The Mole : Festive Saboteur !

by Princess Toady

The Mole... A tale of betrayal where ten players try to find the saboteur's identity while competing in various challenges... Many of them will try, but only one will prevail, and that will be the person who answers this question : Who is the Mole ? THE MOLE IS FINALLY REVEALED ! Read the reviews at your own expense.

35. Unfruitful Adventures

Charz : Indeed you were. :p I actually wondered why you changed your mind when you were so convinced that Toad was the Mole, lol! I'm glad you like the winner. Truth to be told, I never imagined he would win when I first created the story. I guess the votes in his favor did help him in the end. ^^ And I didn't think Toad was unlikable, I actually like him a lot, hence why he was the Mole. XD I think I'll make a sequel, but I'm not one hundred percent sure. :p Thank you for your time. :p

Shilo : Glad you were surprised! And hopefully this chapter answers some of your questions concerning Noki. Don't worry about the reviews! Thanks for your review!

Cyan Comet : Did Toad fool you? I tried to make him a little more obvious toward the end... XD Well, Bootler had way more support than Noki, so he won thanks to you guys! Sorry but the clues will be at the end of the story, so...in three chapters. :/ And...I think I gave you the answer to the last photobucket picture... I think. Thanks for your review!

Herbtail : Thank you for your vote, unfortunately the story is already over, so... :p

Cyan Comet (2) : Congratulations! That was indeed a clue! I was afraid it would be way too obvious but felt like taking risks, besides, I believe people would never think that the clue was addressed to them and not to Toad. XD

TheGreatAvenger : Thank you for your review, I'm happy you were surprised. And lol at 'the butler did it'. :p Don't worry about reviewing, I don't review people's story because I want them to review mine, but simply because I feel like it. :p Thanks for your review!

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35 : Unfruitful Adventures

Monty Mole and the players were conversing about various and trivial things during the commercial break, however, it was noted that the discussions often drifted to the recent ending of their game, as well as its surprising results. Someone from the camera crew beckoned to Monty Mole, indicating that the show would soon start again, so the host and the players all returned to their seat. Bootler, Noki and Toad all shared a sofa while the other players had an individual seat.

Monty Mole stared intensely at the camera and gave his most charming smile. "Hey, everyone, welcome back to the finale of this game! At last, we learned who was the winner, Bootler, who was the unfortunate runner-up, Noki, and who was the Mole, Toad," Monty Mole reminded the viewers of the previous events that had taken place a few minutes before.

The three finalists all looked at each other, pleased with themselves. "We've only been playing for a few weeks, but it seriously feels like months have passed," Toad noticed.

"The wait was far longer than the game in itself," Bootler agreed with his former ally. Noki nodded.

"Yes, but now we don't have to stress over the results anymore," she told everyone. "I was just dying to know how I did!"

"Oh yeah, it's true... You guys couldn't say anything either, right?" Donkey realized, now conscious of how hard it had probably been for the three finalists to conceal their feelings from their relatives and acquaintances and hide the truth from them.

"Exactly... Poor Toadette, she was so supportive... She was always telling me that I was surely the winner and that I had probably beaten Bootler because I was closer to Noki than he was," Toad recalled, chuckling. "I couldn't even tell her that I was the Mole, it was hard."

"Well, I bet she is surprised, watching this at home," Monty Mole wagered, a glint of light in his eyes. "Speaking of surprise, who here has trouble believing that Toad was the Mole all along? I know he fooled most of you." Birdo immediately raised her hand, followed by Kooper, Flurrie, Mario and Donkey.

"I am, I mean... The episode when I was executed... I had this long conversation about the identity of our traitor with Toad... I never once suspected that it was actually him! He told me that he was suspicious of Noki and Jojora!" Birdo recalled, prompting everyone to laugh.

Kooper glared playfully at Toad. "Well, as you might recall, I was Toad's roommate. I never considered he could be the Mole and I wanted to form a coalition with him." Toad replied with a sheepish smile.

"Toad was out of my suspect list as soon as he told us about Jojora's plan," Flurrie smiled. "I thought that, if he were the Mole, it would bring unneeded attention to him as well as the hatred of some of his coalition partners. The Mole wouldn't want to be an outcast, now, would they?" the wind spirit questioned rhetorically.

Jojora frowned. "So you did tell them after all..."

Toad shrugged. "Hey, don't blame me, you were the one who started this fiasco, not me!" Jojora looked at Toad's expression and judged that he was sincere enough to be trusted.

"Hmph, whatever I guess. I kind of saw it coming and I agree that it was a bad move on my part, even if it helped me get this far into the game," Jojora admitted.

Mario was amused as he watched their exchange. "Well, even though I said that Toad was the Mole, I'm still surprised. I wasn't executed for nothing, you know?" The players smiled at Mario's modesty. "There were more obvious choices in my opinion, and I fell for them. Oh well, at least I didn't go down for nothing." Jojora gave an almost imperceptible nod.

"He helped us in spite of his injury. At this point, I was screwed because I thought the Mole would never do such a thing," Donkey explained, hitting his forehead lightly with the palm of his hand.

"Well, Jojora isn't surprised because she claimed she knew that the Mole was a mushroom traitor. But what about Pauline? Why aren't you surprised?"

The lady and red gratified Monty with a beautiful smile. "Well, for starters, I suspected Toad just after our first challenge and didn't stop suspecting him until I was executed. It was a foolish mistake on my part, I knew I was doing something wrong but I couldn't back in time. If only I hadn't sneaked in Jojora's room, I would have probably made it to the finale," Pauline declared. "I was executed because of the clue."

"Executed by a clue? It must be a first!" Mario exclaimed.

"Someone has already been executed by a fake clue in the show before," Kooper objected.

"What I know is that I was executed the second I chose not to vote for my top suspect," Pauline sighed. "This is also why I was often around Toad and Bootler, because I was suspecting the former." Most of the players looked surprised at this revelation.

"Indeed," Monty's voice was heard, "Pauline was the first player to suspect Toad in this game. She would vote for other players as well during the quizzes, but her top suspect was always Toad. Pauline was the highest scorer in the first three episodes." Toad clapped for her and a round of applause was given to the fallen player.

"You did great Pauline and you were truly awesome to notice my suspicious behavior at the very beginning of the game," he congratulated her. "Did you know that the reason why I said I voted entirely for you was because I was sure you were going to stick around until the end?" Pauline seemed honored.

Finally, Monty Mole turned to face Jojora, shaking his head and smiling. "Jojora, Jojora, Jojora... You sure were a tricky player, weren't you?"

Jojora smirked as she crossed her arms. "I tried my best."

"Well, you played a very interesting and unique game, Jojora, something much more elaborated than having a coalition with someone and making it to the end with them, for example. You had your fair share of surprising moves, most of them being very controversial and you succeeded in making yourself suspicious without taking out much from the pot."

"It's true that, unlike some of the players, I entered game mode as soon as I stepped off of that green helicopter," Jojora replied calmly. "I did pull some stunts, that's undeniable, and I also tricked the players, that was fun. But that was also hard. Very hard. I'm a perfectionist, not a rude and bossy moron, which is why playing that role was very difficult. You know, in a way, I can relate to Toad's experience."

The others did not understand what Jojora was talking about so Monty Mole decided it was a perfect time to start the video. "Well, let's shed some light on your adventure, shall we?" The host picked up the remote control and started the television. Everyone stared at the screen in anticipation, wondering how hard Jojora's game had been as well as what had been concealed from them.

...

Jojora's Adventure

Jojora : Hey, I'm Jojora and unfortunately, I am not the Mole.

Entering the game, Jojora was already focused and ready to play to the best of her ability. As soon as she stepped off of the green helicopter, she knew what she had to do. Her main goal was not to find the Mole as soon as possible. No, what she wanted to do was much smarter.

Jojora : Discovering who the Mole is is the main goal of this game, I agree with you on that point. However, your first goal entering the game should be to assure your position as a player. You can never be sure of the Mole's identity and should you make a mistake you're most likely a goner. I didn't know who the Mole was, but neither did the other players. So what I did was simple : I acted like a villain, capturing the other players' attention. I knew that some of them were bound to vote for me on the quiz because of the mind games I played with them, so I wasn't worried I would be executed first.

Jojora's ruthless behavior was frowned upon by her fellow players who thought she was unnecessary rude and provocative.

