Episode 3: Part 2/4: Chained Till Morning

After a long ride on the bus, the players finally arrived in Masrai Town. The players hurried off as soon as they could.

"Brrrr! It's freezing!" Samus exclaimed as soon as she stepped out. The players agreed with her when they began to freeze themselves.

"Well, Masrai Town is known for it's cold temperatures," Master Hand explained. "I guess I should have told you all to dress a bit heavier."

"I forgot to even bring a jacket. Damn," said Captain Falcon as he rubbed his hands together for warmth. The other players laughed at the sight of this.

"Well, you're next mission begins tonight. Until then I suggest you walk around Masrai Town and see if there's anything you would like to do. Please meet me in front of Rust Corp. Warehouse at 8 PM sharp. For every person who does not arrive at that time will subtract a 1,000 smash coin penalty to the pot. I'll be seeing you all later." And with that, Master Hand vanished into thin air.

Toon Link: I was eager to see what the rest of Masrai Town was like. So far, I know that Masrai Town is a really chilly place!

Samus: I thought that I would like this episode. The overall atmosphere of Masrai Place calmed me down. I hope I'll be able to find a prime Mole suspect by the time the third quiz rolls along.

The Mole simply smiled as they led the way towards northern Masrai Town. The other players soon followed.

The players walked down the cold streets of Marasi Town. The streets were filled with buildings with an oriental appearance. While passing a restaurant, something caught Nana's eye.

"Hey, check out this poster!" Nana exclaimed as she took a better look at the poster. "Fried Pink Salmon. Only 12 smash coins. That seems yummy!"

"Yeah, it does. I've never eaten fish in my life, sadly. I was always wanted to try something like that once," Lucas said as he looked at the poster.

"Well, it's around lunch time so how about we eat here?" Nana suggested. The other players nodded.

"Sounds like a plan," Dedede said as he rubbed his stomach.

Dedede: I was so hungry that I would literally eat garbage out of a can if I had to.

The players walked into the restaurant. The place seemed clean and well kept after. The restaurant had an obvious Japanese theme to it. Japanese music was also playing in the background. A koopa walked over to the players. "How many?"

"Ten," Samus responded. The koopa nodded as he led them to their table. The players quickly sat down and looked at their menus.

"I'm ordering that Fried Pink Salmon!" Nana exclaimed as she continued to look at her menu. "I'll have what you're having," Lucas responded. Sonic looked carefully into his menu.

"Let's see here...do they serve chili dogs here?" The rest of the players burst into laughter. Sonic frowned. "Fine, I guess I'll try out some Nigiri-Sushi," the blue hedgehog said as he pointed to the picture in the menu.

After the waiter came and the players took their orders, Captain Falcon decided to start a conversation.

"So...," Captain Falcon started. "Is everyone ready for the mission tonight?" Snake grumbled.

"I guess," he said. He had become more grumpier with the large bump on his head created by Dedede's hammer. Red chuckled.

"Whatever it is, I'm ready."

"Good. I hope we don't have another failure like last time." Snake rubbed his hand on his beard. All players turned to Captain Falcon and gave him a death glare. Captain Falcon sweat dropped.

"Don't worry. I won't let that happen again. Hehehe."

The food soon came and the players quickly ate. As soon as they were done eating, they all split the bill and headed on out.

Night soon came and the players had to meet Master Hand. They had completely forgotten about dinner, but they didn't seem to care.

"Snake, what time is it?" Lucas asked as he and the other players began walking. Snake shrugged.

"I don't know. 7:51?" Snake sighed.

Snake: I hoped that we would get there on time. I didn't want money to be subtracted from our already small pot. *Sigh*

After a few minutes of walking, they finally arrived. Master Hand waited patiently in front of the Rust Corp. Warehouse. He chuckled as he saw the players running towards him.

"Good evening everyone," he said. "I had a feeling you would all show up on time."

"Of course. We weren't going to let tardiness get in our way," Sonic said as he gave a wink and a thumbs up.

"Ok. Will you all please follow me?" Master Hand asked. The players nodded as Master Hand led them into the inside of the warehouse.

The warehouse smelled of dead fish and cold stone. The cold bars of the warehouse made the atmosphere dark and freezng. Across from these bars was a cage containing keys, and what looked like to be an exemption card.

"This Warehouse has been abandoned for quite some time now," Master Hand explained.

"I could assume that from the smell of this place," Samus said as she dug her nose into her hands. Master Hand chuckled.

