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“Hell yeah, here I go” Fionna yelled at Cake before riding down the spine of what was once large beast, now long decayed. Joining Cake who was waiting in the pile of bones at the bottom of the boneyard.  Silently watching from afar was Marshall Lee. He had a bad habit of eavesdropping on the treehouse pair. He hummed to himself with a fantastic new idea brimming in his mind. Finding entertainment with these two was a constant thrill, and a hilarious one at that. What perfect timing- turning away and redirecting his attention to his henchwoman. The old lady wasn’t really his lackey, but an old friend who was in on the plan.  “That was so awesome” Fionna once again rejoiced while Cake popped a bone out of her side. “Wait, do you hear that?” Cake spoke, “it sounds like crying”. Fionna and Cake shared a short look before making a mad dash in the direction of the wailing. Palming her way through the brush and into the forest, she left room for Cake at her side. What they witnessed was tragic.  “What about ‘henchwoman for life’ don’t you understand?” Marshall Lee spat at the old woman. “What the hell, it’s Marshal Lee the Vampire king” Fionna spoke first. “Oh hell to the no, I ain’t going anywhere near that blood sucking monster” Cake replied with a shake.  “Can’t you find the compassion to release this poor old soul from your grip” the old women spoke with tremors. “You made a vow, now you keep it” Marshall Lee said with a hiss. “You still afraid of vampires?” Fionna threw at Cake. She spoke too soon as she swung around to find Cake already hiding her vital points with the majority of her magical body. “No, of course not” Cake said but her actions gave away her true feelings. “It’s too bad, his cute face is wasted on his trash personality” Fionna said before sticking out her tongue and feigning disgust.  “Fall on the ground for me! Cry for me too”“Yes master” “Kiss my shoe while you’re down there” “Yes master” “Hey, cut that shit out” finally fed up with the treatment of the old woman, Fionna leapt from the safety of the bush. “Well, well, if it isn’t my favorite goody two shoes Fionna the human. Come all this way to see little old me”? Marshall Lee said tauntingly. “You wish. You’re making this poor old lady cry and you’re enjoying it. As a heroine, I can’t let you continue” Fionna said proudly standing her ground.  “I can make her do whatever I want. Just watch. Henchwoman, amuse me.” Marshall Lee commanded. The old woman picked up and threw herself into a handstand. She let out a few aches and groans but managed to maintain her balance. “Now hop around in a circle”. The old woman once again attempted the command but failed half way through, falling on herself, crushing an arm underneath her weight.  “Stop, stop, I know you get off on this sick and twisted shit Marshall Lee; but it’s gotta end. Don’t worry ma’am, I'll take care of this.” Fionna feared she would have to fight the vampire herself, and she wasn’t sure she would win. “And how are you going to make that happen?” Marshall Lee inquired with his hands on his hips. “I’ll do whatever is necessary, I'd even take her place!” Fionna promised.   “Oh, what a decadent offer. I accept, old henchwoman, you can leave now. I have a new play thing that needs breaking in” Marshall Lee grinned devilishly, he had just gotten his way. “What! Have you really lost it this time Fiona?” Cake rushed over. “In case you forgot, that boy is a vampire!” Cake shivered as she spoke. “Yeah, it’s whatevs, how bad can he be?” Fionna replied nonchalantly.  “Hey Cake” Marshall Lee interrupted. Instantly transfiguring himself into a horrifying demon head with extra large fangs, just to scare Cake. He got his intended reaction since the spook sent cake sprinting for cover, and subsequently leaving her best friend alone with a new vampire master. “Bahahaha” Marshall Lee started the cackle. “Looks like you’re on your own this time bunny” Marshall Lee took up Fionna’s backside, scooping her into his arms before she could protest, and unfurled his wings instantly taking flight into the night sky.    “You’re lucky Fionna, you only have one job as my henchwoman, to help me feed.” Marshall Lee started. “What exactly is that again? Like oats? I can totally handle that.” Fionna attempted to talk herself up. Landing on the wet grass, Marshall Lee and Fionna approached a small quaint home. There was a dim glow coming from inside the house, and beautiful soft sounds of piano music played by proficient hands. Fionna felt apprehension sneaking up her spine. Marshall Lee sensed her hesitation and placed a plan on her back. Turning her body to face him, he placed a finger under her chin in order to move her face towards his own. Their eyes locked and he gave his first order “open the door Fionna.”  Unable to deny the request, Fionna barged in through the threshold. The candles went out and a gust of wind followed Marshall Lee as he entered. “I’m so sorry” Fionna apologized in advance. “Hold him down” Marshall Lee commanded. Fionna once again did as she was told, she held down the innocent pianist and winced as Marshall Lee unsheathed his fangs. Taking his sweet time, he enjoyed seeing the torment in Fionna’s eyes, he slowly leaned himself towards the neck in front of him.  “Please human girl, please let me go I beg of you” the victim pleaded. “I’m sorry, but I’m bound by my code to do as my master commands” Fionna offered pathetically. “I understand, I too was married once” the man closed his eyes and accepted his fate. “Wait what?!” Fionna looked away from the scene unable to take it in. The terrified screams ripped through her ears and shook Fionna’s core, she could hear Marshall Lee sucking the life out of what she imagined to be a lifeless body. Marshall Lee was giddy with excitement. Instead of biting the man’s neck, he instead went for the bow tie right next door. He drained the red color from the hideous statement piece and continued to play up his act a few moments longer.   Fionna’s adrenaline ran high, but she looked back over to find… that all was well? Confused, she did a double take. Face hot with embarrassment, Fionna was pleasantly surprised to see that Marshall Lee had only drained the color red from the bow tie, and not the man’s life. “Bahahaha, you know I like the color red sometime too. I only drink little human girl blood on a full moon” Marshall Lee taunted Fionna looking for a rise. She balled her hands into fists and was about to speak when she was cut off.  “Now, there’s plenty more evil to do tonight” Marshall Lee grabbed Fiona’s hand and led her out the front door the way that came. 'Man, this guy is psycho! I can’t figure him out, whether he’s actually trying to get into my head, whether he actually wants to do evil, or whether he actually likes me enough to keep me alive'  Fionna pondered during their flight to the next destination. “Hey, I know I live in your head rent free, but don’t think too hard. Didn’t that guys bow tie kinda look like a bra? Ha! What color is your bra, I could use another snack” Marshall Lee half joked. “What?! You freak, put me down” Fionna was promptly dropped only a couple of feet to the desolate ground of the cemetery.   “Whoa, the place looks pretty… dead” Fionna started. “Don’t worry, soon it’ll be un-dead. Corpses buried in mud that’s black, from death, I command thee to come back!” Marshall Lee chanted a spell. She was unsure if it was his demon powers or vampire powers that lent his ability to raise the dead, shortly after the once sleeping skeletons began the rise from their graves. “Bahahaha! Are you ready to lead an army of the undead? I would so generously let you be my Queen and rule beside me, if you begged.” Marshall Lee offered his hand again. “No! I’d never hurt innocent people for you” Fionna refuted and then promptly screamed when she felt the cold bony hand of a skeleton on her calf. “Okay. okay, fine whatever” Fionna conceded. “What was that again?”“Ugh, please don’t” “As you’re told henchwoman” “…Yes master”  Marshall Lee cackled at her submission, Fionna rolled her eyes. They started out from the cemetery. It was only about a half mile walk before Fionna could see the castle which she assumed was their destination. “Are you ready to hear the wild screams of an entire castle?” Marshall Lee asked. “Oh yeah honey, absolutely bombastic. Uh, why don’t I go up ahead and scout it out for you… sugar?” Fionna attempted to play along with his twisted games. Sometimes he was sweet and endearing, other times he was cruel and mind-bending. Sprinting as fast as her legs could go, Fionna almost fell into the large double doors at the end of the path. Banging so hard her hand hurt, the door opened. “Yes! You’ve reached the residence of the Duke and Duchess of nuts!” A swirly candy citizen drunkenly greeted Fionna.  “Please listen, my master wants to sack your castle!” “Oh! Well that is terrible news for us indeed” “Lisby, who’s at the door?” The Duchess of Nuts joined in. “Someone who wishes to sack the nut castle!”“Why would you want to sack my nut castle on my second sons first birthday? Seize her!”  “No wait!” Fionna yelped throwing her hands up in surrender. “Listen! You hear that? That’s the sound of my master marching here with his army of the undead! You have to listen to me; everybody run for your lives!” Fionna pleaded.  The army wafted into the ballroom hall, slowly overtaking the dance floor. Right behind them, flying through the foyer, was Marshall Lee. Only instead of killing all the residents with his pick ax, he started to serenade. “I wrote this next song about a fisherman. You look so cute, sitting in your boat. I wanna suck out your eyeballs and rip out your throat” Marshall Lee began to sing a morbid song to the unsuspecting audience.   “You’re late Marshall Lee! My son has been dying to hear your undead music.” The small child in the Duke of Nuts’ arms started to squirm, he looked up and gave Marshall Lee and smile while reaching out. “Ha! What a tiny beast, Fionna, I wonder if our kids would look this cute." Marshall Lee threw out not expecting an answer. “Oh my! I forgot that Marshall Lee was preforming tonight” Lisby spoke up. Marshall Lee and all of the attendees easily resumed, starting to jam out, the party was in full swing. “Okay, so he makes things seems bad, or maybe his personality makes them seem bad, just to make my head all screwy… I’m so overreacting” Fionna wondered out loud to herself, still conflicted.   “Hey! Don’t think too hard about it, just party hard about it” Lisby rejoined Fionna, dragging her out onto the dance floor. Fionna finally relented and started to give into the fun. Marshall Lee floated over so the pair could dance together. This was the closest he had gotten to Fionna yet, it seemed like she was coming around, but there was still one more trick up his sleeve.  “You like cute things, right?” Marshall Lee started. “Well duh, of course, why?” Fionna responded. “Then you’re gonna love this! Only the cutest dimple plant ever. Here try some of its dimple fruit.” Marshall Lee picked off a berry and offered it to Fionna’s mouth. Not thinking much of it, Fionna ate the fruit from his hand. Almost immediately, dimples appeared on her cheeks.  “Okay henchwoman, I need you to do something for me… I need you to take this dimple plant outside- and kill it!” Marshall Lee spoke and flashed his fangs. “What? That's absurd!” Fionna protested. “Here, you can use my pick ax base” and there was no more discussion. “Uhh, I’m gonna have to murder you, but I’m not entirely sure why. I’m sure this will end happy, he’s just trying to fuck with my head again…” Fionna attempted to coerce herself into the dirty job. Raising the base guitar above her head executioner style, the miniature plant gave an adorable look, one that was too sweet to end.   “Ugh! I just don’t get it. There’s always a twist to the stuff Marshall Lee makes me do for him; but where’s the twist in bumming off this bush?” Fionna wondered out loud. “There is no twist- kill it now!” Marshall Lee commanded again. Before she could respond, the dimple plant started to grow 10 times its original size; it grew gnashing teeth, long roots, and started to lunge for anything living. “Shoulda hacked it to pieces when it was still adorable…” Marshall Lee instilled.  Having to dodge around attacks and listen to Marshall Lee’s ‘I told you so’ wasn’t ideal. Picking up the once forgotten pick ax base, Fionna jumped and let out a battle scream at the plant. Cutting and chopping and the vines let out ugly fluids. It wasn’t enough though, the sentient dimple plant picked Fionna up around her midsection, and brought her head straight to its mouth. Marshall Lee thought it was finally time to intervene. Floating up to the head of the plant and yanking the tiny flower that lived there. Once done, the dimple plant slowly fell to the ground, now lifeless. “Not bad… for a Henchwoman.” Marshall Lee complimented.  Much time later, the pair were taking a break, sitting in the middle of a rose field, enjoying the morning dusk before the sunrise. “Hey, can’t the sun kill you?” Fionna asked while Marshall Lee opened a large parasol. “Yeah, it hurts, but I kinda like it. Reminds me of when I’d scrape my knees as a kid, and my dad would patch me up…” Marshall Lee trailed off, but his words held weight. “Uh, Cake told me I came out of a cabbage!” Fionna offered to lighten the heavy mood. They both laughed lightheartedly.  “Hey Fionna, I need you strangle some pixies for me” “Yeah sure, that sounds great” “Whoa, why are you being so casual about that? Killing pixies is some hard core evil.” “I’m not falling for your junk anymore. You just like saying shit that messes with my head.” “Dang, I didn’t think you’d ever catch on little girl”  Meanwhile, Cake was listening in on the conversation. She had be gathering the courage to face the vampire again in order to save her best friend from servitude. “Oh no, Fionna is totally under his romantic vampire spell. It’s up to me to save her.” Cake rationalized. She had come prepared, revealing herself from the bushes, Cake pitched cloves of garlic at Marshall Lee. “Ow! What the fuck” Marshall Lee hissed, but simultaneously dropped his umbrella, the only thing keeping him covered.  Instantly starting to whimper and burn from the harsh rays, Marshall curled in on himself looking for relief, he instinctively dragged his burning body under the umbrella still close by. “I’m staking this vampire and setting you free! No matter how terrified I am” Cake was resilient. “No! Please wait, it’s not what you think” Fionna tried to reason. Although it wasn’t enough, Cake sailed past Fionna easily, and sent a wooden spike through the top of the umbrella. Picking it up, only a black smoke remained of the once powerful vampire king, and it quickly dissipated.  Gathering herself up, Fionna shook her head back and forth, feeling the fog clear from her mind. “Huh? Cake… You saved me from his spell.” “Oh hell yeah, I saved my best friend from a scum sucking vampire! I did it, all me” Cake sang as she bounced away. Now with Cake’s attention elsewhere, Marshall Lee peaked out of Fionna’s backpack.  “Is it cool to come out?” “Yeah, she’s off in her own world” “Fionna, I owe you big time. Changing into a bat and hiding in your pack was a genius idea.” “That’s what a henchwoman is for” “Oh, that reminds me, you’re fired. It’s no fun when I can’t trick you.”“We’re still on for pixie strangling tomorrow, right?”“Of course, it’s a date”  Marshall Lee unfurled himself, planted a small kiss on Fionna’s forehead, and flew away. Still riding high on his date for tomorrow with the one and only human girl.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Marshall Lee the Vampire king and Fionna the human had set up a date to work on Marshall’s music, for his new album. Fionna was particularly adept with making music since she had once swallowed a computer chip, which often altered her singing voice. She danced around on the porch of Marshall lee’s cave home and spat out random beats attempting to make something coherent. “Thanks for helping me work on my music” Marshall Lee spoke at her general direction. He strummed the cords on his pickaxe base and gave his full attention to tuning it.  “Absolutely, I would never pass up spending time with you.” “Now, I’m gonna sing something really personal, so don’t laugh okay.” “I would never dream of it my lord” Fionna offered a sincere assurance and felt her pupils go wide watching Marshall Lee work. “Start a slow beat and keep it steady” that was Fionna’s cue, hitting start on the tape recorder so they could play it back later; she started to beatbox and Marshall Lee started to sing. “Mommy, why did you eat my fries, I bought them, and they were mine. But you are them, yeah you ate my fries, and I cried, but you didn’t see me cry. Mommy, do you even love me? Well I wish you’d show it, cuz I wouldn’t know it. Why kind of mom eats her child’s fries and doesn’t even look him in the eyes. Mommy there were tears there, If you saw would you even care?” Marshall Lee sang in a low alto pitch. He had been right, it was personal. This caused Fionna to pause her tune and hit stop.  “Ugh, babes, you messed the beat up. We’re gonna have to start over…” Marshall Lee pondered out loud. “If you’re thinking about your mom so much, then why don’t you just go talk to her?” Fionna offered. “She’s just not worth the effort. She stays down there, and I stay up here.” Marshall Lee stated simply.  “Not worth what effort?” “Welp, first I’d have to draw a circle with a simile face in the center. Then douse it with bug milk; and then you’re supposed to chant something like… ‘maloso vobis com et cum spiritum’.” As Marshall Lee monologued, Fionna ran around the house collecting the required materials to complete the aforementioned ritual, while simultaneously following his indirections. “But I don’t really want to see her right now. I’m still mad about the thing with the fries.” Marshall Lee spoke a little too late. At that moment, a crack opened up a cavern in the middle of the dark gray parlor room. Hot flames spit out from the depths of the Nightosphere. With them appeared a silhouette which belonged to none other than Helena Abadeer, demonic ruler of the Nightosphere, and Marshall Lee’s mother. Her pale skin had bluish tint, similar to Marshall’s gray, she had long black hair, sharp pointed ears, and wore a smart looking women’s suit.   “Fiona, what the fuck did you do!” Marshall Lee was quickly becoming angry. “I wanted to reunite you with your family, I guess” Fionna said pathetically. “Why hello there. You know you’re the first girl Marshal has introduced me to. It must be serious… Is this girl your evil accomplice?” Helena Abadeer spoke for the first time, leaning her tall frame down to match the height of Fionna’s head. “I’m not evil Marshall Lee’s mom, I’m super chill!” Fionna said excitedly, starting to blush from the attention and reeling from her other words.  “Delightful” Helena Abadeer’s lips curled into a ghoulish smile. She shot out her long arms and dug sharp claws into Fionna’s shoulders. Pinning her into one spot, unable to move, Helena Abadeer started seeping the soul from Fionna’s mouth. She let out a silent scream.  Marshall Lee rushed over and ripped his mother off of her newest victim. “Mom! You always pull bullshit like this. It’s why I never invite you over.” Marshall Lee was furious. “My son, I never know what’s going to set you off next. Tsk tsk. Hey! Is that the family pickaxe? What in the heck did you turn it into? Some sort of musical instrument?” Helena grabbed the base guitar from Marshall’s hands.  “Give it back. And get out!” “Sheesh, fine. I have plenty of other business to attend to anyways. Like, sucking up all the souls in Aaa! See you two lovebirds later.” “My base!” Marshall yelled back.  Helena Abadeer made a swift exit, showing herself the door. “Ah! No, we can’t let her get all of the innocent people of Aaa. We have to go after her!” Fionna screeched with worry, pulling at her hat and hair. “Fine, whatever, as long as I get my base back.” Marshall said begrudgingly, but did as he was told. Marshall Lee picked Fionna up in his arms in order to follow in his mothers wake.  “Hey, so how do I kill this lady anyways?” “Ugh, Fionna, you can’t kill my mom.”“Oh, um, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean it like that.”“Nooo, I mean you literally can’t kill my mom. She’s deathless” “Oh, that makes sense…Over there! Below us”  The pair spotted Helena Abadeer wrecking havoc on a small village of fluffy people. “Marshall, release the Fionna bomb!” this was a special move they had practiced a few times in the past. Marshall Lee did indeed drop the human girl, but only for a short moment, right after he had grabbed her ankle, keeping her from crashing into the ground beneath them. “Don’t worry Fionna, I’ll always catch you.”  By the time they had arrived, it was too late. Helena Abadeer had already stolen the soul of an unsuspecting fluffy person. The rest of the group shook in fear and kept their distance from the zombified fluffball. “Ay, we gotta help this little guy. Maybe some food that Cake packed.” Fionna attempted to feed the living corpse, but to no avail. “Look, if you wanna help that guy, you gotta help me get my base. And when I do get it back, I’m gonna break it over my moms neck and slam her back into the Nightoshpere. We gotta find my mom.” Marshall Lee clearly only had one thing on his mind. “And then we can return the stolen souls back to the little husks?” Fionna said shyly. “Uh yeah sure, we can do that too” Marshall Lee placated.   Meanwhile, In another village many miles downstream, Helena Abadeer would possess the body of another victim.“So I popped his head like a cork, and I told him that’s what I thought of his expanding earth theory!” A loud Viking joked and the entire table of roughhousers started laughing. “Alright, I’ve got a joke too. Who wears a dark suit, is completely evil, and is about to siphon all your souls?” Helena Abadeer quickly discarded the body she had once possessed, crawling on the table, and contorting in order to break free. “Your mama!” The most boisterous Viking said. “That’s right! I’m your mama” Helena Abadeer gave a vicious and fang filled smile, then promptly started stealing the souls of all those around.   Downstream, Marshall Lee and Fionna finally reached their destination of red rock pass. “If my mom wants to get through the mountains, she’ll have to go through here first” “We can work together! And smash her with this rock. Once she’s smushed, all the souls will go back to their rightful owners.” Looking down at the canyon bottom, Helena Abadeer was walking by, stomping on any souls she could find. Fionna ran over to the rock to start pushing, but when she looked back for Marshall Lee, he was nowhere to be found. Marshall made a mad dash down the canyon walls towards his mother. He took a shameless swing and missed. “So, finally taking a shot at your elder” Helena taunted Marshall, sending hot bullets of anger to his head. The two Abadeers would continue to fight each other whilst ignoring Fionna.   “Karate Chop! You can’t destroy me Marshie” “Wait… what? No, mom, I don’t want to destroy you. Look just, stay out of my life!”  Marshall Lee decided to give up. He floated back to the top of the canyon to meet with Fionna again. “Dude, you totally fucked up the plan. We’re supposed to be a couple- well, um, I guess a team.” Fionna stumbled. “I just wanted my mom to care about me…” Marshall Lee spoke almost silently with a dazed look in his eyes.  On the other side of the red rock mountain was the ice kingdom. “Of all history’s’ greatest monsters, you are by far the most evil thing I have ever encountered. Offer your soul to me dark one!” Helena was fascinated by Gunter the penguin. Ice Queen had just happened upon the soul sucking scene, so many penguins lay lifeless on the ice. “No one sucks the life from my penguins except me!” Ice Queen attempted to take a stand against Helena Abadeer, but it was quickly decided she was no match. Defeated, Ice Queen sulked away back to her castle, carrying one last Gunter on her hip.   As Helena continued to consume more and more souls, she grew to be 7 stories tall. Stomping all over the ice and grasslands. This gave enough time for Fionna to gain some ground. “Give up those souls Marshall Lee’s mom, in the name of justice!” Fionna unsheathed her sword and started scaling the tower that was Helena Abadeer. “Oh Marshall, you’re still following me?” “I’ll stop following you if you give me back my guitar” Marshall Lee shouted back.   Fionna was becoming a nuisance. Helena started to unfurl into her true form, unclothing the sacks of eaten souls in her nesting tonsils. Fionna grabbed onto what she believed was demonic tentacles, swinging back and forth trying to keep a footing. Once she slowed down, Fionna could see up close into the cells holding each individual soul. That’s when she spotted Lumpy Space Prince. “LSP! She got your soul too?” Fionna cried out. “What? Nah. I totally saw Hot Dog Price get sucked in here, and I wasn’t invited! I was all like, what the lump, so I’m crashing this party” LSP said from afar.  “Don’t worry, I'll save you; I'll save all of you!” Fionna screeched. Using her full sword, Fionna cut through one of the tentacles holding her in place. She not only released herself but the pickaxe base. “Give that back Marshall, you don’t respect it enough to keep it.” Helena yelled. “Yeah well, you don’t respect anything. I’m out of here.” Marshall Lee promptly turned his back and started floating away.   ‘Fuck, fuck, I need a diversion. This can’t get any worse!’ Fionna scrambled to find something useful in her back pack. Dumping the contents onto the grass, she found the cassette player they had used earlier to record Marshall Lee’s song. This was the only option, Fionna hit play. Marshall Lee’s song rang out, playing for all to hear. The emotional lyrics sent waves of shock through Helena, and embarrassment through Marshall.  “Marshie, you really feel this way?” “Mom…” “Marshall, of course I love you. I’m sorry I ate your fries, I didn’t mean to hurt you.” “It’s okay mom, it’s really okay” “No! It’s not okay. They weren’t even good, they were soggy. I love you Marshall Lee, please don’t you ever doubt that.”  Fiona took advantage of the heartfelt moment to make her attack. Launching herself from a cliff, now wielding two swords, she made long deep cuts into Helena Abadeer’s tonsils where all the souls were kept. While Helena was screaming and attempting to recover, Fiona recreated the ritual for conjuring the Nightosphere portal, damning Helena back to where she came.  Everything happened so quickly that it left a rush in her head. “Wow Fionna, that was hard core. But that stunt you pulled earlier with my music… Well, if you ever plan to embarrass me in public again, we’re gonna have to use a safe word. That was emotionally draining.” Marshall Lee said with dark laugh; you could see eye bags forming on his face in real time. “I’m also exhausted emotionally… wait, I mean physically” Fionna ended abruptly by falling onto her back into the cold grass. Marshall conceded and lied down beside her. Wanting to be closer, Fionna readjusted, and she laid her head on Marshall’s left bicep. And that’s where they stayed, until Fiona fell asleep and Marshall carried her home.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

“Hey girlie, it’s couples-only movie night tonight. Who are you bringing?” Cake asked in her most innocent voice possible. The two girls sat on a checkered blanket with what was remaining of their picnic; watching the sun go down. “Eh, I don't know. Who are you bringing?” Fionna asked, looking for guidance. “Well my boyfriend of course, Lord Monochromicorn. He’s got sweet cheeks!” Cake replied. A duck waddled by, letting out some quacks which caught Fionna’s attention. “Why not this duck?” Fionna picked the duck up and held it close, feeling a little insecure. 
 
“Um, no girl, you gotta bring someone you can smooch.”

“You mean like kissing? What if I don't wanna smooch?”

“You don't have to smooch- you just have to bring someone you can smooch.”

“Oh okay, you mean someone like Gumball?”

“I mean if that's who you want to go with, that wasn't who I first thought of... I didn't really think the movies was his vibe.”

“Nah, it's fine, I’m sure he’ll be totally down for it.”

Cake wasn't feeling the same way, but didn't want to push any further. Fionna attempted to kiss the duck in her arms, it quickly went south, and the duck flew away. “Have a seat, I guess I need to explain some things about couples to you…” Cake started off into a long talk, but Fionna didn't listen much. She started to brainstorm other possible dates. Gumball was the obvious choice, but she always thought he was sending mixed signals. She didn't actually know how Gumball truly felt about her. LSP was an option, not a good one, and LSP was going with Cinnamon Swirl anyways. 
 
“Plus, you spend a lot of time with Marshall! That boy is always getting into trouble and stringing you along with him. I worry about you girl.” Cake’s monologue faded back into the forefront of her thoughts. “Oh my Glob! You’re right! Marshall Lee will know how to help me,” Fionna bounced, she whisked around to pack up their items to start the journey back to the treehouse.

“Again, not what I had in mind,” Cake spoke mainly to herself while Fionna raced back home so she could make her first phone call. 
 
“Hello, this is the Candy Kingdom.”

“Hey, Prince Gumball, would you wanna go to a couples movie night with me?”

“That sounds romantic Fionna.”

