Author's Note: 07-18-06
This is it, everyone! The second-to-last leg in the Amazing Race: Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door Edition! It has been such a long ride to get here, but it was all worth it to be able to see myself improve…in my opinion, I have done so (if you don't think so, that's okay). Indeed, I promise that you'll find this interesting, to say the least…I have, too…because I have had such a hard time deciding which teams come in last on each leg, and which ones were non-elimination (btw, did anyone notice that all-female teams were the only ones to experience the non-elimination legs?). And now…without further ado…the first part of the two-part finale! Leg 12! READ ON!
Loading the Memory Card… The save file in Slot A has been loaded!
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Previously, on the Amazing Race…
Four teams took off from the tropical setting of the Birdo Beacon and raced nearly 15,000 miles to the arid Yoshi Desert.
After reserving tickets for a flight, twins Merluvlee and Merlee made a new friend at the Birdo Beacon while waiting for the opening of Botional International.
"…You're helping two possible future millionaires, girl." Merluvlee cried happily, hugging the Boo. "You've completely outdone yourself!"
"How can we ever repay you?" Merlee questioned.
"Oh, it's okay! Just remember to visit back here some day." Marissa replied.
However, the day turned spoiled for both them and Don and Fransesca, who found themselves delayed at Plainsport. The two teams decided to challenge each other at the Fast Forward.
"Well, we have to. There's nothing else we can do except go for the regular road…and they're on the same flight as we are…" Merluvlee reasoned. "If we don't head for it, they will…"
"…We block them off…" Fransesca realized. "…I-I really don't want to do this…"
Father-and-son team Koopley and Koops headed for the second of two Turning Points in the race and picked up a Sacrificial Dough slip.
"This one should be it." Koopley picked up a golden slip.
"Thanks for the great service!" Koops remarked sarcastically to Tryclyde, whose heads were still being quite restless. After getting no response, the pair just shrugged.
Jolene and Mush found themselves astounded by quicksand.
"Whoa…" Mush muttered. "We can breathe in that stuff?"
"…Unbelievable…"
While Koopley was astounded by his son's map ability.
"During the past two legs, I discovered something about Koops that I never knew…he's an expert map reader."
Siblings Jolene and Mush cruised to the top.
Miles gave them a thumbs up. "You're team number one!"
"Yes!" The two shared a hug for several seconds.
At the Saddle Mining Zone, the twins and the Piantas battled it out for the Fast Forward, but in the end, the power that Don had surpassed that of the girls.
The twins screamed as they accidentally let go of their bar without holding it in place, releasing all the work they had put into the Fast Forward as the Shrobalt pulled the bucket all the way down until only the knot was left on the rod above the hole.
"This can't be happening…"
"Oh my gosh…"
Merluvlee and Merlee disdainfully tried to continue on and restart, but as it turned out, all their energy used had been in vain.
"Here's your Fast Forward." The Cobrat handed the envelope to a wheezing Don.
Although they arrived last, the sisters were more than relieved to hear what Miles had to say.
"I'm…happy to inform you, however, that this is the final of the three pre-determined non-elimination legs. You two are still IN the race!"
"YEEEEEEEEEEEEEAAAAAAAAAAHHH!"
Siblings Strike Sandy Fortune; M&M Survives
Four teams remain in the race. Who will be eliminated next?
…
"This is the barren landscape known as the Yoshi Desert. Known for its famous amounts of pyramids, legends, and treasure, this barren region is nothing short of adventure. Hidden to the world by the illusion of sand in the Water Oasis is the Invisandible Monastery. Mysteriously cloaked by a strong, magical force, it became the eleventh pit stop in a race around the world.
Teams checked in here to take part in a mandatory twelve-hour rest period where they can eat, sleep, and mingle with the other teams. Can Jolene and Mush stay strong to hold on to their lead? Will the Sacrificial Dough slip come into play under the possession of Koopley and Koops? And will Merluvlee and Merlee be able to make it through this leg without starting money?
The four teams waiting here have no idea where they are heading next, or what kinds of challenges await them. They must use clues found in sealed envelopes to make their way to the final pit stop.
Jolene and Mush, who arrived at 6:42 P.M., will depart at 6:42 A.M."
Jolene & Mush: Siblings- 1st to Depart, 6:42 A.M. (Invisandible Monastery)
The sun is already above the horizon of the Yoshi Desert. A small bit of the sunshine manages to peak in through the front entrance of the Invisandible Monastery's chapel, and is angled enough to reach the spot where the pit stop mat is laid out on the floor.
Jolene and Mush, wearing a red skirt and blue shorts respectively, are both wearing different tennis shoes than the sandy ones used in the previous leg. Jolene has a jacket tied around her waist, and is wearing a light-green T-shirt that has a golden Star on the back. Mush, on the other hand, is wearing a gray muscle shirt that advertises Glitzville.
Ripping the strip off the envelope, Jolene makes sure she pockets the piece instead of throwing it on the ground of the sacred building. She takes out a blue card and reads it.
"Drive back to Fort Egg Airport and board a flight for Citadel Airborne. From Protectorate Airport, use a marked pedalhover to reach Graystone Castle. Your next clue waits at the very front entrance to this floating stronghold."
Teams must now drive their 4-by-4s back to Fort Egg Airport and find a flight to transport them 4,213 miles to Citadel Airborne, over 11,000 ft. above sea level. After touching down at the connected city's Graystone Castle, teams will need to locate these man-powered hovercrafts in the parking lot, which they must use to transverse a one mile shortcut over open air to this place: Graystone Castle, the resting place for the remains of a powerful empire that was defeated over 150 years ago. Unknown to the teams, their next clue isn't in a clue box; instead, this automaton, dressed in the yellow and red race colors, holds it. Once they figure out that it is the keeper of the envelopes, they can press a button for their next clue.
"Three teams have 42 Smash coins for this leg of the race, and one team has zero. Warning: Yield ahead." Jolene finished.
"That's not very much…I guess we won't be using any taxis or anything else we'll have to pay for." Mush opened the sack that the siblings used to hold their money—even with the added amount, the bag was relatively empty.
"Ooh…" Jolene peered at the small sum. "We'll just have to spend sparingly for food and such, then."
The Toads started to walk away from the mat. About halfway down the aisle, Jolene stopped.
"Wait…didn't we leave our van back at the Grass Oasis when we used the Sand Tornado Orb?"
"Yeah…" Mush frowned. "Maybe…"
Signaling for his sister to follow him, he jogged out into the sunshine. Next to the 4-by-4 of Don and Fransesca (which had been driven to the pit stop by the team) were the other three 4-by-4s that had been left in front of the Torsando Orb Shop.
"They think of everything, don't they?" Jolene chuckled.
