Hey guys! I'm sorry that I took so long to put up Chapter 6! I'll try to be to quicker with Chapter 7. Well if any of you noticed I put up another story! IT's a BxP oneshot. It needs so work on it so if anyone would be willing to give me some constructive criticism. I'll take it! :) Now to revive myself with Chapter 6! Action and drama unfold!

I don't anyone except Maria...so Don't Use Her!

Haze. That was all he saw at the moment.

A blurry, indecipherable haze.

Junior tried to adjust his eyes to the dim-lit room. Everything was painful to look at. His eyes felt sore. Heck. Everything felt sore. But the thing that hurt the most was his right arm which was throbbing relentlessly, as if someone was burning him with molten lava. Ouch.

Finally after a few moments his vision slowly cleared, and he was able to recognize where he was.

His bedroom.

The koopa breathed a sigh of relief. If the prince had been in a serious condition (meaning life or death), he would have be placed in the hospital wing, not his room. However, it dawned on Junior how he got here in the first place and sent the koopa into a state of panic.

"Dammit," he thought, "My dad must be furious!"

Trying not to imagine him being barbecued by his father, Junior assessed the damage he had taken during his crash. Besides the brutal scorch mark on his arm, which the pain had started to subside, the prince simply had some bad cuts and bruises.

"Thank goodness," he whispered, feeling better about the blood he had seen early.

Knock knock knock

Junior rolled his eyes. It was probably a guard or a doctor checking up on him. Great.

However, to his surprise it was not even servant, but his friend, Parakeke the Paratroopa.

"Keke? What are you doing here?" the shocked prince inquired.

"Sorry to bother you, dude, but someone really wanted to see you, and I was the only way they could get in," the floating koopa replied.

"Well send them away. I honestly don't feel like seeing anyone.

"Are you sure, dude? I had a really tough time getting her in here."

Noticing the emphasis on "her", Junior raised his eyes in curiosity.

With one swift movement, Parakeke let the black-cloaked stranger in and escorted himself out.Unable to see his visitor's face, the prince spoke a quiet, "Hello?"

"So this is what your room looks like," a voice giggled.

"Maria?! Why are you here?! What if you are seen? Leave now! I don't understand why you came-"

The princess, who had removed her hood, broke Junior's outburst with a simple kiss.

"I was worried, stupid. I came to see you."

"Well, how did you know I was hurt?"

Frowning, Maria took Junior's claw and said slowly, "It's all over my kingdom. They say your father is outraged because... he belives my father attacked you."

"What?!" the injured koopa snarled, sitting straight up, but the princess gently persuaded him to lean back before continuing.

"That's another another reason I came," she stated reassuringly, "I want to know what really happened.

"King Boo was the one who attacked me"

"Oh my god...Junior..."

"Don't worry about it. He just blasted my arm."

"Which send you crashing into your castle!"

"...So!?"

"Junior," Maria said softly, leaning her head against his chest, "...I was so worried that... you were dying. I don't know what I would have done if you had-"

Breaking her off before she could finish, the prince said sternly, "Don't you ever talk like that. I'll always be here. Always. Even death can't stop me."

"Junior," the princess sighed, "You're an idiot."

"I know," he chuckled.

--

Two weeks came and left, which one meant thing: The Musicalala Festival would begin. Even during a time of war, everyone in the Mushroom Kingdom hustled about with excitement.

Well not everyone.

Looking out at her balcony, the glum Maria stood thinking about what had transpired for the past two weeks.

Junior had changed.

And not in a good way.

Ever since his dangerous encounter with the ghostly king, the prince's demeanor had become the very opposite of what he used to be.

Angry.

Pessimistic. (Well, more so than usual.)

Even some of his bitterness, he directed towards Maria. However, the princess simply pushed it aside since she believed it just was the war and King Boo effecting him, but her opinion changed that very morning that left the princess speechless.

"I don't want to see your performance."

