Vivalahomestar : Thank you for your comment ! ^^ Actually no, I don't think these challenges were used in an actual season of the Mole. I don't really know since I only watched some seasons on youtube... ^^' Yeah, people already told me this, but don't worry, I can use a reminder. ^^ Thanks for your review and good luck for your story. ^^

Ice Empoleon : Wow, huge review ! Thanks ! I like to see your comments, because they are really well built. I wish I could do something like that. ^^"" Nice list, very detailed. I like how you separated them in category rather than in a list order, that seems more like an actual entry of a player's journal. ^^ Sorry for the omission, I can be really scatter-brained, sometimes. ^^' Thanks for your review (sorry that my response isn't as huge as your comment, but I can't really say anything about your suspicions, like "you're on the right track", or "you're dead wrong". Well, you know what I mean. ^^"").

Previously, on the Mole, the players minus Flurrie, were worried about their host disappearance. After knocking on the door of his room, Birdo revealed that she heard a helicopter during the night, leaving the others to conclude that their host had probably gone somewhere during the night. Afterward, Monty Mole showed up and asked the players to nominate who would not participate in the next challenge. After a little debate, Noki asked Mario to choose, and since Birdo literally volunteered to do nothing, he chose her. It was then revealed to them that the chosen player would be able to spend time with their loved one. Following this event, Monty Mole explained what their next challenge would be : defying their loved one. Thirty thousand coins were at stake, and already three players had succeeded in their own challenge. Would the other three follow suit?

First name : Birdo

Surname : Ribbon

Birthday : May 15

Job : Fashion Designer

First name : Bootler

Surname : Majordome

Birthday : September 6

Job : Butler

First name : Noki

Surname : Delphis

Birthday : August 7

Job : Air Hostess

First name : Toad

Surname : Phalloïde

Birthday : June 1

Job : Gardener

First name : Jojora

Surname : Teeheena

Birthday : December 27

Job : Sculptor

First name : Pauline

Surname : Celeste

Birthday : June 16

Job : Model

First name : Mario

Surname : Mario

Birthday : January 22

Job : Plumber

13 : Intrusion

The host, Birdo and Yoshi were all waiting for good news. So far, they knew three players had succeeded in their challenge, and Birdo was really happy.

"We don't really win much money... Usually we think we won, but then, all of a sudden, you tell us some shocking news, and we learn that we lost. But this time, you won't be able to do the same!" she exclaimed, feeling livelier than ever.

"Maybe, maybe not," murmured the host. "Well, let's see how the others do."

Yoshi leaned over Birdo's shoulder and watched Jojora's progress. "Your game is so sadistic Monty, I don't think you realize it," he chuckled. "Birdo told me about the first mission and how everyone had to take things that did not really belong to them."

Monty Mole laughed with Yoshi, still watching the players. "Ah, the first mission... Those were good times. I really liked the baffled stares I received when I announced the results of this challenge. To be honest, I probably won't forget them."

Birdo looked annoyed. "Yeah, right. You wouldn't have said the same thing if you had been in our position. Anyway, let's shut up and watch the others. It's Jojora's turn."

…

A Goomba led Jojora to her destination, Astro Avenue, a wide area situated in space, full of technology and different species of living beings. Jojora was glad for the Marioverse's strange laws of physics because they allowed her to breath in space without anything. When they reached Pianta, him and the blue fairy only acknowledged each other with a polite nod.

"Jojora and Pianta. You will be confined in these rather tiny rooms," announced the Goomba. "There's a computer in each and they are soundproof. Catastrophes will be simulated by the computer, and each time you will have to do something to make a counter stop, counter which acts like your 'life' in this game. It slowly decreases over the course of time."

The Goomba took his breath again. "Please note that destroying the computer isn't an option. It can projects holograms who will be able to understand you, since they are just images of actual persons who can hear you from their home, thanks to a device whose functioning isn't worthwhile describing. Anyway, nobody will die if you lose this challenge. Just be quick, calm and think hard. Good luck!"

