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SMG4: The Rescue Mission.

Tari is currently at the Mushroom Kingdom train station by herself, waiting for her MD-5 friends to arrive. Though at the same time, she can't help but feel uneasy about what Mario told her a few days prior with the former TASCorp guards breaking into the castle before being kicked out by Swagmaster and Chris.

Tari: It'll be nice to see my friends again. Though a part of me is still worried that what Mario told me might actually happen...

Tari continues to wait until she sees a train arriving at the station, seeing her friends through the windows.

Tari: They're here! 😄

The train slows to a stop and the passengers begin disembarking with Tari's old friends stepping out within moments.

Tari: Guys! 😄

Belle: Yo, Tari!

Lamar: Nice to see our home girl waitin' to greet us at the station!

Masa: It's been a while, Tari.

Sofia: You won't believe how boring the train ride was... I'm glad we're finally able to catch up!

Tari: Oh come on. It couldn't have been that boring. 😛

Belle: Well, there wasn't a whole lot we could really do at most times, though it is a bit of an over-exaggeration as to how boring it was.

Tari: I know. Over-exaggerating is what Sofia does best. 😛

Lamar: So, where're your friends at?

Tari: They're all at the castle.

Masa: Well, best not waste any time. Let's get on our way.

Tari: Come on, guys! 

They leave the station and start making their way to the castle.

Tari: So, what's new with you guys?

Sofia: Well, things have been quiet all things considered.

Tari: We recently added a new Slime to our group of friends. A Wing Slime. Her name is Mosura.

Lamar: Seems like you and your friends all have a liking for the little blobs.

Tari: Can you blame us? They're adorable! 😛

Belle: Nah. Considering your love for rubber ducks, you loving slimes is no surprise to me.

Tari: Glitchy and I don't even own a Slime. 😛

Belle: You might at some point. 😏

Tari: Wouldn't surprise me.

A short time later, the Slime trio, Namby, Pamby, and Mosura, all appear with looks of panic.

Namby: Tari, you're okay!

Tari: Namby, what is it?! 😟 

Mosura: Friends taken! 

Tari: Wait, WHAT?! 

Pamby: Everybody that was in the castle was kidnapped!

Tari: By who?

Mosura: Don't know name.

Pamby: But we did catch a glimpse of the leader before we escaped.

Belle: Can you describe who it was?

Namby: They appeared to be female with a light shade of pink hair.

Pamby: They were wearing what seemed to be a maid outfit of some kind.

Sofia: No... Not her...

Lamar: Oh hell naw!!

Masa: Lucks' own personal pet.

Belle: Evelyn Claythorne...

Tari: I should've known... 

Namby: Well, there is some light at the end of the tunnel. Hope and Jet are in Inkopolis currently, so they didn't get captured.

Tari: Well, that's good at least... But now I'm really worried for my friends. Especially Meggy... I have a bad feeling this is gonna trigger really bad memories for her...

Belle: We need to find out where Evelyn is holding them, and fast!

Masa: Evelyn... A name we hoped we'd never have to hear again...

Lamar: After Lucks' got imprisoned, Evelyn went mad, since she lost her big meal ticket...

Tari: Namby, do you, Pamby, or Mosura have any idea as to where Evelyn took our friends?

Namby: Not entirely, but we did follow them to a forest entrance before we lost sight of them.

Belle: Well, at least we know where they might be, so that's a start...

Tari: I think I know where they took them...

Sofia: Where would that be?

Tari: Forever Forest...

Masa: First thing's first. We need to find her and see what we're up against. I highly anticipate she's got an army.

Belle: Masa's right. We need to find out what we're up against first before we attempt a rescue mission.

Tari: Namby, you go to Inkopolis to have Jet and Hope meet us at the entrance to Forever Forest, okay?

Namby: On it! Zoom!

The blue Healslime proceeds to zoom away, leaving everyone else behind to begin formulating potential plans to find out where Evelyn is holding everyone else hostage to help rescue Tari's friends.

Tari: Forever Forest is a tricky place to navigate, but I know my way around.

Belle: We'll be right behind you, Tari.

Sofia: Just lead the way. The sooner we find out where they're at, the sooner we can save your friends.

Tari: We should wait for Namby to come back with Hope and Jet. Forever Forest is crawling with creatures that could attack us.

Belle: We won't go in when we get there.

Masa: Though you did tell them to meet us at the entrance, and we don't know where it's at.

Lamar: So we kind of need you to take us there so we can wait for them.

Tari: Then follow me.

Tari proceeds to make her way to the entrance of Forever Forest with MD-5, Pamby and Mosura following closely behind.

Tari: You gotta pay close attention to your surroundings to figure out where to go next. One mess up and you're back at square one.

Belle: Great. Mazes. Was never a fan of mazes...

Sofia: None of us are, and yet here we are.

Tari: Luckily, I know everything about this forest, so it won't take long. Follow me.

Belle: Wait, didn't you say to wait for the others?

Moments later, Namby, Hope and Jet show up.

Namby: Sorry we're late.

Hope: We told Hydra and Bento the situation and they are rallying together an army to help take your friends back if push comes to shove.

Tari: Good. Now, let's navigate this forest and see just what we're up against.

The group successfully navigates the forest and are shocked to come across a huge facility.

Tari: What in the...? It's a full-on facility...

Belle: Was there something else here at one point?

Tari: Not exactly, but there is a mansion inhabited by Boos not far from here. Either way, this presents a problem...

Masa: No kidding. Heavily armed guards are covering every area of the facility.

Belle: I've got a view of one of the windows. I dunno how the hell she did it, but Evelyn has a full-on army.

Tari: Then I know what I have to do...

Lamar: What would that be?

Tari: Follow me. We have to leave this forest before we're spotted.

Belle: Right behind ya.

The whole group leave the forest.

Tari: Meggy gave me a spare key to her and Mario's home a long while back. 

They go to Mario and Meggy's home and Tari uses the spare key to go inside.

Tari: Meggy kept an item that was given to her by an ally from another dimension in case something like this ever happened.

Belle: So, a distress signal?

Tari: Basically, yes. We're gonna need all the help we can get...

Tari picks up the device and proceeds to send out a distress signal. It then cuts to the world of Earthrealm. Several Earthrealm allies are in the Special Forces base, who have gathered to witness RoboCop effortlessly shooting all of his targets for target practice. While this goes on, Kabal, a former Black Dragon member, notices the distress signal and quickly dashes to where everyone is to inform them.

Raiden: What is it, Kabal?

Kabal: Remember the Meme Quadrant? I just picked up a distress signal from there.

Raiden: It would seem they need our assistance.

Kabal: I'm attempting to get in contact right now.

Raiden: It's been some time since we last met them.

Stryker: Wish it was under more pleasant circumstances.

Kabal successfully makes contact with Tari.

Kabal: Contact successful. Long time no see, Tari. We got your distress signal. What's up?

