37 : Digging Out the Truth
After yet another commercial break, the players and Monty Mole had stopped talking for a moment since the cameras were shining on them again. Monty Mole stroke his chin and nodded to himself, waiting for a signal from the cameramen. Once he received it, he cleared his throat just in time and began to sum up what had occurred previously.
"Ladies and gentlemen, welcome back to The Mole : Festive Saboteur's aftermath! Previously, we've just discovered what were Bootler's and Toad's strategies which helped them to win the game and stay undercover respectively," the host announced with his grand voice, grinning broadly.
"I really liked them," Kooper piped up.
"Now that we know how the Mole operated, it's finally time to see what they did to keep money from entering the pot!" Monty shouted excitedly.
"There are some things that I believe were obvious," Bootler pointed out, "however, I think Toad also did some sly sabotages." The Mole had a hard time containing his laughter.
"And I guess Pauline will be happy as soon as the dress sabotage comes up," Mario joked teasingly. Pauline shook her head, a small smile on her lips.
"That was what helped me pinpoint who the Mole was, so yeah... It's important to me," she explained.
"My, I'm excited! I wonder how much money Toad managed to make us lose throughout the adventure!" Flurrie asked no one in particular. "He did a splendastic job!"
"Well, time to get a close look at the Mole's actions!" Monty exclaimed, taking the remote control in his hand and playing the footage, as everyone stood still in their seat, tense but excited.
…
The Mole's Sabotages
As the saboteur of this game, Toad's mission was to sabotage the group's efforts and render their endeavors futile. However, being the traitor was not as easy as it seemed for Toad's second goal was to remain unsuspected throughout a major part of the game. Subtlety and discretion were his biggest assets as he sabotaged a good amount of challenges, improvising most of the time. Just how Toad was able to make his way to the finale relatively unsuspected if he did his best to keep money from entering the pot? We will answer that question very soon.
Episode 1
Mixed-Up Possessions
The players had to label correctly ten items with the name of their owner. If one player correctly identified three items, one thousand coins would be added to the pot. Two thousand coins would be added if six items were correctly labeled and finally, three thousand coins would be subtracted from the pot if a player was not able to find at least one item. In case of a perfect, the challenge would be won.
"Well, I didn't want to sound too suspicious in the first round, so I only switched Pauline's fan with Flurrie's red dress so that I wouldn't add the full amount of money to the pot."
Flashback Toad : Let's see, which items can I choose not to look too suspicious...(Toad smiles as he sees the red dress)
During the same challenge, Birdo had correctly identified nine of the items that were in her room, so she was not able to add money to the pot as her own item missed a tag, resulting in the loss of twelve thousand coins, after the subtraction of Flurrie's penalty.
Donkey : Basically Birdo could have made us won, but she screwed up. She raises very high on my suspects' list.
Truth is, Birdo did label correctly her ten items and the team should have won the twenty thousand coins, if it were not for the Mole.
"There was one hidden aspect to this game. Namely, Monty Mole was only going to take a look at what we did after we were all finished with our part. So what I did was simple, I waited for everyone to finish and then I checked they wouldn't make us win the challenge."
(Flashback of Toad sneaking into Birdo's room after she had gone out)
"Birdo was definitely suspicious of something, after all I believe she put the Birdo tag on her item first, but I doubt she ever realized that it was my fault. It was my first sabotage and a really fun one at that!"
Sabotage : 12 000
Total Sabotage : 12 000
Treasure Hunters
In this mission, the players had to retrieve clues by pairs which would later help them find the place where a treasure chest containing twenty thousand coins was buried.
"Obviously, failing the first part of the task would seem way too suspicious and it wouldn't allow me to truly sabotage the game, which is why I decided to do my best during the first part of the challenge. Of course, I did my best not to look too experienced..."
Flashback Toad : Look, how about you try to lure them while I search for the captain's cabin? You'll have to be fast yet slow enough not to lose them. (Kooper smiles)
Flashback Kooper : Great plan! (Toad waits until Kooper is gone to look at the map of the ship which had been given to him beforehand)
"It was so easy after that! I just had to find the captain's cabin and we'd be on our way to the beach."
There, Toad tried to act as a leader, except that as the Mole, he was leading the players to failure.
"Nobody knew what to do with so little information and nobody suggested any idea, except for Bootler, so I naturally came up with ideas of my own, to make us lose! I was really surprised, it was as if nobody cared about the challenge."
Flashback Toad : You know, the first part of the challenge was timed, so we have some kind of temporal mark... You probably also know for a fact that ancient civilizations were using the Sun as a guide and were measuring the time thanks to it.