“Not really, I was just wondering if you wanted to go… with me…”

“Sorry Fionna, I’m too busy practicing for the Whistling Choir deathmatch championship. Ai wiedersehen!”

Prince Gumball promptly hung up the phone. “He said he can't go,” Fionna said dejectedly. “Hey, don't get so torn up about it. I’m sure someone else will want to go with you!” Cake offered, trying to lift her spirits, and attempting to shine light on another candidate. 
 
“Look, I’ll call Marshall Lee for you.”

“Are you sure? Maybe Marshall wouldn't understand after all.”

“Ya know, I’ve been learning a lot about vampires lately. I’ve realized my fear was just based on ignorance.” Cake dialed up the Vampire king.

“Ssspeak,” Marshall Lee answered on his cell phone. The call woke him from his slumber, which was coincidentally underneath the blanket pile in the corner of the treehouse living room. Marshall Lee was always coming in unannounced to his old flat, now inhabited by the girls.

“Hey Marshall, got a favor to ask babe. Fionna needs a date for the movie night and I thought you could…” 
 
Cake was cut off when Marshall Lee crawled out from his hiding spot, snuck up behind Cake, and loudly hissed into her ear. Shaking Cake to her core. “Haha, nice one, so you think you can help me?” Fionna asked Marshall, who was still drowsy. “Yeah, If you really wanna hang out with that Gumwad, I can think of some ways to… ‘help’.” Marshall Lee spoke with a silver tongue. He could absolutely help Fionna realize that Gumball was a terrible choice for a romantic partner, he knew that from personal experience.

The trio decided to take up space in the Candy Kingdom, at the bottom of Gumball’s bedroom tower. “Okay, here’s the plan. Fionna, start by saying something funny. Marshall, you laugh like it's hilarious, and that’ll make Gumball jealous. You can start now.” Cake layed out their scheme. 
 
“Funny, funny, say something funny…Giddyup?”

“Hanaha”

“Um, ding dong?”

“Bahahahaha!” 
 
Marshall Lee cackled extra loudly, he was genuinely amused by Fionna’s strange syllables. Hearing the commotion, Prince Gumball peaked out from his open window. “Greetings Fionna. Oh, hi Marshall…” Gumball spoke with an unimpressed look. “Hello your majesty,” Marshall Lee gave a fictitious bow. “Yeah, yeah. What's so funny Fionna?” Gumball easily redirected.

“Um, it's kind of an inside joke,” Fionna attempted to fabricate a lie. “Sounds like lots of fun, but keep it down out there. I’m trying to practice my whistling,” then Gumball promptly walked away.

“Man, what do you even see in that guy anyways? He’s so freaking lame” Marshall Lee said. 
 
“It's not like I have a line of people wanting to date me. Not like you,” Fionna said sheepishly. “You’d be surprised, maybe I’m saving myself for a special someone too.” Marshall Lee spoke cryptically and floated circles around Fionna. “Come on guys, we gotta start phase two. It's so powerful,” Cake said, clearly more interested in her made-up heist. Cake scampered away to acquire whatever materials she needed next. 
 
“Hey, I know Cake is your friend and all, but If you really want a guy to go to the movies with you, you gotta listen to an actual guy,” Marshall Lee explained. “But Cake said her plan would work,” Fionna said, starting to feel torn. “Pssh, how is Cake gonna know what a guy wants more than a real guy? We need something fun, something to get his blood pumping. Guys like a pretty girl that can have fun. Show him how fun you are, and maybe he’ll go to the movie with you,” Marshall Lee contemplated before floating away to drain the color from some nearby apples.. “Hehe, he said fun so much it sounds weird now.” Fionna enjoyed it when Marshall Lee talked, he had a way of saying things that kept your attention on him. As if she wasn't able to think about anything else other than Marshall.

Cake was now returning. “Hey! Look what I got!” Cake presented a short, dark dress and ripped stockings to pair. “Whoa Cake, what the hell is this? I can't wear that, I’ll look ridiculous,” Fionna defended quickly. “No way, you wear this, and he won't be able to take his eyes off of you. One way or another, you’ll definitely get a date to that movie,” Cake said generally, desperately trying to convince Fionna. Deciding to take whatever advice she could get, Fionna conceded and went to change.

Later on, outside of Gumball’s bedchamber, the group reconnected. “What the fuck are you wearing Fionna? You look…” Marshall Lee asked with a shocked tone, he had to turn away from what was in front of him. “I know, it looks like I'm trying too hard.” Fionna could feel his reaction and heat started to color in her face.
 
“Nuh uh girl, you look banging.” Cake spoke up.

“Well, it’s going to ruin our plan”

“What's wrong with my plan?” 
 
“Oh shit, he’s coming. Hide,” Fionna grew more embarrassed by her appearance.

“Oh, hey Fionna. Did you ever find someone… Whoa, what are you wearing?” Gumball stopped in his tracks, gave Fionna a once over, raised an eyebrow, and started to inspect her clothes.

“Oh, uh, just something for the movie tonight. Cake dressed me.”

“I can see that,” Gumball said to no one in particular. “Haha, I get it now. Fionna, this is hilarious. You're killing me.” Gumball started to laugh at her, thinking it was all a joke. She clearly had dressed up like Marshall Lee to pull a prank he thought. Fionna started to feel even worse.

Was this the ‘Fun’ Marshall had been talking about?

It didn't feel like much fun.

“Thanks for the laugh. Now could you please leave? I think that outfit has committed a crime.” Gumball said matter of factly, still avoiding her eyes. Taking the loss, Fionna, Cake, and Marshall made their way to the Candy Kingdom exit. “That outfit is dangerous Fionna, but I think it went over Gumball’s head,” Marshall Lee said as they left. “Fine, if you two don't like it, I’ll just take it back,” Cake was slightly offended, but Fionna changed once again back into her normal long sleeve and mini skirt. 
 
“Gee, that hissy fit seems pissed off.”

“Nah, she just needs a chamomile tea.”

“Well taste this, I got a new idea. Gumball is super boring right? So he would love a new experiment to work on. Why don't we go get some fire wolves for him and see how he reacts?”

“Do you think that would get his attention?”

“Well, it would get mine, I love fire wolves. Come on, I'll teach you how to show a guy a good time.”

Marshall Lee put an arm around Fionna’s waist, “Hold tight, you ready?”

Not feeling secure enough, Fionna hardened her grip around Marshall’s neck and abdomen. She noticed how close they were, so close she could smell his bergamot and sandalwood scent. Not waiting for her response, Marshall Lee took off into the night sky.

The journey to the Fire kingdom wasn't a very long one. A pack of wolves were already out howling at the moon. Making a hard landing on the ground, Marshall dropped Fionna on her two feet before tumbling himself. They had to sprint to keep up with the pack. When Fionna started to fall behind, Marshall Lee grabbed her hand and held it tight so as not to lose her. Breathing hard, the two caught up and respectively took hold of a wolf. Fionna’s wolf was younger, and didn't give off as much heat, the canine felt warm on her bare legs. Marshall Lee wrestled a bit but was unaffected by the flames. Now that they had acquired a wolf pack, they just had to bring it back home. Marshall Lee used his transformative powers to howl so loud it overpowered the others, redirecting their path to the Candy Kingdom. The perfect surprise for Prince Gumball.

Trying to be as sneaky as possible, Fionna and Marshall held the squirming animals right in front of the door to the Gumball’s bed chamber. “Shush, he’s probably already asleep,” Marshall whispered. He slowly opened the door, causing it to creek, and the wolves were released inside. He then made himself scarce. Only problem is the plan did not go as expected. Prince Gumball started to scream and dash for the door. “Oh Fionna, thank goodness you’re here. There are wolves in my bedchamber!” Gumball panted while using his weight to keep the door shut. “Yeah, I know, I put them there. It's a gift! I hope you like it,” Fionna explained. Gumball gave her a blank stare, “Banana Guards!” he screeched. 
 
“I’m sorry Fionna, you’ve been acting crazy. This feels like Marshall Lee all over again.” Gumball looked down, dissapointed, and walked away.

Marshall Lee walked Fionna back to the treehouse. “I tried everything to get Gumball to notice me. I guess he just doesn't like me…” Fionna said quietly. “Shut up, who even cares what that brainlord thinks, you’d be bored with a vanilla guy like him in a week. Anyway, I, for one, think you're pretty great. I like you more than just fine.” Marshall Lee finished, he then placed a small kiss on her forehead, and showed himself to the door.

Alone with her thoughts, It started to all come together. Marshall Lee was a guy, a guy she could take to the movie, a guy that actually liked her, a guy that she might not mind kissing… “I’m an fucking idiot. Of course, it's been Marshall Lee all along!” Fionna said out loud. “Hey sweet pea, I’ve been looking for you. I wanted to apologize for acting like a dweeb earlier. Want me to heat up some tea for you?” Cake offered sympathetically.

“No Cake, I need your help,” Fionna asked and smiled. “It’s about time you come to the professional romantic,” Cake responded.

Back at his cave, Marshall Lee has resigned himself to staying home for the evening. It seemed like Fionna was never gonna come around to him, because she liked the idiot who would never return her affection. Gumball only liked that Fionna liked him. Prince Gumball would never seriously consider her, not like how he already had. Marshall plugged the cord into his amp and connected his base, the instruments hummed to life, and he started to wail on the strings. He only played a few cords when there was a knock at the front door. 
 
Annoyed, he opened the door. His mood quickly changed to surprise when he saw Fionna standing on the steps. Standing in the same gothic get up as earlier, Fionna rubbed her legs together anxiously, she clumsily held onto some red roses, and turned her flushed face towards the ground. “Marshall! Will you go to the movies with me?” Fionna made eye contact this time. 
 
“Fionna, maybe we need to talk.”

“Don’t worry, the flowers are for you, thought they would be a nice snack.”

“Look, I’m not sure you know what it means to go down this road with me.”

“Hahaha, for you, I’d go down any road my liege; especially if it leads to the movies.” Fionna chuckled at her own joke and saluting playfully.

“Oh yeah? No one would want to go to the movies- with this!” 
 
Marshall Lee unfurled himself into a gigantic pitch black monster that took up all of the space in his house, even spilling into the outside. Using one of his many extremities to pick up Fionna by her midsection, “what do you think of me now!”

“How do you like your popcorn?” Fionna asked, there was no fear in her. She knew Marshall Lee would never hurt her and was amused by his attempt to dissuade her. Transforming back into his normal body, Marshall was getting fed up. 
 
“You’re not understanding Fionna”

“What’s there to understand? Just go to the movies with me.”

“Are you really sure that’s what you want?”

“Fuck yeah, I’m ready if you are.”

Marshall didn’t think they were all on the same page at all, but when he look at Fionna as she fluttered her lashes innocently, he honestly just wanted to take the win. “Fine, I'll take you to your movie,” Marshall Lee relented.

Fionna jumped around for joy in his living room. He was happy that she was happy. “But no tongue,” Marshall slipped in. “Wh- what?” Fionna retorted, eyes gong wide, taken aback. 
   
During the movie, Fionna and Marshall Lee sat on top of a grassy hill, right next to the movie projector. “I can’t believe I’m finally seeing this movie,” Fionna said quietly so as not to disrupt the other viewers. “I can’t believe I’m watching this cheese with you,” Marshall replied. 
 
The screen displayed a romantic scene from the movie, the two main characters looked deep into each other's eyes, and finally kissed, holding each other close. Marshall Lee started to giggle, and when Fionna couldn’t take it anymore, she laid her back down onto the soft grass behind her. Marshall took the hint and realized this as his opportunity. Fionna closed her eyes, feeling the presence of Marshall's face nearing closer. She waited for the moment, and then another moment, and then decided to open her eyes to see what the hold up was. Instead of finding Marshall Lee, she found a fucking duck bill. 
 
Shock covered Fiona’s face, but Marshall Lee just got up and started to float away. “You dick, I think you’re actually starting to lose it Marshall!” Fionna yelled, flipping over. “I don’t care what you think, as long as it’s always about me.” Marshall Lee shouted back, making sure he got the last word in.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

“Faster! Go Faster, he’s in danger,” the mystery woman called from on top of Cake’s shoulders. Earlier that day, an old woman with no arms had approached Fionna and Cake claiming that Marshall Lee was in danger. Cake was skeptical, but before she could even ask for more details, Fionna was already standing to collect her pink sword. The woman urgently explained that Marshall Lee had been put under a sleeping spell and needed outside help. 
 
“Hey old lady, how do you know Marshall Lee?” Fionna inquired. “Oh...I'm his spirit animal,” The mystery woman didn't offer up anything else. It didn't matter anymore since Fionna, Cake, and the mystery woman, had just arrived at Marshall’s house after rushing to get over. Barging in through the front door, Fionna saw Marshall Lee passed out in the middle of his parlor room. Fionna ran over to where he lay, rolling him over to inspect his unconscious body. She brushed back his messy black hair with her hand, cradling his cheek when done. “How did this happen?” Fionna asked, voice filled with concern. “Marshall accidentally cast a sleep spell on himself, and now he is lost in eternal slumber,” the mystery woman answered. “Tell me how to fix this!” Fionna was starting to get very anxious. “I’ll transport you into Marshall Lee’s mind, where you will journey through his memories and find the memory core. Find the memory core of Marshall Lee casting the spell and bring it back here.” “Okay, but like, if you know all this why not just do it yourself?” Cake questioned. “Only the people who Marshall trusts the most can enter his subconscious mind.” The mystery woman once again gave a perfect explanation. 
 
“How will I know when we found the right memory?” Fionna said. “With this,” The woman raised up her bare foot, and placed a toe on the back of Fionna's hand. “Ew, gross,” Fionna grumbled to Cake. “Now, take this sack of sleeping powder and go sit on the couch. Sprinkle the powder on your head and you’ll enter Marshall’s mind.” Fionna and Cake did as they were told and used a pinch of dust for each other. 
 
“Good. Feel sleepy now?”

The duo nodded and started to close their eyes.

“But know this! If you fail, Marshall Lee will be trapped in eternal sleep - Forever!”

Once asleep, Fionna and Cake woke up to dark nothingness, but their surroundings quickly changed back to the inside of Marshall Lee’s house. “Did it work?” Cake said with yawn. “I don't know, I can't really tell,” Fionna said, still tired. They both got up off the couch, but instead of the original two seater, the red loveseat started to stretch down the hallway that had appeared. As Fionna and Cake walked away, the world around them started to morph as they continued on. What was once a house, was now a forest, and then a wasteland. “Trippy. So, If we’re in Marshall Lee’s memories, where’s Marshall?” Fionna spoke to Cake. Cake pointed to a small version of Marshall Lee, running past rusty cars and cracked pavement, and sitting down on a small patch of dead grass. Fionna and Cake walked over and greeted the young child. 
 
“Who are you guys?”

“I’m Cake and that’s Fionna, we’re your friends.”

“Hambo is my only friend. See? You need another eyeball surgery pal. Lucky for you we found a donor. The nurse says this is our last piece of string. Hold still, please. Just know that I’m hurting you because I love you.”

“Eh hem” Cake cleared her throat.

“What are you guys still doing here?”

“We’re trying to wake you up. Do you know where your memory core is?”

“Nope. But there could be anything behind that cellar door, plus it rhymes with memory core.”

“Could be jams and butters down there. It's worth a shot. Thanks little Marshall.”

Cake opened the cellar doors. Inside there was a portal to a new memory. Stepping in, they were surrounded by assorted red foods. The gravity of the new location changed, which made Fionna feel like she was falling. She yelped and closed her eyes before they crashed into the ground, but instead of crashing, they both tumbled out of a refrigerator door. Once again, their surroundings switched back to the cave home, now in the kitchen. Fionna made her footing, stood up and peered into a window, where she witnessed Marshall Lee pick his nose. Hilarious as it was, Fionna walked away into a different room, trying to give him privacy. The next door once again led into a kitchen, but an unfamiliar one. Fionna and Cake stood back, peaking out from behind the counter top, and now watched Helena Abadeer eat a midnight snack, extra cold fries. 
 
“Yo lady. Don't eat those,” Fionna whispered. Which caused Helena to turn in surprise. Although none of it mattered, since a much younger Marshall Lee walked in and caught his mother in the act. Marshall started to whimper. They let the memory play out and left the scene of the crime. Moving on into the next room, it was their own tree house, but the tree had not yet become the residence of Fionna and Cake. More memories of Marshall’s played out for viewing. Marshall and an unknown character were moving furniture around. 
 
“Easy, easy, you got it?”

“Yeah totally. Ya know, I’m glad we’re doing this Ashley.”

“Me too. Wait, watch this, I’ve been practicing.”
 
Ashley waved her fingers around, a magical light glowed from her fingertips, and then a rose bud appeared. The baby flower said “Marshawee! I wuv you” in a sing-song voice. “Ashley, it’s adorable.” Marshall Lee picked the flower up and put it behind his ear for safe keeping.

“Who’s this tramp supposed to be?” Fionna immediately asked. “Ashley, I guess,” Cake answered and shrugged. Leaving that memory behind, they looked for a new one. Crawling through a mouse hole, Fionna and Cake happened upon a different memory. Looking up from the floor, they spotted an unhappy Marshall Lee, who sighed loudly. 
 
“Hey Fi, your hand is glowing.” Cake whispered.

“Oh, my thing, that's right. Must mean we’re close.”

“There's another door over there, let's check it out.”

“Wait a second, look, it’s that girl again.” 
 
“Look at this Mar-Mar. It's my new wand. The cherry blossoms are real” Ashley said, showing off her new tool. “Wow. Awesome.” Marshall Lee responded, uninterested. “Wait, where’d you get the money for that thing?” Marshall inquired. 
 
“Oh! I sold that raggedy old teddy bear that you love so much… to a witch.” Ashley said simply.

“What! Are you batshit crazy? That was like, my favorite thing in the whole world!”

“Duh, that's why it’s so valuable genius. For potions.”

“You know what, that is the last fucking straw Ashley. We’re over you psychotic bitch!” Marshall Lee felt a tear slip from his eye, he was trying to keep it together. Marshall stomped away, leaving them all behind.

“This way Fionna,” Cake called for her attention. “Check out this wacky memory crack.” Fionna looked over and followed suit. The light shining from the crack in the floor was bright, but seemed important. She jumped in after Cake. What was beyond the light was something like she’d never seen. The room was monochrome, but was supported by a large tree in the middle. Each branch held a bubble, and each bubble held a different memory of Marshall Lee’s past. Fionna grabbed onto Cake while she stretched both of them up towards the top of the tree. 
 
Fionna glimpsed some more memories during their trip. She saw Helena Abadeer, Ice Queen, Prince Gumball, wastelands, the Nightophsere, and even herself in many of these bubbles. As they drew closer to the memory core, their original task, Fionna’s hand started to glow even brighter. Fionna instructed Cake to stop, they had found what they were looking for. There was a large orb floating above the rest, clearly it was important. It was made of glass and held a picture of a cherry blossom branch in the middle. When Fionna and Cake laid a hand on the bubble, everything went white, because they had just been sent back to the living world.

“Uhhh, what's going on?” Fionna said groggily and wiping her eyes. The mystery woman walked up, immediately grabbed the glass orb out of Fionna’s arms, and removed her disguise. “Hey! What the fuck is going on- and you have arms,” Fionna said accusingly. “Yeah, that's right genius. The important thing is that Marshall Lee is awake now.” The mystery woman sent a magic wave over to Marshall Lee, and he started to rouse. “Marshall! Marshall, are you all right?” Fionna asked with concern, running over to his side. “You had a magic accident, but we saved you with the help of your wizard friend.” Cake explained. “Guys, that's just Ashley,” Marshall Lee said. “Ashley?!” Fionna and Cake shouted in unison. 
 
“Yeah, it’s chill, she’s my girlfriend. Ash, what’s going on?”

“Just picking you up for a night back at my place. You should go get ready, it looks like you rolled out of bed..”

“Totally, I’ll go change.”
 
“What?!” Fionna and Cake were in disbelief. “Don't you girls get it, I outsmarted you. The memory you grabbed wasn't for a sleep spell, it was the memory of our break up.” Ashley said, revealing her true plan. “Okay, ready.” Marshall Lee returned in new clothes. “Marshall, you gotta stop and listen to me.” Fionna pleaded. “Sorry, Fi, we can chill later. Make sure to blow the candles out when you leave.” Marshall Lee grabbed onto Ashley’s hand. “Finally, let's go.

‘Ashicus flyicus’

” Ashley spoke her incantation, their bodies evaporating into streaks of color, leaving the cave. “Cake! She took him. Marshall’s still under her spell. We can’t just let them go.” Fionna said frantically and whipped around the room. 
 
“Don't worry, I got their scent.” Cake took a big whiff of the air around and was able to catch the scent of Ashley and Marshall Lee. Following it seemed like forever with Fionna obsessing over their mistake. The trail led Cake back to what they assumed was Ashley’s place. 
 
“This is it?” Fionna asked.

“Yeah, the trail ends here. What's the plan?”

“Um, you take that shovel, and make as much noise as possible. When Ashley comes outside to see what's going on, I’ll run inside and rescue Marshall Lee.”

“Nice.”
 
Cake slipped away over to the garden of the small home. She picked up an assortment of metal tools and started to bang them together to make loud noises. Shortly after, Ashley came out the front door to inspect. Ashley yelled at Cake to stop, which is when Cake made a mad dash for the tree line, and Ashley followed after. Fionna took her chance to run inside the home. Marshall Lee was watching the commotion from the window inside. “Fi? Where did you come from? You really can't be here, Ashley doesn't like me hanging out with other girls. ” Marshall stated and walked over to meet Fionna. “Oh yeah, I totally get it. But before I go, I have to give you this.” Fionna pulled out the bag of sleeping dust, and blew a pinch into Marshall’s face, making him cough. Marshall was once again under the effects of the sleep spell, Fionna puffed out her own dust, and the two entered Fionna’s unconscious mind. 
 
Marshall swatted at the dust surrounding his face and called out looking for Fionna. He was quickly distracted by the song coming from inside the bathroom in front of him. “

I’m a cute baby, I can dance how you can’t. I can shake-ah my fanny, I can shake-ah my can

.” An infant Fionna, clad in baby clothes, danced in the mirror of the bathroom. Marshall sat back and immediately started to laugh, “Bahaha, how adorable.” Coming from around the corner, Fionna found Marshall Lee laughing. “There you are. What are you…Oh, of course,” She quickly closed the bathroom door. 
 
“Fi, what’s going on? What is all this?”

“This is my old house. That magic powder sent us into my memories. Cake and I were in yours earlier, but Ashley tricked us into stealing the memory of your break up.”

“Really?”

“Yeah, but it’s okay. Now I have a memory, of your memory, in my memory. Here, this is it.”
 
Fionna held up a crystal ball, used a scrying orb, to view the break up scene. She entire incident replayed over for Marshall to view. Marshall Lee sat quietly while watching. He looked away, “Fionna, I think I'd like to wake up now.”

Fionna and Marshall Lee stood outside in the cool air. “You gonna be okay Marshall?” Fionna asked. “Yeah, and I’ve got a plan too,” he answered. Ashley reappeared from her chase empty handed. “Hey Mar-Mar, what's yesterdays’ trash still doing here? She’s stinking up my yard.” Ashley narrowed at Fionna. Marshall gave a low natural growl. “Ashley! You think that you can waltz back into my life whenever you want, steal my memories, treat my friends like shit, insult Fionna, and fucking get away with it!” Marshall raged. Turning his back on Ashley, Marshall grabbed Fionna by the waist, used his other hand to cup her head, bringing her neck in close, and leaned her back without warning. From afar, it would appear that Marshall had sunk his fangs into Fionna's neck, but Marshall knew now was not the time for such an intimate moment. 
 
“Argh! Marshall Lee, you will regret this idiotic stunt the second you get bored of that ugly little whore!” Ashley screamed with fury. She started stomping up the drive to rip the couple apart; but she didn't make it far, because Cake decided to make her reappearance - by crushing Ashley with her giant paw.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

“Do you think it's okay that Marshall Lee invited us over without also inviting Gumball and BMO?” Fionna asked Cake. “It's just a music session. Is that what you're gonna jam with?” Cake responded, pointing at the snare drum leashed around Fionna’s neck. “Hell yeah, I can totally make some music with this thing. Once I figure out how to use it. I was hoping Marshall could teach me…” “Awwe, maybe I should stay back so you two can make music together.” Cake snickered. “Wha! No, it’s not like I- It's not like that you doofus.” Fionna defended herself, while also attempting to hide the rising flush on her face. 
 
Walking up to the front door, there was a note taped on the glass. “Hey girls, I had to run out, but I’ll be back. Yadda yadda yadda, don’t go in my house.” Cake read aloud. “That’s it?” Fionna asked. “Yup. But it's written in blood. I guess we have to camp out. How rude, he didn't even leave chairs.” Cake grumped. They both sat down on the front steps to wait on Marshall Lee’s return. 
 
“This is soooo boring, come on, play storm hunt with me.” FIonna popped up from her step and left the drum kit aside.

“That game never goes over well.”

“Yeah, that's what makes it fun, I know I’ll win.”

“What! Oh, you are on little missy”

“Great! I’ll count to ten and you go hide. But only within the cave, and NOT in Marshall Lee’s house, got it?”

“Yeah yeah got it.”

“Annnnnnd- Go!”
 
Fionna turned her back on Cake and started counting out loud. Her voice echoed in the Cave. Cake wasn't ready, and looking frantically around to find a space hidden from view. Cake ran over to the large deck on the side of Marshall Lee’s home, she spotted a dog door most likely for Schwabl. Fionna was now three quarters of the way through her counting, with no other good options, Cake dashed through the small door into Marshall’s house. “Over the mountain is an ominous cloud, coming to cover the land in a shroud. The storm’s coming!” Fionna called out, hoping Cake could hear. Turning around, she peaked into all of the crevices in their available space, but she didn't find Cake. Hiking up onto the deck, Fionna continued to inspect the area. Walking past the kitchen window, she caught a faint reflection. Only this reflection wasn't her own, but of Cake.
 
”Cake! Get outta there. Marshall Lee will be home any minute. He’ll kill us both.” Fionna scolded. Cake tried to play innocent but Fionna was not interested in dying today. Running around to the side, Fionna squished herself through the same doggy door, which took her awhile to pull her hips in all the way through. “We have to get out of here, the note said we couldn't be in here, you literally read the note out loud how could you forget!” Fionna nervously yelled at Cake inside the home. Fionna was right to be worried, because outside the window was Marshall Lee returning back home. Fionna tackled Cake to the ground out of view. Marshall Lee unlocked his door, walked in, and started setting his bags down. "Why does it smell like cinnamon in here?”