Tari: Things are bad... My friends have been kidnapped...

RoboCop: A kidnapping? 

Tari: It's worse. The kidnapper has an army...

Raiden: A dire situation indeed... We'll be there as soon as we can with reinforcements.

Tari: Thank you.

The call ends.

Raiden: We will need aid from our Outworld allies. Liu Kang, Kabal, Johnny Cage, at my side. We make way for Outworld immediately. As for the rest of you, Grandmasters Kuai Liang and Hanzo Hasashi will be here shortly. Be ready for their arrival.

Jax: We'll be ready for them.

Stryker: Try not to get yourself killed in Outworld, Kabal. 😏 

Kabal: Please, compared to what we've been through lately, going to Outworld is as scary as taking a dog out for a walk. 😏

Raiden: Even in spite of the peace, we don't know what we are up against yet. These foes could be extremely dangerous.

Liu Kang: We're ready when you are, Lord Raiden.

Raiden: Very well.

He then teleports himself, Liu Kang, Kabal, and Johnny Cage to Outworld to gather allies. We then cut to the facility with the imprisoned SMG4 gang members in separate groups.

Mario: At least they were nice enough to not take Megan away from us... 😔

Mario looks over to Meggy, who is desperately trying to calm Megan down, with little success.

Mario: I can't believe this happened... And only mere days after she gave birth... Whomever did this is beyond sick...

The red plumber then moves to Meggy's side to help her.

Mario: What kind of heartless monster would do this...?

Meggy: Tari warned me about this, and I didn't believe her... We let our guard down, and look what happened to us...

Mario: It's Anime Island all over again...

Mario then remembers Meggy's PTSD from the aforementioned events.

Mario: Oh crap... I shouldn't have said that...

Meggy simply says nothing as she continues to calm Megan down, with tears visibly beginning to form in her eyes.

Mario: Oh no... I'm really sorry, Meggy... I should've been more considerate...

Meggy: It's fine... Just... Don't say it again...

Mario then begins to sob out of guilt, knowing that his words, though unintentionally, hurt Meggy.

Mario: I didn't mean to hurt you... I'm so sorry... I screwed up again... 😢

Meggy: I know... Look, can we just change the subject...? I don't want to think about anything negative right now...

Mario: O-okay... 

Then skips to Desti and Axol, who overheard.

Desti: I have a bad feeling her PTSD is really gonna kick in some time soon...

Axol: I don't blame her after what happened... She went through unimaginable pain, and considering she just had Megan, none of this is gonna be good for her...

Desti: And Pamby isn't here to be there for her... This is really bad...

Axol: I just hope Tari is okay... She was the only one not with us...

It then skips to Tari and co, with Tari and Jet both trying to calm a worried Hope.

Tari: We're gonna get your sister and the rest of our friends out, Hope. I promise. 

Hope: I can't help, but worry...

Belle: Considering what you told us, I can't blame you...

Tari: Evelyn made this personal... Not even Lucks would've gone this far... When we raid that facility with our allies, I'm taking Evelyn down...

Belle: My question is why is she back?

Tari: I don't know.

Masa: Guess she's back for vengeance.

Tari: She made a grave mistake kidnapping my friends and loved ones... 😠

Sofia: Well, you aren't alone in this, Tari.

Lamar: We've got your back, Tari. Don't forget that.

Tari: Our allies are no strangers to killing. I mean, they are from Mortal Kombat, so... Things are going to be very bloody.

Belle: Genuinely shocked you aren't scared about that.

Tari: I grew used to it as time went on.

Hope: Nobody in our group of friends is afraid to kill anymore. Especially if someone is putting the lives of our friends in danger, like the situation we're currently in.

Belle: Now that is genuinely shocking.

Tari: Being through several life-threatening situations can change a person...

Masa: She isn't wrong.

Tari: Especially when you have someone you love dearly, like me. I'm willing to do whatever is necessary to protect Glitchy. I hate killing, I really do. But if someone puts Glitchy's life in danger, I won't hesitate...

Belle: Don't worry. We'll help you get your friends back.

Tari: We just have to wait for our allies to be gathered.

Meanwhile, in Outworld with Raiden, Liu Kang, Johnny Cage, and Kabal.

Kabal: Okay, so let me get this straight. We speak to the emperor, tell him of the situation, then return to Earthrealm with Outworld allies? Do I have that right?

Raiden: That is correct, Kabal.

???: Never thought I'd see you around, Kabal.

Kabal: Who said that?

The mysterious individual steps forward, revealing himself to be Erron Black, another former Black Dragon member, now working for Kotal Kahn.

Erron Black: You're talking to him. 😏

Kabal: You ditched the Black Dragon too, eh?

Erron Black: Kano betrayed me a long time ago.

Kabal: Kano never did stay loyal to anyone for long.

Raiden: We are here to speak with the emperor. We require Outworld's aid for a major battle.

Erron Black: One of Shao Kahn's followers?

Raiden: No. Someone else entirely. Someone from the Meme Quadrant where Shao Kahn tried to invade not that long ago.

Kabal: One hell of a battle. Shame you missed it, Black. 😛

Erron Black: I had other matters to attend to at that time. Regardless, follow me.

Raiden: Very well.

Raiden and his group proceed to follow the gunslinger, and Kabal, knowing that Johnny Cage is an actor, decides to tease him a bit.

Kabal: See any potential filming locations, Cage? 😏

Cage: You do know being an actor isn't my biggest priority anymore, right?

Kabal: I know, you're a family man.

Liu Kang: You finally developed to have a personality that's more than sandpaper, as Kung Lao would've put it. 

Kabal: Still miss him?

Liu Kang: He was very arrogant, but also honorable.

Cage: But hey, we avenged him. I'm sure he's living in peace in the afterlife.

Raiden: His spirit is at peace. The Elder Gods have seen to that.

Liu Kang: Our friends in the Meme Quadrant have proven to be valuable allies.

Erron Black: Why the hell is it called that?

Kabal: Don't ask, Black. Just roll with it.

Raiden: It is indeed a strange name, but our allies there have proven to be valuable assets.

Erron Black: We're nearing the emperor's courtyard. You'll need to speak to Ermac before you talk to the emperor.

Raiden: So be it.

Ermac, serving as Kotal Kahn's enforcer, approaches the group.

Ermac: We are Ermac. We are Emperor Kotal's enforcer.

Raiden: We request an audience with him, Ermac.

Ermac: For what purpose do you request an audience with Emperor Kotal Kahn?

Raiden: We require the aid of Outworld for an upcoming battle.

Ermac: We shall speak to Emperor Kotal. Should the Emperor decline you an audience, you must leave. Understood?

Raiden: Understood.

Ermac takes leave to speak to Kotal Kahn, leaving the others to wait for their return.

Liu Kang: If our request is denied, what will be your plan, Lord Raiden?

Raiden: Then we will fight without Kotal's help. We cannot leave our allies to suffer.

