"Okay. Thanks. Stay safe," said Peach before ending the call and putting her cell phone away. Turning to Mario, she said, "The airships have just been spotted outside my borders, and they're expected to arrive at the castle within seven minutes."

"We'd better get ready, then," said Mario.

The MK was now bracing itself for Koopa's "visit". All of Peach's constituents had completed their last-minute runs to the grocery and convenience stores, and they were now taking shelter in their basements, storm cellars or other sturdy buildings. Their radios were outfitted with fresh batteries and were tuned in to the most convenient news station. As soon as those airships were visible on the horizon, everyone battened down the hatches. It was just like any other "visit"—only this time, it was different.

Those reporting to Peach took notice of the fancy decorations on the airships, especially the whites and pastels. Those decorations absolutely screamed "royal wedding". What everyone had spent the last 32 years fearing and anticipating had come to pass. They now understood that during this go-round, Koopa had nothing to lose, and he'd thus exercise no restraint.

Peach stepped daintily over to a case, opened it and unsheathed a slender rapier, a gift from Zelda. After taking a few practice swings and stabs, she returned the blade to its scabbard and clipped it to her dress.

She looked over at Mario and saw him stretching. He rolled his shoulders and shook out his arms, bouncing lightly on his toes like a boxer preparing to defend his title. There was tension about him, from the crown of his head to the soles of his boots. He'd tried to be ready for this, but villains sometimes had the ability to surprise the heroes.

"It'll be all right," she said, placing a hand on his shoulder. "If we're lucky, we'll be able to stop him before he can make off with me."

Mario turned to her, his eyes alight with restlessness. "This is the fourth attempt to force you to marry him," he said. "After three decades of defeats, who knows what he'll pull this time around? Who knows what he'll try to bribe you with, or worse yet, threaten you with?"

Peach smiled. "Whatever he tries—we'll face it together," she said.

"I won't let him force a ring onto your finger," vowed Mario.

"I know you won't."

Peach walked to the balcony, gazing out at her dominion, listening to Mario shadowboxing. And there, on the horizon, was a familiar speck. Koopa's lead airship, followed by another airship, and then another and another. As previously reported, wedding streamers, ribbons, wreaths and flower arrangements decorated the airships, which were painted white. Even the Koopa Kingdom's flag, flying proudly on the mainmast, was painted a pastel lavender color.

The Mushroom Princess breathed in through her nose and out through her mouth, drawing her rapier, giving it a quick twirl and holding it at the ready. Do your worst, you overgrown turtle, she thought.

"Here he comes," said Peach.

Mario glanced up, saw the airships and grabbed his cell phone. There was someone he needed to call.

Luigi answered on the first ring. "Hey," he said, sounding a little winded. He must've come back from a tournament match.

"He's finally doing it, Luigi! That turtle's closing in on the castle!" said Mario.

"Is everyone all right?"

"Looks like it. Koopa's focusing his energies on Peach this time around," Mario told him. "There are decorations on his airship—wedding decorations! He does want to marry her, after all!"

"Okay, Bro—sit tight," said Luigi. "I'm gonna make a stop at Master Hand's office, and then I'm heading over."

"There's no time," objected Mario as he heard distant cannon fire. "I've got to stop this myself!"

"But…"

"No buts, Luigi!" Mario said, a little sharper than he intended. "This—this is something I have to do alone, because it won't be like the usual rescue missions. It's up to you to look after the Toads in anticipation of another attack. And what if—what if—what if he…?"

"That's always been a risk each time you confront him." Mario could tell that Luigi was trying to keep the frustration out of his voice, "but my presence would lessen that risk, wouldn't it?"

Mario sighed. "Luigi—all your life, you've tried to help me. You've put my well-being before your own. But—I gotta do the same for you. Koopa's not f—ing around this time."

He spun around when he heard the echo of his nemesis's laughter.

"Wedding bells are ringing!" his voice taunted over a loudspeaker.

"Go get him!" Luigi exclaimed. "Hurry!"

