The moment he stepped into his house, he stopped. For only a few seconds, he stopped everything, closing his eyes. He couldn't move, couldn't breathe, couldn't see, couldn't feel. He didn't want to. All went eerily silent. It was as if everything and everyone on the planet disappeared. Nothingness was all there was. The vampire was so still he could have been made of stone. He remained this way, doing a very simple action. He was mentally preparing himself for this day. This would be the end.
A half hour later, he was disturbed by the gentle sound of the old grandfather clock in his living room. Bong, bong, bong, bong, bong, bong, bong, bong, bong, bong. Ten long, simple strikes of a bell in the clock. It brought Marshall back to life as he began to breathe once more. He continued on to his closet, pulling out his best clothing. It was an extremely formal wedding, and Marshall wanted to look his very best on this particular day. It was important to him to say good bye looking his best.
The outfit was incredible; his royal military style uniform. The colors of the Nightosphere were black, electric blue, and purple. The jacket itself was black, but the fabric was slightly iridescent of blue and purple. It was very subtle, but when noticed was striking. There were several gold and silver medals of honor on his coat, as well as electric blue badges for things he did hundreds of years ago. The buttons were made of the deepest purple amethyst, and his undershirt was dark purple. Marshall also wore a crown made of gold and violet velvet. It was much larger and more elaborate than Gumball's. The pants were simpler, an average black fabric pant with a small electric blue line down the outer leg and a bootstrap at the bottom that fit Marshall perfectly. He slipped on black knee-high leather boots after slipping on white socks. He observed himself in the enchanted mirror after placing his crown on his head, and felt a sense of pride for himself. He hadn't worn this in a very long time, and it brought so many memories back.
Marshall moved away from the mirror and picked up his ax bass and smiled, played a few chords, then hung it on the wall. He pet Schwabelle softly as she lied on the bed. He stroked her back, talked to her a bit with a gentle tone of voice, and then allowed her to rest again. He sucked down some reds, brushed his teeth with cinnamon toothpaste, and after stuck a piece of gum in his mouth. He grabbed a folder from his key board and observed it, then walked around his house once. After making sure his home was in order, he stepped outside, closed the door, locked it twice, and then opened the black umbrella.
Gumball awoke at seven sharp, then sat up. He rubbed his eyes, luckily feeling no after effects of the alcohol. "M-Marshall?" He whispered hopefully into the air, only to be responded to by his own echo. He sighed quietly, noticing that he felt clean despite last night. It hit him like a freight train. Last night. He'd cheated on his fiancé with his secret lover last night, and had been the one to suggest it. He allowed himself to get drunk and make an unforgivable mistake. He lied back down for a bit so he could calm his rising nerves. He didn't mean to do something so stupid. He wasn't that kind of person- at least, he never had intentions to be. Bubba swore to himself that one day the truth would be known, but not today or anytime soon.
Satisfied with his decision for the moment, he sat up and went to the mirror. Gumball determined that Marshall had cleaned him, so all he did was put some light pink cream on his face and rubbed it in. He carefully sculpted his hair with a comb and special gel, then brushed his teeth. Slowly, he dressed into his own kingdom's royal military uniform. He had no elaborate medals or badges for fighting, but for achievements in protecting his kingdom with his brilliance. His uniform was pure white, a jacket and full length pants. Every embellishment was gold: buttons, ties, medals, and shoulder pads. The only exception to the theme of white and gold was the light blue cape that fastened around his shoulders and was knee length, and his black dress shoes. He observed himself in the mirror and set his gold crown with the light blue stone in the center on his head. It would be going into the vaults today, until a child of his own became of age.
Bubba walked down stairs and greeted Peppermint maid, who took his hand and curtsied before him. He blushed gently and bowed back, and she guided him to sit. "Your majesty, I have a short list of things to do with you before we leave to the cathedral."
"Yes, of course." He spoke gently as she helped him to eat for the day. Bubba blushed gently, and she began to speak again.
"Are you ready for this, my prince? Marriage is such a huge step in life..."