Ermac returns.

Ermac: Emperor Kotal wishes to speak to you, Raiden.

Raiden: Very well.

Ermac leads Raiden to Kotal Kahn's throne where the emperor is waiting to speak to Raiden.

Raiden: Emperor Kotal. A pleasure to speak to you once again.

Raiden and his group bow.

Kotal: You wish to enlist my help in fighting an upcoming battle. Which enemy would this be?

Raiden: An unknown enemy in the Meme Quadrant. Me and my allies assisted them during Shao Kahn's invasion of that realm last year.

Kabal: According to one of our allies in the Meme Quadrant, several of her friends and our allies were kidnapped, and the kidnapper has a huge army. 

Liu Kang: An army that the Meme Quadrant and Earthrealm combined cannot take on.

Kotal: Very well. Outworld shall aid you in your battle.

Raiden: We gratefully welcome your aid, Emperor Kotal.

Kotal: I shall ready my army. We will meet up with you when we are ready to head to the Meme Quadrant.

Raiden: Once your army is gathered, rendezvous in Earthrealm's Special Forces base. We await your arrival. 

Raiden then teleports his group back to the base.

Jax: Well, how'd it go?

Kabal: We were successful.

Raiden: Outworld will fight alongside us.

Jax: Sweet. We'll need all of the help we can get for this one.

Raiden: Have Kuai Liang and Hanzo Hasashi arrived yet?

Stryker: Not yet. They said they had an extra ally that they were bringing.

Kabal: An extra ally? Who could that possibly be?

Sure enough, the Lin Kuei and Shirai Ryu's grandmasters arrive with both their members and the aforementioned extra ally.

Sub-Zero: Our extra ally is with us.

???: Call me Spawn.

Raiden: So you'll be assisting us in the fight against our unknown adversary?

Spawn: You assume correctly.

RoboCop: Count me in the fight as well. We must rescue those that were kidnapped.

Raiden: Unless we have any more unexpected help, I believe we have everyone who will be helping us in our fight.

Jax: The T-800 is fully reprogrammed and ready to go as well.

Terminator: Enemies of Earthrealm will be terminated.

Kabal: Anyone else joining us?

An arrow in the distance is seen piercing a target.

Jax: Alright, John. You can come out from hiding now.

???: You know why I fight from the shadows.

Jax: Yes, but at least reveal yourself.

The mystery man soon steps out of the shadows, revealing himself to be John Rambo.

Rambo: Just show me a target and it'll be taken care of.

Raiden: Once Emperor Kotal arrives with his Outworld army, we will require you to bring us to the Meme Quadrant, Jax.

Jax: It's ready to go.

Raiden: Good. That means we can leave as soon as Emperor Kotal and his army arrive.

Sub-Zero: The Lin Kuei will be ready. 

Liu Kang: Any luck finding your pupil?

Sub-Zero: None so far. Frost was heavily against the Lin Kuei making peace with the Shirai Ryu. The fact that she went missing so shortly after it happened is not a coincidence.

Scorpion: Do you believe she may have defected to the enemy?

Sub-Zero: It is entirely possible. We must anticipate her presence.

Takeda: Ready for battle, Grandmaster Hasashi! 

Scorpion: Very good. We will need as much aid as possible. 

Kenshi: Hanzo is right. Our telepathy will prove valuable, Takeda.

An Outworld portal appears, with Kotal Kahn and his Outworld army walking out of it.

Kotal: My army is ready, Raiden.

Raiden: Very well, Emperor. Jax, you know what to do.

Jax: We'll be there in no time flat.

The united army is quickly taken to the Meme Quadrant, arriving in the Mushroom Kingdom. Tari sees this outside the castle window.

Tari: Our allies have arrived! Looks like we've got several new ones.

Belle: About time. We'd best get moving now.

Masa: Belle's right. We'd better meet up with them quickly.

Hope: Hydra and Bento said they've got their rallied army ready. They'll be waiting at Forever Forest.

Tari: Then there's no time to lose.

The group leave the castle to meet up with Raiden and Kotal. Tari quickly notices Ermac and is confused.

Tari: Weren't you evil last time I saw you?

Ermac: Our creator, Shao Kahn, is dead. We now serve Emperor Kotal, who has allied Outworld with Earthrealm.

Kotal: Ermac is loyal to me now. So long shall I live, they are loyal to me and me alone.

Erron Black: Hello there, lady.

Tari: Don't even try it. Already taken.

Kabal: Oh yeah, should've mentioned Black tries to do that quite frequently. Always has, even back when he was part of the Black Dragon.

Tari: Well, as long as he doesn't go beyond that, we won't have any problems.

Belle: Do that and you'll incur my wrath as well, cowboy.

Tari: Looks like we've got a few guests with us. Four, to be specific.

Raiden: We've gathered as many allies as possible to assist you in this fight.

Tari: We've got several allies waiting for us at the rendezvous point. We have no time to waste. Our friends are in ever increasing danger with every second we spend. Follow me.

Everyone present proceeds to follow Tari through Forever Forest, eventually arriving at the facility where Tari's friends are being held.

Tari: This is the place...

Hydra: Called for extra support?

Tari: Yes. We needed it badly.

Bento: Looks like you've got quite the crowd. Think they can handle this?

Tari: We need everything we can get. Our enemy has quite an army. But I think I have an idea to trick them into thinking I'm alone. To catch them off guard.

Inside the facility, the imprisoned SMG4 gang see the huge armies outside, with Tari in front of them.

Meggy: Wait... No way...

Mario: What is it, Meggy?

Meggy: Look!

Mario looks out to find Tari with a massive army behind her.

Mario: Whoa... Tari's here to save us!

Tari then slams the doors to the facility open, going in alone, all part of her plan.

Tari: Come out and face me, Evelyn! Or are you too much of a coward?

Several guards then storm the area, all aiming weapons at Tari.

???: So, you finally decided to show up.

Tari: Yes. I'm here to rescue my friends, Ms. Claythorne.

Evelyn: Oh, I'm afraid you won't be doing that anytime soon, you blue haired science experiment.

Tari: A blue haired science experiment that achieved more success than you ever will.

Evelyn: Only because you took it all away from me!!

Tari: Not my fault you decided to only care about yourself and not everyone around you.

Evelyn: Whatever... You were really foolish for showing up alone.

???: Oh, I'm afraid you'd be wrong about that assumption.

Evelyn: Huh? Who said that!? Show yourself!

Belle: Been a long time, Evelyn.

Evelyn: Belle Fontiere... What are you doing here!?

Belle: I'm here to help Tari take you down.

Evelyn: You honestly thought you and Tari could take me on when I've got an army to back me up? Pah! You two are absolute idiots for coming by yourselves.

Belle: Who said we were alone?

Evelyn: What?!

Moments later, a massive army rushes into the facility.

Tari: We aren't stupid, Evelyn. We came prepared.

