Archive of Our Own ^beta

SMG4: Parenthood

The SMG4 gang is in the hospital as Saiko has just given birth to twins after a painful process. But that process is now over, and everyone is celebrating the start of the new family, with Mario hugging his tearful younger brother.

Mario: You have no idea how proud I am of you, Luigi.

Luigi: I can't believe it... I'm actually a father...

Mario: And in two months, I will be too...

Meggy: Only two months away... It feels so surreal...

Tari: Time flies quite fast, but you aren't in this alone, Meggy.

SMG4: You've got all of our support, and both you and Saiko won't have to go through parenthood with just you and your respective husbands.

Desti: You've got all of us to back you up.

Axol: We'll be more than happy to help you!

Luigi: I'm gonna need some help getting Saiko and our new kids home safely.

Saiko: That won't be for a few days at the very least. They want to keep me and the kids here to make sure we're all good and clear to head home.

Meggy: They'll be in good hands. The security and staff here are really top of the line.

Luigi: Oh, right.

Tari: I'm sure everything will be fine, Luigi.

SMG4: We'll help you in any way possible, Luigi.

Luigi: Thanks. I need to make sure all the baby items at the house are ready for when they come home.

Mario: We'll make sure that happens. In fact, we can do that right now if you'd like.

Luigi: Would that be alright with you, Saiko?

Everyone turns to Saiko, whom is currently busy nursing her two newborn children.

Saiko: Visiting hours are almost over, so yes. Don't worry about me. Me and the kids are in good hands, Luigi.

Luigi: Alright. I'll be back tomorrow, sweetie.

They share a kiss before Luigi leaves the hospital with the gang, returning home to prepare everything needed.

Mario: You already have the room ready, right?

Luigi: The room, yes. The items, only partly.

Tari: Don't worry. We'll help you get everything ready!

Desti: Just tell us where everything needs to go. Also, looking back, pushing Axol and I's wedding back was for the best. We figured that helping you and Saiko as well as Mario and Meggy was way more important.

Mario: How far back are we talking?

Axol: The wedding is now in November.

Desti: We wanted to simply help the four who were expecting children, especially after Saiko told us she was having twins, we felt it was best to push it back.

SMG4: Tari and I's is set for January.

Tari: We opted to have ours a distance out as well. Our friends need our help more than anything else right now.

Luigi: Which I appreciate.

Meggy: I do feel a bit bad that you guys had to push your weddings out because of us...

Tari: Hey, there's nothing to apologize for, Meggy. Getting pregnant isn't anything to feel guilty about when it's something you and Mario both wanted.

SMG4: You struck when the iron was hot, and got incredibly lucky. That's nothing to feel bad about.

Desti: An event that can be accomplished at any point in time can always happen whenever it's convenient. But getting pregnant isn't, and we're more than happy that you two are achieving a lifelong goal.

Axol: Our weddings can wait a bit longer. Your pregnancy cannot. We're dedicated to giving you, Mario, Luigi and Saiko all of the help we can possibly give in the first few months.

Meggy: I really appreciate it.

Desti: Anytime, Megs. 😏

Sometime later, everything is set up.

Luigi: Looks great. 🙂

Mario: Saiko and your kids will love it. 😉

Meggy: It really does look nice. You guys really took the time to plan ahead.

Luigi: Me and Saiko got all of this right after we got married.

Desti: Anticipated it that far in advance, huh?

Luigi: Well... Aside from the extra stuff we got once Saiko told me she was pregnant with twins. 😅

Mario: That probably caught you off-guard, didn't it?

Luigi: It did, but I wasn't upset by the news. If anything... I was really happy finding out I wasn't having one, but two children. I'm just glad both of them survived...

Axol: Oh right... Often times, one can end up not surviving...

Desti: Hey, no need to damper the mood, Axol. The two of them need us to be happy and upbeat.

Axol: Sorry... 😅

Desti: Eh, I know you didn't mean it. Even still, we've got a lot of work ahead of us in the following months.

Axol: We do indeed.

A few days later, Luigi is back in the hospital to visit Saiko.

Luigi: Hey, sweetie. Sorry I didn't visit the past few days. Been busy making sure everything is ready... 😅

Saiko: Eh, don't be. The others kept me up to date, and told me what you were up to. The fact you're taking this so seriously is reassuring. 😉

Luigi: So, when will you be out?

Saiko: Later today. Everything checks out, the twins are healthy, and so am I. Let me tell ya, I can't wait to get out of this place. As nice as everyone is, the food here is rather subpar. 😅

Luigi: What are their names? 🙂

Saiko: Angelo and Rin.

