Chapter 8 is here! Yes! I'm sooooo sorry for not updating sooner! School is a mess right now! I'm terribly busy. Chapters will continue to be slow until I finish school... or I finish this story. (I think I'll finish the story first though. lol) Anyways, I apologize for being super lazy and slow. But anyways, here's to Chapter 8: The Rainbow Sanctuary! (I just own Maria, go away)
The wind rushed past Maria, leaving her slightly chilled. The moment she shivered, however, a burly arm wrapped around her and provided some warmth. The princess snuggled closer to the touch and embraced the comfort.
Bubbling with thoughts, Maria wished she knew what was going on or even where she was going, but the koopa by her side did not give her any hints. In fact, Junior had not spoken to her since he had scooped her up and carried her out to the koopa kopter.
"Junior," she had said softly, "Where are we going?"
"You'll see."
You'll see. That was all. You'll. See.
Was it bad? Was it good? She could not tell. All she knew was whatever Junior was showing her had him in deep thought.
Suddenly the princess's face was flushed with heat and a bright orange light. Maria quickly leaned over the edge of kopter to see where she was.
"Junior...why are we in...the koopa kingdom?"
The prince who finally broke his silence turned towards the snowy hair girl and said quietly,
"It's a long story..."
"But why won't you tell-"
Before she could even finish her sentence, Junior whipped around the corner of his castle and glided to the backside getting closer and closer to the sea of lava.
"We must been going inside," she thought to herself, "But... what if someone sees me?!"
As Maria was about to question the koopa again, the couple came to a large opening in the rear of the castle, with a small stream of lava flowing out from it. Without another word, Junior careful guided the koopa kopter into the opening, making sure not to touch the lava. Though the tunnel was dark and grimy, lava radiated a constant light source and allowed the prince to navigate safely through the treacherous pipe.
Then the koopa kopter halted for a moment. Maria looked curiously around her. The tunnel seemed to bent in the most peculiar way almost as if there was a fork in the road...
Still not speaking once more, Junior swiftly pressed a button on the control. Suddenly the bend in the wall vanished into another opening.
The princess could only blink in confusion. Every second that passed seemed more startling than the next. What else had Junior kept secret from her? Maybe he knew a lot more than he let on...
With the secret entrance in sight, the duo hovered through a series of twists and turns. The princess suddenly realized the lava flow began to diminish with each passing second and the pathway grew darker and darker. However, just as Maria could barely see her hand, a soft pink light illuminated the surrounding area. They were at a docking port.
Gracefully, Junior guided the koopa kopter to halt and chained it to a pole that was suited for keeping the aircraft in place. Holding out his claw, the silent prince steady Maria and eased her to the ground. Curiously, there was no one around. In fact, the place looked as if it had not seen anyone in months. The only thing that looked clean and new was the black door emitting the strange pink light. The princess reached out to touch the door, but a sturdy claw stopped her.
Holding out his hand to her, Junior spoke softly, "Take my hand, Maria."
"Why?" she asked calmly.
"Because beyond these doors is something terrible that will hurt you if you aren't by my side at all times."
Her heart began to race. Something terrible? Like what? What is Junior talking about? She realized she could do nothing but trust him so gently and carefully Maria grasped the koopa's hand and merely nodded her head. She wanted to know. She needed to know.
Junior pushed the large steel door open.
--
It was a long tunnel, a very old one at that. But that's not what caught Maria's eye.
Pirahana Plants.
Suddenly the princess realized what was causing the pink light. It was the carnivorous flowers that entangled and covered the walls. They seemed to watch her, ready to snap when she wasn't looking. These plants were a color Maria had never seen. Yes, they were pink but they have black spots all over. Usually black on a pirahana plant meant the creature was dead, but these flowers seemed to be in perfect condition...
"Junior," the princess whispered, trying to prevent the intimidating daisies from listening, "What species of pirahana plant is this?"
"All of them really."
"...all of them?"
"They are reincarnated plant remains scientist have collected. My dad used his magic to bring them back to life."
"But," Maria said slowly grasping what she was being told, "Why do they look all the same? Wouldn't they be...different in color, size..."
"Magic changed them. Their senses are amplified and my dad has changed the way they think. Pretty much, they'll kill anyone and everyone except for... nine people."
"Nine?! Why just nine?"