Evelyn: You little... Guards!! Open fire!!

Before anyone can fire the first shot, Tari launches bolts of electricity all around her, incapacitating everyone in a ten foot radius around her, allowing her to rush herself to safety.

Tari: CHARGE!!!

The big battle begins.

Tari: We need someone who can free my friends quickly.

Kabal: Leave that to me. 

Kotal: Erron, go with Kabal to provide backup.

Erron: Got it.

Raiden: Liu Kang, I request you do the same.

Liu Kang: It will be done, Lord Raiden.

Kabal, Erron Black, and Liu Kang head to the prison cells.

Kabal: You two focus on any guards that show up. I'll cut the locks to the prison cells.

Erron: Don't need to tell me twice.

Liu Kang: Understood.

Kabal pulls his hookswords out and quickly dashes around the cells with his hookswords out, breaking the locks and freeing the SMG4 gang.

Kabal: Nice to see you guys again. Hopefully you're up to fight.

Mario: Most of us are, but some of us aren't capable...

Kabal: For those of you that can't fight, follow me.

Meggy and Saiko proceed to follow Kabal with their three children closely held to them to find a safe way out of the facility.

Kabal: There. Go out that way and you can get home safely. Also, congratulations.

Kabal then dashes away to resume the fight.

Meggy: We have no time to waste. Come on, Saiko. I just hope Mario will be alright.

Saiko: I'm sure he will be. 

Back at the facility. Hope is surrounded by several guards.

Hope: Oh carp... 

Moments later, the guards get swept away by wind, thanks to her older sister.

Hope: Desti!

Desti: They can't keep me locked up for long, and I'm not gonna let anyone hurt you again for as long as I shall live.

Namby floats over.

Namby: Let's help our friends!

Scorpion and Sub-Zero fight side by side with their Lin Kuei and Shirai Ryu allies, when Scorpion suddenly gets frozen.

Sub-Zero: Hanzo! 

Scorpion then breaks out. Sub-Zero turns around to see the culprit. His former pupil, Frost.

Sub-Zero: Frost... 

She tries to freeze her former master but he dodges it.

Sub-Zero: I gave you a home... I was your mentor... Yet after all this, you ally with the enemy? Corrupt the Lin Kuei?! 

Frost: You corrupted our clan when you made peace with the Shirai Ryu! With Evelyn's help, I'll restore the Lin Kuei's honor!

Scorpion: You bring shame on your own clan, Frost. The Shirai Ryu will see to it that you don't bring the Lin Kuei to ruin!

Sub-Zero: You are not fit to rule, Frost.

Frost: You always doubted me, Sub-Zero... Held me back... Evelyn sees my true potential...

Scorpion: Your potential is wasted by allying yourself with one as evil as Miss Claythorne.

Sub-Zero: You will not uproot the Lin Kuei, Frost. If killing you is the only way to stop your tyranny, so be it!

Frost, being the headstrong girl she is, lunges at the two, only to get quickly frozen by the more experienced Kuai Liang.

Sub-Zero: You deceive yourself, Frost...

Scorpion then pulls off his mask, revealing a flaming skull underneath.

Scorpion: See you in Hell, traitor.

The former Lin Kuei pupil is then incinerated.

Sub-Zero: I wish it didn't have to come to this...

Scorpion: At least you don't have to live with her burden anymore. With her gone, your clan and mine can live in peace.

Sub-Zero: Indeed. We must help our allies.

Scorpion: We must make haste.

At the same time, Mario is away from the battle briefly to call Meggy to make sure she and Megan are home safely.

Mario: Are you and Megan safely home yet?

Meggy: Yes, we are. Saiko and her kids are also with me, and are unharmed.

Mario: Alright, that's good. We've got Evelyn's army distracted, so they won't be able to try to make their way towards you guys.

Meggy: Just promise me you'll be back in one piece...

Mario: I swear on my life I'll come back to you in one piece. Remember that I've lost my head several times yet could resume like nothing ever happened.

Meggy: I mean it, Red. Come back to me in one piece...

Mario: I will, Meggy. I love you, and stay safe until I get back.

Meggy: I love you too, Red.

Mario then hangs up and returns to his friends and allies.

Mario: How are we holding up?

Luigi: We're doing fine, but Evelyn ran off in the midst of the chaos. Tari and Belle ran after her, but we have no idea if they're fine or not...

It then skips to Tari and Belle chasing after Evelyn, with the chase eventually ending in a closed off area.

Tari: Belle, leave Evelyn to me. My friends need as much help as they can get.

Belle: You sure you don't need my help?

Tari: I'm sure. Now leave Evelyn to me.

Belle: Well... Alright, but I still think you're in over your head.

Belle proceeds to backtrack through the area, still staying close enough to monitor the situation in case anything goes awry, but hidden enough to not be seen.

Evelyn: You're incredibly foolish for taking me on one v. one.

Tari: You made this way too personal, Evelyn. Nobody hurts my friends and gets away with it... I'm not the coward you once knew me as. I've toughened up.

Evelyn: How so? Becoming more of a failure?

Tari: Why don't you come over here and find out?

Evelyn: Oh, you little BITCH!!

Tari: I see you never lost your ego.

Evelyn attempts to throw a punch to hit Tari, only for Tari to dodge and retaliate with a punch of her own, knocking Evelyn back.

Tari: In case it isn't obvious, after leaving Silica City, I started getting training in hand-to-hand combat from one of my friends. Something you seem to lack. Both training and friends.

Tari decides to give Evelyn one chance to stand down, but is still ready to fight if Evelyn refuses.

Tari: It's not too late to stand down, Evelyn.

Evelyn: Oh please, as if I'd stand down to someone like you...

Tari then hears a helicopter arrive, as Evelyn had one called in as a means of escape.

Tari: Oh you're not escaping me then...

Tari then uses her lightning powers to have lightning strike the helicopter, sending it crashing down and preventing Evelyn from escaping.

Evelyn: W-where'd you learn to do that!?

Tari: None of your business. I'm not gonna waste my powers on the likes of you. 

Tari readies herself for a fight.

Evelyn: Oh, now you're gonna get it!!

Tari: If anyone's gonna get it, it's you... You're officially more psychotic than Lucks ever was...

Tari proceeds to lunge at Evelyn, knocking her to the ground and getting her in a chokehold.

Tari: Any final words...? 

Evelyn then pushes Tari off her.

Evelyn: You'll be the one saying your final words... 

Belle realizes that Evelyn intends to kill Tari and decides to help her.

Belle: Sorry, Tari. But I'm gonna have to ignore what you told me. We'll face Evelyn together.

Evelyn: Oh I don't think so. This is between me and Tari alone, red haired freak!

Belle: You're one to talk, Miss Fanservice...

Tari: I doubt you can even properly fight, let alone fight two on one. 😏

Evelyn: You take that back!!

Tari gets a message from Raiden.