Flashback Toad : We came to the beach with our feet, so it's only logical that we have taken the shortest path. The Sun is always above us, and you always see it in front of you. So, my guess is that the treasure is hidden at the very end of the beach, let's go!
"Yeah, my propositions were really stupid but nobody thought much of it and twenty thousand coins were gone."
Sabotage : 20 000
Total Sabotage : 32 000
Episode 2
Twenty Thousand Bucks Under the Sheep
This mission's goal was to retrieve bags located under the sheep which would either contain money, dares or instructions for the exemption, in the black one's case.
"At first, I wanted to go for the black sheep but it seems that Flurrie beat me to it, so I had to improvise to make them lose money."
(Flashback of Toad tripping over nothing and faking his injury)
"This was the perfect sabotage, because Jojora and Donkey immediately stopped running after the sheep and decided to take care of me, while Flurrie went on with her exemption business. I actually saw Flurrie leaving with our bags of money but I said nothing."
(Flashback of Flurrie taking the money bags as Toad stares at her)
"It was also great because we only had thirty minutes to complete our task so with my injury, they weren't able to do anything, really."
Flashback Toad : Guys, forget about it and get on with the mission! We only have about four or three minutes left!
Flashback Donkey : What the heck are you saying?
Flashback Toad : I'm saying what I'm saying! We only had thirty minutes after all. But with all the drama that happened during this challenge, well... I don't want to say it, but you three kind of wasted it!
Flashback Jojora : And you couldn't have said that before?
"All in all, a perfect sabotage. Especially since I looked like a hero in the end."
(Flashback of Toad grabbing as much bags as he can as the sheep are stampeding toward him)
Sabotage : 10 000 (bags not retrieved) + 3 000 (money bags Flurrie stole) = 13 000
Total Sabotage : 45 000
Split Homework
For this challenge, the players were divided in three groups. Five people for whom school brought back souvenirs, one person who liked to be the center of attention and three people who had keen eyes.
"For this game, I decided to volunteer to be someone with keen eyes, and I chose to ride the rollercoaster so that I'd have at least an excuse to use if someone was to blame me for my failure."
Flashback Toad : I call the Rollercoaster!
"I did two things to sabotage the challenge. First of all, and it was the easiest thing to do, I never 'found' all the letters I needed to give to Mario."
Flashback Toad (riding the rollercoaster) : WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH! (As the loop comes, the mushroom closes his eyes in fright)
Flashback Toad : Mario, it's Toad. Unfortunately, I have NO idea as to what the other letters are. Seriously, I've kept my eyes peeled for the last three rides or so, but I never saw them. Sorry, it seems that you're on your own now...
"Conveniently, the letters I needed to find could have only been seen during the loop. The second thing I did was to mislead Mario into thinking that the anagrams must have meant something, which actually wasn't the case."
Flashback Mario : Wait! How will you know that you didn't already tell me some letters?
Flashback Toad : Wow... Good point, I never thought of it that way... But, it's like, impossible to find all the letters at once. I'm not even sure I will get them all. Maybe you will have to guess to find the words we need... There must be some logic behind them, you know? Well, anyway, I'm off!
"In the end, it was with no surprise that Mario didn't get my anagram. The funniest thing about the challenge was that most of the players paid more attention to Pauline and Jojora who had added money to our pot in spite of cheating, whereas I wasn't suspected, despite failing my part. Kinda ironic..."
Sabotage : 5 000
Total Sabotage : 50 000
Episode 3
Clue Hunt
For this challenge, the players had to resist greed and stay before the hotel to win up to forty thousand coins.
"That was also one of the reasons why I didn't want to be part of Jojora's group. I actually wanted to go look for the clue myself or at least to lose some money, but since Jojora was the leader and wanted us to stay here, I couldn't do that."
(Flashback of Toad pouting as he stays in front of the hotel)
"But without me, Jojora would have never found the clue, so I guess I can take credit for this sabotage."
Flashback Jojora : Now, first, we need to invent a story for Flurrie to believe. The four of you can think about it on your own. Say something like 'Bootler wanted to make us search for the clue, it was suspicious', or something along those lines. Secondly, I need help with this clue.
Flashback Toad : Hey Pauline, maybe it could be the palm tree of this morning ? You know, it was suspicious.
Flashback Pauline : You said yourself that there probably wasn't anything on it, though. Did you change your mind?
Flashback Toad : Well, it was out of place and this clue mentions a 'palm', do you get it?
Flashback Pauline : Good thinking! (she smiles) Hey Jojora, Toad found where it is ! Go to Gate 1 and look for a palm tree!
