Note: Hello. I'm sorry it's been so long (again). It just takes me a while to work on things. I hope that you enjoy this chapter. But I do offer a warning... this one ends on a bad cliffhanger (sorry it was getting so long I didn't want to actually go over 20 pages). And I can't promise when the next one will be. So um. Read at your own discretion? T-T But thank you so much for reading. I've been trying to reply to comments better as well, so I would love hearing what you have to say. Thank you so much for your support!

Chapter 11

Bubblegum opened the door of the carriage before it came to a full stop, hopping out toward the entrance of the main castle. Fiona trailed after her, vainly begging the Candy Princess to stop for just two seconds.

The only time Bubblegum took to pause was when she reached a fork in the hallway. What was wrong with this country and its architecture's obsession with nonlinear pathways?

"Princess!" Fiona gasped, finally catching up. She cautiously grasped one of Bubblegum's shoulders to keep her from running off again. "If you would wait for a just a moment-"

"How am I supposed to be calm?" Bubblegum demanded. "Marceline's been sentenced to a fight to the death and you expect me to calm down?!"

"It's not really 'to the death'," Fiona grumbled, obviously growing tired of Bubblegum's overreaction. "If you would just wait a minute, I can help you find her. She could be anywhere! You'll get yourself lost... again."

Bubblegum crossed her arms in defiance, standing still for the first time in an hour. Taking that as a good sign, Fiona went to make inquiries of the nearest guardsman.

Bubblegum began to tap her foot impatiently. She had been taking a nap when that stupid holosphere in her room had set off an alarm, a sign that something serious was being reported on the news. To her horror, the story had been about a coup attempted against Hunson- a coup that lead to Marceline fighting in some crazy battle to the death over honor or other such nonsense. She hadn't properly grasped all the details, but Bubblegum was not about to sit back and watch her wife die over some man's bruised ego!

Deciding that Fiona had had enough time to get information, Bubblegum began to walk towards the next turn in the hallway. Ignoring Fiona's protests behind her, she turned... only to walk straight into a wall.

Backing up, she realized it wasn't a wall, but rather a very tall and very muscled man. His hair was slicked back perfectly, not a strand out of place, and matched the perfection of his military uniform.

"Pardon me..." she murmured, gazing at him curiously.

The man grinned mischievously. "Well if it isn't lil' miss Bu-bbles! So, you are alive."

Bubblegum blinked in rapid succession as her mind realized who she was looking at. "Huge?"

"The one and only," he saluted with a grin.

"What are you doing here? And in a uniform?" Bubblegum wondered aloud. It was such a drastic change from his outfit and demeanor at the party.

"I work here, darlin'," he sighed. "Didn't ya know? I'm the royal training master."

"The what?" Bubblegum wasn't familiar with the title.

"Prince Hughes is in charge of military training: schedules, diet, drills, etc.," Fiona appeared, having caught up to them. "He also serves as a type of personal trainer and lifestyle advisor to the ruler. In this case, Hunson. Sir," she added a salute to the man.

"I had no idea," Bubblegum was impressed. "So, you're actually political?"

Huge snorted. "Oh, no way," he waved a hand. "I'm only invited whenever the military and their status is involved. I don't touch actual politics."

"I'm not sure those two should be exclusive," Bubblegum frowned.

"You're probably right," he shrugged. "But the high-ups don't like us mere soldiers knowin' too much. Makes us difficult to control 'n all."

Bubblegum hummed in thought. Wyneva was definitely wrong about him and his 'brains department'.

"What brings you to headquarters?" he asked.

"Marceline!" Bubblegum gasped, remembering her initial purpose in storming into this place. "Do you know where she is right now?"

"Hmm," Huge tapped his chin in thought. "Yeah, I could probably help you find her. Unless you're plannin' to just disappear again," he looked at her accusingly.

Bubblegum frowned before memory hit her. She had suddenly disappeared on the others without any explanation two nights before. They had gone out of their way to take her under their wing, and she had slighted them.

"Huge... I'm so sorry about that."

"Look, Bubbles," Huge sighed, as if teaching a hard life lesson to a child. "If you didn't want to hang out with us you could have just said so."

"No, I..." Bubblegum fumbled for words. Was there any way to remedy the situation?

"The Party God's room was too much for me," she admitted. It wasn't a lie, at least. "I thought I'd wait for you somewhere else, but... things happened and I never... Well, I'm very sorry."

Huge didn't say anything, just continued to look at her quietly.

"You and the others really helped me," Bubblegum finally said. "I didn't mean to snub you. Please forgive me."

Huge pursed his lips before sighing in defeat. "Well, that's fair," he grinned again. "Party God's Room isn't for everyone. We should have checked if you were ok- I was just really excited and got ahead of myself. You're lucky I just can't stay mad at adorable things!" He shoved her shoulder playfully.

