The Mole : Festive Saboteur ! Chapter 36: Successful Journeys, a mario fanfic

Shilo : Lol, I thought this chapter wasn't going to be as long as the previous one but they are actually the same length. So yes, I guess it can become quite long if you don't set limits or something. I loved Elavia, really she was my favorite player. I'm glad you liked Jojora, she was a central character in this story, perhaps moreso than the Mole himself! And I'm glad you liked Noki's strategy too! Those two have always been important characters in the story, and I wanted to show exactly how they played because it's always interesting to know stuff like that. Thanks for the compliment and your review too! You were an awesome player in Kris' Mole game too. x)

Cyan Comet : Don't worry, I often review late as well because either I think I've reviewed or don't have the time to do so or simply forget. XD I'm glad you liked Jojora and Donkey (it was a surprise to me when you said Donkey was your second favorite). But yes, they were unique. Ah, when I said 'smartest' I was saying...smart-like. *shot for not being competent* If you want a comparison, Francesca Von Birdetta didn't even reach the semifinal of the first story but was still the most intelligent player around. Jojora's game was the best, but Noki was the most intelligent player so far (like, she knew all the answers when there were enigmas and stuff like that), if you see what I wanted to convey. I do agree that Noki's game was bad compared to Jojora's. Yes, it was kind of sad for Flurrie, but hey, it's a competition. XD Same here, Mario was supposed to stay longer but was eventually executed because he was too much of a team player. He was also a favorite of mine. *shot for having way too many favorites* Thanks for your review!

36 : Successful Journeys

The players and their host were all regaining their place after a short commercial break which had let them exchange a few words together without being disrupted by the cameras. This time, Noki and Jojora were the stars of the show, their adventures having been displayed in the open. The shy Noki and the assertive inhabitant of Joke End had shown that they were capable of playing an intense game and as such, the other players all had something to ask them. Monty Mole clapped his hands together and cleared his throat one last time, before speaking up.

"Hello everyone and welcome back! Previously, we finally understood what was hiding being Jojora's icy façade as well as Noki's motives for sabotaging a lot during most of the challenges!" Monty Mole winked to the camera as he continued. "I bet a lot of you are surprised at home, watching this, and I'm sure the players are still in shock as well!"

"You bet I am!" Birdo chirped, taking the spotlight from her host. "I mean, I didn't know all of that and Noki was my coalition partner! I can't believe she managed to do so much behind my back without me noticing a thing!" Mario laughed a little.

"Now you understand why we were suspicious of the two of you."

"Yeah, I guess I can understand."

"Noki's game impressed me," Pauline smiled truthfully. "In a way, it resembled mine... Well, I didn't last long but still, I believe we played similar games." Noki returned the smile as she stared at the ground, embarrassed by the praise.

Flurrie nodded slightly. "And I believe Jojora also deserves a round of applause for a magnificent game." The players all clapped once again as Jojora waved her hand to stop the flattery.

"I'm more interested in the game Bootler has played," she declared truthfully as the claps died down. "After all, he was the one who managed to win the whole game. I would be interested in knowing how he got thus far while he was in a coalition with the Mole," Jojora added as she stared at Bootler, a glint of light in her eyes.

"Oh well, I admit that I benefited from some advantages and also was very lucky not to be one of the first players eliminated," Bootler confessed modestly as everyone, except for the host and the Mole, looked at him in amusement.

Pauline raised an eyebrow. "Really? You always seemed so confident. That was actually the reason why you were one of my suspects early in the game."

Bootler let out a chuckle. "Well, I would not have wanted everyone to be aware of my weakness." The lady dressed in red smiled.

"I can tell that you did really well," Noki congratulated him with a smile. Bootler was too embarrassed and would not accept the compliments.

"You all seem to think that I am some sort of godly player!" Bootler exclaimed, grinning from ear to ear. "Truth is, my journey was not as exceptional as Noki's or Jojora's. I only realized Toad was the Mole when we were five left in the game!"

"Hey! That's around the same time as Jojora!" Donkey butted in, a look of realization hitting his face.

"Even still, it was quite late in my opinion," Bootler told him. "Especially when you consider that I was always around the Mole and that he had asked me to be his coalition partner on day one." Toad grinned at this remark.

"Thankfully, you didn't accept," commented the mushroom, laughing as he saw everyone's face.

"Geez, I actually wanted to form a coalition with Toad. I was so doomed from the very beginning," Kooper chuckled heartily. "God, it's awful being the Mole's roommate!"

"Yeah, it really sucks that we didn't get to enjoy the game that much," Donkey agreed wholeheartedly.

"Well, there's more than that," Monty informed. "Let's take a look at Bootler's adventure in the game in more details," the host demanded as he took a remote control and pushed one of its button. The television flicked on and everyone looked at it, dying to know what the adventure of the winner was like.

…

Bootler's Adventure

Bootler : Greetings, everyone. My name is Bootler Majordome, and I am pleased to tell you that I am a genuine player.

When the game first started, Bootler did not really know what to do. Should he act suspicious or should he stay true to himself? Should he help the team or should he keep his abilities hidden? There were so many questions flying about that Bootler had no idea how he was going to play the game. Additionally, being the oldest player of the game, Bootler had a hard time to fit in.

(Flashback of Bootler being isolated from the other players at the very beginning of the game, when Monty Mole left them before the first challenge)

Bootler : I eventually decided that the results of the first challenge would shape my game. If I managed to complete it successfully, I would try my hardest for the missions we would face later on. However, if I did not do that good, I decided that I would 'fail' from time to time.

And so it was decided. Bootler's poor performance in the first challenge motivated him to act like the Mole and already some players looked at him as a possible suspect. It was also then that Bootler chose that he would not change his personality at all to play the game.

Bootler : I am calm, collected, and somewhat mysterious if I may say so myself. I do believe that those are good character traits in such a game.

Birdo : Needless to say, Bootler's performance was a let down for all of us.

Bootler was also seen as a focused yet way too knowledgeable player. His ability to foresee some events and twists during the game would often raised a red flag for the other players.

Mario : Bootler seriously surprises me. Whenever he says something strange, Monty Mole announces us that something will happen, or he gives us directions or things, like the journals. In my mind, I think that even an obvious Mole can be the Mole of this game show.

Flurrie : It wasn't much, but I knew we reached a common ground. Bootler is a strange person, but I realized that he had many good qualities ; he is smart, understanding, logical, and he stays in the background. He will be a fierce competitor, despite his age, I know it.

Early in the game, Flurrie was one of Bootler's suspect for the Mole, along with Pauline.

Bootler : One day she is just desperate to be forgiven by everyone, and the other she is just coming back to her usual self. Something is telling me that what she did yesterday was just plain fake. I will follow her every moves from now on.

And his suspicions would be confirmed when he talked with Toad, who was suspecting the two of them. At that time, Bootler did not suspect Toad that much and decided to trust him.

Flashback Toad (about why he thought Bootler was a genuine player) : Well, I don't really know. But what I know is that tons of other players are suspicious... Flurrie, Kooper, Mario, Pauline, you name them.

However, Bootler was still on his guard and would not agree to form a coalition with the mushroom just yet, which was his saving grace.

Bootler : To be honest, Toad's suggestion was quite appealing. However, I would like to play the game by myself. Although this coalition would benefit me, I think we should not rush things. And I am not forgetting that he still could be the Mole, despite the fact that he somewhat seems innocent.

Bootler cheated his execution that night, having scored at least a two for everyone, whereas Kooper was not as lucky with his minus one.

