The Mole : Disguised Disgrace

by Princess Toady

The Mole is back for another season of deceit and betrayal! Watch as ten brand new contestants compete in various physical and mental challenges and struggle to come up with an answer to the question: who is the Mole? /!\ THE MOLE IS REVEALED! Read the reviews and the latest chapters at your expense. /!\

35. Lost in Thoughts All Alone

Messenger777 : Go shove your mindless proselytism where the sun doesn't shine, kthxbye. It's a wonder your review hasn't been taken down after I reported it... I've seen the very same thing on two other stories.

Punxy : Hello Punxy, no time to see! As always, thanks for your review! Let's see if you were right about your prediction!

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Warning : Long chapter ahead!

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Previously on The Mole, White Mage had been sequestered away from the other players and instructed to watch the DVD of the third season of The Mole, to aid in the success of the last challenge of episode seven.

Secluded from the rest of the competitors, White Mage accompanied Kooper while he led her to an estate that she and her friends had already visited two episodes prior, as it was the location of one of the most difficult challenges they had been required to play. The night was still young when they arrived at the Chateau de Chucklehuck, a winery bordering Chucklehood Manor.

Once there, Kooper left her with a cryptic hint about the whereabouts of the last exemption of the game.

"Yeah, you're correct. Monty must have told you guys, how there was one last exemption available during this episode, right? Well… There's a huge clue as to its whereabouts in this room, so good luck!" Kooper smiled one last time, before exiting the room and closing the door behind him.

While White Mage was busy trying to elucidate the mystery of the remaining exemption, the other three were enjoying a nice if only short night in their hotel back in Beanbean Castle Town. They were in for a rude awakening…

Enguarde : Argh… Just thinking about it gives me a headache… And I was having such a nice dream too… These producers are the worst, and I bet they're laughing at our misery.

…but had no time to wallow in misery for another challenge was already underway.

Digesting the news, the players were not ready for Monty Mole's last sentence. "Oh, and if I were you, I would try to get things done quickly… Remember that if Blanche falls asleep, the challenge is over."

"W-what? Crap, this isn't good!" shouted Enguarde, panicking. "She said she was pretty tired back on the beach."

Their mission was fairly simple: they were to retrieve three different fruits and bring them to an altar before White Mage fell asleep, but complications soon arose due to the confusing layout of the forest and the ambient luminosity.

"I really really really kinda don't like this place," admitted Waitress, getting closer to the two boys. "It's sorta totally scary and… Yeah, not my cup of tea. Like, at all."

Not only that, but to make sure they were going in the right direction, they had to confer with their secluded friend who would then give them the solution to questions pertaining to the third season. Once again, the players had their fair share of problems, especially when White Mage misunderstood the question or was unaware of the response…

"It's either Jojora and Donkey Kong, or Kooper and Toad," added Boo, who read the second part of the question. White Mage immediately panicked, having paid no attention to the first episode of the DVD.

Boo : Blanche answered the question pretty fast and seemed pretty sure of herself… This is exactly why I found it odd for her to contact us yet again to correct a possible mistake. In the end, it was nothing more than a time-waster.

…however, even discounting the healer's mistakes, the three scavengers themselves made more than one blunder.

"Come on! How are we supposed to track one specific fruit? There are way too many signs in this forest, they're not helping in the slightest!" huffed the swordfish.

"Wow, congratulations Enguarde! What a spectacular waste of time it was to follow your advice!" Boo exclaimed snidely. From her position, even White Mage could gather that the ghost was annoyed.

"What happened?" White Mage furrowed her brow and began to take a hold of her pen, in case it was information she would have needed for the questionnaire.

"Nothing important, Enguarde kinda decided it was a trumpet so we didn't wait for your answer and now we're totally wasting time," answered Waitress matter-of-factly.

Boo : Waitress has the attention span of a five-year old. I'll leave this sentence up to your interpretation.

And after the remaining contestants finally managed to find one fruit, a shocking realization dawned on them.

"Well!" A White Mage on edge suddenly exclaimed on the other end of the walkie-talkie. "Perhaps we wouldn't be wasting so much time if the so-called 'expert of the game' gave us his opinion every once in a while! I have never watched the show before, but didn't you? So why aren't you helping? I didn't realize it at first, but you even told me when some of these events took place! So why are you just waiting for my answers?" she huffed.

"She's…right, surprisingly," piped up Enguarde in realization, his eyes growing wide. "Considering the game as a whole… As long as we don't break a rule, we can do whatever we want! So you can tell us, no problem!" grinned the swordfish, staring at Boo who started to become a little uncomfortable.

With this new knowledge in possession, will the players manage to snatch the remaining two fruits and place them on the altar before their time runs out? What of the final exemption of the game? With the last execution right around the corner, this green token could make the difference between staying in the competition and being slain by the Mole…

Who will fall short, right before the final episode? Find out next, in The Mole.

First name : Waitress

Surname : Serva

Birthday : July 4

Job : Waitress

First name : Blanche

Surname : Magus

Birthday : April 22

Job : White Mage

First name : Enguarde

Surname : Espadon

Birthday : December 8

Job : Oceanographer

First name : Boo

Surname : Fanto

Birthday : October 31

Job : Spy

35 : Lost in Thoughts All Alone

It took White Mage a good seven minutes to find the answer the players were all looking for. The flower that never had to be retrieved by the previous players was none other than the carnation.

Blanche : When it came to that point, I was beyond exhausted, honestly. I didn't know how long I would resist Morpheus' calls, but I was hoping we would manage to add more than a measly five thousand coins to the pot.

Enguarde : Even though Waitress, Boo and I had all gotten a little shut-eye, we were beginning to be exhausted as well. We had a long day, and walking through that forest was quickly tiring us.

"All right, got it," Boo replied simply, nodding towards his friends. "Well, you heard her, we have to take a left. Essentially we're going back the way we went."

"So essentially, this was yet another waste of time?" frowned the swordfish, slightly peeved. "Mistakes and more mistakes, is that all we're going to do tonight?"

"Ya, well, at least we're not gonna play the blame game, so that's all good by, like, my standards," smiled the waitress of the Excess Express, her pigtails accompanying her every bounce. "'Cause sometimes it's totally sorta annoying when we're all, like, pointing fingers and stuff. Like don't focus on the bad, only focus on the good!"

"I'm positive this game is torture," drawled Boo, eliciting a snort or two from the oceanographer. The swordfish seemed to think for a moment, ready to follow Boo's example.

"Wow! It's amazing how less than stellar we are today! Simply wonderful!" grinned Enguarde, goading Waitress into making a particular statement. To his delight, she fell right in his trap.

Waitress giggled, twirling one of her pigtails with her hand. "So you guys can be positive once in a blue moon!" The oceanographer grinned triumphantly, but then the small Toadette added more to the discussion. "Progress never stops!" Enguarde made a face, beaten at his own game, while Boo snickered.

Waitress : Like, it's sorta funny how the game's gone in my opinion… There's no real negativity around us, and I'm glad for that, 'cause it makes the game easier to me! I really like our little group, but maybe I'd like it better if we were richer, you know?

Navigating in the dark forest, the players soon realized that their surroundings were not as obscure as they were in the past few hours. The bright and luminescent mushrooms that illuminated the way to victory still allowed the players to locate the wooden signs relatively easily, but if it had not been for their fatigued bodies, the contestants would have been able to move faster.

"Look! I see a light, you think it's another mushroom?" Enguarde pointed out, balancing one of the three fruits the players were supposed to bring to the Chuckleroot Altar with his right fin.

"Only one way to find out!" declared the white-ethereal being, moving slightly ahead of the others. "Yep, that's one of them alright. Can't believe we didn't notice it the first time we came to that clearing, though."

Waitress used the light of the mushrooms to illuminate the map, making sure that neither Boo nor Enguarde could see her behaving suspiciously. Looking around her, she tried to determine if the exemption was close to their position, and wandered off on her own.

…

"…so, the question is 'What is the name of the art critic that judged the players' creations at the end of the mission Arts VS Craps'?" repeated White Mage, to make sure that she had understood the question.

The beautiful woman was sitting on her bed, massaging her eyes at the same time.

Blanche : In order to stay awake as long as I could, I knew I couldn't allow myself to relax entirely, which is why after a while I alternated between sitting down on the bed and standing up in the room. For if I were to lounge on the bed, I felt I would be out like a light in a matter of seconds. Besides, it wasn't only for the money… There was something I wanted to verify before the challenge was over.

"Yeah," responded Boo. "As for the answers, it's either Mason Coles Hallyboo, or Miles Connor Ballyhoo."

"Shall we hear your take on the matter?" inquired White Mage aloud, raising an eyebrow when Boo did not communicate the answer right away. She heard mumbling on the other end of the walkie-talkie, as if Boo was reflecting aloud.

"…I think it might be the first one, but they're really similar, so I'm not sure," he hesitated for a moment. "Don't you think it'd be better if you were to check the answer? He appeared at the end of the first challenge of episode seven. He's a man in a top hat, you can't miss him."

Blanche : Boo knew all kind of details about the previous season, but none of them seemed to help in any way. For all we know, perhaps he knew more than he let on. Unlike him, none of us have watched the previous seasons, so he would be given a free opportunity to sabotage.

