A/N: Alright, it's time for another prize challenge! On the wake of Peach's elimination, Toadsworth and Mario try to figure out who flipped! And a trip to a new locale sees love in the air!
Thanks to those who reviewed!
Yoshpa: omg no Pauline is the witch here what are you doing xDD.
UltimateCCC: Business indeed! Perhaps a little love as well, hmm?
Owen96: That's exactly what it was modeled after XD. Pauline's clever, but will she last that long? I'm going for at least one racist remark each chapter x.x Zess is all about work and proving your worth, and I think she believes Peach wasn't helping out at all. Anyway, thanks for the review!
TheJirachi21: Zess has her reasons *shifty eyes* but thanks for enjoying the chapter!
Princess Shroob: That she is! But, will Pauline outlast Princess Shroob is the real question.
Evil Abigail: That's what Zess believed as well. No use, no stay. Thanks!
TCKing12: Thanks for always reviewing! A Team Manta fan, huh? Most like Team Dolphin :P
The DreamStakes!
Team Manta: Mario, Birdo, Pauline, Flurrie, Princess Shroob, Zess T., Toadsworth, Black Yoshi
Team Dolphin: Bowser, Wendy, Kolorado, Noki, Boo, Kammy, Wario, Don Pianta, Rosalina
Sitting in the dining room of the lighthouse hotel, Mario stared blankly into his cup of coffee. It had gone cold long ago, the steam no longer coming off the top. Idling scratching the side of his face in thought, Mario felt quite puzzled. He had come into this game thinking he and Peach could last for quite a while, but she had been the third person eliminated in the race for 1,000,000 coins.
"Master Mario," Toadsworth said softly, hobbling into the room. "Would you care for some company?"
Barely noticing the magistrate, Mario could only give him a soft look. Toadsworth had seen that look many times, so he pulled up a chair next to the hero clad in red. It would take him some time to get over the elimination himself, but Toadsworth's job had always been to care for the safety of others. In the absence of the princess, he would serve Mario.
Toadsworth: I would say my greatest weakness is that I am loyal to a fault. If sticking by Mario's side is going to doom me in this game…then so be it.
"That Stanley chap sounded quite true to his word," Toadsworth said. "I don't doubt him…but I find it hard to believe any of the four of us would vote for the princess," he continued, referencing himself, Mario, and of course, Zess T.
"It had to be him," Mario said. "He doesn't even know Peach. You and Zess T. have served her for years," he argued. It seemed obvious that Black Yoshi would have flipped on them and voted out the princess, but the dubiety of the entire circumstance clouded the thoughts of both man and mushroom.
"It won't do us any good to dwell on the situation," Toadsworth said. "We're in the minority now, and it's going to take a miracle to save us."
Morning came for the lighthouse hotel, and as everyone awoke to the sound of Brighton blaring a megaphone, they once again found themselves changing location.
"Yes, yes!" Twila said, ushering everyone into the breakfast room. "Tell them where we're headed, Brighton."
Everyone seemed like they could care less.
"We're headed to Gelato Beach!" Brighton cried. "So grab some sunscreen and a towel, because it's going to be a scorcher!"
"Fabulous," Kammy droned. She opened a purple umbrella to match her mage robes, shielding her wrinkly old skin from the rays of the sun. "I can't get this pruned skin of mine in the sun!"
"Sorry grandma," Wendy said with a hiss. "Some of us will be enjoying the surf and sun while you just lay on the beach."
Leaning in closely, Kammy whispered in Wendy's ear. "I hope you drown." Wendy turned a pale white, shocked by the gall of the Magikoopa.
Wendy: U-Uh…did anyone else hear that?
Oblivious to the situation, Bowser called out a question.
"Do we have to ride in that hot and cramped bus again? My shell barely fits through the door," he whined in protest.
"So does Flurrie," Wario said, slapping his gut in laughter.
"Keep talkin', fatso," Flurrie said, putting her hands on her hips and cocking her head. "Someone hold my earrings!"
"I…I didn't mean anything by that!" Wario cried out, hoping he hadn't offended Flurrie that badly.
