Greetings!

For those of you who don't know, The Mole was a reality TV show that started in the Belgium in 1999. From there, the concept gained popularity in several other countries. The first season in the US aired in 2001, beginning the first of five before it was canceled in 2008 due to lack of enough viewers. Sad story, I know. It is still ongoing internationally in Australia, The Netherlands and Bulgaria, however! The rules of the game are listed at the beginning of this chapter, so there's no need to begin a Wikipedia hunt.

Also: I suggest you read the Mole stories of an author by the name of krisetchers, both The Mole: Traitor Aboard and The Mole: Saboteur's Island, as well as his current tale of deceit, The Mole: Agent's Elevation. These phenomenal pieces of fiction inspired me to join the site back in yester-years. Definitely be sure to check them out; trust me, you'll love them. :)

In addition, I also recommend checking out the Mole stories of Princess Toady; specifically, The Mole: Festive Saboteur and his current story, The Mole: Disguised Disgrace. You're bound to love both.

Finally, I have created a website that goes along with this story. The link is located at the top of my profile. Contents include developed player bios, mission overviews, as well as a gallery for future picture clues. Hope you enjoy!

Oh, and before I forget: Happy Mole Hunting!

Episode 1 (Part 1)

A beginning emerges. Twelve players were selected out of several entries to compete in a simple, yet difficult, game. They must undergo physical, mental, and potentially emotional tasks in a group effort to earn up to a potential 1 million coins. In the end, however, only one of them will walk away with the prize. Seems easy enough, right? Wrong. One of these players was secretly hired by our producers as the Mole. Their job is to thwart the group's attempts at putting money into the pot by sabotaging missions. Their identity is unbeknownst to the other eleven, but they will want to find out. At the end of each episode is a 10-question quiz about the Mole. The player with the lowest score is executed, and must leave the game immediately. Who can discover the traitor to take home the prize? And more importantly:

Who is the Mole?

DAY 1 08:00:AM

LOCATION: TOAD TOWN

"CHOOOOOOOO CHOOOOOOOO!"

A coal train swiftly pulled into a passenger station near the south end of a Mushroom-inhabited vicinity. The wheels eased into a stationary position before the train's conductor blew the horn one final time.

Here, at Dry Dry Railroad, would be where twelve eager competitors from across the Paper Mario series begin a month-long adventure that would change their lives forever. For at the end of the journey, one lucky player will walk away with a check that could be worth up to one million coins, depending on how much they and their fellow comrades can work together as a team.

The camera panned to show a blue-spotted Toad strolling alongside the railroad tracks.

"The battle for the money won't be that easy, however. Among eleven genuine contestants is a person we like to call 'The Mole'. They have been hired by our producers to thwart the group's efforts at succeeding in the challenges while at the same time keeping their identity hidden from the others."

Blue Toad grinned eerily at the camera. "So? Can you determine the traitor? We'll find out, as The Mole: Paper Mario Edition begins."

Two conductors abruptly swung open one of the compartment doors. The player inside, partially blinded by the sudden sunlight, stepped out onto the pavement.

"BANDY" ANDY

SURNAME: Ali

SPECIES: Bandit

BIRTHDAY: November 5

OCCUPATION: Prof. Fighter

After the green bandit disembarked, a second player smiles at the scenery before exiting the locomotive.

DIMENTIO

SURNAME: DeJest

SPECIES: Unknown

BIRTHDAY: October 30

OCCUPATION: Magician

A third competitor hopped off the train. She looked at her surroundings in eager anticipation before running to join the others.

GOOMBELLA

SURNAME: Frankly

SPECIES: Goomba

BIRTHDAY: June 16

OCCUPATION: Archaeologist

After the first compartment was emptied, the conductors opened the second. Another person smelled the fresh air and stepped out.

KOOVER

SURNAME: Shelldon

SPECIES: Koopa Troopa

BIRTHDAY: May 21

OCCUPATION: Weatherman

The next occupant from the second compartment sprung onto the platform, alert and ready to begin.

BREE "MS. MOWZ"

SURNAME: Mowz

SPECIES: Squeek

BIRTHDAY: December 13

OCCUPATION: Badge Shop Owner

A final player hesitantly stepped off train. She adjusted her glasses before resuming a stroll.