Tari: Looks like your entire army is gone, Evelyn. But my allies are kind enough to leave you to me. 😏

Evelyn: Grr... I don't need an army...

Tari: Is that so?

Evelyn: I'll kill you both myself!

Tari: Belle, I think this is a fight to the death...

Belle: Then so be it...

Tari: You won't torment my friends or loved ones any longer, Evelyn...

Belle: We'll see to that...

The final showdown begins, Belle and Tari, former rivals turned friends, fighting a common enemy. Tari gets the first hit of the fight with a cyborg-arm enhanced uppercut.

Tari: You're too slow, Evelyn.

Belle: You talk a lot of trash but don't have the skill to back it up.

Evelyn: SHUT UP!!

Evelyn charges in a blind rage at Tari and Belle, intending on attacking them both at once.

Belle: Watch out!

Tari: Pitiful, Evelyn. All looks, no skill.

Tari then kicks Evelyn hard in her face and strikes her ribcage with her knee.

Tari: How does it feel being beaten by the one girl you always tried to humiliate?

Evelyn stumbles back, clutching her abdomen from the pain.

Evelyn: You bitch...

Belle: Words will get you nowhe-

Before Belle can finish her sentence, Evelyn sucker punches Belle in the face, causing her to fall to the ground, clutching her face whilst screaming out in pain. Amidst the chaos, Evelyn tackles Tari to the ground and wraps her hands around Tari's throat, attempting to choke her to death.

Evelyn: Any last words, little science experiment...?

Tari tries to pry Evelyn's hands off of her neck, but to no avail as she struggles to breathe, slowly losing consciousness as Evelyn chokes the life out of her.

Evelyn: You're life ends here you blue haired bitch... Once I kill you, Belle's next!!

Right before Evelyn can finish Tari off, a swift punch from a metal hand to her head knocks her off Tari, causing her to lose her grip on Tari's neck, allowing the blue haired girl to breathe again.

Belle: YOU WILL DIE SCREAMING!!!

Belle ends up going ballistic and begins to attack Evelyn relentlessly, tearing into her with ferocity, causing Evelyn to scream out from immense pain.

Belle: YOUR LIFE IS NOW FORFEIT!!!

Belle then picks Evelyn up and grabs her by the throat, choking her with her Meta Runner arm as Belle watches the life slowly leave Evelyn's eyes.

Belle: You attempted to kill Tari, so now you suffer for eternity...

Belle then lets go of Evelyn, causing her to tall to the ground, barely alive after being choked out. Belle then positions her foot over Evelyn's throat, pressing hard on it, choking Evelyn again.

Belle: I can't bring myself to kill you, so I'll give you a fate worse than death...

Belle then stomps on Evelyn's throat, crushing her larynx and damaging her vocal chords, causing Evelyn to lose her ability to speak.

Tari: Belle...

Belle: Killing her outright would be a mercy... I want her to suffer...

Tari: If we don't kill her, she'll come back and threaten my friends again!

Belle: I can't, Tari... I just can't!!

Moments later, a spear comes in and pierces Evelyn's abdomen before pulling her away from Tari and Belle.

Scorpion: GET OVER HERE!!!

Tari: Belle, you might wanna shield your eyes.

Scorpion: It won't happen out here. That won't be necessary.

Scorpion teleports inside the facility with Evelyn and puts her in the middle of both the SMG4 gang as well as the Earthrealm and Outworld allies.

Desti: You f**ked up big time, Evelyn...

Fear fills Evelyn's eyes as Scorpion pulls her close to his flaming skull head.

Evelyn: Shit...

Spawn: Let me finish this, Scorpion.

Scorpion: Very well. 

He drops Evelyn.

Spawn: Death awaits you... 

Spawn then wraps his cape around Evelyn, unleashing a fatal barrage of Hell magic upon the cyborg before ripping her flesh from her bones, killing her in a painful fashion.

Hope: Good thing Meggy and Saiko's kids weren't here to see this... Now who's gonna get rid of whatever remains of Evelyn?

Scorpion then proceeds to incinerate the remains of Evelyn, leaving nothing behind.

Raiden: It is done... 

Tari and Belle both return.

Tari: My friends are now safe. I must thank you, Raiden.

Raiden: Gratitude is unnecessary. I must return to Earthrealm with my allies so that Emperor Kotal and his allies can return home. Until we meet again, farewell.

Raiden teleports the Earthrealm and Outworld allies back to their world, leaving the SMG4 gang.

Belle: Well... At least it's all over... Now our visit can properly begin.

Lamar: Well, we kinda need to get settled in our hotel first.

Tari: I'll take you guys to the hotel. 

Mario: I need to get home fast to make sure Meggy is okay.

Luigi: Same with me for Saiko.

The gang all split up, with Mario quickly returning to the Mushroom Kingdom to get to his home. Once he arrives at the home, he knocks.

Mario: She should open it any second.

Moments later, Meggy opens the door to find Mario on the other side.

Mario: I'm home, Meggy. In one piece.

Meggy allows Mario to walk inside before tackling him into a tearful hug.

Mario: Meggy?! 😟

Pamby: She's been worried sick about you, Mario...

Mario: Did her PTSD kick in before I came home...?

Saiko: I'm afraid so... She had a panic attack and started shaking...

Mario: Oh no...

Luigi: She was worried you were dead...

Mario: I need to have a moment alone with Meggy...

Everyone excluding Mario, Meggy and Pamby leave the room.

Mario: Talk to me, Meggy...

Meggy: I thought I lost you... I felt so alone...

Mario: Saiko said you had a panic attack... That your PTSD resurfaced...

Meggy simply tightens her hug as the tears continue to fall down her cheeks.

Mario: This is my fault... I mentioned what happened two years ago when you were trying so hard to forget it...

Pamby: Don't blame yourself, Mario... She doesn't blame you for what happened...

Mario: I still feel bad because I inadvertently caused her PTSD to resurface...

Meggy starts shaking again as her breathing becomes more erratic.

Mario: Meggy?! Meggy!

Meggy's vision darkens as she passes out, waking up in a dark room surrounded by giant containers.

Meggy: Where am I...? Why am I here...? No... Not again... Why are you back...?! We killed you!!!

???: Death was only temporary for me. Now that I'm back, I get to watch you suffer.

In the real world.

Mario: Oh no... This isn't good... Pamby, we need to do something and quickly!

Pamby simply floats over to Meggy and places himself gently on top of her, gently soothing the orange haired girl as she continues to have a PTSD induced nightmare.

Pamby: Get her a pillow. She needs to rest her head against something to prevent hitting her head on the ground and causing brain damage.

Mario grabs a nearby pillow.

Mario: Here.

Pamby: I need to focus on Meggy, Mario. You need to place it under her head.

Mario: Sorry...

Mario gently lifts up Meggy's head and places the pillow underneath.

Pamby: Don't leave the room. She'll need you when she wakes up.