"The tension has been kicking up more and more, and we all can feel it. There aren't any serious rivalries or anything, so it's tough to know that before we race among friends, we have to see two of them go. Like the other teams, we're hoping it isn't us." Mush stated grimly. (After-leg Interview)
With Mush behind the wheel, the packs secured in the back, and Jolene using her logic to figure out which direction to head in, the car moved off from its place in front of the invisible chapel.
AREA CHANGE: Fort Egg Airport Moving Sidewalk
Standing on the moving sidewalk that was headed in the direction of the food court, the siblings were contemplating their best chances to get a good flight to Citadel Airborne.
"I saw on the screen that a flight that just left from Mushroom International Airlines…they probably wouldn't have another one leaving soon…" Mush kicked up his backpack to a comfortable spot on his shoulders.
"Most likely…" Jolene responded. "…I heard somewhere that Citadel Airborne has its own airlines…but I don't know if that was a reliable source or not."
"We could always try." Mush reminded. "There's that Yield…so we have to make sure we're not the last ones there."
"I guess…but after a bit of breakfast to help us clear our minds and relieve some stress." Jolene rubbed her stomach, making her brother laugh.
Koopley & Koops: Father/Son- 2nd to Depart, 7:09 A.M. (Invisandible Monastery)
Koops adjusted the hood on his hoodie, which again, seems cleaned after being battered by sands in the desert. He still has on the same baseball cap. Koopley, on the other hand, is wearing no outer-shell clothing this leg. A sand-colored piece of string around his neck reaches down into his shell, presumably the pendant from the greeter.
"Drive back to Fort Egg Airport and board a flight for Citadel Airborne. From Protectorate Airport, use a marked pedalhover to reach Graystone Castle. Your next clue waits at the very front entrance to this floating stronghold." Koopley read. "Three teams have 42 Smash coins for this leg of the race, and one team has zero. Warning: Yield ahead."
His son fingered the golden strip of paper.
"I guess our only chance to use it is now, huh?"
"Yup."
Koops tore the slip at its crease. The Koopas' backs were lightened as their packs flew off, along with all the money they had saved up (which wasn't very much combined with the new additions). Glowing with the sparkle of a brand-new coin, the items flew towards the world map and disappeared into it, as if it were the surface of a hollow container.
The Sacrificial Dough slip may only be used at the beginning of a leg. Once activated, the team that uses it will be without not only their possessions for the entire leg, but also all of their money. In order for the slip to work properly, the team cannot gather any more than 10 Smash coins during the course of the leg. If the team complies and makes it to the end of the leg without being eliminated, they will gain back their possessions and twice the amount of money than what they had lost. If the team obtains too much money during the leg, they will only receive 1.5 times what they had depsited.
"We won't be seeing those until the end of this leg, right?"
"That's what the description said…" Koopley scooped up the two scraps that rested upon the mat and handed them back to Koops, who put them in his pocket.
"What about the cars? We left the 4-by-4 back at the Grass Oasis?" Koops asked.
"I think they're outside…I noticed them when I went for a midnight walk around this oasis…it was quite nice."
"Before the race, I'd become the new mayor of Petalburg in replacement of Mr. Kroop. The mayor title holds a great leadership quality to it, something that I sorta doubted that I'd ever find in myself. Looking back at the race now, I think that I was looking in all the wrong areas. Every single time I needed support, I had only one to turn to—my dad. He's the one that I look up to, and it's from him that I'm gonna learn by the end of the race." Koops commented. (After-leg Interview)
"Looks like you were right." Koops stated.
Used to having to dump his backpack into the back, it took Koops a few seconds to realize he was free of his bag. Koopley laughed.
Jolene & Mush: Siblings (Fort Egg Airport)
"…and we need to get on any flights that they might have." Jolene explained to the Shy Guy behind the information counter.
"I'll run a search to see what the name of the airlines is." He replied.
While the clerk ran a search to find the name of Citadel Airborne's airlines, Jolene and Mush patiently munched on their breakfast.
"Okay…the name of the airlines is Protectorate Air. You'll find it on the second floor, section H…its boarding platform is close by. They have two flights leaving for Citadel Airborne, the earliest departs at noon. The other one leaves at 8:30 tonight."
"Thank you very much." Jolene reached over to shake the Shy Guy's hand.
"Let's go, sis." Mush picked up Jolene's notepad and signaled for her to head toward the escalator while he threw away his plate.
AREA CHANGE: Fort Egg Airport 2nd Floor
Protectorate Air's counter stood out from the surrounding desks. Hanging above the counter was the symbol—a hi-tech fighter plane soaring through gray clouds.
"Hello…we'd like to purchase tickets for your noon flight to Citadel Airborne." Jolene told the Anuboo sitting in a swivel chair.
"…I see…"
The dark creature typed into the computer. Reaching down, it grabbed the tickets from the printer and placed them on the counter.
"…You're on…" (Jolene & Mush- 1st on Protectorate Air, FLIGHT 1)
"Great!" Mush exclaimed.
"Thank you." Jolene accepted the tickets and handed one to Mush. The two then proceeded to find something to do while waiting for the flight.
Koopley & Koops: Father/Son (Fort Egg Airport)
"Are you sure?"
"Yeah…I'm sorry, but we have no flights leaving for there until tomorrow."
"Do you know of any airlines here that would have a flight that leaves sooner?"
"Yeah." The Rocky Wrench perked up. "I came here on the flights of Protectorate Air, Citadel Airborne's own personal airlines. I'd put my chips on them; they're sure to have a flight that leaves today."
"Where is their counter located?"
"Top floor, section H."
"Thank you, sir."
Koopley and Koops walked away from Mushroom International and strode towards the escalator.
"This just feels so weird walking through an airport without having luggage to haul around, doesn't it?" Koops asked.
"Sure does!" Koopley patted his shell as if to check to make sure that there wasn't a backpack there.
AREA CHANGE: Fort Egg Airport- Protectorate Air Counter
"…Okay…the flight leaves at noon, but you might want to arrive at security…I'd say…at least thirty minutes before…" The Anuboo passed two tickets over the counter. (Koopley & Koops- 2nd on Protectorate Air, FLIGHT 1)
"Thank you." Koopley handed the tickets to Koops, who pocketed them in the same section as the Sacrificial Dough strips.
"So what do we do now? We don't have money to pay for food here at the airport…" Koops flinched upon hearing a painfully loud rumble. "…And I'm hungry…"
"…Don't think you can last until lunchtime?" Koopley asked.
"No way…even if I did, airplane food is awful…I don't trust it after the Flavio incident…" Koops remarked.
Suddenly, Koopley caught a writer's convenience in the corner of his eye. It was a sign atop a nearby stand that said "Free donuts and coffee for ticket buyers!"