"All right—see you when I get back," said Mario.

"See ya," said Luigi.

Mario ended the call and pocketed his phone. Then, he joined Peach on the balcony, a fireball igniting in one hand.

Honestly, the man in red really wanted his brother beside him right now. He wanted to feel his love and comfort and determination radiating off of him, and he wanted to hear their breaths falling into sync with each other. While Luigi would have nerves, he'd still have Mario's back, and when it came to stopping an unwanted wedding, then he'd fight just as hard, not just for his bro, but also for the woman he'd come to regard as his sister-in-law. However, it all tied back to Mario's recurring dream, of Koopa forcing him to choose between Luigi and Peach during that climactic final battle. Visions of Luigi, beaten and bloodied on the castle floor as Koopa stood over him, laughing and raising a claw to finish him off, routinely haunted him, and that was why he'd taken most of his greatest adventures on his own. This adventure was bound to have more uncertainty, since it revolved around a "royal wedding". He couldn't afford to get Luigi involved. He just couldn't.

"He'll understand," he murmured, preparing body and mind for the upcoming battle.

The airships were now in clearer view, headed straight for the castle. Koopa stood proudly at the bow of his lead airship, nattily dressed, a big smile on his face as his eyes fell on his bride-to-be. There was Mario, ready to protect her as always, but he wasn't gonna be a problem. Not after today.

Peach didn't really know what would happen after this, but she'd meet it all the same. And so she waited on her castle's balcony, remembering to breathe, her rapier pointed at her approaching attacker and her hero at her side.

1.1.1

Tiara waited in the Captain's Cabin, sipping on some sparkling cranberry juice and watching a morning talk show on TV, while the sounds of a very heated battle sprang up outside. While listening to this battle, the young Bonneter knew that Koopa and the Broodals had lied to her, and that something unsavory was brewing beneath the surface of this "royal wedding". Judging by the grunts and yells and clashing steel, the bride was anything but willing. Tiara resolved to discover the truth behind this "wedding", whatever it took.

The skirmish lasted for a little over an hour, and then she heard Koopa's voice.

"Tiara? There's someone I'd like you to meet."

"Coming!" said Tiara, muting the TV and floating onto the airship's main deck.

Her "host" stood there, gasping for breath. His lip was split open, his snout was a bit bloody and several lacerations scored his underbelly. In the palm of his hand sat a beautiful young woman in a carnation pink gown, her blond hair in a ponytail and her eyes sparkling with fire. She was also breathing heavily, her skin flushed with exertion.

Gently, Koopa set the woman onto the deck and handed her a slim rapier, which she slid into a scabbard clipped to her gown. "I had no idea you knew how to use that," he said.

"I don't want to be a target if my two boys are incapacitated," the woman said smartly. "I practice for a least three hours a day."

"Do you really hate me that much?" asked Koopa.

"I just don't wanna be seen as a damsel in distress anymore," replied the woman.

"Hi, there!" Tiara piped up. "Are you the lucky—or should I say unlucky—bride?"

"Indeed," said the woman.

"You're quicker on the uptake than I thought," mused Koopa. "Tiara, this is Peach, my blushing bride. Peach, this is Tiara. She hails from Bonneton, in the Cap Kingdom."

"Hi, Tiara," said Peach.

"Hi, Peach," replied Tiara.

"Bonneton is all about hats and airships," said Koopa, "and while I was planning our wedding, I figured that rather than buy an expensive tiara, I can borrow a special tiara worthier of a Princess."

"Borrow—hardly," snapped Peach. "You've kidnapped her, just the same as you've kidnapped me."

"Okay—you got me," huffed Koopa, "but I didn't physically drag her onto this ship. She volunteered."

"You were attacking the city!" Tiara charged. "When they told me that the Broodals were asking for me, I did what I had to so you could stop!"

"Who are the Broodals?" asked Peach.

"My wedding planners," said Koopa. "There's Harriet, Topper, Spewart and Rango."

"Harriet—that was the rabbit who spoke to me two years ago!" cried Peach. "She was outfitting me for a wedding dress, wasn't she?"

