The group left the dance and entered back into the culture flooded hallway. For a minute the group paused. The only reliable method they had to contact the elder was through a Minerva bot. Bubblegum and Simon began walking while the other members straggled behind. Marceline turned to Finn.
"Hey do you think if you call out to your mom a bot will show up?"
"What? I mean, I never tried that but I don't see why it would work."
"Do you have any better ideas?"
"Could you sniff him out with your vampire nose?"
"I didn't really bother to memorize his scent. Besides, whenever magic throws my sense of smell off, no matter how faint it may be."
Marlo stopped walking. He slowly turned around. He bared his teeth and stared down the vampire.
"There is nothing wrong with my magic. I simply used it today in an altercation. And if you want me to sign onto this treaty, you'll show me a bit more respect, non-wizard."
"Sure, you did buddy. But if you're going to try to threaten me, you should try to do it effectively. Personally, I don't really care if you sign on to this treaty or not because the only wizards, I care about don't have an allegiance to your stupid city. And I have no problem sticking you or anyone else who attacks into an early grave. Now you better turn around before I decide to sink my teeth into your checks and drain all that red."
"Marceline be cool. This isn't helping. Besides, if he signs the treaty there will be less pressure on PB." Finn said.
The vampire queen relaxed a bit. She pushed passed Marlo and joined Simon and PB at the front of the group.
Marlo and Finn kept their distance from the others and walked in silence. Finn thought about attempting conversation, but there wasn't really anything he wanted to talk with the wizard about. Finn occasionally caught Marlo glancing in his direction before hastily dropping his gaze back down at the ground. Finally, Marlo swallowed air and spoke.
"So, you're familiar with wizards?"
"Yeah. I mean, I've fought and been friends with a bunch of them. Plus, I've been to Wizard City. I was even a wizard for a little while."
"Dear boy, I doubt you've seen the inside of the city. Maybe an illusion but truly not the glorious city. Only magic users can get in and its protected by a secret password. And if you were ever a wizard you would never give that power up. Nobody would, being a wizard rules!"
"The password is literally just wizards' rule. I've seen a bunch of places, like Ron James' shop, the prison, and Bufo's magic school. I even earned all the stars and helped save the city from a big meteor. I'm not the only one. My pal Jake gave it up too. Heck, Simon over there used to be the Ice King and hated it. I'm not lying to you dude."
Marlo recoiled in place and stopped walking as if he were caught on the end of a chain. Finn looked back at the wizard. While most of his mouth was hidden behind his beard, the little Finn could make out had become pencil thin. He seemed to silently repeat Bufo's name. The wizard's beard and entire body were shaking.
"You mean to tell me… you casually achieved the power of a full wizard and gave it up… and that you infiltrated our magnificent city and escaped our highly guarded facility…"
"I mean, I wouldn't put it like that but…"
"That's exactly how you put it!"
The aged wizard advanced towards Finn with his arms raised. Normally, Finn could have just punched him and ended the fight, but he didn't want to potentially be the reason the wizard didn't sign the treaty.
"Dang it, looks like I'm putting myself in that position again."
Finn shut his eyes and readied himself for the incoming blows. Given the wizard's age and lack of muscle, he didn't expect them to hurt. But no blows came. Finn opened his eyes and saw the wizard was frozen in place staring above him. Finn turned around and brushed against Bubblegum's arm.
"Hey dillweed. If you think we're gonna let you attack Finn and sign onto the treaty we may as well just go back to the dance now."
Simon placed his arm on Finn's shoulder.
"Like Marcy said before, you don't need to let yourself get hit to try and make everything work out. In this case, literally."
"Thanks guys. But I think it was also my fault a bit. I didn't mean to, but I think I egged him on."
"Finn, nothing you could have said to him should have led to such undiplomatic behavior, especially when he's trying to sign onto the treaty." Bubblegum said.
"Apologize to Finn before I make you." Marceline narrowed her eyes at the wizard.
Marlo muttered an apology at the ground. Knowing that was as good as they would get, the group continued. Finn looked back. The elderly wizard had slowed his pace and allowed himself to loosely follow their general direction. Finn turned to Bubblegum.
"Are you sure we should be treating him this way? I mean, don't we want Wizard City to sign this treaty?"
"Well, yes and no. It would be nice for them to stand with us, but we don't need them too. With so many kingdoms already in a mutual pact, no one should risk an altercation. Wizard City doesn't need to expand and the Grand Master wizard knows we won't go after the city unless they started something. To be honest, they probably want to be a part of the treaty to try and stop the anti-magic tech. So, don't let Marlo's tough talk fool you. Right now, he needs us more than we need him."
"I didn't really think about any of that. I just thought that we would want to get him away from the princesses."
"We do. But again, any perceived aggression on their parts will be met with a united response. So, for now things should cool down even without Marlo's help. And I don't think you know this, but Simon took that cultural ambassador job. That's really going to help out the human's, and my kingdom of course."
"Pb, can I ask you something?"
"Of course, Finn."
"Don't take this the wrong way, but is there any truth to what Breakfast Princess and Marlo were saying earlier? About trying to expand your influence and all that?"