EXECUTED : KOOPER

Episode two began, and Bootler was glad to still be part of it. His biggest fear was to be the first one executed.

Bootler : You have no idea how relieved I am, to know that I was not the first victim of the Mole. I thought I would leave first, it was haunting me. Paradoxical, isn't it?

The first challenge of episode two worked out in Bootler's favor. Indeed, even though Flurrie was on the other team, he was with Pauline, his top suspect, as well as Birdo and Noki who were not completely innocent in his mind.

Bootler : You can never trust anyone in this game unless you have definite proof they are not the Mole.

The old butler quickly noticed Pauline's uselessness during the challenge.

Bootler : Pauline strikes me as a great choice for the Mole. Being somewhat refined and listening a little too much to herself, she could sabotage the missions very easily without our knowledge, since we would think that she is being herself.

The Boo also had the opportunity to talk with Pauline in private during the challenge and was able to confirm his suspicions when Pauline told her who she suspected.

Flashback Pauline : Well, you know, it was during the second challenge actually. Mario and I, we had to discover some sort of white stone which hid our clue. But during this challenge, the battery of our flashlight died on us. Pretty suspicious when you think about it, because I never touched it. So it must have been Mario's doing.

Bootler : As much as it kills me to say so, who in their right mind would suspect Mario, of all people, to be the Mole? I knew she was lying to me.

In spite of that, the most suspicious person during the challenge was Noki and she raised tremendously in Bootler's Mole list after the challenge, rising above Flurrie, his second suspect. When the players were asked who they wanted out of the game, Bootler was surprised to hear that Flurrie wanted him gone.

Flashback Flurrie : Well, yet another time, Bootler proved us he was sly. Sly players are threats, wouldn't you say so?

Bootler began to consider that Flurrie was perhaps a legitimate player.

Bootler : The Mole would not care about a player being a threat and now that I think about it, it is true that Flurrie glances at me from time to time, eyebrow arched. Could it be that she considers I am the Mole? If so, it is rather good for me.

In the next challenge, Pauline sabotaged yet another time, cheating and making her anagram worth only two thousand coins instead of five thousand, thus, Bootler decided that he would still be voting for her as she was the most suspicious. However, Noki's abilities did not go unnoticed by the old ghost who decided he would also vote for her.

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?

His little blunder during the 'Split Homework' mission made some of the others wary of him, notably Birdo and Noki, although the two friends were mostly going for Donkey and Jojora.

(Flashback of Bootler shaking his head in shame as Birdo looks at him strangely)

In the end, everyone went for everyone but the Mole, except for Pauline, and Donkey was executed after putting most of his answers toward Flurrie.

EXECUTED : DONKEY

But Bootler had also formed a coalition with Jojora and the recently-executed player, Donkey Kong, during episode two. With him were Mario, Toad and Pauline, the last one being his prime suspect. Bootler was far from delighted at the thought of executing Flurrie, but he agreed to Jojora's plan nonetheless.

Bootler : I assume it is better to be part of the majority group, as it will give me much more information than if I go with the three girls who are probably in a coalition. I am merely doing what I believe is best for me.

Bootler really did not want to do what Jojora wanted to do, but he had no choice as she was a power player.

Bootler : Whether I agree or disagree with Jojora does not matter at all, for her strategy will come to fruition anyway. Should I quit her alliance, she will still have Mario, Toad and Pauline by her side, all of them with their own motives.

Flashback Mario : Who do you suggest should be the focus of attention of this episode?

Flashback Jojora : Why, isn't it obvious? Bootler.

Flashback Bootler (standing up suddenly) : I am sorry but I do not wish to.

Unfortunately, the butler did not have much of a choice. Why would he refuse an exemption that was so nicely offered to him on a silver plate?

Bootler : If it will allow me to keep on playing, I will do it no matter the cost.

From the get-go, Bootler played for himself, always weighing the pros and cons of every decision he had to make. This time, he felt the odds would be in his favor if he were to follow Jojora's instructions.

And so he followed them.

(Flashback of Bootler, Pauline, Toad and Mario as they perform a little act to make Flurrie believe that Bootler wanted to waste money for the team)

However, that was not the best course of action the old Boo could have taken, and he knew it himself. Jojora did not go look for the clue herself because she wanted to add money to the team pot, but went alone to keep it to herself.

Bootler : It looked as though Toad was not even trying to play along. Maybe he does feel bad about what he is doing, but he cannot renounce now that he is part of our plan. He must side with us until the next episode. Or else, Jojora will probably not give him the clue. I assumed that was why she wanted to look for the clue alone and I could be right, wouldn't you think so?

When Jojora refused to show her team the clue, Bootler showed no visible sign of surprise.

Flashback Bootler : Basically, Jojora does not give us the contents of the clue because she is afraid we will give information to Flurrie afterward. I assume she will give it to us right before the third execution...

The following day, Bootler was late for the meeting, but still happened to witness the most important part of it, dissimulated behind a big rock. It was part of Bootler's strategy, to take part in no conflict whatsoever.

Bootler : I was not going to enter their mind games. In the end, it is the most clever, observant and focused player who will win the game. I plan to win it so I wish to avoid confrontations at all cost.

Being part of Jojora's alliance, Bootler chose the path that would later earn him an exemption along with Toad, and suggested that he should be one of the two players who liked to cause havoc, giving as a pretext a possible reverse psychology aspect to the mission. The others did not need to buy it for the majority of the players would have agreed .

Flashback Bootler : Well, I personally think I should try to be a person who likes to cause havoc. Most of the time, when we are asked to choose our roles, they use some sort of reverse psychology assumption.

Bootler chose Toad as his partner. He chose him for several reasons.

Bootler : Toad is my friend on this show, at the beginning of the game he wanted to team up with me, we are both suspecting Pauline and I wanted him to be my partner to cheer him up since he left the alliance. His physical prowess will surely come in handy during the challenge and I would not mind him to get an exemption, if exemptions were offered. I suppose a most logical choice would have been Pauline, since I suspect she is the Mole, but she clearly is not as fit as Toad.

Toad and Bootler won exemptions thanks to Toad's rock throw, but an exemption was not all that Bootler won. He also earned the privilege to survive a few more rounds, as one of the players he suspected the least did something drastic during the challenge. Bootler, who had been discounting Toad as the Mole suddenly looked at him again.

Bootler : It is obvious that I am suspicious of Toad. Even though I am grateful that he won us the exemptions, I still think that he was fishy during this whole challenge. He was not doing much, and ultimately caused the other team to lose the challenge when he threw a rock at Flurrie's car. Talking about rocks, where did he find it exactly?

Even though Bootler looked at the possibility that Toad was the Mole, he was more convinced that it was one of the girl. However, he did not take any risk and answered at least two questions for his friend Toad, which allowed him to best Birdo, the lowest scorer that night. In the end, none of that mattered because Flurrie took the bribe and went home, not to mention that Bootler could not leave the game thanks to his exemption.

EXECUTED : FLURRIE

Bootler was not particularly satisfied by Flurrie's departure. Even if it was one suspect off his suspect list, the old butler was more or less convinced that Flurrie was innocent by the time she had been eliminated. This allowed him to focus on one particular sketchy player, Pauline.

Bootler : Flurrie is gone and Pauline remains in the game. Granted, it might not mean much, however I distinctly remember having strongly gone for Pauline and Flurrie when I took my first quiz. I survived but I now have the confirmation that Flurrie was not the Mole, voiding the answers I put toward her. Which means that I survived thanks to the answers I put toward Pauline.