Bubblegum grinned back in relief. The last thing she wanted was to make more enemies. And to be honest, she quite enjoyed Huge's company.

"But, girl," Huge skipped over and hooked his arm through Bubblegum's, dragging her down the hall. "What is this crazy rumor I heard about you visiting the Why-Wolf manor this morning?!"

"Ah, yes, Lady Wyneva invited me over for tea," she admitted.

"And you actually went?" Huge seemed surprised.

"Well, after certain accusations at the party the other night, I thought I should respond to more invites. I'm sorry, I should have reached out to you and the others' as well, but... I went back to sleep," Bubblegum murmured embarrassed.

Huge laughed. "I totally get ya on that! So," he wiggled his eyebrows at her. "What did she want?"

Bubblegum could tell he was trying to pry and doing a miserable job at hiding it. "Just checking on me after the party," she said noncommittally, hoping they were on their way to Marceline.

"Because?" he prodded.

Bubblegum sighed. It was embarrassing to admit, but she didn't want to give Huge any more reason to doubt or suspect her. "I… got really sick the other night. Wyneva found me and helped me back to Fi… my handmaiden, so I could get home," she admitted quietly.

"Oh you poor thing," Huge pouted at her as they rounded a corner. "You really went overboard after being stuck in that house for so long. That does sound like Wyneva though. She's a doctor, you know. She cares about people."

Bubblegum didn't comment on the excessive praise, but decided to change the topic. "Well, she did ask about you and the others."

"Really?" Huge's face lit up. Bubblegum felt a bit guilty hiding the true nature of Wyneva's comments, but she quickly forgot all about it as they rounded the corner and Marceline came into view.

"Marceline!" Bubblegum let go of Huge and ran forward.

"Bonnibel," she looked surprised. "I was just about to send you a message…"

"Marceline, what is going on?" Bubblegum demanded. "Why are you suddenly going into a fight to the death? I won't allow it!"

Marceline grinned in amusement. "People hardly die in these things these days… but I appreciate your concern."

"Well the news said-"

Marceline sighed. "Of course they did. Fiona, why are you letting her watch that stuff?"

"I'm a bodyguard, not a babysitter," Fiona grumbled. "Milady," she quickly added when Huge raised an eyebrow at her informality.

"Well, I'm glad that you came to see me," Marceline tried to placate Bubblegum's worries. "I probably won't be home tonight-"

"What? Why?" Bubblegum interrupted. She thought about the conversation, or would argument be a better word?, that they had had that morning. She didn't want that to be the last chance they had to talk. "Marceline, I don't… I mean, I want to help. Please."

Marceline stared at Bubblegum quietly for few moments before reaching forward and taking one of her hands gently. "I do trust you, Bonnibel. I trust you to help me if I really need it. But at the moment, there's not much you can do. I have… certain preparations to make. I most likely won't make it home before the duel." She met Bubblegum's eyes. "It'd mean a lot to me if you came tomorrow, though."

"Of course I'm going to be there!" Bubblegum practically yelled.

"Thank you," Marceline smiled again. "Although… I need to ask a pretty big favor. I need to borrow Fiona."

Bubblegum wasn't sure how sending her handmaiden/bodyguard with Marceline was going to help anything, but she assented quickly enough. Before she had time to consider how she would find her way home, Huge stepped forward.

"I'll make sure lil' Miss Bubbles gets home in one piece," he nodded to Marceline. "And that she gets to the arena tomorrow."

"Thank you, Sir Hughes," Marceline said gratefully despite the note of surprise. She smiled at Bubblegum again. "Try not to worry so much," she squeezed Bubblegum's hand for a breath, then let go and disappeared down the hall with Fiona behind her.

At some point during their return home, Huge decided that the last thing Bubblegum needed that evening was to be alone. With strict orders not to disappear, he left her at Marceline's manor home for barely an hour before returning with the same three royals from the party. Gene, Prism, and Matilda seemed to hold back their curiosity for all of ten minutes before helping themselves through the manor.

"Do you know how rare it is to be invited into one of the Vampire family manors?" Matilda jumped about excitedly in the first floor sitting room.

"Really?" Bubblegum responded. While it was true no one had been around to visit in her time living there, she hadn't thought it to be so interesting a detail.

"Yeah! The Vamps have always been kinda secluded, I guess, so like… to get inside you had to be a close family friend. And then well…" Matilda stroked her braided hair nervously. "Well, after what happened. Y'know."

Bubblegum did not, in fact, know what they were talking about, but it wasn't the first time someone had mentioned "something" concerning the Vampire family before going quiet. Before Bubblegum could inquire further, Huge's loud voice came bellowing down the stairs. "Girl! Where is your room!? I want to see your Candy dresses!"