"But Junior, this means a lot to me," she replied trying to remain calm.

"Well I have better things to do than listen to your annoying voice."

Maria stood in utter shock. It was as if someone had pierced her heart with a sword. Singing was an extremely personal thing to Maria. In a way, it was one of the very few things that could relieve her stress. No had ever insulted her singing. Especially Junior. He had always been so supportive.

Instead of fighting back, the heartbroken princess left without a word. It was not the fact that he would not attain, but the fact he had insulted one of the rare enjoyments of her life.

Sighing, Maria fought back the urge to cry. She even considered throwing away her necklace, but decided against it. "Perhaps, he's just going through a phase," she thought, "Maybe I should talk to him later..."

Hearing a knock at the door, Maria snapped out of her thoughts.

"But not right now," she continued to herself, "I have a performance."

Opening the door she greeted her maid with a gentle smile.

"Hello Toadette. I'm ready to leave."

--

Packed was an understatement for the Mushroom Opera House. The owner repeatedly ordered the ushers to check if there were any unsold seats There was even an hour long line just for people who did not reserve tickets, waiting for the main attraction.

Princess Maria.

Many rumors had spread about her voice. Though many people had not heard it, the few that did described it at a level of godliness.

The Mushroom Opera House, needless to say, was an interesting design. In the middle of the building was a circular platform and beyond that was rows of seats and balconies. Finally to have crisp acoustics, a curtain draped slightly over stage. The unique set up even allowed the orchestra to be heard beneath the stage and also permitted performers to ascend onto the platform for a dramatic entrance.

While the ushers escorted the audience to their seats, under the stage, crews and assistants rushed around.

"Remember the house is open. So low voices!"

Knocking on a door, the manager, Tid T. poked her head in.

"Sorry to disturb you, but I want to know if Her Highness is ready for her warm ups?"

"Just touching up her make-up," Toadette replied.

"Ok, we're going to start in about thirty minutes, just to let you know."

"Thank you for the warning, Miss Tid," Maria said cheerfully.

"Of course, My Lady, I'll let you be," said the manager and closed the door.

"Oh, this is soooo exciting!" the maid sequealed.

"I know... There are so many people here...I'm a little nervous," the princess stated.

"Nonsense! You'll be amazing! I know it!"

Nodding in agreement, Maria put on her headpiece made of red pearls.

Toadette had truly out down herself with the princess's outfit. A stunning yet simply ruby dress decorated the girl, but the masterpiece was a blue jacket with puffy sleeves and golden embroidery that truly made the clothing stand out.

To add the final touch, Maria put on her star necklace.

"So is a certain someone going to be her tonight," the curious maid said with a wink.

"Well I'm not sure if he got a seat or not..."

"Maria!"

Hugging her niece with all her strength, Daisy said cheerfully, "Oh Maria! You look gorgeous!"

"Yeah cous," Luciano said appearing from behind his aunt, "You're gonna definitely wow the audience."

After being released from her aunt, Maria was pulled into another bear hug with her cousin.

"Hey I want a hug before you two squeeze her to death," Luigi chuckled and gave his niece a gentle hug.

"Thank you, Uncle Weegee," Maria giggled.

"Not a problem! We don't want to lose our star performer, do we?

"No," the princess laughed once more.

"Hey, can't a guy hug his own daughter first?"

"Daddy," the singer said before rushing over to her father with open arms.

"You look perfect," the Mushroom king whispered," Your mother would be so happy."

"Suppressing the urge to cry, Maria quietly said, "Thanks, daddy."

"Alright! We said 'Hello' now let's go find our seats and hope they didn't get taken!" Daisy chimed.

"Mom...we are royal. We are guaranteed seats...plus, we're in the front row."

"Luciano, talk like that again and you're grounded."

"Aw, mom."

Giggling, Maria followed her family out the door to go warm up her voice. As she walked, she heard Tid T. say "Fifteen minutes!"