Luigi: I like it. 🙂

Saiko: They're both names we talked about months ago. I felt it was appropriate that each of them had a name from our respective ethnic backgrounds.

Luigi: Agreed. I'll stay with you until you're available to leave. 🙂

Saiko: Wanna say hi to your new children?

Luigi: Yes.

Saiko gently takes hold of Angelo and gently holds him out to Luigi.

Saiko: I'll let you hold Angelo first. He just finished eating.

Luigi gently holds Angelo.

Luigi: Hello, Angelo. 🙂

Angelo slowly opens his eyes, revealing his azure blue eyes to Luigi before closing them again, falling back asleep.

Luigi: Whoa... Azure blue eyes... 😮

Saiko: Yeah. He's got your eyes, Luigi. 🙂

Luigi: Amazing... 🙂

Luigi gently gives the sleeping Angelo back to Saiko.

Luigi: May I say hello to the other?

Saiko: Of course.

Saiko gently picks up Rin and hands her over to Luigi, whom gently takes hold of his new daughter.

Luigi: She looks a lot like you. 🙂

Saiko: There is one thing unique to her, though.

Luigi: What's that?

Saiko: Heterochromia.

Luigi: Wait, you mean...

Saiko: Yes. Her left eye is violet, and her right is azure blue.

Luigi: Fascinating... 😮

Saiko: Don't worry. Her vision appears to be fine. Just the pigmentation is different for each eye. It's not uncommon for twins to have some diversity, and in our case, we got one of each. 😉

Luigi: Which one is gonna learn the ways of the hammer? 😛

Saiko: Oh, I intend on teaching both of them to do so much as they get older.

Luigi: Give me some examples.

Saiko: I have every intention of teaching both of them how to use large hammers, but also how to play guitar, just to name a few things.

Luigi: I bet you're looking forward to getting back to physical activities.

Saiko: You have no idea.

Luigi: What's the first physical activity you're gonna want to do?

Saiko: Getting on a treadmill to keep my cardio up. After that, getting my physical strength back up.

Luigi: I will aid you with both.

Saiko: I know you will. We've been doing it for over two years now. 😏

Luigi: Don't forget about our ice powers. 😛

Saiko: Oh, trust me. I haven't. 😏

Doctor: Saiko, you may now take your new children home. Once again, congratulations. 🙂

Saiko: Finally! I'm ready to finally start my family properly. Thanks again, Doc.

Saiko proceeds to hand Angelo to Luigi whilst she takes Rin in her arms, and the two proceed to make their way to the lobby where their friends are waiting.

Mario: And now we get to see them for the first time.

Meggy: What names did you decide to give them?

Luigi: I'm holding Angelo and Saiko is holding Rin.

Tari: Those are beautiful names.

Desti: We brought the baby carriers you asked for.

Saiko: I knew we could count on you guys. 😄

The new parents gently place their children in the baby carriers.

Luigi: There we go.

Saiko: Time to get our children home.

Mario: We've got the van ready. We figured it'd be easier on you two.

Luigi: Thanks. In we go!

The new parents gather in the van with their children and they, along with their friends, make their way home, ready to help their children start their lives proper.

Luigi: We're here.

Saiko: Time to get the kids inside. I'm eager to show them their new home.

Luigi: Same here. 🙂

Mario: In two months, Meggy and I will do the same for our child. 🙂

Meggy: Two months... Time flies so fast, and yet... It still feels like only yesterday that I was walking down the aisle on my wedding day...

Mario: It was a wonderful experience.

The two simply smile at each other.

Luigi: One of Saiko's main goals now is to get back into physical shape.

Saiko: Been too long since I got to do anything strenuous.

Meggy: I'll be doing the same after I give birth.

Saiko: Can't wait for that day. It'll be nice that my and my husband's own children will have someone growing up alongside them. 😉

The next day, after taking care of their new children, Saiko decides she's ready to get back into physical activities.

Luigi: Alright, Saiko.

Saiko: I'm ready to get back into shape. Let's just hope the kids won't interrupt us too much.

Luigi: Pretty sure they're napping right now. So they shouldn't. What's first?

Saiko: Treadmill. I need you to spot me so that I don't push myself too hard.

Luigi: Got it.

Saiko proceeds to hop on top of the treadmill and sets it to a reasonably slow pace to get herself warmed up.

Saiko: Let me tell you, nine months is an eternity when it comes to not being able to exercise regularly.

Luigi: Meggy will feel the same way in two months.

Saiko: She's had it worse. She's pretty much an athlete, and I can tell her being pregnant really affected her physically. It's gonna be a little while before she can get the muscle mass she lost back.