"She was—and a very special wedding dress, to boot," Koopa told her. "But take a moment to appreciate your headwear." He indicated Tiara. "A sentient tiara. How dope is that?"

"That is dope," said Peach.

"Uh—Tiara—could you…?" asked Koopa.

"Certainly," said Tiara. "Just say the magic word."

Koopa rolled his eyes. "Please?"

Tiara blinked, and then she whipped out her cell phone. "Excuse me, won't you?" she asked before dialing.

"Hi, big brother! Me again! Yes, I'm fine. This Koopa character didn't hurt me. Yet. But he's got his bride-to-be, and she doesn't look happy to be here. I'm starting to think something's up. We're in a place called the Mushroom Kingdom, and the bride-to-be is the Princess. You…" She sneaked a glance at Koopa. "Okay. We'll just have to make the best of this situation. Love you, too. Bye." She put her phone away. "Sorry about that. You know how brothers are."

"Sort of," Koopa and Peach said in unison.

"I don't have a brother, but I know someone who does," added Peach.

"And I happen to know the same person," Koopa joined in. "Okay, Tiara, now that you've talked to your brother, could you—please—get ready to assume your duties as Peach's wedding headdress?"

"I will, only because you asked me nicely," said Tiara, taking on her hat form.

Tiara landed on Koopa's palm, and he placed her on the crown of Peach's head.

"My first wedding gift to you," he said tenderly. "I have a feeling that you ladies will get along quite well."

"Me, too," said Peach.

She smiled up at her new companion, whose eyes beamed down at her.

"We're going to be the best of friends, aren't we?" she asked.

"We are," said Tiara.

"I'll have a separate cabin prepared for you, so that the two of you can properly bond," said Koopa. "In the meantime, how about your relax in the Captain's Cabin? I'll join you shortly."

Tiara settled herself atop Peach's head as the latter walked into the Captain's Cabin and sat on one of the sofas.

"Peach," said Tiara. "Can you tell me what's really going on?"

1.1.1

Koopa gave a start as his walkie-talkie squeaked.

"Sir, we've got trouble!" shouted the voice on the other end.

"What's wrong?" asked Koopa, although he already knew.

"That red-clad S.O.B. managed to board the airship! He's plowing through our defenses!" exclaimed the voice. "He does not want this wedding to happen!"

Koopa saw red. "He's aboard my airship—even after everything I threw at him?!"

"Yes, sir—and he doesn't look happy!"

"This wedding is happening, whether he likes it or not!" growled Koopa. "Keep him engaged with everything you have. And if he somehow makes it onto the main deck, then I'll deal with him myself!"

He heard the sounds of a heated fight on the other end. Crew members shouted to each other, while a familiar falsetto voice let out grunts and battle cries.

"I give you my word, Your Highness—he won't get that far," said the voice. "My boys and I will…"

A rough thump cut him off, and Koopa silently listened as the crew member struggled with someone, presumably Mario. Punches were landed, and yells of pain rang out. Then—nothing.

"Come in! Come in!" barked Koopa. "Do you read me?!"

A reply came in the form of heavy breathing. And then his archrival's voice spoke into the radio.

"King Koopa—I know what you're up to, and I will not stand for it," Mario snapped.

"Oh, are you gonna try and stop me?" challenged Koopa.

"I will stop you!" vowed Mario. "The Princess will never wear your ring or bear your vile name!"

"Bold words for a small man," Koopa chuckled. "I'll be waiting with gloves on. Good luck getting past the rest of my crew."

He turned off his walkie-talkie and raised the general alarm before lumbering toward the Captain's Cabin to update his "guests".

Peach and Tiara had matching hard looks for him when he arrived.

"You lied to me," Tiara said simply.

Koopa shrugged. "I stretched the truth a little," he said, "but it had to be done. Unfortunately, explaining myself will have to wait."

"He's coming," said Peach, a corner of her mouth quirking upwards.

"Don't raise your hopes up too high," said Koopa. "I'll send him packing in no time."