"I think we can manage."
Don & Fransesca: Father/Daughter- 3rd to Depart, 7:43 A.M. (Invisandible Monastery)
Fransesca yawned and stretched her arms before straightening her usual hat. In replacement of the usual leaves, she had on a pink skirt that would have been classified as a blanket, had it not been for the Isle Delfino design on it and the uneven bottom. She had on a light-orange shirt that had a bit of glitter and had ads about Rogueport. Her father, on the other hand, had the traditional leaf skirt. His sunglasses and hat remained, but he had a black T-shirt that would spread the word about the Pianta Parlor.
Don coughed as his daughter opened the envelope.
"Drive back to Fort Egg Airport and board…"
"The least I can say about the race is that it has been one of the best things that have ever happened to me—I feel so lucky to be a part of it! Daddy and I have made it this far, and we plan on going all the way to the finish line!" Fransesca proclaimed. (After-leg Interview)
"Our Yield picture is in here!" Fransesca pulled it out and admired herself for a second.
"Come on, Frannie…de new leg awaits." Don reminded, before sneezing.
The Piantas walked outside, Don coughing once more. Fransesca looked at him worriedly.
"Daddy, are you okay?"
"Yeah, dere isn't anyding wrong."
Giving her father a doubtful look, the yellow Pianta jumped into the car, while Don put the packs in the back of the 4-by-4.
AREA CHANGE: Fort Egg Airport- Protectorate Air Counter
"We'd like two tickets for Citadel Airborne, please." Fransesca handed two passports to the Anuboo, who returned them before typing something into the computer. Two tickets came out of the printer.
"…Here are your tickets…" The Anuboo picked up the slips and handed them to Fransesca, who smiled. (Don & Fransesca- 3rd on Protectorate Air, FLIGHT 1)
"Thank you."
Walking back towards a small table, Fransesca winced as her father gave a string of hard, wheezing coughs.
"Daddy…there's something wrong."
Don looked up at his daughter uneasily after sneezing.
"That's it…we're finding a doctor." Fransesca pulled on her pack.
Don, not in the mood to argue, unsteadily rose from his chair and proceeded to put on his backpack before being stopped.
"Here." Fransesca grabbed her father's luggage. "Help me find a pay phone…"
With his daughter leading the way towards a map, Don managed a smile.
"Dat dere is a woman of de truest loyalty…"
Merluvlee & Merlee: Twins- Last to Depart, 10:02 A.M. (Invisandible Monastery)
The calm eyes of the twins peek out from under their almost unchanged outfits. The only noticeable details would be the two pendants given to them by the priest at the conclusion of the previous leg; they had adopted the necklaces as not only lucky charms, but also as the symbol of their most enjoyed leg.
Merlee tore the strip off of the envelope, and took out the Route Info card.
"Personally, I'm extremely surprised that we made it to this next-to-last leg in the race. It's been such an experience, it's too much for words…but we're relieved and honored to still be here." Merluvlee commented. (After-leg Interview)
"Although it seemed like we would have been mad at Fransesca and Don for beating us to the Fast Forward, we aren't. We're still in it, and we'll be able to make it through the rest of the race, even though we were so distraught after yesterday's events." Merlee remarked. (After-leg Interview)
"Three teams have 42 Smash coins for this leg of the race, and one team has zero. Warning: Yield ahead…"
"I wonder who that lucky penniless team is?" Merluvlee joked.
"No idea!" Merlee responded. The twins laughed.
AREA CHANGE: Fort Egg Airport- Protectorate Air Counter
"Leaving at noon?" Merlee asked. "What do you think, Merluv?"
"I say…let's go for it."
"We'll take 'em." Merlee told the Anuboo. (Merluvlee & Merlee- Last on Protectorate Air, FLIGHT 1)
"…Okay…" The Anuboo passed two tickets over the counter.
"I bet everyone else is on this flight." Merluvlee mentioned.
"Probably."
FLIGHT 1- Departing at 12:01 P.M.)
By the sheerest coincidence, all four teams are sitting in the same vicinity. They can be seen chatting with each other through a plane window as the wheels of the aircraft leave the ground.
This is the only flight to Citadel Airborne that carries all the teams: Merluvlee and Merlee, Jolene and Mush, Don and Fransesca, and Koopley and Koops. Although the destination isn't very far away, teams will experience quite the ride, as their plane will be gaining height often by turning itself diagonally.
(FLIGHT 1- Arriving at 4:59 P.M.)
Dark-colored clouds surround Citadel Airborne, high in the sky. There doesn't appear to be very much light because the sun doesn't penetrate very well, so many outdoor lights are on. It becomes apparent that the area behind one of the large buildings contains…
Don & Fransesca: Father/Daughter (Protectorate Airport)
Managing to zigzag through the traffic of people, the father-daughter team is a ways away from the others. Although Don looks a bit sicker than he was at Fort Egg, he is still managing to keep up with Fransesca.
"We need to find the hovercraft…" Fransesca murmured, leading her father by the hand.
"Dat's probably in the main parking lot." Don remarked before letting loose several coughs.
"Which one is that?"
The Piantas looked around as they ran, reading every single sign posted above the exits.
"Wait, scratch dat! The lot closest to de terminal!" Don remembered.
Jolene & Mush: Siblings (Protectorate Airport)
"Where is it…" Mush mumbled.
"We'll find it." Jolene assured.
Koopley & Koops/ Merluvlee & Merlee (Protectorate Airport)
Having no choice but to walk, Koopley and Koops managed to find their way through the crowds in pursuit of the twins.
"I hate this…we can't spin in this stupidly overcrowded place!" Koops grumbled.
"Calm down, Koops…we can do well without."
"Merluv, do you see it?"
"No, I don't!"
Jolene & Mush: Siblings (Protectorate Airport Parking Lot)
"This should be the exit." Jolene said.
The Toad siblings ran out the doors.
"Yup! That was it, alright!" Mush confirmed.
Visible in the middle of the lot were four metallic pods, colored in the yellow and red décor of the race.
Looking back, Mush was relieved to find that no other teams had exited the airport doors as he reached the hovercraft. Jolene arrived behind him.
Upon closer inspection, the craft looked very similar to a pedal boat—it had two sets of pedals protruding out of the two seats, but whatever they were powering was unseen. The left seat had the power of the steering wheel, while the other had the honor of reading what appeared to be a GPS system. The screen showed a flashing race flag and a yellow dot.
"Who drives?" Mush interrogated.
"You can if you want to…" Jolene stepped into the right-hand seat, forcing Mush to take the left one.
"All right!"
Luckily, the craft were pointed outward from the cars around them; none of the teams would know how to back them up.
The siblings started pedaling, sending the craft through the air at a leisurely pace.