Luigi: Even though she's only having one child?

Saiko: Yes. She hasn't been able to do any of the physical activities she loves doing due to her needing to ensure her child's safety. Anything strenuous could cause a miscarriage, regardless of how many children a woman is pregnant with. She didn't lose a ton of muscle mass from the looks of it, but she's definitely gotten a bit softer since getting pregnant.

Luigi: I know my bro will be more than happy to help her regain any muscle mass that she loses. 🙂

Saiko: She's lucky to have someone like him in her life. From all the times I talked to him when they had just started out, I could tell he cared about her deeply. Still does.

Luigi: It still feels like just yesterday when he willingly took a bullet to protect Meggy. And that was before they even started dating. I remember being caught off-guard when that happened.

Saiko: All of us were. It's clear the two had a strong bond, even back then.

Luigi: Which led them to where they are today. 🙂

Saiko: Still can't believe I didn't notice it before they revealed it. They kept it really well hidden for the first week.

Luigi: I can't blame them for keeping it hidden. We kinda did for a while as well.

Saiko: Yeah, we did.

Luigi: I think the treadmill pace you got going right now is a good one to stay at.

Saiko: Thanks.

Luigi: Oh, by the way. Mario told me Meggy already has a name in mind for their kid. Meggy is anticipating that it'll be a girl, and if it's true, the name will be Megan.

Saiko: Well, at least she thought of one before the day she delivered. 😛

Luigi: Though Meggy said she has no ideas if it turns out to be a boy. 😛

Saiko: She did tell me her ultrasound seemed to suggest it's gonna be a girl, so I think she's safe in that regard. As long as she doesn't consider Bob for a boy's name, she'll be perfectly fine. 😏

Luigi: Heh.

Saiko stops running on the treadmill after a while.

Luigi: Well, how did it feel?

Saiko: Exhausting, but nice. It's gonna take some getting used to again.

Luigi: So, what's next?

Saiko: Punching bag.

Luigi brings a punching bag out and sets it up.

Luigi: Alrighty.

Saiko: Time to begin the long journey to regaining my former glory.

Luigi: A journey that you will not go through alone. 🙂

Saiko: I cannot thank you enough for that, Luigi. Hopefully, you'll be able to help train the kids alongside me as they get older. 😏

Luigi: Oh, I will. 😛

Saiko: Good. I know at least one of them will likely be a wild child as they grow up. 😉

Luigi: Now, go wild.

Saiko: With pleasure.

Luigi keeps the punching bag steady

Luigi: Here we go.

Saiko proceeds to do some less strenuous punches and kicks, trying not to overdo herself.

Luigi: You've still got it. 😛

Saiko: At least there's that. I'm not super tired, but I am tiring out earlier than usual, so it's obvious it'll take some time. At least I've got your help.

Luigi: Wanna just relax and snuggle like old times?

Saiko: I wouldn't mind.

Luigi goes to the couch.

Luigi: Then join me, my love.

Saiko makes her way over to the couch and lays down on it, resting her head on Luigi's lap. Luigi gently runs his fingers through Saiko's hair.

Saiko: It's crazy to think that the kids are now here. Never did I think I would ever get the chance to have children, and now it's an actual reality. Though I doubt raising them will be any harder than it was finding the love of my life.

Luigi: It won't be easy, that's for sure. But whatever we learn before Meggy gives birth, we should share with her and Mario.

Saiko: Trust me, we will. At the very least, they're only expecting one child, so they'll have it a bit easier than we will.

Luigi: Yeah. That is true. I've never felt more proud in my life. 🙂

Saiko: Neither have I. You made all of it possible, and without you, I don't even know where I'd be today.

Luigi tearfully smiles.

Luigi: You're truly wonderful, Saiko.

Saiko: And it's all thanks to you. 😄

Luigi: Darn it, you're gonna make me sappy!

Saiko: How about a little reward then?

Luigi: Huh?

Saiko then re-positions herself and pulls Luigi on top of herself.

Saiko: Kissing and napping. 😉

Luigi: Oh you~ ❤️

They share a kiss.

Luigi: Feels nice to be intimate like this again.

Saiko: Agreed. I really missed this.

Angelo is then heard yawning.

Luigi: Looks like Angelo has woken up.

Saiko: We'd better attend to him.

Luigi: I'll pick him up and bring him over.

Saiko: Thanks. He's probably gonna be hungry.

Luigi gently picks up Angelo and brings him over.

Luigi: Hi Angelo. 🙂

Angelo begins to fuss a little before Luigi hands him over to Saiko, whom takes the young child in her hands and proceeds to breastfeed him.

