Chapter 37: Breakthrough
"Marshall, it's ok, just keep breathing, it's almost time". Marceline cooed, pressing a cold cloth to a shaken, weak and sweaty Marshall Lee.
Cake watched him go through the transformation along with the vampire girl, actually concerned. She hadn't been this unsure of Marshall's health ever since the incident of the spear and cream puffs prank years ago.
"Hang on, baby, it's gon' a be alright". The Cake said gently patting the skin of Marshalls shaken hand with her paw.
His skin was still changing from tan back to bluish gray even after 20 minutes. Marshall had taken the vial to the face to get the process over with and then sure enough, he collapsed on the floor. He was weak as it was before. In the past two days he neither slept nor ate. The gang couldn't hold off changing him any longer, as the day was approaching. It was only two days before the land of Aaa would be attacked and yet their army was still in the process of organization with all the other nations agreeing to help and provide.
"How much longer, Bubblegum"? Cat asked as Bonnie jotted down notes looking concerned as the tortured face of Marshall.
"Only a few more minutes and then you can, go ahead, Marcy". Bubblegum said quietly.
Marceline looked down at her doppelganger, laying helpless under the covers of his bed. In the creases of his eyes he had a tear or two as the venom that wracked his body took its toll on him. Without him drinking that vial, which changed the chemicals in his blood, Marceline would go into a frenzy, sucking him dry. It had been ages since she tasted blood. She had vowed to give it up for the sake of peace of the realm, but this situation however, determined the safety of her home.
"Now"! PB said as Marshall weakly exposed his flesh.
Instantly Marcy bared her fang and sunk them into Marshall's veiny neck, making him scream violently as he felt her venom race through his body. His pupils grew smaller and his fangs pushed through the gums of his mouth, replacing the human canines. He tried to struggle but Cake made sure to trap Marshall's wrist into the mattress, holding him down until the venom was correctly circulating in his body.
Marcy tasted the bitter poison of the liquid Marshall had to drink and felt her mouth close up as if she might vomit. Pulling herself out of his neck, she looked to see the red puncture wounds from her fangs, residing in the spot his original marks once were. Marshall began hyperventilating and sweating profusely
Marcy wiped her mouth, seeing the blood on the top of her hand. Cake purred to calm Marshall, brushing back some of his black hair. Jake and Finn came through the bedroom door, wheeling in a barrel of red apples.
"Hey we got the stuff, girls". Finn said closing the door behind him.
"How's he doing"? Jake asked hopefully.
His expression changed, seeing the shaking and suffering vampire before them.
"Oh man, how can you possibly expect him to fight, he looks awful".
"Thanks, a lot". Marshall murmured sarcastically as Marcy chuckled.
Even though he was very sick and in a lot of pain, Marshall still was aware of everything going on around him.
"He'll be fine in a day or so, his frenzy will start soon and when it does, he'll have all those apples to suck red from while we are at the council meeting".
Marshall weakly turned his head over to his doppelganger, hissing, as he felt his new wounds touch the pillow.
"Wait, I need to be at this meeting. You can't leave me, please, Marceline". Marshall begged.
The vampire girl twisted her mouth with guilt.
"Marshall, if we allow you to come before your frenzy you'll suck the red out of everyone in the room, including Gumball".
"I don't see a problem with that". He muttered and bubblegum rolled her eyes.
Cake pawed at Marshall upside the head. He let out a grunt of pain and barred his fangs at her.
"Hey"! He yelled with a crack in his voice.
"You two better start getting along or else we will never get Fionna back. You two need to put aside all this hostile nonsense up in here and just concentrate on his battle and then when Fionna is back, you can kill each other". Marshall huffed in disappointment and frustration, pulling the covers over his shoulders as he shivered.
Marcy looked to see his brown eyes finally turn to red and start to grow smaller. Her face went white at this sight.
"Alright guys, let's get going. Marshall's completing transformation.
Finn and Jake rolled the barrel close to the vampire as everyone started to retreat. As the last one out the door, Marshall watched Jake leave and slam his exit shut. The sound of locks, trapping him into this sanctuary rang through his ears. He huffed again, thinking all this effort was useless if he could fly again. Little did Marshall know that the vamprism took time to fully transform him entirely and it would take hours for him to fully regain his strength and his powers back. This time was all too precious for the group since time was so imperative that not a second could be wasted.