"Since Jojora found the clue, we lost a potential five thousand coins."
Sabotage : 5 000
Total Sabotage : 55 000
Feet Versus Wheels
This mission involved a race between a car and two runners. The two runners had a chance at winning an exemption at the cost of twenty thousand coins. Five other players were supposed to help the conductor of the car get to the bottom of Pagoda Peak before the runners, washing the car when it got dirty. A scratch on the car and the two players could win the exemptions.
"I really couldn't care less for exemptions, so I didn't mind being in either team, as I had thought of some sabotages anyway... Actually, I'd have preferred to be in the teamwork group, that way we would have lost as soon as the challenge began, for I would have dented the car at the very beginning of the game."
However, Bootler decided otherwise and thought the mushroom deserved an exemption.
"That really wasn't good, because I couldn't approach the car without Bootler noticing it, and he would have been suspicious of me, so I decided to play the game like a normal player. It almost worked!"
(Flashback of Bootler and Toad being near the finish line with the car nowhere in sight)
"Unfortunately, it seems Flurrie was able to catch up to us, so I had to resort to plan B."
Flashback Toad (adventuring in a cave and picking up a rock) : They'll make good souvenirs, plus Toadette likes to collect rocks. Maybe she doesn't have this one yet.
"I'll be truthful here. If you didn't find it suspicious that I went into a cave to retrieve a random rock for Toadette's collection that I later used to damage Flurrie's car, I'm afraid I can't save you anymore, haha! It was probably one of the most obvious things I did, if not the most."
Sabotage : 20 000
Total Sabotage : 75 000
Episode 4
Family Problems
During this challenge, six players had to go against one of the relatives. Winning a challenge against a relative added five thousand coins to the team pot and allowed the relative to see their loved one. However, the loved ones had been tricked into believing that if they lost against the players, they would not be able to see the player they had come to see.
"I knew from the very beginning that everyone would get to see their relative after the end of the challenge, so I was glad. But to be honest with you, I didn't want to lose this challenge especially since I had just wasted twenty thousand coins for an exemption. People might have suspected me, you know?"
So Toad decided to take another approach. Being the Mole, he knew everything about the challenges and had found a way to sabotage without actually sabotaging.
"I mean, the Mole doesn't necessarily have to sabotage themselves to lose money for the team, they can do it indirectly as well. That's how I came up with that plan."
Toad knew that before the actual challenge, the team would be asked to sit out a player for the upcoming challenge. He also knew that there was a reward at key.
Flashback Toad : We can sit out a weak player, someone who we think is the Mole or someone that deserves to take a break. I think those are our choices. If it were only me, I would choose to reward someone for their hard work.
Flashback Bootler : Why would you do so?
Flashback Toad : As far as I recall, according to the researches I've made prior to the game...the only time Monty asked this question was when the players had to take dares. Humiliating dares, I mean.
When the players had the idea to sit out a weak player, Toad kept on suggesting Mario.
"I didn't want to be forceful otherwise they would have thought I was fishy."
Flashback Toad (shrugging) : Well, I don't know. I would nominate Mario, because I think it's like the challenge in season one.
Flashback Noki : To be honest, I would nominate Mario too, because I think he did not make us lose much money during the previous challenges. He deserves this break.
Flashback Jojora : Look, okay, we got it. The only thing that's bothering me, is that Mario is the most physical player of the entire show. If we need strength, I'm sorry to say that, but we're screwed if we rely on Toad and Bootler.
"Oh well, you can't always have your way, I guess..."
In the end, Toad decided to win his challenge against Luigi.
Sabotage : 0
Total Sabotage : 75 000
Under the Spotlight
The players had to create a videotape of a song that one of them would perform. The entire thing had to be done by them.
"A song, without the music to accompany it, it's pretty bland. Well that's my opinion anyway. Which is why I opted for the musical arrangement. It was the easiest way for me to sabotage."
Flashback Mario : Jojora will make the videotape, Toad the remix, Birdo the song, Noki the costume, Pauline will make Birdo up and take care of the lighting, Bootler will create the decor and what will I do?
"But first, I needed to really work on the remix. I really had fun making something great!"
(Flashback of Noki, Birdo, Jojora and Mario smiling from ear to ear as they hear the music Toad made)
"I also needed at least two witnesses that would definitely stand up for me if someone was pointing fingers at me, so that's why I showed Noki that I had saved my remix and explained to Pauline how it worked."
Flashback Noki : Toad, could we hear what you have made so far?
Flashback Toad : Sure, why not? Let me just save it... (Toad saves his remix) There, let's play it.
