The first execution comes! Ayieeeee! D:
Surprisingly there's still some exciting action left in this chapter, even if it's the last part of the episode xD
P.S. If you scroll all the way to the bottom without looking, you will reach your review replies for Chapter 4 spoiler free! Thanks so much for your awesome reviews! :) All are spoiler free :D so no worries! Hehe! Though I do find it conflicting if you wanted to look at your actual review on the Reviews page, but are scared that you'll see another reader's review spoiling the victim xD I understand that dilemma haha! Either way, reading before or after, is fine and no difference! :D
Anyways, I hope you all enjoy this chapter! :) It is the end...of the beginning.
Episode 1 (Final)
The second game concludes with one last, unexpected battle. Then, at the first execution ceremony of the game...the Mole's first victim is revealed.
"I commend you for winning this game. It was not an easy task. But, as a team, you displayed...excellent teamwork." Smash Host was announcing his congratulations to the players before him.
"It was a battle far from easy, but you had succeeded in destroying your opponents. Many players had accomplished tasks. Chimes were present in the throne room. Projectiles were achieved. The battle raged." The host, having witnessed the fight himself from upon a high tower, admitted with a nod himself that it was indeed an intense war.
"And at the last possible second, a final catapult shot sailed through the sky, sealing the battle's victory. Well done." The host winked.
"Congratulations, Fox and DK. You have won." The two veterans jumped up with joy, feeling victorious and grinning excitedly at their win. The other eight players….were not as impressed.
Fox: Well, what do you know! We did it! A task that seemed impossible: the two of us versus the other eight. But we had won.
DK: All right! Whoo hoo! All right! Closer to that exemption! But uh...does that mean I get the exemption, or Fox does? I love my partner, but hey, I love free exemptions more.
"As for the rest of you...I am sorry...but you have lost," Smash Host informed them all. Disappointment swept through the group.
Lucario: Well, of course, we were all not sure what to think. Some events had gone well...while others did not. One of our catapult stones accidentally misfiring and falling into the water, for example. These mysterious mishaps are for me to study and reflect over carefully. Where was the Mole in this game?
Peach: I'm sure we all gave it our best in the throne room, and I'm sure Lucario and Lucina did wonderful as well, and I felt like we did well overall! Quite wonderfully! However...I felt as if we could have worked more to find those last two secrets in our final seven minutes.
"Oh, but we tried!" Isabelle tried to speak optimistically, looking at the others.
"Pfft...we could have done better…" Dark Pit muttered, not impressed.
"The final two tasks in the throne room," Smash Host began, as everyone turned to him in curiosity. "One...to pose like the six statues. There were six of you in the throne room. If each of you did a statue's pose each...the task would have been successful."
"Doh!" Kazooie hit her forehead with her wing. Many eyes glanced at each other, some of them accusingly.
Kazooie: So like, what even happened? There was some sort of strange psychology that made us all decide to destroy the statues. Someone was at fault there...Dark Pit, Wii Fit, Isabelle, or even me. But, I'm not the Mole, so...
Wii Fit: Many things had gone wrong in the throne room that wasted time. I myself blame Dark Pit strongly for causing the dilemma. I was not very satisfied with our overall effort, to be honest.
"Second, the last unachieved task was...you had to sit on the throne chair like a king," revealed Smash Host. Joker folded his arms, laughing.
"But I did just that, and no chimes had rung," Joker protested.
"You had to either wear the crown, or hold the scepter, when you sat," the host explained further, as everyone realized that these were two objects located on the table of treasures.
"If someone had sat on the chair, either wearing the crown or holding the scepter, then you would have won the last task. I'm sorry, but you had failed," Smash Host said to them all. Once again, they looked at each other suspiciously.
Peach: Joker had been the one to sit down in the throne chair, then immediately claimed and shouted out that it was not the correct move. As if he wanted us to just ignore it and not solve it any further. Hmph on him.
Dark Pit: Wii Fit was the only player who didn't single-handedly help in achieving anyyyy of the secret tasks individually. I did. Peach did. Isabelle and the others did. But Wii Fit? Nothing. And yet afterwards, she stands all tall and acts all proud as if she had contributed something to the team. It bothered me for some reason.
"However, since you were all able to destroy the glass dome that covered the wooden Mole, that was a target hit success. That action alone had won you 10,000 coins. Well done." Everyone turned to the catapult shooters, relieved and happy.
"Nice," Joker mentioned with a wink to the two catapulters. "You didn't let the Mole win completely, I suppose."
"It was a team effort...we couldn't have fired anything, even the tiniest of pebbles...without all of your successes down in the throne room," Lucina, the medieval princess, spoke to them. She turned to Lucario.
"We would, of course, be uttering lies if we were to say that we weren't disappointed we had all lost...and for me especially, the game of my very own land…" Lucina began contemplatively, "but victory is not always clearly evident. Victory comes in many forms. It is shown with effort displayed and produced. It is shown with teamwork exhibited. So we should be proud." The warrior princess looked at her team, pleased. Everyone listened to her words, looking a bit uplifted.
"The team pot total for the end of Episode 1 stands at 20,000 coins," Smash Host concluded, and everyone, seeming overall happy, clapped.
Team Pot
20,000 coins
"Umm...but, we're still forgetting something," Kazooie sighed, the least enthusiastic of the bunch. "Not to be a bummer or a party pooper or anything, but now all of our chances into Episode 2 have dropped!" Everyone suddenly remembered: either Fox or DK would receive the first exemption of the game. The mission was almost over. The two Smash veterans, Fox and DK, turned to the host with anticipation.
"But the question is…" Fox began, glancing with confusion at DK, "Who...gets the exemption?" The players all looked at the host, waiting for his words.
"I told you both in the beginning of the game that," the host began, "that if you succeeded in defending the wooden mole, one of you would be selected at random to receive the exemption." The two anticipating players nodded, listening.
"And…?" Fox asked, looking excited but tense.
"And…" Smash Host began. Everyone held their breaths.
"I lied." At this, Fox's mouth dropped, and DK erupted in anger.
"WHAT?!" bellowed DK, fuming and face in disbelief. "NO WAY! We were promised an exemption! We worked hard, you short, top-hatted-!"
"...about it being random," finished Smash Host.
"Oh." At this, DK calmed down, and both him and Fox instead looked even more confused. So did the rest of the other eight players.
"What...do you mean?" Peach wondered, looking at everyone.
"In respect to the customs of this land, you will both fight for the exemption the traditional way...through none other than a respectable, officialized sword fight." The players all collectively gasped.
"What…" Fox uttered quietly. Everyone else had the same amount of surprise as the space captain.
"What?!" DK said, sounding more confused and panicked than angry.
"Oh my," Peach commented, surprised and covering her mouth. "This is interesting."
"Indeed, this is going to be very interesting," Wii Fit remarked, holding a slight smile of interest. "And I cannot wait to watch."
"The rules are simple," Smash Host explained. "Upon a large castle tower platform presiding over this castle, you two winners will duel. You will both have five minutes to knock the other player off the platform amidst a swordfight, whatever means possible. Whoever can throw their opponent off the castle's edge in this sword fight wins." DK and Fox were speechless, only staring with incredulity at the host.