"Because there are only nine people allowed down this tunnel. My siblings, my dad and myself. This place is a major secret in the castle. Only a few people even know about these plants. My dad doesn't want anyone else to know. So if someone ever comes down here... they are never seen again."
"Then...why am I still alive?"
"Because," the prince grunted, "You are with me. As long as you hold my claw, these plants consider us as one being: me. It's kinda a flaw in their design."
"But, Junior, why are they here? Why is this place so secretive?"
The prince froze for a second, closing his and taking a deep breath. After another moment, he whispered so softly even Maria had to lean forward to hear it all.
"Because this is only place that will ever prove my father made a mistake."
Their walk abruptly stopped. Another door blocked their path except this one was different. It was a beautiful white crystal door with golden trimming. The door was craved with a language Maria could not understand, but added to the surreal design.
The princess nervously glanced up at her solemn boyfriend. She could not fathom what lied beyond these doors. A....mistake? Surely, even Junior's father made mistakes...Could it be so great that...he would have to lie...to his own kigdom? Would it be a monster? Would it be weapon? She had absolutely no clue and Junior gave no hints either. But her questions would be answered in moments.
The koopa placed one hand on the glittering entrance and pushed it opened.
A bright light encased the couple and blinded Maria.
--
Opening her eyes gently, Maria gasped at the sight before her. It was as if she was outside. Cool green grass stood at her feet, and sapphire sky surrounded her. A small stone bridge allowed to anyone to cross over a clear stream. But in the center of this all was a tall hill with steps leading up to the flat top. The top of hill was covered by a stunning purple tree. The tree...it was magnificent. Ever few seconds the leaves would change colors, going from red all the way to a deep blue...reflecting every color of the rainbow...
Maria took a few steps forward, but stopped. She still held Junior's hand and was afraid to let go.
"Maria," the prince began, "Can you go up to the top of the hill?"
"What about...you?"
"I'll get up there...but I want you to see this by yourself."
Before Maria could question the koopa's motives, he let go of her hand and gave her a gentle push.
Swallowing her fear, the princess slowly strolled down the cobblestone path and across the bridge. Being closer to the area, Maria noticed how beautiful everything was. The river seemed to surround the hill, making it an island. After crossing the bridge, beautiful glass emerald steps, which seemed to hover over the hill itself, were illuminated by dark blue lanterns, which also floated as if held up by magic.
"This is Bowser's mistake? How could this be a mistake? This is a wonderful place...how could this be...wrong?" the princess thought to herself.
Finally Maria made her to the top and stared at the tree whose leaves, she realized, were not real leaves, but made of a stunning crystal. But immediately her eyes darted to something else. Something far more important than she could ever imagine.
The base of the crystal plant had beautiful rose bushes everywhere, one of every color, but they surrounded a golden bed that had a glass case to protect the person who lay in there.
The princess's eyes blurred and she felt more tears run down her cheek. The pain was too great to hold back. She merely whispered one word and one word alone.
"Mother."
--
Maria's mind melted. She felt so confused and barely noticed a large creature scoop her up and cradle her like a small child.
"I'm sorry, Maria," Junior said quietly.
"This is...?"
"Yes," he continued grimly, "This is the mistake my father made over twelve years ago."
"H-how is this possible?" Maria sniffed, now standing weakly next to the koopa.
"Magic lava. My father originally created the lava so if someone fell in, they would die, but their bodies wouldn't be destroyed. He planned to use against your father...so when he died, my dad...could create a sorta trophy."
Instantly Maria sneered at the horrid thought.
"I know it seems disgusting" he continued quickly, "But it's not the way you think it is. He planned to use this area as a resting place for Mario. It was going to be a public thing. Almost "In your face Mushroom Kingdom!" But when...your mother died instead of your father, my dad's confidence collapsed. He locked himself in his room for days and there were times when I could hear him sob..."
The prince gently held Maria's hand and looked at her with a deep sadness. "My father loved your mother, Maria. Everything and anything about her made him light up with a smile. He was so... depressed after her death he could barely do anything. So instead of using this place for your father, my dad built this as a resting place for Peach."
"...why?" the still-crying princess asked, "Why...didn't you tell me?"
The prince let out a deep sigh.
"Because I was so afraid of how you would react. This is place means everything to my dad. If word got out that my kingdom had your mom's body...I think an even greater war would erupt... But tonight when you cried dearly for her... I couldn't hold out any longer. I showed you this place tonight... so you could say good-bye to her..."