Even though Bootler's train of thought was remarkable, he was still wrong. One particular player was at fault for Bootler's misconception.

Flashback Toad (sprawled on his bed) : Yeah, I still think Pauline could be the Mole. She is my main suspect ever since day one. Something seems off about her.

Flashback Bootler (sitting on a chair) : It is true that Pauline is a sketchy character, she is also a prime suspect of mine. (Toad grins as he looks at Bootler)

Flashback Toad : Which is exactly why you're staying around her, aren't I correct?

Flashback Bootler : I cannot deny it. (Bootler is seen chuckling softly)

Indeed, the Mole had found his ideal scapegoat. Bootler, who was not suspecting Toad much, was easily convinced that there was a high probability Pauline was the Mole.

Bootler : If I am not the only one suspecting Pauline, it means that others also see her sabotages. I have a feeling I am on the right track.

Pauline showed a fishy behavior throughout the fourth episode, which further led Bootler to believe that she was indeed the Mole. From the moment the players were asked to give the name of a player who had to take a break...

Flashback Pauline : How about that? Since Jojora always brings negativity with her, we could make her sit out of this challenge, right?

Flashback Birdo : I like that idea! (Bootler shakes his head in disbelief)

Flashback Bootler : We need to think rationally. We cannot sit out a player simply because they are not liked. Let's hear everyone's input on that matter. If I had to sit out a weak member, it would be myself or Pauline, because she is still wearing high heels.

...to when it was announced that Pauline had broken a rule...

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

...and even during the challenge called 'Under the Spotlight', when Pauline had shown great interest in Toad's remix.

(flashback of Pauline making her way to Toad and asking him about tons of details)

When Pauline asked Toad and Bootler to come with her to claim their deserved clue, both Toad and Bootler thought she was doing so to throw them off, because the producers had probably told her that the two boys were suspecting her.

Bootler : At this stage of the game, it has become clear that some people are working with others to discover the identity of the Mole. We are all quite sure that Noki and Birdo are in a coalition, and we think that Mario and Jojora also work together, although we are not one hundred percent sure they form a coalition, which leaves Pauline, Toad and I to fend off for ourselves. The three of us do not form a coalition, but we do not mind helping each other, knowing that one of us could very well be the Mole.

At first, Bootler wanted to vote solely for Pauline, thankfully he went back on his choice and decided to split his answers, yet another time, going with the majority on yes or no questions and selecting Pauline for questions with multiple choices.

Bootler : I would be mad to pick a Mole at this stage of the game. No, I must hedge my bets if I want to pursue the adventure.

Wise choice for the Boo, as his prime suspect, Pauline, left that night. Having misinterpreted the clue she had 'stolen' from Jojora, Pauline did not vote for Toad and paid the price.

EXECUTED : PAULINE

Thankful to be in the game in spite of his prime suspect's departure, Bootler kept on analyzing everyone's actions, starting with Noki and Birdo who were inseparable. Additionally, the ghost had some doubts about Jojora and Toad, but nothing too serious. At this point of the game, Bootler had yet to realize that the real threat was coming from the one he trusted the most : Toad. However, that was understandable. Toad claimed to have gone fully for Pauline and Bootler himself had almost done the same and was still here, so he did not question the mushroom's actions one bit.

Bootler : Everyone can be the Mole.

Back to square one, Bootler had little confidence. Apparently, none of the others were really suspecting him, his attempts at sabotaging deemed feeble in comparison to that of Jojora, Noki and Birdo.

Bootler : It is generally an ominous sign when no one suspects you as the Mole when you are a genuine player. I wonder... Is it the end for me in this game...?

Three exemptions were at stake during the episode, and Bootler was anxious. What if three players, other than him, had obtained those exemptions? There was not much hope for the old butler as opportunities after opportunities slipped between his fingers.

(flashback of Bootler looking anxious before at the beginning of the Exemption Roulette challenge)

Afterward, Bootler tried to relativize, it was only one exemption.

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.

Mario was the only one who could not be the Mole in Bootler's mind, so he was glad Mario would not be able to get the exemption.

The second challenge Bootler partook in did not help him that much, considering the party was split and that everyone had showed suspicious behavior. When Monty Mole made an announcement, declaring that the party would take their quiz that night, he was confident.

Bootler : I was as shocked as the other players when I learned the news... Or was I? Only two exemptions were available as of now, and Monty told us we would be able to earn three of them. My guess is that the episode is not over yet.

Bootler's suspicions were right, so he decided to split his quiz between four players : Birdo, Noki, Jojora and Toad. He did not know that his results would count yet it did not matter to him, because of an event that had happened recently : his coalition with Toad.

Flashback Toad : Anyway, I actually wanted to ask you if you wanted to join forces with me, as we're the last two competitors without an alliance. I really think it would benefit us in the long run.

Flashback Bootler : That could be a game changing move for me and I do not know whether it would result in a good or a bad ending... What I do know, however, is that unless we become allies, our chances to make it to the last episode would be very thin. We are in an agreement, aren't we?

Being in a coalition with Toad was what saved Bootler from getting eliminated.

Bootler : Toad brought new information to the table, he told me that, based on his discussions with the others, he thought the two coalitions were 'gunning' for each other. He had no definite proof, but I must trust him for my sake. To be honest, I have a small suspicion on Toad, which is why I also agreed to form an alliance with him. I also feel like, by making this deal, I am securing my place in the finale.

If the two groups were going for one another, Bootler could simply breeze through the episode, because one of them would be wrong in the end and get eliminated. However, his plans would be thwarted, as Noki obtained an exemption at the end of the 'Jewelry Robbery' mission.

Bootler : If only I had managed to grab an exemption, I would not be in this mess. We will take our fifth quiz in soon time, we are in the final six and I still suspect four players. This does not bode well for me at all. Both Noki and Birdo have exemptions, which means that, if one of them is the Mole, the other will not go home. If Mario and Jojora have found the Mole, they will not go home either, as they most likely did not split. Meaning that Toad and I could be competing against each other for the last remaining spot.

Driven into a corner, Bootler had no other choice but to pray for a miracle and decided that he would keep on splitting his answers. With some luck, he would best Toad.

Flashback Bootler : Now that we have gone this far into the game, it would be truly devastating for any of us to be executed. I plan on making it to the next round, but I could very well meet my own demise.

However, the worst case scenario did not happen. Toad was the Mole and nobody was really onto him, so everybody had a very low score. Everybody but Bootler, who had split his two quizzes between four of his suspects. Though Bootler was the highest scorer, Mario ended up being eliminated because of Birdo's and Noki's exemptions. The person Bootler thought could not be the Mole left the game, leaving him with four suspects.

EXECUTED : MARIO

Bootler : I was obviously disappointed when I saw that Mario left the game. Not only was he a very good team player, but I had also ruled him out as the Mole a few episodes ago. Well, there are still two more episodes before the finale, I might be able to make it to the final if I make the right moves.

Disappointed, but relieved to still be in the game. Thankfully for Bootler, he would not have to stress much more about the Mole's identify, for he discovered it during episode six. The first game of the episode was called 'Lost Castle, Lost Digits', the players had to find a total of ten numbers that they would later enter in a pad to unlock an elevator and escape through the skies. Birdo came up with the idea of splitting the groups in genders, which meant that Bootler was all alone with Toad for the duration of the challenge.

Flashback Birdo : How about two groups? You guys can inspect one aisle of the castle while we take the other. (Toad and Bootler nod in agreement)

And that's when the revelation occurred.