"Yes, of course. I know it must be done." He spoke half-heartedly as she showed him a schedule of the day. "You'll be back at the castle around eight. A half hour exactly before your bed time. Prince, should I expect Fionna and you to find rest tonight in the master bedroom, or will you be separate?" Bubba's entire face turned red.
"She's still so incredibly young, Peppermint-"
"I know, my prince. I wasn't implying a thing. Sleeping beside her, as she will be your wife, is not a crime." She could see the unusual blank look in Bubba's eyes, as he was lost for words. "I will assume you will be in separate bed chambers then?"
"Yes. For now." He nodded and closed his eyes, doing the very same as Marshall. By blocking out any and all emotions, he couldn't feel sad, so he didn't appear to be. He didn't get upset, and remained calm. That was the objective.
Thirty minutes before the clock struck twelve; the exact time the ceremony would begin. Inside the cathedral, people were frantically making sure every last detail was in order. The lighting, the photographer, the aroma, the view, the flower arrangements, and even the cleanliness of the place. Nothing could be out of order. It had to be absolutely perfect. Guests would be allowed in soon, and would be very excited. "Where is Marshall Lee!?" A fluffy person cried out, as he still hadn't arrived. He was the music and the best man. Several minutes passed before another candy person came rushing in.
"He's here, Marshall Lee is here! He came up to me and asked me where the prince was. I explained to him all he needed to do for the ceremony, so don't fret he's here now!" Indeed, he was. Marshall Lee floated down the halls until he came upon the door the prince was behind. He didn't even knock as he opened it and slipped inside.
Twenty minutes before the clock struck twelve. Bubba jumped a bit at Marshall's entrance, then blushed as he watched him close the door. He stood and Marshall bowed low and deep, hands at his sides. Bubba watched the vampire bow, and did the same. As they both rose, Marshall examined the soon to be king without saying a word. He stepped forward and adjusted his collar and cape, his beautiful red eyes focused, his pupils thin slits. One of his long ears twitched a bit as he heard the smallest of sounds from another room. Bubba closed his eyes and whispered, "You're going to make me cry."
"Don't." Marshall responded with such a lack of emotion that Bubba tensed. He nodded and slipped on white gloves.
"Do I look alright?"
"Yes."
"You really look quite stunning Marshall-"
"Thank you." He cut Bubba off. He didn't want to hear his voice anymore, and the prince quickly got the message. Marshall guided him to sit and brought him some water, then sat softly himself. Being together was oddly comforting through all the madness.
Ten minutes before the clock struck twelve. Gumball sipped at his water and Marshall stared into the bottom corner of the floor, the both of them putting it off for all it was worth. There was nothing to say and nothing to do. So they sat, comforting each other through their presence. Occasionally Bubba would sigh or shift, but eventually closed his eyes and completely zoned out. The minutes passed as if they were seconds. Marshall suddenly disappeared, and the door slammed open.
"Five minutes before the clock strikes twelve! Could you so kindly be off to your place, my prince?" Another candy person stated. He nodded and walked to his spot on the alter, taking a long and slow deep breath. Marshall was seated at the organ already, hands still and in place above the keys. He knew for his song, before the marriage ceremony ended, he'd have to move to the piano. All of the Candy Kingdom was there, including their many good friends. Everyone was quietly chattering amongst another, except for Cake and Peppermint Maid in the front row, who looked nervous. When the tall hand lined up the small one on the clock, the loud church bell began to ring. Bong, bong, bong, bong, bong, bong, bong, bong, bong, bong, bong, bong. Twelve long sounds of the bell marked the hour.
The clock had stuck twelve. The wedding was in full motion. Marshall took a deep breath and began to play the Bridal Chorus for Fionna. The large doors swung open and let all the sunlight in. Marshall jumped a bit as a ray seared his cheek, without interrupting the song. He moved quickly and it began to heal on its own. Bubba was the only one that noticed, and winced a bit in empathy. He wanted to go see if he was alright, but was glued to the spot. Cinnamon Bun had begged to be the flower girl, and was given the position grudgingly. Surprisingly, she made it down the aisle and set the petals down successfully without too much commotion before she took a seat.