Jojora entered the room on the left and faced the computer. As soon as she entered, she heard a high-pitched scream coming from behind her. She saw a woman on a stool, and a mouse under the same object. She glanced at them both for a while, before slapping her forehead. "Go get a therapy for God's sake!"

The hologram looked at her, and realized she was right. She gained five more seconds on her timer and was back at ninety nine. "Are they kidding me...?" She wondered aloud. Suddenly, another person in dire need of help appeared behind her. This inhabitant of Flipside whispered something to her, and was apparently cowering in a corner of a room.

"I need help, I think there's a burglar in my house... Or even a killer... Oh no, they are approaching!"

Jojora thought about the situation for a moment. "Well, hiding won't help much, but going into action doesn't seem like a solution either... If there's a door in your room, hide behind it, and as soon as you think the person enters your room slam it in their face!"

The person complied. When they did so, the hologram disappeared, and Jojora saw that she still had over seventy seconds left on her timer. Bored, Jojora started to ferret around, when she heard a static sound she interpreted as an appearing new hologram. Immediately, she turned her attention on the new 'being'.

"So what? Aren't you going to say what's wrong?" Jojora asked rudely.

"How rude can you get?" scoffed a floating being, crossing her arms and visibly annoyed. "I cannot tolerate such behavior."

Jojora rolled her eyes, as a reply. "Look, I don't know who you, nor where you are. But I don't care. I just need you to state your problem so I can win this challenge."

'Fair enough. I, Luvbi Nimbis, did not want to stoop so low anyway. I am waiting for the perfect opportunity to meet my kindred spirit but I cannot seem to meet anyone that would fulfill my expectations. What should I do?"

"What the heck?" Jojora exclaimed. "What kind of question is that?" Luvbi only smiled smugly as a reply.

"Well, I don't know, perhaps you could go outside, or stop being so pompous?" spat Jojora like venom.

Luvbi raised an eyebrow. "I am waiting."

Jojora tried to make her leave by any mean possible, but eventually, she failed. Before her hologram disappeared, Luvbi taunted her. Jojora had failed her part.

…

Pauline was led to a beautiful cruiser, the MSS Sea Star. More precisely, she was brought to one of the ship's luxury shop and was delighted to see that Grace, her friend, was waiting for her. As soon as Grace saw the woman dressed in red, she ran and hugged her.

"Wow, it's been so long since the time we've last went shopping together!" recalled Grace. "So, how's your game? Is it going your way?"

Pauline smiled. "Hold on a second! I can't really answer if you don't give me the time to do so..."

"Whoops, sorry! You know, everyone misses you at work. But you seem to be doing fine, so that's okay with us!"

"Yeah, the game is awesome! A little tiring, but hey, it's worth the trouble," answered Pauline.

Behind them, a Lakitu coughed loudly. The girls both jumped and turned their attention to him. "It was time you noticed me. Well, follow me inside."

"Your challenge will be simple. We've selected for you guys-"

"Girls," corrected Pauline and Grace at the same time.

"We've selected for you, girls, clients. It will be your job to dress them accordingly to their request. In the end, they will be the only judges of your work. The one who receives the best grade from their judge, wins the challenge. Good luck."

Both females wished the other one good luck and they joined up with their respective clients. Pauline's was a young girl, which clothes were unsuited, as were their colors. Pauline took her time to reflect, and addressed the girl afterward. "Well, what do you want me to do for you? Which colors do you like the best?"

"Mmmh... Purple!"

Pauline nodded. "I see. What kind of clothes do you prefer? Casual ones, formal ones, cute ones...?"

The girl shrugged. "I don't know, I just like purple."

"I see... Well, come with me, we'll try to find something good that would suit you." Pauline explored the shop a little, and quickly found out the location of the purple clothes. "You know," she started, looking intently at her surroundings, "I think you should mix colors with purple. Otherwise, it might look rather bland."

Pauline discharged her task rather quickly. She found purple boots with high-heels, black leggings, a very short purple dress, that stopped a little after the thighs and that had no sleeves, a long-sleeved black T-shirt, purple gloves, long earrings, a silver necklace and make-up. Once the girl was dressed, Pauline made her up.