"Oh, we'll see," Peach said coolly.

The two royals stared each other down, the sounds of battle approaching them.

"I gotta take care of this intruder," smirked Koopa, "but after that, the three of us can chat some more."

"Knock yourself out," Peach said icily.

Koopa just laughed as he headed toward the main deck.

Grabbing her Parasol and her frying pan, Peach left the Captain's Cabin and gracefully ascended the stairs to the airship's quarter deck, a gentle breeze picking up and weaving its way through her blond locks. She braced her palms against the railing and gazed out at the main deck below her, which was covered in red-velvet checkered carpeting. There was her captor, standing imposingly, awaiting the challenge. There were the flags and sails, flapping in the wind. There was Tiara, resting comfortably atop her head.

A small cry of delight escaped her lips when she saw the man in red emerge onto the main deck.

"Who the heck is he?" asked Tiara. "Is he a friend of yours?"

"His name's Mario," explained Peach, "and we've known each other for 32 wonderful years."

"It looks like he's done this before," said Tiara.

"He has," said Peach, "but today, the stakes are higher."

Mario had just fought his way through a s—ton of minions, and he still had enough steam and breath in him to take on his nemesis! He took a moment to smooth his hair, adjust his cap and check himself for serious injuries—not that having them would've stopped him, anyway. His eyes scanned the main deck, searching for any sign of danger, but so far, the coast was clear.

"Hey! Over here!"

Glancing up, Mario saw Peach on the quarter deck, waving at him, a huge smile on her face. There was a glittering tiara on her head, and as he peered closer, he could swear that the headwear was smiling at him.

"Peachy!" cried Mario. "Are you okay?"

"Yeah, I'm fine—ish. I just can't believe this is really happening!"

"Not for long, it isn't!" Mario said determinedly. "I'm gonna get out of there!"

Just as he strode forward, Peach exclaimed, "Watch out!"

With a rumbling laugh, Koopa leaped onto the main deck, smirking down at the man in red.

"Hey, Mario," greeted the hulking reptile. "Sorry for the short notice, but after all these years, I'm finally getting married to the woman of my dreams!"

"Over my dead body," Mario declared.

Koopa bared his claws. "Your proposal is acceptable," he grinned.

"Be careful, Mario!" cautioned Peach. "He's got nothing to lose!"

"Right you are, Peachy!" guffawed Koopa.

And the battle began.

1.1.1

The Koopa King was not disappointed.

He had to hand it to Mario—the guy put up one Hell of a fight this time around. The usual attacks didn't down him for long. He wound up singed and slashed and bleeding, but he kept on fighting. It wasn't long before Koopa's ears were ringing and his hulking body was covered in bruises. But no bruises in the world would stop this royal wedding from happening.

It was a battle to remember. Both sides had nothing to lose, and they thus gave it their all. Even Peach glided down from her viewing spot and joined the fray, landing strike after strike with her frying pan. When she was eventually disarmed of her frying pan, she continued the fight with her Parasol, and after she was disarmed of her Parasol, she fought on with her rapier. Together, the Mushroom Princess and her hero in red gave their reptilian foe quite a fight, and the other wedding guests watched the entire thing from the safety of the other airships.

"Okay!" Koopa finally said. "Time to turn up the heat!"

He took his top hat and started hurling it around like a boomerang, landing numerous gashes on both of his opponents. To be fair, he felt awful whenever his top hat hit his bride-to-be, but he had to do what he had to do to quell this surprising resistance. Ultimately, he solved this problem by focusing the worst of his ire on Mario, seeking to take him out of the fight as soon as possible.

"You're one stubborn plumber, I'll give you that," panted Koopa.

"We're just getting started," Mario evenly shot back.

The two-on-one battle raged on, both sides giving as good as they got. Peach even kicked off her shoes at one point so she could better assist her hero. Tiara remained atop Peach's head, watching greedily, while the wedding guests lounged on the railings of the other ships, breathlessly looking on.