--

"Welcome everyone! Welcome to the 200th year of the Musicalala Festival!"

A small, but well dress Toad had ascended onto the stage and began his speech.

"As you know, people from across our Kingdom have come to perform and share with us their wonderful talent. But this year, as you may have heard, we have a special performer. This is our 200th year, our bicentennial if you will. This person was kind enough to lend us her voice in this year's celebration. Without further adieu, let me introduce Princess Maria Mario!"

Clapping and cheering the audience cried in excitement! During such a dark time for the their country, people were glad to see their princess keeping her spirits up.

The lights slowly dimmed as the audience calmed themselves. Nothing could be heard except the occasional cough from someone.

Then a spotlight flashed onto the stage revealing one person who had her eyes closed.

Maria.

No one dared to breath as if it would break her concentration. Everyone stared at the princess and heard the soft music began. A melodious tune broke out into the still audience, enrapturing their very thoughts. As the song began to play so did the princess letting her angelic voice resonate throughout the room.

Il dolce suono

Mi colpi di sua voce!

...Ah, quella voce

M'e qui nel cor discesa!..

Maria could feel every being in the room, watching her, taking in her very essence. The fear that once contained her slowly melted away and she drew upon longer notes.

Edgardo! lo ti son reas;

Edgardo! Ah! Edgardo mio!

Si, ti son resa!

Fuggita io son da' tuoi nemici...

Un gelo mi serpeggia nel sen!...

Many had questioned her on why she had chosen such a song. No one would ever understand, except herself. It reminded her of Junior and their love. How she wished she could make the koopa prince smile again. Yet a deep sadness had grown within the princess. It was almost a foreshadowing of what was to come.

Trema ogni fibra!...Vacilla it pie!...

Presso la fonte meco t'assidi alquanto...

Si, presso la fonte meco t'assidi...

Finshing the song, Maria chanted notes that had no words, yet captivated everyone who heard the music. Letting go of her finale note, the princess bowed her head to her people.

At that very moment, the audience stood up and cheered, tears streaming down their cheeks. Looking upon every face, Maria caught the eyes of her family who did not cry out, but had faces that were stained red.

"Thank you," the princess mouthed to her family.

But that glorious moment was shattered. All that was heard was a sudden smash and shockingly the ceiling of the entire building was gone.

The audience turned into chaos and uproar. The no one could believe what happened, but everyone suddenly realized what had just occured.

A terrible dragon stood before the opera house baring its sharp teeth.

Everyone immediately panicked and evacuated the building rapidly, while trying to avoid the debris that lie everywhere.

"LET'S MOVE!" Luigi yelled and hustled his wife and son along. As everyone rushed through the halls, the Sarasland prince froze paralyzed with fear.

"WAIT!" Luciano hollered, eyes wide, "Where's Maria?!"

Turning back, the prince ran at lightning speed to save his cousin.

"LUCIANO!" his mom screamed, but was quickly pulled away by the masses.

"If anything happens to her, I swear..." he thought and immediately his hands conjured balls of electricity.

Jumping off the third floor balcony, the young man searched for his cousin.

But he was too late.

The dragon's claw descended onto the stage to grab someone.

Maria.

"NOOO!" the prince screamed with all his might and rushed blindly towards the beast.

What he did not see was the other claw swing at him.

In seconds, the teenage was thrown back and slammed against a nearby balcony.

"LUCIANO" the princess cried out, fear lacing her voice.

In one final desperate attempt to save herself, Maria used her psychic powers to summon barrier around herself.

The dragon's sharp nails clasped around her shield and closed in on her.

Screaming the princess begged for anyone to help her.

"Please...anyone" she thought.

Crack

Suddenly Maria's world and her barrier was shattered by the dragon.

Then everything went black for the princess as the monster carried her away.

--

"Ugnnn..." Maria groaned.

"Hehehehe so glad you could join us, princess," a voice hissed.