Fox: I...well...this is not what I expected. Not even in the slightest.
DK: Come on, best friend! This will be a fun, final fight! Two winners, already victors, dueling for that final victory!
"The swords are blunt," Smash Host explained, as the group seemed to sigh with relief. "You can hit each others' body armor with the swords...however...you cannot strike another player's head, or you will be immediately disqualified, and your opponent will win the exemption."
"Well...that's a relief," Peach sighed, and everyone else thought so too.
"Uhh, this game stiiiillll seems kinda dangerous, Smash Host," Kazooie piped up, coughing to the host.
"The last one standing wins," Smash Host finished. "If both of you still remain after five minutes...then neither of you will get an exemption." The final game became even more desperate.
"I can't believe they're both going to fight for the exemption," Isabelle squealed nervously, not looking ready even to witness it.
"But I can." Everyone turned the best sword fighter that was in their very room, a master of the weapon itself: Lucina. Her eyes shined as she spoke.
"There is no better way," she began, "to end a war. The most respectable way to end this battle in this very land..is through a sword fight." She then turned to the two soon-to-be fighters.
"Ending through a traditional sword fight is only right and just. In respect to this land...please both duel well." They listened to her, as DK sighed.
"Well, any tips?" DK asked the warrior a little pleadingly. Lucina shook her head, smiling slightly.
"Follow your heart," she advised. Fox and DK looked her, then at each other, then finally, back at the host.
"Well...if you're both ready," Smash Host concluded, "then I suggest you both pray and suit up. We have one more battle left. This last battle...is the true, final war."
The two fighters were brought out against the setting sun, now standing upon a tower platform of the mighty castle, looming high over the Fire Emblem land of Ylisse. Fox and DK were both fully dressed in armor, the metallic gear reflecting against the red, setting sky and shining brilliantly to anyone who looked at them. It was the same protective attire that had been worn centuries ago by multitudes of brave warriors in their very land in the past, during more conflicted times of fighting and war. Now, they were to partake in their own duel. They faced each other, apprehensively.
In each of their hands, a heavy sword was held. Almost appearing as realistic as genuine battle weapons themselves, the only difference was that the edges were far from sharp. However, a heavy, careless blow could still damage an individual severely. The weapons were soon to be used.
"Oomph!" DK let out, having difficulty holding his sword correctly. It took him a few seconds to position it correctly. With his strength however, he could hold the sword up high.
"This…" Fox found his grip, and stepped back. His stance was almost perfect; he held the medieval sword well.
"Like a beam sword," Fox realized, looking at the weapon, "but...heavier."
The battle was soon to start.
"Mmm...this popcorn is good," Kazooie commented, munching from the box. The other eight players were all situated on a nearby tower, sitting comfortably in several seats. The battle was a display for all of them to witness.
"Like a live show," Joker stated, nodded. "How interesting indeed. And an exquisite view from up in the air."
"I can't sense who the winner will be...I'm interested to ask all of you: who do you predict is going to be victorious?" Lucario questioned the others, and everyone was at conflicted thoughts. The two veterans seemed evenly matched in a balance of strengths and weaknesses.
"DK...he has strength...and power," Peach began. "Hmm! Could that be useful? I think DK will be the winner!"
"But Fox has speed and skill," Lucina stated, staring at the player from afar. "He is also worthy to win." They all looked at the two players on the fighting platform, ready to begin their match.
"You have up to five minutes...to throw your opponent off. Get ready." Fox and DK, swords in hand, faced each other.
"May the exemption fall into the right hands!" Smash Host announced loudly, standing besides the group of eight. "Are you ready, fighters?"
DK: I was gonna win! Finish him off and be the ruler of this castle! And I was going to throw him right off!
Fox: Ready as I'll ever be. And more ready than DK will be when he falls.
"The fight begins...in three...two...one…" DK stepped back in preparation. Fox eyed his opponent carefully, ready to battle.
"GO!"
"You're going DOWN!" bellowed DK, running towards his opponent, sword raised in the air. "I'm taking you down, Fox!"
"Not before you, my friend!" Fox shouted with a wink, running up to him across the platform. The nimble animal then jumped up, and struck with his sword.
CLASH! The two swords hit.
"First hit! That was loud!" Some of the players in the audience were surprised at the deafening, metallic sound that was produced by the joining of the two swords. DK stumbled to the side, having lost his stance a bit. Fox, from the ape's power, was sent back heavily in distance, but remained standing.
"I'm stronger!" DK shouted, facing back at him. "I'll push you off! I'll win this exemption!" He ran towards Fox a second time, sword in the air.
"But I'm quicker," Fox pointed out, and leapt to the side at the last second, as soon as DK's sword came down. The reaction of the ape was too slow: DK clumsily hit the floor of the stage, causing him to create a tiny crack in the ground. He looked stunned, and he turned back to Fox.
"What!" DK said, surprised Fox's accelerated speed.
"You can crack the stage and take it down all you want...but you won't take me down," Fox called out to him from the other side of the stage. His face was determined.
"I will! You just watch!" DK roared, giving a loud beat to his chest. He also faced Fox with a desire for victory.
The two of them were in a heated duel, and they ran towards each other again.
"Well then...take THIS!" Fox yelled, striking at DK, as DK raised his sword up as well.
Clash! Clash! Two hits echoed in the air, as the other players in the audience jumped.
"Who's winning?!" Isabelle asked nervously, covering her eyes.
"It's just hard to tell…" Wii Fit observed, looking closely and intently. "But I feel like either one of them can stumble and fail any second now by accident. Sword fighting, like any other intense sport, is no easy physical activity. I did fencing myself. Most of you probably couldn't even imagine its difficulty."
Clash! Clash! Fox and DK hit again.
"Like a ticking time bomb…" thought Lucario, closing his eyes. "One of these two fighters will fail suddenly. We can only wait for their error."
"I do not like the thought of that!" Peach shuddered.
"I...will win!" DK huffed, striking again with his power, each hit making Fox go a little bit closer and closer to the edge. "I'll push you off!" His stamina was not as tough as his opponent's however, as Fox held more energy with each strike that they partook in.
Clash! Clash! Clash! The hits continued again and again, as the other players watched tensely. The swords, each time, met with intense power, striking loudly and strongly. Foot by foot, Fox was being brought closer and closer to the edge of the platform by DK's strong power.
"Fox is getting closer to the edge!" Isabelle squealed, covering her eyes. However, the wiley animal had a trick up his sleeve, as he smiled.
"Hyah!" Fox used the handle part of his sword to hit the legs of his opponent, sending DK off balance. DK stumbled for a split second, stepping inadvertently closer to the platform's edge, then fell down to his knees in surprise. The players gasped.
"Ow!" DK hollered, shaking his head, then his eyes turned shocked and wide once he realized the new predicament: Fox himself had jumped quickly into a new, safe spot; they had switched positions in an instant and Fox was no longer near the dangerous edge. Now, instead, it was DK who was the one just mere inches from the platform's end, still helplessly on his knees, as Fox walked up to him quickly. The game was almost over.