NASTASIA

SURNAME: Batglass

SPECIES: Bat

BIRTHDAY: May 5

OCCUPATION: Secretary

A third passenger compartment on the train revealed three additional players, the first nervously bracing themselves for the game.

SUSHIE

SURNAME: Cheepkins

SPECIES: Cheep Cheep

BIRTHDAY: April 2

OCCUPATION: Nanny

Following the Cheep Cheep was a competitor who stuffed a magnifying glass into his pocket before disembarking.

PENNINGTON

SURNAME: Holmes

SPECIES: Bumpty

BIRTHDAY: February 27

OCCUPATION: Detective

The compartment's final occupant gently tumbled onto the pavement. He resumed stance and flew towards the group.

PARAKARRY

SURNAME: Mailora

SPECIES: Paratroopa

BIRTHDAY: July 21

OCCUPATION: Postal Worker

Finally, the conductors unbolted the last compartment. The first to depart adjusted her bow and leaped off the train's platform.

MAMAR

SURNAME: Starly

SPECIES: Star

BIRTHDAY: November 23

OCCUPATION: Charity Sponsor

Closely behind, the next player delicately stepped down from the her compartment, eyes sparkling with excitement.

PEACH

SURNAME: Toadstool

SPECIES: Human

BIRTHDAY: February 18

OCCUPATION: Politician

The final contestant clasped his hands behind his back and prodded off the train.

VINNY

SURNAME: Pianta

SPECIES: Pianta

BIRTHDAY: March 29

OCCUPATION: Bodyguard

Just as Vinny caught up with the others in the collected group, the conductor blew his whistle one final time before pulling out of the station entirely. They were alone.

"...well, I guess we're allowed to talk now," Mamar conjectured, attempting to break the silence between them.

"Man, I'm stoked!" Bandy Andy cheered, pumping his fist. The rest laughed in agreement.

Pennington craned his neck to read the nearby street sign. "Toad Town, I presume?" he asked, partially glancing at Peach in the process.

"Pretty sure it is," she said cheerfully. "You've got to love this place."

Goombella grinned. "I'm just glad to be out of Rogueport again!"

After observing the rest of her companions, Sushie extended a fin to Vinny. "Well, I might as well start the introductions. I'm Sushie. And your name?"

"...um...Vinny," The Pianta remained motionless, leaving Sushie to awkwardly withdraw her gesture.

"...yeah. K, so what are we supposed to be doing right now? I'm pretty sure we weren't stranded here without reason," Nastasia pointed out. The other players couldn't give a response other than a mere shrug.

Parakarry scratched the back of his neck. "Maybe we're just supposed to wait here."

Dimentio just shook his head. "Sure. So when we remain here like frozen penguins solitary in the barren cold, what happens next?"

"I dunno, maybe a stork will drop off our instructions or something," Koover said jokingly.

"Wait!" Ms. Mowz interjected. She took in a whiff of the air surrounding her before doing a backflip. "Nope. We need to head North."

"...uuuuuh..."

"Well indeed! Looky there!" Pennington said, pointing at the path leading away from the train station. Sure enough, a noticeable arrow constructed of flower petals was strategically placed along the path in front of them. "A clue! JUST as I suspected!"

"Not to steal your thunder, but I think it's sole purpose is direction," Bandy Andy commented. "Onwards, then?"

After a moment of brief observation, the players all reached the same conclusion and began walking down the path, passing a pen of Lil' Oinks that scrambled at the sound of their nearby footsteps. Seeing the confusion and chaos reminded them of the purpose of their game.

"So how do you guy's feel about having a 'Mole' among us?" Sushie asked in hopes to start a conversation.

"It definitely adds a whole new definition to the word 'trust', that's for sure," Koover said.

"I think it'll be a blast," Goombella reflected. "It's like one big mystery." Pennington perked up at this seven-letter word.

"Still, having to lie constantly? Whoever the Mole is, it almost seems like they have it tougher. One wrong move and everyone knows who you are," Mamar stated.

"Ah, and was that perhaps your first?" Dimentio smirked. "What? Why else would you sympathize with him? Have you already forgotten that his intent is to prevent money, not gain it?"

"Hey, this 'Mole' could be feminine as well, you know," Peach added defensively.

"Let's make dis easy then. Will da real Mole please step forward?" Vinny joked, helping to break the ice between them.

Ms. Mowz raised an eyebrow. "Didn't someone say that on the first season of the US Mole?"

