Mario and Bowser: Frenemies Forever Redux

Keep Your Friends Close

Kylie Koopa circled in red ink a particular spot on her fold out map of Toad Town, specifically where the tennis stadium was. Since Luigi informed her about the illness many were stricken with, including Toad and Daisy, she had to pinpoint the source of infection. Scanning over his photos the only curious details were the unusual representation of Koopa Troop in the crowds and little lime green objects reflecting the sun's glare, ostensibly something edible like a beverage. This food object was predominantly found on one side of the stadium where mostly Toad Town locals were. Upon zooming in on Toad and Daisy's court, their trash cans even had that object in it.

She pondered, idly tapping her pen against her notebook. That thing could have originated from any vendor outside the stadium. Furthermore Susie Que's snapshots of the same match predominantly omitted the object, along with care and skill befitting the professional photographer they claimed to be, but that was another matter.. Clinging to that flicker of a lead, she grabbed her purse and slipped on her walking shoes from under the desk.

Strolling out, her gaze wandered towards the other main row of cubicles, the one that eventually led to her boss Steve the Bullet Bill's office. Susie appeared to be flagrantly goofing off on the office computer yet again, but she didn't want to lay it down on their first day and earn a nickname like 'Karen Koopa'. Something caught her one foot out the door, a small buzzing sensation. She rolled her eyes hard, knowing the source instantly.

"Whaddya want, Mitch?" She forcibly swiveled Mitch's chair around to face her.

"I need to speak to you, babe. That new guy down there-"

"I don't wanna hear it." This was the toad that told her he got a headache the moment Susie stepped in. Maybe the photos were lackluster but that was plain rude. "Just worry about yourself, greeney."

"I don't think you understand," he replied chillingly. "If you have to go to the stadium, be careful. That's all."

After Kylie departed, Mitch kept watch over Susie's space until the lunch bell rang. Everyone working made their way out in one group. When the dust settled, as predicted, Susie was missing.

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For the people of Sirena Beach, the only worries on their mind was if their sunscreen would be up to par against the rays of the tropical sun. Tourists dotted the golden shore, lounging in chairs or under umbrellas to soak up the last of the daylight hours, some even intending to hop on the short ferry to Pinna Park later for the after dark parties. No one paid attention to the dark blue shelled noki passing them by on the trail to Hotel Delfino. The most average tourist imaginable, he had sunglasses and wore a red loose fitting Hawaiian shirt. The hotel's lobby was moodily lit, tropical and tiki styling all around, along with the ubiquitous fresh fruit.

A bemused pianta clerk quickly glanced over and stamped his documents. Filled out legibly, he was certainly not local despite species, nor had a sip of Chuckola Cola. "So, here's the card key. Enjoy your stay, brah."

"Merci." The guest climbed the stairs. Less traffic than the elevators. On the top floor was his single bed room with all of the usual furnishings, and a great view of the shore from the patio. Just one issue... The guest corrected the slightly crooked watercolor painting showing off Noki Bay. Alluring, and surely more so in person. It would have been his travel destination if maintaining his identity wouldn't be near impossible around so many of his own. He slung his giant suitcase onto the bed, free to do so vacationing alone. He packed flowery shirts of all colors, a wet suit, a wallet with a badge, and a silenced handgun...

After settling in his phone vibrated. He answered. "Here safely. No interference."

"Glad to hear, Agent 0064," Agent N, the voice on the other line replied.