And most terrifying of all, Fox had the sword up to DK's neck.
"Fox...you win!" DK gasped, bending his head, on his knees. The other players gasped at the image, seeing the sight before them. For a moment, Fox didn't say anything, holding the sword in place up to his opponent's neck. Even the host himself seemed shocked.
Then finally, Fox nodded, and lowered his sword.
"I suppose if you concede and relinquish now, DK, best friend, revered and only king of the jungle, worthy opponent...I can spare you a merciless hit off the edge," the space captain stated grandly with thought. "Declare your surrender officially at once, before I throw you off."
"All right...All right! You win!" DK shouted, still facing down. "I...I…" Then, he thought about Fox's words, then after that, the host's earlier words from before echoed in his ears. His eyes widened.
"Well?" Fox voiced, looking at him carefully with a raised eyebrow, sword still in hand. "Do you surrender and make me king? Or do I have to throw you off?" The air was silent and tense. Nobody breathed in the audience. DK looked slightly up, then spoke one more sentence.
"I'm sorry, king...but I'm going to have to throw you off. OOOH OOOH!"
The sight that everyone saw next was a sight too unfathomable to describe and too unbelievable to imagine. With all his might, DK grabbed the player before him with both hands, gripping the sides of Fox's armor, and with his immense strength, lifted him up quickly in one, powerful motion. Fox lost grip of his sword as it fell to the ground. The fox was lifted right into the air like a helpless rag doll.
"WHA-put me down!" But the ape was too strong as he held Fox high above his head with both strong arms. DK turned around and faced the open air.
Kazooie: Oh...wow...I don't think anyone predicted THIS ending.
And just like one of his barrels...he threw Fox off the stage.
And the match was over.
"You did well. Good job." Fox winked at his previous opponent from the day before from across the grand dinner table. DK smiled back, raising his sword souvenir in the air.
An entire day had passed; it was a setting sun once again, and they were all feasting on a delicious, medieval meal, more grand than the one some of them had partaken in the day before. A well-deserved, day-after-an-intense-mission dinner, along with an entire roasted pig in the center of the table, was being served to them all.
"Ah!" Isabelle squealed, cherishing a bite from a marzipan cake pastry.
"Exemption! All right!" DK yelled, as if trying to remind the others for the third time he had won. Wii Fit, sitting next to the monkey, rolled her eyes.
Wii Fit: Though, I do give it to him; he absolutely did deserve it. Winning a sword fight was not easy, I suppose. I hope I can win more battles in this game. But actually...I feel as if I already have.
Fox: DK deserved it fair and square. I also played him rough getting him onto the ground and almost surrendering. So he fought right back. Well deserved, my forever partner.
"Thank you for the decoration," the host nodded to Fox. The space captain had stuck his sword into the wall of the throne room, right besides a tapestry. Everyone looked at the amusing display with a chuckle.
"I wanted to mark this temporary defeat by putting it into the wall," Fox informed everyone.
"A defeat by me," DK said loudly, holding his own sword in his hand up into the air. It was his permanent souvenir.
"The traditions of this land ring strong," Lucina said contently, looking at the host.
"I believe that is the reason this land was chosen specifically for this episode," the princess said surely to him. "To end with flaming stones...a castle war...and a tense sword fight. What a stunning beginning for us all. We're all pleased." The host wiped his mouth from the chocolate pastry he was eating before replying.
"What is another word for the medieval period?" Smash Host asked her, swallowing his food. Some of the players looked at him strangely.
"The Dark Ages," he replied, almost smiling. "A time of ruin...and death." And the players all stopped eating. They were suddenly reminded by the host...that the execution was soon.
"I'm, uh, safe from this execution, right, host?" DK wanted to reconfirm and make sure. Smash host nodded to him, as he breathed with relief.
"The rest of you...are not as safe," Smash Host spoke, wiping his chin with a napkin. "Because tomorrow night...is the very first execution. One of you leaves forever." Everyone seemed to become silent, some of their silverware heard being put down.
"The first execution…" Isabelle seemed to shudder.
"Well, Mister or Miss Mole will be safe, so that fact, we all know," Wii Fit pointed out, taking a sip from her cup. "So at least one of us lucky players has no qualms or worries, I suppose."
"But the rest of us…" Peach voiced, sounding a bit apprehensive as she turned to the group. "We're at risk. Oh dear! ...So soon already..." One would be leaving their game and their group forever.
"I would like an explanation," requested Lucario, "of exactly what an 'Execution Ceremony' entails. It sounds very mysterious and foreboding." The host nodded.
"I will not divulge everything, except this..." began the host. "To prepare for the Execution, all ten of you will take a quiz prior. Ten questions...about the Mole."
"Gotta score high enough," Fox said, raising his wine glass into the air.
"The questions will ask about the Mole's identity as well as their actions throughout in this game so far up to this point. Score safe enough, as Fox said...and you move on." The host paused.
"But score the lowest...and you will be sent home immediately." There was a hushed silence.
"Oh no…" Kazooie groaned.
Kazooie: Who would be the first to go? Me? Nah, I'm not thaaaat unlucky. Also, I'm definitely better than these other weird folk! Now, let me stop talking now before the God of Humility of this weird, medieval land decides to smite me.
"So nine of us move on," Joker acknowledged, nodding with understanding, "but one of us is truly goodbye forever. Hmm. It will indeed be unfortunate for that player then." Everyone looked at each other slowly. One of them at the table would be gone the next night...forever.
"I guess you should just make sure that it isn't you," Dark Pit muttered, playing with his fork uncaringly, but even he looked a bit unnerved. Just one day was left.
"At the ceremony itself...we will discover the first victim," Smash Host concluded. "So until then...truly...good luck." And with that, they continued their dinner, but it was quieter this time. The execution was soon to come.
Many hours had passed and it was already the afternoon before the first execution. They all had the chance during the morning and day to explore the grand castle, or even tour through one of the mystical forests upon the land of Ylisse, but only a few of them had chosen to do so. The feeling most of the players felt throughout the entire day were not adventurous emotions...it was dread.
Now, it was sunset. And for all of them, the quiz would be in just under an hour.
"I just simply can't believe it...one of us will be leaving the game so soon!" Peach exclaimed, looking flustered as she tried to stuff her last belonging, a pink hair brush, into her suitcase. "And us having to pack...it just makes it more real, doesn't? How terrible!" On the other side of the room, the other princess, Lucina was packing her own belongings. There was no evidence of pleasure on her face as well.
"The rules can be cruel at times. In both life and this game...neither are exempt," Lucina stated wisely. She gave Peach an understanding look.
"Hmm. I'd say! I just do not like the end of episodes: they rain on all our parades," Peach sighed strongly. Both princesses, even among luxurious surroundings and beautiful castle walls, were far from any relaxed emotions: they were hurriedly packing their belongings away, stressed, hurried, and overall thinking about the first quiz to come.
"Yeah! It's so unnerving!" Isabelle, who had already finished packing her own belongings in her own room, was sitting on Peach's bed. It was just the little dog and the two princesses.
