Which Mario X Luigi Fanfictions Best Depict Jealousy And Rivalry Plots?

The best Mario x Luigi fanfictions that explore jealousy and rivalry often delve into the complexities of their brotherly bond. I’ve read stories where Luigi’s resentment simmers beneath the surface, fueled by Mario always being the hero. One standout fic had Luigi secretly training under Wario, honing skills to outshine Mario in the next Mushroom Kingdom tournament. The tension was palpable, especially when Luigi’s victories felt hollow because the crowd still chanted Mario’s name. Another fic explored a darker route, where Luigi’s jealousy manifests in a twisted alliance with Bowser, trading secrets for a chance to prove himself. The emotional payoff in these stories is raw—Luigi grappling with guilt, Mario realizing his brother’s pain, and their eventual reconciliation. I love how authors use the Mario universe’s whimsy to contrast the heavy themes, like Luigi’s green hat becoming a symbol of overshadowed identity.

For a more subtle take, some fics frame the rivalry through mundane scenarios, like competing for Peach’s attention in court politics or racing to solve puzzles in haunted mansions. The best ones balance action with introspection, showing Luigi’s internal monologue as he questions his worth. A recurring motif is fire versus ice—Mario’s fiery passion contrasted with Luigi’s cool, calculated moves. These stories often end with Luigi finding his own path, whether through solo adventures or earning respect as an equal. If you’re into angst with a side of brotherly love, ‘Shadow of the Plumber’ and ‘Green with Envy’ are must-reads.

Jealousy plots in Mario x Luigi fanfiction hit hardest when they’re grounded in small, relatable details. I’ve devoured fics where Luigi’s envy isn’t about saving the kingdom but mundane things—Mario getting the last slice of cake or being chosen first for kart races. One story had Luigi keeping a tally of every time Peach praised Mario, the numbers spiraling into obsession. The rivalry escalated in quiet ways: Luigi practicing jump techniques alone at night or mimicking Mario’s laugh to fit in. What stuck with me was how the author used power-ups as metaphors—Luigi hoarding Super Stars to feel invincible, only to crash harder later. Another gem portrayed Luigi sabotaging Mario’s records in minigames, not to win but to force Mario to notice him. The resolution wasn’t a grand battle but a heart-to-heart over broken warp pipes, with Mario admitting he felt jealous of Luigi’s kindness. These fics excel in showing how rivalry can stem from love, not malice. ‘Tally Marks’ and ‘Broken Records’ are perfect examples of this vibe.

Time-loop fics nail Mario and Luigi’s rivalry by forcing them to relive conflicts. Imagine Luigi trapped in a cycle where he watches Mario die repeatedly unless he surpasses him. The jealousy here isn’t petty—it’s survival. I adored one where Luigi masters skills faster each loop, but Mario’s oblivious cheerfulness becomes unbearable. Another twisted take had Luigi exploiting Mario’s trust, like ‘accidentally’ missing a platform jump. The best part? These fics often end with Luigi breaking the cycle by accepting teamwork, not superiority. The jealousy arcs feel earned, not forced.

Crossovers blend jealousy plots uniquely. In a ‘Mario x Sonic’ fic I read, Luigi teams with Shadow to prove he’s Mario’s equal. Their rivalry mirrored Sonic and Shadow’s, with Luigi adopting Shadow’s cynicism. The climax had Luigi and Mario facing off in a Chaos Emerald-powered race, their bond strained but unbroken. It’s a fresh spin using external universes to amplify internal conflicts.