Birdo : I'm kinda tired of Jojora's and Donkey's interruptions. I mean, we could be playing the game right now, but nooo, they have to be totally mean and stupid.

However, the same behavior which alienated her from the others allowed her to move on toward the latest stages of the games, as she had convinced some players that she was the Mole during the first episode. Kooper was her first victim.

Kooper : Everyone seemed to have forgotten that Birdo could have won the first mission for us. But nooo, she forgot to label her own item, and that's really suspicious if you ask me. The only item which wasn't labeled was her own, maybe she didn't want to feel guilty afterward, who knows? However, Jojora and Flurrie are my prime suspects, and I know I must split my answers between these two if I want to survive. Dang, this '-1' is stressing me out! I'm feeling the pressure...like, literally.

EXECUTED : KOOPER

During the first episode, Jojora had also befriended another contestant : Donkey Kong. This led to the first alliance of the game.

Jojora : (about the mission 'Treasure Hunters') I'm happy to be with Donkey Kong but at the same time I'm a little disappointed, because I think he isn't the Mole and that I will be disadvantaged.

Jojora formed an alliance with Donkey for more than one purpose.

Jojora : Donkey and I are in a coalition, which is great. With someone like him on my side, I'll have an easier time convincing people to do stuff that I want them to do. Also, I'm pretty sure Donkey isn't the Mole, but he still is suspicious in the others' mind. I could use this to make the others vote for him on the quizzes.

Together, Jojora and Donkey decided to target Flurrie. While Donkey targeted her because he hated the fact that she had wasted the team's money by two times to get herself exemptions, Jojora had an ulterior motive.

Jojora : If we make her life as miserable as we can in this game, she'll eventually give in and vote for me on the quizzes. It's psychological, she won't be able to withstand the pressure from Donkey's and my assaults. Besides, it makes me really suspicious and stands out even more than before. This is great because if the attention is focused on me, the Mole will have an easier time blending in the background.

And Jojora's plan worked, once again. People began to suspect the two of them even more as the group they were in completely failed the first challenge of episode two, 'Twenty Thousand Bucks Under The Sheep'. Donkey's penalty in the first challenge...

Flashback Donkey : Are you kidding me? They say I have to take my shoes off! These stupid sheep shit everywhere! No way I'm gonna take them off, and that's final.

Mario : That really makes me suspicious of Donkey, because he always makes mistakes... At first I thought it was unintentional but now I doubt it. That's a little too much if you ask me.

...and Jojora's own cheating, during the 'Split Homework' challenge, led some people into believing one of them was the Mole.

Flurrie : When you think about it it was really suspicious of Pauline and Jojora. I don't know how long was their ride, because they strangely didn't want to tell me, but I highly doubt that they had to sabotage. They could have tried to memorize them... Cheating is a suspicious move, at least for me.

At the end of episode two, Jojora and Donky had recruited Mario, Pauline, Bootler and Toad in a giant coalition which purpose was to eliminate Flurrie. Once again, some players found the idea very fishy as Jojora was going to great lengths to make sure Flurrie would be gone.

Pauline : Toad remains my first suspect, with Bootler as a close second, but I'll have to say that Jojora and Donkey are becoming more and more suspicious as time goes. Joining this coalition is for the best as I'll be able to study them.

Bootler : The Mole would not want to be in the spotlight. Or would they?

However, at the end of the day, it was Donkey Kong who was executed by the Mole. He did not follow Jojora's advice and decided to vote for one suspect only, this suspect being Flurrie. Needless to say, that was not going according to the ice fairy's plan.

Flashback Jojora : (very angry) I knew he wasn't the Mole. That's bullshit, he should still be here instead of someone... I can't believe it.

EXECUTED : DONKEY

However, although Donkey's elimination did sadden the inhabitant of Joke End, it also helped her in the long run : if Donkey was eliminated, it could only mean one thing ; Donkey had voted for someone who was not the Mole. And the only person he would have never voted for was his coalition partner, his partner in crime, Jojora.

Noki : I don't want to speak ill of him while he isn't here, but you have to admit that part of our failures were directly linked to him. He brought a lot of drama into the game. Hopefully, it will be over now that he is gone, but knowing myself, I probably jinxed it once again. I also am wary of Jojora, because now that Donkey is gone and if she is the Mole, she can use his execution as an enormous pretext to sabotage or to bring more drama around.

Birdo : Since Donkey's execution, Noki and I greatly suspect Jojora of being the Mole. Let me explain myself... It is really unlikely that Donkey voted for her thus making him the second victim of the Mole. She sabotaged plenty of challenges, but she always blames the other people, like Flurrie for example, and gets away with this. Obviously, we said nothing to Flurrie because, well, for the final episode, there will only be two players and the Mole. We don't really want to leave someone behind but I guess we'll have to if we include her in our alliance.

Both Noki and Birdo were suspicious of Jojora at this point. Their suspicions only increased as episode three unfurled before them. During the previous episode, Jojora had formulated a plan in her head. First, she was to make a big alliance, which worked as her alliance contained five members, more than half the contestants still in the game. Second, she was to execute Flurrie in the third episode. But how was she going to do that?

Jojora : I still plan to execute Flurrie. How, will you ask? Well, she said in the previous episode that she suspected Bootler of being the Mole. I'll just have to convince our dear Boo to do the job properly. Easy-peasy.

Asking Bootler to sabotage at least one challenge, Jojora also wanted to test the Boo.

Flashback Bootler : (shooting up from his position) I am sorry but I do not wish to.

Jojora : Not to toot my own horn, but it was really a good idea. Because I could see where Bootler was standing in all this. If he had been the Mole, he would have accepted as soon as I suggested the idea, but he was reluctant. It would be stupid for the Mole to refuse such a good alibi to sabotage. At that moment, I knew Bootler wasn't the Mole and erased him from my list altogether.

Hunting for the clue left by the Mole, Jojora managed to be the only one getting it, which meant that she had an advantage over everyone else.

Jojora : Those fools... I can't believe they didn't question me further... I mean, they don't see that I'm in total control of the game right now? If I wanted to, I could keep the clue for myself. Of course I won't, unless they decide to break our contract.

Not to mention that her plan was not exactly fruitless, as Pauline's acting skills, along with Bootler's, Mario's and Toad's, managed to make Flurrie doubt Bootler.

Flurrie : Pauline just told me something really interesting. Maybe I'd want to share it with Noki or Birdo. Or maybe I wouldn't want to. It confirms my suspicions anyway, even if I'm not one hundred percents sure he is the Mole.

Unfortunately, when Jojora decided not to show her clue to her coalition partners, they began to distrust her. The ice fairy had made her first mistake. For the first time in the game, she was not sure she was controlling everything : the others could reveal everything to Flurrie, Noki and Birdo, making her entire plan useless. Accusing Toad of being the one who smuggled notes which said 'I know' in everyone's bedroom was the last straw for some of them, namely the gardener, the model and the butler.

Flashback Pauline : As if she would do that... If it weren't for the fact that you have the clue, I'd have already left this alliance a while ago. Just saying. (Pauline smiles bitterly)

Later, she shot herself in the foot even more as she refused to show the clue to anyone. This action completely jeopardized her game as she was now an outcast even amongst her previous partners. Only Mario was faithful to her, and even then he was still interested by Jojora's clue.

Flashback Mario (crossing his arms) : Well, if they don't want to form coalitions, that's fine by me. I can try to regain Jojora's trust so she will give me what I want.

However, unbeknownst to anyone, that night, Jojora's plan worked perfectly. Flurrie did vote for Bootler on the majority of her questionnaire and she decided to go home on her own accord. However, in spite of this success, Flurrie was not supposed to bite the dust that night. Bootler and Toad shared a lot of common answers, so the mauve cloud spirit would have stayed in the game regardless of her results. One player, who had voted entirely for Jojora was supposed to be executed : the pink dinosaur, Birdo.

EXECUTED : FLURRIE

Continuing her charade, Jojora progressed within the game, eliminating people she deemed trustworthy from her suspect list. With herself and Bootler out, Jojora decided that Mario could not be the Mole either, which left her with four suspects : Toad, Pauline, Birdo and Noki.

Jojora : I'm almost sure it's one of the girls. I'm leaning toward Pauline and Noki, they are smarter than Birdo.

