Love Tennis Saga: Star Cup Chapter 16: The Final Battle, a Mario + Hot Shots Golf/Tennis Crossover fanfic

Chapter 16: The Final Battle

"I'm here, Bowser!" Hugo screamed out, seeing as he's the only person on the floating, yet chained, tennis court over a boiling vat of lava.

"Why don't you look up, kid!" Bowser roared,

Hugo looked up to find Bowser on a throne chair, overlooking the court with his right elbow on the armrest. Bowser sat up, laughed and roared, "Now it's time for the match of your life! I should remind you of what's at stake!"

Bowser lifted up his right claw. A dark purple cloud began to form on his palm. He grunted and tossed it in the direction of Hugo, narrowly missing the young tennis player. The dark purple cloud expanded to form a young red-haired human girl, still covered in the dark purple aura and is unconscious.

Hugo recognized whom the girl dressed in a red skirt and a yellow sleeveless shirt is. He cried out, "Emily!"

Bowser roared at Hugo, "As I said to you yesterday, I gave you a choice. But I have to say, I didn't think that you would show! By doing so, it shows you're ready to be roasted on the court! However, if you defeat me, I will let Emily go. If you fail…"

Bowser crushed his claw and the dark purple cloud surrounding Emily, along with the girl herself, dissipated. He roared, "…she is mine forever and I take over not only the Mushroom Kingdom but your home world as well!"

"So, I ask one last time…" Bowser said and then he sneered, "Are you ready for this?"

Hugo looked at the Koopa King. He is aware of the high stakes. The rematch against Bowser is not only for Emily, but also for the Mushroom Kingdom and Earth. He also knows these kinds of situations before, in the Central Phoenix tournament and his confrontation with Zeta.

He then said, "I'm ready."

"All right!" Bowser cried, "Let's do this!" He stood up. The Koopa King leapt from his throne chair on to the tennis court. He opened his right palm again. A dark purple cloud appeared and formed into a big, green and tennis racket with his red face emblazed on the netting and spikes around the netting.

"It will be first to win 3 sets of 5, and win 2 games per set!" Bowser continued, "One more thing…"

He snapped his fingers on his left claw and out poofed a coin. He flipped it up. The coin hit the ground and the Bowser face was on top. "Bwa ha ha ha ha! I'll serve first!" He roared,

Both Hugo and Bowser went on opposite sides of the court with the Koopa King facing the side where he can see his throne chair. "Ah! One last thing…" Bowser said, and he lifted his left claw. A dark purple cloud formed on his palm. He grunted and tossed it over to one side of the net. The dark cloud formed a very high chair. And it formed a very familiar referee who is a heavyweight in the circle of tennis umpires.

"Xavier?" Hugo looked at the dark and cloudy version of the friendly referee whose stern gaze misses nothing on the court

"Bwa ha ha ha ha!" Bowser laughed, "Let the match begin!"

Bowser snapped his finger on the left claw and a tennis ball appeared. He shifted over to the middle on the service line, tossed the ball up in the air and smashed it down the middle! Hugo dove for the ball but missed it! "Yeah!" Bowser roared,

"15-Love." The dark spectre of Xavier called,

"That was a lucky serve…" Hugo said, "I hope it doesn't happen again."

Bowser shifted to the middle. He tossed the tennis ball high and smashed it down the right side. Hugo dove for the ball and nearly got to it, but it sailed right into Bowser's face. Bowser then delivered a devastating overhead smash to the left side! Hugo couldn't do anything on that.

"30-All." Spectre Xavier called,

Bowser shifted to the middle, tossed the ball high and smashed down the middle. Unfortunately, the ball landed on the other side of the service area. "Fault." Spectre Xavier called,

Bowser simply grunted at his mistake and snapped his fingers to make another tennis ball appear. He shifted to the middle, tossed the ball high up and smashed the ball. It hit the top of the net, but it landed on the correct service zone. "Let." Spectre Xavier called,

The Koopa King made another tennis ball appear on his left claw by snapping his fingers. He shifted to the middle on the service line. He tossed the ball up and smashed it down to the service area. This time, Hugo managed to return the ball without problems. Bowser returned the ball back to Hugo. Hugo returned it long and it just hit close to Bowser's feet. "Out." Spectre Xavier made the call

"No!" Hugo cried,

"40-Love."

Bowser made another ball appear and then, he shifted to the middle of the service. He tossed the ball up and smashed to the right side! Hugo dove for the ball and missed. Bowser pumped his fist.

"Game to Bowser." Spectre Xavier called,

"Change sides." Those were Spectre Xavier's last words until…

"You've done enough!" Bowser cried and lifted his left claw. The spectre of Xavier dissipated and formed into another referee. This time, it formed into an exotic beauty from a southern tropical island.

"Kanani?!" Hugo cried,

Bowser chuckled at her shadow figure, under Hawaiian-style attire. He happily said, "She's so much better than your pathetic girlfriend, Hugo… I wish I had kidnapped her instead!"

"You cut that out!" Hugo angrily cried, "You don't get to say ANYTHING about Emily! Now pass me some balls!"

"Yeah, yeah, yeah." Bowser said, although he's not facing the Little King of Pluckiness. "Here's a couple." He snapped his fingers on his left claw and two tennis balls appeared near Hugo's feet. "Come on and serve before I change my mind!"

Hugo picked up the two tennis balls and aligned himself on the service line as he placed one of them in his pocket and held another one in his left hand.

Hugo tossed up a ball and hit it with his racket. Bowser returned it back. Hugo attempted a drop shot. The ball leaped over the net, forcing the Koopa King to run and try to hit it. He was successful as he lobbed the ball up. Hugo ran back and did an overhead smash on it! He managed to hit Bowser's face.

"Ow!" Bowser roared, "You wrecked my face! I'm going to make you pay for that!"

"15 to Love." Spectre Kanani called,

Hugo held a tennis ball in his hand, tossed it up in the air and smacked it with his racket. Bowser returned it back to Hugo. Hugo returned the ball back to Bowser. Bowser returned the ball hard back to Hugo. Hugo tried to lob the ball, but he hit it with not enough force that it flew… "Out." Spectre Kanani called,

Bowser chuckled. "15-All." Spectre Kanani called,

Hugo requested two more balls from Bowser. The Koopa King snapped his fingers and they appeared. Hugo picked one up, and placed the other in his pocket. He tossed it up and hit with his racket. The ball hit the top of the net, but it landed just outside the service zone. "Fault." Spectre Kanani called,

Hugo tried again. He hit the ball and it ricocheted off the net. This time, it landed in the service zone. "Let." Spectre Kanani called,

"Stop wasting my time and play already!" Bowser cried as he snapped his fingers. Two more tennis balls appeared near Hugo's feet.

