Chapter 2: Opening Ceremonies

The next day, a blimp flew by. On the big screen it read, "Star Cup Tournament. Mushroom Kingdom & Love Tennis Club. Sponsored by Mario Star & the Dubno Company."

In the grey-domed stadium, with a tennis court that is made out of grass, people were taking their seats. Half-an-hour later, people began to cheer. A P.A. Announcer cried, "Ladies and gentlemen, welcome of the 11th year of the Star Cup, sponsored by Mario Star and the Dubno Company. We have a spectacular line-up of players coming in from all skill sets and walks of life! Both from the Mushroom Kingdom and for the first time ever, the Love Tennis Club!"

"We are now ready to introduce our players, beginning with the four members of the Love Tennis Club, vying for the Star Cup title! Introducing first is the founder of a tennis academy. This young woman always beams with her trademark smile and is flawlessly cordial, but her background is largely unknown. According to several sources, she graduated from a top university with First Class Honors in her early teens, but the truth of these claims are unknown. But what is known about her is her tennis game is that it is very impressive and many of her opponents bow down before her when they are defeated. Please welcome, the Shrouded Face, Zeta."

Zeta appeared on the court, in her usual black skirt and pink shirt under a white vest, and the crowd clapped. She then said, "Hmm... Looks like I have to change into something more... Beautiful for the occasion."

She hovered into the sky and is covered in blue aura. She slowly lowered herself and the aura disappeared. The crowd looked in awe as they now saw Zeta in her neon black and purple outfit.

"That's better." Zeta said and then curtsied, "It is an honour to be in this tournament."

"The next competitor is one of Earth's top tennis players, and a regular face at the finals for any major tournament. To him, life is about tennis, and tennis is about winning. He rarely betrays so much as a smile, but at any match he plays, the stands are always full, as this player's performance leaves an indelible impression. Let's see if he leaves this kind of impression for the Mushroom Kingdom's crowd. Put your hands together for the Unparalleled King of Tennis, Rolf!"

Rolf appeared on the court and got a standing ovation. Rolf thought, "Hm... For a while there, I thought this crowd would not know who I am... I'm gonna give them a match to remember."

"Next to enter the court is a high-octane boy who loves nothing more than tennis. This kid has split-second reflexes and can cause trouble when his muscles snap into motion before his mind. He is youthful and lacking in experience, but eagerly attends his daily tennis practice without fail. Let's see if this practice and his reflexes translate well into the Star Cup tournament. Please welcome, the Little King of Pluckiness, Hugo!"

Hugo appeared on the court and happily waved to the crowd. The crowd clapped and cheered as he walked and joined the rest of the competitors. "This is definitely new to me, being in this tournament and all..." Hugo thought, "But, I'm going to give it my all!"

"The final Love Tennis Club entrant in the Star Cup to appear on the court is a sports natural who attends university. Those around her cannot help but be endeared by her impressible glee and earnestness. Her tennis experience is limited, but she seems to be a born natural and is progressing through leaps and bounds. And as such, she is here to play for the Star Cup. Please give a warm round of applause to one they call 'Ms. All Smiles', Emily!"

Emily walked on the court and waved to the cheering crowd. She thought, "This is really my first appearance in a real tournament setting? I feel so happy to be playing for a real championship... I wonder what my opponent will look like..."

"Now, it's time to introduce the four representatives of the Mushroom Kingdom, vying for the Star Cup title! Introducing first, he is a small guy in a robe and in a mask. But, don't let that fool you! His shot placement and angles make him unpredictable and he certainly showed it in the Flower Cup doubles tournament this year! Please welcome the Mime of Subcon, Shy Guy!"

The Shy Guy appeared and squeaked to the crowd. A group of Shy Guys in the crowd squeaked along in a rhythm.

"Next to appear on the court... He is feared by many in the Mushroom Kingdom. Not only does he bring terror to the kingdom, but he also brings terror on the court with a serve, unrivaled by others. Please give a warm round of applause for the King of Koopas himself... Bowser!"

A light shined in the middle of the court, darkening everything else. Then, a slow demonic laugh was heard throughout the stadium. Just then, there was a loud BAM! A giant spiked turtle with horns on his red-mohawk head and wearing spiked bracelets on his arms roared and breathed fire from his gigantic mouth. Emily looked on and thought, "So, that's Bowser... I really have to got to play smartly against him."

Soon, light shined everywhere on the court. "Ladies and gentlemen, appearing next at our court, is a meanie. He may be big, but his serving game, although not as fast and furious as Bowser's, is still lethal and effective. Please welcome the most vile fat man you all know and love... Wario!"

A short, but fat man with purple overalls, green spiky boots, a yellow shirt with a matching hat with the letter 'W' on the front, appeared. He passed gas, and picked his nose. He tossed the mucus he picked into the crowd. The Toads that caught the mucus cried, "Ewww!"

"Hah, ha, ha, ha!" Wario cried, "I'm-a Wario! And I'm-a gonna win!"

"Now we introduce everyone's favourite hero! He's everything from a tennis player to a kart racer, but he began as a plumber. As a tennis player, he is on a 36-singles match winning streak, heading into this year's Star Cup tournament! Please give a round of applause for the legendary Mario!"

A short man with the unmistakeable red cap and a red shirt under blue overalls waved to the crowd as they applauded and cheered for who they called 'The Hero of the Mushroom Kingdom'. They know his reputation for saving Princess Peach from Bowser and his Koopa Troopa brigade.

Mario took off his red cap and bowed to the crowd, who was on their feet for their hero. He then placed his cap back on and joined the rest of the competitors.

"And here they are folks!" The P.A. Announcer continued, "Your 8 competitors to vie for the Star Cup! Please give them another round of applause!"

Everyone in the stadium clapped and cheered as the 8 contestants bowed.

Shortly thereafter, the opening ceremonies were done for the doubles teams. The Helghast soldier and his Shy Guy cohort marched along as if they were soldiers on the battlefield.

"For HELGHAN!" The Helghast soldier bellowed. The Shy Guy made a quacking noise in agreement.

Suzuki and Gloria got another standing ovation, and they both did their signature acts, where Suzuki flopped around and Gloria raised her arm in the sky. They looked at their competiton. They have to deal with Donkey Kong and a smaller monkey with tank top that had the red "J" on it.

The smaller monkey jumped on Donkey Kong's arms. "He must be Donkey Kong's son." Suzuki observed,

"So... I am to assume that is Donkey Kong, Jr.?" Gloria asked

"I guess so..." Suzuki shrugged,