Disclaimer: All characters belong to Nintendo.
"Mamma Mia!" Mario exclaimed. "Here I a-go again to a-rescue Peach from Bowser! Come-a, Yoshi! Let's a-go!"
"Yosss…ssshhhiiii!"
The Italian plumber blinked. The sound which had come from his reptilian sidekick did not sound healthy at all. He turned towards Yoshi - to find the scaly critter was coughing and wheezing. His face was greener than usual, a clear sign he was not feeling good at all.
"Ay-ay-ay!" Luigi gasped. "Yoshi is-a sick! You can no go riding on his back for this a-mission, Mario!"
Mario was bewildered. He went everywhere on Yoshi's back - and that included travelling to Bowser's palace to rescue Peach from his clutches. He had to get to the evil Koopa King's castle before he forced the princess to marry him.
"How-a am I gonna rescue Peach without Yoshi to come-a with me?" Mario asked.
Luigi glanced around - before pointing with a gloved hand to what he'd just spotted standing nearby. "Take-a one of them!"
Mario turned to look.
A large horse was outside Mushroom Palace. It was a magnificent-looking creature which looked very strong and fast. Mario assumed it had to belong to the castle. He made his way over to the incredible animal, deciding it would be the perfect way for him to travel to Peach's rescue.
"Here we a-go!" Mario hollered as he pulled himself up onto the saddle. "Giddy-up, Horsey!"
The horse groaned, its legs almost buckling under Mario's weight being plonked onto its back. It was not used to carrying such a heavy passenger. It struggled to stay on its hooves as it stood upright, resisting the urge to strand on its back legs and throw the plumber off itself.
Seated comfortably on the saddle, Mario grinned as he took hold of the reins. He gave them a firm pull - before yelping as the horse suddenly galloped away, taking him with it. He clung onto the reins with one hand, using the other to hold onto his cap to prevent it flying off his head.
"Good a-luck, Mario!"
Luigi waved as he watched his brother ride off into the distance. He remained behind with Yoshi. While his older sibling was off to rescue the princess again, his own duty was to take care of the sickly reptile.
As the horse carried him swiftly away, Mario watched as the colourful landscape of Mushroom Kingdom went by in a blur. He was enjoying himself, finding this a faster way to journey to Bowser's Castle than on Yoshi's back. He felt like a brave knight in shining armour riding on his steed to save his princess. Just wait until Peach found out how he had travelled to rescue her this time. She would certainly be pleased to see he was to take her back to her kingdom on horseback. Maybe he could replace Yoshi with this amazing creature as his mode of transport-
"HEY! WHAT D'YOU THINK YOU'RE DOING WITH MY HORSE?!"
Mario's thoughts were interrupted as he heard someone suddenly yell at him. The smile was wiped off his face as he picked up how angry the sounded. He glanced worriedly around at his surroundings for any sign of who had shouted towards him - before spotting them standing close by. They were watching with an outraged expression as he rode by on the horse.
"Uh oh…" Mario murmured, realising at once he was looking upon the owner of the horse he was on the back of.
"GET DOWN OFF MY HORSE!"
The owner started to run towards the animal which was his. How enraged he was could easily be seen by the plumber who was riding it. Mario's eyes widened with horror as he saw the figure approaching him - while brandishing a large sword to arm himself with.
"GIMME MY HORSE!" The owner hollered, raising up his weapon. "OR I'LL GIVR YOU A TASTE OF COLD STEEL!"
"Mamma Mia!" Mario cried, tugging on the reins. "Get us outta here, Horsey! Let's a-go!"
The horse picked up speed as it galloped faster, carrying Mario away. He was determined to get away so as not to feel the wrath of the animal's owner. He didn't know how to explain to this person who was obviously angry and vengeful for taking his steed. Of course, this situation he wasn't his fault. Luigi had been the one to tell him to use the horse. The first thing he was going to do upon returning to Mushroom Kingdom was lay all the blame on his brother.
Mario rode off quickly into the distance. He and the horse disappeared as they left behind the owner, who was outraged from not only having his animal stolen, but being able to furious his destiny as a warrior.
"Blast!" Link snapped, throwing his sword to the ground. "Now how am I going to save the princess? Without my horse, I can't journey to Ganondorf's castle to rescue Zelda?"
THE END