Mario: I won't leave her side...

Mario solemnly looks down at Meggy, knowing that being kidnapped and imprisoned again gave her haunting memories of Anime Island.

Mario: I'm sorry... I'm really sorry...

Moments later, crying is heard from the next room over as Luigi opens the door with Megan in his arms.

Luigi: Megan needs you, Mario.

Mario stands up and takes Megan into his arms, trying to calm her down.

Mario: I think she's hungry, and yet Meggy is unconscious...

Meanwhile, Meggy is continuing to have her nightmare as the mysterious figure approaches her.

???: Seeing you scared brings joy to my soul.

Meggy: Stop... Don't come any closer... Leave me alone...

Moments later, crying rings out from the darkness as it becomes louder and louder drowning out the taunting words of the mysterious figure until eventually, Meggy wakes up from her nightmare to the sound of Megan crying.

Mario: Meggy... Thank god you're awake...

He hands Megan to her.

Mario: I think she needs to be fed... 

Meggy: I... I'll take care of it... 

Mario goes into another room to text the gang.

Mario: Guys... I wish I didn't have to say this, but... Meggy's PTSD has resurfaced...

Desti: No...

Mario: She suddenly started shaking and breathing erratically, then passed out...

Tari: That isn't good...

Mario: I... I don't know what to do...

Mario sighs as he waits for a text response.

Desti: You and Pamby both need to stay at Meggy's side for as long as she needs...

Tari: She needs you now more than ever.

Mario: I know... She needs all of us... I'll try bringing her to the castle once I've calmed her down...

Axol: Until then, don't leave her.

Mario: I won't... I'll see you guys then...

Mario leaves the room to return to Meggy's side.

Mario: I'm back, Meggy.

Meggy: I'm sorry, Red...

Mario: Huh?

Meggy: You shouldn't ever have to see me like this...

Mario: I'd rather see you being honest instead of trying to hide your struggles... Remember what happened last time you tried to bottle up your emotions...?

Meggy: I'm not even trying to, Mario... Life was supposed to get better for us, and look at what happened... Why does everyone from our past want us dead... Each month, it feels like someone wants one of us erased...

Mario: I wish I could answer that question, Meggy... But I can't...

Meggy tearfully looks down at Megan, then back up to Mario.

Meggy: I don't want to lose anyone again... I've come so far in my life, and it feels like so many are trying to take it away from me... I cannot bear to lose another loved one...

Mario then holds out his arms.

Mario: Come here... You probably need a hug...

Meggy, still holding Megan, walks over to Mario, the red clad plumber pulling Meggy and Megan both into a compassionate hug.

Mario: Are you gonna be alright...?

Meggy: I don't know... Just... Don't leave me...

Mario: I'm not gonna leave you, Meggy... Ever...

Meanwhile, Tari is hanging out with the MD-5 crew, trying to catch up with the others since they last got to meet up. Unfortunately, Belle has been relatively silent, which causes alarm from Tari.

Tari: Uh, Belle...? Are you okay...? 😟

Lamar: You're usually not this quiet. Is something bothering you?

Belle simply glances away with a somber look on her face.

Tari: Belle, can we speak in private? Just you and me?

Belle simply stands up and motions for Tari to follow her into the next room, closing the door behind them.

Tari: Now... What's bothering you?

Belle: I feel awful...

Tari: Awful...? How?

Belle doesn't respond.

Tari: Please tell me what's wrong, Belle...

Belle: Why couldn't I kill off Evelyn... Why couldn't I do it...?

Tari: Why is it getting to you so much? Not wanting to kill someone isn't a bad thing...

Belle: Because she nearly killed you...

Tari: Oh, right...

Belle: I chickened out and let you down... Evelyn almost killed you, and I stopped at crushing her throat...

Tari: Belle... I don't blame you for not wanting to kill... It's not an easy decision to make...

Belle: Yet I would have lost you in the process had I let her live... I almost got you killed...

Tari: Belle... Please...

Belle: I ALMOST GOT YOU KILLED, TARI!!! I HESITATED AND LET YOU DOWN ALL BECAUSE I COULDN'T BRING MYSELF TO KILL EVELYN!!!

Tari backs up a bit with fear in her eyes, not having seen this side of Belle in a long time.

Tari: Belle... Why are you so upset about it? Why do you feel like you let me down?

Belle's expression changes from a mixture of anger and remorse to a mixture of discomfort and nervousness.

Belle: Because... Because I... I... L...

Tari: You what...? Please, tell me...

Belle: I... I... I can't...

Belle suddenly rushes towards the door, opening it in a mad dash before rushing out of the hotel room, trying to leave the area as fast as possible to get away from Tari.

Tari: Belle, wait!!!

Before Tari can run after Belle, she's stopped by Sofia.

Sofia: Tari, before you run after her to try and find her, there's something you need to hear...

Tari: What could be so important you need to keep me here!?

Masa: Because we know the reason she ran off.

Tari: Well... Spit it out!

Lamar: Tari... Belle has feelings for you. That's why she felt she let you down when she refused to kill Evelyn...

Tari's expression suddenly changes from annoyance and frustration to a look of utter shock.

Tari: What...?

Sofia: She told us after we left the hotel in Miami during that vacation.

Lamar: She had been hoping to tell you during our visit, but she stopped when she found out that you already had someone in your life.

Masa: She felt heartbroken, but she didn't want to tell you, because she really wanted to be happy for you, and support you in any way possible.

Tari: Wait... She has... Feelings for me?

Sofia: Yes, Tari. 

Tari: H-how long has she harbored these feelings...?

Masa: Since shortly before you left Silica City.

Lamar: You needed to know this, Tari. Otherwise, you wouldn't have been able to talk to her about it when you found her.

Tari: I need to see her...

Tari then pushes past her friends, rushing off after Belle to talk things out with her one on one.

Tari: Belle... Where are you...?

As Tari looks for Belle, she bumps into SMG4, whom was looking for her upon being told what happened by Sofia.

SMG4: Tari! I've been looking all over for you! Any luck finding Belle?

Tari: No... I don't know where she could be...

SMG4: Don't worry... We'll find her together.

Tari: Thanks, Glitchy...

SMG4: This day has been quite something... But not of the good kind... First, we all get kidnapped, then Meggy's PTSD resurfaces, and now this...

Tari: I just don't want her to do something stupid... I really need to talk to her...

SMG4: We'll find her together, Tari... But once we do, I'll let you talk to her... I'll need to head back to the castle because Mario told me he's on his way there with Meggy... Once you can calm Belle down, please come to the castle as well... Meggy needs a lot of emotional support...

Tari: Thanks... I just hope she's still with us...

SMG4: Where do you think she would go? I reckon she'd go somewhere quiet.

Tari: I think I might know. We need to hurry!

SMG4: Lead the way! I'm right behind you!

Tari and SMG4 make their way to the nearby park, where they begin to search for Belle.