Slowly pushing herself up from the ground, Maria quickly took notice of her surroundings. It was an abandoned kart stadium used for battling, but the girl's attention swiftly turned to the ghostly figure before her.

"King Boo," she whispered.

"Hello, my dear," the dead king hissed maliciously.

"Why am I here?! What do you want with me?" the princess screamed harshly.

"Patience, my dear, patience. All in good time, my child that is if... you survive."

"...w-what?"

With the snap of his fingers, the royal boo summoned the deadly beast that had attacked her early.

The green spiky monster hovered over the princess with it's heated breathe blowing onto her.

"Don't you love my new pet? I just got him today. Extremely powerful creature. Incredible strength, ability to breathe fire, and a loevly set of fangs too. But of course you should everything about this dragon. Isn't that right, sweet princess?"

"I don't what you're talking about! I have never been near a dragon! How would I know anything? Let me go!" the princess cried out, fear filled her voice.

"I'm appalled, princess," the ghost said making face, " I thought you of all people would recognize the Prince of the Koopas."

"...J-junior?! What did you do to my boyfriend?!"

"I cursed him my dear. That scorch mark on his arm is no ordinary burn. It is my insignia, allowing me to amplify the host's angry and turn it into raging monster that bows to my every command."

"W-what's going to happen to him?"

"That is certainly the wrong question. It should be what's going to happen to you."

Suddenly, Maria was stricken with fear unable to move or speak. Taking notice of her panic, the king snapped his fingers once more and uttered a phrase that left the princess paralyzed.

"Kill her."

Upon those words, the koopa dragon roared and shook the entire stadium. With one swing, the beast sent the princess flying across the field and into the dirt.

Trying to stand up, Maria once again summoned a barrier to protect herself, but like before the beast smashed the shield and scooped up the princess.

Then the girl let out a scream. It was a scream of pure terror. It was like a child who cries when they are lost, fearing that they will remain that way.

Silencing princess's cry, the monster slammed Maria to the ground and slowly crushed her with her one claw, digging into her flesh.

Unable to yell for help or holler just for the sake of being scared, tears poured forth the girl's face and fell into the dirt.

"This is it," she thought, "I'm going to die."

In her last breathes, the weak princess placed one hand on the dragon's claw and whispered softly.

"Junior, please stop."

Suddenly the monster's grip slackened and released the princess from her death. Hovering over Maria, the dragon stared at her and bloody cuts he left upon her.

"What are you DOING?! I gave you an order." the dead king hissed, "KILL HER!"

"No," a deep voice grunted.

Floating, the ghost could only watch in horror as his once-pet-dragon slowly dissolved into its koopa form. The prince did nothing; however, except stare at his hands, which were covered in blood.

Maria's blood.

Unable to believe what he had just done, Junior broke down and begant to sob. King Boo said nothing more and vanished, realizing he had been defeated.

Crawling over to his girlfriend's side, the prince whispered softly to her, "Maria... I-I...I-"

"Someone i-is...coming...leave before they see you, Junior" the princess weakly responded.

"But Maria- I can't lea-"

"Go or I'll never forgive you."

The grief stricken koopa accepted the respond and slowly backed away. Summoning the koopa copter, the prince flew away crying harder than before.

Closing her eyes, Maria's mind slowly drifted into a dark abyss while somewhere in the background she heard her family's cry.

But she did not respond.

Well that was Chapter 6! I left you with quite a cliffhanger didn't I?! MUWAHAHAHA! I'm so bad. lol. Well I'm sorry it took so long. I'll gonna try to get out Chapter 7 ASAP. I hope you enjoyed this one. The song I used is the Diva Song from the movie, The Fifth Element. (If you haven't seen the movie, go look up diva dance on youtube. It's awesome.) If anyone would like the translations of the lyrics just ask me. :) Really, my writing can truly not describe the epicness of the song. It really is beautiful so go see it to do it justice!

Well that's all for now! Up next: more drama and more tears! Woohoo!