PrincessRosalinaFanboy : Thank you for your review, and I'm glad you still have a favorite in spite of Jojora's disappearance. She was indeed a good player. You kind of predicted correctly that they would have to read the first letter of each though, so that's really great. I would have most likely thrown a tantrum, trying to decipher the words. XD Yeah, Honey Queen = Lol. Seriously. And apparently, the last character of Mario Party 9 is Kamek. Oh well, at least it's not some stupid new character. ^^' On the subject of Mario Party 9, do you think I should include one of its location in this story? And true, Boom Boom is better than Metal Mario.

Charz : Lol, I liked the cowboys from TAR, they were funny, I didn't like their elimination. I also like reading your suspicions, and you could influence the way this story will end, just vote on the poll for your favorite, I'll take the results into consideration. ^^ Thank you for your review and I like your list. I'm kind of glad you're so conflicted *shot*, it means the Mole is hidden but still suspicious. :p Hopefully you'll like this chapter! ^^

Previously on the Mole, Bootler, Jojora and Noki struggled to understand the cryptic clues littered all over the floor of Mystery Mansion while Toad waited outside for directions before engaging searches. With the combined effort of Jojora, who was the one who found most of the clues, Noki and Bootler, who gave orders to Toad and elucidated the mysteries of the clues, the mushroom was able to retrieve three out of five objects and brought them back to Mystery Mansion under the time limit. However, once he reached the mansion, he was stopped by none other than Boonty Ghoste, previous winner of The Mole : Tropical Treachery, who offered him an exemption at the cost of fifteen thousand coins. The player declined the offer and fifteen thousand coins were added to the team pot which was then worth one hundred ninety three thousand coins. The three remaining players and the conniving Mole later took their quiz, the final obstacle before the final. After everyone had taken the questionnaire, it was time to reveal the results of the quiz. This time around, Jojora left the group, victim of her own slowness, as Monty Mole told everyone that there was a tie. Now, only three of them remains. At the end of this episode, one of them will be crowned as the winner of this whole adventure, another will fall short of victory, while the last one will be uncovered as the Mole. But just which role will the three remaining players take? Find out shortly, in The Mole.

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

28 : New Perspectives

Bootler : The final episode of this game, things are finally drawing to an end. I am honestly glad to see that I am still in the competition, to tell the entire truth, I thought I would be executed in the first half of the game. However, as time went by, I showed everyone who I truly was, revealing my abilities and skills in the process. Haha, it would seem like I was wrong! I cannot express how joyful I am to be one of the last three players of this game.

Noki : The last episode! I'm so happy to still be here with Toad and Bootler! I must admit that it was a bumpy ride, I lost some great friends and allies along the way but still, I made it by my own means. I was very stressed last episode, I really thought that night would be my night – thankfully I was wrong. Well, we'll soon play our final games, so let's play to the best of our abilities, shall we?

Toad : Yeah! I'm so pumped for the final! This is it everyone, the final episode, we'll soon see who will win the money! And I'd like that person to be me, of course! Yesterday, I was so glad to see that green light after my name had been entered, although Jojora's execution greatly surprised me, seeing that she was sure of herself and everything. Anyway, that's not the point. What I mean is that I do intend to get another final green light and be the winner of this game. Game on, everyone!

The last three remaining contestants, Bootler, Noki and Toad, were all following Monty Mole, moving on a paved road toward a secret location. The host had reassured them, they would not compete in a new challenge so soon, so the players were at ease. Ambling in the shadow to protect themselves from the glaring sun, the players reached their destination which was still in Pipetown. It was a small traditional tavern, mostly furnished with wood decorations, giving a rustic feeling to the building. A little disappointed, they entered through the door that Monty Mole held open for them.

"So, hmm, what are we doing here?" questioned Toad. The other two were slightly puzzled as well : if there was no challenge, why bother going to this place?

Monty Mole cleared his throat and closed the door. He waddled his way toward the center of the room and faced them. "Bootler, Noki, Toad. You are the final three of this game. At the beginning, there were ten of you, ten players striving for victory. And now, only you three survived. The Mole left nothing behind their path as the game progressed. Nothing? No, this isn't correct. Two of you were spared, for they knew more about the Mole than everyone else. This final episode will help determine who knows the most about the Mole, I hope you're all ready," he wished, taking a close look at the last three players.

