In the Mushroom Kingdom, a once peaceful realm for Toads, chaos reigns as it has been transformed into a bizarre fusion of meme and idiocy. Within the Mushroom Castle, we find a portly, clueless Italian named Mario, fixated on the TV screen in search of a Spaghetti Commercial. Meanwhile, SMG4, busy creating a meme video, tries to fend off Mario's incessant requests.

Mario: "Hey SMG4, can we please get that Spaghetti Box?"

SMG4: "Not now, Mario. I'm busy."

Mario: "Pretty please?"

Meggy: "Can't you bother someone else?"

SMG4: "Yeah, bother Bob."

Mario: "Hell no."

As the channel switches to another commercial, a peculiar ad catches Mario's attention.

Ad: "Hey you there!"

Mario: "Me?"

Ad: "Yeah, you! Are you ready?"

SMG4: "What's this?"

Ad: "Do you want high-tech weaponry, or perhaps a robot?"

Mario: "Ooooh~!"

The advertisement leads to Mamoru and Haruko Laboratory, where the couple invites patrons to begin their experiments. Mario envisions a robot capable of making spaghetti, while SMG4 and Meggy ponder the possibilities of video equipment and super cool weapons.

Mario: "Mario wants a spaghetti-making robot!"

SMG4: "Perhaps they have some video equipment."

Meggy: "They might have super cool weapons too."

Mario sets off for the city in pursuit of a robot, inadvertently causing trouble for Mr. Hall Monitor.

Timeskip

https://youtu.be/c3fZ6LKJtV8

At Mamoru & Haruko's Laboratory, a sense of worry permeates the air as the couple fret over the emptiness of their establishment despite their recent commercial efforts.

Haruka: "Sigh, why is our lab so deserted, dear?"

Mamoru: "Strange, I thought the commercial would have attracted more visitors."

Haruka: "If we don't get enough customers soon, we might face eviction."Mamoru: "I know, it's concerning."

Just then, Mario, SMG4, and Meggy make their entrance.

Mario: "Excuse me, do you happen to have a spaghetti-making robot?"

Haruka & Mamoru: "What?"

SMG4: "Sorry about him, he's fixated on a spaghetti-making robot."

Haruka: "Let me check."She turns towards the storage area and calls out.

Haruka: "R.b, R.t, take him to the robot section."

Two robot girls, one with a rabbit design and the other resembling a tank, appear.

R.R.: "You got it, Dad."

Mamoru: "Alright, what about you two?"

SMG4: "I'm interested in video equipment Something a bit small and compact but still has enough function."

Haruka: "Yes, I have something for you."He rummages through his invention box and retrieves 

Mamoru: "Here you go."

SMG4: "Thank you."

Meggy: "I'm looking for weapons."

Mamoru: "For an expert like you, I have just the thing."

She reveals the Typhoon Gatling, a powerful weapon.

Mamoru: "It's a prototype, but you can try it."

Meggy: "Thank you. Is there a place where I can test it?"

Mamoru: "Yes, there's a room down the hall to the left."

Meggy: "Thanks."

Haruko: "You're welcome."

SMG4: "By the way, are you new here?"

Meggy: "Yeah, you've recently opened up shop here, right?"

Haruko: "Yes, we've just moved here."

SMG4: "That makes sense."

Mamoru: "Have you noticed anything strange lately?"

SMG4: "Like what?"

Haruko: "You know, like weird monsters roaming around?"

SMG4: "Oh yeah, there's been talk about strange monsters. Some people have posted sightings online."

Haruko: "Let me discuss this with my husband."

She pulls Mamoru aside.

Haruko: "Seems like the Smash is here."

Mamoru: "Yes, we need to keep an eye on them."

A rumble emanates from the storage area.

Mamoru: "What was that?"

Haruko: "I'll go check."

In the storage area, Haruko finds chaos.

Haruko: "What's all this noise... dear, come quick!"

Mamoru, Meggy, and SMG4 rush in.

Mamoru: "What's happened?"

SMG4: "Mario!!! You better not have caused this mess!"

The storage area is in disarray, with equipment and items scattered everywhere.

Meggy: "What happened here?"

R.b's head pops out from the rubble.

R.b: "Well, Mr. Mario here vanished during the tour and started touching random things, and then this happened."