"Cool…"
Don & Fransesca: Father/Daughter (Protectorate Airport Parking Lot)
"Come on, Daddy!"
After a short run to the three remaining hovercraft, Fransesca opted to sit in the driver's seat, leaving Don with the GPS system.
"Youse'll have to bear with me, Frannie…" Don coughed. "I can't overstrain myself…"
"Leave it to me!" Fransesca insisted. Thoroughly enjoying being in the driver's seat, she started pedaling at an unusually quick rate; most likely to make up for her dad, who was turning the pedals slowly.
Merluvlee & Merlee/ Koopley & Koops (Protectorate Airport Parking Lot)
"Here we go…" Merluv gradually turned the steering wheel to the left while pedaling.
"We're going to have to pass through the residential area before we reach that gap…" Merlee observed the GPS.
"Come on, son…we have to pedal as fast as we can!" Koopley remarked.
"I'll try!"
Jolene & Mush: Siblings (Airborne Gap)
Before long, the lead team reached a truly astounding sight: a wide gap over space that reached from the edge of the residential area to a gray path of stones that led to a castle.
"I guess this is it." Mush murmured. "Come on…I bet the next team might catch up to us soon."
"Right."
As the duo began their one-mile shortcut towards Graystone Castle, they both peered over the sides, as if they were expecting to drop if they quit pedaling. Testing it out, they both did…yet the pedalhover remained airborne.
"Okay…that freaked me out." Mush sighed.
Don & Fransesca: Father/Daughter (Airborne Gap)
"Wait, who's that up there!" Fransesca pointed. "We caught up to someone!"
"Dat's Jolene and Mush!" Don coughed. "Looks like youse dad didn't get us outta dat airport first…"
"We can catch up!" Fransesca started pedaling at a faster rate than what she had gone at in the parking lot. Don sneezed.
Koopley & Koops: Father/Son (Citadel Airborne Residential Area)
"Koops, where does it say to go next?" Koopley inquired.
"We make a left, and we should see the park soon. That's where the gap starts." Koops replied.
"Great!" Koopley turned the wheel, allowing the craft to round another corner.
Merluvlee & Merlee: Twins (Citadel Airborne Residential Area)
The twins were about one block behind the two Koopas.
"Ugh…talk about leg stress…" Merlee mumbled.
"…Literally or metaphorically…"
"Both…"
Jolene & Mush/ Don & Fransesca (Airborne Gap)
The two teams were already far into the shortcut, the siblings in a slight lead.
"Come on, Mush…we can stay ahead of them…" Jolene gasped.
"On it."
Trying to make up for his sister, Mush was pedaling as fast as he could, but was quickly losing energy.
"Let's go, Daddy! You can do it!" Fransesca cheered as they passed Jolene and Mush to grab the first-place slot.
"Dere's de castle up ahead…" Don pointed before letting loose a cough.
In only a matter of seconds, the Piantas had managed to pull ahead of the Toads by a few yards.
Koopley & Koops: Father/Son (Airborne Gap)
"I can just barely see them…how far ahead are they?" Koops asked rhetorically. The two hovercraft ahead of them were a bit bigger than specks, but well ahead of the trailing two teams.
"No idea…but we need to keep on." Koopley replied.
"Don't look down…don't look down…" Koops mumbled to himself.
"The Airborne Gap was one of the most interesting things I think I've seen on the race. Sure, it's just a break in the road and everything, but the way you could see the tinted clouds below…it was quite a sight to see." Koopley remarked. (After-leg Interview)
Merluvlee & Merlee: Twins (Airborne Gap)
"Ugh…we're in last again…where'd they get to?" Merluvlee inquired.
"I guess they're up there…" Merlee panted.
"Up at that castle thing? …Great…"
Don & Fransesca: Father/Daughter- Currently in 1st (Graystone Castle Entrance)
Disembarking from their hovercraft after about fifteen minutes of pedaling from the start of the gap, the father-daughter team hurriedly walked up the stone walkway toward a large set of open doors.
"Dere's the Yield mat!" Don noticed.
"We've gotta Yield someone!" Fransesca decided, jumping on.
This is the final Yield in the race. A Yield is a point where one team can Yield, or force another team to stop racing for a pre-determined amount of time. If a team has been Yielded, they will have to turn over this hourglass and wait for it to run out before they may continue racing.
"Whose is we goin' to Yield?" Don sniffed, pulling a tissue from his pocket.
"I don't know…" Fransesca closed her eyes and pulled out a random picture from the box.
"…Uh…dat's not suitable." Don muttered as a freaked-out Fransesca crammed their picture back into the other three. She pulled out a second one…
"We choose to Yield…" Fransesca pulled the paper off the back of the large sticker and pasted it onto the board. "…Merluvlee and Merlee."
"Hurry…"
"Hold on for a second! Find the clue box or something!" The yellow Pianta put a smaller sticker on a space at the bottom-right corner that provided the information needed to know who the Yielders were. "Oh my gosh…I'm so sorry…but we have to do this…" Fransesca quietly whispered to the picture of the twins.
"During our flight, I decided that since Daddy wasn't feeling good, we had to try to Yield a team that was behind us to give ourselves time. He eventually gave in, but it took a bit for him to admit that we HAD to." Fransesca twiddled her thumbs. (After-leg Interview)
Turning around, Fransesca quickly became confused.
"I don't see a clue box!"
"Dat automaton!" Don pointed. "It's got de race colors!"
"What if it's just a coincidence?" Fransesca argued.
"Do youse see anyding else out here?"
"No…"
"Den try it!"
Don followed his daughter up to the robot. After examining it for a second, she pressed a button in the chest area. A clue envelope slid out of the 'mouth.'
Opening it, Fransesca found a red card inside. "Roadblock. Who can find what isn't lost?"
A Roadblock is a task that only one person may perform. In this Roadblock, that person has to execute a duty done by peons of the empire within the large cargo room of Graystone Castle. They will have to smash into crates to locate the cargo they need. From 303 wooden boxes, the team member will have to search through wood and packing corn for only 10 clues hidden inside separate crates with an iron bar as their smashing tool. After following in the footsteps of the minor soldiers who searched intercepted deliveries for vitally important messages, teams will have their message in their possession.
"Daddy…who should—"
"AACHOO!"
"…" Fransesca gulped, opening the card. "…303…uh…I guess that isn't too hard…I hope…"
Taking her pack with her, Fransesca ran into the castle, following the path laid out by arrows on the walls. Following slowly, her exhausted father put his hand up to his head dizzily as he suddenly leaned on the wall for support.
Finding the cargo room, Fransesca dropped her pack near the entrance. Noticing a table directly to the left of the entrance, she went over to discover four sets of iron bars and protective goggles.