"Is it good enough for you?" questioned Pauline. The girl nodded and thanked her. Pauline, followed by her customer, returned to the shop's entrance. Five minutes after that, Grace and her client returned too, looking pleased.

"Okay," started the Lakitu, "Now I need you two, to tell me what you think about their performance. Can you come with me for a second?" The girl who was dressed by Grace went first, followed by the other one dressed by Pauline. Soon, the Lakitu was able to announce the results.

"Well, you were really close but... Pauline won. By zero, point zero seven point. I'm sorry Grace."

Grace bit her inferior lip. "Oh no, that means I'll have to go back..."

Pauline giggled. "Actually, Monty Mole lied to you. If you were to win, you wouldn't have seen me, but since I won, well, you can stay here."

Grace had a look of disbelief written on her face. "Really? You're kidding, right?" Pauline shook her head negatively. "Awesome!"

…

Finally, Bootler, the last contestant, entered the Boo Mansion, accompanied by a frightened Lakitu. It was quite an amusing sight, because Bootler was actually leading the Lakitu, rather than the contrary.

A pale green ghost who looked very refined and noble, wearing two red and yellow bows, was waiting for Bootler and the Lakitu to arrive. Bootler smiled instinctively when he saw his princess, but said nothing afraid of breaking the rules.

"Your challenge will begin. You have to convince each other to leave the room, but only by words. If nobody left by the time thirty minutes have passed, Lady Bow will automatically wins. God luck."

Bootler was going to open his mouth and speak up, but he quickly stopped, remembering the rules Monty Mole had given to them. He recalled them perfectly, and knew he could not speak to the loved one who was behind the gate he would take.

"Bootler, may I know why you are not saying a thing?" inquired Lady Bow. Bootler did not give her an answer.

He did not speak for a period of thirty minutes either. Thus, he lost the challenge.

…

Back to where Monty Mole, Birdo and Yoshi were reigned an atmosphere of confusion. Nevertheless, Monty asked Birdo a last favor. "I need you to record your impressions on each player's performance, please."

Birdo complied. "Oh, okay, no problem. Where do I do that?"

"Right here, no need to move. You just need to precise who you are talking about, okay?"

Birdo : Mario's performance during his challenge was okay. But he almost lost, and I really thought it was suspicious to see him hesitate at the beginning of the challenge, only to get shot by Chucklissa. He knew she was strong, Jojora had warned him, after all. Yeah, he was fishy.

I think Noki did well with her challenge. I noticed she made some mistakes, here and there, but overall she did a good job for someone who isn't used to bake cakes. Maybe she did too good? I don't really know. The judge was a real creep.

I don't have much to say about Toad. He was on par with Luigi during almost the whole race, but eventually won thanks to a dirty trick. Oh well, he won, I'm not complaining and I'm sure neither will Mario.

Jojora... What a joke! I mean, you don't yell at people when they need help, and you don't insult them either. What kind of helper would do that? I actually thought she would do good, when I saw that Pianta had more troubles than her, but she blew it at the end when she argued with someone she didn't even know. That was so stupid!

Pauline did good, I think. She won by a small margin, but at least she won, unlike some people. I liked her style and the clothes she used, maybe we should go shopping one day?

I have no comment whatsoever to make about Bootler's way to lose the challenge. I'm just waiting for the excuse he'll make when he comes back. He did nothing.

Monty Mole saw that Birdo was finished, and stood up from his chair. Thanks to a walkie-talkie, he demanded to the crew to make the players come back. One by one, Mario, Noki, Toad, Jojora, Pauline and Bootler returned, all unaware of each other's performance.

"Well, congratulation players. I'll tell you the results, now. Mario...has succeeded and did not break any rule. You can thank him, five thousand coins are added to the pot and Jojora may spend time with her loved one."

Chucklissa quickly got out of Gate Three and ran toward Jojora. They gave each other a high-five and hugged.

Jojora : I knew Mario would win. I'm really grateful for what he has done. I might even show him the hidden clue, since I'm so good. No, but seriously, I really wanted to see Chucklissa, that will give me a boost, and hopefully I can rest a little. The days that went by, I had to act and to put myself in character. You don't know how hard it was, to be hated from everyone, but it's all part of my strategy.

