mafia?" A goomba cried.

"Sounds awful!" A woman bob-omb wailed, scared beyond her wits.

"Mommy!" A small koopa cried, "What's going on?"

"Hammer Bro," Birdo beseeched, "Think about what you're doing. Is taking Toad's life going to solve any problems."

"It'll set the mafia back a foot or two, without one of their members, we'll be closer to victory!" Hammer Bro argued, raising his hammer menacingly.

He was right, Birdo realized, killing a mafia would put the town a step ahead. But what proof did Hammer Bro have towards Toad being part of the diabolical group.

"Prove it to me," Birdo challenged.

"Prove it!" Toad sobbed, his body covered in salty stains. Toad was whimpering in fear, hoping Hammer Bro would realize the mistake he was making.

"I saw him…," Hammer Bro breathed, not taking his intense stare off of Toad. "I saw him kill Dry Bones."

"What!?" Birdo screamed in unison with the citizen.

"Dry Bones is dead?" Several citizens wondered, falling into chaos. The citizens began to run off, scared by what was going on. Soon the words mafia, Dry Bones, and death were flying high above the plaza, and Birdo was growing desperate. The knowledge of the mafia had hit the streets, and now people were going to be wanting action and answers from Princess Peach.

"It isn't true!" Toad tried to defend himself, wholly freaked out.

"It is you little liar," Hammer Bro countered, "You walked right into that room when everyone was sleeping. But I'm an early riser, and I heard movement coming from the room Dry Bones was in. Peering in, I saw you strike him with a mallet, clubbing his skeletal frame into ashes."

"Stop!" Toad importuned, desperate for safety.

"Ashes to ashes and dust to dust," Hammer Bro sneered, "That's what you did to Dry Bones isn't it?"

"Hammer Bro!" Birdo screamed, trying to reach concord.

"Listen to me!" Toad begged.

"Liar! Scum! Murderer!" Hammer Bro rapidly shouted.

"No!" Toad wailed.

"Birdo!" Toad cried, extending a hand, Birdo reached for Toad, but Hammer Bro shouted wildly, bringing his hammer down on Toad's skull. The rage in his eyes reached full blaze, becoming a manic wildfire across his irises. Bludgeoning Toad right in the center of his skull, Hammer Bro hit him hard, and Birdo heard the sickening crack of bone. Blood spurted from Toad's concaved head, and the tiny mushroom figure collapsed, instantly dead. He fell into a pool of his own blood, his body flopping against the verdant green grass of the garden.

"Oh my God…," Birdo breathed slowly, not knowing what to do. She had just witnessed Hammer Bro kill Toad, right in front of her own eyes. Toad Town grew silent, everyone in the plaza watched as Hammer Bro reached down and removed something from Toad's pocket.

"What is this?" Birdo asked him, terribly confused.

"It's a note," Hammer Bro said flatly, passing it to Birdo, "It's proof."

Examining the letter, Birdo read the note, her eyes widening. At the bottom was a seal, the same one they had found on the envelopes, the same one bearing the letter M.

"It's…t-tr-true," Birdo's voice wavered, she was feeling lightheaded. She kneeled down, feeling like she needed to throw up.

"You really saw him kill Dry Bones didn't you?" Birdo asked.

"Yes," Hammer Bro sniffed softly, "I didn't want to cause a scene in front of all of our friends, especially in front of Toadette."

"Let's call Peach," Birdo offered, "This needs to be taken away," she motioned to Toad's body.

"He really was guilty," Hammer Bro said, not a hint of victory in his voice. "He was my friend," the koopa added.

"Why did you feel the need to kill him?" Birdo ventured.

"He killed Dry Bones, Dry Bones knew his executioner. It was only fitting for Toad to know the same. That feeling of fright, the feeling of loneliness and helplessness Dry Bones probably felt. He needed to know what he was doing," Hammer Bro answered.

Birdo shed another tear, taking Hammer Bro's words in. Did the mafia really need to feel the same pain they caused others? Were the true monsters? Birdo didn't know the answers to these questions, and was still crying when the coroner and Princess Peach arrived. Privately escorting the duo to Mushroom Court, Peach didn't say a word, traveling with Hammer Bro and Birdo the whole time.


Location- Mushroom Court

"Let us begin," Peach said firmly, arriving last to the court with Hammer Bro and Birdo in tow.

"We can't yet," Toadette said flippantly, "Toad isn't here yet."

"Toad won't be joining us," Hammer Bro stated.

"What?" Waluigi asked, "Is something wrong?"

"Toad is dead," Peach answered sternly.

"E-e-excuse me?" Toadette asked, her voice shattering.

"We have terrible news," Birdo admitted, "Today in Toad Town. Hammer Bro cut Toad down publically, revealing the presence of the mafia to the citizens of the Mushroom Kingdom. It was the most horrible thing I have ever seen. One of my friends kill another friend. But then we found this," Birdo held the note up for everyone, "Proof he was with them."

"Toad was a mafia?" Luigi asked incredulously.

"NO!" Toadette cried, "Tell me you're lying! You're a liar!"