Flashback Pauline (leaning forward to take a look at Toad's computer) : So, how do you do to keep track of everything like that? Must be pretty tough, huh?
Flashback Toad : Really, it's easy. Once you understand everything, of course.
Flashback Pauline : What do the dots mean?
Flashback Toad : Well, since we have many instruments in this remix, each one has a corresponding color. Like, you see the violin here? It's blue. So if you followed the blue dots, you'd have the entire score of the violin. Yellow's for the harp, red dots are for the piano, green dots are for the guitar, etcetera.
"Once I had my witnesses, I had to create myself an alibi, so I left for around...half an hour, I guess."
(Flashback of Toad going out of the room and asking one of the receptionists where the bathroom is, then going the opposite direction from where she pointed)
Flashback Toad : Hello Monty! (Toad waves to the host)
Flashback Monty : Oh, hello Toad! What are you doing?
Flashback Toad : Oh, you know, the usual... Sabotage. (Both the host and the Mole laugh)
Flashback Monty : Won't you have a cup of tea? (Toad nods happily)
"Then, as soon as I came back, I saw a little group before my computer, it was just perfect! I just had to pretend to be pissed off while in fact, I was dancing on the inside. I was the one who had erased my remix but I was blaming everyone! It was just perfect!"
In the end, because the remix was unsatisfactory, the group earned a pitiful sum of money for this challenge.
(Flashback of the sixth level standing up, meaning that the group had only won six thousand coins out of thirty thousand)
Sabotage : 24 000
Total Sabotage : 99 000
It is to be noted that the Mole's sabotages and the Players' pot were the same at that point of the game.
Episode 5
Exemption Roulette
The players had to decide on a list of four players who would be eligible to win an exemption before a time limit of half an hour.
"Well... There wasn't much I could do during this challenge. I blackmailed the others so that I would be on the list, but I wasn't going to throw the challenge just like that. I would have been stupid."
Toad let the players add money to their pot.
Sabotage : 0
Total Sabotage : 99 000
Mansion Nightmare
For this mission, the players had to uncover the mystery of the mansion and reach the room where King Boo resided. For each player that made it to the end, five thousand coins were awarded. The first player to reach King Boo would then have the opportunity to either take an exemption or add money to the pot, depending on the number of survivors.
"Ugh, this challenge was such a pain! I mean, it was fun to play but it was just one of those challenge that no matter what I did, my plans were foiled. First, it was I who triggered a trap in the second room, releasing a rock which would crush anyone that dared stay in its way."
(Flashback of Toad and Bootler advancing ahead of the girls when a distinct 'click' is heard)
"If you were to think back to when Mario triggered the first trap and how he did it, it should have been crystal clear who was responsible for the gigantic boulder. Unless Bootler had suddenly grown a pair of legs, he would have never been able to activate the trap."
Unfortunately for Toad, Noki managed to escape the boulder. Thankfully for him, he had seen which door she had taken and decided to take the one next to it, leaving the defenseless girl alone, increasing the likeness of her elimination.
"Noki did get eliminated, but I doubt I can get credit for that... My next action was in the moles' room. Obviously it was going to be there, I mean... I was right in my territory with my brethren."
Flashback Toad : I say we go there one at a time! Also, we don't try anything risky. We're already down to four players, we can't afford to lose another one right now.
"Since I was the first to go, I had the easiest time because the moles had to look out for three of us. I'm pretty sure that Birdo had an incredible stroke of luck during her attempt or else she would have been eliminated and poor Bootler couldn't do a thing, alone against all those moles..."
Flashback Birdo : Sorry Toad! I kind of ran straight for the door, opened it and quickly escaped the moles. Bootler should be coming soon so-
Flashback King Boo : One of my kind collapsed under the weight of his task. Only three of you remain.
Flashback Birdo : I guess he won't be coming soon then. (She smiles, embarrassed)
"The way to go was to confuse the moles and escape at around the same time, but Birdo and Bootler couldn't know that. The last thing I tried was just before we reached King Boo."
Flashback Toad : Maybe we should avoid the darts.
Flashback Birdo : I'm not sure. I mean, look at the wall on your left. Don't you think it's a little too sophisticated as compared with the rest of the room?
Flashback Mario : It also looks like it goes straight to our only way out. As if it triggers something...
Flashback Toad : Does that mean that it's game over for us if we don't get shot?
"In the end, Mario and Birdo played it safe, so we didn't lose the challenge because of me. I was disappointed, because they had avoided yet another of my sabotages. I knew I had to screw up the next one."
