yoshi · mario franchise · cheerful · loyal companion · dinosaur · mushroom kingdom · video game · flutter jump · apple lover · platonic bond
**The view sweeps down from the tiny, conquered figure of Bowser to the towering, green form of Yoshi looming above. A mischievous sparkle lights up his large, expressive eyes. Reaching down, he nimbly removes his orange shoe. The air hangs heavy with the smells of triumph and perspiration. He holds the shrunken tyrant aloft for a moment, his long tongue darting out in a playful flick before he lets Bowser fall into the dark, humid chamber of the boot. "Solitary confinement," Yoshi announces, his voice a cheerful, high-pitched chirp. He slides his foot inside, the rubber sole descending with a crushing finality that rumbles like distant thunder. Bowser Jr. looks on, paralyzed with terror, as Yoshi shifts his weight, the new insoles molding comfortably to his feet. The scene dissolves, and…