"I guess safety IS a precaution…" Fransesca murmured, snapping the goggles onto her face. She grabbed an iron bar and turned back around.
Inside of the large room were hundreds of large wooden crates, just a bit taller than Don.
"Here we go…" Fransesca screamed out and ran at the closest box before swinging with all her might.
An exhausted Don crawled his way into the room to be met with the splintering sound of wood.
"Dat's meh girl…" Don whispered as his daughter started rummaging through the pile of packing nuts.
Jolene & Mush: Siblings- Currently in 2nd (Graystone Castle Entrance)
Carrying both backpacks, Mush actually found himself jumping onto the Yield mat behind his sister.
"Yeah…we can't really Yield anyone." Jolene remarked to the camera, pointing towards the two pictures already on the board.
"Where's the clue box at, sis? I don't see it anywhere." Mush stated.
"Hmm…"
The siblings spent a few seconds in silence, in which the sound of iron crashing against wood could be heard.
"I think I know…" Jolene walked up to the automaton and pushed the bright red button, causing the clue envelope to pop out.
"…Neat." Mush felt the hard surface of the robot.
"Roadblock. Who can find what isn't lost?" Jolene read aloud. "I have a feeling this isn't logic-oriented, Mush…you want to do it?"
"I guess…" Mush trailed off. "What is IT?"
"…Smash into wooden crates with an iron bar to locate one of ten clues in the castle's cargo room." Jolene replied.
"Yeah, I can do it. Come on!"
The siblings headed into the castle and down a short hallway before finding the large chamber by a staircase.
Placing the packs down, Mush grabbed a pair of goggles and an iron bar.
"You can do it, Mush!" Jolene encouraged. Mush rushed his first crate, instantly breaking it. After quickly searching the puddle of packing corn, he moved on to another crate.
"Dat's it, Frannie!" Don managed to yell before sneezing.
Koopley & Koops: Father/Son- Currently in 3rd (Graystone Castle Entrance)
Getting off of their hovercraft, the two Koopas spun to the mat.
"We choose not to Yield anyone since we can't, anyway." Said Koopley.
Koops immediately figured out the robot had the clues in it and pressed the button. He grabbed the clue that came out.
"Let's see…a Roadblock. Who can find what isn't lost?" Koops read.
"Heheh, you've found plenty of things…but I guess it's my turn, now." Koopley admitted. "Here, let me see it… …Oh. Um…okay."
"Not here, either?" Fransesca kicked up a storm of packing nuts. "I don't get it…why is this so hard to find…"
Wading in a small lake of packing nuts, Mush finally decided to move on to a different area as to not become lost in popcorn, as he had stuck in one area to try and clear it all out. Fransesca wasn't having the same problem, since she was much taller.
"Maybe I should start on the other side of the room now…" Mush muttered.
Koopley grabbed his goggles and placed them over his eyes. He then picked up the second-to-last iron bar and picked a spot to start. Meanwhile, Koops sat down next to Jolene and Don.
"How long have you guys been here?" Koops asked curiously.
"About…fifteen minutes or so…" Jolene replied. "…Don, are you SURE you're okay? You really feel like you have a fever…"
"Yeah…just don't worry 'bout me…dis is a race…" Don suddenly sneezed, causing the bench they were sitting on to shake.
"Whoa…" Koops had to re-adjust himself on the seat, while Jolene straightened her glasses.
Merluvlee & Merlee: Twins- Currently in Last (Graystone Castle Entrance)
"Come on, there's the mat!" Merluvlee yelled.
"I'm coming, Merluv! Oh, I hope that…oh no…"
The twins stared at the board in disbelief.
"ARE YOU SERIOUS!"
"For the love of the stars, Merluv, calm down!" Merlee flipped the hourglass.
"Oh, come on! As if it weren't enough that they won the Fast Forward last leg…and now they're rubbing it in!" Merluvlee desperately looked like she wanted to yell something profane.
"Well don't gripe about it to me…it's not like I can change it." Merlee answered.
"URGH!" Merluvlee angrily took a seat on the mat, trying to calm herself down.
Jolene & Mush/ Koopley & Koops/ Don & Fransesca (Graystone Cargo Room)
"…I think that Merluvlee and Merlee are here now." Koops remarked.
"Sounds like it." Jolene looked at her watch. "I'm surprised we all arrived so close together…it's been forty minutes since we arrived. I wasn't expecting them to handle the trip that quickly."
"ACHOO!" Don sneezed again.
Koopley smacked a wooden crate. He had to give it a second whack for it to break open.
"Nope…nothing here but corn…too bad I'm not hungry." Koopley moved on to another box.
"Okay…just stay calm…you'll find it." Mush told himself, smashing another crate. He waded through the packing corn and felt for an envelope, but was only met with the texture of the material.
By now, Fransesca was going crazy.
"Why can't I find it!"
Merluvlee & Merlee: Twins (Graystone Castle Entrance)
By now, Merluvlee was going crazy.
"Why is it so slow!"
"Yeah…" Merlee fiddled with her tarot cards. "You think that thing over there has the clues in it?"
"What?" Merluvlee turned to look at the robot. "Um…I guess…it probably does. It has the race colors…"
"We better get ready to run for it when this thing empties."
"That is, IF it empties…"
Jolene & Mush/ Koopley & Koops/ Don & Fransesca (Graystone Cargo Room)
The floor of the Roadblock area was almost nearly covered completely with packing corn.
"By the time someone finds a clue, this whole floor's going to be covered and we're gonna drown." Koops said sarcastically.
"Quite." Jolene concurred. Don coughed a little.
"Dat hopefully won't happen…"
"OH MY GOSH!"
The three looked up to see a shell rushing back towards the bench. An elated Koopley popped out.
"Got one!" Koopley exclaimed, waving around an envelope.
"All right!" Koops shouted.
Both Koopas headed out of the cargo room and out of the other teams' earshot before opening the clue.
"Let's see… Make your way by foot to the Graystone Castle's most famous landmark, its replica of the Airship Fortress. Your next clue waits on the top deck." Koopley read.
Teams must now head up the spiral staircase of Graystone Castle and exit onto the top stone road, where they must head up to Citadel Airborne's life-sized replica of an Airship Fortress. Teams will locate their next clue on the top deck, next to the staircases.
"How do we get there?" Koops asked.
"That." Koopley pointed to the entrance of a staircase that spiraled up into the castle. "I'm pretty sure that's the right staircase."
"Okay…"
"How'd he find one before me?" Fransesca asked herself. "That isn't right…" She slammed into another wooden crate, causing a pile of packing corn to flow out.
"Just keep going in one area as long as you can, Mush!" Jolene encouraged.
