Epilogue: Awards and Dreams

Later that night, everyone in the Mushroom Kingdom celebrated with a banquet to honour the champions of the Mushroom, Flower and Star Cups. Everyone dressed in his or her Sunday bests. At one point during the banquet, Princess Peach tapped her glass filled with apple cider.

"Ladies and gentlemen," she began, "I would like to make a toast. I would like to thank everyone for a great series of tournaments this year. You've all played your hearts out and you all represented the Mushroom Kingdom and the Love Tennis Club very well. I'm, of course, giving special honours to three people who were not just champions, but have shown championship-type sportsmanship during the tournaments."

"Of the Mushroom Cup, both Yoshi and Lani, please rise."

Yoshi hopped up and down. Lani, in her purple dress also stood up. They were both escorted the main stage. They were both given decorative golden mushroom medals for their conduct on and off the court. Yoshi happily cheered and Lani waved to the crowd.

"Of the Flower Cup, Fong, please rise."

Fong, in his kung fu outfit, stood up. He was escorted to the main stage. He was given a decorative golden flower medal. Fong smiled as he waved to the crowd. "This is something." Fong thought, "I think it was being around Baby Mario and being good around him that got me this. I definitely will accept kids at my dojo when I come back home."

"Of the Star Cup, Mario and Hugo."

Mario and Hugo, in their tuxedo outfits, stood up and waved to the crowd. They both were escorted to the main stage. They were both given decorative golden stars. They both smiled as they waved the cheering crowd. Hugo faced Emily, who looked beautiful in a sparkling red dress. Emily clapped at her loving boyfriend.

After the banquet came to an end, Hugo and Emily both met at a fountain near the Star Cup Stadium. "Hey, beautiful." Hugo said upon seeing her.

"Hi, handsome." Emily replied,

They both kissed each other in the lips.

"Umm…" Hugo began, "I wanted to ask. What was on your mind when you got captured by Bowser?"

"I said to myself, 'I know that Hugo will come and rescue me.' And… you delivered." Emily answered,

"I also promised something to you." Hugo said, "I want to show you something. Let's take a walk. But I do want you to close your eyes."

"Why?" Emily asked,

"It's a surprise." Hugo replied, "Just follow the sound of my voice."

"OK." Emily giggled and she complied,

Once they both reached Hugo's hotel room, he unlocked his door. They walked inside. Once they were both near a dresser, he told Emily. "Open your eyes."

She opened her eyes… To see the Star Cup Championship trophy. "You won it?!" Emily cried,

"I promised it to you, didn't I?" Hugo said,

"Oh, Hugo…" Emily said as she turned to him, "You remembered…"

"The journey hasn't been easy." Hugo chuckled nervously, "But I got the job done. And the two matches against Bowser were an added bonus."

Emily hugged Hugo and said, "Oh, Hugo!"

They both laughed and while still hugging Hugo, Emily said, "This is why I love you. It's moments like these that truly mean you care about me. And in our journey five months ago, you've been so considerate towards everyone. I can't ask for a better boyfriend than you."

There was silence in the room. Hugo then said, "Emily… I really thought I lost you, even when I saved you. I thought of everything that we've done… And… I really don't want to lose you again."

"I love you, Emily!" He cried, "I am willing to protect you, even if you don't need!"

"Hugo…" Emily said, "I love you, too."

Then, they both shared a passionate kiss in the lonely hotel room.

The next day, the entire Love Tennis Club has packed up and is ready to board the plane back to Earth. "On behalf of everyone in the Love Tennis Club," Zeta said to everyone in the Mushroom Kingdom, "I would like to thank you all for your hospitality and hosting of the tennis tournaments. It's been a great honour to have participated in them."

"I want to thank you for being gracious competitors on the court also." Princess Peach replied, "If we do something like this again, we'll be very happy to have you back to the Mushroom Kingdom."

"We can't wait for that invitation." Hugo and Emily both said, simultaneously

Realizing what they did, Hugo laughed and Emily giggled. "We know each other so well!" Emily thought, "It's all the more reason I love Hugo."

"OK!" Toad cried, "Let's get a final shot of the entire gang!"

Everyone grouped together in front of a camera. Hugo, Emily, Mario and Luigi are at the front. Everyone else tried to squeeze in alongside the four. Since Lani was the shortest, along wit Baby Mario, they both are at the front. Zeta, Rolf, Waluigi and Donkey Kong were at the back. Everyone else halted for a pose. And then, Toad set the camera to snap the photo.

He ran right to where Lani and Baby Mario are. He was about to pose until… the sky grew dark. "Uh-oh!" Mario cried,

"Huh?" Luigi and Wario cried,

"What the…?" Waluigi cried,

And then a giant figure fell from the sky and PLOP! The big creature roared! And CLICK!

"What do you want, Bowser?!" Hugo cried, "I've already defeated you in two matches! I don't want to play with you anymore!"

Bowser then laughed and said, "What's the matter? I can't stand by without saying goodbye!"

"Well…" Hugo said, "In that case, please join us in the photo."

Bowser laughed and said, "That's what I'm talking about! Let me in!" The sky grew bright again.

He then situated himself in the back. Toad restarted the camera and got back with the group. And then… CLICK!

The first photo showed the entire Love Tennis Club and the Mushroom Kingdom residents jumping in fear over Bowser roaring at them.

However, the second photo showed everyone in his or her happy victory poses. It was a memorable experience for the Love Tennis Club. It has been quite an adventure for them ever since they set foot into the Mushroom Kingdom. They simply cannot wait to do it all again some day.

THE END