"Well, you might have to get used to it since you might be here until sunrise." The players looked at Master Hand like he said the most disturbing thing in the world.

"Your next mission is called All For One. Let me explain the rules." Master Hand snapped his fingers and suddenly, 10 huge chains burst through the bars, latched themselves to the ankles of the players, and pulled them all against the bars.

"Hey! What was that for?" Snake snarled as he rubbed his back from the pain the impact with the bars created. All 10 players were chained to the dreaded bars around them.

"These chains are strong enough to keep you chained here for quite a long time," Master Hand said as he let out a laugh.

"I don't think this is funny at all," Nana said as she looked at Master Hand with disgust.

"On the bright side, you'll all be able to spend one luxurious night here. I wish I can stay here the night too, but I have to return with the producers at some hotel. Sorry."

"So we just need to stay here the whole night and money will be added to the pot?" Toon Link asked. Master Hand chuckled once more.

"Nope," he simply said. "If you all hate this place so much, you may escape. If you lean against these bars, you can allow enough slack for one of you to reach that cage over there." He pointed to the small cage that was located across from them. "That cage contains the keys you need to escape. Use one of the keys to free yourself and you're free to go. However, there is also an exemption in the cage. If you were to take that exemption with your key, no money will added to the pot and the remaining players will be forced to stay here for the rest of the night. You got that?"

All 10 players simply nodded.

"The cage opens up once every hour. If you can all escape here before sunrise, 40,000 smash coins will be added to the pot. If you escape, please meet me at the Silent Guy's Place. I wish you all the best of luck."

"Thanks. We're going to need a lot of that," Ike said.

Master Hand let out one last laugh and he vanished into thin air.

8:20 PM

"So what do we do here while we wait?" Red asked as he simply looked at the chains that trapped him.

"Nothing I guess," Dedede replied.

"I'm kinda hungry right now," Samus said. "I can go for some of that fish I had earlier today."

"Yeah, me too..."

There was a moment of silence for a few minutes before Ike spoke.

"Who's escaping here first?"

"I think we should take a vote," Samus said.

Samus: I honestly wanted to escape first. I thought I would get sick if I inhaled that smell for too long.

"I think the younger players should escape first," Snake responded. "Adults can withstand coldness and hunger better than kids can."

"I think you're right," Samus replied. She turned to the three youngest players, Toon Link, Lucas, and Nana. "Which one of you wants to escape first?"

"I dont' really care, actually," Toon Link responded. "I think Nana should go first."

"You think it's ok if I escape first?" Nana asked as she stared at Toon Link. Toon Link nodded. "How about you, Lucas?"

"It's cool." The boy in the white shirt with red stripes simply scratched his head.

Lucas: I could have been the last person to escape and still not care.

"Well, ok then," Nana replied. She sat down on the cold ground and leaned her back against the bars.

9:10 PM

For what seemed like for days, the cage across them finally opened. All 10 players looked at it.

"Ok, Nana. Good luck," Lucas said as he gave her a thumbs up. Nana nodded. The players began to lean against the bars, creating enough slack so Nana could reach the cage.

Nana: Reaching the cage was a bit easier than I expected it to be.

Nana examined the open cage. She looked at the 10 keys that were in the cage, but also looked at the lone exemption. The exemption seemed to stare at here, asking her to take it with her. Nana closed her eyes and shook her head.

"What are you waiting for?" Dedede said impatiently. Nana looked at Dedede and nodded. Nana reached her hand into the cage and quickly took a key. Then, she slammed the cage shut.

"Yeah, Nana. Now run free while you still can!" Sonic joked. Nana simply laughed as she used her key to free herself from her chains.

"See you all later!" she exclaimed as she ran towards the exit. Snake sighed.

"One person down. Nine to go..."

After about 10 minutes, Nana arrived at the Silent Guy's Place. When she walked in, she was met with Master Hand.

"Nana! I've seen you've escaped!" he exclaimed. Nana nodded.

"It was no problem at all."

"Well, I'm assuming you'll like this place rather than that fancy warehouse. Too bad."

Nana chuckled as Master Hand led her into the next room. The next room was filled with different chambers. Nana looked around.

"So this is a capsule hotel?" Nana said as she looked inside one of the chambers. Master Hand nodded. "Well, it sure beats the warehouse. That's for sure!"

9:48 PM

Lucas: I had a feeling I would have to go next, which was a good thing since that warehouse was giving me the creeps.