Everyone soon found their way onto the bus, traveling the short distance to Gelato Beach. When they arrived, everyone hopped out one by one. Ever the explorer, Kolorado was the first out onto the white sands.
"This is smashing, I say! Look at all there is to discover!" He hollered in jubilation.
"I'm about to discover the local bar and a bottle of Xanax," Rosalina said with a sigh, rubbing her head in annoyance of the other contestants.
"Now, now!" Twila cried. "Don't run too far! Because today's prize challenge is about to begin!"
Boo: Oh come on! Are we ever going to be able to just enjoy what this island has to offer?
"Settle down, Boo," Noki said quietly. "Perhaps we can win some more money?"
"Are we sure we want to do that?" Boo asked back, noting that they indeed held the highest amount of coins in their vault. Others were already plotting to oust them behind their backs…
Don Pianta: If Boo or Noki so as much win a single coin today, I'll chuck 'em all the way to the top of Corona Mountain!
"Gather around," Twila said, "Because today's challenge is a cooking challenge!"
"Cooking!?" Zess T. said, whipping out her frying pan. "Where's the oven!"
"Well…more like blending," Twila said with a sheepish smile. "Your challenge today is to team up with your partner and scour the sands and hills of Gelato Beach for enough fruit to make a delicious smoothie! When you think you have the right ingredients, bring them to the cabana at the end of the boardwalk where we'll juice up your fruits! The official taste tester will sip your smoothie, and once he's sampled all the team's smoothies, he'll declare a winner!"
Zess T.: Ol' Zess might've helped win that Immunity Challenge…but it's time for her to win some money, baby!
"Oh, Toodletoes, we've got this one in the bag!" Zess cried out, kissing the old man on the cheek. Turning a shade of red, Toadsworth hobbled away after Zess as she took off into the heart of the locale.
Toadsworth: I think I'm beginning to develop feelings for Zess T.! Yes, I do declare I feel as sweet about her as I do about my grandmother's marmalade!
"Da y'know a thing about fruits, eh?" Don Pianta asked Rosalina, who looked simply stunning in her turquoise bikini. However, the Don was a married man, and he didn't so much as glance at Rosalina's figure. Despite his background, he was quite the loyal man.
"Not really," Rosalina huffed. "Cosmic engineering, yeah, but no fruits."
"Well, let's look around," The Don said, trudging away into the sands. Meanwhile, Black Yoshi and Birdo were walking together, the pink horror not paying much attention to Princess Shroob. The teams had shuffled a bit, as people sort of neglected their true partners and started hanging out with more people they found likable instead. Wendy was rolling with Wario, having found her father and Kammy quite annoying. The Magikoopa and her boss were back in business, chatting like old times. Princess Shroob and Pauline were at the hip, as were Kolorado and Mario. Everyone seemed to be hanging out with friends instead of their real partners.
"I remember what you said to me yesterday," Birdo said to Black Yoshi, walking with her hands behind her back. "I think what you said is true. I should play this game for myself."
"That's great!" He beamed at her. "You don't need to let those women push you around."
"But they're my allies…regardless of how they treat me, if I want to do well, I have to stick with them," Birdo said.
"That's not true…," Black Yoshi said softly. They came to the base of a coconut tree, and using his tongue, he easily snatched up a few of the fruits. Birdo was used to such antics, and she watched him collect the coconuts.
"What's not true?" Birdo asked him as they moved up the hill.
"They don't have to be your allies," he said, hinting at the obvious.
"But who else would work with someone like me?" Birdo asked him, phrasing the statement as if she were garbage.
"Well…I would," he said, shocking her a bit. "When I came into this game, I thought everyone was a lunatic. But, I've gotten to know some good people. Toadsworth and Zess T. are good folks, and I'm working with them. If you came with us, the women would be outnumbered."
"It'd be four to four," Birdo noted, not entirely convinced.
Black Yoshi stifled a laugh. "You think Mario would work with that awful Pauline woman after what she did to the princess?"
"But you helped us vote her out," Birdo argued. "Why don't you side with us instead?"
"Simple," Black Yoshi said with a smile as he collected some fruit. "I didn't vote her out."
