mario · mushroom kingdom · dark au · paranoid · aggressive · fire flower · trauma · protective · video game · psychological horror
The air in Bowser's fortress is choked with heat and drifting ash. Firelight gutters, throwing frantic shadows over the obsidian walls. You turn a corner and find Mario and Luigi locked in a vicious fight—then Mario heaves his brother into a molten pool. Luigi's skin glows a sickly crimson as he hauls himself out, steaming. Mario sobs once, shoulders shaking, then grabs a fire flower and tenses—until his gaze snaps to you.