Marceline and Finn followed their Minerva bot guide, turned right and entered the room. Simon's panicked call and the war-zone downstairs began to make sense. There were three patients in the grey room. Each laid on a simple bed and were hooked to a computer-tower like machine. Above each bed was a screen displaying information about the patient. The faces of the first two were unfamiliar, but the screens placed above their beds indicated why they were so important- both of them were council members. Finn recalled briefly seeing one of them. He had been forced off the end of the table to make room for Bubblegum.
More important was the figure at the end of the room. Elder Marc laid unconscious and was surrounded by multiple Minerva bots, as well as Simon, Marlo, and Bubblegum.
Slowly, the newcomers approached the overcrowded bedside. Two of the Minerva bots retreated to make room for them. After seeing the state of his body, Elder Marc's attention from the Minerva bots became clear. His left arm was covered by a recently finished stitching. His nose was covered in a cast that was supported by medical tape keeping it in place above his upper lip. His lower lip was swollen leaving his mouth agape. One of his front teeth were missing, while the other was chipped. A smaller stich was over his left eye. The tip of his right ear, along with skin along his right cheek was gone. Looking farther back, there was a dent in his head above the remainder of his right ear. His right arm was elevated far above his body. Looking at the tips of his fingers, several nails were missing. After a moment of silence, Finn spoke.
"What happened to him?"
"He, and the two councilmembers in the other beds were attacked on the street outside of the celebration. There are currently no leads to who is responsible." One of the Minerva bots replied.
"He'll be okay right?" Finn asked.
"Well, the physical damage he sustained was heavy, but its repairable. A Skin graft for his face, some more stitching for his back, and physical therapy for his right arm will be easy enough. We'll also have to regrow his damaged teeth, but he could just as easily use false ones. The nails may regrow, but they'll likely be an off-color… but there's no telling if he'll actually wake up. Further, we haven't had the chance to run an MRI for potential brain or spinal damage." Minerva replied.
"You could have just lied and told me he would be okay, mom."
"What that have really helped, Finn?"
"…No. Sorry."
The Minerva bot put her arm on Finn's shoulder. Bubblegum spoke up.
"Is there anything I can do to help take care of elder Marc or the others? The Candy Kingdom has advanced medical technology as well as well-trained physicians."
"Thank you for your offer princess, but the technology we have at our disposal here should be more than enough. And I don't mean to toot my own horn, but I'm a pretty capable helper if I say so myself." Minerva let out a laugh.
"Right, sorry. I'm just upset about this. I fear that this attack was in response to the public defense declaration the kingdoms made at the ceremony."
The group heard the sound of multiple pairs of feet scuffle into the room. A couple of people clicked their teeth at the fallen council members before making their way to the far-end of the room. The group looked up to see council chair Wayne with a security detail.
"I apologize for barging in like this, and for being late to the party. I wanted to come right away, but we had to create security details to safeguard the other council members." The council chair's eyes shifted around the room at each of the patients before letting out a sigh. Bubblegum stepped forward.
"Council chair Wayne in light of this recent attack, I would like to pledge my kingdom's security forces to help safeguard your people from further incident, and to help catch those responsible."
"Thank you, princess Bubblegum, but I would rather not activate the defense pact so swiftly. We don't know who was responsible or if it was against the human settlement as a whole."
"I'm sorry? But with all due respect council chair, two of your council members as well as the man in charge of today's events were all attacked outside of the ceremony. How could you not interpret this as an attack on the settlement?" Bubblegum replied, flabbergasted.
Council chair Wayne walked over and shut the door to the room. He returned to the group, leaned down, and spoke in a stressed whisper.
"I have suspicions that the attack may have been carried out by, or with the assistance of the isolationist protesters. I have no proof of this and could very well be wrong. But I don't want to agitate the situation, or cause a panic with the guests who have recently signed the defensive treaty."
Simon spoke up and put his hand on Bubblegum's shoulder.
"Bonnibel I think he's right to be cautious. We've seen the protesters ourselves; they very well could be involved. And calling upon that defense pact so early could send warning signals to some of the more hesitant kingdoms."