But even though it was two-on-one, the balance soon shifted in Koopa's favor, his might and his claws eclipsing his opponents' cleverness and swiftness. Not that Mario and Peach made it easy for him—the duo made him work for his lead.

It was worth it.

His bride-to-be was in his secure grip, struggling and swearing. His nemesis was on the floor of the deck, bleeding profusely and badly bruised. That trademark red cap had been jostled from Mario's head during the heated fight, and it now rested about six inches away from its wearer. A wide smirk was on Koopa's face as he listened to Mario's labored breaths.

"Mario, Mario, Mario," he said. "You fought well—but to no avail. This is the end—for you!"

"You'll never…" Mario was cut off as a nasty kick sent him flying off the ship and plummeting from the sky.

Peach could only cry out his name in horror.

To add insult to injury, Koopa picked up Mario's cap with his free hand and shredded it with his claws before casually tossing it over the railing.

"Time for my wedding with Peach," he mused. "Jealous, Mario?"

He let out a rumbling chuckle as he carried Peach back to the Captain's Cabin.

It took every fiber in Peach's body to remain calm.

He's okay. He's okay, she mentally told herself. He's okay…

1.1.1

Mario's heavily damaged cap drifted through the sky—until an appendage reached out and caught it.

The Bonneter studied the headgear and the "M" emblem on it. Then, he pulled out his cell phone and dialed someone.

"Cappy," said the voice on the other end.

"Tiara! I saw what happened! Are you okay?"

"Yes, I'm fine, and so is my new friend."

"That man who tried to save you…"

"He's my new friend's friend. At least he tried."

"Tiara, stay calm and stay brave. I'm gonna follow that ship."

"Did you see what that turtle did to that guy? You stand no chance against him! Fly back to Bonneton, and get help! Maybe you should check on my friend's friend—I think his name's Mario!"

"I have his cap. And—maybe you're right. I should have someone helping me."

"My new friend and I will be okay in the meantime. Now go!"

"I love you, sis."

"I love you too, big brother."

The Bonneter hung up and headed in the direction he'd seen the man in red fall.

1.1.1

In Bonneton, the all clear had been given, and the citizens were hard at work repairing the damage in Koopa's wake. Most of them, however, were gathered around a man in red. He was limp on the ground, blood streaming from his mouth, nose and the slashes and gashes on his body. They could also make out spatters of bruises on his face. His soft breaths were the only indication that he was still alive.

One Bonneter was on the phone, calling an ambulance. Another had gotten hold of the fallen man's cell phone and was currently scrolling through the list of contacts.

The Bonneter shaped like a top hat arrived on the scene, holding a shredded red cap.

"Cappy! There you are!" exclaimed a Bonneter. "Are you all right?"

"I think so," replied Cappy, "but they have my sister. This is some big guy's huge scheme to marry a Princess!"

His eyes fell on the red-clad man. "Wait a second," he said. "That's the guy who tried to stop that reptile!"

"You saw it?" asked another Bonneter.

Cappy nodded. "It was a knock-down, drag out affair. Is he…?"

"He's still alive," said the Bonneter on the phone with paramedics. "There's an ambulance on the way as we speak."

"I have his hat," said Cappy, holding up the shredded headwear.

"Holy [bleep]," said yet another Bonneter. "That turtle beat the Hell out of this guy."

Everyone started at a small noise from the man in red. His eyelids twitched, and he began to stir.

"Oh, thank God," said a Bonneter. "He's waking up."

Cappy floated over to the injured man, his voice soft. "Sir? Can you hear me?" he asked.

The man's eyes blinked open, and he murmured something unintelligible.

"It's okay," said Cappy. "You're in Bonneton, located in the Cap Kingdom. The paramedics are coming."

"No," the man said softly. "No—paramedics. I have to—save her…"

"Sir, you're badly hurt," said Cappy. "We need to get you to a hospital."

"Peachy…" said the man. "That turtle—he has her…"

"And he has my sister," said Cappy.

"Sister?" The man's eyelids fluttered slightly, his and his baby blues appeared a bit unfocused.