"I think we all are," Noki smiled, pleased by the host's encouragements. Bootler nodded.

"Why yes! We are all prepared to claim victory," he chuckled to himself.

The host took advantage of Bootler's sentence and picked up on it. "Alas, one of you isn't who they seem to be." The others smiled at each other, knowing full well that Monty Mole would throw some witty comments.

"Though being old has it perks, especially when it comes to knowledge and level-headedness, it has also its disadvantages. When you grow old, your physical abilities begin to wane and before you can realize it, ordinary tasks become insurmountable chores. You try hard but eventually fail because your own body failed you." Bootler cast a glance at the host, wondering if the mole's statement had something to do with him. "Of course, in a game like this one, it would be great asset for the Mole who wouldn't have to feign anything and could sabotage the missions, blaming it on their age." Bootler smiled to himself, shaking his head slightly.

The host continued, turning his head slightly so he could see Noki. "Or the Mole could use their shyness to lure their opponents away from the truth." Noki put a hand to her mouth, not expecting the host to make such a blunt statement. "A shy and innocent soul on the outside, a devious mastermind on the inside. The Mole could definitely use their personality as an excuse to sabotage the challenges and rely on their intelligence to justify their actions, easily leading astray the genuine players who were on their track." Noki did not know what to do, she opted for a small nod.

"And finally," he went on, his eyes falling on Toad, "could the Mole be using the disguise of a funny and friendly gardener, deceiving those who dare befriend them? The easiest way for the Mole to get rid of their enemies in such a game would be to make them erase from their mind the possibility that you are the Mole. And what better way to do that than to be nice to everyone and show that you're always doing your best, while you're in fact the fiend who throws a spanner in everyone's works?" Toad grinned, shrugging at the same time.

"Everyone here has the potential to be the Mole, but only one of you is. Question is : who?" Monty Mole winked. "Anyway, you were brought here because we're going to interview you. Don't worry, it won't be anything too personal, it's just a tradition if you know what I mean."

"What does he mean?" Noki asked Toad, who was the only one who had watched the show before.

"In the two previous seasons, the players were asked five questions during the final episode. I guess he's talking about that," responded the mushroom, glancing at Monty Mole to know whether he was right or wrong. Monty Mole kept a straight face.

"No need to think about it, we will probably understand in soon time," Bootler advised, earning a nod from Monty Mole.

"Exactly, now, if you would be so kind as to follow me... We'll begin the interviews shortly." The host turned on his heels and led the players to individual rooms, where they sat before cameras.

Question 1 : Are you the Mole? (Say yes and explain why)

Bootler : I have the qualities of a good Mole. As a Boo, I am used to cause mischief and I am trained to be stealthy. My natural ability to remain stony and my mysterious character would allow me a small margin of error, which is good for a Mole, since they are not above making a slip of the tongue, especially when they are confronted directly about that subject. I am also old, thus, the others should be more forgiving if I were to lose a challenge.

Noki : I could be the Mole. The Mole would want to stay in the background and that's what I've been doing this entire time. I'm not as outstanding as Birdo, Jojora, Mario or Donkey so you quickly forget about me, but that's your mistake, because like a good Mole, I strike when you expect the least. Besides, I'm not really strong, so I can obviously use that as a pretext to stall for time during physical challenges.

Toad : Contrarily to Bootler and Noki, I'm not incredibly smart, which would obviously be good if I were the Mole. Think about it, if you're physically weak, you can screw up the physical challenges, right? Then, if you're mentally weak, you can screw up the mental challenges. And so far, we've had more mental challenges than physical ones. Besides, when you're friendly to everyone, they tend to dismiss your sabotages as mistakes. That would be the perfect cover if I were the Mole.

Question 2 : Are you the Mole? (Say no and explain why)

Bootler : I am not the Mole because so far, I have not sabotaged at all. I always help the team whenever that is possible and I always think twice before doing anything, something that the Mole would most likely hate to do, as it would decrease their chances to sabotage. Compared to the other two, I have not had so many suspicious moments and I did not remove a large sum of money from the team pot, which is why I am not the Mole.