Merluvlee & Merlee: Twins (Graystone Castle Entrance)
"Empty, already!" Merluvlee shouted at the hourglass. "EMPTY EMPTY EMPTY!"
"This is taking forever…" Merlee crossed her arms.
Koopley & Koops: Father/Son (Graystone Castle Center Tower)
Coming out of a door, the Koopa team realized that the exit from the tower was a large hole in the wall. However, it provided them with a good view of the surrounding area…and of a large brown ship to the left.
"That's gotta be it." Koops murmured. "…Think we can spin there?"
"Well, for us, 'foot' includes 'shell.' I suppose we're allowed to…we're not exactly in a vehicle." Koopley reasoned.
The two took off in their shells toward the left turn that would show them the way to the Airship Fortress.
Don & Fransesca/ Jolene & Mush (Graystone Cargo Room)
Jolene and Don patiently waited for their respective partners on the wooden bench.
"Dat's it, Frannie…youse is doing great."
The sound of plodding footsteps could be heard as Mush ran into view, an envelope in hand.
"You got one?" Jolene exclaimed.
"Yeah!"
Excitedly, the two Toads ran towards the same exact area Koopley and Koops had opened their clue.
"Okay. Make your way by foot to the Graystone Castle's most famous landmark, its replica of the Airship Fortress. Your next clue waits on the top deck." Mush read.
"There's a small flag above this staircase…it's probably our way out." Jolene observed.
"This is SO frustrating!" Fransesca complained.
Merluvlee & Merlee: Twins- Currently in Last (Graystone Castle Entrance)
"It's empty! Come on!"
The last bit of sand drained from the top section of the hourglass. Merlee rushed over to the kiosk and pressed the button.
"It's a Roadblock. Who can find what isn't lost?" Merlee read. "Merluv, that's you."
"Fine! Whatever!" Merluvlee replied.
The twins hurriedly ran into the castle and through the corridors to the cargo room, passing the spiral staircase.
"Whoa!" Merlee halted when she caught sight of the sea of packing corn.
"Where's the gear?" Merluvlee asked. "Oh!"
Grabbing a set of goggles and an iron bar, Merluvlee immediately went to work, letting her anger loose on the boxes. Merlee went to go sit down next to Don, but didn't make eye contact.
Jolene & Mush: Siblings (Airship Territory)
"We're almost there…" Mush murmured.
"That's so cool!" Jolene exclaimed, passing by the large cannon on the side of the ship. At the moment, it was silent.
Koopley & Koops: Father/Son- Currently in 1st (Airship Fortress Top Deck)
"There it is!" Koops spotted the familiar clue box standing next to an open iron door.
Koopley took out a clue and tore off the strip to pull out a yellow card.
"The Detour. Rings or Rocks. Where are you most proficient in battle?" Koopley read.
A Detour is a choice between two tasks, each with its own pros and cons. In this Detour, teams have a choice between Rings and Rocks. In Rings, teams will have to head to the offensive deck of the Airship Fortress. Using a working, traditional cannon, teams will need to shoot small 2 ft. cannonballs through five different rings that have a diameter of 6 ft., held up by indestructible, almost transparent robots, flying almost 70 feet away. For the shot to count, at least half of the cannonball has to pass through the ring. If teams can calculate how to fire with precise aiming and take advantage of the eight available hoops in the training field, they can finish quickly. In Rocks, teams will need to walk down to the bottom of the docked ship to the living quarters and locate the room of the decoder, marked as no. 77A. Inside, teams will have to use a microscope to decode a series of lines and dots to Braille. From there, they can then use their cross-reference into English. Once the teams figure out the message, "Take Refuge," and tell it to their Rocky Wrench overseer, they'll receive their next clue. Since teams have to translate the characters twice using unorganized charts, and must look at small faded marks inscribed on the rock, the task could take a long time.
(A/N: Contrary to what you might think, the first code in Rocks isn't Morse Code—the lines and dots are arranged in a different manner.)
"Okay…it's either shooting a cannon or trying to decode a message…what should we go for?" Koopley asked.
"Uh… …I guess the cannon would be fun." Koops replied.
"Then to Rings we go!"
The father-son team headed through the iron door. They took a staircase after noting a two-way sign directing to either task.
Merluvlee & Merlee/ Don & Fransesca (Graystone Cargo Room)
Sitting quietly, Merlee winced as Don let loose another sneeze.
"So that's why they Yielded us…" Merlee whispered to herself. "Oh, the poor guy…"
"HRAH!" Fransesca screamed with fury as she broke another box. "WHERE'S A—Oh, look! A clue!"
"Dat's good, Frannie!" Don exclaimed. Standing up, he grabbed the packs and followed his daughter out into the hall.
"Finally…make your way by foot to the Graystone Castle's most famous landmark, its replica of the Airship Fortress. Your next clue waits on the top deck." Fransesca read. "Okay, come on!"
While breaking another crate, Merluvlee managed to catch a glimpse of the Piantas as they began their run up the spiral staircase.
"Who does she think she is, screaming out every time she breaks one of these boxes…" Merluvlee muttered. "HIYAH! After all, only some dumb person would do that…HARGH! …Scratch that."
Jolene & Mush: Siblings- Currently in 2nd (Airship Fortress Top Deck)
"Detour. Rings or Rocks. Where are you most proficient in battle?" Mush asked aloud.
"Deciphering…that's simple. Come on, we can have that finished in no time." Jolene replied confidently.
"If you say so." Mush responded.
Koopley & Koops: Father/Son (Offensive Deck)
The Rocky Wrench supervisor crossed his fingers as the Koopas fired another cannonball into the air. It fell short of the robot.
"What are we doing wrong…we aimed higher, and we're still not getting it…" Koops sighed.
"Maybe we need to adjust to the wind." Koopley suggested. He positioned the cannon higher than usual after loading in a cannonball. "Go ahead and fire it."
Koops jerked the rope, firing the cannon. The training ring sparkled as the cannonball went through.
"Yes!" Koops exclaimed. "First one!"
A tally was placed on a notepad in the Rocky Wrench's hand.
Jolene & Mush: Siblings (Living Quarters 77A)
The two Toads walked into the room.
"I never knew a decipherer had so much space to work with." Mush remarked.
"More than one bunks in each room, Mush." Jolene replied, sitting down at the closest table.
A lamp shone its light upon the desk. The wall perpendicular to its surface had two large character charts posted on it. A microscope, two pencils, and a notepad were on the middle of the table, with a small rune in the focus of the microscope.
"Let's get started, then…" Jolene sat down at one of the chairs. "Mush, how about this…you try and copy down the series of codes onto this notepad, and I'll look for it on the Braille table."
"Okay!"
Don & Fransesca: Father/Daughter- Currently in 3rd (Airship Fortress Top Deck)
"Made it…" Don wheezed.
