"Ehh, boss, these two are just two little boys." Wario mumbled. "Why bother with them? There are LOTS of kids here."
"You're kidding, Wario?!" the sneaky, cunning Waluigi said, "Look at all these tournaments they beat already, and they're TEN!"
"Big deal! Like I said, there are lots of kids here. Ain't the idea behind this academy that only the best come here and stuff?"
Bowser had just summoned Wario and Waluigi to his office, and was currently showing the profile Peach gave him to them.
"Well, Wario, it IS a HUGE deal. According to this profile, these kids are the real deal!" Bowser said, "They could be our ticket to soar the academy's reputation SKY HIGH...but the thing is, they can be TOO good. Good enough to maybe overshadow MY kids, who are supposed to be the captains once they make the travelling team!"
"Hah! These brats, making the travelling team? Not while Toadette is the Varsity Class's ranked 1 player!" Wario said, laughing.
Bowser glared at Wario, but knew he had a point. Toadette is the strongest student in the academy.
Both Singles AND Doubles champion of the Varsity Class, which means she is the ranked 1 player in Singles and Doubles. That being the case...it's obvious that Toadette, being the strongest in the academy, would be the travelling team's captain!
"We'll deal with Toadette in time. For now, I need to make sure Rodrigo and Alex are under control. They gotta bring fame and attention to the Royal Tennis Academy, without forgetting their place under MY kids! So, I'm putting them in probation. I wanna know every step they do this week, ya hear me?" Bowser firmly said.
"Their friends, their enemies, their matches, heck, if one of them SNEEZES or SCRATCHES THEIR NOSE I want to be informed ON THE DOUBLE!" Bowser roared.
Wario and Waluigi sweatdropped! "Ya got it, boss!" they said.
Not knowing about the plans being made for them, Rodrigo and Alex were eating breakfast.
They heard knocks at the door then.
"Come in!" Alex's mother said, and then they saw him...the famous mail troopa of the Mushroom Kingdom, Parakarry!
"Rodrigo Starlight, correct?" Parakarry asked, going straight to Rodrigo.
"Starlight...?" Rodrigo wondered, confused.
Alex's dad then asked, "Are you sure you got the right house, Mr Parakarry?"
Parakarry got a note from his pocket, and read it, before nodding to him. "Quite correct. " he said, surprising the group even more, before he said, "The name's Parakarry. I deliver letters. I believe I have one for you. Hang on a moment."
He then got a letter and gave it to Rodrigo. "Another letter, duly delivered. A postman's job is never done."
Still half intrigued, half flabbergasted at having a surname he never knew, Rodrigo got the letter. "Thanks, Mr Parakarry!"
"The sender also asked me to deliver this package." Parakarry said, giving one to Rodrigo. "Sign here, please."
Rodrigo did so, and Parakarry left to deliver more letters.
"Cuz, don't keep us in suspense!" Alex urged, curious.
"Yeah, yeah, let's see..." Rodrigo said, opening the letter. "Hey, it's from my dad!" he smiled!
Rodrigo began reading it outloud...
Hey there, champ! So, Royal Tennis Academy, huh? Don't be so surprised, Rodrigo, your aunt told me everything yesterday.
Listen, son, you know I am very proud of you, and I'll always will be. This brotherhood you share with your cousin is special.
I'm sure Mario and Peach had their eyes on your talents. Alex and you, you'll make it big one day, I'm sure of it.
In fact, I hope the present I sent with this letter will help you. This time, it's not just a gift for you, but there's one for Alex, too. When we do a video call, you boys can tell me if you liked.
I'm sure you're confused, though. Why did Parakarry call you "Rodrigo Starlight?"
Well, it's not my place to tell, so I'm going to pass the word to a certain someone. My part on this letter is over, but the letter is not over yet. Please read it until the end, you'll have a pleasant surprise!
Love,
Dad.
Alex and the family then got worried, as Rodrigo's eyes widened, and he began shaking!
"Rodrigo, dear, what's wrong?" Alex's mother asked.
"..." Rodrigo didn't reply.
"Cuz! Why did you stop? Are you okay?!" Alex asked, worried.
With a shaky voice, Rodrigo continued to read the letter outloud...
My dear child. Your father, luckly, was visiting my station when your aunt's message reached me. I cannot impress enough how proud I am of you.