"I don't even know how to take the quiz or what questions are even on it," Isabelle continued, eyes looking worried. "I'm just so...scared!"
"Though it is all disheartening, I understand, we must stay strong," Lucina told her firmly. "Take the quiz and follow with your heart on who you believe the Mole to truly be. What is another way?" The two other players nodded at her words.
"Umm...who do you think you'll vote for?" Peach questioned Lucina.
"I admittingly...played my suspect earlier...Lucario is my suspect," Lucina told them, and turned to the two females. "In truth...do not tell this to him; I even disguised myself to act in a more passive role...a more passive personality during our first two missions together. Perhaps it was morally wrong, but I had successfully played him." Peach and Isabelle looked surprised.
"What...do you mean?" Peach questioned, eyes widenening. "What are you saying, Lucina?"
"I played a bit of the Mole myself," Lucina revealed to them calmly. "I abandoned my more authoritative character and demeanor with him in both our games...mostly to see if he would take control and sabotage in certain ways."
"Is that why you let him go on the wrong gondola!?" Isabelle wondered, eyes shocked. Lucina nodded.
"I acted passively throughout the games. A bit uncertain. To see if he would commit his own suspicious actions or even command me to commit questionable actions as well. In a way...it may have seemed wrong...but it was helpful to my advantage in the end."
"Have you been faking a more passive role with just Lucario...or throughout the entire first episode?" Peach asked her, bewildered. Lucina looked at her quietly.
"Anyways, go on!" Isabelle spoke to her. Lucina nodded.
"I am sure Lucario thinks I am suspicious now. I did not correct him from going to the other gondola, after all. It is unfortunate. However, if I am not the deceiver, it does not matter. "Also…" Lucina paused, worried.
"Even though Fox has been playing the leader...I feel there is perhaps also something suspicious about him as well."
"Oh! I also think Fox is very suspect too!" Peach spoke loudly, and turned to the open castle room door with a hand over her mouth. They all looked, but no one was in the hallway to have heard them. She paused, then continued carefully.
"He simply caused coins to be lost in the first mission, with the walkie-talkie mishap. What an error!" Peach whispered loudly.
"Huh? But really? You think Fox might be the Mole?" Isabelled wondered to them both. "I thought he seemed kind of genuine throughout! I don't think he's the Mole. Maybe he's a real player who's trying his best!" Peach shook her head.
"You have to be careful of the genuine-appearing ones," Peach spoke to Isabelle, looking at the little dog. Peach continued.
"DK is a strange choice, but I also have an eye on him," Peach began. "He is so loud and obnoxious...maybe he doesn't want us to think he's the Mole."
"An exaggerated personality," Lucina thought out loud.
"Oh my gosh...they're all suspicious," Isabelle realized. "And Joker with his mask all the time, I might vote for him also! Or even Dark Pit!"
"I said it before…" Peach began to them both, shaking her head and looking at her two friends. "The Mole is for sure a male. We must rally against the men."
"Uhhh….is it just me," Dark Pit began, raising his eyebrow and looking at the list of names he had written on a piece of paper, "or are some of the female players in this game very, very Mole-potential? I'm starting to think the saboteur in this game might possibly be a girl."
"You're not the only one who thinks so," Joker replied. He was combing his hair back, getting ready for the execution that night.
"Yeah, seriously, this game is...whoa." Dark Pit stared at Joker in disbelief: his partner's hair was slicked more back than ever before and the student was even dressed in the finest of tuxedos. With no doubt would he be the best dressed out of all ten players that night. And he looked like a spy.
"You seem exceedingly relaxed and ready for a player who's going into their possible death sentence," Dark Pit snorted.
"If one has enough confidence," the student replied, giving a final spray of cologne, "then one should do the same." Dark Pit stared at the wall.
Dark Pit: Uhh, confidence? Hah. Haha. What's that?
"Just only one episode in, and already we need to take a quiz on who the Mole is?" Dark Pit voiced in disbelief, thinking about the game's premise. "And depending on that quiz, we either stay or get kicked out? Seriously, all things considered, what kind of game rules are these? How can anyone even know who it is? From one measly episode? Can I be honest? This game...is stupid." He sighed, slightly crumpling up his paper of notes in his hand with the intention of throwing it to the ground. Joker heard him.
"You, Dark Pit , don't seem confident at all," Joker said flatly.
"If only there were more clues or strategies on how to correctly play." Dark Pit paused, looking carefully at Joker.
"Hey...James Bond: how will you take this quiz?" For a second, Joker was silent, then turned to his partner.
"I actually haven't the faintest clue on who to vote for," Joker began. "But I have been keeping an eye on the quieter players. For example, Isabelle. She has been a bit under the radar."
"Hmm...yeah, she has" Dark Pit said. "Sometimes she seems like she's hiding something underneath. Like she's agitated secretly."
"The louder ones who kind of also slip into the background, because they appear carefree and relaxed, are also on my radar...such as Kazooie," Joker continued. "Do you remember her in the throne room? She was playing too nice. Not her character."
"Hmm," Dark Pit said, thinking. "I get it. Kind and nice. Unlike Wii Fit." Then, Dark Pit seemed to snap up, triggered.
"I don't even know what to think of Wii Fit!" Dark Pit began. "She irks me! She's just...ugh! If she's the Mole, I'm gonna kill myself!"
"An overconfident Mole?" Joker laughed. "Who says it can't be? No rules have been written for what the saboteur can be. Whether it is overconfident and mocking, like Wii Fit. Anyhow..." He finished combing his hair, then looked at his partner.
"One of them may in fact be it," Joker finished, looking at his partner in the eye. "But the question is: who will you choose? And...will it be enough of a choice for you to survive this first round, Dark Pit?" Dark Pit didn't know how to reply to the tuxedoed gentleman.
"Well, Mr. Exemption, I guess you're going all out, huh!" Fox laughed, looking at his well-dressed partner. Not as stylish as Joker but a close second, DK was donning a dazzling red tie and a dandy, brown suit of his own.
"I wanna look good and survive good!" DK announced, turning to the mirror and striking a pose of power and confidence.
"Would you be dressed so nice if you knew you were going to be executed?" Fox asked him slyly.
"Hey! I'm never getting executed!" DK said in a proud voice. "I'm gonna be victorious! Like in our battle! Just watch me!"
"Okay, Mr. Mole," Fox chuckled. Hearing his three words, DK turned around from the mirror and stared at his partner, in shock at his choice of words.
"What?! Mr. Mole?" DK exclaimed accusingly, "You think I could be the Mole?!" Fox put his hands in the air unaccusingly.
"Whoa whoa, take it easy!" he began to DK. He laughed.
"Hehe...the only thing I know is that there are nine people, and if I'm not the Mole, then one of you all is it," the space captain spoke, shrugging. "It's just common sense! Don't hate my logic." But nevertheless, he shook his head.
"I don't think you're the Mole, DK," Fox spoke to him honestly. "I think you're just...a confident pain in the butt." Hearing his sentence, DK hollered with laughter out loud.
"Hey: that's my goal!" the ape replied to him.