Cake grabbed Fionna around the waist, and pulled them both into the upper floor of the house, away from Marshall Lee in the kitchen.

The girls sprinted into the closet of the bedroom, and whipped the doors closed behind them. “Once he finds out, he’s gonna tie us up and eat us like a spider!” Cake spoke harshly in a hushed tone. “You don't think I know that!” Fionna agreed, trying to stay quiet. “Look, we can wait for the right moment and sneak out under his nose. He’ll never even know we were in here.” Fionna planned, trying to convince herself it was plausible. “Okay, I can do this,” Cake hyped herself up. 
 
“Shut the fuck up, here he comes,” Fionna shushed. Marshall Lee floated up the ladder entrance into his bedroom, still smelling the scent of cinnamon around the house. “Huh, how weird. That's what she normally smells like.” Marshall said to himself and gave up. He floated into the restroom, and went about his business. “Let's get outta here.” Cake motioned for them to exit. Fionna moved the slatted closet door an inch, causing it the creek. The two shared a desperate look, and started to flail about the small closet. Marshall heard the noise from across the room. “What was that?” He said out loud, leaving the restroom and reentering the bedroom. 
 
The girls shared a quizzical thought:

boys don't wash their hands after the restroom?

Refocusing their attention on listening to Marshall Lee, he sniffed around the room, tracking down a new scent. Marshall brought his own shirt to his nose and concluded that it was the culprit.

“Ugh, where are those two?” Marshall wondered out loud to himself. Pulling out his cell phone, he dialed up the treehouse. But because they weren't home, Marshall only got a dial tone and voicemail. 
 
“Welp, if they're not gonna show, I’ll just work on my own stuff.” Marshall Lee sat down at the desk holding the majority of his musical instruments, right next to his bed. Starting up the recorder, it hummed to life. “Take 1. This new album will be based on the last 500 years of my journal entries. I wanna keep these tracks really private.” Marshall spoke into the microphone.

“Fi, this is so bad, we should not be here right now.” Cake attempted to cover her ears to keep from listening. Fionna was actually interested in hearing, and thought little about the invasion of privacy. Cake grabbed a small dagger from somewhere within the closet, and started chipping a hole in the wall to escape. Making it just large enough to slip a hand through, Cake shrunk down and tried to leave the premises.  She didn't get very far, since a gang of spiders were already living on the other side and had caught Cake in the midst of her escape. 
 
Cake was terrified of spiders, and ushered the little creatures out of the walk-in closet, onto the bed side table. The spider had no good intentions, because the lamp that was living on the table was knocked over by its mighty legs. “Yo, what the fuck was that.” Marshall Lee stopped his recording session, looking at the crash, and went to get a broom to clean up the new mess. “Why is weird shit always happening to me?” he grumbled. Sweeping up the broken glass, he tossed the remains, and went to put up the broom again. His irritated demeanor caused him to slam the broom down, sending dust all over his vicinity. “UGH! This is getting ridiculous.” Marshall Lee decided then to go take his overdue shower. Floating away from the dusty corner to the bathroom.

“Phew, do you think it's safe?” Fionna spoke first.

“I don't know, why don't you go see.”
 
Fionna took off her shoes and walked only in socks. She scurried around the bedroom over to the bathroom where she thought Marshall was. Marshall was in the middle of disrobing when Fionna peaked around the corner, and got a full view of Marshall Lee fully unclothed. The experience was not what she had expected nor imagined. Fionna’s face and chest went hot when the blood rushed to her head. Trying not to scream, she slowly backed away, and tiptoed back to the closet. “Babe, what happened?” Cake asked with concern, feeling the radiating heat emanating from Fionna. “I don't think I can ever look him in the eyes again. I can't go back out there.” Fionna responded cryptically, dabbing at the blood from her nose with a shirt. 
 
“Look! He’s going down for the night.” Cake pointed at Marshall Lee who had finished drying off and was floating into bed, then shutting out the lights.
“Now is our chance.” Cake shoved Fionna out of the closet against her will. The pair crawled around on the carpet, trying to be as quiet as possible, in order to make it past Marshall Lee’s bed and downstairs. The plan would’ve been perfect, had it not been for the spider with a vengeance. The same spider from earlier dropped down from the ceiling, smacking into Cake’s arm and immediately taking a big bite. Cake let out a silent scream and started to whimper in pain. 
 
“Cake, you gotta be quiet. You’re gonna wake him up.”

“Why are you talking- you're the one who’s gonna wake him up.”

“If he was awake then he would've heard you by now.”

“I can actually hear both of you.” Marshall Lee interjected.

“Hide you fool!”

Fionna grabbed the forgotten lamp shade and placed it on her head. Cake, not very good at thinking on the spot, decided to impersonate Fionna laying on the couch. “What are you two idiots doing in my lair?” Marshall asked with a straight face, flicking the lights on again. Revealing herself, Fionna looked at Cake. “You shape changed to look like me? And why did you make my ass so big?” Fionna threw the lamp shade at Cake who laughed. “Hey! Explain please.” Marshall asked a little too nicely. “We were playing hide and seek in your closet, but then you came home, so we hid all day and we kinda saw everything.” Fionna said sheepishly. “Whatever you wanna do to us, I just wanna say, we're sorry- like really sorry.” Cake apologized. 
 
“Okay. Apology accepted.”

“Wait, what?”

“I hide in your house all the time. I even take naps in Fi’s bed.”

Marshall Lee walked Fionna to the front door and opened it for her. “Anyways, no hard feelings, I’ll see yall soon.” Marshall said from within. The two started on their walking journey home, the sun was just starting the rise.

Some days later, Fionna layed in bed, she wore her red pajamas and read the latest edition of weapons weekly. “

Fionna

,” a ghostly whisper wafted through the room, sending cold shivers down her spine. “Cake! Is that you?” Fionna called out, but received no response. She quickly tucked herself under the covers and double checked that her sword was at her bedside before blowing out her candle.

Outside the bedroom window was Marshall Lee, peering inside, just keeping an eye on his favorite human girl.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

“Okay Gunther, ready for the show to begin” Ice Queen called from somewhere within the dark of the Ice palace. Gunther waited outside while snacking on a small popcorn. Emerging from the hallway, Ice Queen twirled about the room in a short black wig, and a loose button down shirt pulled over her dress. 
 
“

Gunther, why did you eat my fries, I Gunt them, and they were mine

.” Ice Queen performed a horrendous rendition of a song from Marshall Lee’s discography. Dancing over to her audience of a single penguin, she picked him up into her arms. Unable to take the high pitched singing, Gunther covered his ears with small flippers. “Quack! Quack Quack!” Gunther wailed. 
 
“Ah! Marshall Lee’s songs are so good. Maybe I could get Marshall to write a song with me. If he helped me write a song like that, I’d be crushing it with all the princes!” Ice Queen schemed. Gunther pulled the wig off of Ice Queen’s head and started to munch, Ice Queen relented and took off the shirt too. “You know Gunther, my song will need new lyrics to make all of those princes finally surrender to me. Let's go find some inspiration.” Ice Queen took Gunther with her as she started to fly down the steps of the Ice palaces’ lower levels looking for anything to be her muse.
 
She decided to land in a much older room that had not been occupied in a long time. There was a multitude of papers, books, precious momentos, furniture, and pictures scattered about the damp office space. Ice Queen landed, the clacking of her heels echoed on the floor as she walked over to what presumably was once a writing desk. Picking up the last book in the row, sending the others toppling over now that the makeshift bookend was gone, the leather cover read

‘Scrapbook’.

“Still wet with tears. Globdamnit some of the ink is smudged. Nevermind that, I’ll take these clean pages with me.” Ice Queen ripped a handful of paper out of the leatherbound, and stuffed them into her bodice. She turned to Gunther again, “So where is Marshall Lee living these days?” She asked. “Quack,” Gunther responded. “A cave? How desolate.” Ice Queen quickly ordered the penguins to gather any musical instruments that lived within the Ice palace, so they could be loaded into her ice carriage. The frozen carriage had no horse but was driven by Gunther. Taking her place in the back seat, they started on the short distance to the Grasslands cave where Marshall Lee resided.

While Ice Queen was flying over, Fionna and Cake sat atop rocks keeping watch for movement within the Ice Queendom. “Well well well, looks like Ice Queen is up to no good, once again. She makes this way too easy on us. Are you ready to roll out?” Fionna asked. “Dinner rolls baby girl,” Cake responded affirmatively. Fionna and Cake followed Ice Queen’s carriage all the way to Marshall Lee’s house.

Ripped away from peacefully strumming the chords of his base, Marshall Lee was drawn to the many noises from outside his home. He looked through the window, and saw Ice Queen touching down inside the cave entrance, Marshall rushed out the front door. “What are you doing here? I told you not to hang around me anymore.” Marshall said with a frustrated tone. “Oh yeah, about that, I was hoping you could help me write a song. Something to enchant all of the boys in Aaa.” Ice Queen said. “What? I’m not helping you pick up dudes.” Marshall Lee said, outraged. “Come on! We could be a duo. We can split the fans, I’ll get all the princes, and you can have whatever you're into.” Ice Queen exclaimed, trying to persuade Marshall. 
 
When Marshall Lee said nothing, Ice Queen made her way through the open door, into Marshall’s home. Marshall chased, “Hey! Get out of here.” “Wait, just let me play what I already have.” Ice Queen started to move about and set up her instruments inside the home. She quickly started to tangle the cords, her irritation building, and accidentally freezing what her hands touched. Ice Queen had gotten caught in the ropes and soon gave up trying to sort them apart. Slamming the door open was Fionna and Cake who had caught up to the commotion.

“Ice Queen! Oh, you got her. Nice job Marshall Lee.” Fionna spoke. Cake angrily walked up to a restrained Ice Queen, “Your constant harassment of the male gender makes me sick,” Cake delivered in an intimidating voice. Picking Ice Queen up, Fionna and Cake started to vacate the premises. 
 
“Nah, she can stay.” Marshall Lee said bluntly. “Wha!” The attendees spoke in unison, all surprised by his choice. “It’s all right, We’re gonna work on a song together,” Marshall covered for Ice Queen. “You don't want us to… Take her outback for you?” Fionna asked, perplexed.

“It’s okay, you guys can go.” Marshall Lee reassured Fionna and Cake, who hesitantly handed Ice Queen over, and slowly started making their way back to the entrance. “Um, okay, I guess we’ll see you later then…” Fionna said one more time, not fully convinced, before leaving Marshall alone with Ice Queen. After waiting a moment, Ice Queen said “Ya know, I kinda like being tied up- kinda sexy,” and Marshall Lee promptly dropped her.

Marshall Lee went about plugging in and starting up his collection of instruments. He turned on the omnichord, and played some notes to check if it was live. “So what kind of song are we making?” Marshall inquired. “Well I brought these to work off of, they’re like a template.” Ice Queen reached for the notebook entries she had previously stowed. Marshall held one up, dripping, and quizzically raised an eyebrow at its state. He decided to look past it, and started playing an assortment of notes as an intro for Ice Queen to work with. “

Slime Prince, you’re alright. Flame Prince, you’re okay. Wildberry prince could be better. All the Princes are pretty all right, But, Oh Prince Gumball. You look like a lot of fun.

” Ice Queen started to sing, but her voice was scratchy and her pacing was off. Marshall Lee cringed at the mention of Gumball.

“Oh Prince Gumball, I really need someone, or anyone. Pretty much anyone, I’m so alone. Won't someone please tell me what’s wrong with me?”

Ice Queen quickly dived deep into her feelings, and plunged the song into chaos. She sang while shooting sharp icicles into the ceiling above, letting out her frustration, and creating small holes in the roof. Marshall Lee turned to see the mess Ice Queen had made.
 
“Stop acting like this!”

“No! I command those Princes to love me!”

“Stop acting crazy.”

“I just wanna be loved, is that so much to ask.” 
 
Ice Queen pushed Marshall Lee off, who had invaded her personal space, and walked into the kitchen to distance herself. Feeling insecure, she climbed on top of the refrigerator, sat down, and let her feet hang over the edge. Marshall followed into the other room, watching the scene unfold. “Again, I’m sorry I pushed you,” Ice Queen apologized, trying to make herself scarce. Marshall, who hadn't been feeling all that well to begin with, now felt even worse. Opening the fridge, he grabbed something red, hoping it would help. Ice Queen’s dress skirts were very much in the way, and tickled the tip of Marshall’s nose. “Ugh!” He grunted, and sank to the floor. Pushing the apple away, it rolled across the tiled floor, and bumped into the musical set up from earlier. The track from before started to play over again, filling the room with sound.

“You are so annoying, you pitiful woman. I’d like to help you, but I don't know if I can. I knew you were nuts, but you're really really really nuts… Everytime I move, eventually you find me and start hanging around. It's another lame excuse to see me, man, it’s getting me down. You know I’m actually glad to see you- maybe I’m the one who’s nuts.”

Marshall Lee sang truthfully, his words held more meaning than initially intended. “Wait just a minute. Do you actually like me?” Ice Queen jumped down from her perch. “Of course I do, you crazy old hag.” Marshall Lee responded, running a hand through his now messy hair, clearly stressed. 
 
Not quite sure how to handle the situation, Ice Queen opened her arm, hoping Marshall would return the affection. Marshall Lee, too tired to fight, decided to hug Ice Queen back. When he did, he felt comforted. He felt safe in a way he had not in a very long time. When you live close to 1000 years, some memories fade and some stay just as fresh in your mind as the day they were created. Ice Queen’s body was cold, but it didn't bother Marshall Lee at all. They stayed like that for a moment, then Marshall started to feel something on the crown of his head. Ice Queen had begun sniffing his hair. 
 
“Ugh! Can you be normal, for once. You don't remember anything, do you, Simone? Why do you even come see me when you don't remember me? You don't even know who you are.” Marshall Lee fumed. “I am a composer! It’s all here. On this page, on this receipt, on this menu, on this newspaper.” Ice Queen tossed the papers about the kitchen, trying to prove her fantastical writing skills. One particular article stuck out, Marshall Lee grabbed it midair, and turned it over. “Look, this was you Simone, this was you before the war.” Marshall Lee shoved the clipping into Ice Queen’s hands. Ice Queen inspected it but had no outward reaction.

Dropping to his knees, Marshall continued to search through the pile to find something else that might help. He found another noteworthy piece. It was a faded polaroid picture of Marshall Lee as a young child, about 8 years old. “This! You took this picture. And you scribbled all over it.”

On the back was a short note, written with Marshall Lee as the intended recipient. He started reading what was there, and was immediately immersed in the words. “Oh! Is it something good? I’ll get the keyboard.” Ice Queen rushed over to the forgotten omnichord and plugged it back in. She started strumming noises and conjoining tunes. “What’s it say? Sing it out.” She urged.

“Marshall Lee, is it just you and me and the wreckage of the world? That must be so confusing for a little ghoul. And I know you're going to need me here with you, but I’m losing myself and I’m afraid you’re going to lose me too. This magic keeps me alive, but it’s making me crazy. And I need to save you, but who’s going to save me? Please forgive me, for whatever I do, when I don't remember you.”

Marshall Lee sang once again, this time he took a long look at the Ice Queen in front of him, corrupted by the magic of the diadem on her head. He looked deeper, and for a moment, he saw what remained of his best friend and the only good mother figure he would ever know. 
 
“Wow, I wrote that. That’ll be a hit.” Ice Queen moved over to the small drum set standing in the corner of the room. Picking up the drumsticks, she started to tap on the symbols lightly. “You don't remember what any of it means?” Marshall Lee picked out a new photograph, and showed it to Ice Queen. She started reading, picking up where he left off.

“Marshall Lee, I can feel myself slipping away. I can't remember what it made me say. But I remember that I saw you frown, I swear it wasn't me, it was the crown.”

Ice Queen finished her bridge, and Marshall Lee picked up his base. Not before shedding a couple of tears, torn apart by the living memory singing in front of him.

“This magic keeps me alive, but it's making me crazy. And I need to save you, but who’s going to save me? Please forgive me, for whatever I do, when I don't remember you.”

Both Ice Queen and Marshall harmonized, completing their mission of creating a new song together.

From outside the house, Fionna and Cake sat on the slimy rocks of the cavern, looking inside using a pair of binoculars. “What the heck is going on in there?” Cake asked.

“I honestly have no idea.” Fionna answered.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

“Cake! BMO?” Fionna called out into the open living room of the cluttered treehouse. She looked around, checking to see if the coast was clear. Deciding it was safe, she opened up the wooden bench in the corner of the room, and pulled out a small box. Taking the top off, she carefully picked up the contents, and revealed a pair of small pink socks. Fionna and Cake often had friends over for movie night, during one of these showings, Gumball had lost an extra pair of socks that he would never find again. Fionna found them a day later, but instead of returning Gumball’s personal belongings, like a normal person, she hid it away like a stalker. Every now and again, Fionna would take the socks out of hiding, and spend time with the only tangible item she could surmise from Gumball. Fionna felt like a freak, which is why she only did this in private, but she also didn't quite understand why she had chosen to do such a crazy thing in the first place. Maybe because liking Prince Gumball was the safe option. Gumball was simple, straightforward, and never had any cryptic meanings behind his words. 
 
“Hey girl whatcha doin!” Cake yelled, startling Fionna. Cake and BMO emerged from behind a freezer close by. “Ah! Cake, what the hell,” Fionna screeched and immediately felt embarrassed at being caught. “Don't worry baby, I won't tell anyone about the alone time you spend with Gumball’s dirty socks.” Cake snickered. “They’re not dirty!” Fionna defended.

“How did you even know?” Fionna followed up. “Fi, we’re roommates, but don't worry. I’ll share my beloved keepsake with you too, just to make you feel better,” Cake said as she walked away. Cake reached under one of the hard wooden planks, lifted it up, and revealed a very old baby blanket. “See? I love this disgusting thing, which is why I don't blame you for doing the same.” 
 
While showing off her prized possession, a whirl of strange noises and red door fabricated in the living room across from the girls. Walking up to inspect, Fionna was startled when a strange yellow figure opened from the other side. It was tall, human like, but disproportionate, with a small door shaped hat, and keys hooked on the side. “Who’re you?” Fionna pointed at the stranger. Letting itself inside, the weird creature dashed around the room, and ripped the momentos out of each girls’ hands, including BMO’s controller. “No!” BMO protested.

Throwing an enchanted key into the ground, a new door opened, and the magician leapt through it. “You are not getting away with our stuff,” Fionna called after, while charging straight into the same portal. Fionna, Cake, and BMO pursued, but once on the other side, they no longer found themselves inside their home. They were now far out into the grasslands. The mysterious portal magician was still running, and forcefully took a toy out of a small child's hands, and continued on his way. “Don't worry toy, I’ll get your kid,” Fionna said randomly, still giving chase. Cake held BMO, and they followed behind. The trio were attempting to catch up with the criminal even after every new portal was opened. Another key, another portal, another steal. 
 
This time, their feet landed in the candy castle. Fionna could hear Prince Gumball from down the hall, clearly in the same predicament. “You butt!” Prince Gumball yelled in frustration. Fionna had no time to stop and just grabbed his arm to indicate her wishes. “Fionna!” Gumball said surprised. Keeping their feet moving, Fionna led the squad through another door. This door was now the entrance to the home of Marshall Lee. Hearing the clamor, Fionna rushed into the other room of the house she knew well, searching for the disruption. Marshall Lee had his pickaxe base raised above his head, and swiftly brought the weapon down aiming for the intruder. He missed, which offered an opportunity for a new door to appear. Wherever the next door led didn't matter, because the bright sun from within reached Marshall before he could swing again. Marshall Lee hissed violently, and fell to the ground. “Marshall! Are you okay? Please be okay,” Fionna ran over to comfort Marshall. “Yeah, I’ll be fine…” Marshall Lee whispered, attempting to hide his eyes behind his hair. “Don't worry, I’m gonna beat this guy’s ass,” Fionna said, hoisting herself up onto the bottom of the suspended door frame, and pulling herself into the opposite side. 
 
The assortment of friends did as Fionna had, and followed suit. Once again, they were too late. The magician opened yet another door, this time it was different, and located in red dirt canyon. The newest door was like no other, with a large frame, ornate carvings, and golden hardware. The magician looked back for a moment before running inside. The heavy bubbled wood closing behind him. Fionna ran up and slammed her hands down in anger. “What the hell do we do now?” Cake asked once she and the others caught up. Marshall Lee was covered neck to toe, and donned a large sun hat so he could join. Fionna looked around, and read the inscription that was carved into stone. “This door shall yield to no command, save for a song from a genuine band,” Fionna said aloud. 
 
“What is this funk?” She asked to no one in particular. “It's the door of the Door Lord, Fionna. We used to lock them up, but they kept breaking out, ‘cause they’re door lords.” Prince Gumball explained. “They broke out, because you let them live,” Marshall Lee emphasized, floating away from Gumball and over to Fionna’s side. Gumball grumbled in response. “Hmm, the door will open for a genuine band. Let's try to music this door open as a quintet,” Fionna suggested.

“Oh! Can I be the jerk in the band! The bitchy backup is an important part to a band’s success.” Cake interjected. “I know how to get through this door, we’re gonna lay down a chill jam,” Marshall Lee started to strum chords on his base. “Marshall, you should take the lead, you're the best with music,” Fionna said. “Thank you my dear, just keep it cool. Got that gum prince?” Marshall Lee said abruptly and sent a hard look over to Prince Gumball. Marshall didn't enjoy spending much time with Gumball anymore since he was always so uptight; but still accepted the solo gigs at the candy castle when the price was right. He much preferred someone who could take a joke and knew how to chill out for five fucking seconds. 
 
With a set expression, Gumball picked up BMO, and started to mess with some circuits. Fionna performed her best beatboxing, and Cake played with the hammers on the
dulcimer. “Let's see if you hacks can keep up with my true talent,” Cake said, still in character. 
 
“

La da-da-da-da, I’m gonna bury you in the ground. La da-da-da-da, I’m gonna bury you in my sound. I’m gonna drink the red, from your pretty pale face…

” Marshall Lee sang, but was quickly interrupted. “Marshall Lee, that's too distasteful,” Prince Gumball professed. Marshall looked right at him with a sort of disgusted stare. “Oh, you don't like that? Or maybe you just don't like me.” Marshall stabbed back with harsh words. “

Sorry I don't treat you like your Glob, is that what you want me to do? Sorry I don't treat you like you’re perfect, like all you little, loyal subjects do. Sorry I’m not made of sugar, am I not sweet enough for you? Is that why you always avoid me, that must be such an inconvenience to you. I’m just your problem. I’m just your problem..

” Marshall Lee sang a raw and beautiful song, he no longer paid any attention to the audience below. It was clear to Fionna that some things were still left unsaid between Gumball and Marshall, and that she might be in the middle of it. Fionna also had things to say to both of them, but who knows when she would find the appropriate time. The large double doors had begun to glow behind Marshall Lee as he sang. The small smiling faces indicated their satisfaction with Marshall Lee’s song. It was only when Marshall started to falter did the emoticons reset.

“It was working…” Fionna said shyly, trying to diffuse the tension. Marshall Lee came back to reality. He looked at Fionna first, searching for approval, and then Gumball, but he only offered a blank expression. “Stop staring at me, you threw me off.” Marshall lashed out, feeling on display. “Come on, don't stop now. You were so close, the door responded to your music,” Fionna said reassuringly while she placed a hand on Marshall Lee’s bicep. He physically started to calm, especially with Fionna’s comforting touch. “I’m getting out of here, you talentless hacks!” Cake said, still roleplaying. She simply walked to the other side of the canyon walls, and sat down far away. “Maybe the door wants us to play nice, why don't we take a break,” Fionna said. Marshall Lee got up and started to float away. “Wait! Please don't go Marshall,” Fionna begged. “Don't worry babes, I’m just gonna get a deck of cards,” Marshall Lee turned only his head to speak backwards. 
 
Now Gumball and Fionna were alone. He spoke first, “Hey, it was nice what you said about us all getting along. You’re better at this stuff than I am.” Prince Gumball was typically very self assured, it was rare for him to open up about his faults, especially to Fionna. “Of course I want us all to get along, you guys are my closest friends,” Fionna said, returning a personal note.

She was so happy that they were finally spending some time together like this. She was able to see a side of Gumball she never got to before. “You know, I’m not very in tune with my emotions, not like how Marshall Lee is, and I don't think I will be for a long time either. It’s not something I’m ready to pursue.” Gumball looked down at his feet. “Um, well, when you are ready, we’ll all be here for you. I guess.” Fionna said nervously. Not fully understanding what he meant, but also grasping at what he implied. It sounded like Gumball had no plans to follow his true feelings, if he even had any. This was a new emotion for Fionna, like a nail in a coffin. 
 
“Hey, I found my cards.” Marshall Lee returned, floating over and presenting the deck like a prize. He pulled BMO over and used the light from the screen to light up a makeshift rock-table. The sun was setting, so Marshall removed his protective outer layer. “Shuffle, shuffle, shuffle. What about a song on cards?” Fionna suggested. “No!” both Marshall Lee and Gumball said in unison. The boys looked at each other, and laughed lightly. 
 
“Okay, for this next attempt, I’d like to take the lead.” Prince Gumball said. Cake returned from afar, this time body shifting to look more punk rock and on-edge. “Cake, you're back,” Fionna said gleefully. “Shut your face. I came for the music.” Cake said, committed to her act.

“BMO, execute song structure alpha. Marshall Lee, play triplet quavers in the mixolydian mode.” Gumball started conducting. “What the fuck is a quaver.” Marshall Lee asked Fionna, who gave a shrug in response. “Fionna, dampen and undampen your larynx. Like this,” Gumball gave a small show on vibrating vocal cords. Fionna did as she was told. The instrumental music created was impressive, but had a sort of dysfunctional quality to it. Cake, who clearly had enough, slammed her instrument down making a clang sound. Which set off all the other band members.

BMO started to short circuit, Marshall snapped a string, and Fionna just gave up. “Maybe I might have miscalculated,” Gumball said sheepishly. “Ha! Guess you're not as perfect as you thought,” Marshall Lee took a chance to cause more chaos. “I never said I was perfect!” Gumball defended. It wouldn't have mattered what he said, since Marshall already geared up and spit on Gumball's shoulder. Shaken by the utter disrespect, Gumball went rigid, and started to walk away without a word. The entire plan was quickly failing. 
 