Noki : I'm not the Mole because the team depends on me, most of the time, and the players know better than to depend on the Mole. I helped the team countless times and I was the reason why we won quite a few challenges. Of course, I'm far from perfect and that's exactly why I make mistakes from time to time, but everyone makes mistakes, so you can't blame me for that. Additionally, I'm too weak to be the Mole. I mean, who wouldn't suspect the weakest player of faking it? In my mind, the producers chose someone who wouldn't be seen as the saboteur.

Toad : Well, I'm not the Mole because otherwise, I would have done a terrible job. I mean, come on, the only time I made the team lose money was when Bootler and I were playing against the others to win exemptions. When you look back at what has happened since the very beginning of our game, you'll see that I never was the reason why we lost money. Let's take an example : it wasn't my fault if Mario thought I had stolen the jewel from Holly Koopa. Birdo and Noki manipulated his mind so that he would choose me in the end.

Question 3 : What will the Mole do during the final episode?

Bootler : Well, it is rather hard to say, in view of the fact that I am not the Mole. I do think that the Mole will strike, albeit less glaringly than before. They should sabotage, however, I believe they will do it in a way that will make them less suspicious, at least in their eyes. Evidently, they will put as much doubt into our minds as they can, that is their job, after all.

Noki : Hmm... That's a good question, but I don't have any answer. The Mole is an individual, like you and me, they are unpredictable and don't follow some sort of pattern. I'm sure that the Mole sabotaged plenty of things and I didn't realize what they truly did. Even now, I'm wondering how they made us lose some challenges. If I were the Mole, I would like to win the final challenge.

Toad : Kind of hard to answer such a question. I'm not sure... To me it seems obvious that the Mole will sabotage, I mean, it's their job, right? But then again, now that there's only the three of us, their possibilities have greatly decreased. It's easier to make us lose when there are ten people, because you can always use them as a shield. With three people, you have to be more subtle.

Question 4 : What will you do once the game is finished?

Bootler : Obviously, I will return to Boo Mansion to serve Milady to the best of my ability. Even if I were to win the money, I would still go back to her side, that is my place. My ancestors were already butlers of the royal family, it is my duty to perpetuate this tradition.

Noki : Winning the money would change a lot for me, but I don't think I'd stop working. I like my job, I like traveling and I like meeting new people, even though I'm kind of uncomfortable around them at first. I think I will take a week off and then I'll go back to Delfino Airlines.

Toad : Peach needs me at her castle, I'm her favorite gardener as well as her close friend, so no, I won't stop working even if I win the money, even though I wouldn't mind having my own garden. Who knows, maybe I'll even ask Jojora for tips to 'sculpt' the trees and everything.

Question 5 : What would you do with the money if you won the game?

Bootler : That is indeed a very good question. The thought of winning so much money never crossed my mind so I do not have any definite answer to this question. I could do a great many things, such as renovating our mansion, and I would definitely give some to charity, just like the others I think. Maybe I would organize a party, with Lady Bow's approval.

Noki : There's so much I could do with the money! I could finally buy my own house because, yes, I don't have a house yet. I just have a small apartment. But it's kind of understandable since I travel so much : I don't often sleep at the same place, if you know what I mean. I would also invite the other players to Isle Delfino, I'm sure they would all gladly accept.

Toad : What would I do? Party! Yup, I'd organize my own party which would logically be called Toad Party. I would send invitations to the other players and also Monty Mole, as well as my usual friends. I would also keep some money for myself and give the rest to an association. Like Doctor Toadley's, so that he could help the sick and helpless.

…

Monty Mole and the players had gone back to their hotel once the interviews were finished and were currently eating before going to the place of their first challenge of that episode. The players were wondering whether their interviews would have an impact on the way the final challenges would be played.

"Hmm, Monty, I hope you don't mind me asking," started Noki, somewhat nervous, "but are the interviews important for our next challenges? It's weird that you would do random interviews like those," she finished, putting a small piece of watermelon in her mouth.

Monty Mole chuckled, not bothering to answer right away. "Why do you assume that they'll be important?"

"I could answer that. First of all, everything has a purpose in this game. During the previous episode, you asked us who we wanted to see with us in the final episode, and the most common answer actually had a specific role in the next challenge as well as the possibility to win an exemption. Nothing is left to chance in this game," Bootler replied, wiping his mouth with his handkerchief. The host seemed amused.