Monty Mole pursued. "Noki also won her challenge against Toadette, and as such, Toad's loved one is freed and may spend time with him. However, she broke a rule and talked to Toadette before the challenge ended. Only two thousand coins will go to your team pot."

Toadette got out of Gate Four and joined her boyfriend, kissing him tenderly.

Toad : That was weird to see that the shy Noki, who wouldn't speak to us much at the beginning of the game, opened so quickly to my girlfriend. I mean, we waited I don't know how much time to finally hear her speaking to us in the first episode, and now, when Monty Mole specifically told us not to speak with our relatives, she breaks that rule. That's just suspicious.

"Let's look at Toad's challenge, shall we? Well, long story short, he succeeded and didn't break the rules. Five thousand coins are awarded for his performance. Also, Luigi might now spend some time with his brother."

An eager Luigi almost tripped when he went out of Gate Five. The players laughed a little and he blushed, walking at a moderate pace toward his brother.

Mario : Well, I'm just glad Toad won the challenge, because I really wanted to see Luigi. Thanks Toad, I know this challenge must have been hard for you.

The host went on. "Then, we had Jojora who was playing against Pianta... I'm sorry but she failed. You gain nothing from her attempt."

Noki was on the verge on tears, so Birdo quickly went to her and comforted her, Yoshi following close behind.

Noki : Jojora, I can't believe you lost... I'm almost sure you lost on purpose. You're really selfish, and if you are the Mole, I can't believe you would stoop so low...

"Next was Pauline, who was against Grace in a duel of fashion. Pauline won, but she already knew that. However, what she didn't know was that Birdo was offered a plus one at the beginning of the challenge. Out of Grace, Toadette, Luigi, Pianta and Chucklissa, she had to choose someone that would be greatly encouraged to speak with their opponent, fully knowing that if the opponent of the loved one she chose responded, three thousand coins would be lost. Birdo chose Grace. And you, Pauline, fell in her trap. You won two thousand coins for the team and the right to spend some time with Grace, however."

Grace went out of Gate Seven, smiling at everyone.

Bootler : How strange. Birdo, in spite of volunteering to be left out of the challenge, still managed to sabotage it. Birdo is a really suspicious individual, but then again, so is Pauline. Well, I cannot rule Toad, Mario, Noki and Jojora out of the list, but those two are my main suspects.

"Finally, Bootler lost his challenge, pretty badly, might I say," announced Monty Mole.

Bootler raised an objection. "You never told me that I would be able to speak with the loved one situated behind Gate Eight."

Startled, Jojora spoke up. "Wait, don't tell me you said nothing?"

"What?" let out a surprised Mario. "Bootler, you must be joking. What kind of negotiator negotiates without saying a thing? That's utterly stupid!"

"Thank you for your praises Mario, but I was never told that I would be able to speak with Milady. At least, not by our host. That is the reason why I naturally thought I was being played by the psychological aspect of the game," explained calmly the butler.

Pauline : Bootler said that he thought he challenge had some sort of reverse psychology in it, but I can of doubt nobody told him at one point of the challenge, that he would actually have to speak with Lady Bow. I don't know, that's just obvious in my opinion.

"You still won fourteen thousand coins, not a bad effort, if you know what I mean. The team pot stands up at a grand seventy three thousand coins, congratulations!"

Challenge's Results :

Money Won : 30 000 – 16 000 = 14 000

Team Pot : 73 000 coins

Monty Mole chuckled. "Fortunately for you guys, we're no monsters. Pianta, Lady Bow, would you mind coming out of here?"

At those words, Noki jumped up and down with joy, clapping her hands with glee. Altought Bootler was clearly not as demonstrative as her, it was noted that he was actually a little excited, at those news.

"I have some more announcements, so please remain quiet for a few minutes, please. You all know that Flurrie left us yesterday, on her own accord. When she did so, she earned for herself fifty thousand coins, and you guys won twenty thousand coins. So I will add them to your pot right now, which means that it stands up to an amount of ninety three thousand coins, congratulations, once again!"