The council meeting was held in the same place where Gumball would hold meetings with the King's Council, the representatives of the crown. PG had no choice but to invite them in order to solve this crisis. Clearly, they came not only to help plot against the Nightosphere, but to also confirm that Gumball was indeed engaged. The head of the representatives, Congressman Lemon Drop, had no relation to lemon grab, but was just as sour and ignorant. For a long time, he had been watching Gumball, waiting for the slightest mistake to dethrone him. Ever since Fionna came along and was hired by the Prince, the land had barely any threatening disturbances with the human girl around. Bubblegum recognized him as the male version of her own spy back in Ooo.
Once this war was won, immediately, her, Finn and Marcy would be married. The council wouldn't be able to separate them as long as Finn provided her a child to be King. Gumball sat down at the head of the table. Across the elegant pink transparent glass of the long surface sat the congressmen, with Lemon Drop, smirking to him. Gumball gulped, fearing that Fionna's absence looked very distasteful. He narrowed his eyes, pursing his lips together as he sat upright. Bubblegum and Marceline sat on the sides of him, followed by Jake, Cake, Ice King and Finn.
"I can't help but notice that your future bride isn't present". Lemon Drop said straightening his voice to call attention to the board. The whole table turned to Gumball. Two people from each realm sat side by side each other, noticing this reveal also. Bubblegum looked to Gumball and gave a nod.
"That is because she's in the Lich's hands".
"I see, is this against her will"? The Congressman asked. Gumball was appalled by this statement.
"Of course it is. She is being used as a Helen of Troy against us"
Finn sought the attention of Jake upon throwing a paper ball at him during this spat. The dog rubbed his head and turned to the human.
"Is this Helen chick they are talking about the one that was like blind and death from like forever ago in history"? Finn asked.
"Finn"! Bubblegum whispered harshly, glaring at him.
"We've heard rumors, you're majesty". The congressman announced calmly.
Gumball took a deep breath and sat back in his chair, waiting to hear this news.
"We've heard that she has run off with the king of the vampires himself, Marshall Lee Abadeer. According to my sources, they are lovers and what's more….she's expecting". Flame Prince spat, smirking to his past opponent.
Gumball's face grew with impatient but attempted to compose himself, clearing his throat.
"Well, your sources are extremely unreliable since Marshall Lee is currently undergoing vampirism transformation for battle since he was given mortality during the eclipse of the comet". Gumball corrected.
Bubblegum looked to the representatives.
"Excuse me, congressmen, but is intruding Prince Gumball's marital status really necessarily for the meeting today"? Bubblegum asked.
Gumball looked at her with a slight grateful smirk. "Well yes, because if we suspect that his highness will miss the deadline to marry then we must turn over the kingdom to the next person in line. If he is not to be king then we cannot fund the kingdom with weapons and food during the time of battle". The congressman said.
Water Princess sat up straight in her seat and straightened her voice to call attention to the room.
"My good councilmen, I can assure you that Prince Gumball will marry on the assigned date. Together we have formed an arrangement if something were to happen to Fionna in battle and or if she refuses the crown. If she declines him, then Ben and I will marry. If she does return to him and the wedding is still on then our children will marry in due time". She said as Finn and Cake's mouths hit the table.
They couldn't believe it. Fionna wasn't even carrying any child and yet its marriage was already determined.
"In exchange for this alliance, I will provide 1300 fleets filled with soldiers ready for combat off the shores of the battle ground". Water Princess said.
Congressmen Lemon Drop looked to Gumball suspiciously.
"Is this true, your highness"? He asked cocking a gray eyebrow upward and stroking his beard.
Gumball looked to water princess and then back to the council.
"Indeed, Aqua and I have come to this arrangement. If it is not in our power to bring back my guardian and my bride, this will be done. We have signed on it. Fionna has a week to decide and if she can't or won't, immediately preparations will be made to unite Aqua and I". Gumball said sternly.
Cake didn't like the look of this water princess. There was something about her that made her tail frizz up as she sat at the table. Flame Prince stood up in a fury, melting the glass from underneath his enflamed palms as his hair grew with fire.
"I refuse to fight next to these water people. My soldiers could get hurt by any form of misconduct between our two peoples". He objected as Aqua glared at him.
"Very well Flint. Don't fight alongside us. If you don't then you have no protection from any of these united kingdoms". Gumball warned.
Flame Prince's hair grew in flames. Finn noticed the concerned look on Flame Prince's face as she tried to calm her husband.
"Phoebe". Finn managed to blurt out across the room to get her attention.
The fire princess looked over to the human surprised. The two of them were on good terms at this point, however Finn felt a bit awkward and intimidated by her new husband.
"If you and other FP don't join us than your people are in big trouble". Flame Prince glared to Finn, unconvinced and insulted by the way he addressed his wife.
