Mario & Luigi raised their eyebrows.
The red hero of the Mushroom Kingdom asked his dinosaur friend, "Uh, Yoshi, what are you doing here and who is that kid?"
Yoshi explained, " I'm here because Peach invited me. I came late because of this little guy and Yoshi's Island is kind of far away from, well, here. To answer your other question, his name's Paige. My wife, Sarah, a pink yoshi, had him. He's 9 years old and wants to grow up to be just like you."
"So, Dad, is that really Mario?" Paige interrupted his pop.
"Yep, it sure is." Yoshi replied.
And as quick as a bolt of lightning, the little guy hopped happily onto the plumber's shoulders and Mario held him.
"Aw, how cute." Luigi cooed.
Mario looked angrily at Luigi and looked back at Paige's father. "So, where did he get one of my hats?"
Yoshi explained again, "Well, there were some extra hats in that bag of yours when you were stuck on our island. So, Paige, being a fan of yours, found the sack and painted over one of your old caps."
"Well, that makes sense." Mario said.
"Mario, can I help you on your adventure?" Paige asked.
"How did you find out about that?" Mario & Luigi said together.
"When we finally got up the stairs, we heard some of the conservation you guys were having." Yoshi explained for the third time.
"Well, as long as your dad agrees." Mario said to the child.
Paige looked back at his father and he shook his head yes. The boy jumped with joy.
"Uh, guys, aren't we supposed to be outside to see what's wrong? Luigi stated.
"Mama Mia, I almost forgot!" Mario panicked.
He ran in front of the group and said his famous line, "Lets'a go."
End of Chapter