Marceline sprang to her feet, her eyes widening in alarm. "O-okay, just stay calm," she stuttered although it sounded like she should be directing the advice at herself rather than the princess, "I'll go...I'll go and..." She paced back and forth, trying to collect her thoughts. Princess Bubblegum reached out and grabbed her hand.
"Marceline, everything's going to be fine," she said firmly, "Just go send for Peppermint Butler. He'll know what to do. Then we've got to get up to the medical unit." Marceline nodded before flying off in the direction of the castle. Princess Bubblegum took a few calming breaths, gasping as she felt another contraction. They were getting closer together which meant it wouldn't be long now. She hoped Marceline would get back in time.
Marceline soared down the corridor towards the kitchen where the nearest bell pull was located. She burst in through the doors, startling most of the kitchen staff who were busy clearing away the pots and pans.
"What's the matter, your majesty?" asked Mimi.
"The princess...I've got to get Peppermint Butler," Marceline replied breathlessly, "It's started."
"The Princess has gone into labour?" exclaimed Michelle.
"Yes, I've got to get Peppermint Butler," replied Marceline, "Bonnie-."
"You were looking for me?" said Peppermint Butler from the doorway. Marceline darted over to him so quickly that she nearly smacked right into him. She pulled up short just in time before telling him what had happened.
"Right, ok, I'll go send for Dr. Princess," he said, trying in vain to keep his voice calm, "You go help the Princess up to the medical unit, quickly now." Marceline nodded. She didn't need telling twice. She soared back out of the kitchen and down the corridor to the courtyard. Princess Bubblegum was leaning with her back to the tree. A fine sweat was beading on her brow and she looked close to tears. Marceline darted over to her and knelt down next to her.
"It's okay, Bonnie," she said reassuringly, "Everything's going to be fine. Peppermint's gone to get Dr. Princess."
"I'm scared, Marcy," whimpered the Princess.
"Come on, you've got to stay strong, Bon," said Marceline, taking her hand gently, "Everything will be fine. Come on, let's get you up to the medical unit." She helped the Princess to her feet and led her across the courtyard to the palace. They made their way slowly along the corridor and up the stairs. The Princess had to stop several times as another contraction almost made her legs give way. Each time Marceline encouraged her, urging her onwards. She felt her own stomach begin to tie itself in knots. Up until now the idea of the babies being born had seemed exciting but now that it was actually happening she couldn't help but worry. She knew the risks of child birth and she had lived long enough to see it happen. What if she lost her Princess? No, she couldn't think of that now. She had to concentrate on getting the Princess safely to the medical unit.
At last they reached the door to the unit and pushed it open. She helped the Princess over to the bed where she lay down. She reached out and took Marceline's hand, looking up into her deep red eyes where fear lurked. She gave Marceline a tearful smile as she gripped her hand tighter.
A few minutes later Peppermint Butler arrived to tell them that Dr. Princess was on her way.
"She should be here in about ten minutes," he said.
"Thanks Peps," replied Marceline. She stroked Princess Bubblegum's hair gently. It was slightly damp in places from perspiration. She put a hand over her stomach as another contraction made her take a sharp intake of breath.
It was a tense ten minutes and they both breathed a sigh of relief when the door opened and Dr. Princess hurried in carrying a black doctor's bag. She pulled out a fetoscope and put it to the Princess' abdomen, listening for the babies' heart rates. Marceline waited, fidgeting nervously with her hands.
"Is everything ok?" she asked when she could stand the silence no longer.
"Everything's fine, your majesty," replied Dr. Princess, "I just need to check another couple of things." She examined the Princess carefully before continuing, "The babies are facing down, that's what we wanted and she's 3cm at the moment. In other words, everything's ticketyboo."
"Phew," breathed Marceline.
"Your majesty, this part of the birth tends to be a long and slow process," continued Dr. Princess, "It'll be at least another few hours before the babies show any signs of coming."
"What? It's going to take that long?" cried the Princess.
