Now stuff starts to get good! If you haven't guessed from the chapter name, they're going to play tennis. SPOILERS OOPS! Heehee, I'm kidding. There's really not much to spoil for this story. It's more of one that highlights the little moments. Anyhow, I'm not a tennis player, though I do know the basics. I didn't have time to read through every little detail, so forgive me if anything is off. Just enjoy the chapter. I hope. I mean, you are entitled to your own opinion.

May 9, 1601
Morning

Breakfast had been delicious. His chocolate-chip pancakes had been soft and rich with flavor. Junior and Peach had come up with a list of things to do (not in order); play tennis (offered by Luigi), play video games, bake a Mother's Day cake, and watch a movie.

Before heading to the tennis court, the four took a trip to the castle's tiny hospital room. There, both Mario and Junior received treatment for their wounds. The mushroom-extract fully healed Junior's black eye and Mario's bite. With his vision fully intact, Junior was hopping around Peach as she lead the way.

The tennis court was behind the castle. It was nothing too fancy, and the only decor was some square-trimmed hedges with lavender-coloured flowers growing at their bases. The court was a decent size, but not as big as the ones Junior had seen at the tennis tournaments.

Junior dashed out onto the court, claiming a side for him and Peach. "Me and Mama Peach are gonna be here! You stupid Mario Bros. don't get a say!"

The brothers exchanged a glance and shrug. "It really doesn't matter what side we're on," Luigi pointed out, rubbing the back of his head.

Junior puffed out his cheek. "It does too! Me and Mama Peach are on this side!" He held a hand out. "Gimme a tennis racket and let's go! We're gonna kick your tails!" He blinked, eyeing the backsides of the brothers. The tail-less backsides. "Oh. Uh… I guess your butts." He tilted his head. "Why don't humans have tails? You look weird without them. Everyone needs a tail."

The three exchanged glances and shrugs. "Because that's just how we are?" Peach offered. "I'm not an expert on that subject." She glanced around the court, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. "I'm going to need to get changed before we play. And someone needs to get the rackets." She paused, touching her chin with her finger. "Can you wait here, Junior? Mario and Luigi can go get the rackets." She shifted her eyes towards them. "You know where they are, right?"

"Unless they were moved, yes," Mario replied. Luigi nodded. Mario turned away, throwing over his shoulder, "We'll be back soon!" before he and Luigi went back inside.

With the two gone, Peach turned her attention down to Junior. She put her hands on her knees, leaning down and flashing him a smile. "I have to go get changed. I'll be back in probably ten minutes, okay?"

Junior nodded. "Um… okay, Mama Peach." I'm coming with you. He didn't want to be left all alone. He wanted to be with his mother. It was his day with her.

Peach headed for a gap between two hedges, nestled in the back corner of the court. Junior trotted after her, but she caught him and held a hand up, her face stern. "No, Junior. I would like to get changed in private."

Junior folded his arms, puffing out his cheeks. "Whhhyyyyyy?"

Peach sighed. "For humans, changing clothes is something we do in private."

"Just don't wear them. Clothes are dumb. They're annoying to get on, they rub against my scales, it itches, and I hate it!"

"Um… we prefer it." Peach's cheeks started to go pink. "Why don't you pick out a flower to give to me? I love flowers."

Junior gasped, his eyes widening. "That's a great idea!" Why didn't I think of that? He pushed her towards the hedge gap. "Get out, get out! I'm making it a surprise!" She laughed and left him to his mission.

The moment Peach left his line of sight was the moment Junior rushed over to start examining the flowers. He smelled every one, touching the petals. Lame. Lame. This one smells bad. This one is missing petals… It has to be the best flower! Too small… His eyes widened upon spotting a flower with a width larger than his hand. Too big! Too pale… too purple… Oh! Perfect! The flower was a rich indigo, had all its soft petals, and could probably fit nicely in his palm. He pressed his nose against it, inhaling. The scent was sweet and strong. Junior jerked his head to the side as a sneeze came on. He rubbed his nose.

Junior cut the stem with his claw, leaving a decent amount of stalk to hold. He skipped over to the hedge gap, the flower clutched in his hands. His tail wagged as he leaned froward, propping himself up on his toes. C'mon, Mama Peach. Come out and see the flower I got you! It's the best!