"Did you already forget? I recall asking you who you wanted out of the game back during episode two. It had no purpose," he smiled slyly.

"Yeah, I kind of doubt it's going to be relevant," Toad agreed. "Still, it wouldn't hurt to keep our answers in mind, I think they could use what we said in the final quiz."

Noki : I've never looked at it that way, but Toad is the last remaining contestant who has seen the previous seasons of the game, which would put him at an advantage. Especially if some of the challenges we'll play were already seen in the other seasons. It didn't seem odd before, because Kooper was part of the crew of this game show and Jojora had also seen the previous seasons, but now that they are gone... It's just a small suspicion though.

"How many missions do you have in store for us?" questioned Bootler. Noki raised an eyebrow.

"We've never had more than two missions in one episode," she reminded him. "Well, if you don't count the mini-missions, that is. I doubt it will be different."

Toad shook his head. "You never know. This is The Mole."

Monty Mole looked puzzled. "Why would you want to know how many missions you have left?"

"I am a bit apprehensive, I must say. Furthermore, I would like to know how much time we have left before the final quiz," Bootler replied, his full attention on the host.

"Well, no need for you to worry. Anyway, our next challenge will take place as soon as you have finished your lunch. Not that I'm urging you to finish your meal," Monty Mole added in an afterthought.

Toad : It's kind of hypocritical of him, he knows that we're going to hurry if he announces that another challenge will take place soon.

Needless to say, the players began to swallow their food as fast as possible. Monty Mole could not help but laugh at their enthusiasm.

…

Once again, the little group of four made its way toward the numerous gates of Pipetown. There, Monty Mole headed toward Gate Seven, the others quickly following his lead. They entered through the gigantic door and followed the host. He turned to face them.

"You won't have to wear costumes! This is an episode without costume, I bet you're all relieved, aren't you?" grinned the host.

Toad made the victory sign. "I'm so glad! You have no idea how annoying most of those were!" Noki and Bootler both nodded, showing their agreement.

"Well then, let's go!"

Monty and the players jumped inside one warp pipe and found themselves in a magnificent and aquatic city : Grand Canal. They landed on a smooth surface, between two fountains and watched their surroundings. The place, often swarming with tourists, was active yet there were not so many people. The players saw many gondolas on the canal, many of them occupied by couples and their gondolier. Far away, they could see the Colosseum inhabited by a giant Blooper, as well as the Tower of Pizza, which leaned a bit to the side.

"Water as far as the eye can see," murmured Bootler, captivated by the sheer sight of the town. "You kept the best locations for the end of the game, did you not?" he questioned, turning to face Monty Mole who had an enigmatic look on his face.

"Well, not really," shrugged the host. "Feel free to think so, however."

"What's our challenge, then?" inquired Toad, eager to start the mission. The others did not say it, but they were particularly impatient too. "I hope it doesn't involve rowing," he shuddered at the thought.

Monty Mole laughed with glee. "Haha! No, don't worry, it isn't a physical challenge, you three don't have to worry at all." He paused for a moment, looking in the distance.

Bootler : I was relieved to know that our next challenge did not involve strength in the slightest. Looking at our group, I could tell that physical challenges would be our loss. Well, Toad is somewhat strong, but Noki and I are not.

Noki sat on the edge of a fountain, quickly followed by Toad and Bootler. "So...? Our next challenge is...?"

"Oh right! Sorry about that!" the host apologized, snapping out of his trance. "Well, this game is called the 'Three Questions Challenge', and, as you might understand, it deals with questions. One after another, I will call you and ask you three questions. Depending on your answers, you will end up at different locations."

"Doesn't seem too hard," Toad pointed out. Bootler nodded.

"Why, it would seem like we will make quite a bit of money!" Bootler rejoiced, clapping his hands together.

Monty Mole frowned. "Well, you could. But then again, maybe you won't. For each question, you will have two choices of response, these two choices being the names of your teammates," he carried on, smiling at the confusion of the players.

"What?" Bootler was baffled, and so were the others. "What do you mean?"

"Well, let's take an example, shall we? If I were to ask Mario who he thinks the Mole is and that his two teammates were Kooper and Pauline, he would only be able to reply Kooper or Pauline. Did you understand?"

Noki smiled nervously. "I think we understood..."