During 'Family Problems', Jojora encountered some difficulties when it came to choosing everyone's task. Pauline, Bootler and Toad still resented the fact that Jojora did not share her clue with them, while Noki simply did not like her that much. Only Mario decided to please her, to regain her trust.

Flashback Mario : (looking at Jojora after Toad suggested he should play against Chucklissa) Yeah, I'll do this one. Hopefully it's not impossible to win...

Jojora failed her own part of the challenge, sacrificing Noki's right to see Pianta to cover her own charade. In doing so, she made an enemy of Noki and Birdo who thought Jojora had done it on purpose. The ice fairy would later confess her guilt in a confessional.

Jojora : I really didn't want to do this, but it isn't like I had the choice. Truth to be told, winning this challenge would have meant that I knew how to deal with people and help them, and that was in total contradiction with the way I've acted until now.

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...

But when Jojora was reunited with her loved one, Chucklissa, she decided to form yet another coalition, this time with the red-clad plumber : Mario. She even told the viewers how hard it was pretending to be the Mole.

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.

Mario agreed to form a coalition with Jojora, and it's then that the blue fairy thought she could win the game easily. Mario and Jojora had a conversation about the clue which was not shown by the producers.

Flashback Mario : (sitting on Jojora's bed) I think the clue might point to Birdo. She's always doing wishy-washy things, like she will say something and do the complete opposite. Besides, it says that the Mole is 'the worst traitor' we've ever since. So maybe it points to her because she's not exactly subtle.

Flashback Jojora : (rubbing her temples) But the same applies to Noki. Do you remember the third challenge, she was on your team I believe. She left the windmill in order to get some water for Birdo instead of carrying on with the challenge. This is doing things upside-down. If you see someone struggling you try to finish the challenge faster, you don't drag it on like she did.

Flashback Mario : 'Looks can be deceiving'... This works for the two of them, they seem trustworthy. Well, at least we know it's one of these two, don't we?

Flashback Jojora : Yeah. Plus, if they really trust each other, one of them will fall soon enough, and then we'll know who to target.

While Jojora thought Noki or Birdo was the Mole, Birdo and Noki were even more convinced Jojora was the Mole.

Birdo : Our plan seemed to work, and I definitely think it will help us later on, since Noki and I mostly suspect Mario and Jojora. Well, we also suspect Pauline Toad and Bootler, but we think the most suspicious ones are the hero and the fairy. Especially the latter since we sabotaged almost all of the challenge. Blatantly, sure, but it was still sabotage.

The mission 'Under the Spotlight' only reinforced Jojora's suspicions about Birdo and Noki. The former, when she told everyone that the ice fairy was the one who told her not to learn the lyrics of the song and the latter when she conveniently fell onto Toad's computer.

Jojora : I know for a fact that I never said such foolish things, meaning that Birdo lied. She could have lied to protect someone or maybe she lied to make me look suspicious because she's the Mole.

For a brief second, during that episode, Jojora suspected the true Mole when she realized that everyone, Toad included, could have erased the remix. In the end, everyone suspected everyone but the Mole, and Pauline was sent packing that night, just after she had decided to take a huge gamble and vote for Mario, Noki and Bootler.

EXECUTED : PAULINE

Because Mario and Jojora had both managed to get past Episode four, they were convinced that the Mole was either Birdo or Noki.

Jojora : Making it to the final six isn't an achievement for me. I'm going all the way to the final, if everything goes as planned. As far as I know, the game's going pretty smoothly for me, I see no reason why that would change.

Once again, Jojora decided to play selfishly and volunteered to be one of the four people who could win an exemption during the 'Exemption Roulette' event. She knew that it would be better for her if she got an exemption, in view of the fact that three of them would be winnable for that episode.

Bootler : The play-style of everyone's favorite sculptor becomes stranger as the time goes... She just does not seem to play fairly and always has her way, through blackmail or shady deals . Mario was the only one who could reason her, but somehow, he stopped doing that. I think that they are in a coalition, despite the fact that Jojora is a manipulator. Everyone seems to disregard her as the Mole, because she is too obvious but I find their argument invalid. Everyone can be the Mole.

In the 'Mansion Nightmare' challenge, Jojora was almost out as soon as the game began, which made several players think that she was actually sabotaging, when in fact, she had just been surprised by the walls closing in. Birdo was especially suspicious of Mario since he was the 'hero' of the challenge.

Taking their next quiz, Jojora was the only one who realized that the episode was not over yet, showing yet another sign of her smartness.

Flashback Jojora : (laughing) If you guys had listened, you should have known that three exemptions could have been won during this episode. However, we clearly only had the opportunity to win two of them, hence why this episode isn't over yet.

When the team had to select the honestest player of the game, Jojora chose Mario. She knew that everyone would most likely elect him unanimously, so she did not fuss about not being chosen.

Flashback Jojora : As much as I would like to disagree with everyone else, I have to say Mario.

However, when they boarded the train, Jojora thought of a plan to obtain the exemption.

Jojora : Actually, I didn't plan on stealing that jewel right away, because otherwise, the others would know that I was the thief and I could kiss it farewell. I just gave them enough incentive to look for it. That way I wouldn't be the only suspect.

Unfortunately, her plan was not foolproof as Birdo managed to get her hands on Holly Koopa's jewel before Jojora hatched a plan. When Mario came to investigate the case, Jojora pointed out that Birdo was not around the place she claimed she was at, at the time of the theft. At the end of the challenge, when it was revealed that Noki was the reason why the players had lost the game, Mario and Jojora decided it was ample time to take some risks, and they voted entirely for Noki on the second part of the quiz.

Mario : I've changed suspects throughout the entire episode, and now that comes the time to choose, I'm not sure I made the right decision.

EXECUTED : MARIO

Mario's elimination was the turning point in Jojora's game. Both her and Mario had decided to go for Noki, both her and Mario had voted for Noki, yet, only Jojora remained. Knowing that Mario was a trustworthy man, she felt secure enough to remove Noki from her suspect list. Bootler was out as well, so only Birdo and Toad remained.

Jojora : How delicious. There goes my coalition with Mario. Exactly when I needed him the most. Now it's me versus the other four. Oh well, I guess I'll just have to work with that. I mean, this show is about who's the Mole and so far, I narrowed it to two suspects. Maybe this episode's victim will clear my remaining doubts.

Once again, Jojora was an outcast, except that it did not matter much that time, because she had almost unraveled the mystery behind the Mole's identity. During the 'Lost Castle, Lost Digits' challenge, she decided to explore Mario's Rainbow Castle accompanied of Noki and Birdo who was now her prime suspect. Birdo's strange behavior did not go unnoticed.

Jojora : I'm even more suspicious of Birdo than before! I mean, she looks like she's the hero, but if she was the Mole, she wouldn't need to worry about taking risks, since she knows what happens and what doesn't happen.

Later that day, she decided to worry Bootler and Noki, telling them that she sure two players could not be the Mole. Bootler, who had just discovered who the Mole was earlier that day was not afraid at all and Noki, who was suspecting the fairy, was not that much bothered either.

Noki : I wouldn't tell her, but I was impressed. While Bootler and I were lost in a desert, Jojora had already figured the game. She's a dangerous player, no wonder she hasn't been eliminated yet. Oh wait, I must correct my phrase. I meant to say that she was a dangerous Mole, not a dangerous player.

But in truth, Jojora had already uncovered the Mole by that time, and was quite confident she would not be eliminated. Indeed, after Mario's elimination, Jojora had studied the clue she had obtained and had drawn some conclusions from it.

Flashback Jojora : Toad is the Mole. I am now one hundred percent sure that the clue pointed to him. Listen and you'll understand. 'Although I am somewhat doing things upside down it does not mean that I do not have my head on my shoulder'. Toad rode the rollercoaster during episode two, so he was doing things upside-down. I'm sure the clue points to him because I recalled Monty telling us that the clue would have been meaningless if given during episode four or five.

But Jojora was not feeling as secure as she let it seems and she split her vote between Birdo, who had been one of her prime suspects, and Toad, because she thought the clue pointed to him. Meanwhile, Birdo voted entirely for Jojora, and ended up being the sixth victim of the Mole.

EXECUTED : BIRDO

Jojora was sure. There was only one possibility that would explain how she managed to reach the second-to-last episode. Since five of her answers were voided, because of Birdo's elimination, it could only mean that the five answers she put toward Toad saved her, thus making him the Mole. However, she was now in trouble, because she had a gut feeling that Noki also knew that Toad was the Mole.