Boo : Something I didn't mention, but you guys ought to know is that, yeah, maybe I messed up a little during the mission. Not going to say otherwise, some of the rules actually slipped right past me. The thing is, the producers make these challenges because they expect any group of four players to win. They can't foresee who's going to still be here in the game, so all the missions we play can be won, no matter our knowledge of the past. Catch my drift? Blanche seemed to be upset just because I didn't help when I knew stuff, but if I hadn't been here, she would have had to solve the questions on her own. So I really don't get how she can blame me when in reality she was the one doing such a poor job.

While the pink-haired beauty was paying attention to the lone screen of her bedroom, she heard a yelp through her walkie-talkie. "Where the heck is she?" It was Enguarde's voice.

"I'm still here in case you thought I had fallen asleep," claimed a puzzled White Mage, surprise evident on her face. "I apologize, but you just asked me a question, I can't obtain an answer with a snap of my fingers."

"No!" panicked the swordfish, "I'm not talking about you. We've lost Waitress!"

"What?!" sputtered White Mage, incredulous, switching her attention to the device in her hand. "How could you lose her? I thought you were sticking together?"

"Well, she was right here with us when we reached this question," rationalized the spy, "so she can't be that far…"

"She has the map!" Enguarde exclaimed in realization. "Oh my god, I bet she's going to look for the final exemption!"

"Wait! Enguarde, wait!" White Mage listened to the ghost's voice, completely unaware of what was transpiring in the murky woods.

"What's happening?"

"Sorry Blanche, I have to go after them. I hope you understand, but the exemption is worth way more than this challenge and I don't want to be eliminated just because someone took advantage of the situation! Talk to you later!"

And with that, White Mage could only stare in shock at her walkie-talkie.

…

Boo : All of a sudden we were running in the forest without guidance, like chickens with their heads cut off. It was mind-boggling, but I felt this adrenaline rush. No way I'm going to let any of them take an exemption when it could be mine.

Waitress was treading carefully, looking at her map up and down trying to find where she was located. "Umm… I'm kinda lost… Guys, are you here? Is there someone around to help cute lil' me find her way to the group?"

Waitress : So like, I was trying to locate the exemption. It wasn't that far away from our position, but I dunno how, I managed to, like, get lost or something. It's sooooo weird, I know, right? Maybe I took a wrong turn somewhere, I guess stuff like that's bound to happen when you don't really see a whole lot in the dark, huh? Totally lame!

The purple-pigtailed waitress advanced carefully, minding her steps in the winding path she was taking. She had found an entrance between two trees and decided that the best thing to do in her situation was to go on.

"I really don't like this forest. Like, it's totally gloomy… Plus we have no flashlight! Booooo! Bad Monty!" she complained, mostly to herself, yanking her apron free from a tree branch.

The small Toadette glanced towards the exit of the path, and remarked that the soil was less fertile than before, which she took as a sign of progress. "I bet I'm going somewhere~" she stated in a sing-song type of voice.

Soon, the ground beneath her feet had become completely devoid of grass, and the mushroom girl hummed to herself, clearly not taking the situation seriously. Smiling from ear to ear, she emerged from the trees and inspected her surroundings. "Huh? It kinda looks like Winkleland!" she clasped her hands in glee, a burst of energy surging through her veins.

"Oh… And that's… Wait, what's this thing?" Waitress tilted her head to the side, approaching a sculpture of a Winkle holding a shiny emerald in one hand, and…an exemption card in the other. "Omigosh! I found the exemption! Yay me!" she cheered excitedly and ran to the sculpture.

In front of the statue was another sign.

To take the exemption, you must replace it with an item of value: a Chuckola Fruit. Naturally, this means that you will effectively give up on five thousand coins.

"Ew, another sacrifice kinda thing? No thanks! But… It's like, only five thousand coins, it's not that much and-"

"I knew it! Of course there was something fishy about you asking for the map," a voice was raised in the thickness of the forest, prompting Waitress to look all around herself. Finally, a floating body appeared in her field of vision, causing the small Toadette to gasp.

"Enguarde? What are you, like, doing here?"

The swordfish narrowed his eyes, staring at his opponent, his mouth in a thin line. "Are you doing it on purpose? You left us behind, so of course we were going to look for you," he rolled his eyes. "But personally, and I hope you won't hold it against me, I was more interested in stopping you from grabbing the last exemption of the game."

"I don't know what you're talking about," giggled Waitress absentmindedly. "Like, I was looking at the map and all of a sudden, I totally saw a cute animal and I followed it and found my way here! But well, I dunno? I couldn't find my way back so I decided to wait it out!"

"Quite impressive!" Enguarde smirked, walking past the small girl. "Were you always such a bad liar?" he droned afterwards, glancing at her in the corner of his eyes. "Sorry Waitress, but you have a map and it was fairly obvious that you were hiding something from the get-go. Looks like I was right to assume so."

When Enguarde approached the statue, Waitress decided to spring into action, and blocked his path. "You can't go, it's, like, too risky and stuff!"

The swordfish maneuvered around the bubbly waitress and began to read the sign, much to her chagrin. From her position, she saw his eyes gleaming in the darkness, and then dulling for a quick instant, but he shook it off almost right away.

Waitress : Enguarde is, like, totally greedy! Him finding his way to the exemption was the worst thing ever, 'cause you know he was gonna take it!

"Only five thousand coins? It's not that much," he muttered to himself, staring at the white fruit he was carrying in his fins. Waitress shook her head strongly.

"You can't take it, it's… I dunno, kinda sorta totally wrong to go for an exemption at this stage of the game," Waitress chided him. Enguarde only scoffed at her.

"Please, you were probably considering taking it before I came along," he rolled his eyes, mulling over his choice in his head. Once again, the airhead refuted his words.

"Um, hello? I got no fruit?" Waitress stared at him as if he had lost his mind. "Sorta hard to take an exemption if you don't have one."

Enguarde paced around the statue. "Riddle me this, then: why are you here? The only reason why you came here in the first place was probably because you wanted to take the exemption for yourself!"

"Nuh-uh! Not true! Blanche told me to keep you guys as far away as I could, so that's the only reason why I asked for the map! There was a mark on it, see?" she almost hit him with the map when she held it out for him to read. "I was never gonna take it!" Enguarde remained silent as he scanned the map, and then spoke up again.

"Well, too bad for you because I have the fruit here and-" He was cut by a yell.

"Not for long!" The oceanographer's eyes grew wide as the clumsy Toadette charged at him.

"What are you doing?!" he shouted in turn, swiftly evading the first charge. Waitress winked at him.

"I'm just fulfilling my mission! Sorry!" With yet another roar, the small girl hurtled towards the swordfish.

"Crap! I did not expect this!" admitted Enguarde, running away from his opponent.

Unbeknownst to them, their commotion had attracted yet another person to the exemption: the last player of their group. Mouth agape, Boo advanced on the scene, staring at his two teammates fighting over the Chuckola Fruit. "What. The. Heck?"

Boo continued to walk, but he soon saw the sign under the Winkle Scuplture. His eyes grew wide in understanding, and the spy himself decided to join the fray. Taking advantage of the fact that neither Waitress nor Enguarde knew that he was on the premises, he dropped the walkie-talkie and hid in a bush.

Amidst all the chaos, a lone voice rose from their communication device. "Would someone please tell me what is going on? Perhaps I could be of help? Anyone? Is that a war cry I'm hearing?"

But White Mage's pleas were ignored, as the three other contestants were still fighting over the exemption. When Enguarde floated in front of Boo, the spy used his quick reflexes and leapt onto his friend, making him drop the fruit momentarily. "What the-" Enguarde could not even finish his sentence.

The white-ethereal being bent over to pick it up, but Waitress quickly snatched it from the floor and began running away from the other two. "Sorry guys, can't let you have that! Love ya still!"

"Oh no you don't!" Boo frowned, chasing after the small Toadette.

"Don't let her have it!" Enguarde shouted behind him, hoping to make a pincer attack on the sole girl of the group. The oceanographer's strategy paid off and he soon managed to grab the fruit from Waitress' outstretched hands.

"Give the fruit back!" Waitress whined helplessly, her cheeks puffed in annoyance. "You can't do that! We've worked hard to get it! You can't sacrifice it for, like, an exemption!"

"I can and I will!" snickered the swordfish, making his way to the statue, only to be interrupted by Boo, who blocked his path. "Out of the way, Boo! You're my friend and all, but this is the last exemption!"

"Yeah, and for that very reason, I can't let you have it," Boo crossed his arms, not budging. Enguarde glanced behind his back and sidestepped Waitress' sneak attack.

The oceanographer began to open his mouth. "Well, I think-"

"No one moves or else the exemption and the challenge are lost," a familiar voice interrupted their squabble. Surprised and confused, the three contestants looked at each other and then at the walkie-talkie that had been dropped by Boo.

"Is that Blanche?" Enguarde narrowed his eyes in suspicion, but kept his distance from the other two.

"Why yes, it is Blanche indeed!" a calm yet annoyed voice came through the speaker of the device. "And, as I just said, if any of you make a move for the exemption, you can say goodbye to this final advantage and the money."