"I know, but doing nothing also seems like it will hurt. In the earlier days of the candy kingdom, If I didn't respond to a threat immediately, it was taken as a sign of weakness."
"Bonnie, you're not in the wild candy kingdom west anymore. The humans have allies. If anyone tries a full attack, we'll be right there to help the settlement out." Marceline said.
"You guys are right. Council chair Wayne, I'm sorry for that outburst. I would just like to help however I can."
"Its quite alright. Frankly, I'm gracious you are so quick to offer aid and swift action. I am equally gracious you take wisdom from our cultural ambassador. I do think it would be best if we do it covertly."
"Hey I have an idea." All heads turned to Finn.
"Marceline, that woman said she saw a bunch of people roaming the streets. Maybe some other people saw or heard something too."
"If your group would go investigate, even for a little, I would be grateful. Right now, I want to devote as much man power to keeping the guests and other council members safe. But I can assign a couple of Minerva bots and seekers to help." Council chair Wayne said.
"Maybe we should keep it just us for now. Earlier, elder Marc told me that he feared the isolationists had influence. It's possible they might have members among the seekers as well." Simon replied.
"I see. That would make sense. And do you know what Marc meant when he said influence, Simon?" The council chair asked.
"No. He wasn't specific. He wasn't even sure it was a justified fear. He was just letting out some anxieties about the day to me, and that came out with them."
"I see. Well, its good to know and keep our eyes peeled for that sort of thing. In any case, I need to get going. It wouldn't look good if I were spotted in the medical ward for an extended period, especially with rumors already circulating- I take it you've seen the downstairs?"
"Yes, we have. And don't worry, we won't let you down council chair." Finn exclaimed.
"Wait!" Marlo screeched. For a while, everyone had forgotten the wizard was even in the room.
"Council chair I wanted to sign Wizard City onto the agreement with the other kingdoms and humans. Now that this attack has occurred, I am unsure. I'm also unsure if I should keep this information to myself."
"You little—" Marceline started. The council chair cut her off.
"I'm sure we can come to some king of agreement representative of Wizard City. There must be something the Wizards can achieve from cooperation? We can discuss it if you come with me."
"Of course. Finally, the respect that the representative of the Wizards deserves around here!"
Marlo, Wayne, and the security detail exited the room. Finn peered out the window and stared at the red cross designating the medical wing's entrance hoping to see where they were headed, but they never came into view. He felt a hand clamp on his shoulder.
"They probably took the backway out to avoid people seeing Wayne in the medical ward. I think your group should do the same." Minerva said.
"Before we go, I should tell you all something." Simon motioned for everyone to lean in.
"I kind of lied to the council chair. Elder Marc was specifically concerned about the isolationists having some king of political influence over the council. And when he left the dance, he told me he was specifically going to try and find Wayne."
"Okay. So, what are you getting at, Simon?" Marceline asked.
"I only agreed to the ambassador job to Marc, not to Wayne. Wayne knowing that information means they must have met before Marc and the others were attacked. Maybe I'm just being paranoid, but I want to keep the information in a tight circle. Just us for now."
"I don't think its paranoia Simon. I know I agreed to not take action for now, but it should be in the human's best interests to make some kind of public statement or acknowledgement. Wayne's decision is still a bit confusing to me." Bubblegum said.
"Truthfully, I think both of your suggested approaches make sense. But his approach does seem a bit weird since he doesn't need the backing of the more hesitant kingdoms right now, just the ones who already signed the agreement." Simon narrowed his eyes.
"I don't mean to interrupt, but you should all get going. If you are suspicious of the council, now they know people may have heard or seen something." Minerva suggested.
"Ok. Finn, Marcy. Can you take us to the woman who warned you before?"
"Of course. I'll fly us out the window. Finn, Bonnie, take my hands. Simon, get on my back."
"Marcy, don't you think Bonnibel should—"
"Simon, how did arguing with me about carrying you end this morning?"
Simon grumbled and put his arms around her shoulders. Marceline turned her head to him.
"Besides, Bonnie hates riding piggyback and complains the whole time. You only complain at the beginning."