Ages passed. She didn't come out. Junior had taken to sitting on the ground, the flower tucked away in his hammerspace. He could surprise her better with it there. Plus he didn't have to hold it. The smell was nice, but his nose got a little itchy after smelling it for too long.

He wasn't waiting in boredom for too much longer, as Mario and Luigi returned with the rackets. Junior kept himself busy by practicing his swings. The racket was just for his size, perhaps a little big. Maybe it was for a Toad. They were only a little bit bigger than him.

Peach came out a few minutes after, dressed in a much shorter pink sports dress. She held her pink racket in her right hand. Junior bounced over to her, coming to a stiff halt in front of her.

"Did you get me a flower?" Peach knelt down in front of him, a smile on her face.

"I got you the very best flower!" Junior pulled it out, cupping its petals in his palms as he held it out to her. "Ta-da! See? Isn't it the best!" He brought it close for another deep inhale, sneezing.

Peach giggled, taking the flower from his hand. "Junior, you don't shove your nose into it. You'll just breathe in the pollen." She brought it up to her nose, leaving a couple inches of space, and took a small breath. Her body relaxed with a hum, her eyes slipping closed. "I love the aroma of flowers."

"Arrow-ma?" Junior tilted his head.

"Aroma, it means that something smells good."

"Okay. I like the arrow-ma of flowers, too. Maybe I should make Papa plant some." He grinned. "Then you could come over to a bunch of flowers!" He let out a sigh, a smile drifting onto his face. Yeah! Mama Peach could come over, and me, her, and Papa could go smell the flowers. They would have such a good time. They'd laugh, talk, and Peach would carry Junior around in her arms. There'd be smiles all around. Junior could put flowers in Peach's hair— and Bowser's, why not?

"Um… I don't think flowers can grow in DarkLand." Peach's gaze dropped to her flower. "This one is very pretty. I quite like it."

"Gimme it!" Junior grabbed for it, but Peach held it away. She scowled at him, opening her mouth to probably scold him. He cut her off, "I wanna put it in your hair. I think it would be pretty."

"Oh." Her smile returned. "Maybe after the match, it might fall out while we're playing."

"Okay!" Junior whirled on the Mario brothers, who had been lobbing a tennis ball between them. "Hey! Super soon-to-be-loser Brothers! Let's go! Prepare to be crushed by the ultimate team of Mama Peach and me!"

Mario caught the tennis ball, turning a grin towards Junior. He bounced the ball on the court's floor, widening his stance. "I wouldn't be too sure. I won't go easy on you because you're a child. I won't hold back for Peach, either."

"Well, Mario," Peach returned his smirk, holding out her racket, "we're not going to make it easy for you."

"Yeah! We'll destroy you! Zero to a million!" Junior stuck his tongue out at Mario, barely able to sit still. His feet itched to move, his legs begged to run. His arm needed to swung and hit the ball. He glanced at Peach. "We're gonna kick their tails—that they don't have!" Junior swished his racket. "I wanna serve first! Gimme the ball!"

"W-wait!" Luigi cried, raising a hand. "Don't we need a referee? Um… y-y'know, so it'll be fair?"

"Don't worry, I send a call for Toad to come down. He should be here soon," Peach assured him.

Junior grumbled, his foot tapping rapidly against the court. He better hurry up!

Toad arrived nearly a minute later. He nearly fainted upon spotting Junior, and Peach had to explain the situation to him. He calmed down a little, but he kept darting glances towards the Koopa Prince. He wouldn't stop shaking, either.

The players took their positions. Mario and Junior were at the front left of their respective sides. Luigi and Peach took the back right. Junior narrowed his eyes to slits, meeting Mario's competitive glare. Peach held the ball, ready to swing upon a moment's notice. Junior's heart was already pumping, and he fiddled with his grip on the racket.

"Um… O-okay… It's Mario and Luigi verses B-B-Bowser Jr. and Princess Peach." Toad glanced between the two teams. "I-I think you all know the rules, or should I go over them?"

"Just start the game!" Junior growled, causing the toad to flinch. He snickered. Wimp! Toads were way too easy to scare, and it was great.

"Be nice," Peach scolded.