Boo almost scoffed, but his face displayed an air of curiosity. "And how would you do that exactly?"

"Is that something I've forgotten to mention? Hmm, I wonder," the enigmatic woman taunted them, almost giddily it seemed. "Never mind then, I shall explain. At the beginning of the challenge, Kooper told me that, should I leave the room I'm confined in at any point during the mission, it would be forfeited. As it stands, we have retrieved one fruit…but if I were to step out, it would become null and void. Thus, we would lose five thousand coins, the challenge would end, and as a result, the exemption would be gone as well."

The players took some time to digest the information, but Boo was the first to raise an objection. "What if you're bluffing?"

"I am right next to the door. Would you like to test your theory?" the pink-haired healer replied through thinly-veiled threats.

"Yeah, I totally don't wanna," responded Waitress, biting her lips. "I would soooo suck to get this far, and, like, earn nothing."

A pause. "Think about it," continued White Mage, adding more to her argument, "if no one takes the exemption, then we all have the same chances to pass the quiz. It's the last advantage of the game, sure, but how much do we really need it when the rest of our opponents don't have any?"

Boo rolled his eyes. "You're only saying that because you can't have it."

White Mage did not reply immediately. "Touché. However, do my motivations matter? Either way, I'll have the final say. You really do not have much of a choice, do you?"

Enguarde groaned, burying his head in his fins and the fruit. "When you put it like that, yeah, not really. Fine then, I won't take it. The exemption, I mean. Are you happy now? I'll continue to carry the fruit, Boo can keep the walkie-talkie and Waitress the map. If we get any more fruit, Waitress or I will take them, that way Boo can tell you if someone snuck off, but not having any fruit will prevent him from looking for the exemption too."

"Very well. Oh, and for the question you asked me? It's Mason Coles Hallyboo. But I suggest you get a move on."

"Whoops! We kinda had a huge distraction here!" Waitress giggled, earning a glare from Boo. Enguarde only shrugged.

"Yeah, thank you so much for that by the way," replied the oceanographer dryly.

Blanche : Perhaps I should not have talked to Waitress about the exemption. If I understand correctly, she's the one who led the two boys to it, and I was the one who told her where it was. Would they have stumbled upon it during their search, had I not pointed it out? Maybe. But as it stands, I suppose I should take partial blame for this failure.

Boo : Greedy. That's exactly how I would define our group. I mean, out of all the contestants, it just had to be us in the final four. Yeah, I've never backed away from an exemption before but this one was out of our reach.

Waitress : Omigosh, the whole thing is totally Enguarde's fault! Like, I was just curious and stuff about the exemption, y'know? But I never intended to take it! That would be soooo lame, getting to the end 'cause I got a green card. Also, it was kinda sorta totally weird how he begged to get the fruit, only to almost sacrifice it.

Enguarde : Boo hoo hoo, cry me a river. They can complain all they want, but the truth of the matter is that Waitress led us astray and basically left us without a map. Even without the exemption, we had to go look for her, out of necessity. The first mini-game of the mission taught us that we needed to combine our efforts to succeed. I'll have to thank her for this huge time waster.

…

"Blanche? We found another sign," Boo called out to the drowsy female. "You there?"

"Mmmh? Oh yes, don't mind me. I was…thinking. I don't know how much longer I can hold on," she admitted.

"Let's try to at least add another five thousand coins to our pot," decided Enguarde, unhappy about the previous happenings, in spite of the fact that it had already been a good fifteen minutes since they had retraced their footsteps.

"Umm, so… It says… 'Which Mini-Game did the players, like, not play? Mushroom Mix-Up or Bombs Away'?" read Waitress, using her finger to trace the writing at the same time.

"I honestly don't remember anything about Platform Peril," declared Boo, frowning. "Yeah, I think they played Mushroom Mix-Up, so we should choose that."

"Don't forget the double-negation," warned Enguarde. "Which did they not play. So we have to select the path indicated by Platform Peril," he noticed smartly, earning a nod from Boo.

"Yup, that's right. So…into that cave, I guess?" Boo led the way inside and was promptly followed by the others.

They walked further into the pink and purple den, and soon came upon one last sign, only five minutes later.

"Well, I don't think it matters too much what we choose here," noticed Boo. Enguarde agreed and Waitress also nodded her head, although she seemed much more interested in the local fauna.

"Let's just forgo the question and each climb one side of the natural stairs," smiled Enguarde. "We've lost enough time as it is."

"Are you sure you don't need my help? Because if so, I will probably keep watching the footage. Not that I have anything better to do," whispered White Mage.

"Knock yourself out," shrugged the swordfish. Both males completely ignored the sign and made their way up the rocky terrain, not without any difficulty. In the end, their strategy paid off for the white ghost could glimpse at the fruit, hidden behind bars.

"I found it! You both need to come though, we need to push three interrupters at the same time," noted the spy of the group.

"Awwww! C'mon, I really don't wanna climb all the way up here… I'm tired!" complained Waitress, already giving up. Enguarde nudged her once he had returned.

"Come on, I'll give you a boost!" he grinned, extending a fin towards the Toadette.

…

While the other three were busy trying to win their mini-challenge, White Mage had returned to her bed and was watching the television screen with bleary eyes. Time kept its relentless course, and the poor woman was fatigued beyond belief.

"I need to find something to keep me awake," she muttered to herself, slightly dazed. Looking all over the room, she found nothing of interest, and faced the screen. "I can't even focus on what's going on now…"

The beautiful pink-haired girl stayed quiet for at least two minutes after that, hearing grunts on the other side of the walkie-talkie, when her eyes shot open all of a sudden. Quickly, she grabbed the remote control and pushed a few buttons, letting her reach the menu. Without hesitation, she selected 'Finale' and immediately fast-forwarded to the clues.

A small smile appeared on her angelic yet tired face. "Let's see what we do have here…"

Blanche : Rather than wait for the others to tell me they had finished their task, I decided to think logically. During our alliance meetings, Waitress and I often share our suspicions, but we also try to look out for clues leading to the Mole's identity. And I realized, a little late, that the previous season probably had its fair share of clues! Evidently, I already have a suspect. But if I could just link that person to a clue I found during our stay… Then I wouldn't have to fear anything about the quiz.

…

Enguarde : Could somebody please tell me how the heck it is possible to mess up so much on such a simple task?! It was a travesty, we didn't manage to open the path to the fruit until after the twelfth time or something?

Boo : I'm sure the struggle was real, in another universe, in another time. It was a sad display in the History of The Mole.

"Finally!" shouted Enguarde in relief, wiping the sweat of his brow. "We're definitely not going to earn the full amount of money at this rate."

"Yay! The pink one! It's so pretty!" cheered Waitress excitedly, thrusting the map into Boo's hands and taking the fruit for herself. The ghost rolled his eyes but chuckled at the same time.

"Hello Blanche, do you copy me?" inquired Boo, speaking into the walkie-talkie. After a minute, he did not receive a reply. "Blanche…?"

His friend replied a little after his second call. "Sorry Boo, I thought I had heard something but dismissed it. Did you find the second fruit? If so, you should head straight away for the finish line. I apologize in advance but I don't think I can stay awake for another thirty minutes."

"Okay, thanks for the heads up, we'll go to the altar and drop off the fruits," was Boo's only answer. "Well, you heard her. I think it's better to be safe than sorry too, so we should head for the exchange point."

"Exchange point? Like in a movie?" blurted out Enguarde, laughing. "Ah, sorry. It's late. Or early. I don't know anymore."

Boo smirked and looked at Waitress who was juggling with the fruit. With a shake of his head, he dragged her towards the exit, following after the oceanographer.

…

Special Thanks to…

Her eyelids half-closed, White Mage struggled to read the credits of the show. Although she had learned quite a lot about the previous season's clues, she doubted that the same stratagems would be used in her own season.

Blanche : From the time I spent playing this game, I can say one thing: the producers are very thorough with everything they do. Honestly, what was I expecting? Would they truly use the same tricks over and over again? I did not learn a lot from the DVD, but it at least showed me how subtle and hidden they could be. And just when I was about to pass out from exhaustion…

White Mage put a hand over her mouth, masking a yawn from the camera. Ever the proper lady, the beauty sat on her bed, flipping through the newest entry of her journal, when she saw, from the corner of her eyes, that the screen was black.

"Oh, over already? I should check with the others before drifting off…"

Upon touching the remote, White Mage's eyes grew twice their usual size. Something on the television had slapped her awake.

X-Φ-D

The Mole is closer than you think…

X-Φ-D

Ter / Bis

Mouth agape, White Mage quickly jotted down the words that had appeared in front of her in her journal.

…

Hurrying through the grassy forest, the team of three was starting to wonder if they were heading the wrong way, when Waitress caught a glimpse of a familiar tree. "Haa… I think it's, like, here…"

Enguarde poked his head between two huge oaks and acquiesced subtly. "See? That wasn't so bad. Now, let's get these fruits on the altar, wherever it is."

"Wouldn't that be the table in front of the tree?" Boo arched an eyebrow as he approached the scene.

"Uh, there's no-"

"No, it is not," a booming voice resonated in the small clearing they had reached. Surprised, Waitress let out a shrill shriek and hid behind Enguarde, who made a face. Boo adopted a defensive posture, ready in case of an attack.