SMG4:

https://youtu.be/tG-NYOF4gmg

Haruko: "Ugh..."

Mamoru: "Where's Mr. Mario, anyway?"

R.t: "In the full bottle room."

Haruko: "In the full bottle room?!"

All: "WAIT, WHAT?"

Meggy: "Full bottles?"

Mamoru: "It's nothing, we need to go there now before it's too late."

SMG4: "Right, I hope that idiot didn't do anything stupid..."At the full bottle room, Mario is mesmerized.

Mario: "Woah, look at this!"He gazes at the numerous full bottles, his eyes gleaming with fascination.

Mario: "Mario's in heaven!"

Excitedly, he dashes through the shelves and grabs one of the bottles.

Mario: Oooh~! That looks good!

Suddenly, Mamoru, Haruko, SMG4, and Meggy arrive on the scene.

Mamoru: "Mario, drop that bottle now!"

Mario: "Huh? Why? It's just a drink."

Haruko: "That gas inside the bottle..."

Mario: "WHAT?! Ew!"

SMG4: "Okay, what the heck is going on?"

Haruko: "Well, I guess it's time to tell the truth."

Mario: "Mario gets it! You two must be superheroes from America, right?"

SMG4: "Mario, they're from Japan."

Mario: "Hey, shut up!"

Mamoru: "SMG4 is right, and so is half of Mario."

SMG4: "Alright. So who are you guys? And what's with these bottles?"

Haruko takes the bottle from Mario's hand.

Haruko: "This is a full bottle, containing a dangerous yet powerful gas."

Mamoru: "Nebula gas. It can grant people powers based on the animal or machine it represents."

SMG4: "Like a computer?"

Meggy: "Or a squid?"

Mario: "Oooh~! Or maybe a T-Rex?"

Haruko: "Exactly."

Mamoru: "We've been collecting them for a while now."

SMG4: "Wait, you mentioned the weird monster. Does it have something to do with you two?"

Mamoru: "Yes, it's a Smash. It's the side effect after using the full bottle."

Mario: "Oh, thank goodness Mario didn't drink that. Otherwise, Mario would've ended up ugly like Bowser."

Mamoru: "It's worse than becoming Bowser."

Mario: "Yeah, thanks for the warning. But Mario still can't find a robot to make spaghetti..."

Haruka: "Give us some time, and we'll make it happen."

Mario: "Mama Mia... Looks like Mario will have to buy another spaghetti box."

SMG4: "Hey, um, you two, we could bring our friends to your shop."

Haruko: "Sure."

SMG4: "Thank you. We have to go."

Haruko: "Alright, farewell."

Unnoticed by the couple, Mario discreetly pockets the dragon's full bottle.

Mamoru: "What a mess..."

Haruko: "I told you we shouldn't have left those bottles unattended."

Mamoru: "I know, I know... We'll have to clean this up before anyone else sees it."

Haruko: "And we need to keep a closer eye on Mario next time."

Mamoru: "Agreed. Let's get to work."

Mamoru: "R.r, R.t, come help us clean up this mess, please."

R.R.: "Sure thing, Dad."

R.T.: "On it, Mom."

Together, the family sets to work, tidying up the chaos left behind by Mario's antics.

At the Mushroom Castle

SMG4: "Man, those two are quite the characters. Anyway, Mario, I'm going to buy another spaghetti box.

"Mario: "Thank you."

Bob: "WhAT uP BiTcH!"

Luigi: "Hey, did you guys get something?"

SMG4: "A new camera."Meggy: "

A cool weapon."Tari: "Oh, whoa, that's so cool!"

Mario: "Mario didn't get a robot to make spaghetti."

BOB: "ThAt WhY YoU STiLL SiNgLE!"

Mario: "Hey, shut up! But guess what? Mario got something."

SMG4: "What?"Mario pulls out the Dragon Fullbottle.

Mario: "I got a Fullbottle!"

Bob: "gIvE Me ThAt."

He grabs the bottle from Mario.

Mario: "Hey, that's mine!"

SMG4: "WHAT DID THEY TELL YOU, Mario? BOB DROP THAT BOTTLE!"

Bob: "Lol NoPe."

He opens the bottle and drinks it.

Meggy: "BOB!! DON'T DO IT!!!"

Bob: "Huh, nothing's happening."

Mario: "Well, that sucks..."