Sabotage : 5 000
Total Sabotage : 104 000
Jewelry Robbery
For this mission, the players had to choose who amongst them was the honestest one. After that choice, the chosen player would be isolated from the group. The goal of the mission for the five other players, was to steal Holly Koopa's emerald and get away with it, meaning that the honestest player did not think they committed the crime. If they got away with it, twenty thousand coins would be lost, but they would keep their exemption.
"It was obvious to me that Mario would get this role, he was really the best player the team had at that moment. I admit it would have been easier to sabotage if I had been the detective, but I really couldn't oppose everyone's choice."
(Flashback of the players selecting Mario unanimously)
"Since I wanted the game to fail, I decided that I would be suspicious but wouldn't be able to get my hands on the exemption. I knew that Mario would likely interrogate the others, so I wanted to give them the feeling that I was doing everything I could to get the exemption."
(Flashback of Bootler, Noki and Toad eyeing each other warily in the restaurant car)
(Flashback of Jojora and Toad spying on each other. Jojora groans as she realizes she cannot steal Holly's emerald)
"Once I thought the players knew I was going for the exemption, I headed toward the bathroom and stayed there the whole time. I knew it would come down to psychology in the end, and to me it appeared logical that Mario would select someone who was hiding instead of someone who was in plain sight."
(Flashback of Toad splashing his shirt with water in the restroom)
Flashback Toad (exiting the train) : Hey guys! Sorry, I was in the bathroom but the door wouldn't bulge, so I was kind of stuck. I know it's lame, you don't need to stare at me like that...
"I chose to hid in the bathroom also because I had been notified by one of the producers, who was on the train with us, of what Noki's and Birdo's plan was. I thought that if someone drank a lot, they would likely need to go the the bathroom which would explain why I was there. Not because I had put water on my shirt but because I needed to use the restroom."
When Mario interrogated the players, his suspicions of Toad increased.
Flashback Jojora : As a matter of fact, I do. I think that Noki didn't it. Actually, she couldn't do it as she was with me in the economy class car. However... Bootler was questioning plenty of people like mad and tried to steal her jewel. Also, it seemed to me that Toad was really trying hard to get that exemption.
And when it was time for the mushroom to be interrogated, Mario was even more dubious.
Flashback Mario : Hey Toad! I was wondering if you could tell me where you were during the time of the theft.
Flashback Toad : I was in the bathroom the whole time.
Flashback Mario : Wait, you spent more than twenty minutes in the bathroom?
Flashback Mario : I see... Do you have anything else to say?
Flashback Toad : I didn't steal the emerald.
Mario : It would be a tough choice, but in the end, I knew that I would choose the most logical answer.
Unfortunately for Mario, this time, the most logical answer was not the correct one.
Flashback Mario : My choice is Toad. I valid it.
"Honestly, I felt bad for Mario. Half of the players had lied to him and that led to his eventual demise."
Sabotage : 20 000
Total Sabotage : 124 000
Episode 6
Lost Castle, Lost Digits
During this game, the players had to gather ten numbers located in the different rooms of the two aisles of Mario's Rainbow Castle. Then, the team had to enter them into a pad so that the elevator would raise and let them escape the castle.
"Beforehand, I had been told what rooms were where as well as the type of challenges they proposed. It became obvious at that point that splitting up was the way to go otherwise we would win way too easily."
Flashback Toad : Well, I think we should split up to cover more ground, what do you think guys?
Flashback Birdo : I'm okay with that! How about two groups? You guys can inspect one aisle of the castle while we take the other.
"Birdo was just awesome during that challenge, telling me to inspect the aisle in which most obstacles were mental. Thanks Birdo, you really helped me out this time again! Haha!"
Leaving the girls with the physical challenges, Toad and Bootler went onward and cleared all their rooms, claiming every number they needed. Or did they?
"Bootler might have realized my slip up, but he never got my sabotage. Yet it was glaring..."
Flashback Toad : Anagrams! I suck at those! Oh well, at least I see a 'of' and a 'two'.
Flashback Bootler : Yes, and the fifth one is most likely 'minus'.
Flashback Toad : Honestly, I'm glad you're here otherwise I would be stuck for a while.
Flashback Bootler : I do believe that the second word is 'exemption'.
Flashback Toad : Then it means 'number of exemptions minus two'!
"Actually, the message was 'number of offered exemptions minus two'."
Flashback Bootler : I do not remember if there was any exemption obtainable during episode four.
Flashback Toad : There wasn't. And finally, there were three exemptions during episode five. Nine minus two makes seven!
Flashback Bootler : We are doing great, if I do say so myself!
"Nah, I was doing great. Because only seven exemptions had been offered, the last two being found by Pauline and Mario during episode two. The moment I said seven instead of five, the challenge was lost."