Bubblegum sighed.
"Yes and no. I want what is best for my kingdom. And for that, maintaining an alliance with the humans and a lot of other kingdoms is essential. So yes, I'm trying to expand my influence in Ooo's politics- I always have been trying to. But, a lot of the specifics they accused me of are just paranoia. I didn't send Lemongrab to seduce LSQ. I'm certainly not dating Marceline for political influence. And I don't want a joint human-candy empire."
"That makes sense, I guess. I don't know, politics is complicated."
"It is. And funnily enough, it's also very simple right now- especially compared to 1000 years ago from what Simon has told me."
"Man, I don't even want to think about that. Why can't everyone just work together and get along. Surely it would work better for everyone?"
"You saw Gumbald those years ago. Peeps can be paranoid or selfish. Usually both. And a lot of time, they think that sticking it out on their own will get them the best result."
"That's wack."
"Pretty much. Rule one of foreign relations Finn, don't try to rationalize the actions or judgements of people you're trying to relate with. It just won't work."
"Noted."
The group rounded the corner and shuffled into the main entrance hall. After seeing no one was inside, they exited the building. The street outside was also void of any signs of life. They walked down a couple of city blocks each equally abandoned.
"This is certainly strange. With so few humans attending the ongoing dance, we should have run into someone by now." Simon said.
"Finn, I think you should try calling out for your mom. Even if she doesn't' come, maybe someone will hear and tell us where we could find one of her bots." Marceline said.
Finn looked down the street, took a deep breath, and cupped his hands to his mouth.
"Hey mom if you can hear me can the closest you follow the sound of my voice!"
The group waited for a couple of minutes. No Minerva bots appeared.
"Dang it, mom."
"That's okay. I have another idea, and it'll be more fun." Marceline smirked.
"What are you smiling about Marceline?" Bubblegum asked.
"Well, if we make enough noise, someone is bound to come along and tell us to shut up. We could probably get them to take us to a Minerva bot."
"It's worth a shot, I guess. A lot of people should know how to find one of my mom's copies."
"Or, we could go to the medical ward, where the Minerva bots work." Simon suggested.
"Simon's right Marceline. Besides, who knows what kind of weirdo we might attract." Bubblegum said.
Marceline grumbled. Simon was right of course, but she really felt like yelling. Especially considering how formal she'd had to act today. She put her hands on her waist.
"Let's make it a competition then, you two vs Finn and I. Whichever team gets a Minerva bot first gets to give one order to each of the losers in the next 48 hours."
"That sounds like it could be fun." Finn spoke up.
"Oh, you bet it'll be. I can see it now. I'm gonna make Bonnie sing a hardcore rock and roll song to the settlement council. And I'll order Simon to help me play pranks on a bunch of the diplomats."
"Well, while you two yell at the sky, Simon and I will head to the medical ward. And when WE win, I'm going to order you to change into actual formal attire- not that slightly less aggressive punk rock outfit." Bubblegum teased.
"Oh, it is on Bonnie."
Marlo began tapping his foot. When that failed to garner the attention he wanted, he began to clear his throat with increasing ferocity. When this too failed, the elderly wizard walked between the four, and began jumping in place.
"Are you all forgetting about someone? What am I supposed to do?
"You can go with either team, I guess. Just don't try to punch anyone." Finn said.
Marlo evaluated his options. On one side, the vampire queen was giving him a death stare. Her eyes told him that he couldn't be alone with her, even for a minute. He turned his head. The other side looked at him with a mixture of pity and contempt, but not outright hatred. His choice was clear.
"I'll go with the Princess and the human ambassador."
As the medical ward team turned to depart, Marceline flew to Marlo leaned into his ear, making sure her words were just a hiss to everyone else around them.
"Bonnie and Simon are literally the two people I care about most in the world. If I hear that you even looked like you thought about annoying them— let alone doing anything to them— Wizard City is going to need to clean their streets for weeks to scrub your insides off of them."
She backed up and looked at him. The message was received loud and clear. The wizard was trembling and she could detect the slightest hint of urine. This guy was as disgusting as he was old.
The medical ward team rounded the corner and was out of sight. Finn turned to Marceline.
"Alright, what noise do you wanna make to get people's attention? I was thinking we could beatbox or sing a song."
"Finn don't be a dweeb. Let Bonnie and Simon get a little farther away. Then, just do what I do."
The pair waited in silence for a minute. Then, Marceline hovered in the air and let out a skull shaking screech. Finn clamped his hands around his ears, but wasn't able to drown out the noise. Tears and snot began dripping down his face. It felt like his eyes and brain were all about to pop. Then Marceline stopped.
"Dang. Maybe there's no one in this area. That should have gotten someone to open a window or door or something. Oh well, we can try again down the block."
"Marceline I can' do that! I felt like I was gonna die from you doing that!"
"Well duh. People hear the noise, want to shut it up so they try to find where its coming from. Then bam, we got them."
"No. People hear that noise, and then immediately shut down because nasty junk is leaking from all their face holes. I mean look at me!"
"Finn, you literally always look like that."
"What, no I don't!"
