Valentina...
	Take Bowser and Mallow (Mallow should have had the Exp. Booster. If you didn't buy it--naughty naughty! You'll have to take Geno instead) and put Bowser in the middle. Dodo's not particulary difficult, but give Bowser the Safety Badge so Dodo can't Mute him. It makes a big difference! Once Dodo has high-tailed it and Bowser follows him like some bloodthirsty savage, you'll revert back to Mario and Mallow with Valentina. If Mallow had the Exp. Booster, he'll be the big man on campus now! Once Dodo and Bowser return, ignore Dodo and concentrate on finishing off the pseudo-queen. Unless Dodo's attacks are really getting to you, don't hit him especially at all, because when Valentina flies the coop Dodo will be two steps ahead of her. Some of Valentina's attacks are harsh, so everybody should have something that deflects magic, such as the Safety Ring or the Amulet. The Ghost Medal and Rare Scarf are food for those members of your party who cannot defend themselves very well.  That last sentence doesn't make any sense if you think about it, but here's the fun part: ask me if I care.