Unfortunately, the croc had ushered Fionna out of the tunnel quickly after she had sat down,
insisting nobody was allowed to watch him "work his magic" (Whatever that meant).
Now, a few hours later, he was nowhere to be seen. After a while of searching, they decided he simply must have ran off.
Disappointed, they made their way back to the tree house.
"Well," Cake sighed, "That was effective."
"More like dumb!" Fionna said, "Now I have no dress at all! There's probably not time to make one either"
"Yeah… Unless there's something at home you can wear." Cake said
"Haha! Tablecloths HAVE been in style lately," Fionna laughed. "Imagine what Prince Gumball would do!"
This, of course, resulted in a giggling fit between the two of them, and before long they were back at home.
"You're didn't order anything weird from Candy Kingdom again, did you?" Fionna questioned,
examining a parcel that had been left in front of the door.
"I don't think so! Open it!" Cake peered at the package with large eyes.
"What if its… eeevil?"
"Don't be a melon! We can deal with evil!" assured Cake, prodding it with a paw.
"Good point!" Fionna replied as she ripped away the package to reveal…
The most beautiful dress she had ever seen in her life. The two gasped collectively simply at the sight of it.
It was a shimmering pastel turquoise in colour, with accents of white and darker teal and small bluebells adorning the neckline.
The hem of the skirt was the perfect length, just barely brushing the floor, and the sleeves were two simple braids of ribbon.
It was definitely mathematical.
The only problem now was that the tailoring crocodile was nowhere to be seen.
How were they supposed to repay him for the masterpiece he created if they couldn't find him?
Just then, a small card fell from the fabric of the dress.
"I hope this fits your requirements," It read. "I'm sorry I couldn't be there to give it to you myself,
but I had some business to attend to. Please don't worry about the cost, making it was payment enough,
I assure you! Best regards, Carolan K. Dile"
"… Wow." Cake mumbled. "That sure was one crazy croc."
"Are you kidding me? This dress is GENIUS CRAZ-MAZING PERFECT!" Cake exclaimed.
"I cant believe he's just GIVING it to us! Totally algebraic!"
"Good point, sista!" Cake laughed at Fionna's enthusiasm. "Now go put it on already!"
The dress looked even better on Fionna than it had on the hanger. Sweet!
"Shmwow-zow! That looks awesome!" Cake exclaimed "You should wear dresses more often!"
"Cake, I can't kick bad-dudes in a dress!" Fionna laughed.
"Heh, I guess that's true! Marshalls not gonna be able to take his eyes of you!" Cake said with a mock swoon.
"Not that he can anyways" she added with a giggle.
"Oh, shut up!" Fionna scolded, but she laughed too. She hoped he would like the dress as much as she did!
After all, he was the main reason she had it made. That or course, and to show up whoever Prince Gumball was taking.
While was certainly glad she wasn't going to the ball with him, it would still be fun to make him jealous! Fionna cackled aloud.
"Uh.. Fionna? You okay?" Cake questioned, raising a whiskery eyebrow.
"What? OH! Yeah! I'm good! Don't worry about it!" She exclaimed as she was snapped out of her imagination and back to reality.
"Let's do this! How much time do we have till the ball?" she asked Cake.
"Marshall's gonna pick you up in less than an hour," Cake replied. "Now take off your hat, I need to do something with your hair!"
"You sound way to excited about this!" Fionna laughed nervously. "Do I have to take off my hat?"
"Yes, of course you do, silly!" Cake giggled as she pulled off Fionna's toque, revealing her long, healthy hair.
"Trust me, I know what I'm doing here!"
After over half an hour of more primping and preening than Fionna had ever experienced in her life,
Cake revealed her finished product. Fionna's long, blonde hair fell to her waist, with soft curls flowing and bouncing.
Fionna had to admit, Cake wasn't lying when she said she knew what she was doing. Her hair was fantastic!
"Well," Cake asked, "What do you think?"
"I.. I look.." Fionna faltered, blushing.
"Yeah, I did pretty great. You look algebraic! Also, Marshall's downstairs. Lord Monochromicorn
and I are going to Lumpy Space tonight to look at the stars and stuff, so I'll see you later! Don't have too much fun!"
The two hugged, then Cake stepped out the window and Fionna made her way quietly down the ladder.
Marshall was looking out the window at the rising moon, looking gorgeous, as usual. He was wearing a black suit,
with a white shirt underneath and a teal tie that matched Fionna's dress perfectly. Fionna took in a deep breath.
"H… Hi, Marshall.." Fionna whispered. So much for the deep breath. She was so nervous she could hardly breathe as he turned to face her.
"W.. wow." he gasped, his mouth falling open as he laid eyes on her.
Fionna blushed and looked shyly at the floor as he admired her.
"You look… amazing." he said. "I mean like, really beautiful." He took a step towards her and took her hands in his
with a nervous smile, blushing.
"Oh," Fionna gasped quietly. " Th-thanks. So do you." She looked him back in the eyes, with a small smile.
"Your suit is really nice." She added shyly.
"Darling," Marshall said with slightly regained confidence, "You're gorgeous in general."
He pulled her closer to him and kissed her gently. The two stayed like that for a small while, kissing in the moonlight.
When they finally pulled apart, Marshall kept Fionna's hand in his as he lead her to the door.
"After you, my lady," he said, following her outside.
"If you insist, sir." Fionna giggled, and pulled him through after her.
Laughing together, they began walking to the Candy Kingdom, hand in hand.
Neither of them could have been happier.