Flashback Bootler : I am one hundred percent sure that there is something wrong with this armor. It does not seem right at all.

Flashback Toad : Why are you so focused on that armor? It isn't like you to act like that. Let's go back to the challenge, we can still inspect whatever you want to inspect after this challenge's over. But for now, twenty thousand coins are waiting for us at the top of this castle.

At last, Bootler knew ; Toad was the Mole. Bootler was quite baffled to know that the Mole had been fooling him from the beginning.

Bootler : It took some time to sink in my head, I must say. I did not think much of it at first. I am being truthful. Nevertheless, when I finally understood what had happened in this corridor, I knew. I knew that Toad was the Mole. It was not much, only a number, but this number led me to the Mole of this game.

It was pure luck that Toad had slipped up in front of Bootler, and it was not the first time either, but it was thanks to his admirable brainpower that Bootler realized that Toad had slipped up, it was nothing short of competence.

Bootler : Had you asked me, this morning, who I thought the Mole was, I would have been in a pinch. If you were to ask me who was the Mole right at this moment, I would say, without any hesitation, Toad.

Bootler even voiced his suspicions in one of his confessionals.

Bootler : I am honestly grateful for this alliance with Toad. Without it, I cannot say that I would have reached this stage of the game. This coalition leads me closer to the end of the game...

From that point forward, Bootler tried his best to recall what Toad's actions had been throughout the game. He started right after the end of that challenge...

INFORMATION ABOUT TOAD

Toad came out of the same helicopter as Jojora.

Mixed Possessions : Toad inverted the belongings of Flurrie and Pauline, ensuring that we would not win the full sum of money. He was located in room two.

Coincidentally, his journal number is also two. His roommate was Kooper, they both occupied room Thirteen.

Treasure Hunters : Once again, he was paired up with Kooper, since they were roommates. They had to go to a pirate boat and managed to retrieve the clue. In the second part-

...and as a result, had a cold sweat during the next mission...

Flashback Monty Mole : Good, this challenge is called 'Another Memory'. The goal is simple : all of you will have to exchange journals for the whole episode. Additionally, you are forbidden to change anything of what had already been written by the owner of the journal, you can't deteriorate his or her journal either. You can, however, write down your own thoughts in their journal. If nobody breaks any rule by the next execution, the money will be added to your team pot.

(Flashback of Bootler being very pale)

Bootler : I was writing everything in my journal, I could not hand it over to anyone, or they would have known the clues pointing to Toad as well as all of my information...

...which led him to brutally sabotage the game, much to everyone's surprise.

Flashback Toad : It matters to me too, but my journal... I'm not exactly sure of what you wrote in yours, but mine is very detailed. I've written everything I've done throughout this game, I detailed my impressions of the challenges, I ordered my suspicions and I even wrote down the clues I- (Bootler coughs)

Flashback Bootler : I do not know why you are so interested in Toad's case, but I will say that the information contained in my journal is confidential. I do not intend to let you look at it.

Bootler : If my journal or Toad's were to hand in the hands of anyone else, we would be in great trouble. Toad told us that he had written everything he had done in his, so he might have written about our little expedition in Jojora's bedroom, back when Pauline was still in this game. I cannot let them know about this. Toad is my Mole, I will not let them know about what he did.

Flashback Bootler : As do I. And, should this exchange take place, I will only say that the Mole is not the only one who can make us lose money.

And it worked. Since Bootler threatened to throw the challenge, Noki believed it was not necessary to even try.

Noki : Why would I give my journal to someone when I know I won't get anything in return?

Flashback Noki : Well, apparently, it all comes down to me. So Monty, I will inform you that I don't want to give up my journal. We won't do it.

Thanks to his wits and quick thinking, the old Boo avoided a catastrophe and concealed his evidences, which was definitely a smart choice as Noki and Birdo were still oblivious at that point. In the last challenge of episode six, Bootler was not paying much attention and ended up losing money for the team. He was so lost in thought that he did not even realize that his musician was a player from the second Mole season.

Noki : It baffles me that Bootler never realized that his musician was a player from the previous season. There's no way he never heard of it from the so-called expert of the game, also known as Toad. These two are in a coalition, they must have talked about it at some point of the game.

But Bootler did not care about losing an opportunity, he was confident that he would make it to the next round.

(Flashback of Bootler acting surprisingly calm in front of a nervous Toad)

And he did. Birdo was executed, due to Noki being unable to understand her clue in time. The blue-shelled girl put more answers toward Toad than her friend, who ended up being eliminated from the show. Bootler voted for Toad and Birdo, as an insurance.

EXECUTED : BIRDO

The penultimate episode had finally arrived, and Bootler was more confident than ever that he would reach the final episode. However, what he did not know was that Noki was still torn between him and Toad.

Noki : I voted on the quiz with Toad in my mind, but... There were so many answers that were concerning both Bootler and him that I don't know if I made it because I suspected the correct Mole or because the Mole was with the player I suspected. It's so confusing...

However, Bootler did not know that, he simply assumed that Noki had realized that Toad was the Mole, which would have explained why she had survived her coalition partner.

Bootler felt so confident that, at the beginning of episode seven, he dropped a hint to the viewers, implying that Toad was the Mole.

Flashback Bootler : You should not assume that victory is yours just yet. Trust my experience... You should never take things for granted, for the Mole might be playing you at this very moment. (Jojora rolls her eyes)

Bootler flat-out stated that the Mole had been playing him and that he had experienced it. Later during the days, the players had to play the 'Arts Versus Craps' challenge, and Bootler was not able to be with Toad, not that it mattered to him. However, during the challenge, the ghost made a crucial mistake when he refused to listen to Noki's plea.

Flashback Bootler : Well, I would be prone to trust you, however, since you already tricked someone before on this show, I am afraid that I must refuse your offer. I strongly believe that you and Toad might have been offered something which could put myself and Jojora at a disadvantage. (Noki is seen mouth agape)

Though Bootler was genuine and did not want to jeopardize his game because of an exemption, Noki believed he wasn't truthful at all and that fact shook her confidence greatly.

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.

Bootler : In this game, you have to take risks. Throughout my journey, I had to make choices, each one having its advantages and disadvantages. That was merely one of these choices I made.

Although Bootler had already understood that Mole was the Mole, he could not help but comment on his behavior.

Bootler : It seems that I have underestimated my coalition partner. He is obviously way smarter than he looks and it seems like his social game was perfect, while mine could definitely cost me the game. I have not socialized much throughout our journey, for the sole fact that I did not want to be involved in the many fights that have broken out. Thankfully, I have discussed with the right person.

Before the 'Antic Relics' mission, the players had to make a list. The player at the top was the one they wanted to see in the final round, while the one at the bottom was the one they wanted the least on the finale. Since Bootler could not place his own name on the list, he put Toad at the top, in case he would win an exemption.

Bootler : I know, to let the Mole have an important part in a challenge sounds incredibly stupid, but I had a feeling Toad would not let us down during that challenge. It turned out fine in the end as he decided to add fifteen thousand coins to our pot. And, in the case where Toad would have taken the exemption, I would have still had two in a third chances to reach the finale.

Bootler's prediction was correct, and his two opponents were not immunized. Taking his quiz as seriously as he could, Bootler was able to score a perfect ten, as opposed to the two girls who rushed and answered a question incorrectly. Because Noki was faster than Jojora, the ice fairy was evicted from the game.