DK: I didn't want anyone here to think I was here to lose. I wanted them to know that I could fight! Especially when they saw me fight for that exemption.
Fox: I just wanted DK to know that even with an exemption...you're still not one-hundred percent safe from the Mole. They could still have their tricky grasp and influence wrapped around you like a snake.
They both headed towards the door. They were both soon to take their first quiz.
Though, despite the laughs, they were both nervous. Their faces turned more serious.
"Question, though," Fox interrupted, stopping right before the door. "If I was actually the Mole this entire time...would you be mad at me? Take my head off? Do worse than throw me off the edge of a tower?" DK stopped, his hand on the knob, taken back by his question. Fox just grinned slightly.
Fox: You had to play everyone. Even your friends.
Each player was brought to the dungeon of the castle. It was a fitting location, slightly unnerving and gloomy, and above all, very dark. The inner black of the depthness that lied within the daunting place matched their moods. In different cells, they were brought and placed into them, the brightest light coming from nothing else but the laptop screens on each of their tables, light protruding only from within each small square. The setting was unfamiliar to them...and so were the quizzes before their very eyes.
And they were all nervous. Nervous to be executed. Except for the Mole.
They all then started the first quiz of the game.
1) Is the Mole male or female?
-Male
-Female
Fox focused with sharp eyes at the first question. He nodded as he clicked his first answer to the fate-deciding quiz.
Fox: First quiz. And what do you do? Who do you choose? What do you say in your head as you slowly answer ten, grueling questions about the Mole? You think the Mole is a male, but then you think the Mole is actually female. You think the Mole could be one of the louder people, but then it could also be one of the quieter players instead. Do they sabotage openly or sabotage subtly? The game can twist your mind. I needed to choose someone: Who was my suspect?
2) Which land was the Mole originally placed on during the very first mission of the game?
-Land 1
-Land 2
-Land 3
-Land 4
-Land 5
Peach, with her gloved hand, clicked her answer to the second question with a heavy breath.
Peach: Could it be our very own leader who is the Mole? Fox had failed to find his hole in the first game and yet we still respected him. Such a tricky combination, if he is the deceiver. He may well possibly be it.
3) Did the Mole successfully find and jump into their hole?
-Yes
-No
DK scratched his head. The quiz question shined brightly to him. He did his best to think carefully.
DK: One of the reasons I didn't find my hole during the first mission was because two players purposely avoiding the water and rocks on their land: Peach and Isabelle. And I was blamed for that mishap? Argh! One of them could definitely be the Mole.
4) In which carriage did the Mole ride while they traveled towards Ylisse, the land of Fire Emblem?
-The first carriage
-The second carriage
-The third carriage
Wii Fit carefully chose her fourth answer, thinking heavily before answering it.
"Hmm…" she thought to herself.
Wii Fit: How silly, Dark Pit deciding to destroy the statues. He is definitely a Mole because he just doesn't seem like he wants to win this game. At all. Another suspect is Joker. His actions in the throne room...really questionable, actually. Is he too suspicious to be a choice however? Or just the right amount?
5) In which part of the world did the Mole play in during the game Castle Mole?
-The castle keep
-The forest edge
-The throne room
Lucina, the strong warrior, clicked as confidently as she could for her answer to Question 5. Her eyes shined.
Lucina: I have heavy belief that Lucario could be the Mole. He had followed a wrong path to the wrong gondola with little to no hesitation. Watching him, I feel confident in my pick. A second suspect of mine is surprisingly Isabelle. For some reason, she had always been the one to find messages from the Mole first.
6) What did the Mole do during the game Destroy Castle Mole?
-Win an exemption
-Fire catapults only
-Destroy statues
-Examine a castle window
Kazooie: Can't just jump to conclusions...or fly to conclusions? Haha. Okay, but seriously, I think DK could be a possible, weird choice. Acting dumb during the first mission and pressing the walkie-talkie button? He's obviously smart! It drives me nuts.
7) Where was the Mole sitting during the sword fight?
-In the audience first row
-In the audience second row
-The Mole was a fighter in the sword fight
Lucario looked at his quiz. The computer itself of course didn't have an aura, but the Pokemon for some reason felt slightly apprehensive from it. He closed his eyes, as if meditating.
Lucario: If one had to select a Mole solely based on personality and behavior...Wii Fit would not be chosen. Confident, pretentious, and displaying a higher-than-thou personality, she does not fit the expected mold for a Mole. But perhaps it is her trick to fool us all. Could it be?
8) Where did the Mole sit at the dinner table for Night 2?
-On the same table side as the host
-On the opposite table side of the host
-On one of the far ends of the table
Joker only calmly clicked his answer for Question 8, looking unbothered.
Joker: Just why are there two princesses in this game? You would think the producers would have avoided redundancy, picking just one. It makes me think more about the two women more. It's strange...
9) Does the Mole have more or less than ten letters in their first and last names combined?
-More
-Same or less
Isabelle looked anxiously at her quiz. She was used to computer work and being in front of a computer...but this was more stressful than usual.
Isabelle: I hope to just score high enough, really! But to be honest though, I have no suspects. Everyone is too kind! As someone who doesn't know much, I won't be surprised at all if I'm executed first! ...Oh dear. Who do I vote for?
And at the last question, Dark Pit stopped. The last question was the most revealing, crucial question of all, as his heart beat slightly faster. A correct, chosen answer could seal one's entrance into Episode 2. A wrong choice, even just one, could mean one's path towards downfall and an end for his game.
Dark Pit: You might as well try. Even if you don't like this game. Just suck it up, stop complaining, think hard...and at least try to make it to Episode 2.
"I'm not scared," he whispered to himself, reading the last question. But he apprehensively clicked his answer for the all-important question. The question that would seal in the game a player's victory or defeat. The most important question that defined the entire goal of the game.
10) Who is the Mole?
-Fox
-Peach
-DK
-Joker
-Wii Fit
-Lucina
-Isabelle
-Lucario
-Dark Pit
-Kazooie
The entirety of the grand throne room was emptied out...except for ten chairs, a table, and one glowing, ominous object: a large television screen.
The majestic, expanse room was the setting for their first execution.
The players walked in a single file down the long, red carpet that stretched down the glorious medieval hall. They walked quietly between two rows of lit, fiery torches: large adornments of fire which seemed to guide their path down to the ten elegant chairs waiting at the end of the room. Passing by flags as well that hung from the wall, they couldn't help but feel that the ceremony was official.
A ceremony for one of them to leave the game forever.
"Not as fun as the first time we entered here," Kazooie murmured as they walked on. Peach in response nodded, unfortunately agreeing.
Reaching the wooden, medieval-styled chairs, the ten players sat in one each. And once they all settled into their seats, they saw that before them all were just three things: a table with a laptop, a large screen, and the host himself, standing before them and ready to welcome them.
"Welcome," began the host, "to the very first execution." His voice echoed through the large throne room. The ten players in their chairs faced him, silent.
"Here, we find ourselves in the very room that held the most intricate of puzzles and the most fantastic of meals...but tonight, it will only hold a ceremony that will mark the executing of one of you." The players tensed.