"What?" Birdo said sharply, folding her arms in disbelief. "Then who did?"
"My gut tells me that old chef did," he stated, bundling the fruit in his arms. "She's sneakier than she lets on."
"B-but…you'd like to work with me?" Birdo asked.
"Definitely," Black Yoshi said with a smile. "I think you're really smart…and pretty too." He blushed a little, as did Birdo.
"Come on," he said, looping his arm around hers. "We've still got some more fruit to find."
"Birdo is spending far too much time with that dark peasant," Princess Shroob said. "My calculations say his race is one to rebel, and I find rebellions quite nasty, don't you?"
Pauline didn't seem to be listening. Her purpose here on this island had been ruined. She had to come to win Mario's affections, but after his public outburst denouncing their former flame, she only wanted to cause him pain. The element of the game had shifted for her, and now that Peach was gone and Mario wanted nothing to do with her, she felt rather….pointless.
Pauline: I didn't come here to be a villain…I came here to find love. I didn't find it…and now everyone thinks I'm nasty. Oh…Mario…
"We've got more fruit to find," Princess Shroob said sharply. "Flurrie-slave seems to have run off. Hold these fruits while I find her misshapen body." Princess Shroob promptly dropped a bundle of mangoes into Pauline's arms, causing the brunette to drop them all. Picking up the floating fruits in the tide, Pauline continued to contemplate her true purpose in this game…
"It's quite a shame we're not on the same team, old bean," Kolorado said to Mario, holding a pair of papayas in his hands. "I think we'd make good allies, you and I."
"I agree," Mario said, stroking his mustache. "I'm in need of new allies," he continued. "Now that Peach is gone, I only trust Toadsworth and Zess T."
"How do you feel about that Black Yoshi fellow?" Kolorado asked. "I personally don't trust him. I'm quite glad he's not on my team."
"I think he's lying," Mario said, scratching the hair under his cap. "He sounded genuine…but I don't see Zess or Toadsworth voting out the princess."
Mario: I really want to believe Stanley…but I can't…
Wendy and Wario weren't having much like finding fruit. The koopaling found the fat man generally repulsive, so she stood a good twenty feet away from him at all times.
Wendy: This is so frustrating! Daddy's left me for that old hag again…ugh I knew I should've made Iggy play this dumb game instead…
Bowser and Kammy made quick work of finding fruit. Bowser large farm allowed him to shake down trees, and Kammy could fly high on her broomstick. Together, they were able to get together quite the palette of exotic fruits.
"Your hideousness," Kammy beseeched, "what do you think of our position in this game?"
"Whaddaya mean?" Bowser asked her. "We're in a good spot. Don and Rosalina can't stand Boo and Noki, so they're out first. Then we get rid of Wario and Kolorado, and then the three of us can turn on Don and Rosalina! It's the perfect plan!"
Too old to notice all the holes in Bowser's plan, Kammy laughed wickedly. "A most excellent plan, your vileness, excellent indeed!"
Bowser: Man, this game is a piece of cake! ….Now I want cake…KAMMY!
Boo and Noki had been biding their time. They didn't think they should win this challenge, despite Noki's protests. Instead, the duo found themselves at the summit of hillside, overlooking the waters of the bay.
"This is so peaceful," Noki said with a deep breath. "It's kind of…romantic."
"I think so too," Boo said, giving her a warm smile. "It's nice to have someone I can trust so easily in this game."
Noki laughed. "When I came off of that plane, I felt so terrified in the presence of so many large personalities…but finding you has been a blessing."
"I don't know what I'd do without you here," Boo commented. "Everyone is so dense…you're the only one I can stand talking to."
The sound of the waves below them lulled the duo into relaxation. Soon, Noki found herself leaning on Boo, not even noticing her shift in position. Together they swayed in the wind up on the summit, the tropical birds around them chirping cutely.
Neither of them planned on it, but as they turned to look at one another, they melted into a kiss. It lasted for only a split second, but it seemed to go on for an eternity. Their embrace pulled itself apart as quickly as it had come together.
"Boo…," Noki said, reddening.