"Toadette," Peach reasoned.

"NO! NO! He can't be dead! Where is he?" Toadette demanded.

"Toad is dead Toadette," Hammer Bro confirmed.

"YOU KILLED HIM!" She screamed at Hammer Bro. "You killed Toad!"

"Toadette! Enough!" Peach commanded, "Toad is dead. Toad is not coming back. Toad was part of the mafia. Toad conspired to kill your friends. Toad betrayed you. All of these are facts, facts you must come to terms with this moment if you wish to help us!"

"I don't want to help you! You're all monsters!" Toadette wailed.

"It's true," Birdo confirmed, "And we have proof."

"Proof?" Toadette whimpered, "Proof?"

"Tell us," DK issued.

"My suspicions began today," Birdo unveiled, "I was on my way to Toad Town when I saw Rose Koopa. I chatted with her, and she told me she saw some boots in the windows of Sylvia's at Poshley Heights."

"Boots?" Wario sneered, "What does that have to do with anything?"

"Hold on," Birdo held up a hand, "Rose told me she was there two days ago. Going to Poshley is an all-day event, what with the train rides and all."

"Wait!" Peach pointed out, "Toad said he saw Rose in Mushroom City two days ago!"

"Mamma Mia!" Luigi cried, "He lied! He never saw Rose!"

"Why would he pick someone he didn't even see?" Mario wondered aloud.

"When lying to us," Birdo explained, "He probably picked an obscure, random citizen, not thinking we would come in contact with Rose anytime soon."

"But he was wrong," Waluigi corrected, "And he lied to us."

"But that's not all," Hammer Bro filled in, "This morning, I saw him murder Dry Bones."

"What!?" DK cried.

"NOOOO!" Toadette wailed.

"It's true, but I didn't tell anyone because I didn't want to cause an uproar, and I didn't want to reveal him in front of Toadette like that," Hammer Bro confessed.

"So you took matters into your own hands then?" Rosalina observed, disapproving of the koopa's violent stratagem.

"I guess you could say that," Hammer Bro shrugged.

"Is Hammer Bro in trouble?" Luigi wondered.

"No," Peach answered, "I pardoned his crime, for the sake of Toad being part of the mafia."

"THAT'S ALL YOU HAVE!" Toadette screamed, "ONE PERSON SAW HIM MURDER! AND SOMEONE SAYS THEY SPOKE WITH ROSE! WE ONLY HAVE TWO WITNESSES! BIRDO AND HAMMER BRO COULD BE LYING!"

"Toadette…," Birdo breathed, shocked.

"EXPLAIN YOURSELF!" Toadette challenged.

"This is not a lie!" Birdo shouted. There had to be some way she could prove that Toad was guilty that Toadette could accept. Birdo thought hard, wondering how she could prove Toad's guilt. She and Hammer Bro knew it was true, and everyone else was buying the note. But what about Toadette?

"Toadette," Birdo began, "Where was Toad on the first day?"

"Huh?" Toadette asked through tears. "We went to Madame Merlee's together, then…then we went separate ways."

"He could have been doing anything during that time," Birdo pointed out.

Toadette sobbed silently, crying for her brother. They weren't just siblings, they were best friends, inseparable, always together. Since they were children, they had adventured together, laughed, and most importantly, lived. For Toad to be part of the mafia was not something Toadette could accept. She did everything with Toad.

"It's true," Toadette whimpered.

"Come again?" Mario asked, confused as to Toadette's statement.

"It's the truth," Toadette answered, wiping away her tears, "Toad was part of the mafia."

"WHAT!?" Wario shouted, shocked by her knowledge.

"Explain yourself Toadette," Peach demanded.

"Wait," Waluigi breathed, "What about what Birdo said? She said the citizens knew about the mafia. They know Dry Bones is dead, they saw Hammer Bro kill Toad!"

"This is true," Princess Peach stated. "I'm going to have to address the kingdom. They need to know what's going on. Four deaths have occurred now, one being a princess, the other being one of my stewards. People are going to wants answers to the hostage crisis, they're going to want their monarch to respond."

"Peach," Mario reasoned, "Is it necessary?"

"Of course it is Mario," Peach scoffed, "Don't be dim."

Mario was taken aback, but Peach continued, "The kingdom needs to know. The mafia said we must not take brute force against them or we shall all be punished. Hammer Bro broke that rule when he killed Toad, and now I'm guessing the city may be in danger due to our failure to comply. They need to know the risks."

"She's right," Rosalina admitted, "The people of Mushroom City needed to know, in fact the whole kingdom needs to be on alert. I know I'm not confining my investigations to the city, so the mafia won't confine their actions to it either."

"Can we get back to Toadette now?" DK questioned, "She seems as if she has something important to say."

The simian was speaking the truth, for Toadette had bowed her head and was rubbing her temples, seemingly preparing herself for a big delivery.

"Go ahead Toadette," Princess Peach apologized, "I'm sorry."

"No," Toadette paused, "I'm sorry."

"Erm, what?" Wario asked, confused. Last time he had felt so helpful, but today he hadn't uncovered much, and was bewildered for the most part.

