A/N: I'm not proud of this chapter. I wish I had made it longer than how it stands...

Chapter 8: Confidence & Heartbreak

The next day, Rolf walked around the resort. Whenever he looked around, he saw smiles on the Toads' and the Koopa Troopas' faces. One Toad walked up to Rolf and said, "Well done, Rolf! You really took it to Wario!"

"It was nothing." Rolf shrugs, "He wasn't worth my time."

He then sighed as he looked up into the sky. "I actually feel good about this tournament."

"Why is that, Rolf?" The Toad asked,

"For one thing," Rolf began, "I start to play with a different field of opponents. It is not what I am used to back on Earth. So... I am actually very content."

"I see." The Toad responded, "And what was that like for you?"

"Well..." Rolf began, "I was very familiar to my opponents and the way they play. At the time, I was not really happy because I kept seeing them over and over."

Then, he asked, "Did you happen to see the Central Phoenix tournament last year?"

"No, actually..." The Toad responded, "But I did hear that Sam won that for the sake of the Love Tennis Club."

"Ah, yes." Rolf said, "I was the one who ended her tennis career, but I never knew that she would come back. To be frank, I saw the whole group on how well they play, match in and match out. It still amazes me on how they are able to do it."

"You sound like you are a good asset to the Love Tennis Club." The Toad complimented, "I wish you luck against Mario tonight."

"Thank you." Rolf said, with a small smile on his face, "Now, if you will excuse me, I have to go train for that match."

"OK!" The Toad cried as Rolf walked off, "Good luck!"

Emily was found weeping and sitting on a bench. Hugo walked over and asked, "Hey... Are you OK?"

Emily sniffled. "I can't believe I lost... Why? Where did I go wrong?"

Hugo comforted her by placing his hand on her shoulder. He knew that Emily tried her hardest. He then said, "Listen. It's not your fault. We both knew that Bowser would be tough to play against. But I didn't know he would hurt you this bad..."

"He said..." Emily continued sniffling, "He said that he would destroy you... And that I would smile at his victory..."

Hugo then said, "Ah... Well, I won't let him. I'm gonna make him pay for harming you on the court!"

"You... Would?" Emily said,

"Yes..." Hugo said, "I'm gonna hold my promise and beat him down harder than anyone I have faced."

"Including me?" Emily joked,

"Maybe..." Hugo chuckled, "He won't beat me! I'll make sure of that!"

"Oh, Hugo!" Emily giggled and then said, "Well... All I can say is... I wish you good luck!" She then kissed him passionately.

Hugo received the kiss with a hint of pleasure. He broke away for a bit and said, "You are going to be there for tonight, right?"

"Oh yes!" Emily happily cried, "I will be there to cheer you on!"

Zeta walked around a walkway for a bit. Just then, she heard a stomp. It came from Bowser. "Well... Our plan half-worked, but I managed to replace Emily's smile with a frown! Bwah, hah, hah, hah!" He laughed,

"Listen... Bowser." Zeta said, "I know you have some sort of dastardly plan in place for Mario and the Love Tennis Club..."

She then lowered her head and said, "...But I want none of it."

"WHAAAAT?" Bowser cried,

"Playing against Mario... And losing made me realize something." Zeta continued, "I began to realize that tennis is both a competitive and fun sport. Before coming here, part of me kept thinking that ruling the tennis world would bring me joy and pleasure. But my defeats to Hugo, Emily and Mario gave me a harsh reminder that I shouldn't rule the world..."

"You've gotten soft!" Bowser cried, "You grow a conscience after Mario beat you up?"

"Apparently... Yes." Zeta cried, "I was blinded by greed and corruption. I do not want to be seen as a repeat offender. Not when there are enough people to look up to me!"

After a moment of silence, he then said, "Fine! I'll have to destroy Hugo and Mario myself!"

Zeta walked away. "You'll regret not joining me..." Bowser said as he pointed at her, "I'm gonna make mincemeat out of your entire club! Just you wait and see! Bwah, hah, hah, hah!"