"And weren't they the first one executed?" Parakarry added. Vinny attempted to hide a gulp.

"...so, we gonna continue acting like Chatty Cathys or are we gonna figure out where it is we're going?" Nastasia remarked. The players reentered the reality of the game they were in as they began to approach a flower garden.

Parakarry frowned. "Hm...the arrow was constructed from flowers, so I'm guessing...here?"

"This is not frustrating at ALL. How are we supposed to compete in this if we have no managers...er, producers to even inform us of what we're doing?" Bandy Andy asked, agitated that they were only being followed by cameramen and sound crew.

"Because this is where we're supposed to be, sweetie!" Ms. Mowz was standing next to a conveniently placed sign at the right side of a conveniently placed door in Minh T.'s garden.

"Let me have a look," Pennington said, pushing his way past Vinny's large physique to have a glance. It read 'THIS WAY TO THE MOLE' in simple, ebony-colored letters. One final arrow pointed to the left, towards the door itself.

"Hoo, someone needs a little assistance in their penmanship," Sushie kidded, regarding the messy clutter of letters.

"Not to mention the blood red arrow that looks like it was just splattered on. Makes it all suspicious, I guess," Koover observed.

Dimentio began to grow impatient. "We can look at this all day like little children in a toy shop of signs, but I'd like to follow where the arrow leads us," he said, motioning towards the wooden door in front of them.

"Uh...what exactly is da significance of this?" Vinny questioned, looking at Goombella for an answer.

"Sorry, the only magical door I'm familiar with is over a thousand years old," she replied.

Peach laughed a little. "I might be of help. This door actually provides direct access to Flower Fields. And the arrow appears to lead the way. I'm pretty sure we're supposed to go inside in that case."

"One way to find out. Yeah. Hey, FYI, we're leaving now, K?" Nastasia said to Mamar, who was busy trying to memorize the sign's layout.

"Sorry, sorta zoned out. Well, let's get going then!" Mamar politely held the door open as the twelve players entered, mixed with anxiety and curiosity.

The Mole smiled as the door shut behind them, sealing them off from Toad Town. Their job of espionage was about to begin.

"WELCOME!"

The twelve players were startled to see Blue Toad occupying the entrance in Flower Fields. Though they knew they should face the Toad, many couldn't help but drift their attention to the millions of flowers and other plants that engulfed their surroundings.

"Unbelievable..." Sushie's voice trailed, overwhelmed by the brilliant color show surrounding them.

"Whoa, is that a tree we're underneath?" Goombella gasped, pointing to the giant oak concealing the sun through it's protective branches.

"All right, all right, I can dig this joint," Bandy Andy contemplated.

Koover grinned. "Game on, Mole! Game on!"

"This place is spectacular, I know. Allow me to introduce myself. I'm your host for this game, Blue Toad. But please, just call me Blue. Never mind that, though. Introductions can be saved for another time, despite their vital importance. Now, I'm certain you're all aware of the rules, so I'd like to ask each of you to write down two people you think are the Mole." A few gasps of disbelief were shared between the players.

Goombella: Already, the host is asking us the game's most crucial question. I know that it has to be answered if I want a shot at winning the game, but I wasn't expecting to do so within the first two seconds. A million thoughts are going through my head as I'm thinking, 'Are these going to be announced? Is this a surprise first execution?' I mean, I hardly even know these people to come up with a reasonable choice!

Each contestant was given an individual marker and leaf that consisted of twelve names for each player. After taking a minute or two to highlight their selections, Blue collected the leaves and, to the relief of the players, left to tally the results.

"Gee, things sure have gotten rather lively, haven't they?" Ms. Mowz remarked playfully. Her peers could only agree with her.

"The dramatic suspense! It's toxic! Run before it's too late!" Parakarry joked.

"Not much of a head start, though. Blue's returning," Vinny observed.

"Well, after tallying all of your selections, I can assuredly inform you that your top two selections on the Mole are..." The players awaited what the host was about to reveal.

"Peach and Koover." Peach was taken aback by this sudden update while Koover seemed equally surprised but continued listening.

Peach: I was honestly shocked when Blue announced that my fellow players selected me as one of their top Mole candidates. I'm not sure if it was based on the minimal conversation I've conducted with them or just first impressions, but I now know how I hold among the others.