"It is true, your highness. The demons of the Nightosphere, depend on fire to fuel their kingdom. Who better to enslave than your citizens". Gumball added, folding his arms.
Leaders sitting near the fire lord pushed back their seats as the melted edges of the glass began to expand due to his rage.
"We can just attack in the morning when the demons are weak"! "Well that's bullshit". Heads turned toward the door of the council room.
"Honestly, who made you king. You have no concept of war whatsoever. WHY IN Aaa would ANY outside invader attack your kingdom when they are weakest, knowing you'd have a large advantage"? Marshall Lee spat, leaning against the door of the room.
The Vampire folded his arms barred his fangs as he stared at the fire royal and the congressmen. Gumball had the intention to politely dismiss Marshall, yet he had a point. If anyone knew the creatures that threatened that would attack Aaa, it was Marshall.
"How dare you insult my reign! This whole situation happened because of you anyway! Our kingdoms are now under attack because of your irresponsibility". Marshall hissed at his insult, barring his claws as a threat. Marceline was ready to get up and restrain the weak Marshall before he was reduced to fried bat. Flint noticed his poor, posture and weak stance. He could say anything to his opponent and he would be too weak to fight. He knew this was Marshall's fault and perhaps if he exposed the former king, he would have more of a right to rule this operation instead of Gumball.
"Answer me this honestly, leech. If we lose this battle and everything you once knew had vanished for a second time, looking back, would that vial of mortality still be worth it….for that human whore"! Flame Prince Screamed.
Marshall and Gumball stiffened up, listening to this insult on Fionna. Marshall pointed a slim gray finger at FP.
"Don't, you DARE insult her like that. That girl saved your life….in fact she's saved most EVERYONE IN THIS ROOM. How becoming of you to insult her FP considering how increasingly disgusting your thoughts about her have become ever since you got married". Flame Princess looked to her husband speechless and hurt.
Finn looked downcast, feeling bad for the awkward situation his ex-girlfriend was put in. Flame Prince's eyes grew with rage, in his clenched fist he mustered up a raging ball of heat, targeting the weak vampire. Marshall saw it coming but was struggling too much to move out of the way in time. His body was too heavy to lift up and fly and his reflexes had retarded due to the poison still in his body, slowly stopping his heart completely. The fury of Flame Prince's fire, was about to shoot towards the vampire, when Flame Princess, pushed down her husband's arm just as he aimed and shot his fire. Within a millisecond, the flame hit a target, but it was not Marshall Lee.
"Simon"! Marcy screamed with tears in her eyes and she knelt beside the flat backed body of the Ice King.
His crown had fallen off his head and was destroyed by the flame, melting to the carpet.
"Simon, Simon, please speak to me"! She screamed trying to shake him.
Bubblegum and Gumball rushed to his side also.
"Quickly, someone send for Dr. Prince, immediately"! Gumball screamed to his guards outside the hall.
Marcy stroked, Ice King's hand crying. Flame Prince cooled down, realizing the situation, he had just caused. Marcy knelt at the head of Simon, allowing it to rest on her lap as she stroked his bald spot, praying for him to open his eyes. Her tears fell onto his ashy cheeks as she brushed back his white hair.
"Please wake up". She whispered.
Bubblegum knelt beside her, stroking her shoulder as Marcy continued to weep. If it were up to her and she could bring him back, she wouldn't care if he could never revert to Simon ever again and remember her, she just wanted him to live. The world was so dark without him.
Marceline, is it just you and me and wreckage of the world. That must be so confusing for a little girl.
Marceline sang as Finn and Bubblegum and Jake looked to their friend sadly.
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.
Marshall bowed his head, remembering this song that he at one time thought was only special between him and the Ice Queen
This magic keeps me alive but it's making me crazy and I need to save you but who's going to save me
Ice King's lip began to tremble. Please forgive me for whatever I do, when I don't remember you", he sang hoarsely, shocking Marcy.
"Simon, you're ok"! Marceline yelled happily as tears continued to stream down her face.
Ice King smiled weakly looking up to her and coughed.
"Not for long, Marcy. I have to tell you something".
"Yes, anything, what is it, please stay here with me". Marcy pleaded, stroking his face, looking down at him.
"I'm so proud of you….my daughter". Ice King said in a scratchy voice, trying to smile at her.
Marcy felt her world was beginning to fall apart, Simon remembered her, but he was dying. She didn't know how she would take losing him. He would be yet another person who would disappear from her life forever.