"One by one, I will begin entering your names into the computer," he explained. The players faced the daunting, large screen before them, as bright as one of the torch flames themselves.
"If the screen turns green after your name is entered...you are safe and you continue on into Episode 2," the host told them. He then paused, his eyes serious.
"But...if the screen turns red after your name...you are the Mole's very first victim." At this line, everyone shuffled in their seats with nervous dread. A wave of apprehension swept over all them: one of them would soon leave the game forever.
"Are you ready...to begin the first execution ceremony?" the host asked them all. The players nodded, if not nervously, and some of them were too still with anxiousness to respond.
"Let us begin."
The host looked down at the keyboard on the beautiful, wooden table before him. Then, he looked up quickly.
"Peach," the host called out first. Hearing her name, the princess looked surprised, an expression of worry appearing on her face.
"You will go first." As the host began entering her name in the computer letter by letter, the princess gripped her glove tensely. The host entered her name fully into the screen before them all.
After he had finished, he pressed, 'Enter'. Her name flashed away, and what was left was a blank screen, along with a thumprint logo: the logo of their very game. The next color of the screen would determine her fate.
P-E-A-C-H
…
…
…
…
…
...
GREEN
Her eyes fluttered with surprise yet relief. The other nine, though also relieved for the princess, only remained nervously in their seats.
"Lucario," Smash Host called out next. With concentration, the Pokemon watched his name get typed slowly into the screen before him. Lucario was the second player to be called, and his face showed slight concern, yet despite this, he remained upright, stoic.
"Are you ready?" the host asked him. Lucario let out a deep breath, then nodded firmly. He was next.
The host pressed 'Enter'.
L-U-C-A-R-I-O
…
…
...
…
…
…
GREEN
Lucario's face held feelings of peace. He closed his eyes.
"Isabelle," the host called next, as the little animal let out a little sound of alarm hearing her name.
"Yes," Isabelle replied instinctively. Isabelle had worried eyes as her name was entered into the computer screen. The host then pressed 'Enter'.
I-S-A-B-E-L-L-E
…
…
...
…
…
…
GREEN
"Oh wow…!" Isabelle sighed in realization, smiling. She was safe.
"Lucina," Smash Host called next. The swordfighter, with a small, hidden shadow of apprehension on her face, looked at her name appear within the screen. Though she took a deep breath and was nervous, she had a calm, collected face overall, her eyes focused on the screen confidently.
As the host pressed 'Enter', she could only await her fate.
L-U-C-I-N-A
…
…
…
…
…
...
GREEN
"Thank you…" she whispered under her breath, looking at the flag waving over her. It was as if she had spoken to the very flag above her, waving elegantly; it was her flag. She sat back in her chair.
"Dark Pit," Smash host announced, and the young angel alerted to the screen. With mixed emotions, the angel watched his name get slowly typed into the computer. The host finished entering his name.
"Dark Pit...you are next," the host repeated, and the others saw him let out just the tiniest of gulps. The host pressed 'Enter'.
D-A-R-K P-I-T
…
…
…
…
…
…
GREEN
Dark Pit sunk back into his chair, face stressed.
"Fox," the host continued further, facing the space captain sitting in the front row. Fox replied with a nod and a sound of acknowledgement.
"Let's go." Fox watched with focused eyes as his name was entered into the computer, letter by letter. Though of course nervous and tense, he took in a breath and was ready, determined for the next screen. The host pressed the 'Enter' button.
F-O-X
…
…
…
…
…
…
RED
There was a loud, collective gasp in the room.
"No!" DK jumped up from his seat, the loudest of them all. The ape's eyes were in disbelief, hands on his head. Everyone was shocked at the glowing, red light. But the colored screen could not be mistaken.
Fox, the space captain, had been executed.
"What…" Everyone looked at the space captain: Fox, needless to say, was shocked as well, eyes stunned with surprise at the red screen. It was an unexpected result for not only everyone else, but obviously for the player himself as well.
"I am sorry," the host announced after a few seconds of silence. "You are the Mole's first victim. You must grab your belongings...and leave immediately." The player still remained shocked. His mouth was slightly open, as if he wanted to protest something, or say something as a comment to his execution.
"Hmm." But after only a few seconds of holding a disappointed look, he slowly with acceptance got up, knowing that the news itself was true, and that there was nothing he could do or say to change it.
"I am the first victim," Fox confirmed out loud to everyone. "And I leave the game respectingly. Nothing much I can do, but leave with good will." He gave a little nod and a grin to everyone.
"Kudos to the Mole."
Then, he went to pick up his bag from the side of the hall, as everyone watched in disbelief and confusion. And within seconds, him and Smash Host were already leaving down the carpeted pathway, through the long throne room and across the red carpet, passing the dying torches which seemed to watch them leave as well.
The other nine who remained were in feelings of disbelief in the throne room, at a loss of words. The first execution was over...and the first victim was taken.
"A game so fun and full of adventure...and yet over, so soon," Fox voiced with sadness, laughing and looking at the final torch they passed by. "Someone had to be the first to go. I just...unluckily...had to be it." The large, grand doors were opened for them...and they walked outside, feeling the cool air.
"But many didn't expect you to be it," Smash Host told him, as they walked together through the castle's inner courtyard. "Do you feel that the others looked up to you and expected you to go further?"
"Possibly...probably they did," Fox thought, smiling a bit and feeling glad that the other players were able to see him in such a way. He shrugged.
"But with them surviving, that just means that they themselves have the potential to win, further than me. The nine of them are a great group. I couldn't have wished for a better one to had played with. I wish them all the best."
"Fox….I can't believe it…" Isabelle voiced, looking around, her face extremely sad. Everyone felt a sense of the same emotion as well. The remnants and emotions of the shocking ceremony still lingered.
"Noooo..." DK moaned, and the others saw that his face was devastated. "My friend! My fellow veteran!"
"H...how?!" Dark Pit uttered, shocked. "Fox was the one who knew everything about the game! He was totally prepared! Even more than the rest of us!" Everyone felt the same: no one expected Fox, their leader, to have been sent home.
"Same..I did not expect him to go…not one bit," Wii Fit stated with a shake of her head. "I am just as surprised as everyone else."
"It's just to show," Joker began, "just how sudden your downfall can come at any moment. No matter how prepared you are." He looked to his side, and by chance saw one of the torch flames flicker out.
"And also just how deadly this game can be."
"I perhaps didn't think smart enough on the questions," Fox thought with realization. "I went for one person on the quiz. Dang...I was too, too focused on that one person."
"And why did you do that?" Smash Host asked, curious.
"Too confident," Fox chuckled, mad at himself. "My first strategy was to go fast...but then I stopped. And decided to focus on one player instead and then go slow to get the right answers. Stupid, I know. I was way too cocky. But...ah, I can't change the past." He ended with a sigh, as they began walking across the drawbridge of the castle, over the moat water. Fox stared at the water a little sadly.
"I won't forget that view at the end of that first mission, when I looked over that incredible land and water of Battlefield," Fox voiced with memory, smiling just a bit. "What an awesome view it was. One of the best I'd ever seen."