"Daddy, are you okay?" Fransesca asked worriedly.
"I…I'm fine…just open de clue…"
"…Detour. Rings or Rocks. Where are you most proficient in battle?" Fransesca read. "…A cannon! Cool! Let's do that!"
"…Oh boy…"
Merluvlee & Merlee: Twins- Currently in Last (Graystone Cargo Room)
"GOT IT!" Merluvlee screamed happily. She threw the iron bar at a crate and waded through the sea of packing corn to Merlee.
"What does it say?" Merlee asked.
"It says…let's see…make your way by foot to the Graystone Castle's most famous landmark, its replica of the Airship Fortress. Your next clue waits on the top deck." Merluvlee said.
"Let's go…we have some catching up to do!" Merlee exclaimed, kicking away some corn as she followed Merluvlee out.
Jolene & Mush: Siblings (Living Quarters 77A)
"That's done…now to just translate it into English from Braille." Jolene remarked.
"The first letter looks like a 'T.'" Mush told his sis.
"Good…next…an…'A'…"
Koopley & Koops/ Don & Fransesca (Offensive Deck)
"Fire!" Fransesca yelled, yanking the rope. The cannonball flew out with a roar…and missed its intended target. "Darn!"
"Just be patient, Frannie…" Don reminded. "AACHOOO!"
"Come on…fourth one's on the line…" Koopley aimed one last time with one eye before pulling the rope, sending out the cannonball. It went through.
"Yeah!" Koops cheered. "One more and we've got it!"
Merluvlee & Merlee: Twins- Currently in Last (Airship Fortress Top Deck)
"There it is!" Merlee made a leap for the clue box and pulled out an envelope. "Detour! Rings or Rocks! Where are you most proficient in battle?"
"Pacifists. Decoding'll be a cinch…come on!" Merluvlee directed.
Jolene & Mush: Siblings (Living Quarters 77A)
"Last is an 'E." Okay…" Jolene turned towards the Rocky Wrench overseer. "So the message is 'Take Refuge,' isn't it?"
"You got it! Here's your clue!" The Rocky Wrench handed over a clue.
"Awesome!" Mush opened the envelope and pulled out a card labeled 'Route Info.' "Make your way back to your pedalhover and direct yourselves towards the next pit stop, at Skirmish Manor."
Teams must now run back down to the entrance of Graystone Castle and board their pedalhovers. They will then be carried along by a jet stream approximately one mile to the vicinity of Airborne Canyon, the main city of Citadel Airborne. They will then have to locate Skirmish Manor, in the very heart of the war-scarred metropolis. This unique stronghold, the original home to deceased General Wrenrock, is the pit stop for this leg of the race. The last team to check in here…WILL be eliminated.
"The last team to check in is gonna be eliminated!" Mush exclaimed. "Come on, Jolene! We have to get a head start on the others!"
"Right!"
As the siblings headed out, they passed by Merluvlee and Merlee. Neither team traded a word.
"We've got to finish fast…they're already heading to who knows where?" Merluvlee sat down in front of the microscope.
"How're we gonna go about this, Merluv?" Merlee asked, observing that the notepad had a page torn off.
"Give me a piece of paper and a pencil." Merluvlee instructed. "We both look through the microscope alternating, and take every other letter. I'll go first."
Koopley & Koops: Father/Son- Currently in 2nd (Offensive Deck)
"Fifth one!" Koopley exclaimed.
"Good job…here's your clue." The Rocky Wrench presented Koopley with an envelope. When they turned away to read it, he whispered something to himself. "…Although you guys would be awful in a real combat situation…"
"Make your way back to your pedalhover and direct yourselves towards the next pit stop, at Skirmish Manor. Warning: The last team to check in will be eliminated." Koopley read. He pulled out a small piece of paper that had a map on it. "Come on, Koops!"
"Right behind you!"
As the two Koopas ran off, a frustrated Fransesca freaked out.
"The last team's going to be eliminated! Oh no…" She pulled the rope. The cannonball passed through.
"Dree more to go…keep on…" Don wiped his sweaty forehead with the back of his hand.
Jolene & Mush: Siblings (Graystone Castle Entrance)
"We're going to be riding a jet stream, sis! You ready for it?" Mush asked tentatively.
"Sure. There's a million coins on the line here…we can't get knocked out in the penultimate leg." Jolene hopped into the driver's seat.
"Okay…the turbulence starts a bit ahead…it's not too far. We need to turn left, though."
As the tired siblings started pedaling, Jolene turned the wheel steadily in the left direction. They could make out a path of moving air in the distance.
Koopley & Koops: Father/Son (Graystone Castle Entrance)
"Whoa! There goes Mush and Jolene!" Koops noted. "Dad, we've gotta catch up!"
"On it!" Koopley started pedaling as fast as his legs would allow.
Merluvlee & Merlee: Twins (Living Quarters 77A)
"Okay…just a few more and we'll be out of here!" Merluvlee remarked.
"The first word is 'Take,' isn't it, Merluv?" Merlee questioned.
"Right. I think I know what the second word is, but we need to be sure."
Don & Fransesca: Father/Daughter (Offensive Deck)
"Go through!" Fransesca yelled at the cannonball. To her amazement, it shot straight through the center of the ring. "YEAH!"
"Sdill two more to go, Frannie…don't get oberconfident…" Don sniffed.
Jolene & Mush/ Koopley & Koops (Airborne Turbulence Path)
"They're just straight ahead of us! We can catch up!" Koops exclaimed.
"Don't pedal, Koops."
"Why not?"
"The stream carries us. We'd be wasting energy…we need to save it for the ride to Skirmish Manor."
Only a matter of yards ahead, Jolene and Mush were focusing on their map.
"Okay…Skirmish Manor is over here once we exit the jet stream…"
Merluvlee & Merlee: Twins- Currently in 3rd (Living Quarters 77A)
"Is the message 'Take Refuge'?" Merluvlee asked.
"Correct." The Rocky Wrench handed her an envelope.
"Alright! What does it say?" Merlee inquired.
"Make your way back to your pedalhover and direct yourselves towards the next pit stop, at Skirmish Manor. Warning: The last team to check in WILL be eliminated! Oh my gosh!"
"We've gotta hurry out of here!" Merlee exclaimed. "We might still be in last!"
Koopley & Koops/ Jolene & Mush (Airborne Canyon Outskirts)
"Come on!" Koops started pedaling as soon as the pedalhover escaped the force of the jet stream. With his father helping, they passed a surprised Jolene and Mush.
"Help me look for the pit stop…" Koopley told Koops.
"Where are they going? They're heading in the wrong direction…" Jolene murmured.
"Better for us, I guess." Mush replied.