"Relax, I'm just kidding around. But I see your point. Still, I don't think beatboxing or singing is going to cut it."
"Well, why don't we just yell out help or something? Someone will respond."
"Sure, if you want to be lame about it."
"Do you want to order PB and Simon around or not?"
"Okay, okay. We'll try it your way. But if it doesn't get anyone, I'm gonna start screeching again."
The pair began yelling out for help. At first, there wasn't any response. Seeing Marceline beginning to get over his plan, Finn became more desperate in his cries. Finally, a younger woman opened her door.
"What are you two doing? You shouldn't be outside right now. Especially if you're outsiders!"
The duo immediately stopped. Marceline flew to the woman's door step.
"What are you talking about lady?"
"I shouldn't be saying this. It isn't my place."
Finn joined the two at the doorstep
"Ma'am, I'm Minerva Campbell's son. If there is something going on that you're afraid of, please tell me. Also, any chance you can tell us when we can find one of the Minerva bots?"
"Look. All I know is that there were a bunch of people who looked pretty mad near here a while ago. I didn't see who or what they were. I just heard them complaining about some kind of treaty. Your best bet to find a Minerva bot is at the medical ward. Just get there, and get off the streets please." The woman looked both ways, and abruptly shut the door. Finn flinched backwards.
"Dang, looks like we lose." Finn sighed.
"No way dude, I can fly us across this city faster than Simon or Bonnie can walk. We'll just cut them off."
"Do you even know where the medical ward is?"
"No, but how hard could it be to find? It probably looks like a cross or her hat or something."
Marceline's phone began to buzz. She took it out and answered.
"Hey Simon, calling to admit defeat? If you give up now, I'll consider having mercy on you."
"We're at the medical ward Marcy. You two need to get here as soon as you can."
Simon and Bubblegum rounded the corner with Marlo trailing behind like a sick dog. He kept his distance, but walked fast enough so they wouldn't think he was trying to slow them down.
"If memory serves from when I was helping out here last, the medical ward should only be about a five-minute walk from here." Simon said.
"Cool. Looks like an easy win for us then. I don't know about you, but I look forward to giving Marceline my order. I'm not sure what I would order Finn to do though. He kind of already follows my orders."
"I hope she's a good sport about it. In any case, I don't really plan to give either of them an order. If they force me, I'd probably just have them watch a movie with me or something."
"Lame. You probably have like a million orders you can give to embarrass Marceline."
"Yeah, I suppose. Maybe I could just order her to not fly me for the next forty-eight hours. But I know the second those hours are up will be the second my feet stop touching the ground for the next forty-eight."
"She's really glad to have you back. Even though its been a couple of years since you returned, she's still always excited to see you."
"I could say the exact same thing about you. She mentioned that when you two dated for the first time you were practically inseparable. It looks like you've picked up on that again pretty fast."
"Our previous relationship was… complicated. I don't know how much you she told you, but it wasn't the definition of a healthy relationship."
"Oh. I'm sorry, I didn't know."
"Its okay. I mean, it had to happen so that we could grow as people. And if it didn't happen, we wouldn't be able to be as happy with each other as we are now. And like you said, we're pretty happy now."
"I'm glad for that. I can see how much you love one another, and its something that is very rare in this world. And when you have that kind of love, you need to keep and cherish it. You make her happier beyond description."
"It means a lot to hear that. Thank you."
"And to tell you the truth Bonnibel, my relationship with Marcy is still pretty complicated. The last time I was, well, me, she was a little girl who I needed to protect and take care of. But when I first came back? Our roles basically reversed. I didn't know anything about Ooo. I almost walked into man eating plants and monster lairs dozens of times. And don't even get me started on what she must have felt like when I was the Ice King."
"You're back and you're you. To her, that's all that matters. And take it from me, I think she likes getting to be the one who protects you, even if it seems weird at times. She certainly likes that dynamic in our relationship."
They reached the medical ward. The building was a pasty white color with a large red cross-shaped section used for entering and exiting. After Marlo was an appropriate distance, the trio walked into the cross, and entered a world of chaos.
Minerva bots had formed a phalanx and were frantically shooing people away. A crowd of well-dressed individuals had formed in one corner of the room, desperately shouting questions about the health and well being of patients. Simon and Bubblegum attempted to insert-themselves in the chatter, but weren't able to interrupt the madness.
Finally, Simon grabbed hold of a Minerva bot who had shoved a man in a suit back into the pile of questioning bodies. She turned to him ready to do the same, but quickly relaxed.
"I was hoping your group would show up. We have a bad situation, and it concerns all of you."
What happened here? Why does it concern us? Bubblegum asked.
All of you follow me. Even the wizard.
The Minerva unit temporarily shifted to allow the trio and their guide bot safe passage before again swallowing up the empty space. Just in time too, as multiple members of the corner-pile rushed hoping to get through.
They followed the Minerva bot down the hallway and up a single flight of stairs. After reaching the second floor, the helper robot led them to the first room on their right. Three individuals were lying in hospital beds, each of them having three Minerva bots tending to them. The trio didn't recognize the first two. When Simon saw the third figure, he immediately pulled out his phone.