EXECUTED : JOJORA

Bootler knew who his final opponent was : Noki. He also knew she knew how to play the game and that she had probably executed a few players herself, but Bootler also knew how he had played the game, and that was his strength. While Noki was busy trying to make herself look like the Mole, Bootler was trying to figure out who the Mole was, with the Mole in person.

Bootler : Noki and Toad both like each other and are friends. I am also friend with Noki. However, I have been around Toad much more than her, so I know some tidbits of information that might help me in the final quiz.

In the 'Three Questions' challenge, Bootler did his best to add money to the team pot, but both Noki and Toad wanted to sabotage the challenge, though it was for different reasons.

Bootler : Well, there goes our possible money.

(Flashback of an exasperated Bootler shaking his head in annoyance as Noki tried to sabotage Toad's round in the 'Three Questions' game)

Enjoying his last moment with his friends, Bootler took it easy in the final round.

Bootler : Why would I point fingers? Why would I blame someone for our failures? It is a game, nothing else. I honestly like Noki and Toad, they both had different journeys and deserved to reach the finale. We started as competitors and ended up as friends. Quite amusing if I do say so myself.

Much like Noki, Bootler saw no point in pretending to be the Mole, he worked hard to add as much money in the team pot as possible, staying loyal to his friends even when temptation arose.

Flashback Monty Mole : And that means that you, Bootler, will have the possibility to read this dossier. Being a player of high intelligence granted you that opportunity, and the addition of this single coin to your bid might have just won you the game. With a bid of twenty five thousand and one coins, Bootler, you won this price.

Flashback Kylie Koopa : This item can change your game! (Kylie winks)

Flashback Monty Mole : Should you choose to read the book, your bid will be deduced from the team pot. It's your call, Bootler.

Flashback Bootler : I shall be honest. My bad side is telling me to open this book. However, my good side is telling me that I do not particularly need it and that it would hurt my friends if I do open it. Entering this game, I thought I would be the second one out, but here I am with a chance of winning the whole adventure. The dossier would help me achieve my goals, however... I wish to play the game fair and square, like I did from the very beginning, and for that reason, I will not take this book.

Bootler : I may have looked stupid and I do not care. I felt victorious, in my own way. As soon as I gave back the Mole's dossier to Monty, it was like I had gotten rid of a burden. Resisting the temptation was a nice feeling of accomplishment to me.

During the final challenge, they were three friends, playing to end their adventure on a positive note.

(Flashback of Bootler buying a map)

(Flashback of Bootler being soaked after Toad had pushed him into the water)

(Flashback of Bootler being snowed by the avalanche)

In spite of Noki's last trick, Bootler stayed true to himself and took the quiz as he used to : in a slow and collected manner.

Flashback Bootler : As for me, I believe that slow and steady wins the race, and I do intend to prove it once again. I have never rushed while taking questionnaires and I believe it is what allowed me to stay in the game.

Knowing more about the Mole than his competitor, Bootler beat Noki by two points, winning the game and following in Toady Dress' and Boonty Ghoste's footsteps.

EXECUTED : NOKI

Bootler might have won the game, but he stayed humble. He knew that his game was far from perfect.

Bootler : If I win the game, I will be glad. However, I shall not gloat as there were many other people deserving of the title of winner. Everyone who played the game had their own quality, I do not mean to depreciate my game, I would simply like to say that everyone did a great job.

The colorful adventure Bootler played was filled with ups and downs but most of all, it was an incredible experience for the old Boo.

Bootler : To think that I had never heard about the Mole before in my life and that it was all thanks to Milady that I was able to experience it to its fullest... I miss the words to express my feelings. I...cannot explain how I feel... I simply cannot.

The old butler managed to keep up with his young competition, something that seemed impossible to accomplish in his mind.

Bootler : I remember how much I rambled about being probably one of the first players to be eliminated because I was old. Those were good times!

Bootler did not win two hundred fifty eight thousand coins. No, what Bootler earned was much more special : connections to nine incredible players, an experience of a lifetime and the satisfaction of ending what he had started.

Bootler : I will never forget this game, it is something I will cherish for the remainder of my life.

Bootler was smart, collected and most of all, dedicated. The old butler never faltered to his true objective of discovering who the Mole was, he played the game with his heart as well as his brain. Bootler will be reminded for his incredible willpower which allowed him to continue the game when he was in a dire situation and claim his deserved spot as the winner.

(A final image of Bootler's refined chuckle appears on screen)

…

As the screen became black, the others could not help but stare at Bootler in amazement, cheering for him at the same time. Toad was clapping the loudest.

"I still can't believe you picked up such an insignificant detail!" Toad laughed as he elbowed his former coalition partner and winner of the game. "Bootler, you're really something!"

"And Bootler was smart enough to split his answers when he didn't know who the Mole was," Pauline pointed out. "I think some of us could have used his strategy a little more," she added, looking at Donkey Kong in particular.

The fighter only shrugged. "Heh, what can I say? I'm acting on impulses." Mario smiled as well.

"I also made a big mistake which cost me my stay in the game," the hero in red related. Soon, Noki, Birdo and Jojora joined in with a confirmation of their own.

"Well, this game is tricky," Jojora admitted. "If you're not confident enough, you go home. If you don't know who the Mole is, you go home. I mean, sure, you can be confident and still go home but at least you had faith in your own actions. Personally, I would find it more devastating to know that I was right but was eliminated because I didn't believe in myself."

Monty Mole perked up at this sentence. "That does sound like a good advice in this game. If I were to ask who what you want to say to the future players of this game, would it be that?"

"Yeah, definitely. Believe in yourself, be proud of your adventure and should you leave, it'll be with no regret."

"So, Flurrie, how do you feel, now that you know your prime suspect is actually the winner of this game?" Monty Mole questioned the mauve cloud spirit.

"Oh dear, I'm actually quite surprised, I believed Bootler had what it took to be a good Mole. Calm, smart, sabotaging but not too much... He was very sly and hard to read, which is why I suspected he was the Mole," recalled Flurrie. "But above all, I think it was deserved."

"I agree with you," Kooper confirmed. "I mean, Bootler was in the danger zone for the first part of the game, being 'allied' with the Mole, so I think he's pretty deserving. Nobody here was exposed to as much danger as Bootler, and he still managed to beat us all."

"Although I lost, I can't help but feel happy for Bootler. He was tricked by the Mole ever since the beginning, apparently, but he was smart enough to identify him in the end," Noki stated, giving a smile to the one who had beaten her.

"It's funny how Bootler was Toad's target in a way," Birdo joked pleasantly.

"He was not!" objected Toad. "I mean, I never had any intention of advantaging any of you, I don't want you to believe I was biased."

Bootler nodded, agreeing completely with his friend. "I never had the feeling that Toad targeted me, I simply believe he wanted to have an ally of some sort."

"Still, he asked you to be his coalition partner by two times, he could have executed you," Mario remarked. Bootler was embarrassed and Toad could not find the words to defend himself.

"Really Bootler, my intention wasn't to execute you. I guess I was attracted to your mysterious personality and wanted to know you more..."

"I know. As the Mole, you wanted to befriend the players so that they would not consider you were the traitor we were all looking for. And who would expect the Mole to make a coalition on the first day? No one would, which is probably why you suggested the idea?" Bootler summed up.

"Yeah, I really didn't want to play favorites, but you didn't seem like the type to talk much. You didn't look like the type to tell everyone what I would say so I felt safe asking for a coalition with you. And the second time, it was because Mario and Jojora were together, just like Noki and Birdo. It would have been weird for me to keep on surviving in spite of the fact that I was outnumbered and didn't have as much information as everyone else," Toad explained thoroughly.