“Whatever, I'm out of here too,” Marshall Lee said. “Wait! Please Marshall, don't go.” Fionna pleaded. “You guys have all forgotten the music,” Cake said with an attitude and running away. Leaving Fionna by herself standing in front of the door. She decided to make one last attempt. Fionna clapped a repetitive beat, and took the lead on her own song. “

Marshall, Gumball, I’m the dumbest of them all. I should've just told you what the door lord got, was one of your socks. Now it's gone, but what does it matter, when I just had all of you here. Oh, I just had all of you there with me, my friends, if you're even my friends. What am I to you? Am I a joke, a pawn, or a sister? What am I to you, do you look down because I’m younger. You are my best friends in the world,

” Fionna sang from the heart, even if she wasn't good, singing about her true thoughts and worries. 
 
Slowly, Marshall Lee, Prince Gumball, Cake, and even BMO listened to the song, and rejoined Fionna to finish what they started. Each person playing their respective instrument, the door once again started to shine with approval. Marshall Lee and Fionna harmonized, singing the second chorus. Their efforts were fruitful, Fionna put more power behind her words, emphasizing the affection for those she held dear. When she ran out of breath, Fionna turned around to see the large door was open.

Looking inside, the door lord was sitting along a large wall that was filled with drawers, presumably containing stolen keepsakes. He quickly dropped his lunch and started to back away. “Hey dipstick! Give us our shit back,” Fionna yelled and charged. The door lord held up his hands in surrender, but since the species was mute, he tried his best to communicate to Fionna through grunts and blinks. “Oh, I think I get it,” Marshall started. “By taking our things, you were trying to teach us a lesson,” Gumball continued. “That the greatest treasure of all is friendship!” Cake finished. The door lord waved whimsically, happy to hear his riddle had been solved.

None of it mattered anyways, since Fionna went ahead and gave the door lord a concussion, and tied him up tight. “Yeah, fuck that noise,” Marshall Lee agreed with Fionna. Cake dug around inside the sack that the door lord once held and distributed the belongings accordingly. “Here’s that sock of Gumball’s that you love so much,” Cake said and handed it over. “Here’s Cakey’s blankey. Here’s BMO’s controller. Here’s Marshall’s guitar pick,” Cake announced.

“Oh! That's actually mine, thanks.” Gumball grabbed the pick from Cake and looked away from Marshall Lee. Gumball felt eyes on his back. “And lastly, Fionna, your hair tie-scrunchie thing.” Cake threw in her general direction. Instead of Fionna, Marshall Lee was the one who caught it. “How on earth did you get that?” Fionna inquired. “I’ll never tell,” Marshall Lee replied ominously, giving her a wink. Fionna sighed and looked down at the socks in her hands. She looked over at Gumball, and made her way to him. “You can have these back. I won't be needing them anymore.” Fionna said. 
 
“Thank you for keeping them safe, I thought they'd be lost forever.” Gumball gladly accepted his clothing back and knowingly smiled at her. “I guess now we can take all this stuff back to everyone who was a victim of the door lord,” Fionna suggested. “I bet I can grab more than you,” Cake yelled, making a head start for the drawers. “No way, I’ll give back the most stolen items.” Fionna resounded. Marshall Lee took Fionna's side and let her use him as transport. His sweet spot for her evident to all else except herself.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Prince Gumball sat on the edge of an oversized bed in the center of his room. The bedroom was themed in light pinks and creams, and it was located in one of his highest towers. The sun was rising, but he still had slippers on. Gumball was staring at his bedside table, and in a small trinket bowl, was the guitar pick Marshall Lee had gifted him a long time ago. The cat clock nearby spurred to life, announcing it was time to wake. Gumball reached over and hit stop, and while his hand was hovering, he picked up the small piece of plastic. Turning it over in his hand, and trying to remember more about it. The pick was black with a design on the cover, it looked like two takoyaki tormented by a snake. Deciding it was time to get up, Gumball shoved the pick into his pants pocket, and swapped his slippers for something more dignified.

Downstairs, Gumball had requested a small group gather in the foyer. “Hello everybody, I’ve asked you all here today because you are the best of the best. Anyways, recent data shows an increased threat to the Candy Kingdom.” Gumball announced. His task force consisted of Cinnamon Swirl, Butterscotch Butler, three of his favorite banana guards, plus Fionna and Cake. Fionna immediately started to fake fist fight with Cake. “I’m developing a new defense. I’ve installed sleeping gas into the Bubblegum Guardians. If any bum tries to attack us, they will be sprayed without mercy. The only thing is, the gas will spread and knock out anyone who breathes it.” Gumball explained to the group. 
 
“I’m going to train you on how to overcome the gas, with willpower. Hit it!” The Bubblegum Guardian immediately started blowing a gust of sleeping gas into the room. “Now! Make a fist with your brain and punch against the sleep!” Gumball shouted through the wind. After about 20 seconds of gas, the guardian stopped, and Gumball turned around. He faced a large pile of sleeping warriors, who clearly didn't grasp the instructions. He brought a hand to his head and pinched the bridge of his nose. This was going to take awhile. 
 
“Yo Gumball!” A voice shouted from outside. An ambient body followed after, it was Marshall Lee. “Marshall Lee, you're up late,” Gumball noticed first. “No time for chit chat, let's do something, like right now,” Marshall Lee sputtered. “Hmm, I don't know what we would ever need to ‘hang out’ for, besides I’m very busy at the moment,” Gumball turned his chin up and around to look back at his elite group, all still snoozing. He pursed his lips at the loss of an excuse.

“Look, I'll reason with you. I tracked down Maja the Sky Witch. You’re not exactly my first choice to partner with either, but you are still the smartest person I know,” Marshall said begrudgingly, but he was sincere. Gumball responded in awe of the backhanded compliment. 
 
“I found her in some enchanted forest, but it’s all jammed up with barrier spells.”

“I think I see where this is going.”

“You love getting your big brain out, and I thought it might be just a little bit okay to spend a short amount of quality time with you…”

“Wow, that was hard to watch.”

“I need your help, okay?”

“Why are you even interested in Maja anyways?”

“I just really, really, really, really, really, really, really, need to find her.”

“Alright, I guess that settles it then.”

“Great! I already got your man-purse.”

“It’s actually my go-bag.”

“And I actually don't care.”
 
Gumball strapped the small rucksack onto his shoulders, causing Marshall to tap his levitating foot anxiously. Once Gumball was ready, Marshall Lee vice gripped the top strap and leapt from the tower with Gumball in tow. Marshall Lee and their history was one of Gumball’s many regrets. Many years ago, he had put Marshall to the side, subsequently tabling his needs, and that wasn't fair. Maybe today, now that there was enough peace for the two to function, would be a good time to remedy just that.

The enchanted forest was on the outskirts of the Grasslands, far away where no one would think to look. Both walked up to a large condensed mass of redwoods, all contorted unnaturally.

Marshall Lee reached his hands in and started to pull on branches and vines, but nothing would budge. “See, something’s wrong, it's like a brick wall. I’ve already considered blowing this thing to bits.” Gumball took out a finger from his gloved hand, and placed it on a branch. His data read came back quickly. “It's a sleeping gate bramble.” Gumball concluded. “Great, how do I murder it?” Marshall asked in response. “No, all we have to do is take the path of least resistance,” Gumball turned around and laid his back onto the leafy bushes. “It's all in your head. Take a deep breath, and be passive.” Gumball said and largely exhaled. Slowly, the tree roots started to part, letting Gumball through easily. “This is fucking stupid,” Marshall Lee grumbled, but followed suit. Marshall laid back, and crossed his arms over his chest. He took a deep breath in and out, but nothing happened. He lightly banged his head on the headrest. 
 
Prince Gumball reappeared. “Having trouble relaxing? How about a cup of chamomile tea?” Gumball presented a hot cup of tea in a red mug. Marshall accepted the cup, but only drank the color. Some part seem to work, and Marshall Lee relaxed enough to fall through the barriers. On the other side was a dome roof made of trees. It was large but dark. “Whoa,” Marshall said. “Yeah, I know, my electromagnetic meters are going bonkers. Look at my watch!” Gumball held out his wrist. “It’s pink.” Marshall deadpanned. “Yes, but it’s running backwards. There is serious witchery afoot,” Gumball explained. “Yeah whatever, come on your majesty, we don’t have all night.” Marshall Lee grabbed Gumball by the arm and started to drag him in a new direction. Gumball let him lead as he took in the surroundings, but Marshall Lee stopped abruptly. “What the fuck are those,” Marshall said with a hiss and narrowing his eyes at the targets. A large tree stood center of the path, the upper branches holding very odd looking dolls. “Totem carins,” Gumball answered. Both looking up, one particular totem stuck out, big and black, the feathers started to ruffle, and eyes leered back at the intruders. “That’s Maja’s crabbit familiar!” Marshall Lee exclaimed.

The hybrid creature fully revealed itself, screeching, and flying away from the branch. Before it fully departed, a single black feather fell to the ground below in front of Marshall Lee. The feather sizzled and burned to a crisp, then immediately morphed into a large, 3 foot tall, animated stuffed animal. A patched up pastel pink bear with extra long limbs. “Hambo!” Marshall Lee yelled, overjoyed, and started stepping closer to the toy. “Took you long enough, I’ve been waiting forever,” Hambo said. The lips moving in an unnatural way. “Your teddy bear? That’s what this is about?” Gumball asked, exasperated. “I’m so sorry Hambo,” Marshall Lee apologized. Before Marshall could go any further, Gumball put a hand on his shoulder, holding him in place.
 
“Yo, wait a sec.”

“What?!” Marshall hissed.

“It’s a trick you dumbass. What are you, five? Look at it.”

“Bo-bu-bu-bah-bo-bu-bu”

“Get off of me.”
 
Marshall whipped Gumball’s hand off, and started running again. Gumball quickly tackled Marshall Lee to the ground. Unlatching his gray tea mug from the backpack, and tossed it at Hambo. Passing through the illusion, it dissipated, and in its place appeared sharp spikes, perfect for vampire killing. “Barnabus! You killed him,” Marshall Lee said in agony. “Don’t be dense, Hambo can’t speak.” Gumball said, stepping off of Marshall. “He’s been with the witch the whole time, maybe he can talk now…” 
 
“That’s seriously all this is, rescuing your teddy bear,” Gumball said, shaking his head. “Look, I didn't tell you cuz I thought you wouldn’t come along.” Marshall said. “Uh yeah, Raggedy Prince can make you another Hambo in like, three seconds.” Gumball responded. Gumball obviously didn't understand. He wasn't born human, and having a favorite stuffed animal was a human thing. Trying to keep his cool, Marshall put his foot down. “I’m not getting another Hambo, there is only one Hambo.” “Fine, we’ll get your stupid toy. Let's just get this over with.”
 
“We should track that bird-rabbit thing. Look, it left a trail,” Gumball pointed out the various broken branches in the tree line. “I see it,” Marshall Lee floated up and took off after the trail, leaving Gumball behind. “Hey! Hold on, this bag is mad heavy,” Gumball sprinted after Marshall, racing past roots and trunks to try and keep up. Pushing through heavy bushes, he pulled himself into a clearing. “And I thought he needed my help.” A large still pond was at the center. Gumball walked up, he had lost sight of Marshall, and inspected the water hoping it was drinkable. A large reflection shown like a mirror on the surface, but what he saw in the water was not what he saw up above. The blue sky and clouds were another illusion, what Maja was actually trying to hide was a house. The pond was an entrance to the front door. Taking a leap of faith, Gumball dove in.

The sensation of falling into water slowly changed to falling from the sky. Gumball yelled in surprise and flailed his limbs out trying to catch wind. Looking around was overstimulating his mind, so he focused on the first thing in front of him, a house. Presumably Maja’s house. Grabbing onto the levitating cement sidewalk, Gumball hoisted himself onto the solid ground outside the front door. Setting his clothes straight, he walked inside. The foyer was dimly lit, and was filled with all sorts of taxidermy. “Okay PG, use your brain. Where would this witch keep Hambo,” Gumball pondered out loud. He closely observed the small details of the home, and came to his conclusion. So much was left untouched and dusty, and the only object still clean was the chandelier. Walking up the stairwell to the top floor balcony, Gumball made a short jump onto the grand light fixture. With nowhere else to go, he climbed up into the ceiling.

On the opposite side of the witchs' house, Marshall Lee was wandering the halls. Marshall Lee opened a random door, and saw his beloved Hambo once again. “Hambo! I’ve been looking everywhere for you,” Marshall exclaimed. Hambo stuffed fell forward, beginning to convulse, and split down the center. Revealing dark black feathers and shifting into the hybrid creature from before, another illusion sent to torment Marshall Lee. Marshall kicked straight into the face of the familiar, sending its limp body into the foyer of the house. Marshall gave chase, shapeshifting into a demon bat to overpower the crabbit creature. The little monster didn't stay down for long, it got back up and also shapeshifted into a much larger form. These two would brawl for a long time, drawing blood and ripping feathers.

Unbeknownst to Marshall Lee, Gumball was close by. Gumball had found a cluttered hallway filled with knick knacks and antiques. He popped out a flashlight, and began to search around for anything of importance. “Ugh, this must be all of her stolen junk. What a creep.” Gumball kicked some model cars around to clear a path, when he spotted a box atop all the other piles.

“Whoa, ‘Privates’, what could that be,” Gumball said hushed. He reached for the box, but his footing was unstable, Gumball fell backwards with the box in tow, and various papers went flying around. A particular paper landed on his face, pulling it off, he read the contents. “Official invoice for the purchase of Hambo! What the heck,” Gumball read. He didn’t have long to recover, because Maja finally showed, appearing out of thin air, lightning cracked and the lights strobed, causing Gumball to cower. “That’s my personal belongings. Maja’s mitts only you fool.” 
 
“You purchased Hambo! From that psycho Ashley?” Gumball accused. “Doesn’t matter where it came from; the sale is still valid,” Maja said and cackled. She revealed Hambo, who had been hidden in her cape, “his body is all juice-logged with sentimental affection, a savory spell spice.” “What have you done with Marshall Lee?” Gumball said, shifting his focus. “He’s busy with my crabbit. Crowbit? The crow-rabbit thing. I knew that halfwit wouldn’t respect my proof of purchase. But will you?” Maja inquired. Gumball sighed, “by the laws of the Candy kingdom, I must honor your legal exchange, but we’re not leaving without Hambo.”

In the other room, Marshall Lee swung his foot out, knocking the familiar onto its back. He mounted the target, using all of his weight, and unsheathed his fangs. Before Marshall could finish the job, Gumball called from across the house. Getting up, Marshall reverted back from his demon bat, and looked at the direction of noise. Gumball emerged from a dark hallway, and tossed Hambo at Marshall Lee. Marshall Lee jumped up with joy, he hugged the small stuffed animal close, and hiccupped through some tears. “How did you…” Marshall started off. “Don’t worry, I took care of it. Now let’s get out of here.” Gumball pushed Marshall forward and towards the door. Kicking it open, they both jumped out into the sky, and dived for the water below. 
 
Drenched and exhausted, the two walked back out and into the Grasslands. “You know, if you had just come out and told me how important this was, I would’ve helped sooner.” Gumball initiated. “In the past, I have told you how important junk was, and that was not the reaction I received.” Marshall replied snarkily.
“Look, we’re too old to get hung up on the past. I… I just want you to be happy.” Gumball said sincerely and looked Marshall in the eyes.

“Well duh, I never imagined you would wish me harm.”

“Because I would never cast out a friend.”

“So, you think of me as a friend?”

“Yeah, I think we can be friends.”

Marshall offered a small smile, but quickly turned his attention back to Hambo. Now that his good luck charm was back, he felt he could do anything, which made him think of a certain human girl.

Back at the witch's house, a caldron of green potion boiled over a fire. The crabbit, severely beaten, crawled into the room and kneeled before Maja. “Mistress, the intruders got away with your ingredient.” The familiar said, ashamed. “Of course they did, I let them go. I have an even better ingredient for spell casting now!” Maja held up a small guitar pick, and threw it into the mixing pot. “That little piece of plastic has enough juice to last me decades,” Maja laughed and started bottling her mixture, glad that she would never have to deal with Marshall Lee the Vampire king again.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Far out in the desert lands of Aaa, there was a long lost Sand kingdom. Deep into the ground, the deserted city is where Prince Gumball had sent Fionna, Cake, and Marshall Lee for the majestic Spoon of Prosperity. It had been easy to find, since it was the only silverware on the long dusty dining table. Marshall Lee sat atop a tall column, invisible, with the spoon resting on his nose, he looked very funny. 
 
Fionna was shaking the sand out of her boots, when Cake groaned. “What’s wrong with you?” Fionna asked. “I ate all the candy in the bag, now I’m sick,” Cake said, she rubbed a paw over her stomach, trying to soothe the ache. “I didn’t bring any candy,” Fionna giggled. “Is that why it tasted weird?” Cake questioned. “Eh, nothing tastes right today. I thought we had our work cut out with these sand people, but they’re just standing around.” Fionna tied her shoe back into place. Marshall Lee decided it was time to rejoin, he floated down, removed the spoon from his face, and used it to tap the sand guards forehead. “Oops,” Marshall Lee uncloaked himself and the sand guard crumbled to the ground. “I think they’re dead.” 
 
Marshall floated over and handed the spoon to Fionna, who shoved it into her backpack. Cake got up and stretched, “Wow, I feel so much better. Hungry even. Let’s go home.” The three started walking their way out of the sunken city. “What did Bubba need this thing for anyways?” Fionna asked. “Ehh, sometimes I find it's better not to know,” Marshall answered. “Hey guys, look what I found!” Cake called from down below the stairwell. “Is that quicksand?” Marshall asked. “Yeah, quicksand is pretty fun.” Cake played around in the sand for a moment longer, then she stretched her torso up to escape the trap, but instead started to sink. Cake stretched her arms twice as long and pushed the rest of her body up, but she sank again. The third attempt was no different, she sank once more. “Um, help.” 
 
“Is this whole place made of sand?” Fionna spoke to Marshall Lee, letting Cake suffer for a while longer. “It sure looks like it,” he answered. “Guys! Gimme a pull please,” Cake’s voice sounded concerned. She made her last stretch over, circled around a sand pillar, and the other two latched on, giving a big pull. The good news was that Cake was now free from the sand pit, but the bad news was now the pillars holding up the exit had now collapsed. Sand covered the stairs, avalanching the trio. Marshall Lee dug around for Fionna, pulling her close to him, and Fionna wrapped her arms around his neck. Cake attached herself around Marshall’s foot, then he lifted out of the sand pile flying back to more solid ground. “Now we’re back where we started,” Fionna said sardonically. “Check it out! Now my mittens are free,” Cake wiggled her toes. “You just demolished half the underground city,” Marshall said sternly. “Yeah, only half,” Cake raised her chin up defiantly. “You also sealed our exit,” Fionna added. Marshall Lee dropped Cake as a punishment, letting her fall and tumble, and placed Fionna down gently. 
 
Fionna pulled out a rose quartz pillar from under her shirt, and proceeded to call Prince Gumball. “This is sand squad to Prince Gumball, come in Gumball.” Fionna called into the pink hollow glow emanating from the crystal necklace.
 
“Oh, Hey Fionna.”

“Your majesty, we’re trapped in the underground city!”

“Yeah, yeah, that sounds great sweetie.”

“Huh? No, we need help.”

“Alright. Alright- right-right-ri-” Gumball’s voice started to cut out.

“Ugh, we lost the signal. What now?”

“Snacks!” Cake interjected.
 
“Yeah, I guess I'm kinda hungry too. Bust the snacks Fi,” Marshall agreed. Fionna removed her green backpack, and dumped the contents onto the ground. Cake picked up her choice, and Marshall looked closer, “hey, where are my red erasers? They were in here,” Marshall asked. Fionna immediately looked at Cake, the culprit. “Uh oh. I thought they were candy,” Cake took a step back. “You… ate all my red!” Marshall Lee started to get big and narrowed his demon eyes. “Whoa, calm down Marshall Lee, I’m sure we can find you some red in these ruins,” Fionna attempted to placate. “I’ll go take a look around, you two hang out here and save your energy,” Fionna offered. “Thanks bunny,” Marshall composed himself and put on a perfect facade for Fionna until she was out of ear shot, then immediately swung back around the deal with Cake. “So, how hungry are you anyways?” Cake dared to ask. Marshall Lee hissed and raised his claws up, but decided against it. Killing the best friend would not win him points in Fionna’s favor. “Cake, I don't want to hurt you, but you should know things get batshit crazy when I’m hungry,” Marshall explained. 
 
“Like how crazy?”

“I’m gonna go into feral mode.”

Cake whimpered.

“I know, you can tie me up. I’m pretty used to it anyways.”

“You think that will keep you from draining my precious blood?”

“Not physically, no, but as a prop I think it’ll be good for both of us. Ya’know, psychologically.”

“Please hurry Fionna,” Cake whispered and clasped her hands in silent prayer.

Fionna had walked deeper into the Sand kingdom, down to what she presumed was castle dungeons. A slow moving lake of lava moved below a bridge, they must be close to the Fire kingdom. “I guess even a Vampire king’s face would melt if he tried to eat lava.” Fionna briefly considered. Fionna walked on, and up ahead she found an odd scene. Multiple long-dead skeletons held a boulder in place as a door to another part of the underground. She debated leaving it alone, but a red light flashed from somewhere beyond the entrance. “Oh well, gotta feed the Marshie monster.” Fionna went right up and gave a small kick to the rock, which easily crumbled after many years of disuse. Wading through the sand piles, Fionna peaked into the other room. The new space appeared to be a war room, dozens of skeletons frozen in their last moments, all reaching for the leader's corpse and crown, which was still magnifying a dim red light over the room. Fionna grabbed a raggedy cloth from nearby, threw it into the light path, and watched it turn to sand. “That's metal, but I should stay out of the light, just to be safe.”

Fionna climbed down and landed on a decorative railing that circled the room. She found it hard to balance, and had to use the walls as support. Shimmying towards the back of the room, where the light was emitting, she jumped down, successfully staying out of the light rays. Following the trail, there was a small hole emitting more red light, “bet whatever’s down there has gotta be red.” The hole was just large enough for Fionna to crawl through. “Maybe I should go back? Well, I’ve already gotten this far,” Fionna reassured herself. At the end of the small tunnel was a hidden backroom, and a large crystal held up by other rocks. Although, Fionna was not the only being in this room. A turtle-like creature looked up at Fionna as she entered, he had been holding a light up to the magical stone, reflecting the color.

“Paris? Is that you?” The old turtle asked slowly. “Uh, you mean that guy out there with the crown?” Fionna said. “Oh yes, he should be back soon. Once we turn the city to sand, we can reanimate the corpses and rule over the kingdom.” the turtle explained. Fionna sat down on the edge of a rock and swung her legs around. 
 
“Um, Paris is like, super dead now.”

“What? For how long?”

“I don't know, like 500 years or something?”

“Oh no, I must’ve zoned out!”

“Okay… Well if you don't need this crystal anymore, can I have it?”

“It’s your little girl.” The turtle said before turning around and taking his attention away from Fionna.

Back at the collapsed exit, Fionna had been gone for over an hour, and Cake had been fending off Marshall's slow descent into madness. “Cake…Cupcake. You smell so sweet. You smell like dessert,” Marshall taunted. He was losing hold of his human appearance. His fangs grew long and his arms were now twice the normal size. “Ya know, you seem cold, why don't we get some more sand on you. See? Nice and snug.” Cake had piled more sand on Marshall in an attempt to keep him stationary. “Cake, I don't think I’ll be able to control myself for much longer,” Marshall Lee whispered. “I just want you to let Fionna know I’m sorry,” Marshall said slowly, then bursted out laughing. “You're sick!” Cake pointed a finger. “Haha, yes, very much,” Marshall agreed. Cake was starting to freak, and she was anxious waiting for Fionna’s return. 
 
Pushing the extra large crystal out of the tunnel was a qualifying work out, but it was cheap work for a heroine. “Fionna! You're back,” Cake ran over to Fionna, hugging her leg. “What did you find?” Cake asked. “Phew, the trick is rolling it. Check out this red crystal I found,” Fionna laid down and waved a hand to gesture. “Um, that's an alexandrite babe,” Cake said flatly.

“Okay, and?” Fionna looked up. “It's a color changing gemstone, you goof. Look, in the light it’s red, but without it, the gem turns back to green.” Cake used the flashlight from the backpack to prove her point. Fionna just stared back, and then started to curse at the gemstone. “It’s okay, you tried your best,” Cake commended. “Uh, what’s going on with Marshie?” Fionna looked over at Marshall Lee, who was bound and piled high with sand. “He threatened to eat my insides, so now he's in time out,” Cake crossed her arms angrily. Fionna listened and looked back over at their new prisoner, but now that very prisoner was no longer when he had been chained. “Um, Cake, where's the captive?” Fionna said nervously. 
 
Cake looked in the same direction, and realized Marshall Lee was lost. Cake yelped and clung onto Fionna's shoulder and head, shaking her slightly. “

Oh Fionna

, ever donated blood before?” Marshall Lee said hauntingly, the words echoing. Marshall was hanging from a stalactite at the top of the sand cavern, staring back down at his prey. He had descended into a primal vampire form, his ears long and pointy, and hair covering his eyes. “Marshall Lee, just wait a moment,” Fionna said, trying to stall for time. It actually worked in their favor because the cave started to quake, a large sand worm crashed through the ceiling, sending more sand and rocks all over the place, and knocking Marshall Lee from his roost. “Gumball!” Fionna and Cake yelled happily in unison. 
 
Prince Gumball rode in the head of the sand worm, controlling it with multiple leads attached to his forehead. He opened the plexiglass door and emerged. “How did you know where to find us?” Fionna asked and ran over to greet Prince Gumball. “Hey guys, I saw my seismographs had gone off the charts. I thought you might be in trouble and wanted to come out, just to be safe. You guys all right?” Gumball dismounted and joined the two girls. “As best as we can be. Watch out for Marshall Lee, he's gone rabid!” Cake shivered and placed Fionna between herself and any potential danger. “What? What's wrong with Marshall Lee?” Gumball didn't quite hear Cake as she tactically retreated. 
 
Marshall Lee had prowled his way up behind Gumball, and while he wasn't looking, launched for his backside. Gumball yelped in surprise, and flailed. Between two hands, Marshall gained access to Gumball's neck and forcefully dug his fangs in. The scene was messy, but was over quickly. Cake
cowered
while Fionna held her hands up to her face, but peaked through her fingers trying to glimpse the grotesque scene. Marshall Lee finished draining some life out of Prince Gumball, “whew, that should be enough desaturated red to hold me over,” Marshall said, returning to his normal composure. Gumball sat up, clearly drained, his body was frail and skin translucent. “So glad I could help,” Gumball said dryly, not amused and frowning, “come on guys, let’s get out of here.” 
 