The evening quickly descended into a mix of the visitors digging through Bubblegum's wardrobe (which Huge announced needed some serious help), devouring various snacks scavenged from the kitchens, and exchanging games from their respective countries. Although Bubblegum was reluctant to partake in the game involving a cup and dice, it turned out to be quite entertaining. She explained to the others that gambling, and therefore any games that resembled gambling techniques such as dice, were illegal in the Candy Kingdom.

"Matches the uptight image," Gene murmured before Prism smacked her arm. "Ow! What? It's not like it's not true."

"I guess all the rules and things can seem uptight to people who don't live there," Bubblegum acquiesced. "But to me, it keeps the order. We don't have things like death matches that get challenged out of nowhere, for example."

"Point taken," Gene nodded.

"It's not that serious," Huge announced from inside Bubblegum's closet. "If the challenger wins, it just means that the court has to hold a high summit to judge Hunson's ability as ruler which would more than likely lead to a new Inheritance Ceremony. Well, and Marceline might have to leave the capitol, I suppose. But let's be real, that won't happen."

"How can you be so sure?" Bubblegum inquired, worry eating at her again. "You all act like its already a done deal."

"Honey, how can you know so little?" Huge tut-tutted her from the doorway. "Marceline's been Hunson's champion for years. And she always wins."

"Marceline's pretty strong," Gene agreed, digging through the pretzel bowl. "It's always a sight to see her fight."

"I'd say it's a bad sign that the council even allowed this challenge to go through," Prism announced. "But I'm not fully convinced it's because enough people want to see him dethroned… so much as people just wanting to watch Marceline fight. It's been a while since the last time."

"I just don't understand… why even allow it?" Bubblegum said. "It seems like if he's lost the confidence of the council, that should be it."

"Is it that easy in the Candy Kingdom?" Matilda asked.

"Er… no," Bubblegum admitted, realizing how silly she sounded.

"It's more just a tradition left over from the days when the populace still believed in the greater gods," Prism spoke as if lecturing a class. "It was believed that winning meant you had the gods' favor, and were therefore right. In those days, the fights were to the death because if you dared to invoke the gods' favor, and then failed, you forfeit your right to exist on their earth."

"That's… grim," Bubblegum grimaced.

"Luckily, no one really prescribes to that system anymore," he continued. "But the tradition itself is still honored so that everyone has a 'chance' to be heard. You have the challenger and the defender; each one is allowed a weapon and an item of their choice. These days it's not usually to the death- just until someone gives up or is knocked out. But the after effects are usually embarrassing enough to send people into hiding."

"And the loser has to leave the capitol for, like, ten years or something," Gene interrupted.

"Yes," Prism glared at her. "The last three, all defeated by Lady Marceline I might add, have since left the capitol. It's more of a social death than a real death. Well, except the challenger three times back. That one did die."

"Well, your history lesson is boring me to death," Huge whined across the room.

Bubblegum laughed along with the group as the two friends pretended to argue about whether history lessons or talking about clothes were more boring, but she couldn't shake her worries. Everyone was talking as if Marceline had already won the match, but Bubblegum could only see the various risks involved. She wished she could see Marceline, talk with her… really talk with her before the challenge the next day.

After hours of entertainment, exhaustion finally won out over Bubblegum's nerves, making her the first one to pass out that evening.

Marceline ran her pen over the final line of the paper, making everything official and complete. She stretched her arms over her head as the first rays of the morning sun began to slip through the cracks in the curtain. It would be a rare sunny day in Nightos. Fiona and Kovmir entered her office, the official one in the main palace, with lazy salutes.

"Shouldn't you be resting? You do have some poor soul to beat up in a few hours," Fiona pointed out.

"I slept as much as I could. I just finished the last of the paperwork. Turn this in to the family register as soon as it opens, please," she gestured at the paperwork on her desk.

"I still think you're being over-cautious," Fiona complained, although she did retrieve the papers as asked.

"Better to be over-cautious than lazy," Kovmir nodded. "But perhaps you could use a few more hours of rest."

"Right, I will get on that," Marceline grumbled, floating over to the decorative sofa and flopping onto it.

Luckily the two took that as their cue to leave the room. Lying in silence, Marceline's mind began to wander. Revelations from the past few days had severely undermined her confidence in her understanding of the situation in Nightos, as well as who she could fully trust. She realized that the only person she trusted completely at the moment was, in fact, Bubblegum.

While she had never foreseen herself married to a Candy person, let alone befriending and trusting one, she still had to admit her fondness for Bonnibel. The woman was incredibly smart with a fiery personality on one side, but also cared deeply about her duty to people on the other.