Saiko: Sorry for my partial state of undress, Luigi.

Luigi: Don't be. It's part of the natural parenting process. There's no shame in that, especially when it's just you and me present. 🙂

Saiko: Heh. Thanks, Luigi. ❤️

Luigi: Not a problem.

Saiko spends the next few minutes feeding Angelo before he finally finishes eating. Moments later, both Saiko and Luigi hear Rin yawn, signaling she's waking up as well.

Saiko: Could you check on Rin for me, Luigi? I need to burp Angelo.

Luigi: Absolutely. 🙂

Luigi goes to check on Rin.

Luigi: Hello, Rin. Sleep well?

Rin simply makes typical baby noises as Luigi gently picks her up.

Luigi: Aww.

Moments later, a tiny belch is heard as Saiko finally succeeds at burping Angelo.

Saiko: There we go. Wanna trade, hubby?

Luigi: Sure thing, sweetie. ❤️

Saiko takes Rin and Luigi takes Angelo.

Luigi: There we go.

Saiko: Thanks, Luigi.

Luigi: No problem.

Luigi holds Angelo in his arms.

Saiko: You're quite the natural at this.

Luigi: I know. I had to be. 😛

Saiko: Keep it up, and you'll earn father of the year award. 😉

Luigi: I dunno. I'll have to compete with my bro for the award. 😛

Saiko: Hey, considering you have twins to look after with me, you might have a leg up on him. 😛

Luigi: That is fair.

They both laugh.

Saiko: So, what's on the list of things to do today?

Luigi: Well, you fed the kids, I helped you with working out. Not sure what else we could do.

Luigi tries to think of something to do.

Saiko: How about we just take it easy? No need to do anything that takes us outside.

Luigi: Agreed. The kids are sleeping again, so not a bad idea to take it easy.

Saiko: How about we just sit back and enjoy a movie or two?

Luigi: I like the way you think.

The couple proceed to relax on the couch and proceed to switch through the various shows and movies, looking for something worth watching.

Luigi: Ooh, how about The Mask?

Saiko: Sure. A nice PG-13 comedy. 😏

Luigi: We don't speak of the sequel. 😖

Saiko: Still a better movie than Lesbian Vampire Killers.

Luigi: Wait, that's an actual thing?

Saiko: Yes. It's a British comedy horror.

Luigi: Uh... The title alone scares me. 😛

Saiko: I saw it once in a strange movie theater with one of my old dates. The other options weren't that promising either.

Luigi: Give me some names.

Saiko: Titanic Two, Santa With Muscles, Live Once, Die Twice, and Zimbo Comes to Town, just to name a few.

Luigi: Those all sound terrible.

Saiko: Santa With Muscles starred Hulk Hogan from what I remember.

Luigi: I don't think I would be able to sit through those movies. 😛

Saiko: My date left to go to the bathroom during intermission, and I left on them. Told them I wasn't feeling well. That was the only time I decided to leave a date. They weren't promising either.

Luigi: Huh. That's in the past now though. 🙂

Saiko: I know. I just figured I'd mention something amusing from my past.

Luigi: Nice to know that your past wasn't completely heartbreaking.

Saiko: Yeah, simply amusing.

Luigi: Time goes by really quickly. Before we know it, two months are gonna pass. 😛

Saiko: Indeed. Crazy, isn't it?

Luigi: It really is.

Saiko: I really hope that Mario and Meggy are truly ready for what's ahead of them.

Luigi: I believe they are. Regardless, we'll be there to lend them a hand.

Saiko: Along with everyone else.

Two months later, the gang are taking it easy in their lives when Mario sends them a message in a group chat.

Mario: Guys! Get to the hospital as soon as you can!

Axol: What's going on?

Desti: If I had to guess, Meggy's in labor at the hospital.

SMG4: Shoot, we've gotta go!!

Tari: Be there soon, Mario!

Luigi: We'll be there as soon as possible.

Saiko: We might be a bit late. Depends on the traffic.

Hope: I'll try to get there myself. Gotta try and wake up Jet, first...

Mario is nervously pacing in the waiting room of the hospital when the gang slowly but surely show up. Luigi quickly hugs his older brother to calm him down.

Luigi: Breathe, bro. Breathe.

Saiko: Collect yourself, Mario. We don't need you to be next in line for the hospital bed from hyperventilation.

Mario: I can't help it... I'm really worried...

Tari: We understand that, but please try to breathe. Meggy's in good hands.

SMG4: You've gotta collect yourself, Mario. Just breathe slowly.

A few minutes later, a doctor opens a door.

Doctor: Mario? You may come in now.

