Mario Tennis, Power Shots: Part I: Ace's Story
Chapter Two: Masked Warriors"ME? I don't know the way!"
"This is our lodging home, but that sounds kind of stuffy, so we just call it the lodge."
It had taken Ace about 10 minutes to will herself to move, then another five to get her plaid skirt-shorts and white tank-top on. By then, Clay had been checking his watch while he waited for her.
I guess I'll have to get used to an impatient partner, Ace thought as Clay introduced "the lodge."
"Isn't it big?" he asked her, proudly. Ace tilted her head to the side. It seemed a little small, but maybe it was just her. "It's a little small if you're thinking ski lodge."
"Hmm…" Ace said as she closed her eyes, rubbed them, then took a second look. She could see it now, the large dull brick walls and the large glass front door. Countless balconies, including her own, stuck out all around the lodge. It was as beautiful as it was big…on the second look that is.
"You probably didn't get much of a tour yesterday, huh?" Clay asked. Ace shook her head. "Great, but first let's go to the restaurant, I'm starving."
Ace nodded as Clay started down the brick walkway. He paused as he neared the blue benches and he spun around.
"What is it?" Ace asked, wondering why he looked so confused.
"Tell you what," he said, reaching a decision. "Why don't you lead the way? You can get familiar with the grounds that way."
"ME?" Ace exclaimed. "I don't know the way!"
"That's all the more reason you should do it," Clay said as he pushed her forward. "And if we get lost I can lead the way. Onwards!"
Ace moaned as they exited the lodge area and got onto the short path that lead to the tennis counts part of campus. The first building she saw had a menu outside of it, and a big coffee for a sign. Ace spun around and glared at Clay's grinning face.
"This is it?" she asked. "You had me worrying for a straight shot?"
"Yup," he said as she pushed past her. "C'mon, Ace, lighten up. I'm just messing with you. Come on, let's get some food."
Ace followed after Clay into the…quiet restaurant? Clay's face fell as he looked around. The only people in there were two chefs and the woman manager, who was grumbling over something.
"Okay, this is weird," Clay said as he stepped forward and looked around at the empty tables. "The place is deserted. That's a first for me."
Ace shrugged, not knowing what to say. What had happened while she was conked out?
Clay approached the manager, who was chatting with a chef. "Where's everyone?"
The chef and manager turned to him, both looking disgruntled.
"There's been a challenge!" the chef said. "Some punks in masks charged in here and challenged the whole academy!"
"A tennis match?" Ace said as she joined Clay. They nodded.
"You should've seen them!" the manager said, upset. "I guess Alex beat 'em once, and now they want revenge!"
"This isn't wrestling," Clay said, angered about the fact the warriors were wearing masks.
"What's this about 'revenge match?'" Ace asked interested on who this 'Alex' guy was and what the mask warriors wanted with him.
"They've already worked their way past Kevin and Mark, right up to Alex!" said a female chef from behind them. "And he's agreed to the match!"
Ace opened her mouth. "Who's Mark-?"
"I've gotta see this!" Clay exclaimed. "Where is it?"
"The Center Court," the manager answered, ruffling her auburn hair. "Oh, what happens if they beat Alex? This is such a mess!"
"Thanks!" Clay said as he spun around. He stopped to look at Ace. "I'm heading to the center court. Go there if you want to watch!"
"Clay!" Ace said, but he had already left.
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Next time, on MT: PS-
"I can't believe you left me to find the center court on my own," Ace said, not bothering to hide the malice in her voice.
"Oh, then you missed it," Clay said as he caught his breath again. Ace frowned now and Clay returned it. There was a silence between them, and then Clay broke it. "I never thought I'd see Alex lose with my own two eyes."