Flashback Jojora (after Birdo's execution) : However her execution definitely shakes things a bit. It might change everything...

The ice sculptor knew that Bootler had to know that Toad was the Mole, otherwise he would have been executed instead of Birdo.

Jojora : Toad is the Mole, Bootler must know that since they are in a coalition. And in spite of Birdo's elimination, Noki seems confident. Could she really have understood that Toad was the Mole...?

Brushing aside that thought, Jojora focused on her true goal : winning the game. During the 'Arts Versus Craps', she noticed suspicious behavior coming from everyone, but she kept on targeting Toad.

Jojora : Toad seems to be blaming me for the sabotages which happened during the challenge, but he isn't really clear of all suspicions. How did he know that this challenge involved reverse psychology? And if he knew, why didn't he oppose more resistance instead of just going along with my proposal? Besides, he said that he wasn't much of an artist, but the creation that he and Noki made was imaginative. And Bootler honestly didn't do much during the challenge. He sat here, doing nothing, and when he could have helped by telling me that he had met Noki, he chose not to. Everyone's a suspect. But Toad's the Mole.

Always thinking ahead of time, Jojora made her list according to the many scenarios that could occur later.

Jojora : I put Toad in the middle. Why? Well, if I put him first, he might play an important role in the next challenge, while if I put him last, Monty could tell everyone that I distrust him the most. Noki in the end, so that if Monty reveals something it won't have any incidence on my game. Plus, she could get a minus one if I do that. Bootler first because I trust him the most, I can count on him if he has a special role in the next challenge. Besides, he knows who is the Mole, so if he gets an exemption it won't matter much. At this point, I'm pretty sure it's between me and Noki for the last spot of the finale.

In the end, she barely missed out on the finale, beaten by Noki by a mere twelve seconds. Bootler took five more minutes than them but scored a perfect ten and moved on to the final episode of the game.

EXECUTED : JOJORA

Even though Jojora had a remarkable game plan, in her heart, she knew that she would probably lose the game anyway.

Jojora : This game is all about information about the Mole. I knew who they were, but I didn't know that much about them. Even if I had managed to beat Noki or Bootler and reach the finale, I would have probably lost.

Indeed, both Noki and Bootler had been around Toad much more than the ice fairy, and they knew information about his personage, such as the number of languages the gardener had mastered, or the number of siblings he had.

Jojora : Tricky. This is how I would define this game. When you think you finally have a chance at winning, reality appears before your eyes and confuses you. In my case, I knew that Toad was the Mole, but Bootler and Noki knew more about him than I did. Such a shame, to realize all the shortcomings of my strategy once I'm eliminated.

However, in spite of her image as a ruthless player, Jojora still managed to have fun.

Jojora : If given the opportunity, I would gladly do it again. Except that I would completely change my game-play. Sometimes I was cringing at my own harshness, it kind of killed some of my feelings. Being ignored by the others was also pretty hard at times, even though I must admit that they were irritating me from time to time.

Jojora was a player full of surprises, but overall, she managed to accomplish what others failed to do : identify the Mole. For that, Jojora will go down as the smartest strategist this series has ever known as well as the most dedicated player of this season. Jojora brought a new way to play the game and will be remembered for that fact.

(a final image of Jojora's famous smirk is shown on screen)

…

The players clapped for Jojora, dumbstruck, as the sculptor nodded to herself, smiling at the praise she received. The true Jojora was now unmasked, the things she had concealed from everyone finally revealed.

"I must admit, you were quite the contender," Bootler let out, finally, as the others regained their spirit. "I never thought someone would have a strategy as developed as yours," the old butler complimented, clapping once again for Jojora.

"You sure fooled me!" Kooper exclaimed jokingly, earning a grin from Jojora.

"So, how do you all feel about our prodigy, now?" Monty Mole questioned the players.

"I'm baffled," Birdo stated simply. "I mean... I have no other word... You can't begin to imagine how shocked most of us are right now, right guys?"

"True," Toad confirmed, giving a smile to Jojora. "I mean, I was the Mole but even I didn't know that. I just thought she liked to be mean to everyone. Oh, and nicely done for the clue," he winked, giving the inhabitant of Joke End a thumbs-up.

Mario nodded. "I'm also glad to see that my departure helped you in a way."

"Oh dear!" Flurrie gasped. "You only persecuted me because I was grabbing all the exemptions?" Flurrie wondered.

Jojora shrugged. "Yeah, besides, it would have been strange if I had chosen to change victims. I was sure you weren't the Mole, so that's why I wanted you out, you were threatening enough as it was."

Monty Mole had a huge grin plastered on his face. "I must admit that I'm feeling better now that I know that your insults were a way to provoke us."

"Oh well, I had to sound mean, which is why I verbally attacked almost everyone here. In all seriousness, I was really delivered when you told me I was executed," Jojora recalled, grimacing a little. "I mean, I was disappointed because I didn't reach the finale, nor did I win the game, but I could finally stop pretending I was a moronic villain." Everyone began to laugh at this line, including the fallen player.

"Now, I have a question to Birdo and Noki. How did you girls go this far into the game believing that Jojora was the Mole?" Monty Mole asked.

Birdo chuckled. "Well, I suppose it was mostly luck. For all I know, I escaped elimination once and there was one time when I had an exemption, so it helped."

"I'm glad I took the bribe," Flurrie piped in as Birdo gave her a big smile.

Noki giggled. "I didn't entirely vote for Jojora, although she was my main suspect. When Flurrie decided to take the bribe, I hadn't put all of my answers on Jojora, I would always try to score a minimum of answers for everyone."

"You probably avoided elimination a lot thanks to this strategy," Pauline smiled warmly. "Argh, I wish I hadn't trespassed into your room!" Jojora gave her an annoyed glare but her expression soon changed as she began to smirk.

"Well, now that you know a little more about Jojora's journey, let's take a look at what our runner-up did!" The host shouted as he started the television again. The noise died down in a record time as every player stared at the screen, giddy with excitement at what was to come.

…

Noki's Adventure

Noki : Hello everyone, my name is Noki Delphis and I'm very happy to be part of this game!

In the beginning, Noki was lost. Without any mark, the shy inhabitant from Isle Delfino had a hard time adjusting to the game as she had no idea how to fit in. Being far away from her home and surrounded by complete strangers, she did not know how to start her own game until Birdo spoke to her to make her feel more at ease.

Noki : I'm not what you might call a loud person. I tend to be shy around strangers and I'm not one to put myself forward... I need more time to feel confident, or maybe I just need someone I can talk to...

Opening her heart to Birdo, Noki was finally able to start playing.

Noki : I needed to have someone I could confide in, to me it's important to have someone you can trust in a game where you're supposed to distrust everyone. If you don't trust at least one person, you'll never get to experience all the fun because you'll be paranoid.

During the first challenge, called 'Mixed-Up Possessions', Noki scored an eight, while her friend scored a nine. Birdo's score confirmed Noki's feeling that Birdo could not be the Mole and from then on, Noki never really suspected Birdo again. Early in the game, the two friends suspected Jojora, Pauline, Donkey and Bootler.

Flashback Jojora : I thought Bootler had the journal because he's old, you know. Maybe he would like to write his memories, I thought.

Flashback Noki : But it had my name on the first page. (Jojora puts her hand to her mouth)

However, when everyone began to give Flurrie the cold shoulder, Noki was the only one who stuck up to her and convinced some players to forgive Flurrie and visit her, showing one of her qualities : her heart of gold.

Flashback Noki : Maybe... Maybe we should go, to see her? She will probably be happy to see us.

Unbeknownst to the two partners, their behavior combined with the fact that they had failed the first part of the challenge 'Treasure Hunters' led some people into believing that one of them was the Mole.

Donkey : I suspect both Flurrie and Noki to be the Mole. The first, well, I guess I suspect her for obvious reasons. But something is just fishy about Noki. I can't believe she could be the shy goodie-two-shoes type of player. Her actions contrast with her personality : she screwed up more than she helped.

Kooper : Everyone seemed to have forgotten that Birdo could have won the first mission for us. But nooo, she forgot to label her own item, and that's really suspicious if you ask me. The only item which wasn't labeled was her own, maybe she didn't want to feel guilty afterward, who knows ? Dang, this '-1' is stressing me out ! I'm feeling the pressure...like, literally.

