Peach woke early Monday morning and quickly got dressed. Before she could open the door, though, someone knocked on it. She swung the door open and noted in surprise that there was no one there.
"You Highness?"
Peach gasped. "Is that you, Athos?"
Someone she couldn't see brushed past her. "Please, shut the door."
Closing the door quietly, the Princess sat in her bedside chair. Athos assumed his visible form. "I have come to warn you, Your Highness."
"About what?"
"About tonight. The Night of Legends. I -" He stopped. "Where is Mario?"
"He's in the infirmary. Did you want to see him?"
"Yes. He needs to hear this as well."
"Very well; follow me." The Princess opened the door and led Athos out into the hall. In a few minutes they were standing by Mario's bed.
"Athos? Is that you?"
"It is I, Mario."
Mario looked at Athos desperately. "Can you heal me, Athos? Is your power strong enough?"
Athos backed away in horror.
"What's wrong, Athos? Can't you do it?
If... If I do... Zaron will... Athos made up his mind. He walked up to Mario again and placed his hands on Mario's chest. A glowing yellow energy field flowed from his hands and encased Mario completely. Athos held the field for a few minutes and removed his hands, making the field vanish.
"Thanks, Athos. I feel perfectly fine now." Mario motioned to Peach to release his leg from traction and unbind his injured left hand.
"But Mario..."
"Do it, Peach, please," said Mario. "Athos really can heal."
Reluctantly Peach allowed Mario to move freely. Without hesitating he swung his legs off the side of the bed and stood.
Athos seized him by the shoulders. "Mario, sit down. I must tell you and the Princess something of grave importance." Mario sat back down, waiting.
"The Night of Legends, Your Highness. Call it off."
Peach started. "Call it off?! But why?"
"It is a trap! The King -" Athos stopped, stood silent for a few seconds, and slid noiselessly to the floor.
Mario helped him sit up. "What's wrong?"
Athos gasped for breath. "Zaron - he - he is destroying me! Listen -" He gripped Mario's arm. "Guard - the Princess - with your life. If you do not - the King - will - will -"
"Will do what?" asked Mario.
Athos fell back and lay on the floor. His lips moved, and an almost inaudible reply escaped them.
"To live is power
To die only its loss
To live again is to rule
At the price of beauty
"Protect her, Mario..." Athos's chest stopped moving. He was gone.