Koover: It's a weird feeling, knowing that you're going to be playing the game with people who right off the bat think you are the Mole. It kinda gave me a wake-up call that the game had really started. Still, I'm not sure whether this is a good or bad position to be in, so we'll see how this pans out.

"Gee, thanks guys," Peach retorted.

"Now, if you two would please follow me," Blue said, motioning for them to come with him. After Koover and Peach were out of hearing range, the slightly diminished group resumed conversation.

Dimentio chuckled in such a manner as to grab the attention of the others. "What's so amusing?" Ms. Mowz asked.

"Oh, just the irony in what Koover said earlier. Game on indeed, Mole."

Pennington raised an eyebrow. "Well, wouldn't you agree that the game is officially starting? We're probably commencing something crucial as we speak!"

Bandy Andy nodded. "Looks like the choices we just made weren't just for survey, eh?"

"Yeah, it's probably a bad thing if the two 'Moles' are being isolated from the rest of us," Nastasia commented.

"I guess we'll find out if they're truly Moleish or not based on their actions," Mamar said.

Sushie remained flabbergasted by it all. "I must confess, I didn't even select either one of them!" she stated openly.

"Yo! Zip it! We probably aren't supposed ta talk about who we picked!" Vinny cautioned. Parakarry just rolled his eyes.

"To be fair, Blue didn't give us any instruction," Goombella said.

"Probably because it seems like he's giving it to them," Pennington said, staring at the host talking to Peach and Koover about 50 meters away.

"Congratulations you two! I have no idea why, but you are currently the group's top two suspects!"

"Wow. I feel so comforted now," Koover sarcastically remarked, causing Peach to laugh a little.

"Still, it might not be a bad thing necessarily. You two supposed saboteurs will be playing a vital part of your first mission."

Peach placed her head between her hands. "Of course!"

"Hopefully, you've socialized with your fellow players, or shall I say accusers, enough to make good judgments about them. If not, then here's hoping your first impressions are accurate for your benefit. Welcome to your first test! I like to call it "Commencing Countdown". In order to succeed, you must decide the events that your fellow compatriots must participate in. The first requires them to partake in a tandem paraglide off of those clouds up there." Blue pointed to the Cloudy Climb above him. Peach gasped at the height.

"We'll have a ton of friends at the end of the day," Koover laughed, merely shaking his head.

"Hey, maybe they'll enjoy trusting the wind?" Blue teased lightheartedly. "You must choose four players to paraglide. Next, we have the Sun Tower repelling." He turned his head to see the elevated tower towards the Northwestern edge of Flower Fields.

Peach started laughing. "What is this with all the height activities?"

Blue shrugged his shoulders. "I don't make the challenges. Anyways, three people must complete the repel, and they'll have 30 minutes to do so."

He then walked a little toward the Northeast. "Here, we have the infamous block puzzle. These switches are color-coordinated and move either up or down depending on which switch is pressed. You must choose two people to reach the end of the block puzzle, and they'll have twenty minutes to do so. I suggest you choose people who are both smart and patient at the same time."

"And I wonder what the last person will partake in," Koover commented, having calculated the required numbers in his head.

"Indeed. The last person must make their way through the Rose Garden Maze." Blue pointed towards the hedged labyrinth towards the West. "They will have ten minutes to finish the maze."

Peach nodded slowly. "And so the power lies in our hands," she muttered.

"The players you choose aren't the only thing that matter, though," Blue continued. "You'll also place money amounts by the certain tasks, equaling 5000, 10000, 15000, and 20000 coins. Should everyone complete their tests, you'll automatically win 50000 coins for the group pot. However, should any group fail their required mission, you will not earn any money you designated for that task. Understand?" They both nodded.

"So, we essentially have to place the higher money amounts by the groups we feel most confident in," Koover responded.

Peach: This definitely seemed like it would be a tough challenge. After the others already made their decision in choosing Koover and myself as the Mole early on, we now are required to make even heftier decisions about their abilities. I don't know these people well enough yet. And if they fail, the weight still falls on our shoulders. Not the perfect spot to be in.

"Well then, who do you want to go paragliding?" Peach asked her partner.

"They can't be afraid of heights, that's for sure," Koover said. "What if we start with the one and two-person tasks first?"

"I think Goombella should definitely be working on the puzzle," Peach remarked.

"Yeah, definitely her. And...Pennington? Since it seems like he's some sort of a detective?" Koover asked.