"Like, who's talking?"

"I, Chuckleroot, guardian of these woods." The voice emanated from the gnarly blue sentient tree that had caught their attention in the first place. "The altar that you are seeking is ahead of you. You will see it once you attain Mother Chuckalola's domain."

Waitress : Geez, he could've announced himself or something. He was totally rude!

"Thanks for the directions!" a grateful swordfish bowed slightly to the tree, before prompting his friends to follow him. "Let's get a move on, guys, we don't know how long the path is."

A minute later, they had reached large a tan tree with pink leaves and a striped trunk. It was almost as if the female-looking tree was sleeping, which made them worry even more. Thankfully, Enguarde quickly located the altar which looked like a miniature version of the blue tree they had just encountered and he and Waitress put their fruits on it. "Now what?"

"I dunno? I guess we could probably, like, head back at the entrance or something?" suggested the waitress of the Excess Express as she recovered the map from the spy. "I mean, it's not like we're gonna find another one in time, so… You know?"

The trio decided to return to the entrance of the forest, thanking Chuckleroot once again and wishing him a good day on their way back. After a while, even though they had yet to reach the exit of the woods, they heard static from the walkie-talkie, as well as a voice they knew all too well.

"Players, I am sorry to announce to you that Blanche has fallen asleep. Please return to the entrance at once, the results of your challenge will be given to you once you are all refreshed from a good night sleep," Monty Mole told them.

…

"Whew! I'm beat!" Enguarde let out a long sigh of relief once the players had rejoined Monty Mole and Kooper, who were waiting for them inside the Chateau de Chucklehuck.

"I love this place!" Waitress smiled cutely, marveling at the sight of the pink-striped flooring. Boo mimed barfing to his male companion, who nodded his head energetically.

They were in the winery that White Mage had been brought to by Kooper at the beginning of the mission, when the other three were still sound asleep in their beds. Boo rid himself of the walkie-talkie on the dining room's table, and Waitress responded in kind, relieving herself of the map.

They were led through multiple corridors, as well as a maze of barrels, supposedly full of wine, and reached the bedrooms.

"This is where we part," informed Monty Mole, tugging at his blue bowtie. "Waitress, you will inhabit the 'Wisdom Room'."

"Seriously?" Boo drawled, unimpressed. Behind him, the oceanographer had a hard time suppressing a few chuckles.

"Like, what's the matter?" Waitress tilted her head to the side, looking at Boo and Monty Mole questioningly. It was at that time that Enguarde doubled over in laughter.

"Anyways," Monty cleared his throat, ignoring the commotion, "Boo, please head to the 'Cunning Room'."

"Cunning, huh? I suppose it makes sense," grinned the ghost.

"Look how cute he is when he's getting praised," Enguarde whispered loudly to Waitress. Boo quickly entered his room to avoid any further embarrassment, hoping to hide his blushing face from the others.

Waitress shrugged, completely missing the point, and entered her own room, leaving the swordfish with the host and his aide. "May I have the 'Exemption Room'?" joked the blue creature.

"I'm afraid you'll have to be content with the 'Courage Room'!" grinned the host. "Get some sleep. You probably need it, considering your state. I will see you all later today!"

…

It was two in the afternoon, when White Mage decided to grace the others with her presence. Moving slowly yet elegantly towards the dining room, where Waitress and Boo were engaged in an intense discussion, the pink-haired girl greeted them with a small smile as she reached the duo.

"…and like, I was like, totally not sure what was going on and stuff," told Waitress to an uninterested and unimpressed spy.

"Color me surprised," Boo spoke up in monotone, trying not to show his appearing grin. "Oh, hey Blanche! Had a good night?" he wondered, directing his attention towards the new arrival.

"Why yes! I feel much more refreshed than yesterday! Or rather, the previous night," replied the healer, sitting down next to the ghost. "Speaking of last night, I would like to apologize to you, Boo. Snapping at you was unneeded and in poor taste, I'm afraid the lack of sleep clouded my judgement."

"Meh. It's alright, I figured it was the case. Besides, even we were a little bit on edge," noted the white-ethereal being. "That challenge sure was something."

"Ya, I know, right? Something kinda annoying at that!" nodded Waitress, her pigtails bobbing up and down. "I don't wanna play another game at night. It sucks. I'd much rather play during the day, under a rainbow or something!"

"Well… We've played two missions over the course of this episode, right?" Boo scratched his chin, musing over the latest happenings of the competition. "So I think we're fine. We've had our quota."

"Hmm… Perhaps. But then, this means…" All of a sudden, White Mage's face fell in disappointment. "Well, I suppose…one of us will leave tonight."

"Oh no! Executions are, like, the suckiest part of this game show!" whined Waitress. "I don't wanna say goodbye to one of you guys!"

Boo rolled his eyes. "Geez, thanks for the vote of confidence."

"You're totally welcome!" chirped the waitress of the Excess Express, plastering a cute smile on her face. She was oblivious to Boo's sarcasm.

As they were speaking, the front door suddenly opened, and Enguarde came in, his expression neutral. "Well, well, well! Looks like a certain sleepyhead finally woke up!" he grinned upon seeing the rest of the group, and sat down at the table, opening his journal and reviewing it.

The four remaining contestants sat together and helped themselves to some fruits and light snacks that had been put on the table. Most of them had slept past the usual lunch hour, and so they had not had a proper meal. They ate, and talked and joked together, but a certain brown-furred host interrupted their fun after a while.

Tiptoeing in direction of the players was Monty Mole, grinning from ear to ear. Making sure that he had not been noticed by the players, he soon burst into view and exclaimed in the loudest possible voice. "Good afternoon, players!"

Enguarde and White Mage both jumped up at his appearance, whereas Waitress shrieked loudly, spitting the small piece of watermelon she had been chewing on. A disgruntled Boo could only stare at her in annoyance. "I'm never sitting in front of you again. This isn't even the first time!"

"Whoops, sorry!"

Enguarde glared at their host, fins crossed. "Are you trying to give us a heart attack or something?" White Mage pursed her lips, next to him, and nodded in approval.

"To what do we owe the pleasure of your presence?" questioned White Mage with an arched eyebrow, gauging the host.

Glancing at the white-clad woman, Monty Mole sent her a charming smile. "Obviously, I'm here to greet you all. It came to my understanding that you all slept heavily today, for some reason," he grinned.

"For some reason, huh?" Enguarde could not help but smile, much like the rest of his companions.

"And such a mysterious one at that!" Boo followed upon the swordfish's joke.

"Huh? But that's just because we were up, like, almost all night long? Wasn't it?" asked a confused Waitress, missing the entire point of the conversation. The airhead continued to send inquisitive glances towards the others, who ignored her.

"And," continued Monty Mole, once everyone had their attention turned to him again, "As far as I know, the results of your previous challenge are still shrouded in mystery. So… Shall we go? Follow me, we're heading to the altar," directed the host, prompting everyone to raise from their chairs in a deafening row.

…

After greeting Chuckleroot, the guardian of Mother Chuckalola, Monty Mole and the four survivors entered the pink tree's domain. There, Monty Mole stopped in front of the altar and started speaking in a booming voice.

"Players… Let me refresh your minds," he commenced, his visage changing from one of mirth to a complete poker face. "While Blanche was busy finding answers to the questions you asked her, the three of you had to navigate this obscure forest and collect three fruits. For each fruit that you successfully brought to the altar, five thousand coins will be awarded to your pot."

"Yep, so we basically won ten thousand coins," grinned Boo, whereas White Mage raised an eyebrow after looking at the altar.

"But there-" Monty Mole interrupted the woman when he decided to open his mouth once more.

"However, a number of things happened during this challenge… There was a lot of suspicious behavior, from Blanche sleeping early, to the fight that we recorded in the forest, over the last exemption of the game. Enguarde managed to cost you time, and Blanche did as well when she was unable to find some answers, however Waitress was also the one who separated from the group, while it was Boo who did not share his knowledge of the previous season… The Mole certainly had their responsibility for some of the mishaps that had occurred over the course of the night," added Monty Mole in an afterthought.

The literal mole stared at the last four players of the game, and took a large gulp of air. "However, no rules were broken that night, and so the group won't be penalized. Which means that, since there is one fruit on this altar, you add another five thousand coins to your pot. A measly sum, if I may point out," Monty Mole shook his head in disappointment.

Challenge's Results :

Money Won : 5 000

Team Pot : 159 000 coins.

Enguarde : Suddenly, all hell broke loose.

"What the heck?" Boo blurted out almost immediately after the host's announcement. "We brought two fruits to the altar, so we should have earned ten thousand coins!"

White Mage threw a sideway glance to the spy. "But…he is right, I only see one fruit on this pedestal." The pink-haired woman approached the altar, as puzzled as the other three.

"It is as Blanche just said," Monty Mole shrugged his shoulders and adjusted his dark blue bowtie. "I only see one fruit on the altar, so I can only award you with five thousand coins."

"But… We found two fruits and we left them on the altar before time was up," Enguarde's eyes grew wide. "Where did the pink one go?"

"Can't you check the cameras, Monty?" pleaded White Mage worriedly. "Someone unaffiliated with the game may have taken it away from the altar. It would be unfair to us."