"Lucas, you can go next," Toon Link said. "I can stay here for one more hour." Lucas smiled.

"Thanks Toon Link," he replied. Toon Link nodded. "It's no problem at all."

10:10 PM

Yet another hour had passed since Nana escaped and the cage was once again ready to open.

"I guess it's my turn," Lucas said as he got up. The other players nodded in union as the let enough slack so Lucas could reach the cage. After about one minute, Lucas came in contact with the cage. He looked inside it. The exemption looked tempting to him.

"Hmm...Let's see..." Lucas thought. He stood by the cag, deciding what to do.

Lucas: This was a tough decision. I really wanted that exemption, but I didn't want the other players to think I was The Mole.

Lucas quickly came to a decision and grabbed one of the keys in the game. He then closed the door to the cage shut.

"Alright Lucas!" Samus cheered. Lucas nodded shyly as he unlocked his chains and quickly ran out without a word.

Lucas ran inside the Silent Guy's Place. He was greeted by Master Hand.

"Lucas, it seems that you were able to escape as well. How did it feel?"

"I don't know. I'm just glad I was able to help out."

"I see. If you're looking for Nana, she's sleeping right now. I'll go ahead and take you to where you'll be sleeping for the night."

Lucas smiled as he followed Master Hand into the next room.

10:52 PM

Toon Link: My turn was next. I felt that it shouldn't be too hard to escape. Nana and Lucas did so without fail. I just hope I don't get too tempted over that exemption.

Captain Falcon: I had no idea if I would escape for the night. I had a feeling one of the players would get greedy and take that exemption.

Ike: I hoped that I would be one of the last ones to go. That way, I can think about what I'm going to do.

"Just about twenty more minutes until the cage opens," Red reminded the rest of the players. "Toon Link is going next."

"Yep. I think I'm all clear about what I'm going to do," Toon Link replied. He looked at the cage in front of him with certainty.

11:10 PM

The cage opened after another long hour. Dedede and Snake were both fast asleep on the cold floor. Toon Link got up after he saw his cue.

"Ok guys. Can you all create some slack to these chains so I can get through?" The other players nodded. Toon Link leaned against the bars and made his way over to the cage. He quickly dug his hand into the cage and took out a key. Then he slammed the cage shut.

"That was fast," Samus said. Toon Link chuckled as he began to free himself from his chains.

"Later guys!" Toon Link exclaimed as he made his escape. The other players chuckled back in amusement.

When Toon Link arrived at the Silent Guy's Place, he was greeted by Master Hand just like Nana and Lucas.

"Toon Link. It seems that you escaped that luxurious warehouse as well," the big floating hand said as he let out a chuckle. "I'm assuming you must be tired." Toon Link nodded.

"Then you must follow me," Master Hand replied. Toon Link nodded as they went into the next room.

"A capsule hotel?" Toon Link exclaimed as soon as he entered the room. He could already see Lucas and Nana sleeping in their chambers. Master Hand laughed.

"Yep. I hope you get a good night's sleep." Toon Link laughed back.

"Thanks. I will."

11:34 PM

"I-I'm so cold..." Captain Falcon complained as he hugged himself for warmth.

"M-me too..." Red responded. Samus looked at them and began to fell colder as well.

"So who's going next?" she asked.

"I think you should go next. After all, it's ladies first," Snake replied while blushing. Samus smiled.

"So, I should go next?" Snake nodded. Samus smiled once more.

"So do you guys agree with Snake?" she asked as she turned to the rest of the players. Sonic shrugged.

"Whatever."

Sonic: I've slept in harsher conditions than that warehouse. I would have let anyone go before me.

Samus: I kinda felt good that I would be able to escape next. I really wanted to get a good night's sleep.

12:10 AM

After another another long, cold, and harsh hour, the cage opened for the fourth time. Samus smiled as she saw this happen.

"Ok everyone. We all need to create enough slack so I can get to that cage. Got it?" The other players nodded. After enough slack, Samus was able to reach the cage.

Samus: Since I already won an exemption in Episode 2, I felt it would be unfair to take it again in this episode.

Samus reached into the cage and pulled out a key. She quickly closed the cage soon after.

"Well, so you all in the morning!" Samus exclaimed as she freed herself from her chains.

"You too, Samus!" Snake yelled back. The other players seemed to care less. Samus then made her hasty escape.

After running for a few minutes, Samus arrived at the Silent Guy's Place. Master Hand was there to greet her like always.