Tari: Where could she be...?

SMG4: Probably the most isolated area if I had to guess, wherever that would be...

Tari: I know where that is... Follow me...

SMG4: Right behind you, Tari.

Tari leads SMG4 to a heavily isolated area of the park, and they see Belle, curled up into a ball.

Tari: I've never seen Belle like this...

SMG4: She looks broken...

Tari: I need to talk to her... Alone...

SMG4: You know where I'll be... Good luck...

The two share a hug before SMG4 leaves. Tari slowly walks up to Belle.

Tari: Belle...?

Belle shudders upon hearing Tari's voice and begins to shake, fearing the worst.

Tari: Why are you shaking...?

Belle: Why are you here...?

Tari: Because I was so worried about you...

Belle: Worried about a failure like me...?

Tari: Don't you dare call yourself that...

Tari then walks over to Belle and places a hand on her shoulder.

Tari: The others told me why you ran off... Just... Why did you never tell me before I left Silica City...?

Belle: Because I literally found out the very night before you left...

Tari: My friends... They didn't tell you I was leaving...?

Belle: No... Not a single one...

Tari: Unbelievable...

Belle: When I had heard you would be in the same area as us during New Years, I was happy, because I thought I'd finally be able to tell you, but then I found out you were already taken, and I just didn't say anything and acted like it didn't matter until after I got back to Silica City...

Tari: What happened when you got back...?

Belle: I completely broke down... I felt so stupid for not telling you, even through messages, and look at what happened... I lost my chance because I hesitated... And I couldn't even kill off Evelyn... Because I hesitated... Just like i hesitated about leaving TASCORP when everyone else defected...

Tari: Was this after what happened to Lucinia?

Belle: Yes...

Tari: What ended up happening...?

Belle: I didn't believe he knew anything about what happened to her, and so I stayed... He abused me verbally and physically whenever I stepped out of line...

Tari: Is there anything I can do...?

Belle doesn't hear Tari and simply trails off.

Belle: Of course she wouldn't want someone like me... Who was I kidding... I've lost so many chances due to hesitation... I never even had one with her to begin with...

Tari: Belle...?

Belle: Of course you wouldn't want me...

Tari: Belle... Stop putting yourself down like that...

Belle: Easy for you to say... You weren't the one who made the dumb decisions...

Tari: Except I have before... I willingly partook in a prank war against a few friends... Which ended up getting said friends nearly killed...

Belle: What...?

Tari: I didn't think the pranks would go that far...

Tari sighs.

Tari: After that incident, I promised myself I would never pull a prank again...

Belle: What even led up to that...?

Tari: Something really stupid... I felt like I would've been in trouble with Meggy and Saiko if I didn't partake in it... This was back when I was really shy, timid, and had no skill as a fighter...

Tari then moves closer to Belle and pulls her into a hug.

Tari: Point is, nobody is perfect. Neither you nor I are perfect. We're both flawed in different ways. That doesn't mean you're pathetic or worthless.

Belle starts tearing up.

Tari: I'm here, Belle...

Belle simply hugs Tari in return.

Tari: There... You'll be okay, Belle...

The two spend the next several minutes just holding one another, not wanting to leave the other's side.

Tari: You gonna be alright?

Belle: I don't know, but at least I'm feeling better right now...

Tari: Well, at least you're feeling better. We really need to get back to the castle. Meggy's had another PTSD attack, and we need to give her our support.

Belle: Why do you want me to come along...?

Tari: Because you need support too, and I intend on giving you every ounce of support you need.

Belle: I... I don't know what to say, except thank you... I just wish I wasn't so hesitant to tell you how I truly felt about you... I missed my chance...

Tari: We'll figure this whole thing out in due time. Until then, you're sticking with me.

Belle: Alright... I'll follow you...

Tari and Belle proceed to leave the park, with Belle closely following Tari until the two reach the castle where everyone is waiting.

Tari: How's Meggy...?

Mario: She's calmed down, but this attack was the most severe one yet...

Saiko: She needs our help more than ever for the foreseeable future.

SMG4: We'll also need to ensure we have the defenses to prevent an attack like this happening in the future.

Belle: What happened to the guards?

Luigi: Chris and Swagmaster? They're fine, though they both got overwhelmed and are currently recovering in the castle's hospital wing.

Tari: How bad was the attack...?

Mario: They both sustained injuries, but neither of them were shot.

Luigi: They were incapacitated using stun guns.

Tari: Did Meggy have a PTSD attack before I got here?

Pamby: Fortunately, no.

Desti: Mario isn't kidding when he said Meggy's PTSD attack was the most severe yet...

Axol: We really need to take her PTSD seriously...

SMG4: We need to make a list of things that could potentially trigger her PTSD. But what triggers it?

Mario: Whatever you do, do NOT mention 'the incident' in any capacity.

SMG4: Okay. What else?

Mario: That, I don't know yet... We just need to keep her safe and add to the list if we find anything else that triggers it...

Meggy: It's all you guys really can do... I'm sorry about all of this... I wish it didn't trigger such bad reactions from me...

Mario simply hugs Meggy tightly.

Mario: You don't have to be sorry...

Tari: It's just something we'll have to be more prepared for, Meggy. We'll always be here for you, no matter what happens.

Saiko: We're a family now, and I'm not going to let anyone in it suffer for long.

Desti: We're all one big family. If someone messes with one of us, they mess with all of us.

Axol: We're all in this together.

Desti: If there's one person who understands the pain of going through PTSD, it's me...

SMG4: But for now, everyone is still alive, and we'll be more prepared next time.

Mario: That's right.

SMG4 begins to notice that Tari isn't herself.

SMG4: Tari? Is something bothering you?

Tari: Can we talk in private Glitchy?

SMG4: Yes.

Tari: Wait here, Belle. I promise, I will be back.

Belle simply nods as Tari and SMG4 walk into the next room to continue their conversation.

SMG4: Is something wrong, Tari?

Tari: Well... Yes and no. It's complicated...

SMG4: I'm listening. Just explain it the best you can.

Tari: Well... Alright. After you left so that I could take care of Belle, she revealed that she had feelings for me, and wasn't able to tell me before I left Silica City, no thanks to the others... And of course, you and me were together by the point she saw me again, it just crushed her...

SMG4: I see...

Tari: I told Belle we'd figure things out, even in spite of what happened, and I feel she really needs someone to help her through life right now...

SMG4 closes his eyes, deep in thought, causing remote silence between the two for several moments until SMG4 opens his eyes back up again, locking eyes with Tari.

SMG4: Tari, do you wish to spend time with her to figure out if you have feelings for her?

Tari: I... I guess? I... Honestly don't know if I feel the same way about her...

SMG4: You did once say you were bisexual, right?

Tari: Y-yes. That hasn't changed either.

SMG4 closes his eyes in thought again as several more moments pass before he opens his eyes again, this time with a smile on his face.