Mario silently follows the doctor through the door whilst the others wait behind in the waiting room, eager with a mix of anticipation and worry.

Luigi: I sure hope they're both alright...

Desti: I'm sure they are.

Saiko: I am too, though I can understand why he's so worried. After all, Meggy's been through a lot in her life.

Desti: She still goes through a lot too... Even if it isn't as bad now, she still has nightmares about you know what...

Hope: PTSD will do that to a person... It stays with them for as long as they live...

Desti: I know this all too well...

Pamby: There's only so much I can goo too... I feel bad for not being able to help her when her PTSD gets so bad...

Namby: Don't feel bad about it. You've helped her a lot as it is, and have helped make the attacks less severe.

Mosura: Pamby help momma. Pamby good slime.

Pamby: Thank you both...

Minutes pass with general silence until eventually, the group receive a text from Mario.

Luigi: Please be alright...

Mario: I'm a father...

The gang all cheer upon seeing the message. Mario then sends a photo of a teary-eyed, but smiling Meggy with her newborn daughter in her arms.

Mario: Say hello to Megan.

Luigi: Congrats, bro!

Mario: Thanks, bro... I'll be back out there in a bit.

Luigi: Take your time. You've earned it.

Mario puts his phone away and returns to Meggy's side.

Mario: We did it, Meggy. 🙂

Meggy: This is the greatest day of my life...

Mario kisses Meggy on his forehead.

Mario: I can say the same thing.

Meggy: You made all of this possible, Red. I cannot thank you enough... 💕

Mario: I bet you're looking forward to getting back to physical activities.

Meggy: I am, but I honestly think I'm looking forward to raising our daughter just a bit more.

Mario: We'll raise her together. 🙂

Megan then yawns and briefly opens her eyes before closing them again and falling back asleep.

Meggy: She's got your hair, and your eyes. 😂

Mario: She's also got your freckles.

The two spend a few more minutes together before Mario heads back out into the waiting room to meet everyone else.

Mario: Hey, guys. 🙂

Luigi: Is everything alright, bro?

Mario: Couldn't be better. Meggy and Megan are both perfectly fine and healthy.

Desti: That's great!

Mario: She's got my hair and eyes, and Meggy's freckles.

Moments later, Saiko walks up to Mario and pulls him into a hug, catching everyone off guard.

Saiko: Mario... Over a year ago, I was worried for Meggy's well being. I saw you as nothing more than an idiot, and thought a relationship between the two of you could never work out. Yet here you are now. You and Meggy are married, and now have a kid. You have no idea how proud I am of you for not only turning your life around, but providing a beacon of hope for Meggy that has stood firm for over a year now.

Desti then joins the hug.

Desti: I knew you and Meggy had a strong bond the second I first saw you two, and I was a bit jealous. I wanted said bond with my team, which I now have of course, even if I don't lead them anymore. The bond you two have shared for years is something really special, and now that you two have a kid, I hope that bond never goes away.

Tears begin falling down Mario's cheeks as he begins hugging Saiko and Desti back, overwhelmed with emotion. The gang slowly group around Mario, forming a group hug.

SMG4: You'll always have our support, Mario.

Tari: No matter what.

Axol: We're in this together until the end.

Hope: We'll continue to make memories together.

Boopkins: As friends!

Luigi: And family!

JubJub: JubJub! 😄

Mario's tears fall at a more frequent rate.

Mario: Thank you guys... So much... 😂

The group continue the hug for the next five minutes before dispersing to allow Mario to have some space.

Mario: Meggy should be out any minute.

A few minutes pass before the door opens with Meggy being wheeled out by the doctor with Megan securely held in Meggy's arms.

Meggy: Hi guys! 😄

Saiko: There's the mother of the hour. 😉

Mario moves to Meggy's side.

Mario: Say hello to Megan Spletzer.

Everyone smiles at Megan in silence, happy to see Mario and Meggy's newborn baby for the first time in person.

Luigi: Are you allowed to go back home yet, Meggy?

Meggy: Not quite... But it's for a good reason. Little Megan inherited a bit more from me internally than she did in terms of looks.

Mario: She's got Meggy's two hearts. They want to make sure everything is fully okay before they release the two of them from the hospital. Initial heart readings look normal though.

Meggy: One heart helps the other pump blood through her body, just like mine. A leftover from my Inkling days.

Mario: Everything is already set up at our home for when you come home, Meggy. 🙂

Meggy: You guys are the best, you know that?

Mario: That's what you are to me, Meggy. ❤️

Meggy simply blushes and smiles at the compliment. Mario then shares a kiss with Meggy.