"Win this war and if you do….don't forget to feed Gunter". He said short of breath as his eyes began to close and the breath in his chest began to sink to the floor.
"Simon, no….SIMON"! Marcy yelled trying to shake him awake.
When he didn't respond after a few moments, Marceline bowed her head, defeated. It seemed to her that the sky was breaking apart into glass pieces, piercing her undead heart. She rested her forehead on Bubblegum's shoulder and cried silently. Finn came over at well and wrapped his arms around his two girls, embracing Marceline with Bubblegum, affectionately.
Marshall knelt down, holding the melted crown in his hand. His fingertips lightly touched the red jewel in the gold and had a flashback. He remembered an instance from when he was a child with Simone. She had been looking through the enchiridion and never allowed Marshall to look at him, due to concern for his safety. Being the adventurous and rambunctious scamp he was known to be, he looked through the book innocently while Simone was sleeping. In the center of the book to which he opened, he came upon a page of rebirth. Although, Marshall couldn't remember his possession in the Nightosphere, he remembered the spell that he used to reawaken the Lich.
That very same spell was the spell he read behind Simone's back. He came forward, aware of what he must do and motioned for Marceline to move over. She looked at him with tears streaking down her face, confused by his presence. Assuming that Marceline was more a reserved and obedient child than he was, he didn't think she'd know the spell. Marcy looked up to Simon so much as a father figure that she didn't dare ever go behind his back. He was the father she always wanted and now he was gone. Marshall gave her once last look before gently placing the jewel on Simon's chest, on the spot of his heart and closed his eyes.
"Πνεύματα της κοσμικής κουκουβάγια του επιτρέψει να έρθει εμπρός και να αυξηθεί έως και την αληθινή ταυτότητά σου . Ακολουθήστε τη φωνή μου αυξάνοντας σας φίλος". Marshall chanted.
Finn looked up to see the gem beginning to glow. Marceline looked to Marshall, a tear slowly falling down her cheek and only the ice King's red jewel as she translated what Marshall was saying. He was resurrecting him. Gumball watched this carefully. Marshall was remembering spells from the enchiridion. Perhaps, he would eventually remember what happened in the Nightosphere to get a leg up on the attack against the kingdom. The Jewel, pressed into the Ice King's chest, sinking into his clothing before tearing a hole into it and then sinking into his gray skin. It glowed brightly, engulfing the entire room. Marshall kept chanting until finally the jewel had sunk in. Nothing had moments after, Ice King received the stone. The gang watched and after a few moments, their heads were all bowed. Princesses of the Land of Ooo and Princes of the land of Aaa, bowed their heads in respect.
Despite how nuts, the Ice King was, he was just a crazy old lonely man. Marceline rested her head on Finn shoulder as he kissed her forehead and gently ran his fingers through her hip length black ebony hair. Marshall huffed in disappointment covering his face with his hand. The one good deed he'd ever done and it was for nothing. He thought that maybe he was only good for being evil. If Fionna didn't love him, he had no purpose of being human. A gasp of air scared the group as they looked down to see the Ice King's chest lifted. Marceline was just about to hug him when she noticed, something strange was happening. His body glowed bright blue as if he was light bulb giving off electricity.
"What's happening"? Jake asked as the group watched the features of the Ice King change.
His nose grew smaller, his hair turned brown, his plump round body deflated and his skin turned from ashy blue to a light tan. Marceline couldn't believe it.
"Simon"? She asked, gently touching the man's hand beside her.
Simon looked over to her weakly, adjusting his glasses. The group moved back as he propelled himself onto his arms. He looked around to the group of royals in the room and grew confused looking at the gender bent versions of Marceline and her friends.
"Is this a costume party or something"? He asked, scratching his head.
The vampire queen wasted no more time and wrapped herself around Simon. He stood up to his feet with her and hugged her back.
"Marcy, it's you! How, am I back here again? What happened? Is Betty here? Where's the crown"? He asked, feeling his coat pockets and dress pants pockets for it. He turned around to see it laying on the ground, melted.
"The curse, it's broken…but how am I alive"? He asked turning to Marceline who was smiling with tears of joy in her eyes.
Simon smiled and wiped the tear from her face, embracing her affectionately.
"I've missed you, so much". Simon said rocking her back and forth in his arms.
Marshall smiled seeing them reunited. Finn put his hand on the vampire king's shoulder and smiled at him.
"Also, who is Gunter? I remember saying that name in my previous state of mind". Simon asked.
The congressmen looked to each other puzzled and in disbelief.
"You know, there sure is a lot of drama in this gender opposite parallel universe of Ooo", one commented scratching his head.