SMG4: If that's what you wish to do, then it's your choice, and I'm glad you told me about this.

Tari: Wait... You aren't mad at me?

SMG4: No. Even though I did propose, we postponed the wedding, remember?

Tari: R-right.

SMG4: And if you feel there is the possibility that I'm not the right one, then there's nothing wrong with that. I'm still your friend, and I'm going to support whatever decisions you feel are right.

SMG4 then walks over to Tari and pulls her into a hug.

SMG4: Even if you do discover that you love Belle and not me, we'll always be friends. In the end, it's your choice. As of right now, consider this a break form each other.

Tari: R-really...?

SMG4: Yes. Now go out there and rejoin Belle. She's probably getting worried now.

Tari: T-thank you, Glitchy.

Tari proceeds to head out of the room to rejoin Belle, leaving SMG4 alone.

SMG4: Might as well let the others know that we're taking a break.

SMG4 takes out his phone and proceeds to text the others, sans Tari to let them know that him and Tari are no longer together.

SMG4: Yo, got an update for y'all. A bit on the sad side, but bear with me on this. Tari and I have broken up for the time being. She might have feelings for someone else, though I won't say who. I wanted you all to know, because I did propose to her, and we did postpone our wedding.

Meggy: Could this day get any worse?! You two were perfect for each other!

SMG4: Meggy, please calm down. There is no ill will between me and Tari. We broke up on good terms and there is the possibility we might still end up together, but the last thing I want is for Tari to be unhappy. I couldn't forgive myself if that happened...

Meggy: I know... I'm sorry for overreacting again...

SMG4: Don't be. You've been through a lot today. We all have.

Mario: I'm trying to think of something to do to get today off of Meggy's mind...

SMG4: How about taking her out to a nice dinner tomorrow evening?

Saiko: We can make it a double dinner date.

Desti: Do you need me and Axol to look after your kids for ya?

SMG4: I can also help if you need me to.

Luigi: That'd be great.

Meanwhile, with Tari returning to the room that Belle is in.

Tari: I'm back, Belle.

Belle: That was quick.

Tari: I didn't want to keep you waiting too long.

Belle: It's flattering that you care about me so much, even if it's not really on such good terms...

Tari: Oh nonsense.

Belle: Huh?

Tari: None of it is on bad terms. I'm just happy to help you feel better, Belle.

Belle: Even in spite of the fact I missed my chance...?

Tari: Who said you missed your chance?

Belle: H-huh? What are you talking about?

Tari then approaches Belle, the latter of whom is confused as to why Tari is acting the way she is.

Tari: Glitchy and I broke up.

Belle: Wait, what? Why!? I saw how happy you two were together, and he even proposed to you!

Tari: Because I began to second guess myself.

Belle: Why?

Tari: I guess they also never told you I was bisexual.

Tari continues to approach Belle, the latter of whom has pressed herself up against the wall, worried about what Tari is doing.

Belle: W-what are you doing?

Tari: You never had a fair chance because of what happened. I may love Glitchy, but after I found out you loved me, I didn't want to marry him without knowing one thing.

Belle: W-what is that supposed to mean?

Tari then presses herself close to Belle, the latter of whom is internally panicking from Tari's odd behavior until the former presses her lips to Belle's own, catching the red haired girl off guard, and causing her to experience an emotional roller coaster before eventually calming down and melting into the kiss along with Tari before Tari eventually pulls away.

Tari: I want to know if we can work out as a couple, Belle.

Belle: Even after all you've built up with SMG4...?

Tari: Like I said, we broke up, and on good terms. He too feels I should know how I truly feel about you before we continue anything. If it turns out we don't work out, him and I will get back together. If we do, then Glitchy and I won't get back together and we'll remain together.

Belle: W-why me?

Tari: Because you have feelings for me, and if I'm being completely honest, I might have feelings for you too. I want to know if I do, so that's why it's you.

Belle: I... I actually got a chance with Tari... I'm not gonna screw this up.

Tari: I'll let our friends know you'll be spending the night with me. We'll tell them in the morning.

Belle: I'm so happy I actually got a chance... 😂

Tari: Come on. I'll take you to my place.

Belle goes from being down in the dumps to cheerful.

Belle: Lead the way! 😄

Tari and Belle leave the room and make their way to the castle entrance.

Mario: Where are you two headed?

Tari: I offered to let Belle stay at my place until tomorrow to ensure she'll be okay. It is getting late, and I don't want to stay out too late.

Mario: Even despite becoming a tough fighter and losing your shyness and timid nature, your compassion and care for others never went away, Tari. 🙂

Tari: And it never will. You can be sure of that. 😉

Mario: I'm glad. You go take good care of Belle. 😛

Tari: Oh, I will. You know I'm a good host. 😏

Tari and Belle then head out of the castle, leaving everyone else at the castle to their own devices.

Luigi: Think it might be those two are a thing now?

Saiko: Possibly, but even so, there's more important things to worry about for now. Actually, speaking of important things, Luigi?

Luigi: Yes?

Saiko: I've been thinking... Pamby has been a real help for Meggy and Mario not just in terms of Meggy's PTSD, but also in helping look after their kid.

Luigi: Are you thinking about getting a slime yourself?

Saiko: Actually, I've been considering getting two.

Luigi: Wait, two?

Saiko: Yeah, two. We have twins, and if we had two slimes, it'd probably make things a bit easier for us as parents.

Luigi: When do you want to adopt them?

Saiko: Sometime after tomorrow.

Meanwhile, Tari and Belle have arrived at Tari's home, the two eager to settle down for the night and look forward to the next day.

Tari: Wait here. I'll be right back.

Tari heads into the bedroom and fetches some clean clothes for Belle, returning moments later.

Tari: Take these.

Tari then tosses the clothes she picked out for Belle at the red haired girl, which the latter catches with ease.

Belle: What's this for?

Tari: For changing into once you're done showering. I know you'll want to clean up before we head to bed.

Belle: Oh. T-thanks!

Tari: Don't mention it. Now go freshen up. I'll be in the tub soaking away the stress of today. I won't be long myself.

A short time later, the two are in the living room in clean clothes.

Belle: So... Uh... What should we do?

Tari: Even if it may seem weird, I don't want to let you out of my sight. You're sleeping with me tonight.

Belle: Wait, this soon?

Tari: I know, it's a bit fast, but after the state I saw you in earlier today, I don't want you to feel alone in any capacity.

Belle: You really do care...

Tari takes hold of Belle's hand and guides her into her bedroom, the two crawling into Tari's bed and pulling each other close.

Tari: This is where our relationship truly starts, Belle.

Belle: It truly is... 🙂

Tari: Rest well, Belle. You've been through a lot as of late.

Belle: Thanks, Tari. ❤️

Tari: You're welcome. 

They fall asleep, happy to start a new life together despite everything they've been through.

Cue SMG4 Credits