"I'm sorry," Boo said sheepishly, rubbing his head. "I…"
"Don't be sorry," Noki said with a smile. "I enjoyed that very much. I think I'd like another." And so she leaned in, this time placing her passion behind the kiss. They held one another for a moment and then separated.
"Thank you," Noki said. "I don't think I've felt this way before, but I know I like you very much Boo."
"I like you a lot too, Noki," he said to her.
"Come on," she said, taking his hand. "Let's go see how horribly everyone does." He laughed at her statement, placing her on top of his head. Floating down the hillside, he carried her to the cabana…
Boo: You want to know what the kiss was like? Oh man…I…I don't think I can even describe it. I just know I like Noki…and it's nice to know she likes me too…
Everyone arrived at the cabana…minus two elderly shrooms…
"HOLD UP!" Zess T. roared, zooming down the mountain. She was rolling a massive watermelon she had found, her face glowing with delight.
"Ah, I thought Black Yoshi would be the one using watermelon," Kolorado declared.
"What…," Black Yoshi said, turning to face the explorer. "You're so lucky we're not on the same team."
"I give the Koopa God many thanks for that every night!" Kolorado said with a laugh.
Bowser: Kolorado prays to me? Oh man…what a good guy…
"It's time to see the fruits of your labor!" Brighton cried, making a poor joke. "Everyone, please make your smoothies one by one!"
Black Yoshi and Birdo went first. They whipped up a coconut and banana puree, and the judge found it quite yummy.
"That was delicious!" He said. "Now, let's see what else there is."
Zess T. demanded to go last for shock value, so Bowser and Kammy made a mango and papaya blend. The judge took a sip…
"Mangoes and papayas…quite good!" Bowser and Kammy smiled, hoping they would win today.
Next up were Wario and Wendy, who made the judge so sick with their garlic and banana smoothie that they had to find a replacement.
"Well…we tried," Wario said, farting and burping at the same time.
"I hope you die in your sleep tonight," Wendy said sharply, turning on her heels and leaving the fat man by himself.
Next up came Kolorado and Mario, who made a basic lemon and lime mixture. The new judge didn't find it too pleasing.
"I'd say as of now," the judge, now a pink female Pianta, "That Bowser and Kammy, and Stanley and Birdo are in the lead."
Mario and Kolorado frowned, knowing they were out of the running.
Up next came Princess Shroob and Pauline, who dared to go bold with mango, banana, and coconut.
"Oh, the banana is quite a good additive!" The judge said with a smile. "This is my new favorite!"
"Ugh," Black Yoshi groaned, sitting down on the wood floor. "I thought we had that…"
"Cheer up," Birdo said with a smile, sitting down next time. "There's always next time."
"Hey! That was positive!" Black Yoshi said. "I knew you weren't so down in the dumps all of the time!"
Birdo could only blush.
Next came Boo and Noki, who waived their right to compete. Their move shocked a few, but they didn't mind.
Rosalina: Of course they'd throw it…they already know they're on my radar…
Don and Rosalina whipped up a banana-coconut blend, but it wasn't bold enough to beat Princess Shroob and her added banana.
Flurrie didn't have a partner, and she spent most of this episode without any screen-time, so we won't talk about her. Poor Flurrie.
"IT'S TIME TO WIN!" Zess T. cried, shoving her massive watermelon in the blender. The chef added hints of lemongrass and chia she had found on the island, finishing the blend with diced bananas and mangoes.
"This…," the judge said, sipping her smoothie. "IS FANTASTIC!"
"That's right!" Zess T. said. "Show me the money!"
"So Zess T. and Toadsworth win?" Twila asked the judge, who affirmed her choice with a resolute nod.
"Then congratulations to Toadsworth and Zess T., because that smoothie was worth…25,000 coins apiece!" Twila announced. Zess T. was so elated, she kissed Toadsworth!
"Hubba hubba…," the old aide said, tumbling to the ground.
Zess T. and Toadsworth had won the prize challenge…but as love wafted about the island air…everyone felt like a winner…
Except for a vast majority of the contestants.
Sorry that took a week x.x I hope you liked it! Thanks for reading and reviewing!
-AdmiralBobbery