Of course, Hugo wasn't listening to Bowser. Instead, he listened to his heart. It told him to play his game and ignore any of his opponents' taunts. He picked up both balls and placed one inside his pocket. He tossed the tennis ball up and hit the ball with his racket. This time, it sailed down to the service area.

Bowser returned the ball long right back to Hugo. Hugo returned the ball back to Bowser. The Koopa King tried a drop shot. The ball hit above the net and came close. Hugo ran to the ball, but could not hit it back before it bounced the second time. "15 to 30." Spectre Kanani called,

Hugo took out his tennis ball and tossed it up in the air. He smashed it hard with his racket. Bowser hit it lightly and it sailed up in the air. Hugo rushed to where it could land and tried an overhead smash. The ball blasted to Bowser's left side, but the Koopa King was ready and hit the ball past Hugo.

"Bwa ha ha ha ha!" Bowser laughed

"Game and Set to Bowser." Spectre Kanani laughed,

Hugo took his time on the break to try to compose himself. He thought, "OK… So, I underestimated Bowser… He's not the same during the Star Cup match I had with him. I have to find a way to break through his power play somehow…"

Bowser chuckled as he looked at Hugo. "It's only a matter of time… I make Hugo suffer in defeat and I keep Emily for myself. I shall make both her AND Peach my queens, once I rule the Mushroom Kingdom AND Earth!"

"In either case, the fate of the Mushroom Kingdom, Earth… and Emily are all at stake here." Hugo continued, "I can't lose! And I won't lose!"

After the ten-minute break, both players stepped back on the court. Bowser looked at the spectre of Kanani. He then said, "I'll give you this game to continue your job."

He then looked at Hugo. "Now… Shall we continue? Know that if I take two more sets, I will strike at the Mushroom Kingdom AND Earth, effective after this match! And trust me when I say, I don't lose that easily when this happens! Bwa ha ha ha ha!"

Bowser made a ball appear on his left claw. He shifted to the middle of the service line. He tossed the ball up and blasted it right to Hugo! The young kid managed the hit the ball back to the Koopa King. Bowser hit the ball back to Hugo, but it went high. Hugo managed to strike the ball with an overhead smash. Bowser rushed after it, but to no avail. "Love to 15." Spectre Kanani called,

Bowser simply grunted at his mistake and snapped his fingers to make another tennis ball appear. He shifted to the middle, tossed the ball high up and smashed the ball. Hugo managed to get it back to Bowser. "I'm going to try something." He thought as he rushes towards the net.

Bowser cried, "Not this time, chum!" He hit the ball with enough force to sail it over Hugo's head and land inside the back line.

"15-All." Spectre Kanani called,

Bowser shifted to the middle. He tossed the tennis ball high and smashed it down the right side. Hugo managed to hit it back as Bowser rushed towards the net. Bowser volleyed the ball back to Hugo. Hugo tried to hit the ball over the net but it struck the net instead. "Net." Spectre Kanani called, and said, "30 to 15."

"I'm ready for that!" Bowser yelled and tried hitting the ball back, but the ball didn't even get to the net.

"See that?!" Hugo cried,

"30-All." Spectre Kanani called

Bowser shifted to the middle. He tossed the tennis ball high and smashed it down the left side. Hugo managed to hit it back. Bowser hit the ball back to Hugo, but it was high. Hugo hit the ball with an overhead smash. Bowser was able to hit the ball back, but it hit the… "Net." Spectre Kanani called and then said, "30 to 40."

"Not this time, chum!" Bowser cried as he managed to counter the return with a lob. But Hugo was also ready for that lob and he did another overhead smash. Bowser tried to hit the ball back, but it hit the… "Net." Spectre Kanani called,

"Game to Hugo." The shadow version of the Tourism Ambassador of Laguna Island called,

"I think it's time to change sides." She continued as both players went to opposite sides of the court.

"I think your job is done!" Bowser mocked the shadow version of Kanani and lifted his left claw. The spectre of Kanani dissipated and formed into another referee. This time, it formed into a former assistant director that Hugo recognized.

"Nate?!" Hugo cried,

"Lights… Camera… Action!" Bowser yelled as he snapped his fingers and made two tennis balls appear near Hugo's feet.

As Hugo picked up the balls, he remembered exactly what Colin said before coming to Bowser's Castle. "You know your role, Hugo! It's your show now! Go for that great final act!"

"Of course…" Hugo thought as he prepared to serve. "This match is the final act. I'm going to give everything I've got!"

Hugo tossed the tennis ball up and smashed the ball, whizzing past a rushing Bowser. "Yes!" Hugo cried,

"15-Love, now." Spectre Nate called,

"You got lucky with that service ace!" Bowser roared, "It won't happen again!"

Hugo tossed the other tennis ball up and smashed it down the right side, whizzing past Bowser again! "30-Love, now." Spectre Nate called,

Bowser roared angrily over his errors and snapped his fingers on his left claw. Two tennis balls appeared near Hugo's feet. Hugo thought, "It's working! Although I'm surprised at myself on how deceptive my serves are…"

Hugo tossed a ball up and smashed down to where Bowser is. Bowser hit the ball hard and whizzed past Hugo. "30-15, now." Spectre Nate called,

Hugo tossed the ball up and hit it right to where Bowser is. Bowser hit the ball, but it sailed high enough for Hugo to rush to it. Hugo hit the ball with an overhead smash. Bowser tried to rush to where the ball was hit on the right side, but he missed it. "40-15, now." Spectre Nate called

Bowser snapped his fingers. Two more tennis balls appeared on Hugo's feet. Hugo picked them up. He tossed one and it hit right to Bowser. Bowser returned the ball to Hugo and he rushed towards the net. Hugo hit the ball back towards Bowser as he rushed towards the net. Bowser volleyed the ball out of Hugo's reach. "40-30, now." Spectre Nate called,

Hugo tossed the ball up and hit it right to where Bowser is. Bowser hit the ball, but it sailed high enough for Hugo to rush to it. Hugo tried an overhead smash, but he missed the ball by inches from his racket! "Bwa ha ha ha!" Bowser laughed,

"Deuce." Spectre Nate called,

Hugo shook his head as two more tennis balls appeared at Bowser's command. Hugo tossed one up and smashed down to where Bowser is. Bowser hit the ball hard and whizzed past Hugo. "Advantage to Bowser." Spectre Nate called,

Hugo tossed the tennis ball up and smashed the ball, whizzing past a rushing Bowser. "Yes!" Hugo cried,

"Deuce again." Spectre Nate called,

Hugo, after requesting Bowser for a couple more tennis balls, tossed one up and smashed it down the middle of the court. But the ball deceptively, after it bounced inside the service zone, moved to Bowser's right side. The Koopa King reacted to it, but couldn't do a thing about it. "Advantage to Hugo." Spectre Nate called,

Hugo tossed a tennis ball in the air and tried his deceptive serve again. This time, the ball curved just outside the service zone. "Fault." Spectre Nate called,

Hugo groaned for a bit, but regained his composure and prepared to serve. He tossed a tennis ball in the air and smacked it with his racket. Bowser returned it with a nice volley. Hugo countered with a volley of his own. Bowser hit the ball right to the net-rushing Hugo. Hugo hit a hard volley on the ball, which made it sail past Bowser. "That is Game & Set to Hugo." Spectre Nate called,

"Phew…" Hugo thought, "I managed to take that set from Bowser. That's going to help my confidence level. I watched that doubles championship match for the Mushroom Cup. Can't believe that ghost guy… I think his name is Boo… His serve is pretty confusing to track. I think I might worked hard with Bowser's minions so much that I've learned that serve…"

"I can't believe I lost that set!" Bowser thought, "I'm going to dock some of Boo's pay check for that, after this match is over!"