Suddenly,

Bob: "I don't feel so good."

Mario: "Uh oh..."

Suddenly, Bob transforms into a Hard Smash!

Tari: "What? How?"

SMG4: "Those gases inside the bottle! They turned him into a monster!"

Mario: "Well, I'm out of here."

SMG4: "Get back here! We need to go to the lab now!"

Tari: "Me And Luigi, we're coming too!"

Mario: "Fine, let's go. Hope Mario didn't get scolded by those two."

[Timeskip]

SMG4 and his friends return to the lab, catching the attention of Haruko and Mamoru as they notice their arrival.

Haruko: "Back so soon?"

SMG4: "Sorry about that, but one of our friends drank a Fullbottle and turned into a Smash."

Mamoru: "Okay..."

[Realization hits]

Both: "WAIT, WHAT?!"

R.R. and R.T. run out in panic, breathless as they relay the news.

R.R: "Mom, Dad, we lost one of the bottles!"

Haruko and Mamoru exchange alarmed glances.

Mario: "Okay. Mario just took the Dragon Fullbottle, Mario thought could troll people but Bob drank it!"

Haruko: "You did what?!"

Mamoru's expression darkens.

Mamoru: "Mario, that was incredibly irresponsible! Those bottles contain dangerous gases, and you used it's as a joke?! Look at the mess it's caused!"

Haruko: "Honey, please, let's try to stay calm. We need to focus on finding a solution to this situation."

Mario: "MARIO KNEW I GONNA GET TROUBLE FOR THIS!!!"

SMG4: "I told you to stop doing something stupid!"

Haruko: "SMG4 is right, Mario. This isn't the time for reckless behavior. We need to fix this mess before it gets any worse."

Haruko: "We'll deal with you later."

Mamoru: "Where is he?"

SMG4: "He's in the Mushroom Kingdom."

Mamoru: "Dear..."

Haruka retrieves the Build phone and inserts the lion-full bottle.

Build phone: "Build change."

He throws the phone onto the ground and transforms into a bike called the Machine Builder.

Mamoru: "Take us there now."

SMG4: "Right, follow me."

[At Mushroom Kingdom, chaos erupts as the Hard Smash causes mayhem. People flee in panic, and police sirens blare in the distance. The police arrive on the scene.]

Police Officer: "FREEZE, MOTHERFUCKER!"

[The Hard Smash lets out a deafening roar, smashing police cars with ease, sending officers scrambling for cover. The team arrives just in time to witness the chaos. Haruko quickly retrieves the Build phone and transforms it back into a scanning device.]

Haruko: "Dragon Smash! He can still be saved, but we must act quickly!"

SMG4: "Well, shit, it looks like Bob turned into a dragon from a fantasy game."

Meggy: "How do we turn him back?"

Mamoru: "Well, the only way is to make the Smash tired. That's the best chance to extract the essence."

Luigi: "How are we going to fight him?"

[Both Mamoru and Haruko exchange determined looks before nodding in unison. They reach for their belts.]

[They both exclaim in unison, the determination evident in their voices.]

Mamoru & Haruko: "SHALL WE BEGIN THE EXPERIMENT?"

Mario: "Oh I knew it! You two are some kind of superheroes"

Tari: "Whoa, superhero!"

Haruko and Mamoru exchange a surprised glance before Haruko chuckles.

Haruko: "Well, you could say something like that, Mario."

Mamoru: "We're not exactly your typical superheroes, but we do have a special power."

[They share a knowing smile before Haruko adds with a wink,]

Haruko: "You could call us... Kamen Riders."

As the tension mounts, Haruko and Mamoru swiftly retrieve two pairs of identical bottles. With practiced ease, they shake the bottles and place them into their respective drivers.

Build Driver: "RABBIT! TANK! BestMatch!."

With determination in their eyes, the duo cranks the handles, and pipes begin to form around them, heralding their transformation.

https://youtu.be/OFuGXDXsybk

With awe in his eyes, Luigi can't help but express his admiration.

Luigi: "Whoa, that's so cool!"

[Both Haruko and Mamoru nod in agreement as they proceed with their transformation.]

Both: "Henshin!"

[The Build Driver announces their transformation with resounding enthusiasm.]

Build Driver: "Hagane no moonsault! RabbitTank! Yeah!"