"I'm afraid so," replied Dr. Princess. She noticed the tension showing on Marceline's face, "Perhaps, Marceline, you'd like to go get something to eat in the meantime, take a walk. I'll send for you if anything happens."
"But," protested Marceline, "Bonnie-"
"I'll be fine," said Princess Bubblegum, giving Marceline's hand a squeeze, "Go on." Marceline nodded and left the room. She paced up and down, there was no way she was in the mood to eat anything, not even something red. She sat down on a chair in the corridor but she had no sooner sat down than she was up again, pacing as before. She pulled out her mobile and punched in Finn's number. She had to talk to someone.
"...Hello," came a sleepy voice on the other end of the receiver, "Marcy, what's going on? It's past midnight."
"Finn, Bonnie's gone into labour," Marceline blurted out, "It started about an hour ago. I," she paused. She wasn't used to admitting her fears to anyone. She'd only recently started admitting them to the Princess. "I'm scared," she admitted, "I-I can't face this on my own. I need you guys here." Finn was wide awake immediately.
"We'll be right there," he said as he pulled on his shirt and woke Jake who had managed to sleep through their conversation until now. When Finn told him what was going on he pulled out his phone and called Lady.
"Everything's going to be fine," Finn reassured her. Marceline nodded, forgetting Finn couldn't see her.
"Marce?" said Finn.
"Yeah, you're right," replied Marceline quickly, "Everything will be fine. I'll see you soon." She put down the phone and stared at the door. She couldn't pick up on more than a few words of what was being said and she chewed nervously at her hair.
A while later she heard the sound of running feet and looked up so see Finn, Jake, Lady and Flame Princess running down the corridor towards her.
"What's happened? Has there been any news?" asked Jake.
"그공주는 괜찮아요?" asked Lady.
"Whoa guys, one at a time," said Flame Princess. She turned to Marceline and asked quietly, "Is she alright?"
"I think so," replied Marceline, "Dr. Princess told me that it would take a while. That was about an hour ago. I'm just so scared. What if I lose her?"
"You won't," said Flame Princess, sitting down next to Marceline.
"Yeah, FP's right," added Finn, "PB's tough." Marceline chuckled.
"Yeah, you're right," she smiled, "I forget who I'm talking about here. This is Bonnie after all."
"Exactly," said Jake, taking a seat on the other side of Marceline. Lady sat down next to Jake, looking rather awkward with the top of her long body resting on the chair and the rest of her body curled up on the floor. She was concerned but was careful to hide it. She and the Princess had been through thick and thin and she couldn't help but worry about the Princess whom she thought of like a little sister.
They waited for what felt like hours. Finally the door opened.
"Marceline," said Dr. Princess, "She's asking for you." Marceline got up and floated into the room. She felt slightly lightheaded which was unusual for her. The Princess was propped up by some pillows and she looked tired. Marceline sat down next to her and took her hand.
"Ok, you're going to need to start pushing now," said Dr. Princess, "On the count of three. 1, 2, 3!" The Princess cried out, gripping Marceline's hand.
"That's it, now stop," said Dr. Princess, "Now pant." The Princess nodded and did as she was told.
"Pant ... pant ... pant," instructed Dr. Princess, "Now push."
Lady heard the Princess' cries from beyond the door and took Jake's hand. Jake himself was looking a little pale and Flame Princess and Finn sat in silence as they waited.
"That's it, keep pushing," instructed Dr. Princess, "Good, that's the first contraction over."
"There's another one coming," squeaked the Princess, tightening her hold on Marceline's hand. Marceline bit her lip, the Princess' grip was surprisingly strong.
"It's okay, you're doing fine," Dr. Princess reassured her, "Just hold off pushing for another second. Keep panting." The Princess did as she was told.
The minutes dragged on and became hours. It had now been four hours since the Princess had gone into labour. The others waited tensely outside for any news.
"무슨 일이 일어나고 있는지를 생각합니까?" asked Lady.