Mario: I'll see you in a few days, Meggy. Get some rest. 🙂

Meggy: I will, Red. I love you. ♥️

Mario: I love you too.

Mario as well as the rest of the gang leave and go their separate ways, with Mario and a few others heading back to the castle. Mario decides to see what the castle's guards, Swagmaster69696969 and Chris Gordman, are up to.

Mario: Ah, the castle guards. Been a bit.

Swag: HOLY CRAP CHRIS THE WRITERS GAVE US SOMETHING TO DO!

Chris: Calm down, Swag. We've been working the same job for the past two years and earn a fantastic pay. Either way, what's up, Mario?

Mario: Eh, seeing what you two are up to and also taking some time to recollect myself. A lot has happened lately.

Chris: Well, we managed to stop another attempted burglary last night, which landed us a pretty nice bonus from the Princess.

Swag: Those wussies never stood a chance!

Chris: All that aside, what has happened in your life recently?

Mario: Well, something really big happened today. As you know, my bro and his wife officially started their family two months ago. Well, today, my wife Meggy and I welcomed our daughter to the world.

Swag: Holy crap, we've got babies, Chris!

Chris: It would seem so. Congratulations, Mario.

Mario: Thank you both.

Chris: Anytime, Mario.

Mario: Tari said she's gonna be having a few friends visiting within the next few days to visit the Kingdom and also she also wants to introduce them to the new kids in the gang.

Swag: As long as none of them are insane, we won't have any problems.

Mario: Oh please. Even if they were, they'll never reach your levels of insanity. 😛

Chris: Trust me, we've met some people who are far more insane than he is.

Mario: Oh really? I gotta hear this.

Swag: Crazy biker gang on drugs once tried to break in. They had all kinds of weapons.

Chris: Chainsaws, katanas, chain whips, a blunderbuss, and even dynamite.

Mario: Jeez.

Chris: They weren't smart, though.

Swag: We've had a lot of people try to break in.

Chris: Indeed we have. Another recent one includes some people who said they were former guards of something called... TASCorp.

Mario: Oh, I remember Tari mentioning that company and how she used to be part of it before she met all of us and that there was someone who gave her a hard time named Evelyn. I wonder if the fact that there was some guards who used to be part of it means something... 🤔

Chris: If it does, we won't let them pass by.

Mario: I'll talk to Tari about it and see what she thinks.

Chris: We'll keep you informed if anything changes.

Mario: Alrighty. 

Mario heads back to his home and calls Tari.

Mario: Tari, got a second?

Tari: Yes. Is everything alright, Mario?

Mario: Yeah, everything's fine. I was talking with Swag and Chris and they mentioned some of the recent failed break-is, but one caught my attention. Chris mentioned that in one of the more recent break-ins, it was of people that said they were former guards of something called TASCorp. I remember you saying that you were a part of it at one point and that Evelyn girl gave you a hard time. Do you think it's possible she may be up to something based on what Chris told me?

Tari: Oh no...

Mario: What is it?

Tari: Evelyn went rogue after TASCorp went belly up, and we had no idea what she was up to since then. I believe we now know...

Mario: Well, we need to be ready for anything. I remember our Earthrealm allies provided us with a distress signal if anything ever went wrong. It's in my and Meggy's house in case it's ever needed.

Tari: I really hope it won't come to that, but we do need to be ready for everything.

Mario: Yes, we do. Make sure those friends of yours are aware.

Tari: I will. Thanks for letting me know, Mario.

Mario: You're welcome.

Tari then hangs up.

Tari: This is bad... Evelyn might be back, and planning something major...

SMG4: What do we do, Tari?

Tari: I have to let my friends know... They'll know how to deal with Evelyn if she tries anything, but on top of that, we need to prepare for a possible invasion...

SMG4: (Sarcastic tone) What a great time for an invasion. I couldn't think of a better time.

Tari: Tell me about it... We've gotta tell the others, and fast!

SMG4: Right. Though at the same time, I'd say give it a few days. It could be completely unrelated, ya know.

Tari: I know, but I'm still worried it might be related... If they hurt any of my friends, I'd never forgive myself...

SMG4: I know it's tough, Tari. But I'm sure everything will turn out okay. 😛

Tari: Sigh I just don't want Saiko and Meggy to lose their children, or vice versa...

SMG4: They've got elemental powers, in case you forgot.

Tari: That may be true, but they also spent the past year carrying children. They aren't exactly in the same shape they once were in, even if they will be working their way back to said position, I doubt they're in any condition to fight at their fullest.

SMG4: Let's hope for the best.

Tari: And protect them if that doesn't turn out to be the case.

SMG4: Yes.