The host shook his head. "I'm afraid that simply is not possible. Chuckleroot keeps an eye out for intruders at all times, it would be impossible for someone he does not know about to sneak past him and steal a fruit. He is positive that no stranger to the game visited Mother Chuckalola since last night."

A look of horror struck White Mage, a certain realization dawning on her. "What if…there had been an intruder who had a relation to the show?"

"Okay, time to fess up," Boo seethed with rage, looking at the other three. "Who took it?"

Enguarde could not help but roll his eyes. "Are you serious? The Mole isn't going to reveal themselves at that point in the game."

Waitress tilted her head to the side, she had been daydreaming the entire time. "Maybe it's not, like, the Mole who took it?"

"Who else if not them?" Enguarde cast an incredulous glance at the purple-pigtailed Toadette.

"I dunno, I just thought that it's kinda weird for the Mole to just steal one fruit when they could, like, take them both?" the airhead answered. "'Cause we only needed to sacrifice one fruit for the exemption, soooo…"

"The exemption!" Boo and Enguarde shouted at the same time, rushing out of the clearing. The two females nodded at each other and followed after the boys, while Monty Mole stayed behind, a knowing smile on his face.

Four figures ran through the dense vegetation and soon arrived to their destination. Enguarde was the first one there.

"No… Someone took it!" Enguarde yelled, when the four players reached the Winkle Statue. White Mage blinked and raised an eyebrow at that.

Indeed, the snail was still holding an emerald in one hand, but in the other, the contestants noticed the presence of a pink fruit. Waitress pouted as she lifted the fruit, trying to see where the exemption was. "Omigosh, it's, like, totally not here!"

The healer of the group said nothing as she analyzed her surroundings, as well as the rest of the players, but Boo was far more vocal. "Who took it? We decided NOT to take it last night, so who thought it was a good idea to break that promise?"

"I don't know, but whoever it was, I hate you right now," the oceanographer declared simply, before he looked at Waitress suspiciously. "I bet it was Waitress! She's the one who was most interested in the exemption!"

"What? Like, you're sorta hypocritical, you know? I tried to prevent you, from, like taking it! You were gonna take it, not me!" she blamed him back.

"When I arrived, you were both fighting over it, so I don't know who it is, but I'll find out, and when I do, you'll be sorry!" threatened the spy, livid.

White Mage frowned at this. "Excuse me but, I see nothing clearing you of this crime, Boo," pointed out the pink-haired beauty. "As far as I know, you are as guilty as they are."

"And what about you? You were alone all night long, who can vouch for you? No one, so don't think you're innocent in this matter!" shouted the ghost, losing his cool.

"Um, hello? She's got a neutralizer, remember?"

"So what? It doesn't absolve her of the role of the Mole!"

"We're not solving anything by shouting at each other," Enguarde remarked. "Let's just calm down and head back to the winery," he suggested before tempers rose again.

"Whatever. I don't want to talk to any of you right now," frowned the ghost. "But don't think you one-upped me, I'll find out who took it. Just you watch!" Boo departed first, leaving the other three behind.

"Geez, we're all mad, no need to make such a fuss," Enguarde commented with a shake of his head.

"Funny how some people seem way less mad than others," implied White Mage heavily, sterner than usual. "Now, if you'll excuse me…"

"Psh, she's one to talk," muttered Enguarde once she was out of ear shot. He retreated shortly thereafter, leaving the petite Toadette next to the statue, on her lonesome.

"Like, what just happened?" A dumbfounded Waitress stared at the place where all of her friends had been standing, a little while ago. However, she was quick to refocus on her own priorities. "Did they really leave me all alone in this scary forest? Wait up!" she panicked, running after the others.

Scattered through the forest, none of them could capture the smile present on the face of one individual who knew exactly where the exemption was hidden: in the cover of their own journal.

Waitress : Um… Yeah, I suppose I'm not big on this whole 'who stole the exemption' thingy, 'cause… Well, I dunno. I mean, it makes sense for the Mole to have taken it, 'cause it's totally their job description to lose us money, but Enguarde was sorta salivating and almost frothing at the mouth during the mission…

Boo : Even if the Mole is the one who took the exemption, I really… Ugh, do I really have to comment on this whole affair? Fine. I think that whoever took the exemption made it very unfair for the rest of us. The challenge was supposedly over by the time we left the forest, so to take advantage of the fact that Monty Mole had yet to give us the results was very disgusting. The worst thing is that… It's the type of sabotage that anyone could have done. No one has an alibi since we were all sleeping.

Blanche : For Boo to react so strongly to thievery was very unusual, and it had me very surprised. Who could have taken the exemption, you ask? I believe it might have been Enguarde. His reactions did not seem very genuine. But is he the Mole? That's a whole different matter… Did the Mole even try to appropriate the exemption in the first place…?

Enguarde : Once again, Blanche pointed fingers. I'm not really surprised, she always does so rather subtly. What I find interesting is that her finger is never pointed at Waitress, when she's almost always the cause of our losses. I guess I could be seen as suspicious, but Waitress was the one who had the map when we returned to the winery, and she left it on the table. The thing is that when I woke up and checked the dining room, I saw no map on the table. So anyone could have theoretically taken the map and gone to the winkle statue to exchange one fruit for an exemption. And who did facilitate this sabotage? Waitress. So yes, Blanche could have used the map and done the exchange.

…

After they had reconvened in the winery with Monty Mole, they had all been brought back to their hotel in Beanbean Castle Town via carriage. The ride was bumpy and uncomfortable in more ways than one as the players were still pondering over the results of the last challenge, contemplating the possibilities. Only Waitress seemed as bubbly as ever, happily chatting with the host during the whole ride, much to his chagrin.

When they arrived, they all separated in order to gather their thoughts, but after a while, they could not avoid each other any longer. The game was still afoot…and the Mole, would strike another that night.

…

Under the shadow of an umbrella, Enguarde was reviewing his notes for the umpteenth time that day. Half of his body was submerged, and half of it was dry: he was treading water with his caudal fin and using the rest of his body to write more of his thoughts into his journal.

"Hmm… I'm not liking my odds today. It's obviously one of these two, but which one? They both have good qualities for a Mole, and the sabotages to boot!" he muttered to himself, narrowing his eyes.

"Hey Enguarde! Watcha doing?" questioned a bubbly airhead.

"Peace, it was nice knowing you," Enguarde whispered to himself, looking up from his journal and seeing Waitress approaching him. "I'm doing what any sane individual would do at this time of the day: study my notes."

Waitress twirled a strand of her left pigtail with her finger, glancing at the swordfish candidly. "Oh… So… Are you one of these people who cram for the exams the night before?"

Enguarde winked at her. "You couldn't be any more wrong. I actually studied regularly because I knew that it was pointless to do otherwise, when I was in college. And that's the very strategy that I adopted for this game!"

The small mushroom girl smiled. "Aren't you lying? 'Cause you gotta study some challenges the very day we're having a questionnaire."

The oceanographer was silent for a moment, before he shrugged nonchalantly. "Yeah, I guess you're right, in a way. Though I don't see how it is lying since I am reviewing my information all the time, and quite regularly, unlike some people…"

"Like who?"

"Like you, obviously," answered the swordfish matter-of-factly. "I…don't think I've ever seen you study your journal, or write in it, now that I think about it. It wouldn't surprise me if it was empty, to be honest."

Waitress shook her head, now next to the swordfish. "Nuh-uh, I actually do, but not all the time. I'm not obsessed! Usually I study before going to sleep, or before dinner when we have an execution."

"Excuse me for doubting you, but I somehow can't picture you studying… And that's kind of strange, since you always seem to survive these executions," he trailed off, adding something inside his prized possession. Waitress giggled absentmindedly, surprising the swordfish. "What? Did I say something funny?"

"Well, kinda, I guess? I mean… You don't have to do a whole lot of studying for the quizzes, just pick the Mole and you're safe! Aren't I clever? Teehee!"

Waitress : Like, these players are sooooo confusing sometimes. Enguarde's always writing stuff in his journal, so he has to put in more time to remember his information. Duh, that's super obvious! I only write down what's necessary! Sometimes, I kinda wonder what's in his journal, though. You can't help being curious, because there really isn't that much to write about in the first place.

Enguarde : Waitress is quite the character, I'll give you that. But, to make it to this point of the game, she's probably not as dumb as we think. Still, if she isn't, then what's the point of playing the role of the idiot? None, unless she is the Mole. And, assuming that she isn't playing a role and is simply less intelligent than your average person, then her surviving to this point doesn't make a lot of sense, unless, once again, she's the Mole.

…

"Ah. Blanche, just the person I was looking for," Boo announced himself to the beautiful woman.

White Mage lifted her head and realized that Boo was descending the staircase. She had been sitting on a comfortable armchair until then, trying to strategize for the upcoming questionnaire. "Do you feel better?" she questioned, worried for her friend.

"Yup. I don't think it makes much of a difference who took the exemption, I'll stay no matter what," claimed the white ethereal being. "After all, I think that you took it. And as far as I know, you're neutralized."