[The armor clamps onto them securely, enhancing their abilities and granting them newfound strength.]

Mamoru: "Let's go, dear."

Haruko: "Yeah, let's do this!"

As the Dragon Smash roars and charges at them, Haruko and Mamoru spring into action. With agility and precision, they dodge the creature's attacks with grace.

Haruko seizes the moment and delivers a powerful punch to a vulnerable spot on the Dragon Smash's body, causing it to recoil in pain. Meanwhile, Mamoru swiftly follows up with a well-timed kick, propelling the creature into the air.

Mario: "Oh my god!"

SMG4: "Holy shit, are they really that strong?"

[The scene shifts to the Rider expertly evading the Dragon Smash's retaliatory strikes. With unparalleled speed and skill, the Rider lands a series of powerful punches on the creature, causing it to scream out in agony.]

The intense battle rages on as the Rider continues to unleash a flurry of devastating attacks, each blow delivering a resounding impact.

Haruko: "Dear, it's time to switch bottles."

Mamoru nods in agreement, acknowledging the necessity of the change.

[They both reach for their Fullbottles, ready to make the crucial switch.]

Haruko removes the Tank full bottle and replaces it with the Vacuum full bottle.

Build Driver: "Soujiki! Rabbit!"

(in her armor style)

Mamoru removes the Rabbit Full bottle and replaces it with the Hedgehog Full bottle.

Build Driver: "Hedgehog! Tank!"

As the Dragon Smash prepares to unleash another fiery onslaught, Mamoru springs into action with the Vacuum Fullbottle. With expert precision, he activates the vacuum function, sucking in the incoming flames, neutralizing the threat.

Seizing the opportunity, Haruka charges forward, his Hedgehog Fullbottle empowering him with enhanced strength and agility. With a swift and determined movement, he delivers a devastating blow to the Dragon Smash's head using the Hedgehog Spike Knuckle, causing it to reel in pain.

The combined efforts of Haruko and Mamoru prove to be effective as they continue to outmaneuver and counter the relentless attacks of the Dragon Smash

Feeling the impact of Haruka's devastating blow, the Dragon Smash lets out a deafening roar of agony.

Haruko: "Dear, now!"

With perfect synchronization, the two swiftly switch back to their original forms and grasp the handles of their respective Build Drivers once more.

Build Driver: "RABBIT! TANK! VORTEX FINISH!"

Harnessing the combined power of the Rabbit and Tank Fullbottles, they unleash their ultimate attack. A vortex of energy erupts from their Build Drivers, swirling with immense force as it engulfs the Dragon Smash in a powerful cyclone of destruction. The creature howls in pain as it is overwhelmed by the sheer force of the attack.

With a final burst of energy, the vortex dissipates, leaving behind a defeated and weakened Dragon Smash

Mamoru: "Now for the essence, dear."

[Haruko retrieves a blank Fullbottle and approaches the weakened Dragon Smash, its form beginning to revert to Bob.]

With gentle precision, she extracts the essence of the Dragon Smash, channeling it into the blank Fullbottle. As the transformation completes, the once-rampaging creature fades away, leaving behind the familiar form of Bob.

The essence retrieval is a success, and Bob is restored to his former self, free from the influence of the Smash. With the crisis averted, Haruko and Mamoru breathe a sigh of relief

Bob: "Owwww! That hurt a lot..."

Haruko: "Next time, don't drink random bottles, then."

Bob: "Oh, man..."

SMG4: "I told you."

Mamoru: "If there's nothing else, we're leaving."

Haruka: "Ciao, guys."

[With a farewell, Haruko and Mamoru hop back on their bike and depart, leaving behind a grateful but slightly shaken Mushroom Kingdom, thankful for their timely intervention.]

As Haruko and Mamoru arrive back at their lab, they are greeted with a distressing sight. People are throwing their belongings out, despite R.R. and R.T.'s attempts to stop them.

Haruko: "What's going on here?!"

Mamoru's expression darkens as he notices the commotion.

Mamoru: "Hey! What do you think you're doing?!"

[The landlord notices their arrival and approaches them with a scowl.]

Landlord: "You two! I thought I told you to leave! This is my property, and I want you out!"

Haruko: "But we've paid our rent! You can't just kick us out like this!"

Landlord: "I don't care! You're nothing but trouble! Get out now!"