A few days later, Mario is at the hospital with Meggy, and the doctor just told them she's free to go home with Megan.

Mario: Ready to head home, Meggy?

Meggy: You have no idea how much I've wanted to head home.

Mario: I bet it'll be nice to have proper meals cooked by me again. 😛

Meggy: Well, the food wasn't the worst I've ever had, but yeah. It'll be nice to eat something proper for once.

Mario: And I'll help you regain your strength and skill. 🙂

With some help from their friends, Mario and Meggy return home with Megan, who is fast asleep.

Mario: She really looks like an angel when she's asleep, isn't she?

Pamby: Mama Meggy! 😄

Meggy holds out her arms.

Meggy: Come here, Pamby! I'm home! 😄

Pamby floats over to Meggy and the two embrace in a hug.

Meggy: Ooh, you're floating a lot more now!

Pamby: Yeah, and I can talk more too!

Meggy: I mean, your English was always good. 🙂

Mario: He's been picking up on bigger words too.

Pamby: It's extraordinarily amazing!

Meggy: Woah! You weren't kidding. 😮

Mario: You can thank Namby. He's learned healing related spells thanks to Namby as well.

Meggy: He's grown up so fast. At least Megan will have an older brother to help look after her now. 😉

Mario: So, what do you wanna do first?

Meggy: First off, it's time to indulge a little. I've been avoiding certain foods to ensure Megan was as healthy as possible, and it's been forever since I last had an orange sherbet.

Mario: One orange sherbet coming up! 😄

Mario goes into the kitchen to make an orange sherbet for Meggy while the inkling turned human goes to the dojo room to get back into practicing her hand-to-hand combat skills.

Meggy: Feels good to be back in here.

Meggy continues to practice her combat skills for the next few minutes with Mario arriving moments later with the orange sherbet she ordered.

Mario: Orange sherbet for one Meggy Spletzer!

Mario gives his wife the orange sherbet.

Mario: Enjoy. 🙂

Meggy: Ah, perfect timing! Thanks, Mario!

Mario: What were ya doing?

Meggy: Getting back into shape.

Mario: Still got it in terms of skill? 😛

Meggy: Sort of. I still remember what to do, though it's a bit more difficult, since I haven't been able to do that for a while now.

Mario: Well, at least you remember all the moves. 🙂

Meggy: I'll be able to learn it all as time goes by.

Mario: With my help, of course. Still remember your fire powers?

Meggy's feet then glow as flames surround them.

Meggy: I do.

Mario: Awesome! 😁

Meggy: By the way... Where's Pamby?

Mario: He's with Megan. He decided to curl up next to her and rest with her so she wouldn't be alone if she woke up.

Meggy: Aww...

Mario: He really seems to like her already.

Meggy: It's really adorable.

Mario: Were you able to sleep well in the days you were at the hospital despite me and Pamby not being there?

Meggy: Yeah. Being sedated helps one sleep with no problems.

Mario: I see. I'm just glad everything turned out okay.

Meggy: Yeah, everything turned out fine.

Mario: So, what's the first thing we're doing after you finish that orange sherbet? 😛

Meggy: Quality bonding time together.

Mario: Classic snuggles? 🙂

Meggy: Yes.

Mario hops onto the couch.

Mario: Then join me.

Meggy: Oh, I will.

Meggy approaches the couch and then pounces on Mario.

Mario: Alright, I get it. You're the apex predator. 😛

Meggy: Not that you're complaining. 😏

Mario: Nah. It's nice seeing you active again.

Meggy: It's nice to be able to unwind again.

Mario runs his fingers through Meggy's hair.

Mario: Rest now. 😛

Meggy: Don't have to tell me twice to know I have permission to rest. 😏

Mario laughs.

Mario: What are you gonna want me to cook for dinner? I'll cook anything you want. 😉

Meggy: I don't mind whatever you want to cook. You could cook spaghetti and I'd happily snarf it up.

Mario: I want to make it special for you. 🙂

Meggy: Alright. How about a plate of spaghetti with your best marinara sauce?

Mario: When dinner time rolls around, you'll get just that. 🙂

Meggy: Sweet!

Mario: That's what you are. 😉

Meggy: Sweeter than aspartame?

Mario: Sweeter than everything ever. 😛

Meggy: Heh.

Meggy then pulls Mario into a kiss.

Mario: Mmm...

Mario kisses back.

Meggy: Sometimes it's still hard to believe my life is the way it is because of you. You ended up showing me there was a lot more to life than what I was focused on, and it opened up my whole world. We have a lot to look forward to in life, and I'm happy that I've gotten so many chances to advance my life in meaningful ways thanks to you and everyone else.