"Toadette," Luigi ventured, "What are you sorry for?"

"You know Toad and I would never do something alone," Toadette smiled, "It only makes sense for me to confess."

"You're not saying?" Yoshi asked, utterly amazed. The green dinosaur had kept quiet, but now that Toadette was revealing, he had much to say.

"Toadette!" Yoshi cried, "Tell me it isn't so!"

"It's true Yoshi," Toadette smiled weakly, "Toad and I were in cahoots with the rest of the mafia. I am as guilty as he."

"Toadette," Peach breathed, "I would never have thought."

"I'm sorry," Toadette cried, "Forgive me! Forgive us! Toad had wanted to fix things, he wanted things to be right. He told me everything the mafia was going to do, how we were going to make things our way. It was so selfish, so cowardly, but I always wanted to do what my brother was doing. We're part of the mafia, well, we were. Toad's gone now, and all I want is to be with him."

"This is noble of you," Mario acknowledged, "But we can't hide the fact you're a murderer. You've gone about things the wrong way, and you must suffer a similar fate that Toad and Boo did."

"I just want to be at peace with myself. I won't reveal the names of the remaining mafia, but I want you all to forgive me. I want to know my friends were still my friends," Toadette confessed.

"Of course we're still your friends," Yoshi admitted, "That never changes."

"You're brave Toadette," Princess Peach said, "Your death won't be gruesome like Toad's or Boo's."

"Don't show mercy," Toadette countered, "That would be the worst thing. Treat me like who I am, just forgive me that is all. I don't want my death to be softened, I don't want my crimes to be smudged. I want to be recognized for my wicked ways, but I want you all to know I regret what I've done."

"We understand," Wario said softly, "All of us understand."

"Then this is farewell," Toadette smiled sadly, "I hope you all think of me. I don't want to be forgotten."

"You won't be Toadette," Waluigi said kindly.

"Certainly not in my heart," DK admitted, and Rosalina seconded that with, "We'll remember you for sure."

The sincerity and warmth of the feelings surrounding Toadette touched her heart, and she gladly followed the princess to the execution room prepared for the worst offenders. Located in the dungeon of the castle, Toadette followed the princess and everyone else trailed behind. Reaching the room that was her last place, Toadette rested her head on the board, closing her eyes, smiling one last time.

Everyone winced, most looked away, but a few faces stomached the scene. Swinging down the axe, the executioner chopped her head off in one fell swoop, ending her existence instantly. The body was wrapped up, removed, and driven away to the mortician, who lived in Boggly Woods.

Returning to the castle foyer, everyone else congregated there, the remaining ten. In the past three days, five of their friends had died, and everyone felt the earthquake of emotion that hit the room.

"I don't want to do this anymore," Yoshi said softly, crying.

"I want things to go back to the way they were, why is this happening!?" Luigi whimpered, distraught beyond belief.

"We've been plagued by the wicked," Wario addressed, "But only two obstacles remain in our way to freedom."

At that moment, and elderly toad hobbled into the room, one with a brown speckled cap and a fine white mustache. Adjusting his monocle, Toadsworth handed a crumpled note to Princess Peach.

"This was found on Toadette's person," Toadsworth explained, "It is addressed to everyone." Toadsworth turned to leave, but Peach urged him.

"Stay Toadsworth, I know you were close to Toadette."

The old toad bowed his head in grave sincerity, obviously pained that Toadette had passed, and at the fact she had been part of the mafia. Listening with the rest of the group, Toadsworth bowed his head reverently while Princess Peach read the letter.

"To my friends- I am sorry, but if you are reading this, then Toad and I are dead. I am painfully sorry for how everything has worked out, and I wished I could still be there. First of all, I want everyone to be aware I discovered Toad's guilt on the first night we slept here, and he swore to me he would kill me if I told anyone. I loved him so much, but my brother had become warped by the ideals the mafia holds. If you are reading this, I have been murdered by the group my brother calls his family now. I would like to express my innocence, and if Toad has died, then I have given my life to be with him. Without my brother, I am painfully alone, without my brother, I am nothing. Signed, Toadette."

"She was innocent," was all Mario could say at first, and everyone broke down. Toadette was not guilty. Toadette was not part of the mafia. She had simply wanted to be with her brother, she couldn't take the threats, the murder, and the despair. She wanted everything to be the way it was, and she gave up her life to be with the one person she loved. Toad. Everyone cried somberly, holding each other as a big group. Even the three remaining members of the mafia wept together. But one thing held true, despite the fact Toadette had died. The lynch was unsuccessful, someone innocent had been sent to die.

They had made a mistake.


Oh my goodness, this was painful to write. Three deaths this chapter, the most I think there's going to be in the whole story. This day was full of information, and another member of the mafia is gone. But Toadette couldn't handle life without Toad, and framed herself to be with him in the end. Leave a review, let me know how I did!

~Deaths~

-Dry Bones- Townsperson

-Toad- Mafia

-Toadette- Townsperson

Thanks for reading!

-AdmiralBobbery