Neither Maria nor Junior moved, each staring at the other. The koopa looked miserably at his girlfriend, hoping that she would forgive him.
Without any warning, the princess pulled Junior into a gentle hug and more tears rolled down her face.
"...Thank you."
Breathing a sigh of relief, he returned the hug and whispered softly, "You're welcome."
Breaking apart, Maria took a step forward and gazed sorrowfully at her mother. She looked as wonderful and as perfect as she remembered her. She even was smiling, as if she was in a peaceful slumber.
"How strange..." she whispered aloud, "She looks as young as I remember."
"My dad kept her body preserved. She is as she was when she passed away twelve years ago. She's in perfect condition."
"Perfect," a voice hissed.
Fear froze the duo as they stood over the coffin of Peach. Disbelief quickly spread across their faces as they turned around and faced the one person they did not want to see.
King Boo.
"I'm so glad you found what I was looking for, Maria. It is difficult to find bodies of dead queens these days," the ghost said snakily.
"You found nothing!" Junior snarled, bearing his fangs to the king, "You have caused enough trouble for Maria. You leave her alone!"
The evil boo let out a vicious laugh that made Maria shiver nervously.
"Of course, I have no desire for Maria anymore but I'm afraid you two can't remain alive," he said with a nasty grin.
Before the koopa could even roar, King Boo released a violent cry, and suddenly the once sapphire sky turned black and thousands of boos appeared before the couple who could only watch in fear.
"As you can see, I have bigger plans and you love birds are in my way."
Immediately the dead king turned to his followers and hissed fiercely, "KILL THEM!"
Instantly the undead army rushed toward the couple, their eyes glowing a terrible red. However, in a flash, Junior and Maria disappeared, making the army smash together and hiss in anger. King Boo stared in shock and snarled maliciously, "You imbeciles! FIND THEM!"
--
Panting heavily Maria and Junior sat quietly in a ditch on the outskirts of the area. The hill behind them was swarmed with boos and King Boo floated ruthlessly in the middle of all the chaos. Just seconds before the duo was about to be attacked, Maria teleported them away to safety and now they sat, their minds racing for a solution.
"What are we going to do?!" the princess cried out.
"I don't know," the prince muttered, "I-i can't believe he followed us! I don't how we can defeat so many boos. There is nothing large enough to wipe them all out."
Junior glanced over at Maria who had gone strangely quiet.
"Maria? You alright...?"
"Hit me."
"WHAT?!"
The princess stared into Junior's eyes, she was dead serious.
"If you hit me...I'm sure that will set off my psychic powers... I could destroy them all..."
"But, Maria," the koopa said sternly, grabbing her hand, "That will destroy everything...including your mom."
"That's a risk I'm willing to take."
"No...Maria...I can't."
What Maria said next, would seal their fate.
"You are a coward."
The koopa head shot up.
"What did you say?"
Maria continued her breath an icy cold, "You are a god forsaken coward! You koopas are all the same! You hide under your shells when things turn for the worst! You are hopeless! Even you're father hides when he makes mistakes! YOU ARE JUST LIKE YOUR SPINELESS FATHER!"
SMACK!
Junior's hand flew so fast, Maria barely realized she had been hit. Her body flung to the ground like a ragdoll. Even the koopa looked at his redden palm, shocked at what he had done.
"M-maria..." he stuttered.
"You should be running."
The prince's eyes widened at the voice.
It was not King Boo's.
Maria stood before him. A strange aura surrounded her, making her presence intimidating to Junior. He even took a step back when he saw her eyes.
They were burning red.
Realizing it was too late to change her mind, the prince nodded his head and snapped his fingers. Instantly he faded, leaving Maria to finish the deed.
Facing her enemy, the cold-hearted princess took a step forward, the ground crackling with each step.
--
King Boo looked around the tree, with absolute hatred. Never had a victim disappeared! This was impossible. But the girl's eyes...before they had vanished, they flashed a white color... Maybe that princess was the one-
Suddenly the ghost felt a powerful presence that shook his very being. He had not felt such power in a long time, and he wondered how could such a person enter this room without his notice.
The king turned to face the mysterious stranger.
It was Maria, clear in the opening!
King Boo nearly let his angry demeanor reveal his surprise. Something about her had changed and he did not like it.
"Well," he began, trying to keep his cool, "I suppose you decided to surrender? How very wise. But where is your turtledove? I guess he decided to hide like a little goomba."