EXECUTED : KOOPER

Some people started to suspect Noki during the first episode, and their suspicions would later be confirmed during episode two, where Noki piled up suspicious acts of sabotage after suspicious acts of sabotage. Much to her ignorance, the others were beginning to suspect her of being the Mole. Exiting the windmill to find water for Birdo was also seen as the most obvious sabotage up to date by Mario, Pauline and Bootler who were all waiting for instructions in the greenhouse.

Pauline : Noki could be the Mole. She just gave us a clue like that, not knowing whether or not she had the right to do so. I'll watch her every moves from now on.

Mario : That definitely wasn't a smart move on Noki's part, seeing that all three of us were suspicious of her. And just when we were finally getting somewhere too...

Flashback Bootler : Well, Noki reached the highest peak of my Mole Suspects List. Then it is Flurrie and after her, I put Jojora who knows more about the game than she lets it seems.

Meanwhile, Donkey was at the top of Noki's Mole list. The fact that he lost every challenges pitifully raised a red flag in the blue-shelled girl's mind. Not to mention that Noki was still looking at the banana peel as a possible hidden clue.

Noki : Donkey is the most suspicious player around here. He completely failed the first challenge, he and Jojora failed to bring back a clue during the second challenge, and now we have a penalty of five thousand coins because of him? Add to this the banana peels and you have an ideal suspect.

The air hostess also befriended Flurrie, the victim of Jojora's and Donkey's machinations, which would later put her in the minority group but let her gain more confidence as the episodes went by. Noki felt confident enough to erase Flurrie from her suspect list, as she thought that the actress was a genuine player.

Noki : Flurrie can't be it. She just can't be. She doesn't strike me as the type to sabotage and except for the exemptions, she never wasted the team's money.

When Monty Mole asked the players who they would want to see leave the game, Noki answered with no surprise that she wanted Jojora out of the game.

(flashback of Noki shaking her head as Monty Mole asks her about her motives)

During the same event, the blue-shelled girl was surprised to learn that Toad was suspecting her because of her actions during the 'Floral Composition' challenge. It was the first time that someone clearly told her that they thought she was the Mole, Noki believed that up to that day, everyone thought she was a genuine player. Since she did not know that Toad was the Mole yet, she wondered if she really seemed suspicious.

Noki : Toad said that he suspected me. Am I really suspicious...?

Thanks to Toad, Noki realized that her overall shy demeanor, her natural discretion and her actions throughout the game were making some of the other players distrust her. She had a natural talent to act as the Mole and deceive everyone.

Noki : It made me think. What if I used my personality as a way to make people vote for myself on the quizzes? Since I'm not the Mole, I could easily 'execute' some of the players, and my friends and I could survive the eliminations.

However, even if she knew that she could easily toy with the others, Noki decided that adding money to the team pot was her top priority. She wanted to win the game and believed that it would be better if there was much more money in the pot. Noki had elaborated a strategy to look like the Mole. At times, she would let out little tidbits of information which only purpose was to confuse the others and at other times, she would play the challenges strangely.

Noki : You know, from time to time I would 'slip up' and say strange things, I would try to win the challenges in a odd way. Basically, I just wanted to make my game-play suspicious.

And her strategy worked. Even though Noki was the reason why the team won the 'Split Homework' challenge, the way she answered the questions and riddles only strengthened the others' suspicions.

Bootler : There was practically no way of knowing the answer to this riddle. Riddles are like mysteries. One never understands them the first time they hear about them. But should they hear them again at any point of their life, they will recall the answers. Do you see where I intend to go with this reasoning? Unless Noki heard about them before, she had no way to know the answer to such hard enigmas. And what better way she had to hear about them than to be the Mole?

Jojora : Come on. Donkey told me that Noki was right from the beginning to the end. He also told me that she was almost always the first one to come up with a response, and that only a few seconds after the host had asked it to her! If that's not suspicious, then I don't know what it is.

In the end, Noki split her answers between Donkey, Jojora and Bootler. Her top suspect was eliminated that night.

EXECUTED : DONKEY

With her prime suspect executed, Noki put two and two together and came to the conclusion that Jojora was probably the Mole. Jojora and Donkey had sabotaged a lot and were always pairing up, since Donkey had been executed it was only logical to assume that Jojora was the Mole. Her partner, Birdo, also thought along the same lines.

Noki : Donkey and Jojora were always together, and I suspect they had a coalition, which is why my top suspect is now Jojora. The one person Donkey would have never voted for is her hence why she's very likely to be the Mole.

During the 'Clue Hunt' mission, Noki and Birdo decided to split up to cover more ground. Birdo went alone while Noki looked for it with Flurrie. Unfortunately, the two friends never found the clue and returned to the hotel empty-handed. Birdo also received a penalty because she was late, which, added up to the previous suspicions, made her a very good suspect in the eyes of the others.

Jojora : They always reminded us of how Donkey was screwing up here and there, but nothing has ever been said against Birdo, and she does the same thing he did. Her sabotage is subtle, I'm not really sure whether the others have noticed it or not – not that I really care about their opinion to be honest – but she's always goofing up and everything. And of course nobody is blaming her, because, well, she's Birdo.

As soon as Noki and Flurrie came back from their search, they were fooled by Jojora's accomplices who had the task to convince them that Bootler was acting suspicious.

(flashback of Noki and Flurrie eavesdropping on the others as Pauline made a scene)

Fortunately for the girls, Jojora's plan would later be foiled after Noki and Birdo overheard it.

Flashback Jojora : Yep, that's about it. I especially suspect you, Toad. I think you are more likely to jump ships than the other three. So yeah, I won't say it to anyone, and if I happen to hear that you talked to Flurrie or the two other girls during that episode – about the game of course - I won't tell you what's inside this envelope. I'm sure it would hurt your game if you were to break the promise you made yesterday. (Noki and Birdo are seen gasping behind a house)

Immediately, Noki decided that the best course of action was to warn Flurrie about the alliance which was created in order to get her out of the game. Once warned, Noki devised a plan in order to sow confusion in people's mind.

Flashback Noki : I know what we could do! Listen, information is the key, right? So here's what we are going to do...

Noki, Birdo and Flurrie all wrote the words 'I know' on several sheets of paper which were later slipped under the doors leading to the players' rooms.

(flashback of Noki and Birdo awake at night as they put the papers in the other players' rooms)

Noki : The plan was simple. We would distribute the papers to the others and wait. The words 'I know' are actually here to stir up trouble. They could mean anything from 'I know you are the Mole' to 'I know your underwear is blue'. I think my idea worked perfectly because it confused Jojora and her group, nobody knew what was going on and distrust spread out among her coalition. In the end, she blamed Toad who didn't know a thing about the notes. I felt bad for him, but at least it was the beginning of the end for her alliance.

Noki's plan worked better than she had expected, for at the end of the episode, everyone turned against Jojora and she was the only one who had the clue in her possession. Since the inhabitant of Isle Delfino was thinking that Jojora was the Mole, it meant that the clue was useless to her.

Flashback Birdo : We're so lucky! She's the only one who has the clue and it's useless to her! (Birdo giggles as she makes the victory sign with her fingers)

Flashback Noki : I know! Everyone's on the same level now.

Noki also made a friend of Toad, during the same episode. Unbeknownst to her, she was actually befriending the saboteur she had to identify.

(flashback of Toad and Noki walking around the marketplace, smiling and laughing as they told each other jokes)

That helped her, as at the end of the episode, Toad revealed Jojora's intentions to the three girls who were not part of the alliance. However, it also did not benefit her in a way, as she believed that the Mole would have never played like Toad.

Flashback Noki : I'm sorry girls, but I didn't learn anything about their plan. When I was spying on them, all Jojora did was pointing fingers at Toad about the notes we had put under their door. After that, Toad got really angry and decided to leave their alliance, soooo... I decided to follow and comfort him.

Flashback Toad : You're weird...in a good way. Actually, I'm kind of glad that you're all here. Jojora's plan was to make Flurrie think that Bootler was the Mole. I don't know if he really is a genuine player or not though. That was a pretty bold and huge gamble on Jojora's part. I told you what I knew, so good luck with that. I have no way to determine if Bootler sabotaged because he wanted an exemption or because he was following Jojora's orders or even if he did it because he is the Mole. Once again, good luck.