I want you to know, dear Rodrigo, that I never abandoned you. I know all of your marks. The hard times. The triumphs. Like the time you almost fell from a tree. Or your first steps. The first 0 in a test...as well as the first 10. I'll ALWAYS be informed about my little one's life.
The pendant I had your father send you has a special significance. I know your father told you I wanted you to have it. But, the reason I wanted you to have it...was as a promise. A promise that I didn't abandon you. A promise I'll return. A promise that soon, we'll be together.
"Starlight" is my surname, my dear son. And so it is your surname, as well. The name of your lineage. I encourage you to reach for the stars. Work hard. And don't give up your dreams.
As for my name, that is a surprise. It would be cruel to tell you my full name now, or to show my face, only for you to be forced to look at the stars, knowing we can't be together right now.
I'd rather that you think on how I might look or be called, use your imagination. It will distract you from thoughts that keep you sad.
Just know, Rodrigo, and that is a promise...we will meet each other this year. And once we do, we'll never be appart again.
So please be patient, my dear. I'll be with you sooner than you think.
Keep working in achieving your dreams, don't give up on meeting me, and above all: Know that I will NEVER abandon you, and that I love you. And my love for you, my son, shines brighter than any star in the universe.
If your family is there, please let them know I am grateful for all of them, for giving you a stable household, one I wouldn't be able to provide at the moment. And again, this year. That is a promise, so please, wait for me.
With a love the size of the universe
Your mommy.
Rodrigo teared up, clenching the letter, and began sobbing. "M-my mommy...my mommy sent me a letter! I...I never gave up hope...and now she showed me I was right to believe she never abandoned me! A-and...a-and she says she'll come to me...t-that we'll meet this year!" he said.
His lips trembled and...
"WAAAAAAAAAAAHHHH!" Rodrigo began bawling, in happyness!
Alex and his family were shocked, looking at the letter, and at each other.
Alex looked at him, his heart swelling with happiness for his cousin. He knew the burden Rodrigo had been carrying all these years, thinking about the mom he never knew.
Alex went to hug his cousin, saying, "Congrats, cuz! That's amazing! Your mommy's coming back!"
"Thanks, Alex..." Rodrigo said, trying to stop crying. "I...I can't believe it..."
Alex's parents looked at each other, and smiled. To be honest, when John told them that Rodrigo's mother was present, and just didn't want to be identified to not risk Rodrigo wanting to go with her to the space station and be disappointed when he found out he couldn't, they didn't believe it. Unlike Rodrigo, they thought she had abandoned their nephew.
But here was a letter that proved them wrong, and they couldn't be happier because of it!
They smiled, looking at Alex trying to help Rodrigo stop crying, and eventually, Rodrigo managed to do so. And then, they looked at the package John mentioned in the letter.
The package Parakarry gave Rodrigo was still on the table, and he hadn't opened it yet. "W-what's this?" he wondered.
The box was wrapped in shiny paper with stars all over it. It was the perfect size to hold two tennis rackets.
The excitement grew as the boys carefully unwrapped it...
"Woah...these rackets look AWESOME!" Rodrigo said, stars on his eyes, as he grabbed one of them.
"They are so light, and yet, so strong. Could they be made of materials from space?" Alex wondered, swinging it.
"I dunno...but what I do know is...I can't wait to see what these babies can do on the court!" smirked Rodrigo.
"Well, then finish your breakfast, kids. The Academy waits!" Alex's dad said.
The cousins didn't need to be told twice, as they got ready to leave for their first day in Royal Tennis Academy...
Later that day, Bowser was growling. "Where are these kids?!" he wondered, tired of waiting.
It wasn't THIS late. It wasn't even lunch time! But Headmaster Bowser isn't known for his patience.
He ran outside, to keep watch at the gates, but as he ran, he felt a bonk on his stomach, and looked down...to see a dizzy Rodrigo, his head spinning after Bowser accidently crashed into him!
"Cuz! You're okay?!" Alex gasped.
(GH! Darn it! Peach'll be FURIOUS if she hears about this...) Bowser thought, then helped Rodrigo up and dusted him.
"H-hey, kiddo, you're okay? I didn't hurt you, did I?!"
Rodrigo shook his head, finally gathering his bearings. "I'm not hurt..." he said, making Bowser and Alex sigh on relief.