"Now, there's more to the rules. Following my previous example, once Mario answers the three questions, his two teammates – in this case, Pauline and Kooper – would have to answer them too, trying to make the same choices Mario did. The key to win this challenge is to have an analytical mind, or at least, to put yourselves in the position of the person who first answered the questions. And by now, you should be able to do so, since you've been with each other for so long," explained the host in one go.

"Well, we are not psychics but we might as well give it a try," Bootler rationalized.

"You will win ten thousand coins for each teammate that you manage to reach, however, to reach them you have to give a correct answer to all three questions they were asked!" Monty Mole added. "One wrong move and ten thousand coins go down the drain."

Noki : Starting this challenge, I knew that there would be sabotage. A Mole was in our group, there would definitely be suspicious answers.

"Anyone would like to go first?" asked Monty Mole. When he saw that the others three were glancing at each other, uncertain, he decided to call someone. "Well, we'll start with you, Bootler. Please follow me," he demanded gently.

"Fine by me," replied the ghost, floating his way toward Monty Mole. Noki and Toad saw them hopping on a small bridge made of planks of wood, but as they made a turn, they disappeared from the two confused players' view, heading deep into town.

"Well, I guess we'll have to guess," tried Toad uneasily.

"It shouldn't be that hard to answer three different questions from Bootler's point of view. We are different."

…

Monty Mole came back after a while and motioned for the two players to follow him. They walked over the bridge and made a right, jumping on gondolas to reach the other side of the street. Monty Mole suddenly stopped in front of a counter where a Koopa was, waving her hand at them. They smiled politely in reply.

"Well, here comes your first choice," Monty Mole smirked, taking out a green card from his pocket.

"I have a bad feeling," whispered Noki to Toad, looking concerned.

"First question Bootler was asked is : 'Both of your teammates are going to get married, who would be more likely not to show up at their wedding ceremony'? If you think Bootler replied Noki, we'll go left. If you think he replied Toad, we'll go right."

Both Noki and Toad frowned, unamused at this question. "Come on Monty, stop joking, what's the true question?" inquired the mushroom. The host stayed at his place, unwavering.

Toad : I didn't like this game, it was obviously created so we would turn on each other or something like that. The question were really wicked and we were forced to answer them.

"I suppose that's really the question," Noki assumed, hesitant. "What should we do?"

"Answer it," Toad replied nonchalantly. "Bootler had to make a choice, after all."

"Yes, but what do we do, then?" Noki insisted.

"Huh?" Toad did not get what she meant.

"What I was trying to say is that we both know that we would never do that," she clarified. "So we don't have an exact answer."

"The question is : 'Who is more likely to blah blah blah'," Toad declared, not bothering to finish his sentence. "So, in my opinion, we need to find who Bootler thinks has more chances not to show up at their wedding ceremony."

"Yes, I know that!"

"I'm sure Bootler was as conflicted as we currently are," Toad declared. "But he had to answer too and knowing him, he answered in a logical way... I hope."

"But Toad, there's no way we're going to find a logical way to answer a question like that," she noted. "Besides, what would be his logic? Actually, what do you think is his answer?" Noki narrowed her eyes.

Toad started to sweat a little. "You won't like the answer, but I think he would actually pick you." Noki opened her mouth, as if she was going to object, but Toad continued his explanation. "I think he would pick you because I actually have a girlfriend while you don't. I mean, you don't have a boyfriend. Or do you?"

Noki instantly blushed. "Well, I don't have a boyfriend, but I have designs on somebody..."

"Oh really?" Toad grinned. "But you know, Bootler doesn't know that, which is why I think we should go left."

Noki shook her head. "Well, if you're going with logic, males are scared of marriage whereas females tend not to be."

Toad : As the discussion progressed, I knew that there was no way Noki would agree with me. It was useless to debate, she didn't want to answer herself. Not considering other thoughts is suspicious in a mission like this. Or maybe it was her pride. Or maybe she didn't trust me. There are so much reasons for which she wouldn't want to say 'Fine, we'll go with me.'.

"Well, if you really want, we could go with me," Toad resigned himself. He turned to face Monty Mole. "We think that Bootler answered Toad, and as a consequence, we'll go right."

Noki smiled. "Thanks Toad."