The prince turned his head to see Fionna in a white ball gown style wedding dress simply float down the aisle. She was so beautiful. She had left her bunny hat behind and wore he hair down. The sensual blonde curls cascaded down and stopped at the small of her back. She wore a light blue silk headband in her hair, and had on blue heals. She walked like a woman for being such a young girl. Her veil was a sheer white, making her seem a bit mysterious and even more desirable. To match the color scheme, there were gold rings on the dress across the chest and gold eyeliner on her eyes. She held a bouquet of light blue and white flowers with some leaves popping out that had been painted gold. Fionna handed her flowers to Cake, who patter her hand to reassure her, then met Gumball at the alter with an incredibly nervous smile.
Marshall's playing ceased on the final note. He stood and moved to the spot of the best man, and watched the pair, a million things running through his head. The audience was so silent that if a pin dropped, it could be heard. They all watched as Gumball took Fionna's hand and told her under his breath, "You look stunning." She blushed, smiled, and winked in return, then slowly relaxed her face. Bubba took her hands and noticed that they were shaking. Suddenly he realized just how nervous she was. This was fearless Fionna, not afraid of nearly anything. Here she was though, so nervous and stressed over a simple event.
Thus the royal wedding ceremony began. The priest spoke all of his words in a calm and collected order as they ran through everything with ease. So far, so good. Marshall stood tall and kept his eyes on a fixed spot, tuning every word the man said out. He couldn't have concentrated if he tried. Occasionally Bubba would glance at Marshall and glance back, checking to make sure he was okay. He knew he wasn't in reality, but didn't want him to visibly get upset and embarrass himself, or something along those lines. About a half hour passed when the priest cued Marshall to the piano to play his next song. He nodded and sat on the bench, then observed the keys. He wrote the song, music and words and all, for this very moment. He wasn't afraid to play. In fact, he was looking forward to it.
Marshall's fingers danced across the keys as he began to play the intro. The guests were silent, watching in awe. None of them knew Marshall was so talented at something, so it came as a bit of a shock. Fionna watched Gumball as he obviously grew uncomfortable. He fidgeted a bit and she looked down, becoming nervous from it. He began to sing a love song, as directed.
"The sound of your voice,
the touch of your hand,
the smile on your face,
all make my heart race.
Moments in time,
I will never forget.
As they pass me by,
I can only sigh.
The warmth of your laugh,
the calm in your eyes,
the tenderness of your love,
is like heaven above.
Moments in time,
I will never forget.
I promise you dear,
its so very clear.
Those three little words,
I never could say,
until the day they came true,
I love you.
It's scary, I know,
I'll be yours forever.
There's no need to hide,
I'm devoted, but from the side."
Marshall's voice tapered off beautifully and the piano echoed with it as the song came to an end. It was gorgeous. The guests would have clapped if they were allowed, but the priest was already moving on. The attention was drawn back to the couple at the alter. Marshall remained leaned over the piano, crying silently to himself. He disappeared in an instant. "If there is anyone who does not agree that these two should happily be wedded, speak now." Silence once more. "Very well. Do you, Prince Bubba Gumball of the Candy Kingdom, take Fionna the Human Adventurer to be your lawfully wedded wife, as long as you both shall live?"
Bubba suddenly felt extremely faint and ill. That song had gotten into his head and messed with his mind and heart. Every single line had a meaning he could relate to. Only he and Marshall knew what the real song meaning of that song was. The prince was so pale all of the sudden as he glanced around with a panicked look in his eyes. "I- I-" He stammered, shaking all of the sudden, faintly at first.
"I object!" Both Cake and Peppermint suddenly stood up and shouted, then looked at each other with wide eyes.
"We object to the, the confirmation of this marriage." Peppermint Maid spoke quickly, taking Cake's paws. She nodded quickly and looked up at the pair, then gasped.
"Fionna, catch him!" She called out. The young girl gasped when she saw Bubba shaking violently and leaning backwards. She quickly jumped behind him and caught him, then lowered him down onto his back. Peppermint Maid rushed up and stuck him with a needle after pulling up his shirt, and his body quickly calmed down to lie still. She called for more help, and the guests all looked at one another in absolute shock. What... what had just happened?