"I don't know," replied Jake, "But it could be a while before we hear anything." Lady nodded, remembering her own labour.
"That's it, keep pushing," instructed Dr. Princess, "I can see the top of the first baby's head."
"I can't," gasped the Princess, panting heavily. Her stamina was starting to run out.
"Yes you can," said Dr. Princess firmly, "You can do it, Princess."
"You can do it, Bonnie," encouraged Marceline, stroking the Princess' hair, "I know you can." The Princess pushed, crying out once more.
There was silence and then came the most joyous sound of all, the sound of a baby crying.
"It's happening," whispered Finn.
"That's it, the head's out," said Dr. Princess, "I need you to give one more strong push and the first baby will be delivered." The Princess pushed, leaning forwards. The baby's legs came free and were out. Dr. Princess rested the baby on the Princess' stomach while she clamped the umbilical cord. There he was, for he was a boy. He had pale grey-blue skin and a light covering of pink wispy hair. He was perfect. Dr. Princess wrapped him up in a towel, drying him off. She felt the Princess' stomach to check the position of the second baby while they waited for the next contraction. They didn't have to wait long.
Fifteen minutes later the second baby, a girl, was born. She had pink skin and a thin covering of deep blue, almost black bubblegum hair. Marceline peeked out the door. The others looked at her anxiously as they waited for her reaction. She smiled and they all breathed a sigh of relief.
"It's over," Marceline whispered happily, closing her eyes for a moment, "I'm a mother. A mother of two." She waved them in and they followed her into the room. Princess Bubblegum was holding the baby girl while Dr. Princess was holding the baby boy. She handed him to Marceline. Marceline took the baby from Dr. Princess and smiled, gazing at the slumbering babe nestled in the blue blankets. She sat down on the bed next to the Princess who looked exhausted but happy.
"They're beautiful," smiled Lady.
"I'll say," added Jake.
"So tiny and adorable," murmured Flame Princess.
"Wow," said Finn.
"They're perfect," smiled Marceline, looking over at the Princess.
"It was worth it," replied the Princess.
"Finn," said Marceline.
"Yes, Marcy," replied Finn.
"Seeing as you're like a little brother to me," said Marceline, "That makes you their uncle, and you FP, their aunt."
"Really?" grinned Flame Princess. Marceline nodded.
"We are honoured," said Flame Princess, still smiling broadly.
"And Lady, Jake," said Princess Bubblegum, "I'd like you to be their Globparents."
"우리는 기꺼이 것입니다!" cried Lady happily.
"Of course," added Jake.
"Okay, everyone, the Princess needs her rest," said Dr. Princess who had been standing quietly by the window until that moment, "You can come down and see them tomorrow, ok?" They nodded and one by one they said their goodbyes before leaving the room, leaving the Vampire Queen alone with her Princess and her two children. She could hardly believe it. She kissed the Princess affectionately.
"You did great," she murmured in her ear.
"I'm glad you were there with me," the Princess murmured in response, leaning up and kissing Marceline, "So, got any names? You name our son and I'll name our daughter. Does that sound fair?"
"Totally," smiled Marceline. She looked down at the tiny bundle in her arms. The baby yawned, curling one hand into the blankets as he slept.
"I have just the name for you," whispered Marceline, "Hello, Simon." She smiled, kissing her son on his forehead. The Princess smiled before turning her attention to her daughter. She'd been looking at names for a while now and she knew the perfect name for her daughter.
"Welcome to the world, Winona," she whispered. She yawned, the last of her energy leaving her. She looked sleepily at Marceline as she set the babies down in the cot. She sat back down next to the Princess and put her arm around her. Minutes later the Princess and the Vampire Queen had fallen asleep on the bed, their arms around each other while their two children slept peacefully in the cot at the foot of the bed. At last they could all relax and breathe a sigh of relief.
News spread quickly and before long there were celebrations in the streets as Candy People from the four corners of the Kingdom met up raise their glasses and drink a toast to the two newborns who had been born on that summer night.