Execution's Results :

Money Won : 20 000

Team Pot : 93 000 coins

Monty Mole added a last thing. "It would be good if you followed me to the hotel, we need to do interviews!"

The players and their loved ones wondered what Monty Mole meant by that, but quickly dismissed it, too happy to have been able to see each other to care about his puzzling announcement. The little group went back to the hotel, this time with new faces around.

…

Back at the hotel, as expected, the players and their loved ones were asked several questions in front of the camera, each couple secluded from one another. The first question was...

What is your relative's favorite trait?

Birdo & Yoshi – Engaged

"Well, I don't know!" shrugged Yoshi. "I don't love her for one trait. I love her as a whole entity, you know. If I had to say one thing about her, is that she's pretty kind and clever, and nobody can hate her."

"Aw, Yoshi, you're making me blush," Birdo smiled at her love interest. "It's my turn now? Well, Yoshi's just so sweet, I'm so glad I've met him. And he is cute too..."

Yoshi rubbed the back of his neck. "Now you're making me blush. To tell you one thing : Birdo's awesome!" he revealed.

The two dinosaurs kissed.

Bootler & Lady Bow – Butler/Mistress

"Bootler is very caring, and I like him for that trait. But he also can be a pain at times, always watching out for me, following my every move to be sure that I do not hurt myself, and plenty of other things. Thankfully, he is quite the loveable guy, and I'm sure everyone loves him here," Lady Bow told the cameras.

Bootler shook his head. "You know that I swore that I protect you until the end, milady."

Lady Bow looked at him, raising an eyebrow. "I know you did, but from times to times, I need to breathe. Hopefully, you will do good until the end so I can relax." Lady Bow paused a little. "But I have to agree that it is pretty boring without you at the mansion, so try to get yourself eliminated soon."

Bootler was in disbelief. Seeing his face made Lady Bow laugh. "Bootler, you should know by now when I am joking and when I am not. Of course I am cheering for you, you must win!"

"Ah... Milady... Always so sincere," sniffled Bootler. "I am proud of you."

Lady Bow groaned. "Oh please, not the tears!"

Jojora & Chucklissa – Best friends

"What I like about her? Her truthfulness. Although you probably can't see it much in such a game. But yeah, Jojora isn't a hypocrite, if she's something to say, you can be sure that she'll say it. Also, I like her girlish behavior, it fits her rather well," complimented Chucklissa, chuckling.

"Yeah, we're totally different yet we managed to be best friends... I'm sure a lot of people are confused, now."

Chucklissa did not seem to notice what Jojora had said. "Oh, and her best trait is that she never judges by looks. Well, I can say that she's a bit picky when it comes to the man of her life, but otherwise, she won't judge you. I doubt we would be friends if she did."

Mario & Luigi – Brothers

"I love EVERYTHING about my brother! He's way better than me in everything, but I'm handsomer than him," Luigi gloated, making Mario laugh.

"Luigi, you know that we're brothers and equals. My brother is very sensitive above all, and that's what I like about him. He's not a backstabber, he's not a hypocrite, he's cool and maybe a little too nice for his own good, but he's the best brother I could have had," Mario praised, nodding to himself.

Luigi was really happy at that moment. "Yeah, I'm always the underestimated one, but whenever things go wrong, Mario's always here to cheer me up. Heck, he never even said something bad behind my back. He's just perfect for me."

Mario patted Luigi's back. "It's likewise bro."

Toad & Toadette – Dating

"I love everything about her!" exclaimed Toad. "I mean, she's my sunshine and everything, you know?"

"At first I thought you would recite a poem, but wow, I was wrong. I expected better praises from you," snapped Toadette. Toad's face turned pale.

"But Toad, I was kidding! I don't need useless praises, I only need you," laughed Toadette as she saw his face.

"So do I," Toad smiled, relieved to see that she was joking.

Noki & Pianta – Friends and Associates

"Noki and I are childhood friends and we intend on keeping contact for the rest of our lives, although it can be difficult to see each other at times since we're always traveling over hill and dale," explained Pianta.