"Furthermore, I won the game because I was in a coalition with Toad, so this alliance benefited me as well," Bootler noted.

"Why didn't you choose to ally with Pauline though? I remember you were always with Bootler and her," Donkey interrogated, glancing at the model. Monty Mole cleared his throat and became the center of attention of everyone present in the room.

"I believe now is a good time to take a look at our Mole's strategy, for it will probably answer your question, Donkey!" Turning the television on, Monty Mole went back to his seat to appreciate the footage he was going to see, with the players' company.

…

Toad's Adventure

Toad : Who's ready for yet another journey of sabotage and deceit? I am, 'cause I'm the Mole!

Toad began the game knowing that he would go all the way to the end, his enthusiasm showed at the very start of his adventure.

Flashback Toad (escaping giddily from his helicopter) : Hello everyone! You're all here for the game?

Flashback Toad (talking to Kooper, Noki and Birdo about Flurrie after the first challenge) : Nobody asks you to think she is a normal player, we will just tell her that we don't hate her, then maybe we will make a few jokes, just to lighten the atmosphere, you know?

Toad's personality is what allowed him to go unsuspected throughout a majority of the game, starting from day one. To the others, he seemed friendly, honest, straightforward and was a hard worker. None of them really saw though his mask, except for one player with keen eyes, Pauline.

Pauline : Toad's mistake didn't make any sense in my mind. Okay, that's indeed a red dress, but it's huge! So huge that I can't believe it's a mistake.

The Mole's strategy was to sound genuine and to be seen as a real player. In order to do so, Toad began to act carefree. He was the enthusiastic joker of the group, the one everyone could befriend easily. Around the others, Toad decided to act dumb, hiding his intelligence from them so that they would underestimate him. And it worked! Most of the competitors thought the smartest players were the most suspicious.

Kooper : Toad is a fun and nice guy, really. I hope we will go far, and who knows, maybe I'll ask him about a secret alliance? Just joking, it's way too early to think about that.

Birdo : Toad, the Mole? You've got to be kidding me, there's no way he's the Mole!

Being the Mole, Toad knew the hidden aspects of every game, as well as the solution to most problems, which helped him in his task. Additionally, Toad was chosen to be the Mole for his prior involvement in the different Mario Parties that had happened up to that point.

Toad : Did you know that it was my idea to host Mario Party in the first place? I guess it made sense for them to choose me as the Mole, since I am the Festive Saboteur...

All these factors were what made him a great traitor. His great ability to tell lies like they were the truth and his daring side also helped him in the long run.

Flashback Bootler : How did you come on this show, Toad?

Flashback Toad : Well, there was a casting in Toadtown. I know that Mario was selected as soon as he presented himself to the producers, since he's really famous. I think that I wasn't supposed to be on the show... That's speculation but... Well, I was afraid not to be on it, so I asked both Mario and princess Peach to convince the producers to let me in. (Bootler chuckles)

Flashback Bootler : And they say I am a worrywart.

Flashback Toad : It's just that... Well, people know who I am since I'm part of the Mario crew, right? But compared to Mario, Peach, Bowser or Luigi, I am nothing. (Toad sighs) Plus, the producers told me that they had already accepted someone which profile was almost the same as mine, that's why I wasn't feeling confident about my chances.

Noki : When I learned that Toad wasn't supposed to be on the show, my suspicions of him decreased a lot. He still could be the Mole, but I highly doubt it. Especially since he told us that the producers weren't that interested in him. I know he could be lying but I really doubt it, as Mario could confirm us whether it is a lie or not.

Toad : Sorry to disappoint you, Noki, but it was a lie. Guess it was convincing, huh? Haha! I did ask Mario and Peach to put in a good word for me but the producers accepted as soon as I postulated for the job. If Noki had bothered to ask Mario, she could have realized that I had been lying, but she didn't. Too bad for her.

Kooper, being Toad's roommate as well as his friend, fell, victim of the Mole.

Kooper : Toad isn't the Mole at all, of that I'm sure.

EXECUTED : KOOPER

Toad met up with the producers in secret and had the opportunity to learn about the upcoming challenges. The producers would give him potential ideas to sabotage the missions, but most of the time, they were leaving everything up to the Mole.

Flashback Producer : There are different challenges. One which is called 'Floral Composition' and another called 'Twenty Thousand Bucks Under the Sheep'. The group you choose is up to you.

Flashback Toad : Okay, do you think you could tell me what they are about?

Flashback Producer : Sure thing, Mole. (the producers grins, like Toad) Both challenges include teamwork, I suggest going with the most dysfunctional group. Anyway, in Floral Composition, one player who thinks you have to suffer to be beautiful will run in a wooden wheel to power up a windmill. Another will act as the brains of the team, giving instructions to the last three about flowers they need to find. The second challenge involves snatching money bags from Sheep's bellies.

Toad : I came up with different sabotages, so no matter what my position is, I can do something to harm the team. In floral composition, if I choose to be the brains, I'll break the rules so that we'll have a penalty. If I'm the timer, I'll give up when they find two or three seeds. If I'm one of the three searchers, I'll simply hide or bury the seeds I come across. In the other game, I could struggle and not help at all, or I could take the bags with penalties or I could go for the exemption and throw money bags into the water! I've got it all covered.

Toad was also a good comedian, displaying his acting skills throughout the challenges, starting from the third one when he faked his injury.

(Flashback of Toad tripping over nothing and faking his injury)

Flashback Jojora : Are you okay?

Flashback Toad : No... Uuugh... My ankle, it seems sprained...

Flashback Jojora : Donkey ! We need some medical assistance over here!

Flashback Donkey : Okay, I'm going to look for them! Stay here!

In the early stages of the game, no one doubted Toad, everyone saw him as an enthusiastic and innocent player who strove to discover who the Mole was.

Donkey : The Mole is obviously a female, the males are trying too hard to be it.

EXECUTED : DONKEY

During the second episode, Jojora and Donkey had asked Toad to be part of their gigantic coalition against Flurrie. For the mushroom, it was a tough dilemma. He was reluctant to join Jojora's alliance, but refusing would make him way too suspicious.

Toad : I kept on wondering if it was the correct choice to make because I honestly didn't want to take part in their little 'wars', but I just couldn't counter Jojora, so I agreed. I mean, they were already four so it was better to be in the majority.

Toad was only waiting for one thing : the dismantling of the alliance.

Toad : When Jojora blamed me for the note, I decided to play with her. I think I did a good job at sounding genuine, because no one put in doubt my feelings, not even Pauline.

Pauline : If I had had a purse, I would have smacked her face with it! Oh, but don't get me wrong, I'm usually sweet and peaceful. Just not with bratty little morons like her. Who does she think she is, treating Toad and I like crap?!

Because he did not want any of the three girls to be misled, Toad chose to be loyal and honest with them, telling them everything about Jojora's plan.

Flashback Toad : 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, Birdo and Flurrie look puzzled after his departure)

This move, which would have seemed incredibly suspicious for Pauline who was tracking the Mole, did not alert the three girls whatsoever. In fact, it had the opposite effect on them, furthering their sensation that Toad could not be the Mole.

Noki : Toad can't possibly be the Mole. If he's the Mole, then he's going out of his way to get us on the right track and I don't believe that's the case. The Mole would have left us in the dark, only a genuine player driven by his emotions would have told us that. Well, that's what Birdo, Flurrie and I believe in any case.

Flurrie took the bribe and was eliminated, however, it was certainly for the best since she had erased Toad from her lists of suspects.