"Sounds good to me. Parakarry and Mamar should probably do the paragliding since they're used to higher places."

"Just what I was about to say. And possibly Bandy Andy since he seems tough enough."

"It seems like the challenges with the most people will be the most difficult to complete," Peach speculated.

After a few minutes of quick decision-making, the two reached a conclusion and approached Blue with it.

"All right then, so who will be performing the paragliding?" Blue asked.

"Parakarry, Mamar, Bandy Andy, and Vinny," Koover responded.

"Ms. Mowz, Dimentio, and Sushie for the repelling," Peach added.

"Goombella and Pennington will solve the block puzzle," Koover continued.

"And that leaves Nastasia for the maze," Peach finished.

After also determining the money amounts each task would be worth, Blue nodded and headed back to the rest of the players. Peach and Koover were not permitted to return, and were instead given seating a good distance away from the others.

Koover: I think the worst part was not being granted any means of communication. Peach and I had to go with our initial reactions about them and could only hope they would be successful. Plus, I kinda want to find out more about these people. I know the first quiz is going to be the hardest because we haven't had much time to make candid suspicions, so I'm kinda at a disadvantage right now.

Meanwhile, the presumably innocent contestants continued to mingle beneath the Wise Wisterwood, having been provided no instructions after their host disappeared.

Nastasia: ...I mean, if you're going to isolate when we're all bubbling to the brim with anticipation and confusion, you could at least inform us what is happening and how we should act accordingly.

"How about we get back to those introductions?" Parakarry suggested.

"Not sure how much time we'll have. Blue's returning," Ms. Mowz said, extending her tail in the direction of their approaching host.

"Well, I hope the ten of you didn't miss me in my absence," Blue Toad stated, walking up to the relieved group of ten.

Dimentio shrugged. "Only thing I care about you doing is easing our confusion."

"Ah, and that is my sole intent. As you can see, I have been conversing with your two Mole candidates. Here's hoping they aren't as suspicious as you think, because they will be playing a crucial part in the success of your first challenge." The players could only groan.

"Figures," Vinny smirked.

"Your first test is called 'Commencing Countdown,' and should you play your parts well, it could bank you 50000 coins. Koover and Peach were occupied with assigning each of you a specific task that you must complete. Not only that, but they have also placed money amounts with each task you guys perform, ranging between 5000, 10000, 15000, and 20000 coins."

"Do we get to know what price they labeled each task?" Mamar asked.

Blue burst into laughter. "Of course not! You're signed up for the Mole, after all!" The group didn't feel reassured.

"If that's all then, let's get to the first task. Parakarry, Mamar, Bandy Andy, Vinny, please follow me." The four nominees hesitantly walked behind Blue as the producers guided the other six to a separate viewing point.

"They sure like to divide the group up early on," Pennington speculated.

"I'm more concerned about not being able to control Peach and Koover's decisions, both the selected players and the money amounts," Sushie remarked.

"Yeah. Sorry we didn't exactly pinpoint you when you wanted us to, Mole," Nastasia retorted.

"Oh please, you've been adding retorts to every little comment even made," Goombella said, causing Nastasia to back down.

Dimentio's eyes continued to follow the host and the other four. "Where's he taking them off too?" From their viewpoint, it almost appeared as if they were being lifted along a large, green vine that extended into the air past the clouds. As they drew farther and farther away, Ms. Mowz closed her eyes in realization.

"Dearie, I think Jack just climbed the beanstalk."

"You've gotta be kidding me right now," Bandy Andy said as they arrived at the top of the clouds. Nervously, he extended a foot and was surprised to discover it withheld his weight.

"Breathtaking, I know," Blue Toad sputtered.

"My choice of words would have been breath-removing, but that works too I guess," Mamar replied nervously.

The host guided them further along the path of clouds. "Unfortunately, your task isn't testing how well you can take in the view, though I suppose you could argue the view part."

"Dat's not what I think it is, is it?" Vinny asked. Their jaws dropped when they noticed four individual parachutes alongside four individual instructors.

"If your thoughts tell you that you four must complete a tandem paraglide off the clouds to the ground below, then yes," Blue responded almost sadistically. Despite the knowledge that it would be tandem, the idea of gliding down from their height still didn't appeal to them.

"Do we have to go all at once?" Parakarry asked, trying to hide any potential fear in his voice.