"I saw everything," Cappy told him. "That fiend did a number on you."

"It doesn't matter," murmured the man.

He started to push himself up, only for Cappy to halt him.

"We don't know the extent of your injuries," he said. "Stay still for now."

"Please—you need to understand," said the man.

Sirens wailed as an ambulance finally arrived, the doors opening and the paramedics hopping out.

"What do we have?" asked the lead EMT.

The Bonneters moved aside, allowing the EMTs to reach the man.

"Whoa," gasped the EMT when he saw the wounds the man had taken. "Okay, ladies and gents. Let's get him loaded up."

"Peachy—I have to save her…" protested the man.

"Just relax, sir," said the lead EMT. "We'll get you fixed up in no time. Is there anyone we can call? Family?"

"I have his phone," said the Bonneter with the man's cell phone. "There's a lot of people on his contact list. We have a Peach, a Pauline, a Luigi…"

"Luigi…" uttered the man. "My bro—you were right—I'm sorry."

"Is he your brother?" asked the lead EMT.

"Yeah…"

The other EMTs secured the man on a stretcher and briskly but gently loaded him into the ambulance.

"I'll ride with him," said Cappy.

"Friend of yours?" asked the lead EMT.

"I watched him fight the guy who took my sister," Cappy explained as he floated inside the ambulance.

He settled down beside the man and rested an appendage over his gloved hand. "Look at me. You're gonna be all right," he said quietly.

The man studied Cappy. "What's your name?" he asked.

"My name's Cappy. What's yours?"

"Mario. I'm Mario."

"Nice to meet you, Mario. We're gonna call your brother now. Is that okay?"

Mario pursed his lips before responding. "Okay."

Cappy saw the lead EMT with Mario's phone. "I'll do it," he said.

Nodding, the EMT gave the phone to Cappy, who selected the name "Luigi" and hit "dial".

1.1.1

Luigi answered in seconds with a curt "Yeah?"

"Hi. Are you Luigi?"

"Yes. With whom am I speaking?"

"My name's Cappy, and I come from a place called the Cap Kingdom. I just want you to know that Mario's here—but he's badly hurt."

Luigi almost stopped breathing.

"We found him sprawled on the ground and acted immediately. Luckily, he's fully conscious and responding to the EMTs' questions. He's en route to the emergency room right now."

"That turtle must've done a number on him," gasped Luigi.

"He did—I saw the whole thing. I also found Mario's cap, and I'm sorry to say that it's shredded beyond repair."

Luigi choked back a sob. "Can I—may I…?"

"Yes, I'll put him on right now."

There was a pause, and then Mario's voice spoke softly into the phone. "Luigi…"

"Mario! You're alive, thank God!"

"You were right, Luigi. You were right," said Mario.

"We'll talk about that later, okay?" Luigi said gently. "You need to focus on your recovery."

"But Peach—I can't let this wedding happen…"

"You won't be able to rescue her in your current condition," said Luigi. "Just go to the hospital, and we'll work from there."

A sigh. "Okeydokey. Let Master Hand know, would you?"

"I sure will."

The Bros chatted some more, and then Cappy took the phone back.

"My gut told me to call you, and I'm glad I did," he said. "Fear not—I'll watch over him."

"Thank you, Cappy. Good luck to you."

"Ditto."

Luigi ended the call and headed straightaway to MH's office, where he informed the giant glove of Mario's current situation.

"So—Mario's out there in a strange kingdom, trying to stop this forced marriage," mused MH. "God help him—and God help Peach. Tell them to keep me updated whenever possible, and I'll help in any way I can."

"Great," said Luigi. "Thanks."

As he left the office, Lauren approached him, her face solemn.

"This is for you," she said, pressing a slip of paper into Luigi's hand.

Luigi opened the slip and read it aloud. "'Be advised—an attack from the Koopa King is considered imminent.'" He chuckled bitterly. "They're only 30 minutes late."