White Mage raised an eyebrow, a soft smile gracing her lips. She closed her journal and looked at her opponent. "Did I steal that exemption? I wonder…"

Boo : Speaking with Blanche is absolutely infuriating at times. By acting so mysterious all the time, I haven't managed to get a good grasp on her character, and now that we're nearing the finale, I'm still no closer to finding out who is the true Blanche. She has been suspicious from the get-go, but the problem is I have absolutely nothing to clear her.

Blanche : Justifying yourself is the worst mistake you could ever commit in the game of The Mole. Whenever you explain why it is that you failed or why you chose one way or another, you remove the doubt from your opponent's mind, and they gain a certain understanding of your actions, helping them determine your role in this game. However, by staying mute, you remove any possible way for them to link you to a role, and that is a worse fate. I do have a sound reasoning as to why I cannot possibly have stolen the exemption, but I have nothing to gain by revealing it to Boo.

Boo frowned. "So you didn't?"

White Mage shrugged. "Who knows? That's for me to know and you to find out," she retorted smartly, her smile widening ever so slightly. Boo smirked, realizing the game she was playing with him.

"Well, can you at least tell me what happened when you were sequestered?"

Nodding, the pink-haired girl started to recount her adventure. "There's really not much to say. I was brought to the winery by Kooper, and he told me that at one point during the night, you guys would contact me. That is, if I wasn't sleeping. As I told you beforehand, I was not allowed to leave the room I was in, otherwise the game would have been lost, and I also had a bracelet attached to my wrist to measure my heart rate."

"Is that really all that happened?" Boo raised an eyebrow, not believing it one bit. White Mage was silent for a moment, carefully considering her options in her head.

"Well, you probably figured it out, but there was a clue explaining the exemption's whereabouts hidden in the room, which is why I didn't pay attention to the first episode of the third season that was playing on my television. The clue was fairly straightforward and simply said that there was a green spot on the map. I asked to speak to Waitress about it and told her not to show you the map, because I knew you would aim for it."

"Look how well that turned out. In the end, she was the one who led us to the exemption," scoffed the spy, remarking the fatal flaw in the women's strategy. White Mage rested her chin on her intertwined fingers, but she remained quiet, realizing the truth behind the ghost's words.

"I suppose it was only a matter of time," commented White Mage in the end, more to herself. "Given how observant you and Enguarde are, you would have surely noticed the mark before long."

Boo : The whole thing was fishy. First of all, I really don't understand how Blanche expected to keep Waitress on a leash? Had she had a fruit on her personage when she decided to stray from the group, I'm at least seventy percent sure that she would have gone for the exemption. And secondly, why trust Waitress with this kind of information in the first place? Come on. You and I both know that she can't keep her mouth shut!

…

After his chat with White Mage, the white-ethereal being decided to exit the hotel to clear his head. Boo had no particular destination in mind and ended up floating on the paved road, heading towards the market of the town.

Upon reaching a stand selling traditional garb of the Beanbean Kingdom, the ghost suddenly felt someone tapping him on the shoulder. As ready as ever, Boo seized the arm of his assailant in a swift motion and started twisting it. "Ow! Ow! Ow! It's just me!"

Boo groaned, realizing he had caught a blue fin. He let the swordfish go and scrutinized him with his piercing stare. "Sorry, force of habit," apologized the ghost.

"Man, that hurt!" moaned the swordfish, rubbing his fin. "Where did you learn to do that, anyway?"

"Well, in my line of work you learn a great many things," grinned Boo, already more at ease. "Even the best spies get surprised once in a while. We're not almighty people, you know?"

The oceanographer nodded slightly, "Yeah, well, sometimes I wonder. Especially when you do things like that," he admitted.

"Anyways, what are you doing here?" questioned the inhabitant of Forever Forest, looking absentmindedly at his friend while putting a Koco Channel perfume to his nose. "Ew, smells salty."

"How about we ditch this place and find a place to have fun? We need it after what happened today," suggested the swordfish. When Boo opened his mouth, the blue marine creature added something. "Look, you don't have to trust me in this game if you don't want to. I'm just bored and want to do something fun before getting possibly executed."

Boo stared at the oceanographer weirdly for a moment, and then up at the sky, before scowling: he had forgotten that the sun was still too intense for his liking. "Fine, but we're not staying outside."

Enguarde scratched his chin, followed by a snap of his fin. "How do you feel about bowling?"

"Yeah, I'm game," nodded the ghost with a genuine smile.

The two boys advanced toward their destination together, but in silence. Finally, as they neared the place in question, Enguarde opted to ask the dreaded question. "So… Are you still mad?"

Boo's face showed puzzlement for a second. It took him a few seconds to realize what the swordfish truly insinuated. "Not really. I mean, I'm still mad because I was duped, but I can't be mad at this group of people. I'm probably just mad at myself because it's the first exemption that I'm missing and that's in my reach."

"Well, that's good, then," smiled the oceanographer.

Boo cast him a sideway glance. "I'm surprised that you're not more anxious than that. There's a lot at stake tonight."

Enguarde laughed, attracting the attention of several passersby. "You can't see it behind my lovely mask, but I'm kind of terrified. I still haven't pegged the Mole. There's…nothing definitive in my mind. And when I hear Waitress telling everyone – even the people that don't care – that she knows who it is, well, it doesn't do anything to reassure me. But that's alright, I just have to play it smartly and divide my answers to make it through."

Boo : Hedging your bets on the second-to-last quiz is suicidal. That's what ended the semifinalist's game during season two, and although her opponent had also split their answers, they had put more toward their prime suspect. Not to mention that, if you split your answers and still make the finale with both your suspects, then you're dead. But something I have to realize is that Enguarde could be lying, or the Mole.

Enguarde : People may look at me and think I'm crazy, but it's my game and I intend to play it my way. If I feel like I should spread my answers to make it through, then that's what I'll do. There's still a lot of time before I have to make that choice, so we'll see when we get there.

…

Waitress jumped headfirst onto her bed, letting herself melt into the soft fabric much to the amusement of her coalition partner and roommate. The two girls had decided to hold a strategy meeting to discuss the recent events of the game.

"What happened next?" inquired White Mage, smiling as she picked up one stunning white dress, looking almost like a wedding gown. "I really hope I get to wear that one during the final episode."

"It'll fit you to a tee!" giggled the cute Toadette who straightened her apron after her jump on the mattress. "So… Where were we again? Sorry, I sorta forgot! Teehee!"

"Well, you were telling me about their reaction when you found out where the exemption was located," reminded White Mage, making sure to remove any wrinkle that might appear on her favorite apparel.

"Oh yeah, sure. Ah, I remember now!" Waitress clasped her hands together. "So as I said, I was a little curious about its location and we were really near it, so I thought I'd take advantage of their distraction to, like, see for myself where it really was. But I sorta got lost on the way, and that's when Enguarde found me."

White Mage placed a delicate hand on her opened mouth, visibly startled by something. "And what happened next?"

"Well, I tried to block his view, but the statue's kinda big, so it didn't work. He saw the exemption and really tried his hardest to get it, but thankfully, I saved the day!"

"I'm sure," White Mage chuckled, entertained by her friend's behavior.

Blanche : We were speaking in the bedroom with Waitress when, before long… Another notion crept heavily, eating away at my mind. What if my partner herself was the Mole? Boo's words certainly rang true, she did lead the boys to the exemption. But… At this stage of the game, you can't change your mind on a whim.

"And then Boo randomly came as well, not really sure how he, like, found his way to us. He said something about hearing us… Anyways, he tried a sneak attack on us, but, like, me and Enguarde totally saw right through him. Basically, we were at a stalemate until you blackmailed them!" recounted the purple-pigtailed Toadette, skipping some of the details.

"Quite interesting, I would say," White Mage finally wrote down the information that Waitress had provided her with, before looking at the previous page of her journal, on which she had written the potential clue she had found.

The pink-haired lady debated showing her friend the clue, and ultimately relented. "As for me, I did not leave empty-handed either."

"Huh? What do you mean…?"

"Do you remember my part of the challenge? I was supposed to watch the entirety of the previous season, but I never found the time to do so…however, I went right to the end, because I was positive they would show hidden clues, and while the credits rolled, I found this particular message," she walked to her friend's bed and sat down next to her, pointing at the page on which the clue was situated.

"Omigosh, this is, like, totally awesoooome!" sang Waitress happily, gushing over her friend's discovery. "So do you know what it means?"

White Mage sighed. "Not quite, unfortunately. But, I am fairly sure that these signs make the clue," she added, showing the lines to the mushroom girl, who copied the information in her own journal.

Waitress : Blanche's like, my best friend on the show, but yeah, I've never dismissed her as a potential Mole, 'cause the saying goes like this: 'keep your enemies close and your friends closer'. Or something along those lines, I guess? I'm not really sure. Anyways, Blanche's sooo smart, she always finds stuff and could easily do things behind our back. Though it kinda doesn't matter, I'll just keep on voting the same way as usual to, like, make it to the final round since it's worked so far!

…

Dinner was quieter than usual, even by the standards of the nights during which one of the players was supposed to return home to their loved ones, safe and sound. Every single contestant knew that this was the last execution of the game, for after that one, the two genuine survivors would compete head to head in an unprecedented battle of wit.