Mario: It's my honor, Meggy.

Moments later, Megan begins to cry and Pamby proceeds to float over to Mario and Meggy.

Pamby: Megan seems hungry. I heard her tummy rumbling.

Mario: I'll bring her over.

Mario gets up, gently picks Megan up, and brings her to Meggy.

Mario: Here you go, Meggy.

Meggy: Thanks, Red!

Mario then goes to talk to Pamby.

Mario: I don't think I express my appreciation for you enough, Pamby.

Pamby: I don't express my appreciation enough for you either. You and Meggy took me in when nobody else wanted me. You have no idea how much that meant to me...

Mario: Meggy really wanted a pet that she could connect with, and you were that pet. Like you, she has experienced loss.

Pamby: I may be your pet, but to me, you're practically family.

Mario: You're family to Meggy and I. Don't forget that.

Pamby: I never will.

Mario: I kinda wish we got you earlier than we did. Anime Island really traumatized Meggy, and it still affects her to this day, as you no doubt know.

Pamby: I do. All too well.

Mario: As bad as it is now, it used to be a lot worse... The first month and a half after Anime Island might've been the most difficult time in Meggy's life...

Pamby floats over and hugs Mario.

Pamby: I sense stress within you, Mario.

Mario: You would be right...

Pamby: What's wrong?

Mario: I'm worried about failing Meggy, and failing Megan...

Pamby: Do you want me to go get Meggy?

Meggy: No need to.

Pamby: Mario is really stressed right now...

Meggy: I know. I heard, and I've known for some time now.

Mario: Huh?

Meggy: Mario, we've been together for over a year now, and on top of that, we were friends for years before that. I know what to look for in terms of behavioral changes.

Mario: W-what did you notice...?

Meggy: They were all subtle, but I knew that you weren't your old self. Tell me, what's bothering you, Mario?

Mario: I'm really scared of failing you as a husband and Megan as a father... It's the biggest thing I feel insecure about...

Meggy: I understand. Honestly... I've been worried about the same thing myself...

Mario: After everything you've been through, the last thing I want is for you to be disappointed in me... I'd feel like a failure if that ever happened... 😢

Meggy: You aren't the only one who is worried about failure.

Mario: Huh?

Meggy: I've been worried about the same things, but swap the roles around.

Mario: Wait, you've been worried about failing me?

Meggy: Always have been...

Pamby: I don't know what I should do...

Meggy: I've always been afraid of losing you. I always feel like I might fail you in some way, and of course, I'm worried about failing as a mother, and a wife.

Mario: What do we do...?

Meggy then pulls Mario into a hug.

Meggy: It's about time we discussed this with someone else. Is there someone you trust to talk to about this?

Mario: I don't know... What about you?

Meggy: I believe I know.

Meggy then texts Luigi and Saiko.

Meggy: Hey, do you think you two could swing on by? Mario and I need to discuss something with you both, and it's kind of important.

Luigi: We can be there in a bit.

Meggy: Thanks. We'll be here waiting for you.

A while later, Luigi and Saiko arrive.

Luigi: Sorry for the delay. We were waiting on Tari and SMG4 so they could babysit Angelo and Rin.

Saiko: What's going on with you two?

Meggy: It's something that's been bugging us both.

Mario: We're both worried about failing each other as the significant other, and as parents...

Meggy: We figured it was best to talk to you two first before anything else, since you two are parents yourselves.

Mario: We're both really scared of failure and don't know what to do...

Luigi: There isn't really a simple answer we can give you...

Saiko: Fear is a natural occurrence in a relationship. There have been times where we have felt like we've failed each other, and all of them have made us cry in fear that our relationship was over...

Luigi: But each time we went through that feeling, we got stronger each time.

Saiko: We realized that nothing would be perfect, there would be times where we disagree, and that we would sometimes fight.

Luigi: Point is, we never truly failed each other, because we vowed to always be there for one another, no matter what.

Saiko: If I'm being brutally honest you two, your relationship is far stronger than an other I have seen, and you two clearly care about each other to the degree that you would sacrifice yourselves to keep the other safe if push came to shove. If that doesn't speak love and loyalty, I don't know what does.

Mario: I understand. It'll be rough, but I think we can make it through this.

Luigi: That's what I like to hear.

Mario and Meggy hug each other tightly in front of Luigi and Saiko, knowing that they love each other dearly and would protect each other. The two couples are now parents, and couldn't be happier. But what about those former TASCorp guards that Swag and Chris confronted? Are they a hint of Evelyn plotting her revenge like Tari fears? Or is it just a coincidence?

Cue SMG4 Credits.