"One by one until you all have jumped. Keep in mind though; if any one of you refuses to paraglide, you won't earn any money placed with this task. Understood? Good. I suggest you start soon. The ants you call friends down there seem to be acting a little, shall we say, antsy." With that remark, Blue left for the beanstalk.

For a while they remained speechless until Vinny broke the silence. "Look, I'm not even sure da paraglider will be able to hold my weight, let alone combined with da instructor's."

"Hey, you still have to jump!" Bandy replied. "There's no chickening out now. We're paragliding. And that's a fact."

"What order should we go in though?" Parakarry asked.

"Can we talk about this in a little bit? I'd like to get suited up first if you don't mind," Mamar suggested, already progressing toward a Toad instructor.

"Something tells me Blue didn't give them all the details," Koover commented, noticing the tense focus the six on the ground had towards the sky.

Peach squinted her eyes. "Well, they're totally invisible to us up there. I hate not being able to see what's going on."

"This mission seems like it'd be fairly simple to sabotage. Being struck with sudden acrophobia before your turn."

Peach nodded in agreement. "All we can do is trust what they tell us happened."

After being fully geared and given a brief saftey instruction and equipment check, the four paragliders met back up in a circle.

"I regret looking over da edge now," Vinny muttered, gaining a sick feeling in his stomach. "It's a lengthy ways down before actually going kaput."

"Way to make the rest of us feel better," Mamar sighed.

Bandy Andy cocked his head back. "This is INSANITY!" he shouted towards the sky above him.

"Come on guys. Remember what Blue said," Parakarry reminded. "Sooner we complete this, sooner we can move on with the game."

"No one seems too keen on being the first to set sail, though," Bandy Andy said. He glanced at the professionals, already growing impatient at the wait.

"Any volunteers for the first suicide?" Vinny asked. He didn't receive a response.

When still no one moved forward, Mamar groaned. "Fine, I guess I'll go first, just to show you guys what it's all about," she teased.

"Eh, I'm fine with going," Bandy Andy stuttered.

"What, afraid to lose your masculinity because a girl is braver than you?" Parakarry joshed, causing the green bandit to blush red.

"No, just I...er...ladies first," he replied. After adjusting her signature bow, the Star Spirit went over to join her instructor.

"Willing ta bet she chickens out," Vinny wagered. Parakarry was not amused.

"Dude, she'll be fine. She has to be fine, or else we win zilch."

"Unless she's the Mole," Bandy Andy whispered.

The tandem instructor assigned to Mamar was pleased when she walked up to him. "Ready to go paragliding?" he asked nicely.

Mamar sighed. "Ready as I'll ever be..."

Mamar: I volunteered first not because I figured it would be fun. Truth be told, I love heights, but the thought of freefall is NOT my cup of tea.

"Now remember, in order to have a smooth liftoff, we'll need to run down this slope as soon as the wind starts trying to blow us outward," the instructor reminded, hooking himself up with Mamar's suit. Mamar's breath pattern started to increase as she was finished being buckled together.

"You don't have to imitate the wind, though," he said, hoping to calm Mamar's nerves.

"It's sorta involuntary now," Mamar responded nervously.

"Just relax and enjoy the ride, okay? The wind's picking up. You ready?"

Mamar closed her eyes and bit her lip. "Er...yes. Oh dear oh dear oh dear-" Mamar nearly fainted as her instructor pushed her across the cloud. When they were about to reach the edge, he pulled up on the cords, sending them gliding in the air. Bandy Andy, Parakarry, and Vinny cheered as Mamar began to slowly sail to the ground below.

"Okay, I'm so next!" Bandy Andy said, already running to find his tandem partner.

Back on the ground, Dimentio was growing reckless. "Yeesh, are they just going to stand on an unnatural cloud until the trap door breaks and they get flushed out with the precipitation?"

"What the heck are they doing that high up in the first place? That doesn't look safe to me. At least from down here," Ms. Mowz noted.

"It should be fine. When I was adventuring with Mario, they handled our collective weight perfectly," Sushie explained.

"Yeah. And you think the clouds from almost a decade ago are still here?" Nastasia snapped.

"Oh my gosh! Look!" Goombella shouted. At that moment in time, someone had just jumped from the clouds and was beginning their tranquil descent.

Pennington raised his magnifying glass. "Looks like Mamar to me."