"You could cut the tension with a knife," remarked the host, resting his chin on his clasped hands as he observed the players, his eyes sparkling with excitement. "Shortly, you will take the penultimate questionnaire of this game. So how are you all feeling?"

The players all looked at each other nervously, until one of them broke the ice. "I'm feeling okay. Like, not really nervous, but just a little. It'd suck to go home right now." Her words were approved by the others who each gave a different sign of agreement.

"I'm a nervous wreck," admitted Enguarde. "Losing isn't an option at this point, that would mean that all the work I did throughout the game was for…nothing. My method to relax is to tell myself that it's just another quiz, and that's pretty much true when you think about it."

"Personally, I cannot help but worry about the stolen exemption, and I dearly hope it won't resurface tonight," prayed White Mage, biting her bottom-lip in apprehension. "As long as it is a fair battle, I think I have a chance."

Boo took his time to reflect. "The fan in me would be devastated to go home. Either way, whether I stay or leave, it'll suck. More if it's the latter."

"How so?" inquired Monty Mole, wondering why the ghost would be crestfallen if he were to continue on in the competition.

Boo faced his teammates one after another, giving a shrug. "It's nothing much. I just like to believe that we've become good friends during this adventure. Pretty sure we all want to reach the last episode with no casualty."

"You can say that again!" consented Waitress, nodding her head up and down. "I'll totally miss the one who's, like, executed tonight." The oceanographer chuckled.

"Of course you'd say that," he shook his head, amused. After that, he grabbed his flute full of champagne with his fin and held it in the air. "Let's make a toast, for the Mole, and whoever's leaving in a few hours!"

"Cheers!" They all joined in the celebration – even Monty Mole – forgetting all about the dreadful execution that was looming in the distance. At least, for a few seconds.

…

It was a slightly giddy and exhilarated Enguarde who floated happily towards the room in which was located a single chair, as well as a computer propped on a small table. Steeling himself for what was to come, the oceanographer inhaled sharply for a second. He was ready.

1. What is the Mole's gender?

-Male

-Female

Enguarde : At this point of the game, I'm sure. The Mole is female. Last episode, I would have probably told you otherwise, but ever since Kolorado departed from the game, I'm positive it's either Waitress or Blanche. Although they are not similar at all, they do everything together, which makes it hard to pinpoint which of them is the Mole.

2. During the mission 'Labyrinth of the Molotaur', what was the Mole's role?

-Leader

-Thief

-Warrior

-Witch

Blanche : A number of suspicious acts occurred throughout this game, from Waitress depleting most of my health to Boo not slapping me instead… Not to mention Enguarde, who had the complete bestiary of the labyrinth and did not study it before it was too late. But there's only one Mole, and finding the catalyst behind our failure should lead us to their identity, in theory.

3. During the mission 'Labyrinth of the Molotaur', when did the Mole get eliminated from the challenge?

-First

-Second

-The Mole was never eliminated

-The Mole was not inside the labyrinth

Blanche : The circumstances surrounding my elimination were rather strange. Indeed, Enguarde had managed to regain control of the situation, so Boo should have been able to warn me about the perilous trap that was ahead of us. Boo claimed he wasn't aware of it either, and either he is lying, or Enguarde is somehow responsible for the situation. Either way, it was a sabotage.

Boo : Something that baffles me is how, in spite of being incredibly obvious as a saboteur, Waitress' mistakes are often skimmed over in the grand scheme of things. I'm mean, since I know I'm not at fault with Blanche's elimination, it means that Enguarde did something. What, I'm not sure. But you could also look at Blanche's elimination that way: she was eliminated because she was low on health, and it was Waitress who depleted most of her health.

4. At the beginning of the mission 'Labyrinth of the Molotaur', where was the Mole situated in the labyrinth?

-East

-Center

-West

-The Mole was not in the labyrinth

Waitress : Omigosh, don't remind me. Enguarde totally spoiled my fun, so not awesome at all! I don't wanna blame it, but he led me straight to a Molotaur! Like, there just was nothing I could do since the walls were super high.

5. During the mission 'Recollections of the Mole', where was the Mole?

-Chateau de Chucklehuck

-Chucklehuck Woods

Boo : Yeah, I messed up. I'll concede this point to you. And to follow up on that, I say… So what? What if nobody on this game show had seen the previous season? What if I hadn't make it past the first episode, in a bizarre twist of fate? How would Blanche have justified her slowness? She probably wouldn't have been able to do so, just like she never really justified it today. Instead, she took the easy road and blamed me for her uselessness.

6. During the mission 'Recollections of the Mole', what was the color of the fruit the Mole left on the Chuckleroot Altar?

-Pink

-Red

-White

-The Mole did not leave a fruit

Waitress : Did anyone else find pretty weird, that, like, Enguarde kinda whined to get the fruit that Boo was holding? I don't wanna point fingers and stuff, but… It kinda totally happened before we approached the statue of the…snail thing. Isn't it, like, a little suspicious?

7. Did the Mole have a known bonus or malus throughout Episode Seven?

-Yes

-No

Blanche : For the lone exemption of the game to be missing in action is very disconcerting. Did the Mole take it, or did one of the players do the deed? However, no matter how much I think about it, I can't seem to be positive about the thief's identity. Nevertheless, I do have a suspect in mind. It would be a cinch for them.

Enguarde : Waitress had left the map in the dining room, map that was missing when I woke up, Boo has a good sense of direction since he is nocturnal and used to doing spy work, working at night, while Blanche could have, much like the rest of us, left her room at one point during the night and gone to the altar to purloin a fruit and exchange it against a useless exemption. Anyone could be guilty.

8. Was the Mole, at any point during the episode, nominated to play a special role in a challenge?

-Yes

-No

Boo : This round, both Blanche and Enguarde occupied a position of power during our challenges. Both did a very poor job when they were entrusted with said position. Sure, we all nominated Blanche even though she was reluctant, and though it doesn't give her a pass, extenuating circumstances do exist. But Enguarde chose his role without even asking us, and he completely and utterly sucked at it. There's just no other way to look at it.

9. What is the Mole's occupation?

-Oceanographer

-Spy

-Waitress

-White Mage

Enguarde : I'm looking at our occupations, and I can't help but wonder… There's one individual who would be more than fit for the position of the Mole… The traitor… The saboteur… The agent in our midst… Also known as a spy. What if the answer had been in front of our eyes all along?

10. Who is the Mole?

-Blanche

-Boo

-Enguarde

-Waitress

Waitress : Hmmmm… You know, sometimes in this game, it's like… You think one thing, and then another, but once you've thought of the second thing you kinda forget about the first one? Kinda like when you're shopping and you think about, like, some stuff you're missing in your fridge, but along the way, you see something cool and you take it and then you, like, completely forget about what was missing in your fridge? Well…um… Actually, it's sorta like right now, I completely forgot where I was going with my point! Oh well, too bad!

…

Under the beautiful moonlight, four individuals filed out of the hotel where they resided, knots in their stomachs and heads full of thoughts. The time was nigh, and at last, the finalists of this season would be revealed to all eyes.

It was time…for the last execution ceremony of "The Mole: Disguised Disgrace".

The four contestants, soon to be three, marched ahead, towards the exit of the capital. They advanced without a word, to a destination of pure darkness, at the edge of the gloomy woods they had become accustomed to. They walked in silence, occasionally glancing at their still surroundings, seemingly not affected by the passage of time. There was no wind, no movement, and no life around. The players were by themselves, and could only reflect on their choices.

After what felt like ages, the foursome discovered four chairs, neatly disposed in front of a large plasma screen. Most of them deduced that it was alimented by the winery which was visible from their position. Once every contestant was seated comfortably, the host jumped out of a bush, eliciting some gasps from the assembly.

An air of seriousness was displayed by the host as he stared at the players in succession, before clearing his throat. "Welcome, players… To your last execution ceremony."

None of them even acknowledged his sentence with a nod. They were enthralled by his grave and powerful voice, their visages awash with dread.

A gust of wind ruffled the leaves that surrounded them, and the host went on with his explanation. "You have all survived six executions, but tonight… Yet again, one of you will be permanently removed from the game. You are tonight's lowest scorer on the quiz.

"Allow me to remind you of the rules of this ceremony. Earlier tonight, you all filled a questionnaire pertaining to the Mole's identity. If your score was sufficient, then a green light will appear upon typing your name. If that is the case, congratulations. You have made it to the last episode of this adventure," explicated the host with an unreadable face.

"However, should a red light appear, it means that your total score was insufficient this time. You are the Mole's seventh victim and will be asked to leave immediately."

Chills ran up the players' spines as they fixated their gaze on the imperturbable host. Another tree branch rustled and an owl hooted in the silent night, as if mourning the next victim of the Mole.

"In case of a tie, the player who was the slowest to submit their answers will be evicted from the game. Thankfully, there wasn't tonight." The participants did not know whether to feel relieved or anxious at this announcement.

The host sat down before his computer, and then glanced at the players. "Well then, shall we begin?" asked Monty rhetorically, a mysterious smirk adorning his face. The players tensed up as the host's fingers brushed against the keys of his device. As prepared as they were, none of them were ready for this execution ceremony. "Remember that, if you want to play an exemption, you need to slide it inside this slot."

The brown mole hummed to himself softly, until his eyes locked onto a particular player. "Waitress, you're up first."