Noki : There's no way Toad's the Mole. The Mole wouldn't tell us as much information as he did because they want the players to be misled.

Noki had erased the Mole from her suspect list toward the end of episode three. She and Birdo voted principally for Jojora that night, basing some of their answers on Pauline and Bootler too. Flurrie took the bribe and spared Birdo from the execution, but in doing so she also prevented Noki from knowing that Jojora was not the Mole.

EXECUTED : FLURRIE

Feeling sure in her suspicions, Noki thought she had correctly identified the Mole. She was falling for every little thing Jojora did to rattle her and throw her off.

Noki : Game-wise, I believe I'm in a great position, right now. Currently, and as far as I know, Birdo and I are the only two persons in a coalition. Jojora may have the clue to the Mole's identity, but we maintain good relationships with the other players. And anyway, a clue is useless if you can't understand it or if you're the Mole.

Although Pauline's and Bootler's actions were questionable during the challenge 'Family Problems', Noki kept on focusing on Jojora and her complete failure. Additionally, Birdo, who was watching the whole challenge, was able to tell her what happened in details.

Flashback Birdo (to Noki) : At first I thought she was going to win, and I think she probably tried a little because she knew I observed her. But then, when Pianta started to struggle, she immediately threw a fit and totally blew the challenge. Very suspicious.

Flashback Noki : And she could afford losing her challenge because she knew everyone would be able to see their relatives regardless of the results...

Strangely enough, the results of the challenge made Jojora and Mario suspect the two girls. The alliances were suspecting each other while the real Mole, Toad, could sit back, relax and watch as they would fall one after another.

Toad : I love being the Mole.

Noki and Birdo also used every trick in the book to determine whether Jojora was the Mole or a genuine player. When reunited with their loved ones, Noki and Birdo had the ingenuous idea to use Pianta and Yoshi as informants.

Birdo : So Noki and I had this genius idea! Well, more Noki than I, but whatever. We're going to use Pianta and Yoshi as informants. Actually, all they're going to do is talk and listen to the other loved ones, but it's great anyway, because we'll gain information on people that usually say nothing about themselves and who, unlike myself, are quite secretive. Like, for example... Bootler and Jojora.

Unfortunately, the results of this enterprise made Noki and Birdo even surer that Jojora was the Mole. They completely discarded the possibility that Pauline was the Mole but still considered Bootler as a potential suspect and added Mario to their list, even though he was not as high as the ice fairy.

Flashback Pianta : Chucklissa told her that Jojora was extremely sweet, not judgmental at all, that she despised hypocrisy and that she was a really great girl, basically. (Noki and Birdo look at each other, eyebrow raised)

Flashback Noki : Huh...? This isn't like her at all. In this game, she's been a drama queen who likes to stir up trouble.

Flashback Yoshi : The Boo princess. She wouldn't say a thing about Bootler, so we gave up after a few tries. She was very clever and allusive when she answered our questions, so we basically have nothing on Bootler.

Noki and Birdo also kept on doing fishy things to confuse the others. During the challenge 'Under the Spotlight', Noki messed up on her task of creating Birdo's dress...

(flashback of Toad and Mario staring at the hole located on the wrong side of Birdo's dress)

...but Birdo immediately came to her rescue.

Flashback Birdo : What's the matter? (Mario points at the dress as Birdo laughs) Did you already forget that I'm a fashion designer? I know how to fix stuffs like that, and even if I were not able to do it, Jojora could mask it in the video.

Noki : All of a sudden, we were turning the tables on them. They couldn't know that we were messing up and covering for the other on purpose. Our sabotages were subtle and didn't cost money for the team, but combined with the remix incident, they looked incredibly suspicious.

After that, Noki 'tripped' on the table where Toad's computer was located, sending everything tumbling to the ground...

(flashback of Noki falling to the ground)

...but Birdo defended her...

Flashback Birdo : Not to sound obvious or anything, but she simply tripped.

...and even the Mole defended her.

Flashback Toad : I sincerely doubt it's because of Noki's fall that my music vanished. Guys, you know how to use a computer, and you know how it works, right? Then, you must understand that someone erased the remix from the computer, and then emptied the trash can to get rid of it. I'm sure that even Bootler knows that, meaning that everyone could be the culprit. You would only need to act quickly while nobody looks at you to get away with it.

At the end of the challenge, Birdo blamed Jojora for something the fairy had not done, making herself and Noki even more suspicious.

Jojora : I know for a fact that I never said such foolish things, meaning that Birdo lied. She could have lied to protect someone or maybe she lied to make me look suspicious because she's the Mole.

However, Pauline was the one who was unfortunately sent home that night, and the feud between the two alliances would live another episode.

EXECUTED : PAULINE

Still in the game even though she was completely wrong about who the Mole was, Noki was feeling pleased with herself. She even continued to display the image of the shy and indecisive girl in game and during some of her interviews.

Noki : Sometimes, I think that I stole the spot of some players... Like Flurrie, for example... I can't stop to think that maybe there is a possibility that she knew that I was going home and that she saved me from my fate. I have no idea as to who the Mole can be... It's episode five, you would think that I have at least one tiny idea, but I don't. I'm really desperate right now... If only there was an efficient way to make it to the end with Birdo and the Mole, that would be perfect.

During the mini-challenge 'Exemption Roulette', she was also nominated almost unanimously. She thought it was because the others liked her, but she could not have been more wrong.

Jojora : It doesn't matter if she gets the exemption, she's probably the Mole. Her or Birdo.

Mario : Well, I don't care if she wins the exemption, I think she's the Mole so it wouldn't benefit her in the slightest.

Toad : I couldn't care less about the results of this challenge, I just wanted to sound genuine.

Bootler : Well, if the Mole obtains the exemption, we should be fine. Now that my prime suspect is gone, I suspect Birdo and Noki. Toad would be my third suspect.

Indeed, half of the players was suspecting her at that point of the game. Birdo eventually won the exemption which helped their coalition.

In the 'Mansion Nightmare' challenge, Jojora was the first one out of the game and was also the person who had told Toad not to open the envelope which contained the layout of King Boo's Mansion. It was then that Noki and Birdo decided to vote completely for Jojora.

Noki : Jojora pulls perfect information out of thin air, she sabotages almost all the time she is given the opportunity and always seems to know the twists of this game in advance. The only way she can know that is if she's the Mole.

Noki and Birdo voted for Jojora during the first part of the quiz, confident that they would stay in the game.

(flashback of Noki nodding to herself as she left the computer after she had finished her quiz)

In the third challenge of the episode, the players elected Mario as the honestest player as it was the most sensible thing to do. Noki created a very good plan so that Birdo would be able to steal Holly Koopa's emerald incognito.

Flashback Noki : We have to strike just before the cars are switched around, because then Mario won't be able to pinpoint our exact movements. I'll lie and say that you were with me in the economy class car, so you'll have to claim the same thing. We need to steal the emerald when Holly isn't looking, which means that we'll have to make her leave her seat.

Flashback Birdo : How about I drink a lot of water in front of her?

Flashback Noki : Excellent idea, except that we need you to stay hidden otherwise she could identify the thief. Once you've stolen the jewel, exit the car and smash the emergency alarm. Everyone will be panicked so you should be able to remain unsuspected. Hide the jewel during that time and we should be golden!

Noki's and Birdo's behavior during the challenge also confirmed Jojora's, Mario's and Bootler's suspicions about them.

Bootler : To say that I am disappointed is an understatement. It is partially my fault, I was responsible for the loss of one thousand coins. However, I will note that Mario paid no heed to our claims. Jojora and I specifically told him that Birdo was not where she said she was. I cannot take blame for that. I must say, however, that I underestimated Noki. I will definitely keep an eye on her from now on.

Protected from the execution thanks to their exemptions, Birdo and Noki escaped their fate that night. Indeed, Birdo was the lowest scorer, followed by Noki and then Mario. Bootler was the only one with a decent score as he had answered some questions for Toad.

EXECUTED : MARIO

Yet another ally of Jojora had bitten the dust. It was the only thing that mattered to Noki as she entered the sixth episode of the game. She did not need any more confirmation that Jojora was the Mole, to her the facts were speaking for themselves.