"This is good." Hugo thought, "I just have to win two more sets… I just have to play the game how I see fit. For the sake of the Love Tennis Club… But more importantly, for the Emily's sake and for the fate of the Mushroom Kingdom and Earth. I can do this!"

"He's just as a thorn on my side as Mario is." Bowser thought, referring to Hugo, "I'm going to defeat him, once and for all…"

After the ten-minute break, both players stepped back on the court. Bowser looked at the spectre of Nate. He then said, "Now… Action!"

Bowser made a ball appear on his left claw. He shifted to the middle of the service line. He tossed the ball up and blasted it right to Hugo! Hugo was not fast enough to reach the ball. "15-Love, now." Spectre Nate called,

Bowser shifted to the middle of the service line, tossed another ball up and smacked it with his racket. Hugo managed to get it this time and return the ball back to Bowser. As he did, he rushed to the net.

"Gotcha now!" Bowser thought as he executed a perfectly powerful return that made the ball blow right past Hugo's head and inside the lines.

"30-Love, now." Spectre Nate called,

Bowser made two more tennis balls appear and then shifted to the middle. He tossed the ball high and smashed it down the left side. Unfortunately, the ball hit the net and landed just outside of the service area. "Fault." Spectre Nate called,

Bowser simply grunted at his mistake. He shifted to the middle, tossed the ball high up and smashed the ball. This time, it went right down the middle and sped by so fast that Hugo dove for it… And missed it. "40-Love, now." Spectre Nate called,

Bowser made two more tennis balls appear and then shifted to the middle. He tossed the ball high and smashed it. Unfortunately, the ball hit the net. "Fault." Spectre Nate called,

"Hmph. No matter." Bowser thought as he shifted to the middle. He then tossed the ball high up and smashed the ball. Hugo hit the ball, but it did not go over the net.

"Bwa ha ha ha!" Bowser laughed,

"Game to Bowser." Spectre Nate called,

"All right. Change sides." The shadow version of Nate called,

"All right. You're relieved of your duties!" Bowser cried and lifted his left claw. The spectre of Nate dissipated and formed into another referee. This time, it formed into a pleasant and capable young umpire with the familiar dark pink polo shirt and grey visor.

"Natasha?!" Hugo cried,

"You're going to dawdle all day?!" Bowser roared, "Get on with it!"

"Then, I'm going to need some tennis balls!" Hugo cried out,

"Coming right up!" Bowser roared and snapped his fingers. Two tennis balls appeared near Hugo's feet. The young kid picked both of them up, and placed one in his pocket.

Hugo tossed one up and hit it with his racket. But the ball hit the net. "Fault." Spectre Natasha called,

Hugo tossed the other tennis ball up and hit it with his racket. Bowser returned the ball and it whizzed past a rushing Hugo. "Love-15." Spectre Natasha called,

"I was expecting that." Hugo thought as he saw the ball sail high right to him. He then hit the ball for an overhead smash. Bowser jumped to the ball, only to miss it. "15-All." Spectre Natasha called,

Hugo went back to the service line and took out a tennis ball. He tossed it up and hit the ball hard. It lands in the service zone and Bowser managed to hit the ball hard. Hugo tried a slicing backhand shot. This time, the ball sailed over the net and bounced just inside the line. Bowser returned the ball and rushed towards the net. Hugo hit the ball, but his shot sailed high.

"Oh no…" Hugo thought,

"Oh yes!" Bowser thought as the ball came towards him. With that, Bowser smashed the ball, to the left side of the court.

"15-30." Spectre Natasha called,

Hugo, after requesting Bowser for a couple more tennis balls, tossed one up and smashed it down the middle of the court. The Koopa King returned it back.

Hugo, after the serve, rushed to the net. He then hit the ball for an overhead smash. Bowser jumped to the ball, only to miss it. "30-All." Spectre Natasha called,

Hugo went back to the service line and took out a tennis ball. He tossed one up and hit the ball hard. It lands in the service zone and Bowser managed to hit the ball hard. Hugo tried a slicing backhand shot. Bowser returned it hard. Hugo returned the ball and tried rushing towards the net. Bowser hit the ball well above Hugo's head. Hugo could not react to it fast enough. "30-40." Spectre Natasha called,

Hugo went back to the service line and took out a tennis ball. He tossed it up and hit the ball hard. It lands in the service zone and Bowser managed to hit the ball hard. This time, Hugo attempted a drop shot. The ball sailed over the net and bounced once inside the service zone. Bowser rushed after the ball to try to get it before the second bounce, but it was too late. "Deuce." Spectre Natasha called,

Hugo thought as he got back the service line. "I have to take what my opponent is giving me. Bowser is a slow guy after all, so it's a step in the right direction."

Hugo, after requesting Bowser for a couple more tennis balls, tossed one up and smashed it down the middle of the court. The Koopa King returned it back, but it was high.

"Time to work my magic!" Hugo thought and hit the ball with an overhead smash

Bowser rushed to the ball, but missed it. "Advantage to Hugo." Spectre Natasha called,

Hugo went back to the service line and took out a tennis ball. He tossed it up and hit the ball hard. It lands in the service zone and Bowser managed to hit the ball hard. The Koopa King rushed towards the net. Hugo hit the ball with a drop shot. Bowser volleyed the ball back as Hugo rushed towards the net.