The bubbly Waitress jumped up in surprise when her name was called. With a skip and a hop, she made her way to the screen which began to flash intently. Although a smile never quite left her face, it was much more subdued than usual. The others could not help but follow the host's fingers as he typed in the mushroom girl's name.

W-A-I-T-R-E-S-S

…

…

…

…

…

…

…

GREEN

Her purple pigtails bouncing behind her, the small girl winked at Monty Mole, before returning to her chair, far more relaxed than the rest of her companions.

"Waitress, you are the first finalist of this season. Congratulations, you made it to the final episode," felicitated Monty Mole.

Appreciative, Waitress sent a nod his way, and the host proceeded with the execution. "Then… Enguarde, I hope you are ready to hear, or rather, see your fate. You're up next."

Gulping, the blue marine creature rose from his position and floated towards Monty Mole and the television, very slowly. The rest of the players watched in apprehension as the individual wearing a bowtie clicked the 'enter' key.

E-N-G-U-A-R-D-E

…

…

…

…

…

…

…

GREEN

"Whew," the swordfish vocalized his sigh, whipping his brow with his fin. He looked incredulous, but very happy to have succeeded in his quest. A weight lifted off his shoulders, the oceanographer shook his head with a smile as he regained his seat.

"Congratulations, Enguarde. You are going to play in the last segment of our adventure," stated Monty Mole calmly, staring at the swordfish.

"Thank you."

"And now… Only two remain," the host regarded Boo and White Mage in quick succession, while Enguarde and Waitress displayed faces of worry when staring at their friends. Both individuals were paler than ever.

Monty suddenly cleared his throat. "Let's settle this. Boo, it is your turn now."

A frown etched onto his forehead, Boo was quick to comply, but one could denote the fear in his hesitant steps as he moved a little erratically in direction of the screen. Once again, the rest of the people in the room looked at him and then at the television, wondering what fate awaited him.

B-O-O

…

…

…

…

…

…

…

RED

Horrified and disillusioned, Boo did not have the strength to say anything, once the red light had bathed his very being. The others all gasped in shock, absolutely flabbergasted at this turn of events. They all knew that someone would bite the dust, however none of them would have pegged Boo as the seventh victim of the Mole.

The dejected spy looked down at the soil of the forest, absolutely at a loss. White Mage tried to comfort him by hugging him, but the ghost felt numb.

"Oh no, it totally sucks!" Waitress suddenly blurted out. "I didn't wanna see you leave this game!" Boo glanced at her and shrugged helplessly.

"Yeah, it does. I feel so stupid," he deadpanned. "No one else wanted this as much as I did, and I screwed up. Yay me."

"We'll be missing you," testified the pink-haired beauty, dabbing one of her eye with a handkerchief. "You, your snark, your everything," she added after a small laugh. Her words seemed to enliven Boo ever so slightly.

"How will I cope without my buddy in here? You left me with the two crazies!" joked Enguarde, trying to lighten up the mood with his own method, though a trained eye could detect the moisture in his eyes.

"Hey, Blanche isn't crazy at all!" defended Waitress, forgetting that she was included. Her remark managed to wrest a laugh from Boo.

"Boo, I am very sorry, but you are the Mole's seventh victim," started Monty Mole, almost unwilling to intrude.

"I know," Boo nodded, before stopping in his tracks. "Can I say just one last thing?" When the host nodded, Boo turned to the other three, taking a deep breath to calm his racing heart.

"Thanks, guys. Thanks for making my time here so…memorable." Those were his last words as the white-ethereal being collected his bag and followed Monty Mole out of the forest.

When the ghost was but a speck in the horizon, Waitress opened her mouth. "Like, it feels so surreal… I'm soooo soooo happy to be in the final episode but… It just isn't gonna be the same without Boo…"

White Mage acquiesced, feeling the same way, and Enguarde added to her statement. "I mean, don't misunderstand me. I'm glad to still be here, but Boo was always so fun to be around."

"And to poke fun at too!" grinned Waitress, remembering all the times when she would tease the ghost and embarrass him.

"His take on the game was unique as well. You could tell that he was enjoying every second of it," reminisced the pink-haired healer, smiling longingly at the memories. "Boo brought a lot to the table… I really wish this had been a final four instead."

"Yeah but… We made it. We actually did it. We beat the seven others and reached the final round," realized the oceanographer whose grin could not be contained. "It sucks that Boo had to lose but we have to move on."

"Yas, you're right! Like, let's just give it our all, like Boo would've!" giggled the clumsy Toadette of the group, high-fiving her two teammates.

"And at the end of the journey…" White Mage nodded to herself. "We'll finally know. We'll know who won, who lost… And more importantly…"

"Who the Mole is," finished Enguarde. The finalists looked at each other, a competitive spark lighting their spirit aflame.

…

Boo was strangely calm as he followed Monty Mole out of the Chucklehuck Woods, and out of the game as a whole. After a while, he turned around in order to see the last three competitors, but he was already too far and could not even distinguish their forms. The ghost sighed in disappointment.

"Geez, I'm a mess," he declared matter-of-factly. Those words earned him a laugh from the host who was a little ahead. Monty stopped in his tracks and smirked at the ghost.

"It is not my place to assume, but yes, you are," he smiled pleasantly, making Boo roll his eyes.

"Thank you so much for your boundless supply of compassion," ironized the ghost, cracking a smile as well.

"No need to thank me, it was my pleasure!" jested the host, bowing before the ghost. "But jokes aside, how do you feel about these recent developments?"

Boo took a pensive pose, looking up and putting one of his hands to his chin. "Hmmm… Well, for starters, I'm sad. And disappointed. But I'm also incredibly mad. Mad at myself…"

"How so?" questioned a baffled Monty Mole. "I expected you to be happy of your journey rather than being mad for missing out on the final episode."

Boo crossed his arms, furrowing his brow. "But that's exactly it. I shouldn't have been executed. I held all the cards, and I still messed up. Pretty badly at that."

"Would you mind elaborating? I can't say I understand what it is you are trying to convey," Monty sent him an apologetic glance, prompting the ghost to comply.

"Basically, at the beginning of the game, I said I could only trust myself, right? In the end I trusted others, and couldn't even trust my own judgement. And well, here I am," developed the spy with a shake of his head. "I kinda feel like… Yeah, I was probably on the right track but switched it up stupidly due to my paranoia."

"As one of our former players once said, it is more devastating to know that you were right but were eliminated because you didn't believe in yourself. Is that what you are trying to say?" asked Monty, quoting a certain blue fairy.

"It's exactly like Jojora said. Man, I can't believe I made such a moronic mistake!" Boo groaned one last time, although this time, it seemed like he had accepted his fate. "She was my favorite from last season too!"

"Haha!" chuckled Monty Mole good-heartedly. "Well Boo… It has been an honor," told him the host, shaking his hand. "You were a good player and will be sorely missed. The show simply won't be the same without your biting comments," guffawed Monty, much to the white ghost's annoyance.

"Ha. Ha. Very funny." A pause. Boo hesitated, and after one last sigh, he faced Monty Mole. "Well then, I'll be going, I guess. See you around!" waved Boo, floating toward new horizons, his head held high.

Lost in thoughts all alone, the ghost could only reflect on the game he had played as he followed a marked trail reminding him of the spelunking challenge. He chuckled and shook his head, deciding to focus on the road ahead of him.

Monty Mole watched Boo's form disappear into the night, and turned to face the camera. "Whether he inferred the elusive identity of the Mole or not, this stands true: Boo did not catch our intruder in time, and had to pay the price. Who would have thought that the expert of the game would be undone by the Mole, right before the finale? Absolutely no one."

"However, this surprising twist of events is one of many that will shake the game on the final stretch leading to the Mole's reveal."

"So who is it? Can you determine who is the Mole before it's too late?"

---

Hello everyone!

There you have it, we now know the final three of this game. I dreaded this execution, because I really liked the dynamics of this group of four. I mean, I was sad when Kolorado had to go home, but he didn't occupy as much space as the other four contestants on a game level. As per usual, I will comment on the eliminated next chapter!

If you did read this chapter, then please, I beg of you. Simply leave me a comment. I'm getting more and more discouraged as time goes since it seems that the more I write, the less reviews I obtained. It's not even a matter of seeing the counter go up by a crazy amount, it's just that I'm writing a mystery, so obviously I'd like your input or your take on this.

There is literally no point to me publishing this story on this website if I hear next to no thought on it. I mean, I personnally know the clues, the storyline, the characters, the sabotages, the Mole's identity, the challenges and much more than that. What point is there to keep on putting it online if I don't hear your opinion on it? Try as I might, I simply can't make this whole experience interactive if there's no one I can interact with. Besides, I know people read this since every author has access to the stats of their stories. When I get 100 views and 1 review on one chapter, I can only assume that it means that only 1% of my readership feels like this story deserves a review. Wouldn't you find it demoralizing?

Especially now that we've reached the last episode of the game. I usually don't like asking for reviews directly, because it makes me feel like I'm prostituting myself (lol), but um, I figured things won't change by just hoping. Even those who do not have an account can leave a few words, it doesn't take a lot of time.

In any case, if you read this and consider it, thank you very much.

Until next time!