The Mario Party
Yoshi's Island
"And the Superstar today is…..YOSHI!" Toad announced
Yoshi stepped forward, happily chirping as he took the Super Star.
By seizing the Super Star, the two Yoshis who were separated by turbulent water and isolated patches of island could reunite, as a bar of land rose from the sea.
For all the gravitas of reuniting star-crossed lovers, it was hard to believe that they were moving around a board game board to do it.
The other players were Mario, Luigi, and Donkey Kong. Mario had been the expert at mini-games, where Luigi had triggered the most board-altering happenings, but Yoshi had stolen coins and stars in the last couple of turns via Chance Time and a meetup with Boo, granting him the win.
Donkey Kong came up and slapped Yoshi on the back with an approving nod. Yoshi let out a quick squeak of pain but nodded back.
"Somehow, every time I get outplayed by a dinosaur at any of these things, it stings" remarked Luigi
"Hey, his father did save us from Bowser when we were all-a kids," Mario remarked
"I suppose so. Hey, speaking of, has anyone heard from that guy? Without him on the board this game got a little light."
"Outside of the sporting events where he's playing dignitary, no. Koopa Kingdom's been keeping quiet since I stopped the siege on the Princess' castle."
"And King K. Rool hasn't bothered the Kongs for years. Hell, even time-traveling Baby Bowser screwing with Yoshi was almost a year ago."
"Yeah, man." Mario sighed
"You-a don't seem happy about that." Luigi noticed
"I mean, I am. Unprecedented peace certainly makes lives for our citizens easier. But in a selfish respect-a, I want-a something for me to sink my teeth into. Something to do, Something that means something to someone.."
Suddenly, a dark, swirling portal opened above them. This caught the attention of Yoshi and DK, who immediately took fighting stances.
"Something, Mario Mario, that you will have very soon, " said a voice from the portal
"You had to open your big mouth didn't you bro? I Daisy n' me's first a-date is tonight." Luigi moaned.
A polygonal man stepped out of the portal
"I represent someone called Master Hand. He is interested in the four of you for a multi-dimensional combat sports league. This place exists outside of time and space and so I will transport you to this exact spot at the tournament's conclusion.
"I accept!" Mario shouted
Donkey Kong cast a thumbs up in the direction of the figure
Yoshi and Luigi meanwhile, looked at each other
"Somebody's gotta watch these two bums. Whaddya say, Yoshi?"
Yoshi chirped in agreement.
"Luigi Mario." boomed the mysterious man, "You won't miss anything with your beloved. For you see, where we are going exists outside of time and space. We will be able to put you back in this exact moment in time when the tournament has been completed."
"Oh thank goodness. You-a only get one chance to make a first impression, ya know what I mean?" Luigi chided with a forced chuckle
Silence hung in the air for a brief moment.
"Bro, this ain't the kind of guy who would understand the mechanics of dating I don't think," Mario whispered.
More silence, then the man spoke up.
"It's quite alright. You have things that drive you, and I have things that drive me. Now, if you could follow me."
Mario's brow furrowed as he stepped through the portal, followed by Luigi, Yoshi, and DK.
What kind of motivations could someone with this level of power even have? thought Mario as he and his friends stepped out into the foyer of a palatial mansion.