Noki smiled honestly. "I'm so glad Pianta made it. He is strong, kind and very nice. He is one of those guys who don't talk much but whose words actually have a meaning. It's so rare nowadays," sighed the air hostess. "Anyway, I'm not here to complain."

"As to Noki, she is a very bright girl, and a person that I never doubted. She really is something, you know. I think everyone would tell you the same thing, if you were to ask them," pointed out Pianta.

Pauline & Grace - Models and Friends

"Grace was my first contact out there in the Mushroom Kingdom, when I moved. At first, she was only an acquaintance, though. However, I quickly noticed that we could be friends, because we had the same ideas, the same tastes, we had the same hobbies, except for one, and well, basically, we were in tune,"

"Yeah," agreed Grace. "And it all happened so quickly too! I mean, one day you move in the Mushroom Kingdom and the following day we become friends!" exaggerated Grace.

Pauline laughed. "Yeah! I'm sure my life would have been really different if I hadn't met you and the others. For instance, I wouldn't be a model without your help."

"Oh yeah!" recalled Grace. "You mean that I was the one who introduced you to the boss, right?"

"Yup! You're as bright as ever!" smiled Pauline. "I think there's a link between us : you're the sister I never had."

What is the best memory you and your loved one share?

Birdo & Yoshi – Engaged

"When we first met," admitted Birdo dreamily. "It was love at first sight. One day complete strangers, and the day after that lovers. It was totally unexpected, but the best thing that ever happened to us."

"Err... Actually when we first met, I was dating another girl. And I kind of felt bad for her when I told her I liked another woman, but as Birdo said, it was love at first sight. I just couldn't help it. I stalked Birdo for a whole month before she agreed to date me. I was quite persistent, as you can see."

Birdo giggled. "I wanted to be desired. Also, it was a good test, to see if you really were interested in me. Let's say that he passed with flying colors..."

Bootler & Lady Bow - Butler/Mistress

Lady Bow clapped her hands together. "Bootler, do you remember that fool of Tubba Blubba? Especially the first time I scared him."

Bootler raised an eyebrow. "Why yes, it was quite enjoyable to see you taking your first steps in our world. Ah, I was was so proud of you, my little protégé, when you frightened that coward... It reminded me of the first fear I had given to his ancestor... Good times, good times..."

"Yes, you were always so protective of me, and it was the first time that you let me do something on my own. When I came back, I was surprised to see that you were not waiting for me like you said you would do, but later I understood that you were worried so it made me even more proud to see that I reached your expectations," recalled the Boo princess.

Bootler chuckled. "Once a worrywart, always a worrywart, I would imagine."

Jojora & Chucklissa – Best friends

Jojora and Chucklissa both looked at each other and answered at the same time. "When we graduated from our art school!"

"The images of the party we threw back then are still inside my mind, it was awesome!" remembered Jojora.

Chucklissa smiled. "Do you remember the moment when Fawful tried to flirt with Cackletta?"

"You bet I do! He was so drunk he couldn't notice that he was shouting at her face! Do you remember when she punched him?"

"Yeah, she hit him like falcon! Poor Fawful lost some teeth during that incident. Oh well, his loss, I guess."

Jojora shrugged. "He got what he deserved. But still, I will always remember that party."

Mario & Luigi – Brothers

"We've got so much good memories that it's kind of hard to say," smiled Luigi, looking at his brother.

Mario rubbed his chin. "Don't you remember our first Double Dash Tournament? It was the first time we were actually racing as a team, and it paid off! We won first place."

"Yeah, but Peach and Daisy were really close behind. But you know, my best memory of us two is when we held that first Mario Party. The mini-games were pretty fun," pointed out Luigi.

Mario laughed. "Yeah, but as I said before, we had a lot of good times together. It's hard for me to pinpoint the best one."

Toad & Toadette – Dating

Toad looked at Toadette for two long minutes, saying nothing. All of a sudden, they spoke simultaneously. "Our first date."