"Man, I am so jealous right now," Goombella sighed, trying to keep the sun out of her eyes so she could see.

"Well, one person did their task. Question is, will the rest of them?" Dimentio wondered. The rest could do nothing more than simply hope.

Bandy Andy was jumping up and down on the cloud. "I am SOOOOOOOOO pumped for this now! Let's pick it up wind!"

After a short time of waiting, a breeze pushed the two from behind, signaling their run.

"GERONIMO!"

Parakarry and Vinny clapped for Bandy Andy's success. Two down, two more to go.

"You wanna go next?" Parakarry offered.

Vinny shook his head. "No way dude. I don't trust dis thing. I'll feel better if you went first."

"What? So you can change your mind at the last minute? I know I'm going paragliding. You're the one I'm worried about."

"Yeah, I'm kinda worried about MYSELF too, dude!"

Parakarry nearly growled. "Fine, but you'd better be quick to follow, Mole." Vinny gave him a nasty look as he headed off.

"Go Mamar! WOOOO!"

The players on the ground continued cheering for the first paraglider as she drew closer and closer. As they were about to land, the Toad had Mamar pull up on the cords, helping them gently ease onto the flower cushion.

"That was AWESOME!" Mamar cheered as she unclipped herself from her chute. The others ran to join her in celebration.

"Any clue who went after you?" Pennington asked, noticing a second glider steadily progressing toward the ground. Mamar simply shrugged.

"How was it like?" Goombella pitched in.

"And you sure if the others are gonna jump?" Nastasia questioned.

"One question at a time, please! I'm still trying to catch my breath!" Mamar pleaded as she thanked her instructor and cleared out of the landing spot.

Ms. Mowz smiled. "That hunk o' cheese fighter is about to make his debut with the ground once more."

Sure enough, about a minute later, Bandy Andy landed. He received the same response as his preceder.

Bandy Andy: Man, I have GOT to that again sometime! Seriously, the adrenaline rush of the boxing ring didn't even compare to the breathtaking flight I got to experience. The view was unbelievable, too!

"Congratulations!" Sushie cheered as she shook the hands of both gliders.

"Don't celebrate too early like children on their half birthdays. Parakarry and Vinny are still up there," Dimentio pointed out.

Blue had already returned to the ground before Mamar had even began her task. Now, he joined Peach and Koover as they watched the success of two of the players they had selected.

"Well, that's halfway comforting," Koover said.

"I'll feel at ease when they're all on the ground," Peach stated. Koover could only agree.

"Any thoughts on how the other two will hold up?" Blue asked them.

Koover bit his tongue. "I'm pretty sure they'll do it. They both seemed like they'd be brave enough to handle it,"

"Still, one of them could be the Mole," Peach pointed out.

"Wait! Sweet, I see another glider!"

Parakarry cheered like a madman as he and his tandem instructor were blown into the air. He attempted to look back at Vinny before disappearing beneath the clouds.

"Is the other instructor a good convincer?" he shouted to the Toad behind him.

"I'd guess so for the most part. He can't force your friend into jumping, though." Parakarry frowned a little as he steered the glider a little towards the left.

Parakarry: I really don't want to think that the Mole would sabotage the first mission as blatantly as to blow their cover right away. Still, I can't help but shake the possibility that they might. They can make one minor little boo-boo and jeopardize the mission in the process.

"Good job Parakarry!" Sushie encouraged as the third paraglider crew mounted.

"Was Vinny right behind you when you left?" Pennington asked out of curiosity.

"I don't know," he replied, unable to provide a better answer.

The players all turned to face the sky in unison. Only one more remained to earn whatever money amount had been placed on that task. The Mole could only smile at the concerns and confusion the genuine players faced trying to determine who he or she was. And the challenge wasn't even a quarter of the way completed.

Voila! A new story! The suspense of the game is already building within the first chapter. Who do you think is the Mole? Leave a review with your suspicions!

Also, just a few things to clarify:

Bandy Andy's real name is just Andy. His fighter's name, however, is "Bandy Andy" and that's what he typically goes by.

'Bree' is also Ms. Mowz. I sincerely doubt that Ms. is a first name, so I just made one up, but I'll still refer to her as Ms. Mowz.

Lastly, Koover is not Kooper. They are two separate characters that I did not mix up.

Thanks for reading! Vote on the poll on my profile as well if you're interested.