Noki : Mario, I am very sorry for what I've done yesterday. I know that you probably won't see that until after the game is over, but I wanted to say it. I can't help but think that I did the right choice when I took that exemption, for a number of reasons, though. Your elimination confirms that Jojora is the Mole and taking the exemption made me more suspicions than ever, which is good in this game.

The 'Lost Castle, Lost Digits' challenge allowed Noki to observe her prime suspect as the boys took one aisle of the castle and the girls another. When they were taking the challenge, Noki and Birdo all sent each other signals each time they noticed that the fairy was doing something strange.

(flashback of Jojora exiting the first room they visit with Birdo and Noki raising an eyebrow in disbelief)

Jojora asked for the alliance's help when she decided to move the heavy armors on a special tile, wasting the team's precious time, which further increased Birdo's and Noki's doubts.

Noki : We could have used only one armor but it was Jojora who insisted that we carry almost all of them so that we'd be able to explore the next room together. When Birdo and I saw what was inside the next room, we literally smacked our forehead. We were so stupid, Jojora was obviously wasting time.

After that, Noki thought that Jojora was trying to stall for time by frightening them in the room that were testing their courage. Birdo, sensing that something was amiss, dipped her hand in the container and won herself a plus one. Once again, the coalition interpreted the fairy's actions as sabotage. In the next room, when Jojora took the initiative to gave her visions of the mini-challenge, Noki and Birdo were extremely wary of her.

Flashback Birdo (to Jojora) : But why? I thought you said you didn't entirely lose that challenge?

Noki : I was kind of doubtful of Jojora at the time, because she interpreted the rules that were given to us. I mean, for all we knew, she could have known the signification of the clue and fooled us. You never know what to expect in this game.

At the end of the challenge, Noki and Birdo had both seen enough. Enmeshed in their tunnel vision, the two girls could not see that Toad and Bootler were also likely suspects. When Noki discussed with Jojora, she tried to appear cool and collected.

Noki : I wouldn't tell her, but I was impressed. While Bootler and I were lost in a desert, Jojora had already figured the game. She's a dangerous player, no wonder she hasn't been eliminated yet. Oh wait, I must correct my phrase. I meant to say that she was a dangerous Mole, not a dangerous player.

The next day, Noki found a clue leading to the Mole's identity, but she would not find its meaning until she took the quiz. She decided to sabotage one last time, when she brought back a cello instead of a violin during the 'Instrumental Search' challenge.

Noki : I'll make it look like it was an honest mistake, just like the Mole is supposed to do.

Unbeknownst to her, Jojora and Bootler were both on Toad's track, and the Mole could not be fooled by her behavior, which meant that the only person who could doubt her was Birdo, her coalition partner. Obviously, Birdo did not suspect her friend. One of the game's biggest twists happened that night. Noki had answered for questions for Jojora on the quiz when she suddenly realized the true meaning of the clue.

Flashback Noki (sitting in front of a computer, taking her quiz, a look of realization on her face) : Oh my god... Jojora isn't the Mole actually... It's Toad! The clue I've found tells us to reorder the sentences, but when you actually do so, it would hide its true meaning! (she looks one more time at her clue) I think the initials are a red herring... If you take the first letter of each sentence, you get 'M-U-S-H-R-O-O-M, and Toad is a mushroom. How could I've been so blind? I just hope Birdo will manage with her plus one...

But Birdo voted entirely for Jojora and was executed, leaving Noki without a partner.

Noki : Birdo did so much for me in this game, I'm glad I met her. If I had tried hard enough, she would probably still be there, that's why I can't help but feel guilty... I owe her so much... (she wipes her tears)

EXECUTED : BIRDO

Without Birdo, Noki felt like Jojora in a way. The butler and the gardener had a coalition, which, in her eyes, meant that the two of them would reach the final. Noki had a feeling that her only chance to make it to the finale was to beat Jojora.

Noki : Jojora knows who the Mole is, and although Bootler has a coalition with Toad ever since episode five, he has yet to be eliminated, which means that he's probably on the right track and knows that Toad is the Mole too. I don't know if I should try to play the game correctly or sabotage the challenges...

And Noki had a plan to evict Jojora from the game.

Noki : This entire game revolves around information, doesn't it? Then, all I have to do is befriend Toad and ask him personal questions, all of that without the others doubting a thing!

It was an opportunity for Noki, when the groups were split in two pairs for an apparently long challenge. She obviously seized it and decided to be Toad's teammate just after he had chosen his group.

Flashback Toad : I'll be in the other group, then.

Flashback Noki : And I'll join Toad.

Isolated from Bootler and Jojora, her last competition, Noki took the time to observe Toad's actions during the challenge and gave him free reign, letting him do as he wished. She was still shaky at that point, and did not know whether she had passed the previous quiz by chance or because she had uncovered the true meaning of her clue.

Noki : It could still be Bootler... Those two are always together.

But Noki noticed Toad's sly sabotage in the first part of the challenge 'Arts Versus Craps', where he had a really inventive and original idea for their workpiece which would later be the reason why the group lost ten thousand coins.

Flashback Toad : Oh yes! Sorry, I was a little excited. Well, instead of doing abstract art, let's make something related to symbolism!

Flashback Noki (looking confused) : That's the exact opposite of what you just said, though, why the sudden change?

Noki : The Mole knows beforehand what the twists and games are, which would explain why he decided to do something decent instead of something completely horrible like abstract art.

Noki also showed everyone that she knew to play mind games. Without Toad's knowing, Noki extracted vital information from the mushroom, information that figured in the last quiz.

Flashback Noki : That's the kind of thing my sister would have loved to do. It has been such a long time since I last saw her... (she sighs as Toad looks up in surprise)

Flashback Toad : You have a sister? I never knew that. I also miss my brother, now that you mention it.

The blue-shelled girl tried to warn the old Boo when she came across him in the room where junk was lying, but Bootler refused to listen to her, which confused her.

Noki : Bootler paid no heed to my warning, which is very strange coming from a focused and dedicated player like him. I warned him, I told him to stop working on his project and even told him what the true objective of the mission was, but in the end he decided to ignore me and go on with his part of the challenge. And then he blames me? I did what I could, and that's about it. There was no point in arguing with him since he thought that I had lied. But in my mind, he didn't give a good excuse. I mean, two exemptions on the penultimate episode? That's not going to happen anytime soon. And Toad kept on changing his mind. At the beginning of the game, he wanted to make something abstract, and after that he decided on symbolism. He said that we had enough things in the vase, and a few minutes after that he wondered whether we had enough items in it or not. I miss Birdo, it was easier when she was here. Who is the Mole? Toad or Bootler?

In the 'Distant Memories' challenge, Noki realized that Toad was far more useful than he ever was before, and she thought that he might have hidden his smartness throughout the challenges to pass off as an average thinker.

Noki : Toad definitely knew the answers because he was almost always giving us the right answer seemingly out of nowhere. The fact that he knows so much is suspicious in itself, of course the Mole would know everything. And just when we were about to win, he told us Mario wrote the second-to-last journal entry. If Jojora hadn't reacted, we would have lost. He's pretty devious when you think about it.

When she made her list, from the most trustworthy to the least honest, Noki took into account the fact that the last exemption had yet to be found. Thinking that the list was relevant, in some kind of way, she put Toad at the top. If he was the Mole, an exemption would be useless to him. Bootler was in the end, in case the person trusted the least would have an advantage. And Jojora was in the middle, that way, she would not have any advantage.

Noki : Making this list, you have so much things going through your mind. You wonder how it will affect the game and this late into the game it's only natural to be suspicious of everything.

Ultimately, Noki's suspicions were correct and Toad, the one she thought was the Mole, had a special role for the next challenge. Even if it was easier for him to sabotage, Noki knew that she had made the best decision.

Noki : I could sacrifice ten thousand coins for an opportunity to reach the finale. I had a feeling he wouldn't take the exemption anyway.

In the end, it came to speed. Noki was able to stay in the competition because she beat Jojora by twelve seconds.

EXECUTED : JOJORA

Noki : I took a huge risk tonight and voted entirely for Toad. I tied with Jojora and I'm so thankful to still be here today... How do I know that I'm the one who tied with Jojora? Well, Bootler always takes a loooong time during the quizzes, so if he had tied he would have been executed, as simple as that.

However, even though she had reached the final episode, Noki knew she was in for a tough fight against Bootler.