"Um… the score is zero-zero… obviously. Princess, your serve." Toad nodded to Peach, taking a step back onto the sidelines.

Junior turned to watch her. Peach kept her eyes on the ball, bouncing it twice on the ground. She glanced over at the other side. She tossed the ball up, delivering a strong thwack that sent it flying across the court. Junior gasped, his face lighting up as Mario went for it. Yes!

Mario deflected it back, and Junior darted for it, his eyes locked on the ball. He swung his racket, smacking the ball back. The force of it jarred his arm a little, but his little heart was pattering away, his tail perked.

Mario returned the ball, but Junior was there to hit it back, aiming it for the other end of the court. Mario gasped as it flew past him, but Luigi covered it. Junior sent it back, his chest swelling. I'm the best at this game! His legs were tensed, and he broke into a sprint to catch another return. I can beat the Mario Brothers all on my own!

The ball swished past his racket, and Junior squawked. "Mama, get it!" he hollered, though his call was unnecessary; Peach had been ready to cover him, and she lobbed the ball back. Mario returned it, and Junior zipped across the court to send it to the other side. I gotta finish this! With the next return, he'd make sure they'd get a point.

Luigi bounced ball bounced back to their court. Junior gritted his fangs, backing up as the ball came straight towards him. He narrowed his eyes, letting loose his most powerful swing. The ball shot towards Mario and Luigi, only to get caught in the netting.

"One point for Mario and Luigi!" Toad called out, pointing towards the brothers. "The score is… fifteen-zero! If I even got that right." He shook his head. "Tennis scoring is a little weird."

"No, you're good, Toad," Peach assured him. "Junior, are you okay?"

Junior was stiff as a board, his narrowed eyes locked on the ball, still nestled in the netting. His grip on his racket tightened. "The stupid net got in my way." He turned his gaze back towards Peach, softening his expression. He trotted over to her. "I promise to do better, Mama Peach." I hope she's not mad at me…

"That was the first round. You're okay. And you did an excellent job, but remember that we're working together. You don't need to hit every one, I'll tell you when I've got it. When I call the ball, you have to trust me to get it, okay?"

"Yes, Mama Peach."

She giggled. "You don't need to say it like that. You sound like a little soldier."

"I am a little soldier! Er— I'm not little. But I'm a soldier! Papa gets me trained! He does a lot himself."

Peach winced a little at his statement, but she simply patted him on the head. "Just remember we're teammates, and you can count on me. You'll get tired if you keep running around like that."

Junior nodded, turning to head back to his position. I'm still gonna try to get them all. Peach would be impressed if he did. He'd show her that he was an amazing tennis player, even better than both the Mario Brothers combined!

"And Junior?" she called, causing him to turn his head back. "Just have fun. Winning isn't everything."

Junior tilted his head, but he shook it off. Of course winning is everything! Winning is how papas and mamas are proud of you! They weren't impressed with losers, and Junior wanted Peach to think that he was exceptional and special. He wanted her to be proud of him. He could imagine getting the winning hit. She'd congratulate him, tell him what a good tennis player he was, and pick him up for a hug. He closed his eyes, a purr rising to his throat at just the thought.

"Junior! Watch out!" Mario cried.

Junior cracked open an eye. A racket flashed in front of his face, and he shrieked as the ball bounced off it. He gasped, his tail inching between his legs as he turned his eyes up to Peach.

"Junior, pay attention! You almost got hit!" Peach was panting, gazing down at him with a somewhat stern face. Despite it, her eyes were wide.

Junior's shoulders slumped. "I'm sorry, Mama Peach…" He bowed his head. The last thing he wanted to do was upset her, and he couldn't bear to meet her eyes. "I'm sorry, I'll do better. Promise."

"Yes, please no spacing out on the court. Keep your eyes on the ball. Always. You could've been hurt." Peach retrieved the ball and tossed it to Mario, who lobbed it back to Luigi. She returned to her spot.

Junior put a hand on his chest, taking a moment to steady his breath. He kept his eyes on Luigi, who meet his before he even tried to serve. He missed the first swung, but the second one sailed across the net. Junior bolted after it.

"I got it!" Peach called. Junior ignored her, diving low and smacking the ball back. He landed roughly on his shoulder, but he shook it off and jumped to his feet. Mario was quick to return it, and Junior let Peach get it upon her call. He made sure to hit back the next two.