Flurrie : Bootler has the potential to be a dangerous Mole, however I can't say the same for Toad. The boy is way too genuine and follows his nose.

EXECUTED : FLURRIE

At that point of the game, only Pauline was onto Toad and the mushroom did not know how to get her off his tail.

Toad : Pauline has been suspecting me ever since the first challenge, or so I've been told. It scares me because she's the only one suspecting me... It's like she's a Mole radar or something.

To shake her a little bit, Toad decided to complete his part of the mission 'Challenges from Home' successfully, but it did not work.

Pauline : I've made a bit of research prior to this game and I've found that the Mole meets up with the producers every now and then. The producers tell them good ways to sabotage the games, but they also tell them who's onto them. To me, if Toad thinks too many people are suspecting him, it's obvious he's going to try and make us believe we're wrong by winning some challenges. Moles always do that, they win games which aren't worth a lot of money.

Toad : Sheesh, this girl's like a medium or something, it's as if she reads me completely!

However, the wheel of fortune turned around as Pauline trespassed in Jojora's room and looked at the clue.

Pauline : I can't seem to make a connection between Toad and this clue, could this mean that Toad isn't the Mole...?

Completely lost, Pauline went back to her journal and decided to change suspects.

Pauline : Somehow, I think that what I'm doing isn't right. If I go home tonight, it means I was right all along and should have stuck with Toad.

And unfortunately, the beautiful model had to leave the game after the fourth execution.

EXECUTED : PAULINE

With Pauline gone, Toad was free to act as he wanted, for no one was really suspecting him of being the Mole. In fact, Bootler was the only one who mentioned him from time to time in his confessionals and looked at him as a potential suspect.

Bootler : This challenge was definitely a difficult one, because it was evident, in my eyes, that nobody wanted to pass on such an opportunity. I also found Toad rather forceful. His actions during that challenge had me raise an eyebrow. Thankfully, Jojora did not push the point and let him do what he wanted.

Seeing that Bootler was the only one without an alliance, Toad decided to ask him to be partners yet another time. Bootler agreed and Toad was relieved.

Bootler : I have a small suspicion on Toad, which is why I also agreed to form an alliance with him. I also feel like, by making this deal, I am securing my place in the finale.

Toad : I know that Bootler kind of suspects me but I had no other choice but to join forces with him, lest my cover is blown up. Besides, he only suspects me a little, I don't think I've much to fear.

Toad was right, the old butler did not have much on Toad, for he believed the two had played a fairly similar game.

Bootler : Toad and I have been voting for the same suspect, I believe. Unfortunately, she was executed last execution. Toad and I were completely crestfallen as soon as she received that red screen... To still be here after this fiasco... I suppose Lady Luck is on our side.

In the 'Exemption Roulette' challenge, Toad was rather forceful in his actions, which led the other four to believe he was only motivated to make it further into the game.

Mario : Toad? Not the Mole. I've never suspected him. Besides he really wanted an exemption during this episode, and the Mole wouldn't need it, would they?

Mario could not have been more wrong.

Toad : I needed an exemption! Imagine for one second that three players, other than me, had received an exemption. I would have still made it to the other round because I was the Mole! And it would have been mighty suspicious because I had been telling everyone my prime suspect had been eliminated. Thankfully, only two people got an exemption and Bootler also made it somehow, and nobody suspected me for that reason – or anyone else for that matter. Kinda ironical.

In the end, since nobody voted for the Mole, Mario took the boot because of Noki's and Birdo's exemptions.

EXECUTED : MARIO

However, his peaceful adventure was soon to end, for Jojora had finally uncovered the meaning of the clue she had obtained during the third episode. Besides, even if she had not, only two of her suspects remained, Birdo and Toad, so Toad had little chance to make her change her mind.

Toad : Oh well, it's not like I could prevent that from happening. One way or another, people were bound to realize that I was the Mole. I'm just glad it was thanks to a clue and not because I was a lame Mole, though.

During the same episode, Toad slipped up in front of Bootler, saying something he should not have been aware of.

Toad : Oh my god, I was so dumb! I never realized Bootler would notice such a tiny little mistake like that, but he did! I guess I'm at fault there, it wasn't the first time I slipped up, but this time it wasn't purposefully.

Obviously, a mistake as big as this did not escape Bootler's notice.

Bootler : Well, Toad may have prevented me from taking that exemption, but instead he gave me valuable information. It was a blessing in disguise. Since Monty never told us how much this challenge was worth, I can safely conclude that he heard it from someone else. Someone who plans this game, for example.

However, even though Jojora and Bootler were both aware of Toad's stance in the game at that point, Birdo and Noki were not as lucky. Birdo and Toad even had a private discussion at Mario's Rainbow Castle where the mushroom told her who he suspected. The naïve dinosaur believed him.

Birdo : I'm often seen talking with Noki and it's normal since we're in a coalition, but I rarely speak to the others. When I talk with Jojora, we argue, Bootler is quite mysterious and I can't get a good read of him, so I just thought : "Why not try Toad? He's the friendliest around here.".

Toad : Birdo is pretty fickle and indecisive, you can easily sway her to your side. At one time she'll say something, then she changes suspects, then she comes back on her words, etcetera... But that's what makes her unique. Her unpredictability makes this game and our parties very interesting.

In the end, Birdo decided to vote entirely for Jojora, especially since she believed the initials on Noki's clue could mean that the Mole was female.

Flashback Birdo (talking about the BTMF clue) : Right... Well, what about : 'Beware The Female Mole'?

Flashback Noki : That's interesting. But I'm not the Mole, nor are you. So that would leave Jojora.

Flashback Birdo : Unless Bootler or Toad is a female, then yes.

The fashion designer trusted Toad more than Jojora or Bootler, so even if she had split her quiz between these two, she would have surely been eliminated.

Birdo : Jojora is the Mole.

EXECUTED : BIRDO

Entering the final four, Toad had been notified by the producers that the three remaining contestants thought he was the Mole, with Noki being a little more confused than her two other competitors.

Flashback Toad : What I am supposed to do, then? If they know who I am, there's not point in confusing them anymore... Or is there?

Flashback Producer : I won't say there's a point, but being hidden is only one of the Mole's missions. Remember, a good Mole stays hidden and sabotages. Keep on playing the game as you would if no one was voting for you on quizzes.

And Toad did just that. The Mole kept on sabotaging the missions with ease, and he and his sabotages did not stand out among everything else.

Toad : It's funny how I'm the Mole and the others all know that I am it, yet they screw up almost as much as me!

Keeping his lively attitude, Toad even shared with his coalition partner that he knew Bootler suspected him, in a cryptic way.

Flashback Toad : Well, you know how we're in a coalition and everything, right? I was wondering... What's going to happen to the two of us once we reach the final? (Bootler laughs)

Flashback Bootler : Well, first of all, I think we would need to reach the final episode, and we should not count our chickens before they hatch. Who knows, one of us could be eliminated tonight.

Flashback Toad : Nah, I think we're pretty much settled for the final episode. (Toad winks as Bootler grins)

Flashback Bootler : Well, I will not turn on you, you have my word. However, it is unfathomable for me to think that we will be working together. If anything, we will be working against each other.

Toad : I was simply glad Bootler didn't take it the wrong way.

In the end, Jojora took the boot, only leaving Bootler and Noki as potential contenders.

EXECUTED : JOJORA

It was the finale and Toad was still decided to do his job to the best of his ability.