Then, Alex and Rodrigo blinked. That's Bowser!
"Good, good..." Bowser said, "So, you forgive me, right, kiddo?"
Bowser got unlucky there. If he crashed into Alex, the serious boy would say yes and that would be it...but he crashed into Rodrigo, and the prankster boy's eyes twinkled with mischief.
"No!" Rodrigo said, pretending to pout, "I'm telling Princess Peach on you!"
"WHAAAAAT?! No, not Peach! Surely we can talk about this!" Bowser amusingly pleaded, as Alex shook his head. They just arrived, and Rodrigo ALREADY pulled a prank, and on their headmaster of all people!
Rodrigo burst laughing! "I'm kidding, sir! You had to see your face!"
Now, usually Bowser would be FURIOUS...but not when Peach is involved! After all, she told him about these kids...so Rodrigo could have been serious about telling Peach.
For all Bowser knew, he dodged a bullet there!
"H...haha...yeah, you got me, kiddo. I guess I DID deserve that..." Bowser said, with a forced smile.
Alex shot Rodrigo a look that made the boy smile nervously. Oops...looks like his bum bum might have a talk with Alex's hand after they get to their dorms...
"Yo, guys!" a voice came, then! Bowser, Rodrigo, and Alex turned as Daisy, the Varsity Class Coach, to arrive, smiling.
"Looks like our new students have found their way!" she exclaimed. "Welcome to the Royal Tennis Academy, Rodrigo and Alex!"
Daisy, the coach with a warm smile, walked up to them. She had heard of their arrival from Peach and was eager to meet the young prodigies.
"You've got quite the reputation! Peach told me you two are going to be the stars of the academy." Daisy noted.
"She did?" Rodrigo asked, blushing at that remark, smiling.
"Yep! She and Mario both. I'm Peach's sis, ya know!" Daisy said, winking at the boys. "Name's Daisy. You two are gonna start on the Junior Class, but anytime you need help, you can look for me. Peach asked me to keep an eye on your progress."
"Hey, hey!" Bowser said, trying to hide his annoyance at Daisy talking about the cousins being the stars of the academy instead of his kids (and it really helped that it was PEACH who said that, and he wouldn't say outloud his beloved Peach was wrong!), "They are good, but you're the Varsity Class coach! They gotta earn your classes."
"Aww, come ON, Headmaster! If they have half the potential sis told me, I'm SO eager to see with my own eyes!" Daisy said, crossing her arms with a huff!
"No, no, and no! My academy, my rules! But, if you wanna, you can show the kids around the place. Not like they are to go to class on the day they just arrived, and Green Stache-"
"LUIGI." Daisy said, a warning tone in her voice. She HATED when someone called her poor fiance that!
Bowser sweatdropped, not wanting to risk being on Daisy's bad side! "Yeah, yeah, Luigi. Anyway, he already had the boys registered. So how about ya show em' around, give the kids the rundown of how things work here?"
"Ya betcha, headmaster!" saluted Daisy, smiling.
"Well, hop to it! I'm counting on ya, Daisy, don't lemme down now, ya hear?" Bowser noted, as he went back to his office.
"Come on, Rodrigo, Alex, looks like I'll be the tour guide for today!" Daisy told the cousins, smiling.
"Thank you very much, Coach Daisy." Alex noted.
She then rubbed her chin, as she added, "And look at those rackets! Did they come from your dad?"
"Yep! But...I think my mom helped." Rodrigo smiled, looking at the racket.
"Oh, I see. Well, I'm sure they are gonna help a bit here...but really, you shouldn't need much help getting adjusted. Despite what Headmaster Bowser says, I'll bet you'll be reaching Varsity in no time at all!" Daisy encouraged. "Now c'mon, boys, I'll show you around the academy!"
The cousins followed Daisy through the grand hallways of the Royal Tennis Academy, their excitement palpable as they took in the grandeur of the place.
The walls were lined with trophies and portraits of legendary tennis players, including the iconic Super Mario and the ever-graceful Princess Peach.
They passed by the various training courts, the sound of bouncing balls and the rhythmic thwack of rackets filling the air.
The tour was thorough, covering everything from the state-of-the-art gym to the library stocked with books on strategy and technique.