All piling into the sand worm transport, “did you get the spoon of prosperity?” Gumball asked. “Oh yeah! Here it is,” Fionna reached into her bag and withdrew the small spoon, handing it to Gumball. “What’s that thing for anyways?” She asked. “For this,” Gumball took the spoon and placed it on his nose. Working some magic, the spoon restored Gumball to his normal state, fully plump and pink.

“I’d never let a peep starve in my kingdom,” Gumball closed the doors and scolded anyone who hadn’t already buckled in, and left the sand kingdom behind.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

“Hey yo! Check out this new camera phone,” Cake held up her cellphone and hit record. “Fionna, come say hi,” Cake called. “Whoa! Nice new digs,” Fionna entered the screen. She flipped her bangs away from her face, trying to use the video as a mirror. Suddenly, from the opposite side of the screen, a blue portal fizzed into existence, swirling colors around the living room. Marshall Lee popped out of the middle. “Hey guys, wanna come party in the Nightosphere? I’m visiting my mom and it super blows.” “Whoa, Marshall Lee! Wait a minute, last time I saw your mom I sliced her soul sack,” Fionna held up her hands and backed away. “Aw nah, she’s totally chill now. Besides, don't you wanna spend time with me?” Marshall Lee batted his eyelashes and exaggerated a pouty lip. “Alright, but if she tries to pull any crazy shit, I will not be letting that biz go,” Fionna wagged a finger at Marshall Lee. “Cake, you coming?” Marshall Lee asked.  “Hell yeah sugar,” Cake yelled. Fionna, Cake, and Marshall Lee took the portal entrance into the Nightosphere. The Nightosphere was a dark and bloody place filled with burning flame pits and, funny enough, bureaucracy. This hell had all kinds of demons, imps, and sinners from all walks of undead life. The Nightosphere was a horrid place of doom and despair that was ruled by the Abadeer family for generations. Marshall Lee was basically royalty here. The three spent much of their time in the personal high-rise home of Helena Abadeer, where Marshall Lee had brought out instruments to mess around with. He played on a banjo while Fionna played a tambourine, and Cake continued to record on her fancy new cell phone.  “So this is the Nightosphere, this place is bonkers. Marshall Lee says they got all kinds of crazy ways out here,” Cake focused the camera and put Marshall Lee in view. There wasn't much time to chat, because Helena Abadeer, Queen of the Nightosphere, and Marshall Lee’s mom, had just come back from her morning soul-sucking spree. “There you are my little hellhound. Oh, and hello cat, and hello Fionna,” Helena greeted politely. “Hi. Why don't you just keep over there, and I’ll stay right here, okay?” Fionna narrowed her eyes at Helena, and moved closer to Marshall, lightly shaking her tambourine as a warning. Fionna was still skeptical about Helena Abadeer and her ways, but tried to play as nice as possible because it was Marshall’s family after all. She wanted to make a new, better impression, all the while being highly intimated.  “Now Fionna, come on, there's no bad blood here. Let's bury the hatchet, see how I'm not killing you right now,” Helena walked over and picked Fionna up like a feather, smushing her face against Fionna’s cheek. “Oof, mom, please put Fionna down,” Marshall Lee pleaded. “Oh, sorry, I always forget those human customs. I just had to get a good look at your pretty face, Marshall never brings me girls to meet,” Helena set Fionna down gently, and awkwardly stared deep into her eyes. Redirecting her attention, “so, young man, have you thought about my proposal?” Helena said while picking the blood out from under her nails. Marshall Lee groaned, irritated. “What offer Marshall?” Fionna asked the obvious question. Before Marshall could answer, Helena interrupted before him. “I want Marshall Lee to take over the Nightosphere - finally joining the family business.”  “Business? Mom, what do you even do?” “Well, I’ll show you. Come on, come on,” Helena beckoned for the camera and walked to the window. “See how chaotic it is out there? How everyone’s confused and frustrated? The Nightosphere is sustained by chaos.”“Ehh, I just don't really see myself doing this biz,” Marshall shrugged.  “Okay, but I know you’ll come around eventually. Or maybe you won't, I don't know, you’re an independent guy.” Helena gave a big yawn, unhinging her jaw in a scary way. “Well, I’m gonna take a break. By the way, you should wear this amulet.” Helena removed the purple amulet and gold chain from her neck, and held it out for Marshall to take. “This thing will grant you wishes and stuff, like for skateboards or whatever kids like.” Helena placed the necklace in Marshall’s hand. “Mom, I’m like, 1000 years old,” Marshall Lee said, annoyed. “Haha, yes, you are sweetie. Mommy’s little monster,” Helena ruffled Marshall's hair, and left them alone again.  Marshall Lee shook his head back and forth, restyling his hair, and wiping the blush from his face. “Whatever, let's just play something new,” Marshall Lee started strumming the chords and began to sing. “ I know you just want to give your little boy the world, but mommy, I’m not just your little boy anymore. I’ve got my own life, I’ve got my own plans. I hope you understand and like me for who I am. Believe me, I want to be here, but I don't want to rule the Nightosphere .”Fionna wagged her tamborine around, trying to keep a steady beat. She was sympathetic towards Marshall's plight, although she was slightly jealous because she wished to have known her own parents.

Marshall Lee sighed, “Okay mom, let's see what this thing can do,” he held up the oversized gemstone and placed the chain around his neck. The necklace was only on him for a moment when Marshall Lee started to uncontrollably spasm and contort into a creature similar to the demonic form of a Nightosphere ruler. He was quickly overtaken by the cursed amulet gifted from his mother, the dark energy consuming his mind. He cackled an evil laugh and grew long tentacles, trashing them about. “Marshall, No!” Fionna yelled, but her effort was in vain. Marshall Lee was no longer in control, he swept Fionna and Cake off the ground, smacking them into a wall. Both girls hit their heads, and both went unconscious.

When the two awoke, they were locked in a large jail cell, their surroundings dark, and accompanied by a pile of bananas. Fionna’s head had been resting on the pile, Cake was strewn about close by. “What the hell happened,” Fionna asked, she rubbed her forehead, and pushed her bangs to the side. Cake groaned, but woke up, “Everything is dizzy, why are there two Fionnas.” Cake stood up and wobbled, then sat back down. “All that shit with Marshall Lee, what are we gonna do? Where are we even?” Fionna looked around, taking in the tall iron bars.  “I don't know… What are all these bananas here for,” Cake picked up a stalk and inspected, just regular bananas.  “Look, we’re in a cage,” Fionna realized, she walked up and tested the bars. Cake took out her phone and dialed a number. “Who’re you callin?” Fionna asked over her shoulder. “BMO, little dude always has good advice,” Cake held the phone to her ear and waited for the rings. The phone call was cut short when the battery quickly died. “Damn, the battery just died,” Cake shook the phone in her hand. “Well shit, we gotta get outta here, but where even is here?” Fionna wondered out loud, she looked outside the cage and was startled by the sudden appearance of a correctional officer. He was a demon, with red skin, a long face, and large ear-like horns. “You're in the Nightosphere dummy, more specifically the dungeon,” the officer answered. “Here, look,” the officer walked over and turned on the flood lights, brightening the entire dungeon and showcasing the other cells, locked tight with more demons wailing at the sudden dilation. Many small fires covered the ground in front of a statue of Marshall Lee’s mother.  “Alright, up and at ‘em people, everyone out of their cages,” at the command the cage door opened; “My shift is over, and no one showed up, so…” “Wait, you’re just letting us go?” Fionna called. “I mean, yeah, but not really, you're in the Nightosphere so you’re trapped anyways,” the correctional officer was getting fed up with answering her questions. “Whoa, whoa, how do we get back to our world?” Fionna said. “You can't, not unless she lets you,” The officer gestured to the statue of Helena Abadeer, and then started to maniacally laugh. Cake turned away to pet the harmless demon critters hanging around, some cuddled up to Fionna as well. Cake spoke to the little animal, “Is there an outlet around here?” Cake snuggled her face against a baby demon. “Maybe this is where they put all the dummy demons,” Fionna giggled to herself. Cake looked up and spotted light coming in through a skylight. “Why don't we go out that hole,” Cake pointed. “Sounds rad,” Fionna sat on Cake’s back, and Cake stretched both up towards the ceiling and out the skylight.

On the other side of the hole, Fionna and Cake looked out a mountain side into the Nightosphere domain. There were towering rock formations, fire constantly burning, resident fiends running amuck, chaos and terror inflicted by stronger on the smaller, and a perpetual bloody sunset that covered the sky in red. “Yup, seems like the Nightosphere,” Fionna resounded. “Let's go see if anyone knows how to get back to Helena and Marshall,” Cake suggested. She stretched up to meet another long legged demon, who appeared to be permanently fixated in a midsagittal cut. Their creepy internal organs on large display. “Do any of yall know how to get to Helena Abadeer, we gotta talk to her,” Cake asked first. Thinking, the gentle demon responded, “The Teller can help you. Hop in my stomach, I’ll give you a ride there.” Fionna and Cake obliged, they sat on what appeared to be a long, squishy tongue. Once settled, the demon transporting them and others took off.

A short flight later, Fionna and Cake were let off at their stop. “Bye mister demon bus,” Fionna waved. The girls turned around and were greeted with a river of smushed people, packed bumper to bumper. Fionna walked up, “is this where the Teller lives?” One random demon answered her, “this is the line to meet the Teller, stupid girl.” That particular demon looked away and dismissed her. “What! No way, fuck that,” Fionna turned to Cake, “Why do we even need to see the Teller anyways?” Fionna put a hand on her hip. A new demon answered her inquiry this time, “the Teller is able to get you to Helena Abadeer, we got a system down here. You’re not special, you have to wait like the rest of us!” “Ugh, fine, where does the line start?” Fionna said, annoyed. “Uhh, it kinda governs itself. Just join in.” The demon from before answered. “This is going to take forever. Cake, stretch us to the front,” Fionna said. There was an instantaneous backlash from all the surrounding demons in line, “No cutting!” They shared a look and resigned to their fate, Fionna and Cake squeezed themselves into the line to meet the Teller. The only issue was, the line moved once an hour. Fionna and Cake were squished tight amongst the others in line, and that's where they stayed, for the next eight days.

Throughout various points during the wait, Fionna and Cake would go in and out of psychosis, crying sessions, and consciousness. On the last day, Fionna shook Cake like a rag doll, “come on Cake, stay with me!” Cake gurgled, “I can't, I’ve got nothing left in me anymore.” Cake flopped over, her bones no longer functioning. “We’re going to die, and then we’ll be dead in the Nightosphere, and we’ll never leave, and then we’ll die in line again,” Fionna started to ramble nonsensically, on the verge of a panic attack. Cake used all her strength to open one eye, “Oh, we’re here.”  Both Fionna and Cake saw the end of the line, they looked up and large double doors came into view. Evacuating the cesspool of despair, both jumped for joy and did a small dance. “Hey! I wanna see Helena Abadeer, I got a few fucking words for her,” Fionna spoke with a vengeance. “Huh? Oh yeah sure,” A guardsman close by woke up from his nap, and casually opened the doors for the two girls, easily letting them through. They ran past, whooping and hollering to commend themselves. Once on the other side, Fionna and Cake were greeted with yet another insatiable line of people waiting. “Globfucking dammit!” Fionna screamed. Causing some to turn their heads. “I’m gonna lose it!” She started to wail. Cake walked to the nearest person in line, “Hey do you know if there's an outlet anywhere?” She was met with unamused silence.  Cake returned with no luck, “What's going on babe, you giving up? You still gotta save Marshall Lee.” “I guess so, but life is meaningless now. I don't know if my little girl-heart can take it,” Fionna whimpered, curled into herself on the ground, and stared off. “Look, I can see the end of this line,” Cake pointed. This caused Fionna to turn and follow the direction. In the distance, a large storm cloud was floating up over the skyline. The dark cloud was hovering over and began a loud announcement for all below to hear. “Who here has a question for Helena Abadeer?”  The omniscient cloud spoke. Fionna started to raise her hand high, jogging in place due to excitement. Instead of having their questions answered, the storm cloud sent out ray beams, incinerating anyone who raised their hand. Cake immediately caught on, and swooped Fionna out of the way, behind a rock wall.

“Sweet pea, you have got to pay more attention to these things,” Cake lightly scolded. Peaking their heads out from behind the rock, now the once long line had disappeared into nothingness. Trying not to think too hard on the demise of her predecessors, the duo ran straight up to the front. Fionna straddled Cake, who stretched them up to the top of the mountain, where the storm cloud had just retreated to. Watching from the window, Fionna and Cake had found what they were looking for. This mountain was the other side of the Abadeer household, the part they had yet to explore on their first arrival.  The storm cloud transformed from cumulous, into Helena Abadeer herself. Marshall Lee sat in the corner, lifeless and unmoving. Helena removed the purple amulet from herself and placed it back onto Marshall Lee, reanimating him. The change once again overtook him, and Helena set Marshall off to do her bidding. Marshall Lee, now Lord of Evil, journeyed into another part of the home designated for greeting subjects.

Helena Abadeer departed the room, leaving Fionna and Cake to their own devices. The two silently agreed to follow Marshall, the higher priority. Marshall Lee sat in what looked like a throne room, on a center stage and ornate chair. Taking up space near the very back walls, they watched as Marshall did Helena’s job for her. “Who’s next, who’s next?” Marshall asked in a demented voice. One lone red demon emerged from the crowd and worked up the courage to speak. “Um, me, Master Abadeer.” “Well, what is it you desire? Pain, pleasure, or punishment?”“Uh, pleasure, I guess.”“No! You will be punished.”  Marshall Lee cast a spell, cursing the poor soul to perpetually projectile vomit bananas. Fionna and Cake shared a look, putting the pieces together, and made silent gagging noises, deciding to stay away from bananas for a long while. It seemed like an Abadeer signature move to intentionally interpret the requests incorrectly, only providing what would fully amuse Marshall. Fionna and Cake huddled close, ready to make a plan. “Okay, I think we can charge up there and tear the amulet from his neck. Ready, set, whoa!” Fionna, with Cake in tow, were suddenly being dragged by her foot through the crowd of fiends by Marshall Lee himself. Marshall held both girls in his hand, dangling them over the ground.  “Who are you? You don't look demonic.”“Wah! Don't kill us, look it's me, Fionna, your friend. Remember?” A small flash of recognition crossed Marshall Lee’s eyes, but then Marshall started to move them closer to his head. Concerned for their safety, Cake lashed out, stabbing Marshall Lee in the eye with her fingers. Marshall yelled in pain, they were promptly dropped, and started making a mad dash to be anywhere but here. Cake pointed to a dark hallway and led them through. Fionna skidded to a stop on the other side, they had found a large kitchen, and Helena Abadeer too. Helena was dressed in casual attire, hair down, and rummaging through the refrigerator door. She held a coffee in her left hand and now creamer in her right. Everyone froze and stared, Fionna was first to break the silence, “What are you doing?” “Just breaking my fast, ya know,” Helena responded awkwardly. “No, I mean, what are you doing to Marshall Lee? That's him out there, dressed up like you,” Fionna fired back.  “Yes, I’m aware, Isn't my little boy fantastic?”“No! We have to get that amulet off of him.”“Why would I do that? This is what I’ve always wanted, for Marshall to follow the Abadeer footsteps. Now, I can take a nice break.”“But that's not what he wants!”“Oh that's balderdash, the wearer of the amulet is filled with chaotic evil energy, and that's how my parents taught me.”  Helena gave a shrug and sat down at the kitchenette table. Fionna, frustrated, knew she wasn't going to make any progress with this lady. Cake smacked the cup of coffee out of Helena’s hand, and the two ran out of the kitchen, back into the throne room for another attempt at Marshall Lee. Fionna was running on fumes and also running out of ideas. Cake chimed in, “Why don't we get these guys to help?” “We need to rush him, we need everyone to overwhelm Marshall so we can have a shot.” Fionna concluded. She pushed her way to the center of the room, Cake let Fionna use her as a pedestal. “Demons of the Nightosphere! Aren't you tired of being tormented? Aren't you all affected by the chaos in this world? Getting punished for no good reason sucks major ass! I say we get that bum so we will be tortured no longer.” Fionna used her big girl voice to gain everyone’s attention. When all eyes were on her, Fionna let out a battle cry, rallying those around her as well. It seemed like all the demons were upset enough and willing to follow in her cause. Cake shifted, and let Fionna ride side-saddle. Leading the forge, a swarm of demons surrounded Marshall Lee’s legs and got in so close he was unable to move.

Cake ran around behind Marshall while he was preoccupied with the coup. Cake held Fionna up the the back of Marshall Lee’s neck, she dug around and found the gold chain from before. Grasping a firm hold, Fionna pulled the necklace, and Cake pulled Fionna. A suggestive snap rang out and the metal crumpled in her hands. At the break of the chain, Marshall Lee was released from the spell, and his large form started to decompose. Black sludge spilled out from the oversized body, Marshall Lee’s real body emerged from the wreckage unconscious. Fionna dug around and grabbed onto Marshall’s waist, holding him very tight so as not to lose him. Their devilish army redirected their attention to the black bodily fluids and started to consume any that was left. “That's disgusting,” Cake held back a gag. “We gotta get out of here!” Fionna said, and pointed to a new segment of the house.  Cake used her large legs to support Marshall Lee's weight as Fionna ran around looking for an exit. She whipped open a random door, then two more before she found what she was looking for. The portal room. A massive blue and green portal was situated in the center of the room, with pictures of Marshall Lee at varying ages. There was no time to stop and stare. Fionna, Cake, and the unconscious Marshall Lee, jumped into the swirling portal and hoped for the best.

Fionna’s body was tossed around in all different directions, unable to decipher which way was up or down. The colors made it hard to see, but the ride was over almost as soon as it started. Fionna landed face first onto the hard floor of the treehouse living room, where Marshall had originally picked them up. Cake had shifted into a ball, anticipating the bumpy ride, with Marshall Lee at the center, well protected.  Cake unfurled, letting Marshall Lee out, he was slowly starting to regain consciousness. The transformation with the purple amulet into a Nightosphere lord is exhausting, and without the proper training, a user will feel drained afterwards. Fionna got up, once her world stopped spinning, and moved Marshall over to the couch. Still drowsy, he opened his eyes slightly. “Whoa, Fionna, where am I?” he asked, putting a hand to his forehead. “Hey dude, don't worry too much about it. Just get some rest and we can get you the story later,” Fionna said quietly. Cake decided to depart for a shower and to find an outlet, knowing Marshall was very safe in Fionna’s hands.  “Wait, I just wanted to say thank you for what you did back there. I don't think I would have survived if you hadn't done something. You could've left, but you came back.” Marshall looked at Fionna with droopy eyes, placed a hand to her cheek and gave a weak smile. Fionna brought up her own hand to match his. “Of course Marshall, I would never leave a friend behind. I… wouldn’t want us to ever be apart.” A small tear escaped from her eye, she prayed to Glob hoping no one had seen the display. She looked back at him, but Marshall was already succumbing to sleep. Not wanting to keep him up any longer, and unsure of how much he had heard, she turned to sit at the foot of the couch. Fionna withdrew her pink sword, a gift from Prince Gumball, and sat guard for the rest of the night. Knowing she would not be so kind the next time her path crossed with the Nightosphere.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Clearing his throat, Breakfast Prince gathered the attention of all in attendance, and spoke clearly into the microphone. “We are delighted to host this year’s ‘Royalty day’ here in Breakfast kingdom. Please enjoy the continental breakfast prepared by our very own patisseries.” Breakfast Prince was a regal kind of prince, with egg-white hair, a bacon crown, pancake clothes, and waffle shoes. Prince Gumball sat in one of the front rows, uninterested, and tinkering with a small device. All of the Prince’s in Aaa had gathered for Royalty day, intended to maintain and establish good relations between kingdoms, and to assess any common disputes. 
 
“On to more pressing matters; Brigands have been attacking our western sea ports, dozens of unregistered subjects roam the lands, and trade deficits are at an all time high! Historically, the Breakfast kingdom has traded one sack of sugar per month to the Slime kingdom in exchange for four eggs. But it seems egg production has plummeted,” Breakfast Prince shot daggers over at Slime Prince in another row. 
 
“I can’t just pop eggs out on command!” Slime Prince defended. “Yeah, and what about my peanut juice, Peanut Prince?” Muscle Prince called out. “I’m not giving out a drop of nut butter, not until Raggedy Prince pays me!” Peanut Prince pointed an accusing finger in a new direction.

“Fine! Take it. Take all my socks,” Raggedy Prince pulled out a handful of socks and threw them at Peanut Prince angrily. Many more of the Princes started to bicker, airing out frustrations with the other kingdoms. In one of the rows further back, Lumpy Space Prince picked at his food. 
 
Groaning, he put a hand to his head, trying to soothe a hangover. Irritated, he slammed a hand down on the table, making a loud bang and causing some silverware to shift. “Ugh! I can’t take this noise. I make a motion to stop talking about dumb stuff because it's lame.” LSP hovered over his place setting, making eye contact with Breakfast Prince on his podium.

“Lumpy Space Prince, I humbly apologize for the inconvenience, but I’m afraid you’ll have to be patient. Not all of us have achieved self sufficiency like in your kingdom, oh wait, that's right, you don't have a kingdom. So why don't you sit your hobo-ass down, be grateful you’re even sitting here, and let the adults talk.” Breakfast Prince said snidely, chipping away at LSP’s dignity. 
 
“The council only recognizes real royalty, not bums who live in boxes.” Breakfast Prince continued.

“It's not a box, it's a rotting log. Doesn't matter, I’m like a cool hippie nomad prince now.”

“Whatever freeloader. Where is the real ambassador for Lumpy Space?”

“Jokes on you, I took their spot, I wasn't even invited. And I already ate a bunch of your food. What’re you gonna do about, Rotten-Egg Prince?”

“Okay, you’ve wasted enough of our time. Guards, get this dog water out of my sight.”
 
Two syrup guards came running out from the hallway to remove LSP. “Don't touch me!” LSP snapped, and hovered over to the buffet table, inhaling a large bowl of strawberries, and showing himself to the door. From the other corner, Marshall Lee stood silently, watching the scene unfold. Marshall Lee was in attendance not only as the Vampire King, but as representative for the Nightosphere, which was recognized as a free standing kingdom even without trade agreements. Curious, he followed LSP out the doors. 
 
“LSP, wait up!” Marshall called after. LSP was hovering down the hallway, dragging a knife through the edible, pancake walls, vandalizing as he went. Marshall caught up, “Yo, sick tag LSP.”

LSP turned around, “thanks?” “You know, I like your vibe, little dude. You don't take shit from anyone,” Marshall Lee complimented. “Yeah, especially not from that gross pile of greasy hash. That was lumping humiliating,” LSP put his hands on his hips. “Hey, you know what we should do? We should teach scramble brains a lesson,” Marshall Lee schemed, and held up a knife of his own, picking at his nails. “You’re bad news Marshall, but I like it.” LSP agreed darkly. 
 
The new duo aimlessly toured the Breakfast castle grounds. Marshall Lee kicked a crepe-stack chair with his leather boot, and turned a corner.

"This place smells like butter, bacon, sausage and potato mince

,” Marshall Lee sang a small tune. “Let's go mess with the Breakfast Prince!” LSP added in. Walking up to a look-out from the stairs, LSP spotted it. “Look there, Garbage Disposal’s room,” LSP pointed. “How are we gonna get past the maple men?” Marshall Lee inquired. “I’ll show you, hot stuff,” LSP sauntered down the stairs, attempting a sexy intrigue. 
 
LSP twirled around the foyer, using a potted orange tree as a prop. The maple guard was hard set in his ways, and paid LSP no mind. Deciding to take matters into his own hands, Marshall Lee used his invisibility to get up close to the maple man. Sinking his fangs in, Marshall drained half the syrup from the guard’s body, spitting it out right after. “That's way too sweet to eat. Nice distraction though.” Marshall wiped his lip. LSP hovered over and kicked the unconscious guard, “that's for poisoning my man!” “Whoa LSP, take it easy… well, maybe just one more time,” Marshall Lee laughed mercilessly. 
 
“Let's check out the room.” Marshall Lee pushed on the door, it was unlocked. Walking inside Breakfast Prince’s large bedroom, it was grapefruit themed and had inedible, hard blue walls. “Payback motherfucker!” Both LSP and Marshall Lee chimed at the same time.  LSP started with the closet, pulling out multiple sets of clothes, “all his outfits are sticky,” LSP wagged his hand around trying to remove the sugar. Marshall Lee rummaged through the record collection, “and his taste in music is trash.” Marshall knocked over a tower of albums, “check it out, I hate this one, but I’m taking it anyways.” He shoved the vinyl album into his backside waistband. “That's messed up. That’ll teach Breakfast Prince not to fuck with us,” LSP laughed. 
 
Rounding the corner was another maple man on their beat. Seeing the fallen bedroom guard, the newest maple man started to investigate the break in. “Oh shit, we’re busted!” Marshall Lee said, quickly turning invisible. LSP was not privy to the same vampire powers, and had to think on how not to get caught. The maple man was slowly opening the door, scared to greet the intruders. Dashing over, LSP removed a fruit from the tree, ripping it apart, and aiming the pulp at the guard. Once the door was open, and fully revealed LSP’s position, he squeezed the grapefruit, launching citrus juice into the eyes of the maple man. 
 
“Agh, my eyes!” The guard cried in pain, tears starting the shed. LSP laughed again hysterically, and Marshall Lee joined in. Taking the opportunity to escape, they both ran out the bedroom door. Sprinting so as not to be caught, LSP and Marshall Lee had ended up in the Breakfast castle gardens. LSP, still armed with his knife, hovered up to a pancake-bush, and cut it open.

“I so got this,” LSP said to himself. Looking through the new exit, LSP and Marshall Lee saw outside of the Breakfast kingdom walls. 
 
This was all according to plan. There had been a maple man pursuing their trail since leaving the bedchambers; this ‘exit’ was designed to trick the guard into thinking the duo had left the premises. Hiding behind some potted fruit trees, they watched as the guard looked out and around, searching for the mischief makers. Coming up empty, the guard departed. “Hell yeah, we made it through,” Marshall Lee and LSP high fived.

Back in the dining hall, Breakfast Prince was still attempting to be civil with trade discussions. Coming up behind, a guard whispered to Breakfast Prince, “Your majesty, there are vandals loose in the castle.” Breakfast Prince sighed and covered the microphone, “Okay, I’ll handle it.” Breakfast Prince turned back around to face his guests, “Fellow royalty, It would seem I have matters of state that need my urgent attention. The second prince, Strudel Prince, will take over for me.” Breakfast Prince left and the very young Strudel Prince climbed up onto the podium to pick up where they left off. 
 