Sabotage : 20 000
Total Sabotage : 144 000
Another Memory
At the top of Mario's Rainbow Castle, the players were offered to play a game by Monty Mole, which involved exchanging journals with another player for one entire episode. Doing the game would add ten thousand coins to their pot.
"Honestly, the best way not to get the money was to not play the challenge. It wasn't hard to sabotage since I had Bootler and Noki on my side."
Flashback Toad : Well, you may have an edge over us, but my clues also give me an edge over other players, so I don't want to exchange my journal with someone else.
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.
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.
"And voila! That's how I kept ten thousand coins from entering the pot!"
Sabotage : 10 000
Total Sabotage : 154 000
Instrumental Search
During this challenge, the players had to look for musicians in Toadette's Conservatory, guided by clues which would make sense if they did pay attention to Toadofski's guided tour. After that, they also needed to find the instrument that was played by the musicians.
"I never intended to sabotage the mission because one, it was only five thousand coins and two, the team pot was lower than all my sabotages reunited. I guess we really sucked as a team."
Sabotage : 0
Total Sabotage : 154 000
Episode 7
Arts Versus Craps
The first mission of episode seven opposed two teams of two. One team would be feeling artsy and was told to make the greatest master piece they could. However, that was a trap, for the other team actually had to beat them to win the twenty thousand coins. The second part of this mission was for each team to identify which master piece had been created by the other.
"I had a lot of fun with this challenge. First, I knew it would involve reverse psychology, which was why I didn't oppose much resistance when Jojora told us she was going to be in the first group."
Flashback Jojora : Nonsense. They've used so much reverse psychology to have us screw up in so many challenges that I think we should send the most artistic ones there this time. Any objection?
Flashback Toad : Not that you're likely to hear them out.
Flashback Jojora : You're correct. (Toad rolls his eyes)
Flashback Toad : I'll be in the other group, then.
"It was just perfect! The sculptor, graduated from a prestigious art school and the refined butler against the air hostess and the gardener! Noki and I had no chance to win this game, especially since I was in charge of our project. At first, I was simply going to throw the challenge and create some piece of crap until I recalled that there was a second part to the challenge. I had to give an excuse to Noki and that wasn't easy, she was definitely suspicious."
Flashback Toad : I remembered something. One day, I was visiting a museum, and there were those pieces of abstract art. Basically, it was very random, but people still claimed that it was art. Maybe we should stop worrying so much and just give it a go.
Noki : I wasn't sure it was a good idea or not. Toad had a point, but I thought we wouldn't win with an abstract work of art. At least, it was better than nothing.
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 : That's the exact opposite of what you just said, though, why the sudden change?
Flashback Toad : Because of my new idea. Look, this fishbowl is spherical, like a head. The towel is pink, like the brain – well, I think it is pink. So we put the pink towel inside the fishbowl to symbolize a head.
"Jojora would've surely guessed that the abstract art creation was ours, that's why I decided to do something based on symbolism. It worked! She thought our work was way too good to be ours."
Flashback Bootler (pointing at Noki's and Toad's creation) : How about that one?
Flashback Jojora : It's actually easy to do, but I see some sort of symbol here. And I honestly doubt that they could do that alone. In my opinion, the least sophisticated one is theirs.
Sabotage : 30 000
Total Sabotage : 184 000
Distant Memories
In this game, Monty Mole read to the players an excerpt from each of the executed players' journal which the team had to link to their owner. Four excerpts out of six needed to be correct for the team to earn money.
"I actually helped the team a lot during this challenge and I almost succeeded in my sabotage, but Jojora was smart enough to foil my plan at the last second!"
When the team could not make any more mistake, Toad pushed for an incorrect answer.
Flashback Toad : How about Mario? As far as I remember, he was pretty reluctant to give someone an exemption.
Flashback Toad : Let's just go with Mario. We all seem to think that he's more likely to have written that than Birdo, so we might as well valid this answer.
Flashback Monty Mole : Is Mario your answer?
Flashback Jojora : No, it's not Mario, it must be Birdo's!
"Oh well, it's not funny when the team never wins."
Sabotage : 0
Total Sabotage : 184 000
Antic Relics
Before the beginning of the challenge, Monty Mole asked the players to fill a list on which they would put the others' name. The one at the top would be the one they wanted to see reach the finale while the one at the bottom was the one they did not want to see reach the finale. The lone player would be able to win an exemption at the price of the money the team had made during the challenge.
"The way I sabotaged the challenge was subtle. You have to think of the way the challenge ended to trace the origin of the sabotage."