The girl did not answer. Whether it was fear or anger, he could not tell. He knew time was running out and he needed to end this now. Since he was not sure whether she would disappear again, he quickly decided to finish her, himself.
A purple light poured from his hand, and he aimed directly at the princess's heart.
"Bye, my love," he hissed and released the energy beam.
The attack flew towards Maria.
She did not move.
The boo's eyes gleamed with victory, but that suddenly melted into fear.
The purple light was smacked away with her palm.
No screaming.
No pain.
No death.
She had wiped away one his most powerful attacks and did not even blink.
King Boo began to tremble in shock.
"So much for defeating me," she hissed with blazing eyes.
Before the king could even reply back, Maria levitated off the ground and rose to the top of the tree. Every boo froze in wonder and dared not to move. Even King Boo watched in horror.
With a wave of her hands, pink petal appeared and floated gracefully around the rainbow sanctuary. Each flower swayed to a breeze of its own and suddenly stopped in midair. Closing her eyes, Maria hovered above the army in deep concentration. Instantly her eyes shot open and she utterly her final phrase.
"Death Blossom."
Each petal exploded and a pink fire enveloped the all the boos and everything around them. No one could see anything and all that was heard was the petrified screams of the undead army. The flames engulfed the land, and swallowed any traces of life. Amidst this chaos, stood one person alone, who simply muttered something that only she could hear.
"Forgive me... mom."
--
The castle shook relentlessly, and even the King of the Koopas leaned on stone wall for balance. Bowser had just finished a meeting with his Secretary of Defense, and now he looked frantically for the one koopa had a good idea of what was happening.
"Kammy!" he roared. Instantly the magikoopa appeared and bowed, but quickly fell over because of the sudden rumblings.
"Yes, Your Badness!"
"What is happening!?"
"Sire..." the old assistance began, "Someone has slipped past security and has attacked area P-1."
"...P-1?"
Kammy merely raised her eyesbrows and suddenly the Koopa King's face changed in shock.
"Peach's resting place," she mumbled.
--
Maria could feel herself and her power fading. The rampage on King Boo had taken a toil on her because now she felt that familiar pain in her head and her chest.
The princess suddenly clutched her heart. "No!" she thought to herself, "Not now! I can't take another attack! I'll get caught. I'll proba-"
It was too late. Her eyes rolled to back of her head and Maria collapsed to the burnt ground, panting.
Almost as quickly as she had fainted, someone knelt by herself and gently cradled the princess into his burly arms.
"I have to get you out of here," Junior whispered, pausing for a moment to hear the rumble of his father's army, "And fast."
With another snap, the young prince was in the koopa kopter, flying off to the Mushroom Kingdom and grateful that rising smoke covered his exit.
--
"Well, what's the damage, Boo-Boo?"
"Three-fourths of the army is critical injured and the rest of them have flow away in fear."
"So basically, we are crushed," King Boo hissed.
"I'm afraid so sir," Boo-Boo replied.
The ghostly ruler and his assistance floated amongst the ruins of Bowser's hidden sanctuary. In actuality, there were no ruins. The princess's lethal flowers had destroyed everything. Not even leaving a hint that this was once a beautiful grave. By grace of his faithful boos, King Boo and a few imperial Boos had been protected by the army while the terrible fire seared them.
"My lord, I'm afraid I have more terrible news," the young boo said, trembling with fear.
"What is now?" the king hissed already feeling angered by the losses.
"There is nothing left of Peach's body. That attack destroyed everything. There aren't traces of her hair that we could use to rebuild it. She is gone. Princess Maria destroyed it all."
However, to Boo-Boo's surprise, the royal ghost let out a terrible laugh.
"On the contrary, I think that is wonderful news," King Boo wheezed, "I don't think we need Peach anymore because I have found...the perfect replacement."
The undead king turned his attention to the cloudy figures escaping the area by the means of a koopa helicopter.
"Maria," he purred.
FINALLY! I'm soooo sorry this took forever! I'm just glad I finished this. I'll try to work on Chapter 9. It should be very short. I hope not too short. Ehhh I don't know. I hope everyone liked this. This was my favorite part. I just imagine this glorious resting place for Peach. Maybe I'll draw a picture... idk. Well I want to thank everyone who waited so patiently! I hope I didn't lose anyone. So I'll try to work harder on Chapter 9 and trust me, the next chapter will make you want to read more...so I think.