LSP and Marshall Lee had discovered the Breakfast castle carriage port, which housed a waffle car with banana wheels. LSP sat in the front seat and hot wired the car. The engine rumbled to life, and Marshall closed the passenger door. LSP pushed down on the gas pedal, and the car rushed out, causing the tires to squeal. “Haha, a squirrel taught me how to do that!” LSP informed. 
 
“That's awesome-” Marshall Lee was cut short. “Stop right there!” Breakfast prince ran out into the road holding his hand up. LSP was too preoccupied with his conversation to see, let alone stop, for Breakfast Prince. LSP clipped Breakfast Prince with the car, and overcorrected the steering wheel, causing the car to spin out. “What the fuck was that?” LSP asked frantically, white smoke flying out from the hood. Marshall Lee peaked over the dash and saw Breakfast Prince passed out on the ground. 
 
He looked back at LSP and shook his head. “Oh Glob, Oh Glob, Oh Glob! Everyone is gonna know it was me and send me to jail. I’m too beautiful for jail!” LSP started to panic. Marshall slapped a hand across LSP’s face, “Hey! Calm your lumps.” Marshall Lee got out to assess Breakfast Prince’s condition. “It’s okay. He’s just dazed,” Marshall said reassuringly. 
 
Marshall Lee picked up Breakfast Prince’s limp body, and tossed it into the trunk. He got in the driver’s seat, and started up the car again. “Don't worry, I got this,” Marshall said once more, just to make LSP feel better. The two drove out into the sandy desert, the sun starting to set. Stopping at a random spot, LSP helped Marshall remove Breakfast Prince from the trunk and lay him out on the ground, taking a moment to stare. “Okay… Now we run!” Marshall moved first, revving the engine again, and speeding away. LSP looked back and felt weird about leaving Breakfast Prince behind. 
 
“It was like, super fun being bad with you Marshie.”

“Yeah, that was totally rad.”

“Do you think that doing all that bad stuff makes us, like, bad people?”

“Uh, probably not. I don't think there are bad people.”

“Hmm?”

“I think good people do bad stuff sometimes, but if you only do it once, then it’s just a mistake, and that's not bad - I think.”
 
LSP laughed at Marshall explaining away their actions. He pushed play on the radio and music filled the cabin. Not liking the song, Marshall moved to change it, looking away from the road. “Oh my Glob!” LSP shouted. A sudden drop appeared in front of them, it was too late to turn, so Marshall grabbed LSP and ejected from the car, letting it run off the cliff. Floating up above the wreckage, Marshall supported LSP, since he wasn't able to float like a vampire could. Watching the burnt smoke rise up, Marshall Lee and LSP high fived one more time before fleeing the scene of the crime for good. They were probably banned from Breakfast kingdom forever anyways.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

In the great hall of the Candy castle, there had been numerous carnival games set out for the attendees to play with. There was lots of chatter and commotion coming from the banana guards and candy kids that entertained themselves. Waiting at the doors were Prince Gumball, BMO, Hunter Wizard, Marshall Lee, and Cake. The group had planned a small slumber party for Fionna, who was turning 19.  Fionna had taken a long time to arrive for her own party. She was torn on what to wear. Finally settling on a light blue T-shirt and dark blue pajama shorts, this combination felt more appropriate for the pajama party than her normal worn out, red jumper.  “She’s here!” Manfried yelled, alerting those down below. Cake hit the lights, and everyone waited in silence. Fionna pushed open the heavy double doors to the Candy castle, and saw darkness. She felt insecure and hoped this was the right spot. “Happy Birthday Fionna!” All of the party goers jumped out and yelled, throwing pink confetti. Flicking the lights back on, Fionna could see her friends clearly now.  “Wow! Thanks guys,” she said with a delighted smile. “Glad you could make it,” Gumball said jokingly. “Haha yeah. But I’m here now and ready to spend some time with my favorite people, and some banana guards,” Fionna rubbed her arm, feeling like the center of attention. “Fionna! Happy Birthday. I wanted to give you this before I forgot.” Marshall Lee was the first to present a gift, it was a gold harmonica. There was an engraving that read: 'Happy Birthday, from your favorite vamp ’. “Holy shit, thanks, I’ve been wanting one of these,” Fionna accepted eagerly, and started playing a terrible, off-key tune. Marshall recoiled at the sound, “why don’t I give you some lessons next week, okay?”  BMO was next. “Fi, I designed an exciting new game for you. It’s called ‘Birthday Battle Babe’.” BMO displayed the loading screen for a new role playing game that featured Fionna as the playable character. “Awe, thanks little dude, I’m gonna love it,” Fionna complimented sweetly. A voice interjected from down the hall, “Fionna, Amylum didn't get you anything,” Amylum shouted. “Don't worry, I got you something,” Hunter Wizard said and pulled out a small, soggy cardboard box. “It's wrapped up so pretty, what is it?” Fionna asked quizzically and shook the box. “It’s an elk heart,” Hunter Wizard said flatly. Fionna made a weird face, and held the box away from her. “Thanks, I uh, didn't have one of those.” Someone down the hall turned on the speaker, and started to play music with heavy bass. “Hey, I think they’re starting musical chairs,” Gumball said. Fionna shoved the gifts into her backpack, and set the bag down against a wall. Cake easily directed her over to the circle of chairs. Once everyone was ready, Party Patty hit play and the edm music blared. This game was cutthroat, too many people and not enough chairs. Fionna had a small competitive side that she typically only showed to Cake.  After about thirty seconds, the music abruptly stopped, indicating the players needed to find a chair. The seats were quickly becoming occupied, Fionna looked around frantically, and spotted one last chair still open. Though she wasn't the only player in need, Marshall Lee also had not yet found a seat. Marshall had the upper hand with his flying capabilities, but Fionna was an avid runner and sprinted around the circle making them evenly matched, and closing in on the same lone chair. Neither one was stopping for the other, both stubborn, they crashed into each other and collapsed to the ground. Fionna rubbed her throbbing forehead and Marshall brought a finger to his fang, checking to see if it was still there.

“Time’s up! Players without a chair must be sent to the coat closet for the jail sentence,” Squishy, the referee, demanded. Some of the other candy people helped Fionna to her feet, and led her in the right direction. Cake wrapped her arms around Marshall Lee and lifted him into the closet. “Okay, you guys have to stay in here until the next round,” Squishy instructed. Closing the closet door, there was an audible locking sound, and the two were left alone sitting on the floor.  “Heh, sorry about blasting into you earlier,” Fionna spoke first and sheepishly looked away. “No, no, I shoulda just let you have it. It is your birthday,” Marshall offered his version of an apology. “Here, let me look at your head. I have some experience in aftercare,” Marshall Lee said, half joking. He floated closer, low to the ground. Fionna removed her bunny hat, her long blonde hair tumbling out, and bared her head.  Marshall Lee lightly inspected the bruise forming on Fionna. “You're not busted open, no need to amputate, you’ll be okay.” he concluded. “Thanks. Well, what now?” Fionna asked the obvious question. “You wanna get out of here? We can ditch this party and go on a walk,” Marshall proposed. “Wha? You think so,” Fionna asked quizzically.  “It's been awhile since we hung out, just the two of us.”“What about the others?” “Ehh, they’ll be fine by themselves for the night. I actually used to spend a lot of time at the castle, I might know a secret passage out of here.”Marshall Lee rummaged through the winter coats, pushing one particular jacket aside, he revealed a small crawl space that looked like it led out of the room.

Outside of the closet, the candy people stood around the door, waiting for something to happen. “It sure is quiet in there. Someone should listen at the door,” Manfried suggested, still hanging from the ceiling. There was some chattering amongst themselves. “We nominate you Squishy. Go tell us what you hear,” Ms. Cupcake declared. Squishy looked around, then started walking slowly towards the door, succumbing to the peer pressure. She tentatively put an ear to the door, and listened. “Um, I can't hear anything. They might just be lightly brushing their lips together,” Squishy fantasized and giggled. “Or maybe they kissed so much they passed out!” Amylum added, “we should open the door and find out.” Squishy moved to turn the handle, but she was too small to reach. “Step aside. I’ll make short work of this,” Ms. Cupcake said and walked up. Going to turn the knob, but the door was still locked, and Ms. Cupcake accidentally ripped the door handle off instead. “Now they’re trapped. What if they run out of air!” One of the younger candy children freaked. “I’ll just break down the door instead,” Ms. Cupcake wound up her arm, ready to smash through. “Wait! Ms. Cupcake, your mighty strength might kill them. There’s a drill and saw in the supply room though,” Squishy recommended.

Cake sat with BMO and Prince Gumball on the front steps sharing a bowl of nacho chips. Cake was preoccupied with rolling catnip into a small piece of paper, twisting the end, and passing it over to Prince Gumball. “Oh no! You guys gotta save them, that's my best friend in there!” Cake feigned concern, and flipped open her cell phone. She texted Fionna, ‘how you two doing?’ Fionna typed back, ‘Chill. We went out the secret coat passage. Just taking a walk r n.’ Marshall looked over at her phone, “Who you texting?” he asked, forcing down some nasty emotions. “Just Cake, letting her know where we are,” Fionna answered. The daytime sun was shining, but it was actually just a virtual reality headset and treadmill that mimicked their stroll. They were in the hidden castle leisure room. Fionna and Marshall removed their goggles, and placed them back on the shelf.  “Hey, you wanna meet Timmy?” Marshall asked rhetorically, already knowing her answer. “Of course!” Fionna responded eagerly. “Timmy!” Marshall called in a high pitched voice, requesting the dog's presence. A large, black and gray newfoundland dog rounded the corner of the backroom. “Hop on,” Marshall Lee instructed. Fionna followed his lead and sat behind him. Marshall pulled her closer, silently directing Fionna to wrap her hands around his waist so she wouldn't fall off. The dog decided it was time to get some fresh air, and left the game room behind.  The night air was cool and calm without any wind. “So, got any other birthday weekend plans?” Marshall attempted to make small talk. “Mmm, think I’m gonna hit up the Arts and Crafts kingdom with BMO. You?” “Probably gonna go visit Death and slay a bone demon while I'm down there, I need a new pick,” Marshall Lee said. “Haha, do you ever stop thinking about music?” Fionna laughed. “You know, now that you mention it, not really. I guess music is like my outlet, helps me process shit and make my thoughts more cohesive,” Marshall said nonchalantly. Marshall Lee stopped at one of the cherry trees on the castle grounds and picked a few off the branches. He sucked the color dry and squashed the berry after, lightly spraying juice in Fionna’s direction. Candy peeps flew over to their spot and started pecking at the forgotten cherry pits on the ground. Fionna bent down to pet them, but Timmy started to chase the birds around the courtyard. “Oh, so it’s kinda like a diary. Yeah, I got one of those too.”  Fionna brought out her cell phone to take a picture of the animals playing, but instead focused the camera on Marshall Lee. She stared at him for a short while, taking in his side profile while he watched the dog. She snapped a picture, hoping to never forget the moment, but the volume was still turned on. Marshall whipped around to look at her, catching Fionna in the act, he stalked over to her while shaking his head. Fionna held her hands up, attempting to seem innocent, but then dashed away trying to escape. Marshall Lee chased her around the grass and trees playfully, always letting her think she had gotten away before finding her again.

Cake observed the candy citizens while they tried to come up with a plan to save two people who didn't need saving. “Okeydokey, everybody. Check this out,” Manfried called for their attention. “Once in place, the sweater will muffle the cannonball explosion perfectly. Allowing the frame around the door to fall apart, freeing Fionna and Marshall Lee.” The candy people on the ground applauded. They taped the knitted sweater to the closet door while Colonel Candy-Corn wheeled the cannon inside. A small candy child, shaped like a chocolate strawberry ran up to Cake and Gumball still laying on the steps. “Aren't you deux worried about Fionna and Marshall Lee?” the child asked with an accent. “Of course I am, see these tears of worry? But I put my full faith in you guys to make sure they’ll be okay.” Cake shape shifted some faux tears to pacify the kid.  “Yeah, they can handle themselves.” Prince Gumball waved a hand around, dismissing the thought. “You’re surprisingly calm,” Cake stated. “I’ve been trying to be a little more chill these days. Ya know, be okay with people's mistakes, let the candy people destroy the great hall. Who even cares.” Gumball was clearly affected by Cake’s green herbs. “Okay, buddy, you just keep chillin’. This’ll all be fine.” Cake agreed and went back to munching on more snacks.  The group gathered close and plugged their ears. “Get ready! On the count of three,” Manfriend warned. “One… Two…” Colonel Candy-Corn pulled the trigger prematurely, sending a cannon ball into the wall, making a large hole. After some of the smoke had cleared, a banana guard pointed and showed everyone the missing door. A wave of shock passed through the crowd, some even screamed. “So they’re dead, right?” Squishy asked plainly. “Well, Chocoberry can tell us, this kid saw a ghost in my house once,” Ice Cream guy said. “Oui, It’s true. I have ‘le cadeau’.”  Chocoberry walked up to the gaping hole in the wall and waved her hands around the area. “Yes, I sense their spirits. Fionna says ‘remember to feed BMO’.” The crowd behind gasped and many started to weep. “Hey, why don't you guys team up and fight each other to see who gets to wear the crown.” Cake redirected their attention and gestured to the crown on Gumball’s head, who was still loopy and living in his own dimension. The candy people immediately split into groups and were shouting unkind words at the others. “Hehe.” Cake drunkenly chuckled to herself, thoroughly amused.

Somewhere deep in the castle, Marshall Lee and Fionna were mixing drinks at the speakeasy bar hidden in the underground. Marshall Lee poured an assortment of juices and liquors into a shaker, closing it, he threw the cup around his head mixing the drink. Fionna watched in awe of his talent, not knowing he was capable of it. Marshall set two cups out and strained the blue liquid onto ice. He presented the cup with a slice of pineapple. Fionna gladly received the drink and took a sip. “Why is it spicy?” Fionna cringed slightly and scrunched her nose, but the sweet aftertaste calmed her tongue. “Haha, don't worry, you’ll get used to it,” Marshall Lee laughed at Fionna’s reaction. “Come on, I probably shouldn't let you get shit faced on your birthday. We have to bring Timmy back, but we can check out the antiques room on the way there. I know PG keeps old formal clothes in there, we can try on some funny costumes.” Marshall Lee suggested.  Afterwards, back in the VR and gaming room, Fionna and Marshall Lee sat on the treadmill like a bench and watched a fictional sunset on the big screen. Fionna’s phone started to buzz. She picked it up and checked the messages. “Look at these funny photos Cake just sent.” Fionna showed Marshall various pictures of Cake and the absolute disaster that the candy people had caused in the background. “Whoa, it looks like the candy people’s makeshift government has been usurped by a ruthless tyrant. Probably means it's time to go back. I promised I’d help Gumball keep the peace while he’s learning to be chill.” Marshall Lee handed the phone back and stood up to stretch. Fionna was disappointed, and it showed on her face. Marshall looked down at her and held out a hand. She smiled and took it, helping her stand. “Yeah, let's go back, looks like we have to save the party.” Marshall Lee started to lead them back out the way they came, but still didn't let go of Fionna’s hand.

The duo returned and what they found was a mess. Squishy was wearing Gumball’s crown and was using Colonel Candy-Corn as her personal transport. “To the hole!” Squishy commanded. It looked like Amylum had committed some serious crime and was now being sentenced to live out her days in the large black chasm that had appeared in the wall where the coat closet once stood. “Any last words Amylum?” Squishy asked. “You smell!” Amylum snapped.  Marshall Lee walked up and went into what Gumball liked to call 'dad mode', “What is going on here?” he asked sternly. Marshall Lee floated over to Squishy and yanked the crown off her head, placing it on his own as semblance of authority. Cake chimed in, “they acted like beasts and dissolved into madness. It was hilarious!” “Everyone, just go get in your sleeping bags- now,” Marshall Lee sighed, irritated that his evening was cut short for this idiocy. Fionna followed behind Marshall and helped him move Prince Gumball into his own bag. He was passed out and didn’t even flinch when being relocated from the stairs. Fionna laid down in her sack and started to flip through the photos on her camera phone. Reminiscing on the amazing time she had on her birthday with Marshall Lee.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

“Come on, it’ll only hurt for a second. That's nothing in the face of eternity,” Marshall Lee spoke to himself. He had been flying home from the music store and lost track of time when the sun started sneaking over the horizon. Sitting his back against a tree, he needed to take a few minutes to relax. Marshall hadn't been worried about the rising sun because he had an umbrella with him. That was until a big gust of desert wind blew it out of his range. Now he was faced with two options: wait until the tree shade moved close enough to grab the umbrella, or reach out into the sun to take it right now. 
 
Deciding on the latter, Marshall Lee stuck his fingertips out from the safety of the shade. His fingers immediately started to burn and sizzle. “Ow! A second hurts so bad in the face of eternity, but it’s only for a moment.” Marshall continued his attempts to pull the umbrella back to his side many more times. Each time he burned and pulled his hand back, shocked that history had repeated itself. “Oh, wait, I might have something…” Marshall dug around his deep pockets searching for a saving grace, Sunblock SPF 10,000,000. He emptied out the rest of the bottle, what was left was just enough to cover his hand. “Cool, now I can reach it,” Marshall spoke too soon, because the umbrella was lifted away by another gust of wind.

Butterscotch Butler was chopping wood back at the Bubblegum summer house. This is where Prince Gumball had been staying during the recent unrest in the Candy kingdom. The candy citizens were trying out democracy for the time being, and Gumball had decided to let them be. Marshall Lee approached the home, toting the desert tree as a make-shift parasol. He shoved the tree head through the front window, breaking the glass and crashing Prince Gumball’s afternoon tea session. “What the dip, Marshall!” Gumball yelled, very startled, but mostly upset about the shattered window. “Oh, sorry. It was supposed to be a joke,” Marshall Lee shrugged it off, wiping glass bits from his shoulders. Fionna would've found it funny. He now stood in the center of the large parlor room, away from any possible sunlight. 
 
“Actually, I have something really serious to ask. I want you to do the procedure, the one we talked about.”

“Forgive me for being blunt, but I do not think you would make a good blonde. It would clash with your complexion.”

“No, not that. I don't think I want to be a vampire anymore.”

“Oh, oh my Globness.”

“You said you had been working on a cure, right?”

“Well, the machine is built and the serum is ready but, are you sure you want to do this?”

“Yeah, I’m ready. When I was turned, I was just a messed up kid. Now, 1000 years later, I’m the same messed up kid I was before. I want to grow up. I want to grow old. I want my human life back.”

“Okay then, let's do this.”
 
Prince Gumball had a smaller version of his lab stored at the back of the house. Marshall Lee followed him there, taking in all of the assorted sterile machines and tools. Gumball hovered over a beaker and dropped a small bead of jet black liquid into the jar. “This means someday you’ll die. You know that right?” Gumball talked but didn't look at Marshall. Mixing up the fluids, Gumball turned and handed a flask to Marshall Lee, instructing him to drink. Marshall chugged the dark concoction and tried not to gag. “I guess that’ll be my last adventure,” he answered. Gumball motioned for Marshall to lay down on the operating table. 
 
“Look, you know I care about you. You're one of my closest friends. I think this is the right choice, but I just want to make sure you’re doing this for you and not anyone else.” Gumball said knowingly. Marshall nodded affirmatively. “Your natural life span will be richer and fuller than you can imagine, especially when you have someone to share it with.” Gumball closed the pod and walked away, leaving Marshall to his own thoughts. Gumball put on a pair of safety goggles and lab coat for protection. “You never know, this operation might not even work!” Gumball suddenly slammed down the lever in charge of controlling the vampyric-detox machine. 
 
The lights flickered and Marshall instantly felt the effects. “Whoa! This tickles really bad!” he screamed, but was powerless to move. The machine only ran for a few minutes before shutting off, indicating completion. Gumball removed his outer layers and popped the lid off of Marshall so he could breathe. “Uh, did it work? I don't feel any different,” Marshall said. “Well, I sucked all of your vampire effluvium into this bucket. Possibly, we might not get results for a couple of days. For now, just take it easy.” Gumball offered a spare bed and blanket so Marshall could sleep the rest of the day away. Unfortunately, his sleep was not entirely restful as he was pestered with multiple dreams of the past.

The next morning, in the town over, a small farmer woke up to feed his cattle. Picking up the bucket and opening the front door, the farmer looked upon a terrible sight - his mama cow drained of blood, battling for its life in the pasture. “Someone call Fionna and Cake! We have a problem here.” Fionna and Cake came over as fast as they could after hearing the urgency in the wife’s voice. Fionna offered her condolences to the family and Cake decided to speak to the farmer directly and take notes. “She used to be my best cream cow, but now her milk is non-fat. And the baby calf is decaf!” Cake made a disgusted face but wrote it all down. Fionna joined them, “That's terrible,” she said, even though she didn't fully understand the discourse. 
 
“Every farm in the small village was attacked. The victims all have vampire bites in their necks,” the newest small villager pointed out. “I think that's enough, come on Fionna, we have to bring Marshall Lee in for questioning.” Cake stormed away. “Wait, you don't even know if it was Marshall Lee, you have to give him the benefit,” Fionna pleaded. “Oh yeah, that's right, I forgot about Aaa’s extensive vampire community - wrong!” Cake was taking crisis this to heart, causing Fionna to wince.

“You know we have to complete a proper investigation, that's what being a private eye is all about,” Fionna reasoned. Cake humphed but conceded, her washy opinion on vampires was always up in the air.

“Woof. I'm ready for bed again,” Marshall Lee wrapped himself in a blanket and sat in the corner of the living room. “Do not go back to bed. I’m getting worried,” Gumball said before mixing various liquids into new beakers. “For real? Why?” Marshall questioned. “This process was experimental, not like there's any other vampires for me to test it on,” Gumball explained. “No one on record has cured vampirism before, not unless you count killing vampires as curing them. If that was the case, you would be a medical mastermind,” Gumball turned back around and busied himself with more experiments. Marshall cast his eyes downward. 
 
There was a knock at the door, “Hey, cover up, the sun’s still out,” Gumball moved to answer the front door. Marshall Lee curled into himself a little more. “Oh hey girls, how are you doing?” Gumball was pleasantly surprised to see Fionna and Cake on the porch step, he motioned for them to come inside. Cake immediately clocked Marshall Lee in the corner. “You’ve done it this time. You sucked the life out of defenseless animals,” Cake pointed an accusing finger. “Allegedly!” Fionna interjected, holding a hand up. “I ain't done nothing! Nothing you can prove anyways,” Marshall Lee snapped back. 
 
“Okay, everyone just chill out. Listen Marshie, I can barely control her right now. The small villagers are getting crazy out there. I saw one with a pitch fork earlier,” Fionna said, trying to stay neutral and passive. “Fionna, look into my eyes, and tell me what you think. I swear I didn't do it.” Marshall tried to poke at her soft side. Fionna did as requested and started deep into Marshall Lee’s pupils. “He’s clean, no way he did it,” Fionna quickly agreed. “What! You're just saying that cuz you got a thing for fangs,” Cake revealed out of frustration. “Cake! Would you please shut the fuck up!” Fionna immediately turned a bright shade of red and avoided eye contact with all in the room. “To be honest, you look like you're not sure if you did it,” Gumball offered.

“Okay, I’m not sure. We did some weird stuff yesterday, and I don't fully understand what's going on,” Marshall’s voice cracked, sounding lost. Both Fionna and Cake had composed themselves enough to rejoin the conversation. “Don't worry Marshall Lee. We’ll get this figured out for you,” Cake said and laid her head onto his leg. Fionna did the same but raised an eyebrow, “and what kind of stuff did you exactly do with Gumball yesterday?” Marshall laughed at her inquiry but explained the experiment to the newcomers. 
 
From outside the cabin, a small villager peaked through the window, watching Fionna and Cake cuddle up to the vampire, who was also the number one suspect. “She’s a glob-gleebin vampire hugger! We’ve got to tell the town,” The small villager informed the entourage. All three littles ran back home to share the bad news. Barging through the lighthouse doors, which was where the townsfolk had been staying, the eavesdropping villagers shouted, “Fionna’s been turned. She does the vampire’s bidding!” “Welp, that settles it. Tonight we burn the beast Marshall Lee.” The small villagers all cheered in agreement.

Later that evening, Fionna, Cake, and Marshall Lee were investigating the cattle killings by staking out the pastures. Fionna waved her flashlight over at Marshall, “you good over there?” she asked. Marshall’s legs wobbled. “I can barely stand up. PG says it's arthritis,” Marshall gave up and sat down in the grass, not caring if his clothes got dirty. “You shoulda hung back at the cabin, you don't look so great,” Fionna said. “Yeah, but I got a bad feeling about this. Like you two are gonna start shit without me.” Marshall looked up and wiped the sweat from his forehead. 
 
“Guys, look!” Cake pointed her flashlight over at a cow laying on the ground. A black lengthy, humanoid monster with massive fangs hovered over, draining the life from the dairy cow. 
Once the scene had been lit up, the monster roared, and dashed away. “After it!” Fionna and Cake sprinted to follow the creature. After about a quarter mile into the woods, they started to lose the tracks. Looking around the dense forest, there was a small cave that stood ominously. “Must be its lair. We gotta check it out,” Fionna creeped towards the entrance. Cake whimpered at the idea, “Remember how I said my fear of vampires was based on ignorance?”
 
“Yeah.”

“Um, I think I'd rather be blissfully unaware right now.”

“Come on Cake. We’re doing this for Marshall Lee, and he's the best vampire around.”

“Okay fine, but I’m gonna hold on to your shirt.”
 
Fionna tip-toed inside the dark cave entrance, armed with flashlights, her wishing sword, and Cake in tow. What originally appeared like a cave was actually a dense tree tunnel. Fionna stopped in her tracks when she witnessed many farm animals lying in the dark. Few were clinging to life, others had let go, and some had grown newly added fangs. “What happened to these poor babies?” Fionna kept her eyes moving, trying not to stare at the deceased. “I don't know girl, you tell me.” Cake said hushed. She was quaking with every step and keeping her eyes firmly shut. “I think they’re being turned into vamps,” Fionna theorized. “Wait, do you hear that?” Cake whispered, opening an eye. A strange noise was echoing from further down the tunnel. Fionna shined her flashlight onto the perpetrator. The grotesque black parasite from before was draining a horse dry, Cake fainted at the sight. “There it is!” Fionna yelled, which startled the creature, causing it to run off again. 
 