Toad : What would that game be if the Mole was to stop sabotaging the moment they've been discovered? What's cool in this game is that you never know when the Mole will strike. Noki and Bootler, though they know it's me, they can't predict my every move. If they weren't listening to me at all, they would probably lose all the challenges since I'm not always lying.

And the three friends did it. Even if they utterly failed during the 'Three Questions' game, they managed to get their act together and collaborate to add money to the team pot in the next challenge.

(Flashback of the team smiling as Bootler refused to look at the Mole's dossier)

For the final challenge, Toad decided to do his best to help the team and finish the game on a positive note, however he was not going to do all the work.

Toad : Beforehand, I decided that I would only give them the final location of the game if they had managed to understand several things. First of all, they needed to have understood that the stars located in our car were giving us clues as to where we were supposed to go.

(Flashback of Toad struggling to remove a star from the window of the car and complaining about the stench)

Toad : Of course, I would act in such a way that they would sooner or later find out things. Like, for the stars in the car, I decided to bring the subject of the air freshener so that it would seem subtle.

(Flashback of Noki taking the air freshener in her hand before stopping and realizing what it is)

Toad : In exchange for my help, I had to sabotage quite a bit so that it would be fair. Yeah, me deliberately pushing Bootler and Noki in the water was one of those acts of sabotage. Oh boy, I was laughing on the inside all this time but I couldn't let it out. Noki looked as though she wanted to kill me.

(Flashback of Noki fuming and staring intently at Toad's back as the mushroom had an uneasy look on his face)

In the end, it was all thanks to teamwork that the three of them located Monty Mole in Mystery Land.

Toad : I was glad we were able to communicate together efficiently in the end even if there's a Mole in our group. Everyone screwed up during the challenge, but everyone helped too. I'm happy we were able to put the competition aside for a moment and enjoy our final challenge together.

(Flashback of the three finalists jumping up and down as Monty Mole tells them they have succeeded in their task)

Toad's journey was over. Being the Mole, his results on the quiz did not matter, he knew he could not win the instant he agreed to become the saboteur. He could only wait for the results, much like Noki and Bootler.

Toad : I'm not rooting for anybody. Bootler and Noki are my friends, and I'll be glad whatever the outcome is. They have my sincere compliments for making it this far and may the best player win!

EXECUTED : NOKI

Although Toad was the Mole of this game, he was above all everyone's friend. Kooper, Donkey, Flurrie, Pauline, Mario, Birdo, Jojora, Noki and Bootler, all of them, at one point or another, confessed that Toad was not only a player, but also someone they could count on.

Toad : It feels weird... I've been the enemy, the one everyone was gunning for, yet I've also been the friend whose company they have been enjoying throughout the game. It's paradoxical!

It may be paradoxical, but in no way it is a surprise, for Toad was a very funny Mole, an amiable character, as well as a good-hearted person.

Toad : I feel the reason I've been able to pull the job was because I knew that even if I was the Mole, I was not fundamentally bad. I was just doing my part, like the others were doing theirs. I don't think I would have survived to the pressure that was resting on my shoulders if I had tried to be someone else.

What made Toad's strength was his genuineness, his upbeat personality and his ability to keep a straight face when he lied. His daring deeds and brutal honesty allowed him to fool a vast majority of the players and have a relatively safe journey. But was it even a charade? No, though Toad was the conniving traitor, aiming to stir money from the pot, he was also the joking and pleasant mushroom everyone got to know and like.

Toad : All I can say is that I've had tons of fun! Hopefully, everyone who played this game enjoyed it as much as I did!

Toad was a very interesting Mole. While he did follow in Kylie's and Lays' footsteps as an optimistic and upbeat deceiver, his direct sabotages and his way to play the game were much more different, and for that, Toad will go down as one of the most daring Mole in history.

(A final picture of Toad's sly grin makes its way onto the screen)

…

Once the footage ended, the screen reverted back to black and the players gave Toad a standing ovation. The mushroom smiled humbly but he was still proud of himself. Monty Mole joined in the clapping.

"Well Toad, how is it to know that you're finally free from this burden?" the host wondered aloud.

Toad looked at him, a big smile on his face. "I feel relieved! I mean, I can finally say it out loud, I'm the Mole!" Everyone around him laughed, seeing the young inhabitant of Toadtown beam. "It's more tiring than it seems to be the Mole. Maybe not physically, but it strains your mind because you can never leave your guard down," he explained.

"Plus you lived with us for a long time, so I suppose it was becoming harder and harder for you to keep the secret," Noki guessed. Toad tilted his head a little but then nodded.

"Well, I know I would've never said I was the Mole, but I could've given myself away without even realizing that I did so. I mean, sometimes I was paranoid because I was afraid some things I've said would have given myself away. Yup, really hard," he answered.

"Like the twenty thousand coins?" Bootler teased lightly. Toad sent him a false glance of annoyance before he laughed.

"Yeah, pretty much. Only worse because I was afraid of betraying myself in front of everyone. I mean, it was already bad that I had 'told' you I was the Mole," Toad made a small gesture with his hands, mimicking the apostrophes, "but I would have been so ashamed to spill the beans in front of everyone. It was my biggest fear."

"You still did an admirable job," Pauline congratulated him.

Birdo confirmed what Pauline had just said. "Yeah, it was a little to good unfortunately... Gosh, I can't believe I was in the final five but couldn't figure you were the Mole... It's all because of Jojora!" Birdo blamed jokingly.

Jojora gave one of her famous smirks. "Hey, you were super suspicious yourself!" Mario began to laugh as well.

"Yeah, but she never realized how suspicious she was..."

"Hey! What about Donkey? He was worse than me as a contestant!" Birdo accused.

"It wasn't my fault at sucked at everything!" Donkey justified himself, prompting a laugh from everyone.

Kooper nodded his head. "Yeah, well, I'm just glad we had some insight about everyone's journey as well. I mean, I was executed first but you still know why it was so, same for Donkey, Flurrie and everyone else."

"It's The Mole, Kooper, you should know better than anyone else that when we do something, we do it completely," Monty Mole reminded him.

"I just realized something!" Toad exclaimed suddenly. "Flurrie, if you had had yet another exemption during the third episode, would you have taken the bribe?"

Flurrie rubbed her chin, looking pensive for a minute. "I think I would have, dearie... I can't really tell since it wasn't the case, but you must understand that fifty thousand coins is a lot of money, and I needed that money. Well, not I, but the Punies did." Everyone smiled at these news.

There was a brief moment of silence, when suddenly, Pauline spoke up. "Well, next are the clues I presume?"

"Not quite," Monty Mole responded calmly. "Next are the saboteur's actions! Just how did Toad sabotage most of the challenges? Some things he did were obvious while others were more discreet."

"Yes, like the dress."

"Geez, you're obsessed with that dress-thing," Kooper pointed out.

"I'm not!" Everyone began to chuckle at this, Pauline included. "Okay, well, maybe I am."

"Next, on The Mole, we'll see how Toad sabotaged the challenges! Stay tuned!" Monty Mole grinned.

I know that it's a little too late to vote on the poll, but I received other votes so the results are now :

Noki : 5 - 45%

Bootler : 4 - 36%

Toad : 2 - 18%

Not that it really matters.

Well, I don't have much to say, this chapter reveals yet another clue and explains Bootler's game as well as Toad. I think that it's actually fun to compare their games since they resembled each other a lot, except one was the Mole and the other was a genuine player.

Next are Toad's sabotages. We'll discover how much he was able to keep away from the pot! I have no clue either. XD