Noki : Bootler and Toad... They've been discussing the game ever since day one. Bootler probably knows much more than I concerning the Mole. And I barely wrote anything about Toad anyway, as my prime suspect was mostly Jojora... I'll still try, but I know it'll be hard.

In the three Three Questions mission, Noki decided to sabotage as much as she could, hoping to make Bootler change his mind about who the Mole was. She completely sabotaged the first round and gave lame excuses, playing on emotions to make it look like she was the Mole.

Flashback Bootler : 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.

Flashback Bootler : 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.

Flashback Noki : I'm sorry, it seems like you were right, Toad.

In her own round, she smiled to the players as she realized that they were not able to find her.

(Flashback of Noki smiling cheerfully as she appeared in the distance of Grand Canal)

Toad: What the- Did she really smile at our defeat? Like, I thought I was the Mole?!

She also messed up a question quite badly.

Flashback Bootler (stuttering) : But why? Your first answer was perfectly sensible.

But then, during Toad's round, the mushroom made an obvious sabotage and Noki herself doubted that her sabotage would come to fruition because of this.

Noki : There was nothing hard about this question. Nobody in their right mind would imprison a girl instead of a boy.

In the last two challenges, Noki tried her best to win the games for the team, hoping to add more coins to the team pot which could have very well been hers at the end of the game.

(Flashback of Noki navigating on the computer expertly)

(Flashback of Noki finding the books easily in the bookshelves)

(Flashback of Noki laughing with glee as she skied away from an avalanche)

Noki even shared with her fellow competitor, Bootler, that she knew that it was between the two of them through a cryptic exchange.

Flashback Noki : It's because the goal of their parties is to earn the most stars, and the stars each cost twenty coins.

Flashback Bootler (eyebrow raised) : You sure did your homework.

Flashback Noki (winking) : Yes I did, I'd rather be prepared for what's coming next. Wouldn't you?

Flashback Bootler (smiling and nodding at the same time) : I suppose.

Knowing that Bootler was very confident in himself, Noki tried in a last tentative to shake his confidence.

Flashback Noki (talking about the quiz) : I'm going to take it as fast as I can. In case of a tie, I should win that way. I've been studying my journal like crazy and I think I know almost everything about the Mole, so I shouldn't worry.

Noki said this to make Bootler rush and hopefully make him lose some points on the quiz. Unfortunately, it was not enough to worry the imperturbable ghostly being who took the quiz as he was used to.

Flashback Bootler : Slow and steady wins the race.

Noki scored two less points than Bootler and was the Mole's last victim.

EXECUTED : NOKI

Noki might have lost the game, but she did not lose anything in partaking in such a nerve-wracking game. She knows herself that she had a good time.

Noki : In my opinion, you are a winner if you don't feel sore about losing. I'm happy with what I did, I believe what I did was the correct thing to do and I won't tell myself 'if only I had done this instead of that' or 'If only I had done this another way, maybe I could have won...' I'm not regretting anything.

Even though the game was particularly hard on her in the beginning, Noki learned to adapt in an environment that was not hers.

Noki : I thought I would have been the first one eliminated! Really! When I look back, I realize that I was afraid for nothing! This game has been nothing but fun, I truly am in debt of that producer that I met at Delfino Airport... Without him, I would have never been able to enjoy the game. Him and my lucky star.

Noki showed everyone what she was made of by reaching the finale and beating seven other players in the process, figuring out things that some of them were unable to figure out.

Noki : Reaching the finale is an accomplishment in itself, because it means that you've correctly identified the Mole, and not everyone can boast about that fact. Only a select few reach this stage of the game. I'm part of this group and I'm proud.

All in all, The Mole was a unique experience that Noki will cherish forever.

Noki : There is something unbelievable about this game. You are thrown into it with no mark. All you have to do is identifying who the Mole is, but for the rest of it you're basically free to do anything you want. It's...strange. Something even stranger : all the players you befriend on the show... They actually are your competition, you shouldn't feel sorry about them when they are executed, but you do! There are so much things I've learned throughout my journey, that it doesn't matter anymore whether I win or lose the game. Well, winning would be a nice bonus.

Noki was an extremely smart player, and she showed it throughout the missions. Noki outsmarted a vast majority of the players, fooling them into believing she was the Mole and for that, Noki will go down as the smartest player this series has ever known, surpassing even the lawyer from season one, Francesca Von Birdetta. And that is why Noki completely deserved her spot in the final three.

(a final image of Noki's cute giggle is seen on screen)

...

Monty Mole used the remote control to shut off the television and turned toward the players, eyebrow raised. They all had their mouths agape, which made the host chuckle. "So? Not so bad for someone who was considered as the most innocent player of the show, right?"

Most of the players could barely respond to Monty Mole, still in shock over what they had seen. Finally, Birdo regained her senses and commented. "You did a great job, girl, I didn't even know that we were suspicious or that you were sabotaging on purpose!" Birdo clapped for her friend and was soon followed by everyone else.

"That was a real surprise," Jojora noted, nodding to herself. "I think you were high on everyone's list."

Noki let out a small giggle. "That was the point of my entire strategy. When we first started the game, I was so lost that I didn't know what to do, but thankfully you guys thought I was acting and started to suspect me. Obviously, I wasn't going to decline your votes for me on the quiz," she added slyly.

"What about Birdo?" Mario questioned, eyebrow arched. "She was sabotaging every challenge, I doubt she wasn't on Noki's plan..."

The pink dinosaur shook her head strongly. "As I said to Monty some months ago, the only time I sabotaged was aboard the Excess Express, and that was for an exemption. Please note that I now realize how suspicious I was, but it wasn't on purpose. I swear."

Noki quickly agreed with her friend. "It's true, I never told Birdo I was sabotaging on purpose and I never asked her to sabotage either, except for the exemption. As you have all seen, if I hadn't taken the exemption I would have been eliminated instead of Mario."

"My, my, dearie!" Flurrie exclaimed delightfully. "I would have never guessed you were such a little devil!" she teased playfully, earning a smile from the blue-shelled girl.

"Toad, how much would you say Noki has helped you throughout the game?" The host wondered aloud.

"She helped me tremendously. I swear, if it weren't for her people might have started to suspect me by episode three or so, but she was so suspicious that almost everyone thought she was the Mole. However, I think that it was the players in general which helped me go unnoticed through a vast majority of the game. Donkey, Jojora, Birdo, Pauline, Noki and even Bootler in some way, they were all suspicious," Toad explained thoroughly.

"How about you, Pauline? I think the clue you first received in the 'Clue Hunt' challenge was the reason why you stopped voting for Toad."

"Well, I thought it was strange how there were only two palm trees in the entire town," Pauline began her tale, "which is why I decided to investigate alone. I asked different people around, went to the town hall to pursue my investigation and I learned that the palm trees had been imported from Isle Delfino a few days prior to the beginning of the game. Naturally, I found that suspicious and decided to vote for Noki... I don't remember why I decided to vote for Mario instead of Toad and Bootler already was one of my suspects. Basically, I misinterpreted the clue, which cost me my place in the game," the lady in red sighed. The others' eyes grew wide.

"You sure were a dedicated player," Bootler clapped for the fallen player. "I think that you would have reached the finale if you had not been executed at the end of episode four." Pauline shrugged modestly.

"I'm floored," Kooper was still staring at the screen in disbelief.

"Psh, I knew there was something strange about her," Donkey boasted. Kooper only rolled his eyes in amusement.

"I'm glad some questions were answered," Jojora grinned. "So, what's next?"

Monty Mole smiled as he turned toward the camera. "Next on The Mole, we'll finally shed some light upon the winner's journey in this game. Just how Bootler managed to identify his coalition partner as the Mole? What was his stance in the game? And right after that, we'll finish with the Mole's own adventure. How did Toad do to throw off his competitors? When did he lie and when did he tell the truth? What was his strategy? That and more to come, stay tuned!"

---

Sorry this chapter was long to make, but it's actually the biggest chapter I've ever wrote with 14k words or so.

I know it's very lengthy and that some of you might not really be interested in everything, but I saw some reviews saying things along the lines of 'I hope everything will be revealed', so I'm revealing everything. :p Hopefully, that was satisfying enough! If you still have some questions about Jojora and/or Noki, feel free to ask in a review or a PM.

Next up are Bootler and Toad.

I also wanted to dedicate this chapter to my grandmother who passed away. May you rest in peace, Mamie.