"Samus. You escaped!" Master Hand exclaimed. "How did it feel?"

"It felt alright. All I care about now is getting some sleep."

"Ah, ok. Please follow me." Samus nodded as Master Hand led her into the next room.

12:23 AM

"Who volunteers to go next next?" Snake asked as he lied his back against the cold bars.

"I could go next if anyone wants me to," Red replied. "But if someone wants to go before me, they can go."

"Well, I can stay here for a little while longer," Snake responded. He looked at the four other players. Dedede was fast asleep while Sonic, Captain Falcon, and Ike were chatting.

"I don't think they seem to mind if you go next," said Snake.

"So it looks like I'm going next?" Snake nodded.

Red: I was sorta relieved that I would be the next to escape. I really hope all the other players will be able to escape, though.

1:10 AM

The cage opened. Red looked at the cage and let out a relaxing sigh.

"Can you guys help me out?" he asked as he turned to the other players. They nodded as they gave off enough slack on the chains so Red could reach the cage. "Thanks."

Red made his way to the cage and looked inside. The exemption seemed to look into his very soul.

"Uh..."

Red:I finally had the chance to win an exemption. Unfortunately if I took the exemption, nobody would trust me anymore.

Red stayed in thought for a few seconds. Suddenly he reached his hand into the cage and took one of the keys. Then he closed the cage.

Snake gave out a sigh of relief and the other players clapped for Red. He chuckled.

"Well, I'll see you all at sunrise," Red said as he ran out of the warehouse.

Red walked into the Silent Guy's Place. Not surprisingly, Master Hand was waiting for him there.

"Red! So you have escaped?" Master Hand asked. Red nodded with a sigh.

"Are you feeling tired?" Red nodded once more.

"Well, follow me then."

1:45 AM

Dedede: I was sleeping for most of the time since I was so bored. I really hated this mission.

Ike: I secretly hoped I would be chosen to go next. I was getting really cold and tired.

Captain Falcon: My whole body was frozen at this point. This was my least favorite mission so far.

Sonic:I felt like I was going to fall asleep like Dedede did. It felt horrible being chained down like that for a long time.

Snake: If one of us takes that exemption during this mission, I'm keeping my eye on that person.

"Who wants to go next?" Sonic asked. The other players shrugged.

"I guess I'll go," Captain Falcon replied. "Anyone agree?"

"You could go next. I don't really care," Snake said. Ike and Sonic nodded in agreement.

The four players looked at Dedede who was asleep on the floor.

"So, it's settled. Captain Falcon goes next."

2:10 AM

Captain Falcon: My turn was soon to come. I didn't know what choice I was going to make yet.

The cage opened. Captain Falcon sighed as he got up and began to head towards the cage using the slack from the chains. At the cage, Captain Falcon looked at the keys, and glared at the exemption. After thinking for a few seconds, he took a key and slammed the cage door shut.

"Hasta la Vista!" Captain Falcon exclaimed as he quickly used his key to remove his chains. He dashed right out of the warehouse seconds later.

At the Silent Guy's Place, Captain Falcon met up with Master Hand.

"Yeah. Yeah. I escaped," Captain Falcon said before Master Hand could speak. He chuckled.

"How do you feel?"

"Tired."

2:51 AM

"So..." Ike started. "Who wants to go next?" The other players remained silent. "Can I go?" he asked nervously. Snake sighed.

"Go ahead," he grumbled under his breath. Ike nodded.

"Thanks, Snake."

Ike: I had a tough decision to make. Should I save the money, or take that exemption?

3:10 AM

Ike sighed as he watched the cage open. It was his turn. Carefully, Ike got up and made his way over to the cage. The other players had to allow enough slack on the chains first. At the cage, Ike looked carefully inside the cage. He looked over to the exemption. Temptation could be clearly seen in his eyes.

"Ike! You can do it!" Sonic exclaimed. Ike looked back at the cage.

Ike: I didn't know what to do. I really wanted that exemption. So much. I know that sometimes you got to make sacrifices in this game, but I'm not sure if I'm ready for that.

With caution, Ike lowered his hand into the cage.

A/N:Ah! A cliffhanger!

The first mission of Episode 3 is off to a good start, but will the greed of one player spoil it? Feel free to leave a review or vote in the poll. I'd really appreciate it.

(Also keep on the lookout for hidden clues. Some of them might be a bit easy to spot if you read very carefully...)

- TheGreatAdvenger