As they strolled through the gardens, the vibrant colors of the flowers and the calming chirp of the birds seemed to mirror the excitement in Rodrigo's heart. He had dreamed of this moment for so long, and now it was finally here.
"And this," Daisy said, pointing to an elegant fountain in the center of the academy, "is where the warp for the Peach Dome stadium is located. There, the annual Royal Court Tournament is held. It's the biggest event of the year, where students from academies from all over the Mushroom Kingdom come together to showcase their skills and compete for the title of the Royal Court's King and/or Queen!"
"And the winners get to play against Super Mario and Princess Peach for a shot at their title of greatest players of all time, right?!" Rodrigo asked, excited.
"Yep, ya got it. But it ain't easy. There are a few conditions to even JOIN the tournament. You see, being Varsity doesn't guarantee you a spot!" Daisy said.
Alex tilted his head. "How come? Isn't Varsity Class the highest level here?" he asked.
"Yeah, it is. But to even join the Royal Court Tournament, you need to make it into our academy's travelling team. Toadette is the current captain, and she is quite through in who she chooses. Even if you're Varsity, you gotta find a way to stand out among your peers and impress her before she gives me the list of this year's travelling team." Daisy explained.
"Well, that's our tour for now. Tomorrow, I'll take you boys to the Junior Class's court, and we'll have your class teacher Coach Birdo take over from there. Good luck, kids, I have high hopes for ya-"
But Daisy was interrupted by two students, who weren't impressed by Rodrigo and Alex.
"Hmph! Newbies thinking they're hot stuff," Larry said, eyeing them. "Like they're ever gonna be on the traveling team."
"You guys should stick to playing with each other," Bowser Jr. added, smirking. "The Royal Court Tournament is for the elite, not some wannabes with fancy new rackets."
The cousins looked at each other and smirked. "Oh, you think so?" Rodrigo asked.
"Maybe you two can show us the difference between wannabes like us, and elite, like you." Alex added.
Daisy looked at the two cocky students and then at Rodrigo and Alex. A mischievous smile spread across her face. "You know what, I think you're right, Larry. They shouldn't just sit around and dream. How bout' we settle this on the court, right now?"
The two bullies laughed. "Sure, we'll crush these two." Larry said. "Don't come crying after we put you two in your place!" Bowser Jr. added!
The four of them made their way to a nearby court, the twins eager to show off their skills and prove their worth. The word of the impromptu match spread quickly, and soon enough, a crowd had gathered.
Most of the big names in the academy gathered to watch the newcomers, and see for themselves if the rumors of them being recruited by Mario and Peach themselves was true or if they were just blown WAY out of proportion.
Baby Mario, Kat and Ana, DK Jr, Dixie and Tiny, Toad and Toadette, Wapeach...even the other Coachs!
And a mysterious woman...who smiled as she looked at Rodrigo, knowing her Little Star would shine the brightest if he had his cousin by his side.
As usual for most Larry/Bowser Jr matches, Bowser himself came to watch.
Wario and Waluigi also came, to evaluate Rodrigo and Alex's tactics.
Baby Mario smiled as he sat on Coach Daisy, his aunt and babysitter's lap on the umpire's chair, as she acted as the referee for this match. "Just a bit...there! Cellphone ready and recording for me to send this match for sis and Mario!" Daisy said.
"Hey, Daisy..." Bowser whispered, going next to her, "Is it a good idea to bother them with a mere exibition match? I mean, if my kids crush Peach and Mario's promising newcomers, your sister'll be upset with me..."
"Nah, chill out, headmaster." Daisy reassured him, cheerfully. "Sis won't be mad. If Rodrigo and Alex lose, she and Mario will just watch the recording to see where they have to work on."
"Phew, that's a relief..." Bowser admitted, going back to his place on the stands, where Luigi had just taken his place as well, smiling at Daisy, who returned the smile!
"Alright, boys, let's keep this a nice and clean match, ya hear?" Daisy told the two Doubles team, "Game on! First serve, Larry Koopa!"
The match began with Larry and Bowser Jr. serving, their smirks quickly fading as Rodrigo and Alex returned their shots with ease. The cousins' chemistry on the court was evident as they moved in unison, anticipating each other's moves. The crowd grew quiet as the intensity of the game picked up.