Mamoru's fists clench with frustration, but she knows arguing further will only escalate the situation.

Mamoru: "Fine. Let's go, Haruko."

[With heavy hearts, they gather what belongings they can salvage and leave, uncertain of what the future holds for them.]

As panic threatens to overwhelm Haruka, Mamoru remains surprisingly calm. With a determined expression, she reveals a surprising revelation.

Mamoru: "Wait, Haruka, don't worry. I've got something."

Haruko's eyes widen in astonishment as Mamoru reaches into her bag and retrieves six Pandora panels.

Haruko: "You... you grabbed all six of the Pandora panels?"

Mamoru nods, her confidence returning.

Mamoru: "Yes. Everything we need is right here. We'll find a way to rebuild, even if it's somewhere else."

Haruko's panic subsides, replaced by a glimmer of hope.

Haruko: "You're amazing, Mamoru. Let's get out of here."

With a renewed sense of determination, they leave the chaotic scene behind, ready to face whatever challenges lie ahead with their newfound treasure in tow.

Amid the night, rain pours down heavily, soaking the ground and casting a somber atmosphere. The whole family sits huddled together on the side of the road, their belongings scattered around them. Despite the harsh circumstances, there's a sense of unity and resilience among them as they face the uncertainty of their future.

Haruko: "I can't believe we're here... What do we do now?"

Mamoru: "We stick together. We'll find a way forward, no matter what."

R.r and R.t: "Don't worry, Mom and Dad. We'll get through this together."

Haruka: "Yeah, we've been through worse. We'll figure something out."

As if adding insult to injury, a passing car carelessly speeds through a nearby puddle, sending a spray of water cascading over the already-drenched family. They flinch at the sudden coldness, the shock momentarily silencing them.

Haruko: "Oh, for goodness' sake!"

Mamoru: "Watch where you're going!"

The children shiver as they huddle closer together, their discomfort evident. Despite the added discomfort, they exchange weary glances before breaking into resigned laughter, finding a touch of humor in the absurdity of the situation.

Haruka: "Well, I guess things couldn't get much worse."

With a collective sigh, they settle back into their makeshift shelter on the road, determined to weather the storm together

As Haruka's mind churns with thoughts of their next steps, he casts a hopeful glance at Mamoru, silently seeking reassurance and solidarity.

Haruka: "Mamoru, are you with me on this?"

Mamoru meets his gaze with a determined nod.

Mamoru: "Absolutely, Haruka. We're in this together."

Haruka's spirits lift at Mamoru's unwavering support, and she reaches a decision.

Haruka: "Let's go to the Mushroom Kingdom. Maybe SMG4 will have room for us."

With a renewed sense of purpose, they gather their belongings and prepare to embark on a new chapter of their lives, trusting in the strength of their family bond to guide them through the challenges ahead

As the SMG4 Gang gathers at Peach's Castle, uncertainty hangs heavy in the air. Mario, ever the optimist, suggests a familiar pastime.

Mario: "So how about we play video games?"

SMG4 considers the suggestion, recognizing the need for a distraction from their current predicament.

SMG4: "Yeah, that could be a good idea. A little gaming session might help take our minds off things for a while."

As Mario, Luigi, SMG4, and Tari dive into their game of Mario Party, the familiar sounds of excitement and competition fill the room.

Mario: "Yahoo!"

Tari: "Yay! Let's do this!"

Luigi: "Let's go!"

[Time passes in a blur as they immerse themselves in the lively gameplay.]

Knock, knock

SMG4 pauses the game and heads to the door, curious about the interruption. As he swings it open, his eyes widen in surprise at the sight before him.

Standing there, soaked from the rain, are Mamoru, Haruko, R.r, and R.t, their faces weary yet determined.

SMG4: "Hey, guys... What happened?"

[He gestures for them to enter, concern evident in his voice as he notices their damp appearance.]

Mamoru: "Hi, SMG4."

Haruko: "Well, how could we say this..."

R.t: "We have been evicted."

SMG4: "Oh, damn, sorry to hear that..."

[SMG4's expression softens as he considers their situation.]

SMG4: "We do have rooms. I guess you guys want to live there."

[The whole family looks away, their embarrassment palpable. Despite the circumstances, they are grateful for the offer of shelter in their time of need.]

As SMG4 reassures Mamoru, Haruko, and their children, the tension eases slightly.