"Not this time, Bowser!" Hugo thought and lobbed the ball high above Bowser's head. The Koopa King reacted to the shot, and chased the ball down. But he couldn't get a shot on it. "Game, Hugo." Spectre Natasha called,

Bowser made a ball appear on his left claw. He shifted to the middle of the service line. He tossed the ball up and blasted it right to… the net. "Fault." Spectre Natasha called,

Bowser grumbled and made another tennis ball appear on his left claw. He shifted to the middle, tossed the ball up and hit it right to Hugo. Hugo returned the ball easily. Bowser hit the ball hard to the wide side of where Hugo is. Hugo rushed to the ball and dove for it, but missed. "15-Love." Spectre Natasha called,

Bowser snapped his finger on the left claw and two more tennis balls appeared. He shifted over to the middle on the service line, tossed the ball up in the air and smashed it down the right side! Hugo dove for the ball but missed it! "Yeah!" Bowser roared,

"30-Love." Spectre Natasha called,

With the other tennis ball in his left claw, Bowser shifted to the middle of the service line. He tossed the ball up and smashed it, but it hit the net. "Fault." Spectre Natasha called,

Bowser grumbled and made another tennis ball appear on his left claw. He shifted to the middle, tossed the ball up and hit it right to Hugo. Hugo returned it hard back to the open court. Bowser moved over and hit the ball back to Hugo. Hugo attempted a drop shot and then rushed to the net. Bowser volleyed the ball and Hugo returned it back… only to hit the Koopa King's face.

"Ow!" Bowser roared, "Nice shot, bucko! That is, if you meant to hit MY FACE!"

"I'm just going to ignore that…" Hugo thought

"30-15." Spectre Natasha called,

Bowser snapped his finger on the left claw and two more tennis balls appeared. He shifted over to the middle on the service line, tossed the ball up in the air and smashed it down the middle. Hugo managed to hit it back to Bowser. Bowser returned the ball as Hugo rushed to the net. Hugo volleyed the ball back to Bowser. Bowser hit the ball, but it sailed high up again.

"Here it comes!" Hugo thought and he hit the ball with an overhead smash

Bowser rushed towards the ball, but he missed it by mere inches. "30-All." Spectre Natasha called,

With the other tennis ball in his left claw, Bowser shifted to the middle of the service line. He tossed the ball up and smashed it down the middle. Hugo tried to return the ball, but it was not enough force to send it over the net. "40-30." Natasha called,

"Game, Bowser." Spectre Natasha called,

"Change sides." The shadow of the young woman called,

"And now, I'll change you!" Bowser cried and lifted his left claw. The spectre of Natasha dissipated and formed into another referee. This time, it formed into a robot.

Hugo recognized the robot. "Robo T.?" He said, "I don't blame your choices of referees, Bowser."

"Hah!" Bowser roared, "When you are facing me, I call the shots on that detail! Now, let's continue!" And then snapped his fingers.

"OK, then!" Hugo cried, as he saw the two tennis balls appear on his feet.

He picked them both up. He then tossed a ball up and hit it right to Bowser. Bowser returned the ball so hard, that it sped up. Hugo rushed for it, but missed it. "Love-15." Spectre Robo T. called

Hugo tossed the other tennis ball high up and smashed it with his racket. Bowser managed to return it, but it sailed high. Hugo ran up and hit the ball with an overhead smash. Bowser rushed for the ball, but missed it. "15-All." Spectre Robo T. called,

Hugo, after requesting Bowser for a couple more tennis balls, tossed one up and smashed it down the right side of the court. Bowser returned it and rushed towards the net. Hugo returned the ball and rushed towards the net. Bowser saw that the ball was high enough and hit it with an overhead smash. The ball smacked Hugo in the face!

"Bwa ha ha ha ha!" Bowser laughed, "That's for wrecking my face twice!"

"15-30." Spectre Robo T. called

Hugo tossed the other tennis ball high up and smashed it with his racket. Bowser managed to return it, but it sailed high. Hugo ran up… But he whiffed on his attempt to hit the ball with an overhead smash! "No!" Hugo cried,

"15-40." Spectre Robo T. called

Hugo, after requesting Bowser for a couple more tennis balls, tossed one up and smashed it down the right side of the court. Bowser returned it back to Hugo. Hugo returned the ball back to Bowser. Bowser hit the ball with enough power on it to send back to Hugo at a cheetah-like speed. Hugo tried to return the ball back, but it hit the… "Net." Spectre Robo T. called

"Bwa ha ha ha ha!" Bowser laughed,

"Game and Set… Bowser." Spectre Robo T. called

Hugo paced around. He knew that the pressure was on. "I can't lose this next set! Everyone in the Love Tennis Club, the Mushroom Kingdom AND on Earth is counting on me… I can only wonder what are they thinking…"

Meanwhile, over at the Mushroom Kingdom, Mario and all of his friends including the Love Tennis Club members all got down to one knee and thought about Hugo.

"I hope he's going to be OK… I wouldn't know what to do if Bowser succeeds…" Zeta thought out loud, worried for her founding members of the Love Tennis Club

Mario walked up to Zeta and held her hand. Zeta then asked, "Are you certain they're going to be OK?"

Mario nodded and grunted in agreement. "I can only hope you're right…" Zeta responded

"Well, we can't sit here and do nothing!" Troy bellowed, "He's out there, fighting his tail off for all of us! For the Mushroom Kingdom! The world!"

"Troy's right!" Bridget cried, "Somehow we have to make our voices heard!"

"I agree." Fong said, "But the only question is… How?"

"Surely if we had a lot of microphones and amplifiers, that would help." Colin joked,

"I think I've got it…" Amorette said, "If we chant loud, then maybe it'll be enough to make our voices heard."

"That's a great idea!" Suzuki cried, "And it'll be I who will start!"

He then screamed, "Come on, Hugo! You can do it!"

"Yeah, Hugo!" Troy yelled, "You've got this!"

"Fight! Fight! Fight!" Bridget chanted, "Come on! You can do it!"

"Cut that Koopa King like a swift katana!" Toshi roared,

"Yeah! Go, Hugo!" Sam roared, "Give that Koopa King serious trouble!"

"Come on, champ!" Rolf roared, "You're worthy for a reason! Now give Bowser trouble!"

"Go, Hugo!" Lani yelled, "You can do this!"

"Don't quit on us, Hugo!" Colin yelled, "You're the star now! Now be that hero you've wanted to be!"

"Give that Koopa King a swift chop like the wind!" Fong roared,

"Hang in there, Hugo!" Gloria yelled, "Save your true love! Beat Bowser!"

Zeta then yelled, "Come on, Hugo! You're capable now! You can defeat Bowser!"

Soon, everyone in the Mushroom Kingdom began chanting and cheering for Hugo. Not one block in the Tennis Village Resort was silent. They all stand by for the Little King of Pluckiness to usurp the Koopa King and save the Princess.

Back at Bowser's Castle, Hugo heard something. "Where is the noise coming from?" He thought as he looked around

He tried to get a good glance at the noise in question, but he cannot make it out. He heard more of the noise. Suddenly, it became audible. "Wait a minute… Do I hear… Cheering? For me?"