Noki : This question hurt me. I know it's a game and that we aren't supposed to take it seriously, but sometimes it gets under your skin and you can't help but feel unnerved.

"Okay, then follow me!" Monty Mole ordered, jumping on a round platform which ordinarily served as an attraction. They made their way to the end of the platform and jumped on the paved road. After that, they walked a short distance and stopped in front of a shop. On their right was a row of houses, with a ladder allowing everyone to climb up the roof. On their right was a gray bascule bridge leading to the Colosseum.

"I don't see our starting point from here, maybe we're on the right track," Toad reassured himself.

"Hopefully," smiled Noki.

"It's time to answer the second question," Monty Mole claimed, taking out yet another card from his coat's pocket. "Second question is," Monty Mole interrupted suddenly, laughing out loud. "Excuse me, it's just... Well, see for yourselves. 'Imagine Toad and Noki met someone, who would be more likely to make love with them on the first night after their meeting'? If you think Bootler replied Noki, we'll go left. If you think he replied Toad, we'll go right."

Toad and Noki looked at him, mouth agape. They were without a doubt shocked.

"I think he went for you," Toad tried, hesitantly.

"Is that your way to call me a whore?" Noki huffed, evidently offended after Toad's tactless remark.

Toad waved his hands in front of him frantically. "No no no!" he yelled in panic. "Please, you know I would never call you that."

Noki calmed herself a bit. "I'm sorry, I guess I just snapped. Those questions are so offensive, I know you don't think of me that way Toad. I just overreacted," she apologized. "I really hate this game."

"So do I," whispered Toad. "I just thought he would answer you because you have no one yet, thus you wouldn't have done anything wrong. I mean, toward your lover."

Noki nodded. "I see your point, and it's true that I have no one...yet. Additionally, some women are known as frivolous, but... Speaking of generalities, women take their time to approach someone. When I was younger, I had male friends - I still do - who were basically bragging about their conquests..."

Toad was pensive. "Well, I see your point. I suppose one night stands are more common for men than for women..." He crossed his arms. "I mean, we both presented good points, and it's just a name after all, it doesn't mean that we're like that in any case. Those questions are definitely stupid anyway." He smiled at Noki. "This whole game is stupid, come to think of it. Let's just choose a name and be done with it. If you don't want to say Noki, let's just say Toad. There's no good answer."

"Thanks Toad," Noki said truthfully, hugging him.

"Well, what can I say? We're friends!" he grinned. "Monty, we're going to answer Toad!"

"Are you sure?" the host questioned, raising an eyebrow.

"We don't have much too lose."

"Except for ten thousand coins, that is," retorted the host smartly. "But it's your choice, we'll go right! Please follow me!"

Toad : Hey Toadette! Just wanted to say that I'm not like that!

Noki : I was glad Toad decided to go with himself, I just couldn't bring myself to believe that Bootler would actually answer me.

The adventurers climbed up the ladder and took a look at their surroundings from above, gasping at the view which was offered to them. They soon regained their spirits and sprinted after Monty Mole who was waiting for them at the other end. From there, they made a left and crossed another small bridge. They jumped near a tree, with Monty and Toad helping Noki, and went round it, facing two houses, one pink and another light yellow.

"Here we are, your final destination!" announced Monty Mole. "The last question Bootler was asked is : 'If a natural disaster was to happen, who would rather run away and save their own life instead of trying to save someone's life'? As always, left is for Noki, right is for Toad. What will your choice be?"

"I don't know," Noki attempted, more hesitant than ever.

"Me neither. I think the answer would be you, though..."

"Again?" she joked.

"Well, I'm not calling you a coward or anything, but I'm twisting the question a little so it will be easier to answer," he told her, his eyes closed. "Answer this : who would be able to help and save people in time of natural disaster?"

Noki closed her eyes. "It's true, you're right. I'm too weak to carry anyone, except for small children maybe. You, on the other hand, could easily help."

"Yeah, I might not seem like it, but I'm pretty strong. Almost as strong as Mario, actually!" Toad informed.

"Easy choice then!" Noki cheered. "So Monty, do we open the door ourselves?"

"Indeed," replied the host, making a movement toward the buildings.

Noki and Toad made their way to the pink house and knocked on the door. They waited a moment before hearing footsteps. The door opened.