1.1.1

Meanwhile, Mario was rushed to Bonneton General Hospital on the double, the EMTs rattling off the red-clad hero's injuries to the responding nurses and physicians. While Mario was hurried into the OR, Cappy waited outside, exchanging texts with Tiara in an effort to remain calm. Tiara informed him that she and Peach were okay for the most part—just rattled over what they'd witnessed. Koopa and his fleet were currently en route to a place known as the Sand Kingdom to pick up some "treats" for his bride-to-be. In turn, Cappy informed Tiara that Mario was alive and recovering, and the younger Bonneter promised to pass this good news to her new friend.

The head surgeon walked into the waiting room. "Cappy?" she called.

"That's me," Cappy responded.

"I'm Dr. Graycap," said the surgeon. "My team and I worked on Mario."

"How is he?" asked Cappy.

"He's in stable condition, and while we managed to stop the bleeding, we had to give him a blood transfusion," said Dr. Graycap. "The slashes he sustained were rather easy to stitch up, and while there were heavy contusions on his body, he suffered no fractures. He's awake and alert, and he's also quite anxious to get out of here. He says he needs to save someone named Peach."

"She's the Princess of a neighboring kingdom," explained Cappy. "Will I be able to see him?"

"Yes—but try not to agitate him. I want him to rest," warned Dr. Graycap.

"Duly noted," said Cappy, following the surgeon into Mario's room.

Mario lay on the bed, watching TV, an IV in his arm, hooked to a machine monitoring his vitals. The slash wounds were bandaged, but Cappy could see the bruises scoring his body. He turned his head and looked at his visitor.

"Hey," he said.

"Hey," replied Cappy. "How are you feeling?"

"Better," replied Mario.

"You're lucky to be alive," said Cappy. "I half-expected you to be splattered all over the ground."

"It'll take more than just a fall to splatter me," said Mario.

"I have your cap," said Cappy, holding up the damaged headwear. "No amount of stitching will save it. However…" He floated over to the crown of Mario's head and assumed his hat form, coming to rest atop Mario's wavy brown hair. "There we are."

Mario held up a mirror and studied his reflection. "A bit gaudy," he commented.

"How right you are," said Cappy, alighting from Mario's head.

He took the shredded red cap and spun in the air as Mario watched. When Cappy stopped spinning, he'd merged with Mario's iconic headgear!

"Whoa," breathed Mario.

Cappy, now bright red and sporting the "M" emblem, came to rest atop Mario's head. "Better?" he asked.

"Much better," replied Mario.

"There's something you need to know," said Cappy. "You and I are up against the same fiend. He attacked our kingdom before he attacked yours—and he made off with my sister!"

"My God," breathed Mario. "What does he want with your sister?"

"Her name's Tiara, and she's—well, a tiara. A tiara would be a suitable headdress for a bride on her wedding day."

Mario's eyes blazed. "He can't get away with this," he growled.

"I saw you two fighting," said Cappy, "and I figured—why not help each other save our loved ones? Think of the odyssey we'll go on together!"

Mario smiled. "I'll absolutely team up with you," he said. "I could use the extra help."

"First, however," said Cappy, "you need a clean bill of health. At least spend the night here. Stopping this royal wedding will require all of your energy."

Mario huffed. "Fine."

Cappy settled himself next to Mario, and they watched the TV together.

An hour later, a nurse checked Mario's vitals.

"Wow—you're recovering quickly," she said in wonder. "If this keeps up, then we'll be able to discharge you in the morning."

"I'd like to be discharged as soon as possible," said Mario.

"I'm really sorry, but we need to keep you overnight," said the nurse.

"I understand," Mario told her.

The nurse gave Mario a piece of paper. "Here's our dinner menu," she said. "Someone will come around to take your order shortly."

"Okay," said Mario.

Later in the day, Mario and Cappy split the meal the former had ordered, bonding further over their shared objective. Then, the two sent a few reassuring texts to their respective loved ones. Mario soon felt his eyelids droop, and though he initially tried to fight it, he eventually fell into much-needed slumber.

Please R&R.