He started to recognize some the voices. "Troy? Amorette? Toshi? Lani? Even… Mario? Wait a minute… They're sending me wishes and positive energy! They're telling me not to give up!"

He then thought, "If I can channel this into my game, then I can actually stand a chance against Bowser! I just have to believe!"

Bowser looked on and thought, "Bwa ha ha ha ha! Yup… Just as I expected. Hugo's no match for me in this court! It's not even worth my time to toy with him anymore. I'm going to finish him off, once and for all! And then, Emily AND Peach will be mine!"

After the ten-minute break, both players stepped back on the court. Bowser looked at the spectre of Robo T. "I command you to resume the match!" He roared, and twisted a finger on his left claw

"Match… Resuming." Spectre Robo T. called

"You know what happens if I win this set, right?" Bowser said to Hugo, "Emily will be mine and I get to attack both the Mushroom Kingdom AND Earth! And there will be nothing you can do about that! Bwa ha ha ha ha!"

Hugo just looked on as he readied himself for the Koopa King's serve. Bowser made a tennis ball appear on his left claw. He shifted to the middle of the service line. He tossed the ball up and smashed it to the left. But the ball hit the net. "Fault." Spectre Robo T. called,

Bowser grumbled and made another tennis ball appear on his left claw. He shifted to the middle, tossed the ball up and blasted it down the middle. Hugo dove for it, but missed. "15-Love." Spectre Robo T. called

"I'm going to try something." Hugo thought and hit the ball with a drop shot.

Bowser rushed to the net and hit the ball, but it hit the… "Net." Spectre Robo T. called,

"Yes!" Hugo cried, pumping both his fists

"15-All." Spectre Robo T. called,

With the other tennis ball in his left claw, Bowser shifted to the middle of the service line. He tossed the ball up and smashed it. But it hit the net. "Fault." Spectre Robo T. called,

Bowser grumbled and made another tennis ball appear on his left claw. He shifted to the middle, tossed the ball up and smashed it. Hugo managed to return the ball back. Bowser hit the ball back hard to Hugo. Hugo hit the ball back towards Bowser, with good speed. Bowser hit the ball back hard towards Hugo. Hugo tried a drop shot return. Bowser rushed towards the net and attempted a volley, but he misjudged the angle and the ball sailed… "Out." Spectre Robo T. called, "15-30."

With the other tennis ball in his left claw, Bowser shifted to the middle of the service line. He tossed the ball up and smashed it. The Koopa King rushed to the net as Hugo returned the ball. Bowser volleyed the ball right past a rushing and diving Hugo. "30-40." Spectre Robo T. called,

Bowser made a tennis ball appear on his left claw. He shifted to the middle of the service line. He tossed the ball up and smashed it to the left. But the ball hit the net. "Fault." Spectre Robo T. called,

Bowser grumbled and made another tennis ball appear on his left claw. He shifted to the middle, tossed the ball up and blasted it down the middle. But that, too, hit the net. "Double Fault." Spectre Robo T. called

"I did it!" Hugo thought, "I broke his serve!"

"Game… Hugo."

"Change… sides." Spectre Robo T., in his darker robotic voice called,

Bowser roared, "You're a useless piece of junk! I'm switching you out!" He then lifted his left claw. The spectre of Robo T. dissipated and formed into another referee. This time, it formed into a chummy Japanese man with glasses, khaki pants, a dark yellow sweater and a fedora hat.

Hugo knew who it was. "Suzuki…" He thought as he smiled and shook his head

"Let's see if he's better than that stupid robot!" Bowser thought as he snapped his fingers to make a couple of tennis balls appear near Hugo's feet.

Hugo picked them both up and placed one in his pocket. He tossed a tennis ball in the air, and smashed it down the middle. Bowser missed on the swing! "What?!" Bowser roared, "How did I miss that?!"

"15-Love." Spectre Suzuki called,

Hugo took out his ball and tossed it up. He smacked it right at Bowser. The Koopa King knew that it came, but he underestimated the power of the serve. He lobbed the ball up in the air.

"It's mine!" Hugo thought and hit the ball with an overhead smash

Bowser dove for the ball, but missed. "30-Love." Spectre Suzuki

Hugo, after requesting Bowser for a couple more tennis balls, tossed one up and smashed it down the right side of the court. Bowser returned it and rushed towards the net. Hugo returned the ball and rushed towards the net as well. Bowser volleyed the ball back to Hugo. Hugo hit the ball back to Bowser, and vice versa at that moment.

"I see an opening…" Hugo thought, looking at Bowser's left side. "I have an idea…"

Hugo looked at Bowser, then quickly looked at the left and volleyed the ball there. Bowser tried to get the ball, but he couldn't. "40-Love." Spectre Suzuki called,

Hugo tossed the other tennis ball high up and smashed it with his racket. Bowser managed to return it. Hugo attempted to lob the ball high and he rushed to the net. Bowser laughed, and roared, "You make this too easy for me!"

He attempted an overhead smash on the ball. The ball struck the top of the net and it sailed… "Out!" Spectre Suzuki called as the ball landed out of bounds.

Hugo looked at Bowser. He knew he is making it close. "Game & Set to Hugo!" Spectre Suzuki called,

Bowser angrily stomped his feet and he thought, "Victory is almost mine! But I'm close to losing too! This kid is becoming a complete nuisance! I'm gonna finish him off, once and for all if it's the last thing I do!"

Hugo looked on. He knew he's getting under the Koopa King's skin. He also had the voices of all his friends who helped him out. And just then… He heard one more. "Hugo..."

"That voice…" Hugo thought, "Could it be…?"

Just then, he noticed a ghostly figure of Emily and jumped up. "Hugo… I…" The apparition of the young woman began. "I always… believed you come back for me… I'm sorry… It had to be this way."

"But don't give up…" She continued, "I'll always love you… For who you are… Win this match… For the Love Tennis Club… For the Mushroom Kingdom… For me…"

"Good luck… Hugo. I believe… In you." She then disappeared,

Hugo began crying. He knew that Emily was forever in heart, but he didn't anticipate her spirit cheering him on to win the match and save everyone! He clenched his fist and looked at Bowser. He is just the final set away from winning the match and saving Emily.

He then looked up in the sky and thought, "I'm going to give it everything I've got! At this point, I have been playing to my potential. And now, I have a chance to save everyone!"

After the ten-minute break, both players stepped back on the court. Bowser roared at Hugo, "Hugo! Are you still standing?! You might as well just give up! You can't beat me!"