Don & Fransesca: Father/Daughter- Currently in Last (Offensive Deck)
"Finally! That's the fifth one!" Fransesca sighed as she took the clue from the Rocky Wrench. "…Make your way back to your pedalhover and direct yourselves towards the next pit stop, at Skirmish Manor. Warning: The last team to check in will be eliminated. Let's go, Daddy!"
"Coming, Frannie!"
Merluvlee & Merlee: Twins (Graystone Castle Entrance)
"We're not last! Awesome!" Merlee exclaimed.
"But who is? We know it's not Jolene and Mush…" Merluvlee murmured.
"We better hurry up. …The map says to go that way."
Team ? (Skirmish Manor)
The night skies seemed darker than ever around Skirmish Manor as the final elimination loomed in the race to the mat. Standing behind it was none other than the Yoshi host Blaise and a silver Bob-omb general that had a nameplate with the words "General Explos" on it.
Around the area of the pit stop mat was a forbidding hedge circle in the front area of Skirmish Manor. Behind it was the large stone mansion—complete with a dark aura and gargoyles resting above the front door.
"I'd hate to have to fight a battle here…"
General Explos and Blaise turned to face the direction that the first team was coming from. The duo jumped on…
"Welcome to Airborne Canyon of Citadel Airborne." The Bob-omb greeted.
"Thanks."
"Thank you."
"…Jolene and Mush." Blaise paused. "…You…are team number one."
Jolene & Mush: Siblings- 1st Place (9:02 P.M.)
"Awesome!" Mush exclaimed.
"First again? Wow!" Jolene remarked.
"…I do have some more good news for the both of you…" Blaise took in a deep breath. "As the winners of this twelfth leg of the race…you have both won a week-long stay at Citadel Airborne's 5-star hotel, The Restoration, along with granted access to all of Citadel Airborne's most famous landmarks during your trip."
"YEAH!"
"That sounds like fun!"
"That's not all. During your stay at the pit stop, you will be staying in the number one guest room of Skirmish Manor, complete with the most comfortable bedding and best view in the whole mansion. And lastly, what you wanted to hear…you two are in the final three, racing for the ultimate prize in the final leg. Congrats."
"Thank you very much, Blaise."
"Woo-hoo!"
"At this rate, we're set for a good start on the final leg of the race. It's going to be a tough race to the finish, but after coming so far…I'm sure sis and I can handle it." Mush remarked. (After-leg Interview)
Team ? (Skirmish Manor)
A second team came running up to the final pit stop mat.
"Welcome to Airborne Canyon of Citadel Airborne." General Explos welcomed.
"Thanks!"
"Koopley and Koops…" Blaise started. "You're team number two."
Koopley & Koops: Father/Son- 2nd Place (9:07 P.M.)
"Aww, man…second? Oh well." Koopley sighed.
"We'll get it on the final leg, though." Koops remarked.
"…Indeed…because you two are in the final three, racing for the million coins tomorrow." Blaise confirmed.
"All right! That's something to look forward to!" Koopley exclaimed.
"No matter what happens from here on out, we're going to have to give the race our all. It's time to kick it into high gear—we're playing serious now. All the other legs, we'd been enjoying the ride…we'll be doing that in the final leg, of course…but with a stronger motive moving us along." Koopley explained. (After-leg Interview)
Team ? (Skirmish Manor)
With two teams left, and space for only one in the final three, the duo waited patiently behind the mat.
"…Well…I wonder who's going to be safe?" General Explos remarked.
"Yeah…it'll be awful to come up short after so much hard work. But, that's just the way it goes…" Blaise trailed off as the sound of rushing footsteps met his ears. "Who the heck could that be…"
The third team came running through the circle of hedge bushes, gasping for breath.
"We…made…it…"
"Welcome to Airborne Canyon of Citadel Airborne."
"…Well…" Blaise began. "…Just to let you know…you two are in the final trio of teams battling for the grand prize in the last leg…because…Merluvlee and Merlee, you're team number three!"
Merluvlee & Merlee: Twins- 3rd Place (9:21 P.M.)
"YEEEEEEESSS!" The girls screamed with delight, hearing they were in the final three.
"It's a definite relief knowing we made it. Now all that matters is making it to the finish line! We're not going to hold back. After all…we're going to be the first ones there!" Merlee giggled and winked. (After-leg Interview)
Don & Fransesca: Father/Daughter (Skirmish Manor)
The two exhausted Piantas steadily made their way up to the mat. Surprisingly, Fransesca had to support her weak father for him to step on.
"Welcome to Airborne Canyon of Citadel Airborne." General Explos greeted, trying to hide the sad note in his voice—it didn't work.
"…Thanks…" Fransesca smiled back weakly.
"Yeah…"
"Well…Don and Fransesca." Blaise nodded. "You're the last team to arrive."
Don & Fransesca: Father/Daughter- Last Place (9:28 P.M.)
"I guess it became obvious at the front of the castle…" Fransesca shrugged.
"Dat's too bad…" Don muttered.
"I'm sorry to tell you that you've both been eliminated from the race." Blaise apologized.
"Oh…it's okay…Daddy wouldn't be able to compete at his best in the final leg like this, anyway…" Fransesca sighed.
"…I'm…sorry, Frannie…if it weren't for dis cold, we would've made it into de final dree…" Don said. He immediately found himself wrapped in the hands of Fransesca.
"No, don't say that! Dad…you contributed so much early on…it's only fair that you got your rest. Didn't we make it into fourth place, at least? That says a lot about us…" Fransesca sniffed. Tears of contentment ran down her face.
"…Yes…it does…"
"I woulda never expected for dese dings to happen on de race. I saw de most exotic things in de world…and I did it all with de best partner I coulda ever asked for. Frannie has matured so much over de course of de race…and…I really have ta say…I have no regrets." Don remarked. (After-leg Interview)
"Although I loved my dad before…I absolutely adore Daddy now…it was there the whole time, right before me. I may have a strong love with Frankie—after all, we're married, but…there's nothing like the bond we share as a father and daughter…but it's more than that. We understand each other much better now…it's too great for words…" Fransesca voiced. (After-leg Interview)
"It was fun while it lasted…at least we get to see who the winner is at the finish line, right?"
"Dat's an affirmative."
Author's Note: I know. Without the second-to-last leg being non-elimination, it drops out the "underdog" feeling with a team that has no money. However, just look at how little a role it played in Koopley and Koops this leg. Evidently, I can't make good use of someone having no money (they always make up for it somehow, whether they do it themselves—Ms. Mowz & Peeka/Merluvlee & Merlee entertaining residents and tourists—or the race does it for them—Koopley and Koops not having to worry; they had their own transport the whole leg).
The final leg will be posted ona whileafter this one...don't miss it!