Toadette laughed. "It was not the most romantic thing I had seen in my entire life, but for some reason, I really think it was the best thing that Toad could have thought of. I especially liked our long ride on the Ferris Wheel, hands in hands, watching the sunset... Awww, it was really awesome," squealed the mushroom girl.

"You're embarrassing me," blushed Toad.

"Don't be so shy," giggled Toadette.

Noki & Pianta – Friends & Associates

"When we traveled to the Mushroom Kingdom. I mean, the first time, when we were kids," Noki added promptly.

"It was very different from our home yet the trip was entertaining. With Noki around, I wasn't so out of my element. We had a lot of fun... I think we should do it again, you know, with our friends."

Noki thought about it. "Yes, but not right after this journey. I'll want to relax a little because honestly, it's really tiring."

"And it wouldn't be really fun after such and adventure, right?" added Pianta.

Pauline & Grace – Models and Friends

"The first time we played golf we the others," answered Grace.

Pauline giggled. "I was terrible at this. I mean, I kept swinging my club around like a total newbie and..."

"And you couldn't even send the ball into the cups!" remembered Grace. "But that's not really what matters. What matters, is that Pauline totally aced one hole. A hole that even us, who have been playing golf for years, never managed to finish in one swing. Needless to say, we were pretty amazed at her performance..."

"You weren't the only ones," smiled Pauline.

Do you think your loved one could be the Mole ?

Birdo & Yoshi – Engaged

Yoshi looked at Birdo intently. "Could she be the Mole? Maybe yes, maybe no... I'm not sure... Could she keep such a secret away from the others? Mmmh... I'll say she could be the Mole, pretending to be oblivious, you know?"

"I don't think that Yoshi could be a Mole... He is to carefree for that kind of things... But, he could surprise me."

Bootler & Lady Bow – Butler/Mistress

Lady Bow smiled smugly. "Of course he could be the Mole! Mole is written on his forehead!"

Bootler raised an eyebrow. "I thought you would have said the contrary. And I think Milady would make a great and subtle Mole."

Jojora & Chucklissa – Best friends

Chucklissa thought about the question for a few seconds. "No. I don't think she is the Mole. Jojora is way too cool to be the Mole. I don't think she could handle the pressure if she were the Mole."

"Me neither, I don't think you could be a Mole. You wouldn't like it, anyway. You wouldn't like to throw challenges, I know you."

Mario & Luigi – Brothers

Luigi tried to read his brother's spirit. "Yeah, Mario is the guy that everybody trusts, so he could be a very good Mole. If I were you, I would vote for him," he winked, at the camera.

Mario looked amused. "Luigi could be a great Mole, he's so clumsy at times, that he would sabotage without knowing it."

Toad & Toadette – Dating

"Toadette would definitely be a great Mole, because she's smart and knows how to lie. And unlike most of the boys, girls look before they leap," smiled Toad.

"I can also picture you as the Mole, but I doubt you would do anything too extreme to keep money away from the pot."

Noki & Pianta – Friends & Associates

Pianta looked carefully at Noki and nodded. "From my point of view, Noki could be the Mole. Displaying a look of innocence and showing her intelligence, people could think that she is a genuine player while in fact, she is the Mole."

Noki giggled. "If Pianta were a Mole, he would be the leader of the group, I think. He would lead the players to failure, though."

Pauline & Grace – Models & Friends

"Pauline wouldn't have to change a thing to her personality to be the Mole. I mean, she's just Pauline."

"Hey what do you mean by that?" Pauline scolded playfully. "I can't say that you're wrong, nor can I say that you're right. Anyway, I don't see you as a Mole. I don't know, but I think that wouldn't be your cup of tea."

…

Once the interview ended, the players were free to do whatever they wished to do with their loved one. While Birdo, Yoshi, Noki and Pianta hanged together in order to know each other a little more, Mario and Luigi talked about the problems that happened in Toadtown during the absence of its great hero. Jojora and Chucklissa made up for lost time and the others were talking about their daily lives.

Pauline, however, wanted to make a big move in this game.

"Grace, come with me... I have to ask 'something' to two persons... But I'll need your help."