SMG4: "Don't worry, you guys can live with us."

Haruko: "Thank you, I guess."

SMG4: "No problem. I need to talk to Princess Peach about this. You guys can go inside."

[The whole family and SMG4 make their way into the castle, seeking refuge from the rain and uncertainty outside.]

Inside, they come face to face with Mario, Luigi, Tari, and Meggy, who look puzzled by their arrival.

Mario: "So why are they here?"

SMG4: "Well, they're going to be living with us."

As the whole family bows down in gratitude, a sense of unity and determination fills the room.

Haruko: "We hope you will help us."

Luigi: "Don't worry, we will, right?"

SMG4: "Who wants to play Mario Party?"

Mario: "Mario's gonna win!"

R.R: "Oh, hell no! I'm gonna beat you first!"

R.T: "Yeah! Show them, sis!"

With laughter and excitement, they settle into a friendly competition, finding solace and camaraderie in the familiar joy of gaming

Haruko: "Well, this is a turn of events, isn't it?"

SMG4: "Yeah, it's kinda funny."

Mamoru: "Alright then, I think we will pack our stuff in."

SMG4: "Sure, let me help you."

Luigi: "Hey, I want to help too."

Haruko: "Thank you, guys."

[As they work together to gather their belongings and settle into their new living arrangements, SMG4 reflects on the unexpected turn of events. With Mamoru, Haruko, and their children now part of their extended family, he realizes that new friendships have been formed, and a new chapter awaits them all. Only time will tell what adventures and challenges lie ahead, but with their newfound unity and support, they are ready to face whatever comes their way.]

AfterMath

In their makeshift lab under Peach's Castle, Mamoru and Haruko diligently work to set up their equipment and organize their belongings. The atmosphere is one of determination and resilience as they adapt to their new surroundings.

Mario and SMG4 walk in to check up on them, their expressions filled with concern and curiosity.

Mario: "Hey, guys, how's everything going?"

SMG4: "Yeah, you settling in okay?"

Haruko smiles warmly at their unexpected visitors, grateful for their concern.

Haruko: "It's been a bit of a whirlwind, but we're getting there. Thanks for checking in on us."

Mamoru nods in agreement, his focus shifting back to their work.

Mamoru: "Yeah, we appreciate the support. We'll make this place feel like home in no time."

Mario and SMG4 exchange knowing glances, reassured by Mamoru and Haruko's positive attitude.

Mario: "Well, if you need anything, just let us know. We're here to help."

SMG4: "Yeah, don't hesitate to ask."

As Mario tries to call for SMG4's help, he finds himself held back by Mamoru and Haruko, their expressions now bearing a devilish grin.

Haruko: "It's time for your punishment, Mario."

Mario's eyes widen in alarm as he struggles against their grip, desperately calling out for SMG4.

Mario: "SMG4! Help me!"

But to Mario's dismay, SMG4 simply gives him a nonchalant wave before peace-ing out, leaving Mario to face his fate alone. With Mario pinned to the board, Haruko and Mamoru exchange mischievous glances, a playful spark in their eyes.

Haruko: "I bet I can hit the bullseye first, Mamoru."

Mamoru smirks, accepting the challenge with a nod.

Mamoru: "You're on, Haruka. Let's see who's the better shot."

Mario's eyes widen in alarm as he realizes he's become the target of their impromptu game. Desperately, he tries to plead for mercy.

Mario: "Wait, wait! Can't we talk about this?"

But his protests fall on deaf ears as Haruko and Mamoru aim, their competitive spirits driving them forward as they prepare to settle their friendly wager with a game of darts.

As the rest of the group walks in and sees Mario pinned to the board, Haruko notices their arrival and turns to them with a mischievous grin.

Haruko: "Hey, guys! Want to join in on the fun?"

Mario's eyes widen in alarm as he looks to his friends for help, but they simply nod in agreement, intrigued by the unexpected turn of events.

Luigi: "Sure, why not? Let's see who's got the best aim!"

Tari: "Count me in! This looks like it'll be a blast!"

Meggy: "I'm game! Let's do this!"

With the group now fully on board, Haruko and Mamoru chuckle at the prospect of their impromptu dart competition growing into a lively group activity. Mario can only watch helplessly as his fate is sealed, resigned to his role as the unwitting target of their friendly competition.