Bowser made a tennis ball appear on his left claw. He shifted to the middle of the service line. He tossed the ball up and smashed it to the left. Hugo returned the ball, but it sailed high in the sky. Bowser ran up to it and hit the ball with an overhead smash. The ball flew so fast that Hugo couldn't reach it. "15-Love." Spectre Suzuki called,

With the other tennis ball in his left claw, Bowser shifted to the middle of the service line. He tossed the ball up and smashed it. Hugo managed to hit the ball back to Bowser. Bowser volleyed the ball at an odd angle. The angle of the ball was so odd, that Hugo missed on the swing. "30-Love." Spectre Suzuki called,

Bowser made a tennis ball appear on his left claw. He shifted to the middle of the service line. He tossed the ball up and smashed it to the left. Hugo returned the ball with enough power. Bowser returned the ball back towards Hugo.

Bowser ran towards the net. Hugo hit the ball right to Bowser. Bowser hit the ball at an odd angle again. Hugo couldn't reach it this time. "40-Love." Spectre Suzuki called,

"Game to Bowser." Spectre Suzuki called,

"And it's time to change sides!" The shadow of the Japanese man cried,

"And it's time for you to go!" Bowser roared, and then lifted his left claw. The spectre of Suzuki dissipated and formed into another referee. This time, it formed into the Wonderlady herself. Bowser began to stare at her gorgeous figure with blond hair, a dark blue-buttoned shirt, black shorts and boots.

Hugo mused as he knew who it is. "Well, I didn't know you like Gloria…"

"What?!" Bowser roared, "I do NOT! She's just my type! No! Wait! I meant, NOT my type!"

"It doesn't matter…" Hugo said, still smiling "Just hand me some tennis balls."

"All right!" Bowser roared as he snapped his fingers, "But know this changes NOTHING about what I plan to do to Emily AND Peach once I win this match!"

Hugo went back to the service line and took out a tennis ball. He tossed it up and hit the ball hard. It lands in the service zone and Bowser managed to hit the ball hard. Bowser returned it and rushed to the net. Hugo hit the ball back right to Bowser. The Koopa King hit the ball back at an odd angle, making sure it doesn't go anywhere near Hugo. "Love-15." Spectre Gloria called,

Hugo went back to the service line and took out the other tennis ball. He tossed it up and smashed the ball hard. It lands in the service zone and Bowser missed on the swing. "15-All." Spectre Gloria called,

Hugo, after requesting Bowser for a couple more tennis balls, tossed one up and smashed it down the right side of the court. Bowser returned it and rushed towards the net. Hugo returned the ball and rushed towards the net as well. Bowser volleyed the ball back, but he put way too much power on his shot as it sailed… "Out." Spectre Gloria called, "30-15."

Hugo went back to the service line and took out a tennis ball. He tossed it up and hit the ball hard. It lands in the service zone and Bowser managed to hit the ball hard. Bowser returned it and rushed to the net. Hugo hit the ball back, but at an odd angle. Bowser tried to hit it, but he missed on the swing. "40-15." Spectre Gloria called,

Hugo, after requesting Bowser for a couple more tennis balls, tossed one up and smashed it down the right side of the court. Bowser returned it and rushed towards the net. Hugo returned the ball and rushed towards the net as well. Bowser volleyed the ball back, but at an odd angle. Hugo couldn't do anything about that shot. "40-30." Spectre Gloria called,

Hugo went back to the service line and took out a tennis ball. He tossed it up and hit the ball hard. It lands in the service zone and Bowser managed to hit the ball hard. Bowser returned it and rushed to the net. Hugo hit the ball back, but at an odd angle. Bowser countered the shot with another odd angular shot. Hugo couldn't hit the ball back towards the Koopa King. "Aw!" Hugo cried, feeling his chances of surviving slipping away.

"Deuce." Spectre Gloria called,

Hugo, after requesting Bowser for a couple more tennis balls, tossed one up and smashed it down the right side of the court. Bowser returned it with enough power and speed that Hugo missed on the swing. "Advantage to Bowser." Spectre Gloria called,

"Now… Let's finish this!" Bowser roared, knowing that if he wins this point, his attack on the Mushroom Kingdom AND Earth will begin. Not only that, all of Hugo's friends will be powerless to stop Bowser and his terrifying reign.

Hugo tossed a tennis ball up and smashed it with his racket. He ran towards the net. Bowser returned it and he also ran towards the net. Hugo volleyed the ball back to Bowser. Bowser hit the ball back to Hugo. Hugo hit the ball and it bashed Bowser in the face. "Ow!" Bowser cried,

And he roared very loud, knowing full well that he missed a chance for an instant invasion.

"Deuce again." Spectre Gloria called,

"Nice!" Hugo thought, "It bought me enough time. Now I just have to take advantage and extend the match further."

He then requested Bowser for a couple more tennis balls. Bowser, agitated from the loss of the match-winning point, snapped his fingers and two more tennis balls appeared near Hugo's feet. Hugo then picked both tennis balls up, and placed one in his pocket. He tossed one up. It lands in the service zone and Bowser managed to hit the ball, but it flew up in the air. Hugo waited for the ball and smashed it down the right side. "Advantage to Hugo." Spectre Gloria called,

Hugo tossed a tennis ball up and smashed it with his racket. The ball inched towards the left of Bowser. Bowser went the wrong way and missed the return. "See that?!" Hugo cried as he pumped his left fist

"Game to Hugo." Spectre Gloria called,

Bowser was feeling enraged. He nearly won the match, but a few mistakes in that game may as well cost him the victory. "I'm going to correct this egregious play of mine! This match can NEVER end with this kid's win!" He thought as he readied himself to serve the ball.

He made a tennis ball appear on his left claw. He shifted to the middle of the service line. He tossed the ball up and smashed it to the left. But the ball hit the net. "Fault." Spectre Gloria called,

Bowser angrily grumbled and made another tennis ball appear on his left claw. He shifted to the middle, tossed the ball up and blasted it down the middle. But that, too, hit the net. "Double Fault." Spectre Gloria called

Bowser roared very loudly and stomped his feet. "Love-15." Spectre Gloria called,

He then made a tennis ball appear on his left claw. He shifted to the middle of the service line. He tossed the ball up and smashed it to the right. But the ball hit the net. "Fault." Spectre Gloria called,

The Koopa King grumbled some more and then made another tennis ball appear on his left claw. He shifted to the middle, tossed the ball up and blasted it down the middle. This time, it landed the service zone and zoomed past Hugo. "15-All." Spectre Gloria called,

"That's better!" Bowser roared,

He then made a tennis ball appear on his left claw. He shifted to the middle of the service line. He tossed the ball up and smashed it to the left. It zoomed past a diving Hugo. "30-15." Spectre Gloria called,

Bowser made a tennis ball appear on his left claw. He shifted to the middle of the service line. He tossed the ball up and smashed it to the right. It lands inside the service zone and past a diving Hugo. "40-15." Spectre Gloria called,

He then made a tennis ball appear on his left claw. He shifted to the middle of the service line. He tossed the ball up and smashed it down the middle. Hugo managed to return the ball. The young kid ran towards the net. Bowser returned the ball hard, but high. Hugo intercepted the ball and hit it with an overhead smash that made the ball zoom past Bowser. "40-30." Spectre Gloria called,

Bowser ran towards the net. Hugo hit the ball right to Bowser. Bowser hit the ball at an odd angle. Hugo could not reach it. Bowser laughed,

"Game to Bowser." Spectre Gloria called,

"I think it's time to change sides." The shadow version of the Wonderlady said,

"I think… And as beautiful as you are," Bowser began, "…You are done!" He lifted his left claw. The spectre of Gloria dissipated and formed into another referee. This time, it formed into a familiar man with the unmistakeable red hat with the letter M on it.