Indeed, Toad did nothing out of the ordinary in the challenge itself, so how was he able to keep money away from the pot? Well, that is actually easy. Toad was brought to Horror Land by car, before the others even began the challenge.
"Once there, I was given a flashlight and an envelope. And what I did was so natural that I'm not even sure the viewers got the sabotage."
(Flashback of Toad switching on the flashlight as soon as the car leaves)
"Yup, a basic and subtle sabotage! Because I wasted so much energy before the game started, I was able to make us stop the challenge sooner than expected, and I was only able to retrieve three items out of five."
Sabotage : 10 000
Total Sabotage : 194 000
Episode 8
Three Questions Game
At Grand Canal, the players were sequestered one after another while the other two had to answer questions the way they thought the sequestered person would answer them.
"I really liked the Three Questions game, I had tons of opportunities to sabotage! During Bootler's round, Noki apparently didn't want to choose her own name for some questions and I just knew Bootler had answered her."
Flashback Noki : But Toad, there's no way we're going to find a logical way to answer a question like that. Besides, what would be his logic? Actually, what do you think is his answer? (she narrows her eyes as Toad begins to sweat)
Flashback Noki : I see your point, and it's true that I have no one...yet. Additionally, some women are known as frivolous, but... Speaking of generalities, women take their time to approach someone. When I was younger, I had male friends - I still do - who were basically bragging about their conquests...
Flashback Toad : Well, I see your point. I suppose one night stands are more common for men than for women... I mean, we both presented good points, and it's just a name after all, it doesn't mean that we're like that in any case. Those questions are definitely stupid anyway. This whole game is stupid, come to think of it. Let's just choose a name and be done with it. If you don't want to say Noki, let's just say Toad. There's no good answer.
"Nuh-uh, there was a good answer and it was Noki. At this point I didn't care, I was just glad we lost some money. Then, it was Noki's round... For the first question, I wanted to answer Bootler because there was just no way she did answer that... But she actually did, which made me laugh because I wanted to sabotage, Bootler didn't and in the end my answer was correct and Bootler's was wrong!"
Flashback Noki : As I was saying, I first went with Toad, but then I remembered that Toad and I were previously answering our questions in a sensible way. Or at least, we tried. So I changed my answer to Bootler.
Flashback Bootler : But why? Your first answer was perfectly sensible.
"And during the third round, I just gave an unbelievable answer that no one would have thought of."
Flashback Monty Mole : The next question was : 'If you committed a crime, had a thirty year sentence and had the possibility to pin the blame on someone between Bootler and Noki, who would you choose'? Toad, who did you choose for this one?
Flashback Toad : That was a horrible question, I didn't know who to choose and I almost chose at random, but then I thought we'd lose so that would be even worse. I picked Noki, sorry. (Noki and Bootler stare at Toad in shock)
Sabotage : 20 000
Total Sabotage : 214 000
Final Temptation
For this challenge, the players had to find a book which would lead them to another book which in turn would give them a clue, the cycle repeating until the players found the last clue telling them to find the 'Mole'. Once the players had located Kylie, they won the money.
"There wasn't much you could do to sabotage the challenge, except stalling for time."
(Flashback of Toad talking and confusing the players about the location of Tales of an Ace while it is in front of his nose the whole time)
(Flashback of Toad suggesting they should put The Shroob Threat back to where it belongs even though it does not do a thing)
Thanks to Toad's quick thinking, the players lost valuable time during several occasions and barely missed out on the full reward of the game.
Sabotage : 5 000
Total Sabotage : 219 000
Last Journey
For this last challenge, the players had to find Monty Mole at an unknown location with six stars in hand. They had to discover the meaning of several obscure clues to win their challenge.
"Well, I really wanted to win for the team, but the day before Kylie Koopa had told me that I should do my job in spite of this challenge being the last. So I sabotaged – a lot actually – but thankfully we were able to win it."
When Monty Mole abandoned the players, they were all looking for the keys to the vehicle. The Mole, however, knew that the keys were inside the car and that it was unlocked.
"While Noki and Bootler were busy looking at the grass, I actually put a lot of little stars into my pockets. The ones with clues on it, I mean. Neither Noki nor Bootler ever found out about this thanks to another crafty sabotage I did later on."
(Flashback of Toad putting some clues into his pocket and calling for Bootler and Noki right after that)
"The next sabotage was probably when I pushed Bootler and Noki into the water, during Mushroom Mix-Up. And right after that, I fell myself into the water."
(Flashback of Noki yelling angrily at Toad as she swims toward the boat)
(Flashback of Toad pushing Bootler aside in panic, making the both of them tumble into the water below)
"After that... Hmm... I think I said something about the number of clues there was in the car... Ah yes, now I remember! I lied about the number of clues there was in the car and hid some more in my pockets."