Luigi hit the ball in a fast drive, and Junior scrambled to get it. His foot slipped, and he crashed onto his chin. He gasped as the ball shot back, right to Peach's awaiting racket. She smacked it back, the ball slipping past the brothers' rackets.

"Haha! A point for us!" Junior crowed, jumping to his feet.

"Y-yeah… fifteen-fifteen," Toad updated.

"A-are you okay? Th-that looked like it hurt. The fall," Luigi stammered, his eyes flicking between Junior and the ground beneath his feet.

He's a coward. He can't even talk straight! Junior puffed out his chest, raising his chin. "Didn't hurt a bit!" That was a lie, it had hurt. His shoulder still throbbed and his chin stung. He touched it, but it luckily wasn't bleeding. The pain was nothing. He could keep playing. "I wanna serve!"

Mario, who held the ball, gazing at something behind Junior— Peach, assumably. After a few moments, his eyes shifted back to the Dragon-Koopa. "Alright, catch." He lobbed the ball towards Junior. It flew between his hands and he had to chase after it, scooping it off the ground.

Junior took Peach's spot in the back corner, and she went to cover up front. He narrowed his eyes, his grip on the ball tightening as he prepared to serve. His eyes briefly met Peach's, and she gave him a smile. "You can do it, Junior!" is what he imagined she was thinking. Mama Peach can count on me!

Junior tossed the ball up, smacking it and sending it into the net. He let out a squawk. "That's not fair! Stupid net!"

Peach retrieved him the ball, handing it back. "You get another try, don't worry." She leaned closer, putting her hands on her knees. "A silly little net won't stop you from serving."

"Yeah!" Junior grinned, narrowing his eyes. "The net's dumb! I can get the ball over it no problem! Stand back, Mama Peach!" He waved her away, turning his gaze towards the Mario Brothers. He threw the ball up, hitting it across the net. Luigi parried it back. Junior rushed to get it, but Peach hit it first. Mario returned it.

"Junior, it's all yours!" Peach called, the ball zooming past her on the opposite side.

"H-huh?" Junior squeaked. He had been trailing right behind Peach the whole time. He rushed for the ball, but had already bounced out of range.

"Mario and Luigi score! The points are thirty-fifteen!"

"Not fair!" Junior wailed, throwing his racket to the ground. "You Mario brothers are no good cheaters! You did that on purpose!"

Mario shrugged, rubbing the back of his head. "You said you didn't want us to go easy on you, remember? We're not."

"Maybe you could work on your teamwork?" Luigi suggested.

Junior scowled.

"I think we did better when you were up front," Peach inputted, coming over to him. "Just remember to talk to me, give me a heads up if you don't think you'll be able to get it. Okay?"

"Fine, whatever," Junior grumbled, scooping up his racket and stomping back up to the front of the court. He kept his eyes on Mario as he prepped to serve. With a swing, the ball was put into play. Junior bounced it back, Luigi returning the serve. Junior kept parrying as many shots as he could, though a few slipped past him. Peach managed to cover for his missed hits.

"Mama, finish them!" Junior crowed, jumping back and allowing the ball to fly towards Peach. She grinned, smacking the ball towards the edge. Luigi hit it back, and Junior gasped, rushing for the edge of the court. It bounced past him.

"Point to the Princess and Bowser Jr.!" Toad called. Luigi smacked his face into his palms. Mario went over to pat him on the shoulder, murmuring something to him.

"What? But I missed!" Junior protested. He seized up. I can't skip out on a free point! He put up a grin. "Oh! It's out of bounds!" He giggled. "Your aim stinks worse than… than… than mud!"

Luigi averted his eyes and rubbed the back of his head. Mario cast Junior a scowl.

"Be nice," Peach reminded him.

Junior sighed. Wasn't he allowed to trash talk even a little? Mama Peach is no fun. "Yes, Mama Peach."

The game went back into play with Peach's serve. The volley back and forth was mostly mild, with Junior racing to get nearly every shot. His legs were growing tired, but he ignored it. Pushing beyond one's limits was how one achieved greatness. He'd heard that from somewhere. Not his Papa, that much he was sure. Maybe Kamek?