The twins' strategic plays and powerful swings had the audience in awe. They had never seen a pair of rookies play so well together. Even Dixie and Tiny looked impressed.
"Looks like these guys have some serious skills!" Dixie said.
"Yeah, I might have to watch my back." Tiny added with a laugh.
As the match went on, it became clear that Larry and Bowser Jr. were no match for Rodrigo and Alex. The cousins' training and natural talent shone through as they served ace after ace, leaving their opponents struggling to keep up.
"S-sis..." Ana whispered, "Looks like Rodrigo-san and Alex-san are no joke...they might face us in no time."
"Maybe so! But we're not losing that easy, Ana. We're training extra hard after this!" Kat smirked, excited as she saw these bullies finally meet their match at the hands of the newcomers!
The final point came swiftly. Rodrigo served a blistering shot that Larry barely got his racket on, sending the ball hurtling back towards Rodrigo's side of the court.
But Alex was ready. He dashed to the net and with a graceful swing, smacked the ball back over the net, right at Larry's feet.
Larry stumbled, trying to return it, but it was too late. The ball bounced once and then twice before rolling to a stop.
"Game, Set, and Match!" Daisy announced, smirking, "Looks like your dreams aren't just dreams, after all!" she praised, Baby Mario clapping and cheering on her lap!
The crowd erupted in cheers as Rodrigo and Alex high-fived, grinning from ear to ear. The two bullies looked at each other, stunned.
"Looks like the 'wannabes' showed us who's boss!" Toad said, chuckling. "What do ya think, sis?"
Toadette smiled. "I think these guys won't be Juniors for long. I'm gonna keep my eyes open...who knows, they might be good travelling team material one day, bro!" she noted.
(Well, that Alex is too serious...too focused. But, Rodrigo you seem to be a PERFECT future partner to bring my career to new heights! Hehehe...I'll keep my eyes on you!) Wapeach thought, smirking!
Bowser growled under his breath. "Wario, Waluigi, to my office. You better have caught all of this disaster..." he said, then glared at his sons. "As for you two, I might ask Wendy to remind you not to embarass us!"
Junior and Larry gulped!
Rodrigo and Alex couldn't help but feel a mix of pride and satisfaction as they walked off the court, the cheers of their new friends echoing in their ears. They had proven themselves, and the academy had taken notice.
However, after meeting the kind Dorm Mother, Rosalina, Rodrigo and Alex got their dorm, where Alex set their Naughty Stool in the corner...
That night, as the cousins lay in their beds, the excitement of the day had worn off and the gravity of their victory began to sink in.
Despite the thrill of besting Larry and Bowser Jr., Alex couldn't shake off the image of Rodrigo's mischievous grin when he pretended to tattle to Peach about Bowser.
"You know, Rodrigo, we can't have you running around pulling pranks on the headmaster," Alex said, his voice firm yet calm in the dimly lit room. "It's not just about us anymore. We're representing the academy now."
Rodrigo looked over at him, his eyes gleaming with mischief. "But it was just a joke, Alex," he protested. "Besides, I've always wanted to see Bowser squirm nervously."
Alex sighed, shaking his head. "I know, Rodrigo. But we're in a different place now. We have to set an example."
"An example for who, Alex? We're ten, for Misstar's sake!" Rodrigo protested.
"To the other players, cuz. And to people from outside the academy. Our actions here reflect not just on us, but on the academy as a whole." Alex calmly explained.
He then slid out of bed and patted his thigh. "Come on, over my knee. Time for your spanking."
Rodrigo rolled his eyes but complied, hopping off the bed and walking over to Alex. He bent over, feeling his cousin's firm hand on his back as Alex pulled down his shorts and underwear, exposing his bare bum bum to the cool air.
He felt a slight sting of anticipation, knowing what was to come.
The first smack landed on his bum, and Rodrigo yelped.
"Remember, you're in a new environment," Alex said, his voice stern. "We have to be more responsible now." He delivered a series of spanks, each one harder than the last.
Rodrigo squirmed and kicked his legs, but Alex held him firmly in place. "Ow, okay, okay, I get it!" he protested, his voice muffled by the pillow he was biting into.
"No, you don't," Alex said, his hand coming down again and again. "You need to learn to think before you act."