"And all the beautiful, other views you won't get to see in this game," Smash Host said, a little sadly himself.
"Eh...sad yes, but I won't end my adventures here," Fox told him reassuringly. "This game has inspired me to go out...and travel more. To travel and explore this awesome planet more than I had been. I spend too much time in the skies. I should return down here more often." He looked at the forest before him, and also at the water around him.
"This world...it's amazing. I didn't know how amazing this world was until now. And I thank the game for that."
"He was...quite the amazing leader we needed to start off this game," Lucina said truthfully to the rest of the group, as everyone remembered how strongly the space captain had played in their first two missions. The Ylisse princess looked down with sadness.
"He helped us get started. He was a great captain for us. He spoke great words to us and inspired us," Peach added, looking at her with a sad smile. The Mushroom Kingdom leader closed her eyes.
"We will miss him," Peach said, smiling sadly. "It will not be the same without him."
"Indeed...everything of what a great leader should be, he was" Lucario agreed, and everyone in the room nodded.
"Now that he's gone...we all need to defend ourselves now," Wii Fit began. She looked at some of the players next to her, even suspiciously.
"Defend...against the terrible Mole."
"Do you have any memories that you'll bring out of this?" the host asked Fox, as they walked further to the edge of the moat and towards the forest. The space captain nodded immediately.
"Working with DK and defending that castle, with stones and catapults firing...surprisingly, that was way more fun than any of the recent space battles I've been in in the past year or so," Fox told the host. "But the best part about the castle game was winning. And succeeding. It felt great."
"If only you had succeeded in that sword fight against DK for the exemption, however," the host said with a smile. Fox shrugged with a smile, but then shook his head.
"Like I said, he deserved it," Fox told the host. "May the strongest...and smartest...succeed in this game. I already felt like I've succeeded in a way, so leaving this game...I'm not entirely devastated. Sad and angry at my gameplay, yes. Utterly destroyed in regret? Mm...maybe later on. But overall, I'm okay. I did my one good win, and that's enough."
"And you encouraged the others a lot too," Smash Host added. Fox nodded, gratefully.
They had reached the edge of the forest. A medieval-looking carriage, one similar to the one they had taken to reach the Fire Emblem land, awaited them. But now, it was ready to take one of them away.
Fox stepped one foot into the carriage. Before he entered all the way in, he turned back to look at the grand castle, destroyed but still beautiful, flags waving high in the air. He smiled a little wistfully, but with a loud, commanding voice, he spoke his last sentence.
"The remaining eight of you in this mighty castle...find that tricky, conniving Mole for me and win."
And within seconds, the carriage had left the land forever.
In the throne room, though the emotions of sadness were strong, they overall seemed to settle down a little. Many minutes had passed, and indeed, everyone had calmed down a bit...well, except for largely one of them.
"NOOOO! I shouldn't have taken that exemption!" DK moaned, still looking miserable and wailing louder than anything on the land. "Fox! Come back! I should have just jumped off the ledge! Whaaa!" He seemed to have collapsed fully in his seat.
"Well, if you didn't take the exemption," Wii Fit began speaking a little annoyedly, looking at him, "Would you rather have had you eliminated from the game instead of him?" At her sentence, DK's face changed suddenly.
"...On second thought, maybe I needed that exemption after all," DK stated in a calmer voice. Wii Fit sighed, chuckling and shaking her head at him.
"Congratulations to us nine remaining here," Joker nodded, turning to look at everyone else. "Myself included. We make it to another round." Everyone nodded: they felt glad...and above all, safe. But they were still tense.
"Can't wait for the next execution!" Kazooie joked, not feeling too hopeful. "We'll all be gone soon! I can't wait." Everyone recognized the other, less encouraging fact as well.
"One person will never leave, however," Lucina spoke to the others truthfully. "The traitor among us. We must catch them." Everyone nodded.
"Someone lame….someone attacking us...who really doesn't belong here," Dark Pit voiced, a little irritated.
"A deceiver of this world," Lucario stated, face calm, but overall thinking deeply.
"Yes," Peach agreed, closing her eyes. She thought hard about her past experiences, then opened her eyes once again.
"The Mole."
END OF EPISODE 1
To be continued...
Ayieeeee! And that's the end of the first episode! Our beloved captain...is gone! :(
We will miss him! Anyways, a lot of you had called out Fox as the first executed victim in reviews! :D Congrats on your correct predictions! You get kudos! Are you guys the Grim Reaper?! Hahaha!
If you have not reviewed yet at all, and have reached up to this point, PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE leave a comment! :D Of any reflections of Episode 1! :) I LOVE hearing your words and they make you so, SO happy! I want to hear your thoughts on the first episode as a whole! Who are your favorite characters? :) Your current Mole suspects? Your favorite things and thoughts? Anything! :)
POLL RESULTS: Who is the Mole? (Episode 1)
-Fox (3 votes)
-Peach (3 votes)
-DK (0 votes)
-Joker (0 votes)
-Wii Fit (1 votes)
-Isabelle (2 votes)
-Lucina (1 votes)
-Lucario (2 votes)
-Dark Pit (0 votes)
-Kazooie (1 vote)
Episode 2 will begin...in 2 weeks! :) It's strange to say this, but I'm REALLY going to miss you all! T_T :'( After all these weekly updates, it was such an awesome experience being able to update so quickly and communicate and reply to you guys through replies :) I have Episode 2 almost finished actually, hahaha, but to pace myself I will have to upload every 2 weeks, in case I hit a writer's block sometime in the next upcoming months XD
Once again, if you haven't reviewed yet but have reached this point, PLEASE PLEASE review! I humbly beg you! Every comment and word makes me so happy! :'D
Anyways, to my awesome Chapter 4 reviewers, here are your replies to your last reviews! :D Some of them are long! I apologize xD
Thank you all so much! And see you all in soon time! : ) The Mole is still alive...and their havoc has just begun.
Cavin856: The deadly stones! The terrible fruit! :D Indeed, you see, actually: I originally had the players throwing smaller projectiles, up to twenty stone each! But I thought that would have been SO time consuming to write about each hit ("A stone hit!" "Another stone missed!" xD) so I opted for less, yet more dramatic larger, fiery stone impacts! It made it more action-filled anyway! Yess! Joker sitting like a king! You nailed his personality yourself in your description of him in your review :) He is that player that despite everything bad about him, you still can't help but like him, ahaha.. Great analysis on who will be executed first! Being executed can be due to many reasons, but one that is def. true is if one of your friends is the Mole. You played it out like a map :) There are definitely some specific trust pairs out there: Fox and DK, and then Lucina and Lucario for specific example!...or is there actually less trust between some of these pairs than we think? (by the way I mention your name again in Wize Zora's reply below hehe :)
Darksymphony777: Seeing your excited exclamations gave me very happy feels of success! :) I'm glad you thought the chapter was thrilling! :') (*My goals are being hit...cry...sniff...hit like a wooden mole by flaming stones*) Nice theorizing with the Virgin Mary and Sheep clues! They suspiciously do tie in with a princess, I must say...and whoa! The Super Mario RPG sheep! : 3 I like how you just nonchalantly just throw in and discuss potentially-revealing clues...nice thinking! You're on Chapter 5 of Agent's Elevation!? That's exactly where this story is in terms of progress...wow...thinking of how far back I wrote Ch. 5 of Agent's Elevation...that was eons ago. I'm having a time duration crisis attack. Argh.