"Mario?!" Hugo and Bowser both cried,

"Well…" Bowser then said, looking at the shadow of his long-time arch nemesis "At least he's fair at calling matches!"

Hugo, after requesting Bowser for a couple more tennis balls, tossed one up and smashed it down the middle. Bowser dove for the ball, but missed it. "15-Love." Spectre Mario called,

Hugo went back to the service line and took out a tennis ball. He tossed it up and hit the ball hard. It lands in the service zone and Bowser managed to hit the ball hard. Bowser returned it and rushed to the net. Hugo hit the ball back, but at an odd angle. Bowser tried to hit it, but he missed on the swing. "30-Love." Spectre Mario called,

Hugo, after requesting Bowser for a couple more tennis balls, tossed one up and smashed it down the right side of the court. Bowser returned it and rushed towards the net. Hugo tried to return the ball, but he missed on the swing, plus he misjudged the speed of the ball. "30-15." Spectre Mario called,

Hugo went back to the service line and took out a tennis ball. He tossed it up and hit the ball hard. After the serve, Hugo ran towards the net. It lands in the service zone and Bowser managed to hit the ball hard. Hugo looked at the open area, then at the last second, he volleys the ball straight. Bowser thought Hugo would hit the ball at the wide angle, but he misjudged the young kid's eyes. The ball went past the Koopa King. "40-15." Spectre Mario called,

Hugo, after requesting Bowser for a couple more tennis balls, tossed one up and smashed it down the left side. Bowser dove for the ball and missed it. "Game, Hugo." Spectre Mario called and then announced, "Tiebreaker."

Bowser roared, but then he said, panting "I've gotta say… You've impressed me with your play…! I have to give you credit… For the being part of the Love Tennis Club! But your time is now up! I'm going to finish you off… Right here, right now!"

"Bowser…" Hugo said, panting, "You've given me a tough match. Even more so than Mario had in the Star Cup final. But what you did is vile and wicked. I'm going to put a stop to your plans and save Emily!"

"Well, then…" Bowser roared, "We'll see who comes out on top then on this tiebreaker!"

He then made a tennis ball appear on his left claw. He shifted to the middle of the service line. He tossed the ball up and smashed it to the right. Hugo managed to return it. He rushed towards the net. Bowser hit the ball back to Hugo and he, too, rushed towards the net. Both players volleyed the ball back and forth. Hugo tired a high shot, but Bowser saw an opportunity and blasted it with an overhead smash. "1-0." Spectre Mario called,

Hugo, after requesting Bowser for a couple more tennis balls, tossed one up and smashed it down the middle. Bowser was thinking it was going to the right, but he misjudged the direction of the serve. "1-All." Spectre Mario called,

Hugo went back to the service line and took out a tennis ball. He tossed it up and hit the ball hard and down the middle. Bowser, once again, misjudged the direction. "2-1." Spectre Mario called,

"Change court." Spectre Mario called immediately,

He then made a tennis ball appear on his left claw. He shifted to the middle of the service line. He tossed the ball up and smashed it to the left. Hugo managed to return the ball. Hugo rushed towards the net. Bowser returned the ball hard and fast. And the ball sped so fast that Hugo missed it. "2-All." Spectre Mario called,

Bowser made another tennis ball appear on his left claw. He shifted to the middle of the service line. He tossed the ball up and smashed it to the right. It lands inside the service zone and past a diving Hugo. "3-2." Spectre Mario called,

"Change court." Spectre Mario called immediately,

Hugo went back to the service line and took out a tennis ball. He tossed it up and hit the ball hard. After the serve, Hugo ran towards the net. It lands in the service zone and Bowser managed to hit the ball hard. Hugo looked straight ahead, then at the last second, he volleys the ball wide left of Bowser. Bowser thought Hugo would hit the ball at the straight, but he misjudged the young kid's eyes. The ball went past the Koopa King. "4-3." Spectre Mario called,

Bowser made a tennis ball appear on his left claw. He shifted to the middle of the service line. He tossed the ball up and smashed it to the left. Hugo returned the ball straight with enough power, but it was so much power that Bowser dove for it and missed. "4-All." Spectre Mario called,

He then made a tennis ball appear on his left claw. He shifted to the middle of the service line. He tossed the ball up and smashed it to the right. Hugo managed to return it. He rushed towards the net. Bowser hit the ball back to Hugo and he, too, rushed towards the net. Both players volleyed the ball back and forth. Bowser hit the ball, during the rally, into the net. Bowser roared in disgust. "5-4." Spectre Mario called,

"Change court." Spectre Mario called immediately,

Hugo, after requesting Bowser for a couple more tennis balls, tossed one up and smashed it down the right side of the court. But the ball sailed outside the service zone. "Fault." Spectre Mario called,

"Shoot!" Hugo thought, "First fault this match for me! I can't let this happen again.

He tossed the other ball up and smacked it. The ball hit the top of the net and hit outside the service zone again. "Double Fault." Spectre Mario called,

"No!" Hugo cried with his hands on his head.

"5-All." Spectre Mario called,

Hugo, after requesting Bowser for a couple more tennis balls, tossed one up and smashed it down the right side of the court. Hugo then ran to the net. Bowser returned the ball hard, but high. Hugo intercepted the ball and hit it with an overhead smash that made the ball zoom past Bowser. "6-5." Spectre Mario called,

"Gonna win for good!" Hugo cried, knowing with this point clinched, he will win the match, save Emily, the Mushroom Kingdom AND Earth!

"Bwa ha ha ha ha!" Bowser laughed, "I'm not letting you win that easily! It will be I, who will come out victorious!"

"6-All." Spectre Mario called,

"Change court." Spectre Mario called immediately,

Bowser then made a tennis ball appear on his left claw. He shifted to the middle of the service line. He tossed the ball up and smashed it to the left. Hugo managed to return the ball. Hugo rushed towards the net. Bowser returned the ball hard and fast. And the ball sped so fast that Hugo missed it. "7-6." Spectre Mario called,

"Now… Let's finish this!" Bowser roared, knowing the inevitable might come for him and his army. He then snapped his fingers for two tennis balls to appear. Hugo picked both of them up.