"Hey, what can I do for you?" asked a Shy Guy local.

"Is Bootler here?" asked Noki.

"Bootler? If he's a friend of yours, I'm afraid you knocked on the wrong door."

"Oh well. Thanks for your time and have a nice day!" Toad told him. The Shy Guy nodded and closed the door, leaving the players with Monty Mole.

"I'm afraid you were wrong. Let's go back to where we first started," decided the host.

…

The players had already reached the starting point of the mission when Bootler finally could be seen from afar. He slowly floated in their direction, knowing that their first round was already lost. He sat on the edge of the fountain, visibly exhausted.

"Oh, I do not like the sun that much," he complained, which was a rare occurrence for him.

"Players, you have failed your first round, but you still have two more. Let's review your answers and compare them to Bootler's, shall we? Bootler, the first question you were asked was : 'Both of your teammates are going to get married, who would be more likely not to show up at their wedding ceremony?'"

"I replied Noki. Not that I believe that she is a coward, but because Toad and Toadette are in a relationship. As far as I recall, their story started a few years ago. Now, compared to him and his relative secure relationship, there was Noki, who is single as far as I am aware," Bootler explained, his mustache twitching.

Toad : Bootler's explanation was exactly what I told Noki, I can't blame him for our failure.

"We thought you'd go by genders. You know, females knowing what they want and males being indecisive," Toad summed up, making small gestures with his hands. Bootler raised an eyebrow but he did not comment.

"The second question was : Imagine Toad and Noki met someone, who would be more likely to make love with them on the first night after their meeting?'" Monty reminded them.

"For this one, I followed the same logic I had before. Now, I was not particularly happy when Monty asked me this question, however I had to give him an answer. I hope you are not offended, but I chose you, Noki, for you have less restrictions than Toad since you are not seeing anyone," Bootler justified smartly, once again.

"Wow," Toad could not help but utter as he frowned.

"I'm sorry, it seems like you were right, Toad," Noki apologized.

"Well, it's okay. I mean, you had a point when you said that men cheated more on their wives than the contrary."

Bootler : From what I could tell, Noki was the one who begged Toad not to choose her on those questions. I have no doubt that she told him believable explanations so that he would change his mind, but because of her we lost ten thousand coins.

"And, last but not least, Bootler was asked this question : 'If a natural disaster was to happen, who would rather run away and save their own life instead of trying to save someone's life?'"

"For this one, I decided to pick Toad. I knew that, in this case and in reality, they would try to save people because they are two altruistic persons and I commend them for that. However, personality-wise, I believed that Noki's resolve would be much stronger than Toad's. I think she has much more willpower than Toad, which is why I decided to answer Toad."

Noki and Toad gave a forced laugh. "Well, it looks like we didn't even manage to get one answer right," Toad shrugged.

"And to think it was the sole question for which we thought alike," Noki trailed off.

"Why did you pick Noki?" inquired the old butler, raising an eyebrow.

"It's easy. Willpower alone wouldn't allow her to carry injured people, she would need strength and she doesn't have that. It's because of this that we decided you would have chosen her. I mean, it would be pointless for her to stay in a dangerous zone doing nothing," the mushroom explicated.

Noki : Even if we had decided to go with Toad's first guess for the first two questions, we would have lost this round. Bootler's last choice was very questionable, but then again, it was Toad who tried to interpret it and made us choose the wrong answer in the end.

"And now, it's Noki's turn to partake in this funny game!" Monty Mole announced as the players laughed and rolled their eyes at the same time, annoyed by the host's attitude.

Once again, the players failed epically!

I loved writing this chapter, with the controversial questions/answers, it was really fun. Just goes to show that even the simplest things can be really good. Besides, some questions are totally rude, it makes me regret not having Jojora in the final, she would be so much fun to write about! *shot*

I put a new poll on my profile. Once again, I put all ten players, just so people won't be spoiled if they happened to be curious enough to click on it without having read this far. Obviously, only the votes toward our final three count. There's not much I can do for the already executed players. ^^

There might be more than four chapters for this final part. Key word is 'might', though. *shot* As well as a picture clue, though I'm still wondering what to do exactly. The Mole's dossier would be neat...

Once again, credit goes to Krisetchers for the interviews, it was his idea first. ^^

Until next time! ^^