Grace was confused, but she decided it was best not to ask questions and promptly followed Pauline. The two women made their way toward the place where Toad was located. He was in deep conversation with Toadette.

"Sorry to intrude into your lovely world, but can I borrow Toad for moment, please?" asked Pauline to Toadette.

Toadette shrugged. "Feel free to do so."

"Thanks!" thanked Pauline. "Now, we only need to find Bootler and we're settled!"

"What are we going to do?" asked Toad, rather annoyed.

"Shush, it's top secret! I'll tell you once we've found Bootler."

The group of three looked for Bootler and ultimately found him resting with Lady Bow near Pipetown's fountain. Once again, Pauline asked if she could speak in private with Bootler, telling the Boo princess it wouldn't last long.

"Okay, here's the plan. Do you remember the clue from last episode? I think it's time for us to claim our due, and by that, I mean to break into Jojora's room, look for the clue, engrave it in our memory and resume our activities," explained the lovely lady.

"And how are we supposed to do it, exactly?" besought Bootler, more concerned than ever.

"Well, Grace is always wearing hairpins, and when I was young, I used to try picking locks with hairpins. I think I still know how to do it, so we'll do it together right now."

"What? You used to pick locks?" inquired a bewildered Bootler. "That is scandalous!"

Pauline put her hand on her forehead. "I wasn't doing it on other people's locks, obviously," she added, rolling her eyes.

Grace was rather excited. "That's awesome! Let's do it!"

"I'm in," nodded Toad. "Thanks for telling us, Pauline. She'll get what she deserves."

Grace, Toad, Bootler and Pauline returned to the hotel and went to Jojora's room. There, Pauline used Grace's hairpin and inserted it in the lock of her door. After three unsuccessful attempts, the lock finally gave in.

"Alright!" cheered Toad.

"Come in, guys!"

The foursome entered Jojora's room and scanned it. The group had seen Jojora put the clue into her journal when she won it, and since her journal was not in her possession at the moment, they knew she had to have let it in her room. Grace found the journal and gave it to the others.

"It was hidden under her pillow," she informed them.

Pauline gave her a high-five. "Awesome Grace!"

"So, do you find it?" asked Toad, excited.

"We may want to hurry, as I suspect that our absence will be noticed by our friends," worried Bootler.

"It's okay, I've written it down!" exclaimed Pauline. "Now, let's put it back at its place... There! Now let's get out of here!"

The foursome rushed out of Jojora's room and ran at full speed to another part of the hotel, where they stopped to regain their breath.

"What a rush of adrenaline!" commented Bootler, chuckling quietly. "I will admit that it was fun, but let us hope that we will not have to resort to such a strategy in the future."

"Yeah, let's say that this time was special. Plus it serves her right," laughed Toad.

Grace looked around and ended the conversation. "Well, we should probably go back to our activities. See ya guys, it was fun!"

…

When it was time to sleep, everyone went to their room to relax and prepare for the next day. Everyone but two people, that is. Jojora, thinking that Mario was trustworthy enough, chose to lead her to her room to show him something.

"Okay," she started, probably pausing to prepare her speech, "I know that I was not particularly nice when I did not show you the clue, but I had my reasons. I wanted to see if people were still willing to align with me, even after I treated the so badly. You're the only one left who is still okay to work with me, so I'll share my clue with you."

"Wait what? Really?" asked a baffled Mario, totally taken aback.

Jojora smiled. "Yeah, really. That way we'll both have an edge over the others. Here, I'll show you." Jojora gave him the piece of paper on which was written the clue.

"Although I am somewhat doing things upside down it does not mean that I do not have my head on my shoulders. I know perfectly what I am doing for I am the Mole, the worst traitor you have ever seen in your entire life. Beware, looks can be deceiving..."

"What does that mean?" questioned Mario.

"I'm err...still trying to figure it out. Two heads are better than one, right?"

Mario looked at her for a moment. "It's a coalition then, right?"

"I won't force you."

"No no, I'm in. I've been waiting for an occasion like this to happen. To the final?"

Jojora nodded. "Yep, to the final."