He thought, "Not now! I can't let Bowser win! I've come WAY too far to give up now! I can't let the Koopa King succeed!"

Hugo tossed a tennis ball up and smashed it down the right side of the court. Hugo then ran to the net. Bowser returned the ball hard, but high. Hugo intercepted the ball and hit it with an overhead smash that made the ball zoom past Bowser.

"Phew…" Hugo thought, "I've bought enough time… Now, to turn it around!"

"7-All." Spectre Mario called,

Hugo went back to the service line and took out a tennis ball. He tossed it up and hit the ball hard. After the serve, Hugo ran towards the net. It lands in the service zone and Bowser managed to hit the ball hard, but high. Hugo saw an opportunity and hit the ball with an overhead smash. The ball zoomed past Bowser. "8-7." Spectre Mario called,

"Change court." Spectre Mario called immediately,

"Gonna win it for good!" Hugo cried, knowing with this point, he will eventually become the hero that saved the Princess, the Mushroom Kingdom and… Earth.

Bowser growled as he made a tennis ball appear on his left claw. He didn't want to lose to the upstart from the Love Tennis Club. He shifted to the middle of the service line. He tossed the ball up and smashed it down the middle. Hugo managed to return the ball. The young kid ran towards the net. Bowser returned the ball hard, but high. Hugo intercepted the ball and hit it with an overhead smash that made the ball zoom past Bowser.

"NO!" Bowser roared in disbelief, as he stood rocking left and right, "It can't be!"

"Game, Set & Match. Hugo." Spectre Mario called, and he disappeared in a puff of black smoke, along with the chair he sat

"You've really beaten me this time, Hugo! I can't stand losing to you!" The Koopa King then fell over on his stomach.

Hugo walked over to Bowser. He then said, "Koopa King Bowser… Thank you for honouring me with the match of my life. You put on a fantastic show for me."

"Now… As promised, it's time you fulfill your end of the bargain."

"I really hate that! I can't…" Bowser continued to whine, and then he said, "Fine! You win! You get your precious girlfriend back! And with that… I'm outta here! Just you wait until next time! Until then, keep that racket smokin'! Bwa ha ha ha…" Bowser began to hack and cough and then he fainted.

He then slowly disappeared in a puff of black smoke. Just then, a bright white light appeared right in front of Hugo. He slowly began to back away. The bright white light lowered to Hugo's eye level, which is just as high as a male teenager at 5 feet. And then…

The bright white light exploded into small bits. And it formed into a body of young woman with red hair, matching skirt, running shoes, and a yellow sleeveless shirt. "Emily!" Hugo cried, upon recognizing the young woman.

Her slender body lowered slowly on to the court concrete, lying face-up. Hugo went to her and cried, "Emily… Are you OK?"

He began to sob as he hugged her, "I did it, Emily… I saved you from King Bowser… I did it for you… I did it for the Love Tennis Club… I saved everyone in the Mushroom Kingdom… I saved everyone on Earth… But, I won't be same without you… Please wake up!"

Hugo cradled her head with his right hand and said, "Please don't leave me… I love you."

He then gave her a deep kiss on the lips. Another bright light has shined around them. Hugo continued to cry as he kept his lips locked on to Emily's.

He then pulled back his head. Suddenly, Emily's eyelids began to move. "Emily?" Hugo cried,

Soon, her eyes began to open. "Hu… Hugo?"

"Emily!" Hugo cried,

"Oh, Hugo!" Emily cried and they both hugged. "I'm so sorry this happened!"

"It's OK…" Hugo replied, "I saved you… From the clutches of the Koopa King, Bowser…"

"You did that… For me?" Emily sobbed, "Thank you!"

They embraced each other with their lips once more. After a good minute, they pulled back. Hugo said, "Let's go home…"

Meanwhile, back at the Mushroom Kingdom's Tennis Village Resort, everyone got worn out from cheering for Hugo. One Toad said, "I don't know if this is working… I'm starting to lose hope."

"Hugo's like a mountain." Fong said, "No matter how hard the wind howls, the mountain will never bow to it."

"I'm sure he's taken out Bowser." Colin said,

"There has to be a sign that Hugo succeeded." Sam replied,

At the moment she said that, a lightning bolt hit the ground and it formed into a dark purple cloud. Everyone grew scared. "Oh no!" Mario cried,

"I think Bowser might have won…" Zeta said, feeling extremely worried

Troy and Bridget held hands. Toshi and Amorette hugged one another, despite not being in a relationship. Lani grew scared and hugged a crouching Yoshi. Peach and Daisy also felt extremely worried. Baby Mario began to weep. Suzuki and Gloria began to hug each other, feeling worried. Donkey Kong placed his hands over his eyes. Birdo also crouched down. Wario and Waluigi growled, readying themselves. And Mario and Luigi were also ready if in case the big bad Koopa King won.

After a while, the dark purple cloud started to dissolve, now forming a bright white light. Everyone began to wonder. Suddenly, a giant shadow figure started to appear on the bright white light. "Could that be…?" Zeta began,

"Maybe…" Sam replied,

The shadow figure became clearer. It was revealed to be Hugo, carrying a happily, sleeping Emily. He gave his girlfriend a brief kiss in the lips before the bright white light faded away. "Hmm… It feels so good." Emily mused,

Hugo looked at everyone and said, "It's done."

Everyone was in stunned silence. But then, they cheered very loud and raucously!

Hugo put down Emily and he began getting carried around by some of the Mushroom Kingdom residents and his Love Tennis Club friends. Emily was also mobbed by some of the crowd.

Troy yelled, "You did it, Hugo! You wrecked that snotty Koopa King!"

Hugo rode on Yoshi as everyone around him continued cheering. "How'd you end up taking down Bowser?!" a Toad cried,

"Sheer love and joy!" Hugo simply cried out, "I can't believe I did it! But, I wasn't alone… I had you guys to help me out on some occasions during the match!"

Bridget cried to Emily, "How did you even end up in Bowser's clutches anyway?"

"Well…" Emily said, "My memory's a little fuzzy, but I'll try my best. After Hugo's first match with Bowser in the Star Cup, and everyone else's for that matter, I wanted to wait for Hugo to arrive. Just then, I see a piece of cake and it looked pretty delicious, so I ate it. Next thing, I knew I was feeling weak and dizzy. I passed out, but not before hearing that laughter…"

"I knew that Koopa King was not up to any good." Sam said,

"Honestly, Emily," Bridget said, "You're so lucky to have a guy like Hugo."

She looked at her hero, being carried around by her friends. "What can I say? I love him. He did all this for me."