"He said a half an hour, right?" said the black Yoshi. He turned to look at the western horizon. "The sun'll be gone any minute! What if we can't find the box in time?"

"Has it ever occurred to you that we're being set up?"

The black Yoshi paused, as if dumbstruck.

"Why would Kamek make us do this without giving us directions to do it?" added Yoshi. "Because he wants to control us for some reason."

"Okay, so why are we still looking?"

Yoshi squared his small shoulders. "Because Mario's my friend."

The Yoshis stared up and down the crescent-shaped beach, the light of the dimming sun casting longer shadows. The turquoise water inside the yawning mouth of the bay emptied into the ocean ahead. Palms and ferms dotted the foothills on either side of the massive bay, and tough grasses withered away where sand and earth merged.

"I don't see anything," said the black Yoshi. "Why didn't he give us a clue or something?"

"Shh-hh. Wait a minute." Yoshi put a finger to his lips and cocked his head to his right. A muffled tune began to play.

The black Yoshi raised an eyelid. "Yeah, I hear it, too. It sounds like a cellphone."

Yoshi trudged through the sand. "This way," he said, motioning with an arm.

The melodic ringing grew louder. The two Yoshis followed the noise and stopped at a clump of rocks. The ebony box hid in the shadow of the stones, but it was discernible enough for Yoshi to find.

"Here it is," he exhaled, lifting the lid of the box. The song coming from the cellphone inside was crisp and cheery, although it made Yoshi all the more nervous.

"Wait! What are you doing?" asked the black Yoshi. "You're not answering that, are you?"

"Do you have another plan?"

Yoshi's quick response went unanswered. He opened the phone and took in a breath. "Who are you?"

"Good for you, Yoshi," said the voice, metallicized and garbled by a processor. "You found it--and with about a minute or so to spare."

"Who is this?"

"Kamek has been eliminated. You will be dealing with me now. It's time to give you your next assignment."

Yoshi turned a baffled look at his comrade.

The voice laughed in response to the pause. "You didn't think it'd be just that one assignment, did you? Don't worry. Your other assignments won't be so vague."

Yoshi said nothing at first. "What else do you want?"

"It's very simple. I'm calling in regards to the infamous King Bowser."

"What about him?"

"I want him dead."

Yoshi's look of confusion deepened. "What did you say?"

"I want Bowser's body delivered to 4615 Collier Road in Mushroom City by dawn. In return for this service, Mario will be handed back to you."

"And what if I don't?"

"Then you lose Mario. One way or another, Bowser will be eliminated. Whether or not you want your friend back is up to you. It doesn't matter how you get rid of Bowser. Just remember: If you fail to meet the deadline, Mario dies. If I find that there has been a switch made, or if there is any indication there is anyone else but you, Mario dies."

"I'm not doing anything until you tell me exactly who you--"

Yoshi was cut off. The line went dead.