Flashback Toad : Guys, I found the last one! I think we have the complete set!
"There were actually sixteen clues. If Noki and Bootler had paid attention to our surroundings, they would have seen that there was yet another thumbprint from the Mole, meaning that another star was available there. But since I dissimulated that fact, I guess it was impossible for them to realize it."
(Flashback of the crew looking dumbfounded as the team drives back to Pipetown)
"My next sabotage was pretty cool too! I punctured a tire just as we arrived at our destination at Bowser's Nightmare. I think I did a great job because no one, not even Bootler or Noki realized that Noki's reckless driving wasn't the reason why we had a flat. I mean, she was driving on the right side of the road, and the flat tire we got was on the left side of our car so obviously that was the work of the Mole."
Flashback Bootler : You might want to be more careful though, for I think there are spikes protruding from the security rails. I would definitely not want our car to be damaged because of those.
Flashback Noki : Yes, but I have to drive on the right side of the road. If another car comes toward us fast while I'm driving in the middle of the road... I don't want to imagine what would happen, then.
(Flashback of the Mr Blizzard policeman showing to the team that the flat tire is on the rear and on the left of the vehicle)
"Obviously, it was the one closest to where I was sitting in the car."
(Flashback of Toad sitting behind Noki, the conductor, at various moments during the last challenge)
"Oh, and when I decided to stay behind, I did not only fix the car. See for yourselves..."
(Flashback of Toad selecting which stars the team is going to go after)
Flashback Toad (whistling) : No, not this one... Yes, this one is hard enough!
(Flashback of Toad running to the pond and dumping the contents of his bag into the water)
(Flashback of Toad winking mischievously)
"That was truly an awesome challenge and I'm glad we won it! Noki and Bootler deserved it, after putting up with me for this whole challenge!"
Sabotage : 0
Total Sabotage : 219 000
Ultimately, Toad was able to keep away two hundred nineteen thousand coins from the team pot, that is, a little less than the money the players made throughout the journey. Sabotaging around two fifth of the total money the players could have won, Toad proved to be the ultimate traitor, keeping his identity hidden and preventing the team from earning too much. But in the end and above all, Toad will be reminded for his joyous personality which made him the perfect deceiver to have aboard.
Because of his incredible job, the Mole will be rewarded with the money he lost throughout his journey.
…
"WHAT?!" Toad exclaimed as soon as the screen faded back to black. "But I thought the Mole was never given money!"
"Well, we always cut that part off the final editing, if you must know, and that's one of the secrets the Mole and the players must keep to themselves," Monty Mole explained slyly.
The room erupted in cheers as soon as it was confirmed that Toad would get the money he deserved.
"Good job Toad, you did a fantastic job!" Birdo hugged him.
"I never knew you did so much during our final challenge!" Bootler exclaimed in a rare moment of excitement.
"I still remember how he pushed us off the mushrooms, though," Noki smiled as Toad rubbed the back of his head, chuckling.
"You were so sly in this video!" Flurrie yelled animatedly.
"Oh my god, you did so much and we still couldn't pinpoint you were the Mole!" Donkey put the palm of his hand onto his forehead, shaking his head in shame.
"I think you did better than Lays or Kylie!" Mario congratulated him.
"Nah, I just think we played differently, that's all. I wasn't always subtle."
Pauline raised an eyebrow. "But then again, some of their sabotages weren't subtle at all. Though I agree your game plans were different."
Monty Mole cleared his throat, captivating the players' attention. "You really thought we would forget about our runner-up? Noki, come get your reward," Monty Mole demanded, an envelope in his hands.
"Oh my god! It's an all expense paid vacation to the Mushroom Kingdom for two!" Noki shouted, putting her hand over her mouth. "Thank you so much!" she added, sniffling. Monty Mole chuckled lightly as the others clapped for her.
"We had to change a few things since we imagined you didn't really want a vacation to Isle Delfino."
"I think you were correct Monty," Kooper grinned. The players regained their calm and faced Monty Mole.
"And that almost concludes our finale."
Jojora smirked. "What about the hidden clues? Are there in the palm of Toad's hand?" Everyone laughed at the reference, Monty included.
"Coming next, in The Mole, all the hidden clues leading to Toad are revealed! Stay tuned and don't miss the next part of this grand revealing!"
Fastest update ever (by me at least). XD
I actually had the chapter finished on the same day as the previous one. Guess I was motivated.
Well, hope you're enjoying this finale !
Until next time !