“It’s going back in Marshall’s direction,” Fionna said, leaving Cake behind. Fionna chased the weird, vampire thing back into the farm fields where they had left Marshall Lee on watch, but he was nowhere to be found. Fionna looked around frantically, worried about everyone being separated, and called out looking for Marshall Lee. “No need to worry about your friend, he's still here after all,” the head farmer spoke up from afar while holding a pitchfork. “Where’s Marshall Lee?” Fionna asked with a bad feeling in her gut. “We took care of your beast, and we’ll take care of the rest too- you vampire hugger!” “Wait, what?” Fionna responded. “Look ‘em yonder!”
 
Looking over the crops, she saw what the small farmer was pointing at; Marshall Lee was strung up to a windmill, crucifix style. The tiny people gathered around his feet and chanted, “burn the vamp, burn the vamp.” Marshall was infuriated, “You dumbass pints, we were trying to help you!” he roared and struggled against his bindings. “Now look at the other yonder,” The farmer said to Fionna and pointed at the horizon, where the sun was starting to rise. Fionna felt her stomach drop. She turned around to start running through the tall crops to reach Marshall. Her speed was greatly reduced by the path of stalks whipping back into her face every time she hit one down.

Fionna was fast, but not faster than the sun. While sprinting she called out desperately, “Marshall Lee, no!”

Fionna had caught his attention, and he yelled back, “Fionna! Wait, this can't be it!” More sweat beaded on his forehead, making his hair stick to his face. Marshall Lee looked at Fionna, who was never going to reach him in time, he glanced at the impending sunrise, and then stared back at Fionna one last time. Upset he would never get to tell her what he truly thought of her. Marshall laid his head back, closed his eyes, and accepted whatever was going to happen next, letting the sun rays wash over his skin.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Young Marshall was laying down in someone’s lap while his hair was being petted. He looked up, and it was his father. The two were relaxing in an old travel trailer, watching the sun set, while his father talked quietly about how he had met Marshall’s mother. “...She couldn't stop laughing at me. And that's the story of how we met.” Marshall’s father finished. It was hard to fully remember what he had been saying, this memory was from over 1000 years ago. “Okay kid, you got your story, now it’s time for bed.” Marshall was picked up and moved to lay down on the couch. “Do we have to? My dreams are weird,” young Marshall asked. Marshall’s father chuckled, “maybe they’re not as weird as you think, Maybe you’re just looking at it from the wrong angle.” He tucked the blankets up to Marshall’s neck. “Remember how it goes?”

"Let's go in the garden, you’ll find something waiting. Right there where you left it, lying upside down

.” Marshall’s father had passed this lullaby down from his parents. Even if he wasn't that great at singing, Marshall didn't mind. “

When you finally find it, you’ll see how it’s faded. The underside is lighter, when you turn it around. Everything stays, right where you left it.”

In this new memory, Marshall was a few years older, but he had already changed so much. Marshall worked on packing Simone’s gear into the dog sled. The nuclear winter had been showering fallout on them for months. Simone was busy in the old shed fiddling with the tape recorder. “Simone, I’m done with the packing.” Marshall said solemnly. Simone walked out and went straight over to the sled. “So do I get to keep the tape?” Marshall asked. “What? No, of course not,” Simone stuffed the tape somewhere into the luggage. “Simone, please don't go,” Marshall said, starting to tear up. Simone turned around and kneeled down, “I have to… I have to leave so I can protect you.” Simone had been wearing the antique crown on and off for some years now. It had finally taken hold of her indefinitely, changing her hair to white and skin to pale blue. It was a necessary evil because the crown granted the user magical ice powers, and this was their only defense against the zombies plaguing the wastelands.

“How can you protect me if you’re not even here!” Little Marshall said dramatically. Simone stood up and buckled into the sled. “I’ll arrange for someone to take care of you.” she answered. “This can't be the only way. I can help you with this,” Marshall pleaded. “And maybe someday you will. Goodbye my love.” Simone placed a small kiss on his forehead, grabbed the reins, and whipped the dogs into motion. The sled sped off, leaving little Marshall Lee alone in the cold.

Marshall was much older now, hardened by the years of solitude. He ran through the dry roads and dilapidated houses, accidentally stepping in some forgotten zombie goo. Marshall looked around, and waited a moment. “I know you're here!” His only response was some disembodied laughter. Continuing forward, stake in hand, he started to open random doors and compartments left around the ghost town. Marshall found his target when he opened a shed and locked eyes with ‘The Fool’. 
 
“You found me Marshall Lee, now you’re it!” The Fool said and floated above his head. The Fool was one of many vampires Marshall had dedicated his life to slaying, but his flying powers made him hard to catch. “I’m not playing around with you Fool, I’m trying to fucking kill you!” Marshall Lee jumped up off a rock close by and grabbed The Fool’s foot, dragging them both to the ground. Tumbling around, Marshall used his leg to weigh down The Fool, and easily plunged a wooden stake into the vampire’s chest. A white puff of smoke appeared in his place, asserting the vampire’s demise. Marshall stood and inhaled the smoke with his demon powers, courtesy of his mother. The Fool’s maniacal laughter echoed through his ears, then Marshall started to float. “Oh sick, flying powers,” Marshall said to himself. Not all vampires had skills, only the most powerful ones. Marshall slung his pickaxe base around his side and carved a tally mark on the body with his finger, marking another kill.

Marshall Lee spent most of his days trying to catch food in the already over-hunted wastelands. He had tied a rope into a snare and watched some squirrel ears twitch from afar. “Come on little dude, just get into the trap.” Marshall gave up shortly after, reeling the rope back in. He had a small set up which included a tent, his base, Hambo, and Schwabl. Instead of waiting for the animal to move, Marshall flung the rope circle out and hit the squirrel over the ear. “Ah!” The squirrel yelped and turned around, revealing itself to be human in disguise, not a squirrel at all. “Oh fuck, I’m so sorry. Here, let me help,” Marshall apologized profusely and carefully removed the rope snare from the trembling child’s head. “See? You’re okay now.” Marshall offered a wide toothed smile that accidentally revealed his sharp teeth. The human boy screamed and instantly turned to run away. “No, you don't have to be scared…” Marshall Lee said defeated. 
 
He lightly floated and followed the child through the bushes and hid in a tree. Marshall spotted a cohort of humans surrounding a fire. “Hey, hey, hey! Guys, I saw a vampire! It was a boy with sharp teeth.” The child relayed to the other humans. The group leader, an older man with glasses and a dog ear hat, picked up his weapon and the others copied. “Don't worry, we’re ready for anything,” the leader said. Marshall couldn't quite hear what they were saying, and leaned forward to hear. He promptly lost his footing, fell out of the tree, and caught himself before hitting the ground. “Uh, Hi.” Marshall said sheepishly. 
 
“Go away, vampire! You’re not welcome here.” The leader held a stick up. “Dude, I’m in the sunlight, not a vampire. I’m on your side.” Marshall tried to reason. The humans were too scared to understand, and they all ran away from Marshall Lee. Depressed, he decided to be steadfast and follow them anyways, hoping if a real vampire did come around, he’d be there to save them. 
 
At the new camp, the humans sat close to one another, and sang a song on a ukulele. Marshall listened closely, sitting behind a bush, and replicated the notes on his base. Lightly strumming and singing along. Lost in his own thoughts, he didn't notice the human child peak through the leaves to watch him play. The squirrel-disguised human stuck out his arm and offered Marshall a turkey leg, then pointed at the base guitar. Marshall accepted, winked, and started to play some new chords. All of the remaining humans gathered around and watched him play, deciding that Marshall wasn't all that bad.

Many months later, the humans had completed the ark they would use to journey to a neighboring island off the coast of Aaa, an island that had been untouched by the wreckage and zombies. Marshall Lee landed on the railing on the ship and everyone greeted, “Marshall Lee!”

“Hey guys, Two bread Tom, how's it going?”

“Going great. We’re finishing the repairs on the ship. We’ll be able to leave in the next day or two.”

“Ya know, I’ve cleared out most of the vampires in the area, you don't have to leave anymore.”

“Thanks Marshie, but it’s not the vampires, or the oozers, or even those hungry lookin’ rainbows. It's the latest atmospheric readings, I can tell something big is coming. It’s best we clear out from the continent all together.”

“Yeah, no, I totally get that.”

“You should come too! After all, you’re one of us.” 
 
Marshall didn't have time to consider the offer because the warning bell started to ring. “They’re here, they’re here!” a human disguised as a duck exclaimed before being tackled. A swarm of vampires had decided to raid the ship one last time and devour the humans before they could leave forever. Marshall Lee swooped down and stabbed the vampire who was attacking. “Everyone, get to the boat!” Marshall Lee continued his streak and killed 5 more vampire minions before he felt it was safe again. “Oh man, that’s not a real bat,” Two bread Tom pointed at a bat flapping around the deck. Marshall Lee had seen him before. The bat in question was Hierophant, who shifted back into vampire form, and Marshall immediately lunged for his neck. “Why can't you just let us eat the humans?” Hierophant asked through gritted teeth. 
 
They tousled mid air, both trying to kill the other. Hierophant slashed Marshall Lee across the abdomen, but the hit had no damage. “Hah! I picked up self healing last month.” Marshall taunted. “So, you’ve slain sister Moon. You’re blind to the price you must pay for such powers.” Hierophant said. After trying to take him seriously, Marshall laughed, “Blah! I don't care,” he said mockingly with a Transylvanian accent. Fed up with the antics, Hierophant lashed another claw out. Marshall anticipated the attack and used invisibility to escape. “Show yourself demon,” Hierophant said angrily. “Okay, whatever you say!” Marshall reappeared behind Hierophant, and plunged a stake into his back. Another puff of smoke and Marshall consumed another power, the power to shape shift. His victory was short-lived once Marshall started to feel the overwhelming presence of the strongest vampire he had ever known. “Tom, you have to leave. You have to leave now!” Marshall commanded the humans. “He’s here. The worst of them all, the Vampire King.”

The sun had finished rising over the mountains and bathed the farm lands in light. Marshall’s life had just flashed before him, and he was having trouble coming back to reality. Someone was lightly hitting Marshall’s face, annoyed, he opened his eyes. The morning sun was shining, yet he wasn't burning. Marshall had been untied and was laying on the ground, Fionna’s concerned face hovered over his. “Wah?” He said groggily. “Marshall Lee! You're not dead. Oh thank Glob.” Fionna hugged his limp body close. “PG’s cure, it actually worked. No soy vampire.” Marshall realized. “Wait, if Marshall Lee isn't a vampire, then who’s been draining all the cattle dry?” The small farmer said, joining the group.

Cake was starting to regain consciousness again, she rolled over and groaned. “I hope Fionna didn't get blood-sucked after I stress-fainted back there.” Cake exited the tunnel and decided the quickest way back was up and over. She scaled the rock wall but stopped short, peaking over the top. Cake saw five of the dark creatures transform into vampires, each one vastly different from the other. Sets of fangs sprouted out, protruding from their lips, signifying their true vampirism.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Cake had stumbled into an all-out vampire world-takeover planning session. Luckily these five vampires, the king’s court, were not well equipped enough to make it happen just yet. Due to some high tensions, many of the vampires went their separate ways, leaving two behind in the forest. When she thought it was safe enough to leave, Cake shrunk down as small as a button, and made her escape back to the farm. Marshall Lee and Fionna were walking together, enjoying Marshall's first day back in the sun, when Cake caught them. “Huff! Cow… Teeth! Huff, and lion!” Cake spit out inbetween pants, running to meet them and returning to her normal size. “Whoa Cake, what's going on?” Fionna asked first. “I found some real life vampires! Did you know anything about this, Marshall Lee?” Cake’s poofed up unintentionally. “What! No, but it is weird that all of this is happening at the same time I got un-gunked,” Marshall Lee said and thought about it a little longer. “I think we need to go see Gumball, like now.” He started to walk away and jump into the air, but instantly fell back down. “Oh, that's right. Guess I’m walking.”

“Bubba, I don't get it. Cake started spouting about vamps at the same time you fixed me,” Marshall waved his hands around excitedly. “Well, clearly something’s creeping around.” Gumball shrugged. “What about the gunk bucket, that should be the only vampiric thing left in Aaa.” Marshall said. “It's all over there, all safely in the safety bucket -” Gumball pointed and looked at the bucket, but there was not even a drop of vampiric residue inside of it.

“Ah! Butterscotch, what happened to the vampire juice?” Gumball said, starting to panic.

“Hold on, I’m working,” Butterscotch butler had propped up her easel and was starting to sketch. “Okay, there was one that looked like if a baby snake was still baby-baby.” Cake described abstractly. Butterscotch butler used some dark charcoal to draw an interpreted design, and flipped it around for Cake to see. 
 
“No, that's not right.”

“There was another one that looked like if an ant hill was a girl.” Flip.

“No, that’s not right.”

“There’s one of them that looked like a wet uncle.” Flip.

“No, that’s not right.”

“Then there was a lady that looked like black drapes on a lolly pop.” Flip.

“No, that's not right.”

“Oh, there was also one that looked like an angry stop sign coming out of a loaf of bread.” Flip.

“No, well, actually that one is pretty close.”

“Whoa, wait!” Marshall Lee walked over and ripped the paper off of the sketch pad, inspecting it closer. Looking at the drawing brought back a dark memory that had been previously locked in his vault.

On the night of the vampire attack the humans nearly escaped from, there was one last opponent Marshall Lee had yet to face, the Vampire King. “Marshal Lee, there’s no one left but me. Would you really wipe out an entire species?” The Vampire King had a deep voice and spoke in a formal way. “For the last time, yes! That is literally my entire plan.” Marshall Lee stood his ground on the edge of the boat. “So be it then, you leave me with no choice.” The Vampire King bowed and leapt from his high ground, sailing straight for Marshall Lee. 
 
These two would battle for dominance over the course of many minutes, causing the humans under the ship's deck to worry. Marshall Lee was fighting a losing battle, his opponent was double his size and had the fantastical power of a vampire. The Vampire King easily pinned Marshall Lee down. His hands above his head, scowl on his face, and legs spread wide.

“You know Marshall Lee, I think there still is a way to save my people.” The Vampire King grinned wide, flashing a toothy smile, and descended his fangs towards Marshall Lee’s neck. 
 
“Wait, no, you can't do this.” Marshall whimpered, helpless to his situation, and tried to fight against the weight holding him down. The Vampire King ignored his pleas and sank his fangs deep, purposefully injecting Marshall Lee with vampire venom. The poison burned in his veins, turning his eyes red, and convulsing. Marshall Lee screamed and used the last of his consciousness to thrust his stake forward, successfully killing the Vampire King, but not before being turned into a vampire himself.

Marshall Lee was surprised he had set aside such an impactful memory, a part of his past that had brought him here today. “This is bad. Really bad. These vamps are heavy hitters. Fool, Hierophant, Moon, Empress, and the Vampire King. They’ll easily kill us all if they get back to full strength,” Marshall said, meeting eyes with Fionna.

“Well, what’s the plan? I’d very much like to not die,” Gumball said, crossing his arms. “Eh hem!” Butterscotch butler coughed deliberately. “If I may, feel free to choose from my arsenal at any time.” Butterscotch butler uncovered and rolled out an intricate mat of various stakes and knives. Perfect for vampire slaying.

Marshall Lee emerged from the dark cave back to where Fionna, Cake, and Gumball were waiting for him. “No sign of anyone, coast is clear,” Marshall announced. Cake visibly relaxed but continued to hold an anti-vampire garlic-bomb close. “Yeah, same out here.” Fionna added. “Maybe we should all fan out and look for tracks,” Gumball suggested. Each member went a separate direction but stayed within eyeshot of another. Marshall decided to walk in the direction Cake had mentioned her sighting with the vampires. Zig-zagging in and around the forest, two parallel trees had caught his eye, they were too perfect. Attempting to walk through, he was stopped by an invisible wall hitting his face. Realizing what he had found, Marshall Lee turned back to reconvene with the group. He heard the commotion before he saw them. Cake had dropped her garlic bomb, drenching herself and Fionna in juice. 
 
“Hey guys, why don't yall head back? I’m gonna put together a profile, you know?” Marshall gestured vaguely to the trees behind him. “Yeah okay, come on girls, let's get you cleaned up.” Gumball herded the others back to the cabin, leaving Marshall Lee alone. He turned back to the invisible barrier, and started to yell.

“I know you're in there. Come on out you piece of shit! You fleabag! You-” A door cracked open for him. 
   
Stepping inside, Marshall was greeted by the Vampire King and the Fool. “Long time, no see Marshall Lee.” The Vampire King spoke calmly. “Not long enough,” Marshall replied. “Hey hey, Marshall Lee, look at me!” The Fool floated around, mocking Marshall with his reclaimed flying powers. “I see you're getting your strength back.” Marshall rolled his eyes. “Yes, not long now.” The Vampire King purred. “Don't get your hopes up, the humans are long gone. You scared them off,” Marshall said. 
 
“Someone’s smelling a bit human themselves these days. Is that because of your half, or your other half?” The Vampire King smiled knowingly and started to pet a nearby cow. “You don't need to worry, we can be friends now. I only eat animals, just like everyone else.” The Vampire King tilted the cow’s head up affectionately. “It doesn't matter how you pretend to change, I’m not buying it.” Marshall whipped his hand out to the left, catching the Fool by the neck as he buzzed by. Marshall Lee reached into his waistband and pulled out the stake he had stashed there prior. He stabbed the wooden stake deep into the Fool’s chest, turning him to dust ready to be consumed.  
 
Hearing the Fool’s laugh echo through his mind for the second time in his life, Marshall started to levitate again. “You know very well that the others will not be so easy,” the Vampire King picked at a claw. “I wonder how you will be!” Marshall jumped in the Vampire King’s direction but fell short once the Vampire King evaporated. He only managed to slice the vampire's cheek. “You've lost your touch.” Marshall laughed and flipped his disheveled hair to look where the Vampire King reappeared. “I’m surprised you have time to play while the Empress makes her way to the land of ice and snow,” the Vampire King cocked his head. Marshall Lee widened his eyes, realizing what the Empress’s plan was. Simone was in danger and he had to go.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Ice Queen was busying about her sparsely decorated ice palace, aimlessly talking to Gunther, who wasn't even in the room. She was pouring a cup of coffee from the pot into a mug, the once hot liquid now cold from air exposure. Hearing footsteps, Ice Queen turned around, “Gunther, is that you?” Looking to the ground, the shadows of footsteps appeared on the floor, walking straight for her. The vampire known as ‘The Empress’ revealed herself from invisibility. A tall, lengthy figure, dressed elegantly in black and gold, which included a black, bejeweled head scarf that covered her eyes. 
 
“Hello Simone,” Empress purred. “Ah! Who the heck are you?” Ice Queen yelled in response. “Wait, you don't remember me?” Empress asked, confused. “Have we met before? Oh I’m sorry, were you at Shelby’s barbeque last week?” Ice Queen was quickly sidetracked. “Huh, looks like you’ve really lost it. You’ve crossed the valley of tears and come out the other side a mere shadow of yourself.” Empress looked Ice Queen up and down. “Oh, thanks.” Ice Queen cocked her head to the side, not fully understanding. “Well, all the better for you to submit to me.” 
 
The snake around Empress’s neck that initially looked like gold necklace hardware, started to move up and around her head intending to remove the head scarf from her eyes. With the scarf gone, Empress used her second power to hypnotize Ice Queen. “

Sell your spirit to the skies, surrender to the Empress eyes

.” Ice Queen was mesmerized, the purple color from the magic reflecting in her own eyes. Ice Queen blinked it away, “Empress, darling, how may I serve you?”

Ice Queen curtsied. “Bring me human blood,” Empress instructed. “But Fionna is the only human around here,” Ice Queen pondered. “Then bring me the human named Fionna!”

The night passed quickly while staying at PG’s summer home. Cake was sitting on the porch, on guard. She heard a loud sound coming from within the forest, “AH!” Cake shot out multiple arms reaching for the sound’s origin, but instead of a monster, she had punched Gumball’s outside clock. Fionna decided to emerge from the house at this time, donning a sash of stakes, and yawning. “Thanks Cake, you did an awesome job protecting the cabin, but I can take over now.” Cake looked at Fionna, still nervous. “Yeah, I think it’s time. Is PG still working on new vampire gear?” Cake asked and sat beside Fionna. “Yeah, he’s almost done. Still no sign of Marshall Lee though. It’s like he ditched us to fight by himself, right after I promised I would help. I just wanted to be there for him,” Fionna put her head in her hands. Fionna had never worried about a person like this before, not even Cake. Now that Marshall was human, he could seriously get hurt, and she didn't think she could live with herself if that ever happened. Cake laid a paw on her shoulder, “Don't worry baby girl, we’ll go search for him once PG has that device up and running.” 
 
Cake got up and started to head inside for her designated sleep shift when Fionna looked over and saw the damage. “Is that Gumball’s outside clock? It looks like it’s been staked. Cake, what did you do?” Fionna teased and smirked. “It made a loud noise! My hunting reflexes kicked in,” Cake sheepishly rubbed her feet together. “That was his Aunt Lolly’s outside clock,” Fionna giggled. “Maybe he doesn't have to know I broke it. Let's just hide it.” Cake stretched her arms long enough to push the clock deeper into the forest. While they were preoccupied, Ice Queen watched from another one of the tree top branches, waiting for the right moment to take Fionna as requested.

Back at the Ice palace, Marshall Lee had been spying on Empress as she rummaged about in Ice Queen’s absence. Marshall expertly floated throughout the icicle stalactites, easily sneaking up behind Empress to stake her. Although he wasn't able to kill the Empress just yet, because Ice Queen had just returned while toting a tied-up Fionna. “I’m back! Look what I brought you, this pesky brat is always getting in my way of true love.” Ice Queen dropped Fionna. Marshall Lee was stunned, “Simone! What has she done to you?” Marshall flew over to Ice Queen, revealing himself, and checking on her state first. 
 
“Calm down, you're ruining our afternoon,” Ice Queen plucked Marshall’s hands off. Catching on that Ice Queen wasn't in the mood for Marshall’s help, he redirected his attention to Fionna, unbinding her wrists and placing her behind himself as protection. “Simone, how dare you collude with my sworn enemy. It's very rude.” Empress scolded. Fionna was having none of it, she yanked a stake out from Marshall Lee’s waistband, and made a running attack for the Empress. “Hah!” Fionna yelled out and slammed the stake down to Empress. Empress easily turned her back on Fionna but was surprised when the attack still landed. “Ah! How dare you stake my back,” Empress said, outraged, and ripped the wood out of her body. “I wasn't aiming for your back, I was going for your heart!” Fionna explained. “Ice Queen, bind these two in ice.” Empress commanded. 
 
Marshall Lee held Fionna close in his arms and flew away as fast as he could while Ice Queen hunted them down throughout the palace walls. Hiding behind one of many large Ice sculptures, Marshall tried to reason with Ice Queen while she was hot on their trail. “Simone, please, you have to fight Empress’s spell, she’s a vampire. Like the vampires I used to hunt for you!”

“For me?” Ice Queen asked, perplexed. “Yes, staking vampires, and protecting the last of the humans, I hoped that I was also protecting you from afar. One less thing you would have to worry about.” Marshall Lee pleaded and poured his heart out trying to make a difference.

Ice Queen started to cry, overwhelmed with emotion. Fionna shared a look Marshall Lee, and they both emerged from their hiding spot to comfort Ice Queen. “Simone, you remember me?” Marshall asked hopefully. Ice Queen wiped her tears away and looked up at Marshall and Fionna, cackling as she did, they had been tricked.
  
Ice Queen casted a spell and bound both Marshall and Fionna’s hands with ice. The Empress emerged from behind and caught up with the others. “Oh Marshall Lee, when will you ever learn? Fret not, those worrisome mortal emotions will be gone and past once I’m through with you. Ice Queen, kill them both.” Empress ordered. “What! I can't do that. Marshall Lee is an old friend, and he would hate me if I killed Fionna.” Ice Queen crossed her arms. “Are you disobeying me? 1000 years later and you still can't do anything right.” Empress said. 
 
Ice Queen and Empress would continue to bicker, fighting over who would kill the captives. Fionna locked eyes with Marshall, nodded, and smashed the ice cuffs onto the floor. “Distract Empress for me,” Marshall instructed. Fionna ran up and unsheathed her sword. “Yo Empress, get a load of my boot.” Fionna attacked Empress for the second time, hoping that Marshall had something better planned. Empress stuck her arm out straight, unamused, and grasped Fionna by the neck, holding her up, and constricting the air flow. Marshall Lee took his opportunity to grab Ice Queen from behind, and direct her magic in the direction of Empress. Empress realized his plot, and issued her own hypnotizing rays in their direction. The two opposing magic forces clashed, battling for dominance. Empress had her attention split in two with both hands occupied, giving Ice Queen and Marshall Lee the upper hand. The ice magic would prove stronger and overpower Empress, dropping Fionna, Empress was frozen in an ice prison. Marshall dropped Ice Queen, whipped out another wooden dagger, and stalked over to the Empress trapped in ice.

Marshall Lee chipped away at the ice until the perfect amount of Empress was exposed for execution. Marshall stabbed a stake deep into Empress’s heart and her existence turned to dust. He inhaled deep and could hear the whispers of Empress’s laughter echo through his mind, regaining his ability to turn invisible. Marshall immediately used his invisibility to hide from his consequences. Fionna was angry, she stomped over to where he was last seen and spoke,
 
“Marshall Lee, show yourself!”

“Fi, I know I shouldn't have gone for the vamps alone, I’m sorry. From now on, we can do this team style, okay?”

“You have no idea how worried I was about you. Plus you're still hiding.”
 
Marshall Lee revealed himself, appearing in front of Fionna, and not meeting her eyes. Fionna jumped up and wrapped her arms around his neck, hugging him close, and sinking to the cold floor. “You dumbass, don't ever do that again.” Fionna whispered. Marshall smiled softly, wrapped his own arms around her in return, and pet her head gently. 
  
“Hello! Anyone home?” Gumball called from the entrance, armed with a new vampire-killing weapon, and Cake by his side. “More people in my home! Oh, hi Prince Gumball,” Ice Queen quickly switched her tone and was back to her usual antics. “We got a tip y’all were here. What happened to Empress?” Cake asked while fencing Ice Queen off from Gumball. Marshall helped Fionna to her feet and kept a hand at the small of her back. “Two down, three more to go.” he answered simply.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

In the dense woods, the four vampire hunters were continuing their search. Gumball had invented some new gadgets, one of them being the tracking wand, how it worked -only Gumball knew. They had been following a trail of large, green, glowing pearls. Fionna bent down, picked one up, and decided to see what it tasted like. Cake ran over and ripped the marble out of her mouth, “Are you insane, don't put that biz in your mouth. What if those things are poisoned?” Cake scolded. “Whoa, chill Cake, those pearls were dropped by ‘The Moon’. Her power is super regeneration and accelerated healing. It’ll be like fighting a cutting board.” Marshall grabbed a pearl and stuffed it into his own mouth. Fionna picked up another pearl as well and held it up to Cake’s face, smushing her cheek with it to tease her. Fionna and Marshall Lee laughed, Cake slapped the bead away “Uh huh, no way! I’m gonna get you,” Cake and Fionna wrestled in the grass while Marshall watched. 
 