Dark Punxysaur: I ordered Persona! :D I caved in...I must play it! Thanks for convincing me :) When you mentioned "green light" in your review, I pictured Great Gatsby...but instead I pictured McHallyboo reaching for the green light, LOL. Nice number theorizing! I know you're pretty much a veteran at my stories so you know where to look for clues. You're SO advanced; looking at roster numbers! :) I just realized how awesome of a choice Mega Man would be for a Mole story...in fact, he's so innocent and heroic in a way, he would actually make a good choice in being the actual Mole themself! Anyways, so good to see ya! :D
Guest: Hallo! :D Awesome clue hunting and player sabotage breakdowns, first of all! Am I surprised?! Not one bit! ;) I like how connected sooo many things to 4 and 6 from the flag combination xD Yet in the end, I admit, you came up with some pretty valid solutions and each connection made me seriously ponder again so strongly xD Again, your sabotage list, wow! I do like very much how you mentioned the phrase, "Unusually helpful' under some characters like Joker and Wii Fit; indeed, some characters are written so capable and strong and all-knowing, it's surprising when they don't match expectations. I died laughing at "flailer" when you described both Dark Pit and Kazooie xD. I just picture Kazooie drowning in the Banjo Kazooie games and also when Dark Pit lost his wings in a Kid Icarus cutscene...the former though a bit more morbid D: hahaha. And DK flailing? Probably his signature, spammy Down-B...I'm sure that's how most non-DK mains fight when they randomly end up playing as him xD. I love them all though! I am not Smash player biased...okay, I definitely am, haha! It'd be interesting to know if anyone's mains are one of the ten players in this fic :)
Princess Toady: What a great analysis of your top three! :D I like how you called Fox the 'main antagonist' in the second mission; I like how sometimes, missions are each themselves like their own separate worlds and universes :) For Lucario, your ' I hate to even have to consider that he could be the Mole,' HAHA! I'm so sorry you feel that way, however, I laughed a lot while reading that. And seriously impressed with your Peach theorizing and how you calculated time in saying that her discoveries were timed a 'little too well!' Some intelligent mathematician stuff going on here :) You have a point with Kazooie! Wii Fit kind of took the abrasive role in this group! But how? I like to think of it like this: if Kazooie were all alone, or just with Banjo, she would of course be her very snarky and rude self. However...with nine other humans...personalities often change so much due to surrounding, other people. The existence of even just one extra person in a group changes how much I MYSELF act, so that's what I thought of when I was writing Kazooie! All of that on top of the fact that they're players under a crazy, strange game, constricted by strange boundaries in a terrible game called, 'The Mole' xD Anyways thank you so much! :)
The Wise Zora: Yes! Seriously happy to see your reviews and also to hear from you again! :D I get to reply to you fully this time too! Unlike my half-arsed other reply, baha. Your one-by-one new, long reviews seriously all made me jump with joy the past three days! :D
I am LOVING that you are mentioning other readers' in your reviews and analyzing their theories! :D It's turning into some sort of Mole family (?!) In a way?! Haha! Yes, our good Cavin is also in the Great Expert Analyzer league like you are, and I think you guys and other Mole hunter readers should team up! :D….oh shoot…no, never mind...on second thought, if you all teamed up, I don't even want to know how QUICKLY my story would be decoded and solved by you guys D: bahaha! But in all seriousness, I love how even the readers are connected :) and I wish I had some kind of message board and forum for you all to discuss even! But just to have guys replying to each other in your amazing reviews I think is already golden enough and is a medium for you guys to communicate so that's awesome :) and I'm always open to any open questions you guys deliver to me in reviews so we're all also communicating in that way too :D
Whoa! That was too sentimental and long! XD My bad. Nice analysis on the whole rope trap on the island! :O You made a good point on how the prerecorded walkie talkie Mole message is possibly enough proof that some mission elements had been pre-set beforehand! I appreciate your Mole pick of Isabelle and it's indeed true that not too many people are suspecting her ;) especially pointing out the time remaining sabotage and wanting to get fresh air, you indeed have both a good eye and good points on suspecting Isabelle! That flag theory on executions, WHOA! I can't even! :D It was so awesome and mind-opening reading all that! I will say that it actually does not signify who is executed next or not…but omg...not-correct theories are just as fun as reading correct ones! :) actually...they're MORE fun to read than correct ones! :D
The Wise Zora 2: Hahaha, I owe you another reply! Cause you reviewed the other two chapters :D and I feel so bad for half-arsing my previous reply in the other past chapter D; whahaha. The FLAGS! THE EVIL FLAGS! Indeed, I don't blame you for thinking there are clues in the colors of the flags because flags are both 1) Symbolic and always standing for something, 2) Colorful and could signify something just by a simple shade of color. AH YES! You got the ten torches symbolism :) To light one of the torches were indeed actually a real part of the game they had to do, but it was to foreshadow that in that very throne room, two days later, the execution would be taking place in that very room. Taking the quiz sounds fun :D If you guys do, I'll legit tally up your scores and give you all your final scores after all of this is over :D But seriously don't feel too pressured to do so xD! Because quizzes are long and it'll take up so much review space, bahaha!
Wow, I love how you are predicting future character development in some of the characters! :D It's funny cause I already know which characters are going to make it far and which are going to be cut short, so its a balance of trying to get characters enough character development before being executed, while at the same time trying not to be too obvious that they're getting the axe next x'D Angsty teenager Dark Pit, I am dying cause it only hits me how young he is. Fox definitely had single-handedly cost the team the most money! Which is kind of like how leaders are in real life; they lead the team and yet cause the most amount of damage during the journey path down through xD. I like how you're like, "If Fox doesn't get this next exemption, he's in trouble!" "If DK doesn't get this exemption HE"S DEFINITELY in trouble!" It's a meta and smart way to think about it I think haha :) Anyways ahhh! Thank you so much for dedicating your evenings to my story because seriously, reading all that and also you saying that you need to dedicate time writing these awesome reviews seriously put non-Mole tears in my eyes :'D You're amazing!
Amalgamie: Yay! :D I'm so glad to see your suspect list! You made a good top 3 and a very unique one too! :O Kazooie and Lucina especially; I don't see them commonly chosen as the Mole among readers, so it's so refreshing! And I'm happy to see them in your list! Hehe :) I'm also so happy you appreciated the two catapult groups! :D I was really aiming to give those pairs some personality and character! Indeed, Fox and Dk are great chums, and Lucina and Lucario are indeed the stoic ones as you said, yet were able to talk a bit and show some humanity within the challenge! Wii Fit and Joker are almost like the "villains" of the group and I'm glad you appreciate them for who they are! xD And yes! I'm so sad about the group breaking up too! :'( After this, it'll no longer be all of them! The cycle of death...has begun *dramatic music* bahaha.