That didn't matter. What did, was winning the game.

Junior ended up scoring a point due to Mario slipping on the court. He blamed the flower stuck to his shoe for the mishap, but Junior knew it was because his skill was just bleh.

"Forty-Thirty!" Toad relayed.

Junior readied his racket, his heart hammering. We're gonna win! The Mario bros. don't stand a chance! "Serve them a good one, Mama Peach!"

With a giggle, Peach complied. The ball shot over to the brothers, who readily returned it. Junior panted, his legs practically on fire as he pushed himself over to the ball to hit it back. After a couple more exchanges, the ball shot past him. Peach returned it, but Junior could barely keep chasing after it. He had to be the best, so he kept pushing himself. The Mario Brothers ended up getting a shot past him, one too far for Peach to get.

"Forty-Forty! Only one more point to end the game!"

"Two, actually," Luigi corrected him.

"We'll end it after this round," Peach decided. "I think a few of us could use a break."

Junior didn't like the look she gave him. It put a knot in his stomach. He forced himself to stand straight, his legs— scratch that, his entire body was shrieking at him to rest. He stifled a yawn.

"Luigi, your serve!" Mario called, tossing his brother the ball. The younger caught it. After a test swing, the ball was sent into play.

The round was over quicker than Junior wanted. He'd done an excellent job at pushing himself to get the ball. Peach had covered for him perfectly. The brothers had even nearly lost the game had not Luigi managed to clip the edge of the ball.

The game had been closed by Junior's second attempt at a power shot.

He currently stood, his jaw dropped as the racket clattered to the ground. His chest heaved. The ball was nestled in the net, which seemed to mock him.

"The game goes to Mario and Luigi!" Toad announced, clapping. A grin was plastered on his little mushroom face. "Great game, everyone!"

"Thank you for refereeing, Toad." Peach approached him, patting his head. He giggled, rubbing the back of his neck.

"It really was nothing," he downplayed. His face paled. "Oh no!" His hands flew to his cheeks, and his breathing sped up. "I'm going to be so behind with work!"

Peach shook her head. "Don't worry about that. This was work, since I did ask you to do it. Think of it as an order from me."

Toad nodded, some of the colour returning to his cheeks. "That… I guess that makes sense… I should still get back to work! I've got tons to do!" He rushed off.

"Great game, Junior." Mario was next to him, holding his hand out. Luigi was behind him, his racket resting on his shoulder. A smile graced both their faces.

Junior growled and smacked Mario's hand away. He folded his arms and turned his shell to them with a huff. "You cheated. The net likes you better, so it caught all my good shots! You would've lost if it hadn't…" His eyes trailed over to the net. It was only now that he noticed how tall it was, nearly matching him in height. "The net's too tall! That's cheating! That game didn't count! I wanna rematch with a smaller net!"

"Um…"

"Junior, that's how tall the net usually is. You've never complained about it during the tennis tournaments," Peach pointed out, coming to stand in front of the crown prince. She put a hand on his shoulder. "It's okay that we lost. You had fun, didn't you?"

Junior shook his head. "I only like games I win!" She kept gazing at him, and her blue eyes seemed to plead that he tell her the truth. "Okay… yeah…"

"That's what matters. Not winning, not losing, but having fun and enjoying yourself. You're still quite good, and fast. Don't beat yourself up over this. You did an amazing job. I'm…" She glanced away for a moment. "I'm proud of you."

Junior cracked a smile. "Thanks, Mama Peach."

Welp, the Mario Bros. win. I kinda had been rooting for Peach and Junior, but it is what it is. What? I didn't decide who won, nor did I plan it out. My notes literally say, 'Then, the two go to the tennis court to play some. Doubles match against Mario and Luigi?' That's all I wrote for that. I just let the game play out. It was one of those things where the story wrote itself. Has that ever happened to anyone?

To give you a better picture of (my estimate of) Junior's size in comparison to the net, here are the measurements:

Junior: 3 feet, 4 inches (about 104 centimetres)

The net: 3 feet (about 91 centimetres)

Yikes. Congrats to the kid for being able to hit anything back at all.

Questions? Comments? Critiques? Let me know in a review or PM! I aim to improve with every word!