“Hey you goobs, I got a scent. We should get going before it gets any darker.” Gumball said. Cake just shrugged and started following the trail. Fionna hung back so she could chat. “See Marshall, isn't vampire fighting better with friends?” Fionna nudged. “Yeah, I’m glad you’re here Fionna. I also feel better knowing Simone is okay too.” Marshall shoved his hands into his pockets. Cake fluffed her fur, trying to remove some dirt, “I don't care how easy it might be, we should hole up before it gets dark- nevermind the sun’s down.” Cake let out a defeated sigh. 
 
“Yup. Now let's keep moving,” Gumball turned and dismissed any concerns. He waved his technical wand around and heard beeps emitting. “My thingy indicates high levels of vampire junk. That way!” Gumball started walking at a determined pace. Fionna whispered, “no duh, that's where the glowing trail leads,” her and Cake snickered but followed anyway. Prince Gumball liked to take charge, or maybe he was used to it. Doing as he said was easier than pointing out the obvious. 
 
Still wandering through the forest, staying wary of all dark shadows, Gumball felt a buzz. His cell phone started to chime, and he stood still to read the incoming text.

PG a vamp is runin 2wards Fi

Sorry my b
¯\_(ツ)_/¯

“Yo guys, BB says we got an incoming vamp,” Gumball announced and shoved the phone back into his pocket. “You don't think it’s The Moon, do you?” Fionna asked first. “Doubt it. She’s more of a slippery, hide-and-seek type,” Marshall answered. Cake shivered, “so what's the plan. Given that he can probably see in the dark, and could jump out from anywhere, and wants to eat the flesh off our bones!” Cake whimpered and shrank down small enough to hide somewhere in Fionna's sleeve. 
 
“Cake might have a point-” Gumball started to speak but was cut off. An eerie groaning sound was emitting from a bush not far down the path. Fionna jumped, startled by the noise, and withdrew her pink sword. All eyes intently watched the bush that was rustling and making strange noises. After a few moments of waiting, the culprit rolled over and revealed himself. What was originally thought to be a bush, was actually Lumpy Space Prince covered in a pile of leaves, homeless and sleeping on the trail. “Ahh, I feel so refreshed. What y’all doin?” LSP picked a leaf off his face and stretched, his eyes still droopy from sleep.

Farther away, a large, black puma padded around the grass and trees, following the scent of his prey. Hierophant had been tracking down Fionna, the last human on the continent of Aaa. Using this information to their advantage, the team had set Fionna as the bait.

“Damn! I cannot believe they just left me here. All unarmed and tethered like this. Whew, my neck sure is getting hot, I really need some air.” Fionna acted unassumingly and removed her bunny hat. Moving her long, blonde hair to the side, she revealed up her neck and clavicle trying to tempt the vampire to appear. Hierophant’s mouth salivated, he quietly creeped up behind Fionna, unhinged his jaw, and revealed sharp white fangs. Before he could take a bite, Gumball issued the signal. “Go!” 
 
Marshall Lee pushed LSP out of the tree top they had been hiding in, sending him swinging down at Hierophant with many stakes poking out of the lumps. LSP yelled in shock and braced for impact. Hierophant was too quick and shifted into a small rodent to avoid the surprise attack. Fionna whipped her arm out and grabbed for the tail, the rat hissed in response. Her attempt was useless once Hierophant shifted back into his true form and challenged her weight class. He loomed over Fionna, casting a dark shadow in his presence. She looked up and connected with his eyes, her chest still to the ground.
 
“Hierophant!” Marshall Lee yelled from above, crossing his arms, and hovering high in the sky. Hierophant was immediately more interested in Marshall, he shifted in his favorite bat form and took to the sky. “Aren't you cold up here, my boy? You know, I do have a proposition-” Hierophant started but Marshall Lee was in no mood to listen, he sent a hard punch into the bat’s upturned face. “Surprise motherfucker!” Enraged, Hierophant lunged for Marshall Lee, but came up short when Marshall turned invisible to dodge the attack. “You feeling okay? I wouldn't be offended if you wanted to give up right now after knowing what's become of Empress,” Marshall taunted, his voice echoing all around. “Marshall Lee!” Hierophant called out and searched for Marshall in the air above. 
 
Down below, Fionna set out instructions, “Gather up all the stakes you can still find.” “On it,” Cake ran around the clearing, looking desperately for weapons. Fionna loaded one of her own stakes into the crossbow. LSP again started yelling from a tree branch, where he had still been hanging. “Fionna, I want to help too.” LSP wriggled out of his ropes and fell to the ground, nearly taking Fionna out and causing her to miss the shot. Hierophant redirected his attention back to the ground and quickly came swooping back down to swat at the pests intervening in his brawl. Cake screeched at the incoming vampire and went to hide inside Prince Gumball’s backpack; trying to save her blood from consumption. Fionna roughly kicked LSP off her chest, sending him far away, and swiftly regained her footing, ready to fight for their lives once again. 
 
Marshall Lee revealed himself and went head-to-head with Hierophant, who had shifted into his largest and most offensive form, the scorpion. Gumball continued to bring up the rear with his crossbow while Fionna chopped at the Hierophant’s boots. The thrashing of many legs nearly squashed Fionna, who let out a yelp. Marshall Lee whipped his head around to check on her, but in his distraction, was sliced on his arm by the scorpion tail. He hissed and watched the green toxin mix with his blood. 
 
Cake was still hiding from the fight, fear making her quake. From inside the backpack, she heard a ring from Gumball’s phone.

p.s. vamp plays by old timey rulez, garlic, no houses, etc hth

Cake read the text and rolled her eyes at the unfortunate idea she now had. Hearing the screams from outside, she knew what was next. Stepping onto the grass, Cake grew three times as large and shape shifted into a small, A-frame house with windows. “Get in me!” Cake yelled as loud as she could trying to regain the others attention. Fionna grabbed her sword and dragged herself inside Cake's tiny home. Marshall Lee flew down and picked Gumball up by his arms and threw him in, tumbling after Fionna. Once the vampire hunters were safe inside Cake’s house, she stretched the door shut. 
 
Hierophant was hotly pursuing the trail, but came to an abrupt stop before the house entrance, realizing what was going on. He looked directly into Cake’s eyes positioned above the door. “May I come in?” Hierophant politely said through gritted teeth. “No, you may not.” Cake answered with little sass. Hierophant shape shifted again into a wolf, circling the house, he tried to take a bite out of the corner. Cake recoiled and moved the wall just far enough to keep out of reach. “What kind of creature are you?” Hierophant narrowed his eyes and interrogated in a devious voice. 
 
“I’m a magic cat, with magic blood, poisonous blood!” Cake side eyed Hierophant and hoped her lie would deter any other attempts. Fionna smushed her face up against the wall, making an indent of her portrait. “I’ve got gallons and gallons of warm red teenage blood and you can't have it!” Fionna mocked. She then loaded and aimed the crossbow out the window and at Hierophant. He easily avoided the airborne stake and transformed into a fly. Deciding to try a new approach, he sat at the front of Cake’s house and retook his regular form. 
 
“Marshall Lee, you have to know that you can’t defeat the Vampire King. You can't even take me out in your current state.” Hierophant said with a dark laugh. Marshall Lee had been listening while sitting down in the now-open entryway. He stood up and floated out, turning invisible so they would be on equal ground. “Alright. What is it you want?” Marshall spoke, disembodied.
 
“The truth is, I hate the King. Just as much as you do. I’ve actually come here to join forces, but I was met with immediate resistance. Reality is, you need me.”

“I’ve killed the Vampire King before, and I’ll do it again.”

“I don't know how it ended the first time, but I think he let you beat him. Am I right?”

Marshall’s mind flashed back to his win against the Vampire King, but also to the pair of fangs locked tight into his neck that same day long ago. His victory was tainted and probably by design.

“Ugh. Fine, say we do work together. You gotta give up drinking blood.”

“I’m a vampire! You would blame me for the way of us all?”

“Not all. You can drink red just as easily. No more hurting innocent animals.”

“Is that so? Well then, I suppose I have no choice… I’m just going to waste you and drain your human girl!”
 
Hierophant whipped an arm out and snatched Marshall’s neck mid-air. Marshall gasped, dropped his cloaking, and struggled against the tight hold. Fionna twitched but Gumball placed a heavy hand on her shoulder. Hierophant brought his face in close to Marshall Lee, “because that is how you maintain vampire tradition,” he harshly whispered, only centimeters away from his true goal. Behind them both, LSP had finally found where everyone had been hiding. Falling out of a nearby brush, bumping into Hierophant, knocking everyone down, and causing a collapse to the ground. “What the Glob, no one thought to save me from the blood-sucking vampire! You guys are the worst.” LSP crossed his arms and turned his nose upwards. 
 
LSP’s arrival had pushed Hierophant and Marshall Lee to the ground and through the open door of Cake’s house. Hierophant’s eyes frantically darted around while his body started to convulse. “No, wait, I wasn't invited in,” Straining to speak out, his throat closing up. His body started to fail, going limp, and Hierophant was quickly turned to dust. Marshall Lee stood up and walked over, inhaling as he went. The soft echoes of Hierophant’s laughter rang through his head, and it was finished. 
 
“Geez. What the hell happened?” Fionna asked, inspecting the newly acquired vampire bones. “We all live by our own rules. Dude was too old fashioned for his own good,” Gumball answered dutifully. “Wait! Did you guys see that? I killed a vampire,” LSP reentered and rejoiced in his accidental murder, dancing around the forest clearing.

“Oh wow, I actually don't feel so good.” Marshall Lee swayed slightly and put a hand to his head before falling to the ground and curling up. Everyone surrounded Marshall, concerned for his wellbeing. 
 
“Marshall Lee!” Fionna was the first to move, she rolled Marshall over to find the source of his pain. His previous wound from the scorpion tail had finally caught up, turning his surrounding skin green and oozing. Marshall was barely conscious and his head was red hot. Fionna gave a desperate look over to Gumball as she started to sweat. “What do we do now?” Cake agonized out loud. Fionna shook her head solemnly. She stood up, threw Marshall over her shoulder, and set her eyes hard. “Now, we go find ‘The Moon’.”

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Measuring out a cup of sugar, Simone dumped the ingredients into a silver metal bowl. Bobbie mixed the wet and dry for a couple more turns before spooning it all into the crust waiting nearby. Both wearing one oven mitt, they worked in unison to place the pie into the oven so it could thoroughly bake. Bobbie started the rooster themed timer, numerous ticking sounds ensued. A sharp knock at the door grabbed Simone's attention, and she moved to answer it. On the other side was Marshall Lee. He was dressed in black slacks and a long, dark button up shirt. Marshall held a small bouquet of flowers that he had brought as a gift. Simone greeted Marshall Lee with a kiss on the cheek and was pleasantly surprised to see that Fionna had accompanied him today. She peaked out from her hiding spot behind Marshall and responded to Simone. The new arrivals were welcomed inside; although they were soon met with the loud sputtering alarm of the chicken clock, announcing the end of its timer. Marshall Lee stared at the gadget, the crowing of a cockadoodledoo never stopping. “Wait. Wasn't I supposed to be hunting vampires?” Marshall thought to himself.

In reality, Marshall Lee had been unconscious long enough for the sun to rise. Cake had grabbed a nearby chicken, that had been minding its own business, and had decided to use it as a make-shift alarm. Squishing it to provoke a clucking sound. Prince Gumball swatted the animal out of Cake’s paws, letting it go free. “Cake, cut it out. That's not helping him.” “What? Mom and dad always let a rooster wake us up as kids,” Cake shrugged. “Sorry Cake, I think your parents just thought it was funny to let a rooster loose in your room.”  Cake, Prince Gumball, and LSP observed Fionna as she cradled Marshall Lee in her arms. Marshall Lee’s skin was ashen, more so than normal. Green veins sprouted next to his arteries, infecting them further. “Globdammit, I can't believe this happened. My best friend is dying because of me. I should've done more,” Fionna hung her head low. “Pssh, best friend my ass,” Cake scoffed. “Yo, not the time girl,” LSP reprimanded, the unusual voice of ration.  “Fi, do you know what the word ‘encumbered’ means?” Gumball asked. He kneeled down and lifted Fionna’s chin with one finger, bringing her watery eyes to meet his. “It’s a green vegetable that's great when pickled…” Fionna said softly, not really following his direction. “Close, but what it really means is ‘bearing a burden too much for one person’. You can't blame yourself for what’s happened, Marshall knew exactly what he was doing going up against these vampires. He’s done it before and was willing to do it again for a particular human.” Gumball reassured.  “Heck yeah, I get lumped up all the time sleeping in the forest.” LSP added. “And I got poisoned once just by doing the dishes,” Cake said. “Poison…oh my Glob, Marshall’s been poisoned. That's right, BB has a poison lab back at the Candy castle!” Gumball realized. A new glint of hope made home in Fionna’s eyes.  “Then we need to get back there asap!” “Whoa, I’ll take Marshall Lee back to the castle, you should go with Cake to find the Moon.” “You’re fucking insane if you-”“Fi, listen. You and Cake are our best chance at catching the Moon and you know it. I’m gonna call Butterscotch Butler and have her sneak us into that lab. Those healing powers are crucial for Marshall’s recovery.” Prince Gumball hoisted Marshall Lee into his arms and took one last look at the vampire hunting team. Fionna grabbed one of Marshall Lee’s hands that had fallen out of place. She went to move it back to his lap when she noticed a small, fluffy, pale blue scrunchie cinched around his wrist, hidden safely under his red checkered sleeve. She cast a pained smile, and then turned away, setting her sights on hunting down another vampire with Cake. “Hey, wait guys, what should I do?” LSP had been left alone in the pasture as he watched everyone else go their separate ways.

Fionna and Cake reunited with the glowing-pearl trail they had been previously following. Picking up a small bead, Fionna brought it up to her face to inspect it. “Moon pearls, we’re on her trail, and getting close.” Fionna passed the bead over to Cake. “Gross,” Cake sniffed and shook her head. “They're kinda pretty. They’d look nice on BMO,” Fionna concluded. “Come on Fi,” Cake threw over her shoulder and started following the trail in huge strides.  The green pearls came to an end once they reached a murky pond. The water was stagnant with only a rickety dock nailed to the shore. Tethered to it was a floating raft. “Holy shit, the Moon’s pontoon!” Fionna didn't stop running until she was met with rotten wooden planks that she now would have to purposefully step around. “What is that? Some hut the Moon plucked out of her body too?” Cake inspected the tiny gord house that sat peacefully atop the makeshift boat. Fionna wasted no time on schematics and ducked inside the hole. “Um, I don't think so. This mummy dune looks like it used to belong to that mummy dune,” Fionna gestured to the dusty skeleton resting in the corner, long deceased. Sniffing some more, Cake narrowed her sights on a wide, 4ft tall, Aztec pottery jar that was closed with a lid. Fionna followed suit and opened the top, peeking inside.  At the bottom was the Moon, sleeping soundly in the dark pot, surrounded by glowing pearls. “Yeah, that’s her.” “Okay, now what?” Fionna withdrew a wooden stake from her backpack and handed it over to Cake. Cake stretched a paw down and swiftly stabbed the Moon deep in her chest. They waited a moment. “Um, shouldn't she like explode or something?” Cake looked up and asked. Interrupting her train of thought, the wooden stake slowly emerged from the Moon’s chest and pushed out of the pot. “She just healed that sword right outta her bod!” Fionna whispered harshly. “Let's try frying her up in the sun!” Cake proposed, then stretched down to pluck the Moon out of hiding.  Outside on the barge, the girls tossed the Moon into the broad daylight and watched as her skin started to sizzle. Although, the burn damage didn't stick. The Moon was still sleeping quietly, unaffected, as her body recovered from the rays and left her charred skin smooth once again. “How are we supposed to destroy this frozen grape?” Cake pondered out loud. “I guess we’ll have to stick with PG’s idea and stab her a bunch of different ways,” Fionna said almost gleefully. Arching up her wooden sword, the pair got to work.

A few hours later, the sun was starting to set. The orange glow painted the ground and cast shadows where they stood. Fionna gave up, plopped back, sitting hard on her butt, and used the back of her hand to wipe away some sweat from her forehead. “Ya know, it’s kinda weird that PG wanted us to ‘stake her back’ instead of ‘take her back’,” Fionna recalled. Cake briefly stopped attempting to smother the Moon to seriously look over at Fionna.  “Wait. Taking or Staking?”“I don't really remember honestly.”“So, which one should we do?”“Both, I guess. Since the wooden stake didn't work, we should head for the Candy kingdom.”“We better hurry before she wakes up at sundown- oh. The sun’s gone.” The last light was quickly dying out, minutes before dark. Cake started the prance around anxiously, not knowing what to do. “Put her back in the vase!” Fionna recommended. Cake immediately picked the Moon up and stretched her back into the pottery, closing the lid tight. It didn't matter, because the Moon was now wide awake and peering out of the pot, hissing her forked tongue. She was a short, black haired, vampire with an odd orifice above her eyes that would intermittently drop healing beads, and a kick for taunting prey.  “Come get us blood bucket!” Fionna yelled, insighting more violence. “What?” Cake exclaimed, not wanting to be hunted again. Fionna turned around and took off back down the wooden dock, assuming they would follow. Once Cake had regained her senses, she sprinted after Fionna, stretching into the size and shape of a horse. Fionna saddled Cake and turned her head to look back. The Moon was aggravated and pursuing, moving so fast she appeared to have grown extra legs. “You're crazy! Why’d you make her chase us?” Cake said in between panting breaths. “Marshie needs those healing powers. We’ll kill her back at the castle.” Fionna answered and started digging around in her backpack to find something useful. Coming up with a fist full of rocks, she started pitching stones at the rabid vampire. The Moon easily evaded the projectiles and lifted the corner of her mouth into a smirk. “Holy shit, she's smiling right at me,” Fionna scoffed. “I don't need a play by play,” Cake muttered, keeping her eyes set forward.  “I think she’s fucking with us. She's not catching up on purpose.” “Great! Let's keep it that way.”“Slow down so I can talk to her.”“No girl, you crazy!”“Just do it, I won't let her bite you.” Fionna gave a small slap of encouragement on Cakes’ rear, but she did as instructed. Slowing down their speed to match the Moons, Fionna leaned over and got close to the Moons’ face. “Hey. We’re leading you to a trap. Then we’re gonna suck out your healing power and dust you.”The Moon was unfazed by Fionna’s taunts. She continued sprinting without pause. “And then I’m gonna put you in a litter box and let Cake drop a huge smelly shit bomb on your sorry dust clumps!” Fionna finished her threat and slammed her hands down again, trying not to lose her seat. “Keep me outta this!” Cake interjected from up front.  “You run in the path of my light.” The Moon spoke with a deep, dark, and unsettling voice. Her more monstrous qualities still yet to be seen. “What the fuck!” Cake exclaimed, terrified, while Fionna’s face dropped, and eyes widened with shock. “How can you lead me when I am your guide?” The Moon’s baritone voice rattled once again in an ominous and grave tone. Fionna looked up at the sky and stared at the full moon that witnessed their entire affair. “Are you being literal or allegorical?” Fionna asked rhetorically. The only answer she received was a maniacal laugh from the Moon, who’s smile grew wicked and wide. “Fi no like! Run Cake, Run!” Fionna turned back around to properly ride and to avoid looking back at the demon hunting them.

At the Candy Castle, there was a small room that was home to Butterscotch Butler's personal poison laboratory. Butterscotch Butler had greeted Prince Gumball and the sickly Marshall Lee at the gates, leading them down the more vacant hallways. The recent political unrest in the Candy kingdom was one of the many things that had been keeping Prince Gumball up at night.  Thankfully, his throne and citizens’ allegiance were slowly being returned to their rightful place, but these things took time. Right now, his highest priority was stalling the poisons’ spread until Fionna and Cake could return with the vampire.  Placing Marshall Lee down on the altar centered in the room, Prince Gumball started to buzz around nervously without any task at hand. “Alright, where’s your measuring equipment? I need to see some charts or tubes,” Prince Gumball said frantically. He felt partially responsible for the vampires wreaking havoc on Aaa, since he had originally broached the idea of curing vampirism, but was mostly guilty about where this journey had landed them all. The now mortal Marshall Lee was sick and soon dying.  “This process requires no tubes nor involves quantifiable measurements.” Butterscotch Butler said calmly in her thick accent. She placed multiple gemstones of assorted colors and sizes along seemingly random points all over Marshall Lee’s body. “Calm your mind and let the crystal medium work its magic,” whispered Butterscotch Butler. Prince Gumball dragged a nearby chair closer to the altar and sat down hard, watching as Butterscotch Butler practiced her ancient Celtic paganism. “ Shu, shu, shu. Shu, shu, shu .” She chanted while waving fingers gently around Marshall’s face. Marshall briefly twitched in his sleep. “Okay, finished.” “That's it? You just go ‘shu shu shu’ with your hands and call it a night?” Prince Gumball inquired, exasperated. “Don't question my methods! Now we wait like, eh, two hours.” Wiping her hands, she busied herself by lighting an incense of assorted dry herbs. Gumball paused at an odd noise; the room no longer silent. He whipped his head in the direction of the backside wall and listened closely. A strange rumble of feet and screaming was coming from somewhere beyond the castle. Moments later, the rock candy stones that made up the spiral tower came crumbling down around him. Fionna and Cake had returned and made their disastrous entrance, tumbling in and around the laboratory. “We brought the Moon!” Fionna announced. “What do we do now?” Cake exclaimed, unsure of the proper vampire slaying procedure. “Die. Like. Pigs.” The Moon sounded deadly. Her once refined appearance had regressed into animalistic rage. “We still need Marshall to wake up!” Prince Gumball explained. “Fuck, okay, shit,” Fionna spewed out profanity while dashing over to Marshall’s side. She locked her elbows around his shoulders and dragged his limp body to one of the empty storage chests that lined the wall. “Keep her busy!” Fionna said lastly before slamming the door shut and stomping the metal hinges down to create another obstacle. Keeping everyone out but also locking them in.  “Uh, she’s not moving?” Cake noted. The Moon stood at the edge of the room, keeping her eyes strained on the container, she then started to walk over. “Are you gonna do anything?” Gumball asked hurriedly. “I guess so.” Cake unsheathed the wooden sword from her side and held it out, aiming at the Moon. Cake roared and charged forward. She had only taken a few steps when her legs gave out and her bones seemingly stopped functioning. “What was that!” Gumball raged.  “Whoops. I think I just tapped out.”“Tapped out? Since when do you ever tap out?”“Since we started fighting vampires!”“Cake. Do something!”“I can’t! I feel like I’m in a horror movie.” Deciding that Cake was useless, Gumball relented and rushed at The Moon. Untying one of the chandelier ropes from to the wall, causing it to come crashing down at the other corner of the room, he looped the middle around The Moon’s midsection and started to pull in the opposite direction. He dug both heels into the ground and attempted to slow her down again. The Moon was unfazed and continued walking steadfast towards the storage unit holding Marshall Lee and Fionna. “Fionna, I can't stop her!” Gumball shouted. “You have to do something!” Fionna cried. The Moon had reached their hiding place and immediately started denting the metal box, searching for a way inside. Fionna cradled Marshall’s head to her chest but pivoted to violently shaking his shoulders. She was normally the bravest around, but the possibility of them both dying was sending her brain into overdrive. “Wake up please. You have to wake up now!”

While unconscious, Marshall had begun another dream. He was older now and sitting on the second floor in the treehouse living room. Relaxing deep into a cushioned armchair, strumming a guitar, and dressed in a weathered knit sweater. He played the notes like he knew the song by heart. Marshall Lee gazed outside the window, watching the autumn weather consume the willow tree leaves, when he was slightly startled by a figure who approached from behind. He turned to face Fionna, who held a steaming teacup in her hands, and she greeted him. Fionna spoke, her lips moving like she was speaking words, yet Marshall couldn't hear her voice. “What?” He tried to listen harder, placing a quizzical expression on his face and leaning closer to attempt hearing some sound. Fionna spoke again, her absent words specifically directed at him this time. Marshall still couldn't hear. “I can't hear you!” He yelled. “Your eyes…” her words finally coming through. “I need you to open your eyes!” Fionna’s face stayed blank, but her tone was urgent and desperate. The scream hit his ears before he could register what she had said. The decibels shocked his stapes and cochlea, causing Marshall to finally wake up.   The loud banging from the Moon on heavy steel caught his attention first. Frantically glancing around, he adjusted to the light, and quickly noticed the confined space he was trapped in with Fionna. Their predicament and impending doom becoming very real. “Marshall Lee! You’re alive,” Fionna said shockingly. “Not for long,” he quipped. The Moon had caved in the metal door previously keeping her out, and ripped it from the box. She opened her mouth wide - which offered a perfect view to many rows of sharpened teeth. When the vampire moved to chomp on the nearest flesh, Butterscotch Butler made this her opportunity to drive a large wooden stake into the Moon’s backside. She roared but stopped momentarily, stunned by the invasion. “In your face!” Butterscotch Butler said proudly. “Now Marshall!” Fionna commanded. Marshall did as instructed and only focused on draining the soul from the Moon. He easily inhaled the cloud of dust and only stopped once her body had also disappeared. He swallowed hard and listened to the faint echoes of laughter wafting through his mind. Within minutes, his ill body started to heal, and his skin regained its ordinary color. Marshall Lee relaxed into Fionna’s arms while they recovered from the adrenaline. Cake was slowly dragging herself over to another sword, still attempting to participate in the fight. “Cake. Cake! It’s over. The vamp’s dead,” Gumball informed flatly. Cake rolled onto her back and let her head fall, “Oh thank Glob.” With no strength left, she fell asleep.  Fionna laughed lightly, and moved to escape the storage unit, helping Marshall out as well. She sat down with her back against a laboratory wall and kept a sword upright within arm's reach. Her eyes lids started to feel heavy for the first time in awhile. Prince Gumball breathed a sigh of relief and laid down where he was too; Butterscotch Butler ran over to present his royal highness with a small pillow and blanket. Marshall Lee stayed standing and looked over the wreckage. ‘What the hell happened when I was out?’, he thought. While the others started to crash, he was still wide awake from his brief coma. Sitting on the broken edge of the castle wall, he settled on staying on guard the rest of the night.