Each smack echoed in the silent room, and Rodrigo's bottom grew redder with every hit. The sting grew more intense, and he couldn't hold back his whimpers. Despite the pain, he felt a strange comfort in the familiar ritual.
It was a reminder that no matter how much things changed, some things remained the same.
"Sob! Cuz, please, I'm sorry! I won't prank headmaster Bowser again!" sobbed Rodrigo.
"Yes. Yes, you will." Alex admitted, sighing, as he spanked all over the bum bum, "But at least for right now you'll learn your lesson."
"I learned...sob! Please, Alex..." cried Rodrigo, loudly.
"Well..." Alex hesitated, spanking the sitspots, before he sighed. "Oh, alright, cuz. Ya know I can't stay mad at you. Now go sit in the naughty stool and think on what you did. And I better not see you rubbing that naughty bum bum of yours, young man!" he warned.
Rodrigo nodded, standing up and walking over to the naughty stool with his shorts and underwear still down, his bare bottom on full display.
He sat down with a whine, feeling the sting of his spanking radiate through his bum. The coolness of the stool on his warm skin made him squirm even more.
Alex sat down on the bed, watching his cousin. "You know I do this because I care about you, right?"
Rodrigo nodded, trying to keep his sniffles to a minimum. "Yeah, I know," he murmured, his eyes welling up with tears. "But it stings..."
Alex got up and walked over, giving Rodrigo a comforting pat on the head. "That's the point, little cuz. So you remember to behave." He took a deep breath, "But it's okay. You're forgiven."
The two cousins looked into each other's eyes for a moment before Alex pulled a chair, then sat down next to Rodrigo, who was still on the naughty stool.
"Now, tell me why you did it. I didn't buy that "I always wanted to see Bowser squirm nervously" nonsense for a instant."
Rodrigo leaned into his cousin. "I just...got mad when he crashed into me, even if it was an accident." he whispered.
"Now, cuz, there has to be more to it than that. You ALWAYS pulls pranks. Even before we came to the academy." Alex noted.
"Yeah, but it's how I am..." Rodrigo sniffled. "I dunno why I do it. Guess I just wanna impress the others with my pranks..."
Alex wrapped an arm around Rodrigo's shoulders. "You don't have to do that through pranks, cuz. Your tennis skills do all the talking."
Rodrigo leaned into him, feeling the comfort that only a loving family member could provide. "Thanks, Alex," he sniffled.
The two of them sat there for a while, until the sting on Rodrigo's bottom had faded enough for him to stand without wincing. "Alright, time for bed," Alex said, standing up. "Big day tomorrow."
They climbed into their beds, and the room grew quiet. Despite the day's excitement and the sting in his bottom, Rodrigo felt a sense of peace wash over him. He had Alex by his side, and together, they could conquer anything the Royal Tennis Academy threw at them.
He thought more about his pranks. Is that only a matter of impressing others, or it's a cry for attention? If the second, what sort of attention Rodrigo wants? Well...the sort of attention his bum bum got from his cousin's hand was probably NOT the kind of attention he'd want!
Rodrigo sighed, and decided to just go to sleep instead of thinking on questions with no answers...
The next day dawned bright and early, with the cousins eager to prove themselves further. They had already set the bar high, but they were determined to surpass it. They were greeted by the smiling faces of their new classmates, who had all seem about victory the previous day.
"You guys were AMAZING!" a young green shelled Koopa Troopa exclaimed, going over to them. "To think you're just starting here!"
"Thanks," Alex said, blushing slightly.
"Yeah, you guys totally schooled Larry and Bowser Jr.!" an Ukiki added, slapping them both on the back.
Rodrigo and Alex exchanged proud smiles, their bond stronger than ever. They knew that with hard work and discipline, they could achieve their dreams.
Then, approaching the cousins was Coach Birdo, the Junior Class's Coach who was known for her strict but fair approach to training. She was a tough cookie, but the cousins were ready to rise to the challenge.
"(Welcome to the Junior Class, Rodrigo and Alex!)" she boomed, her pink ribbon bobbing as she talked. "(I've heard quite the buzz about you two! But let's see if you can back it up on the court!)"
The cousins exchanged a look, both feeling a mix of excitement and trepidation. They had a lot to live up to, but they were ready to give it their all. As they picked up their rackets and walked onto the court, they knew that their journey at the Royal Tennis Academy had only just begun.