Marceline had been surprised the day before when Bubblegum had suddenly appeared in the main castle, declaring that she wouldn't allow the challenge to continue. While most people around were treating the challenge as a casual detail, Bubblegum seemed to be the only one upset about it. Perhaps she should be put-off at her wife's worry as a sign of a lack of belief in Marceline's ability to win the fight… but in truth, she was more grateful for it than anything. Having someone worry for her wellbeing reminded her of the severity of the situation, as well as increased her determination to return home in one piece.

Marceline's mind dozed through the morning hours, resting what little she could. A few hours before noon, she rose and retrieved a small snack for breakfast. Fighting on a completely empty stomach was never a good idea. Fixing her uniform into place, she exited her office and made her way to the arena.

Taking her place at the foot of the royal dais, Marceline surveyed the area. A large dome covered the giant area that was usually used for training. The King's dais sat at the head of the room, opposite the public entrance, and was a good five feet higher than any of the other seats. Special areas for the royal families were prepared on either side of the dais, stretching halfway around the room. The final half belonged to the general public, and was often standing room only due to limited space. Each news company was allowed one representative in the press box beneath the royal dais, and a few persistent reporters were already there, hoping to get an early scoop.

As time passed, more and more people of all stations arrived. Marceline withdrew into herself as she usually did before a match, only answering greetings and other calls to her with the barest nod of her head. With still half an hour before noon, a commotion nearby drew her attention.

"You can't enter this area, mam," one of the guards was insisting. "This is for the King and challengers only."

"That is my wife and you will let me through!" Bubblegum's angry voice announced as she shoved her way past the man. He turned to grab her, but froze at the unamused stare Marceline sent his way.

Marceline watched as Hughes, dressed in his formal military uniform, talked with the men to allow Bubblegum to run past them freely.

"Bonnibel," Marceline couldn't help but smile as the other woman approached. "You're here early." She looked down at Bubblegum's surprisingly nice dress, a deeper red than she usually wore with black printed roses on one side. "And dressed differently than usual."

Bubblegum rolled her eyes. "Huge wouldn't let me out of the house in 'just any old clothes'," she shook her head as she imitated the man's words.

"Huge?"

"Oh, Huge and the others… they stayed with me in the manor last night. I'm sorry… was that… wrong?" Bubblegum suddenly sounded unsure of herself.

"Of course not," Marceline smiled, reaching up to tuck a stray lock of hair back behind Bubblegum's ear. "I'm glad you're making friends. Even if they dress you up against your will."

"Marceline…" Bubblegum started, then stopped. "Are you… I mean," she looked down, rubbing her hands nervously. Marceline was a bit surprised at Bubblegum's lack of words, as the woman usually had plenty to say. She also found it quite endearing.

"What's wrong?" she teased her wife. "Are you that worried about me?"

"Of course I'm worried!" Bubblegum shot back without missing a beat. "What am I supposed to do if something happens to you?"

Marceline thought for a moment. It made sense that Bubblegum would be worried about what might happen to her if Marceline were to disappear. She was one of the only reasons the Candy Princess was in this country in the first place. It must seem like quite the threat to her safety if she were to lose Marceline.

"Don't worry," Marceline tried to sound reassuring. "You've made some friends, right? And I've already left specific instructions with Fiona to take care of you. Nothing will happen to you, I promise."

"What-?" Bubblegum's brow furrowed like it so often did when she was speed-thinking through a problem. "That- How could- That isn't what I meant!" She smacked Marceline's shoulder suddenly, making the vampire flinch in surprise. "I meant you! I don't want anything to happen you, glob damn it!" she smacked Marceline's shoulder again.

"R-Right," Marceline replied sheepishly, rubbing her arm. She wasn't sure why having Bubblegum so avidly worried for her made her strangely happy. "Thank you, Bonnibel."

Bubblegum looked confused and embarrassed at the same time, making Marceline want to tease her again. Just as the awkward silence was beginning to stretch too far, the royal fanfare announcing the arrival of King Hunson sounded through the room. Everyone fell into silence, turning their attention toward the king's seat above their heads.

Hunson entered from behind the dais, his skin looking greyer than usual. Marceline steeled her expression, knowing that paparazzi could be taking pictures at any moment. Even one second of worry or doubt could betray her in photos.

"The King's champion- come forward," announced the standard bearer next to Hunson's throne.

Marceline glanced at Bubblegum, who was chewing on her lower lip. The fighters were allowed to bring family with them before the king, but Marceline never had. Granted, she'd never really had anyone to bring with her. It would be unprecedented, but… for the first time she didn't want to stand before a challenge alone.

"Come with me?" she asked quietly.

Bubblegum looked shocked for barely a second before putting on her serious face. Marceline was surprised when the other woman grabbed onto her hand tightly, but found the feeling reassuring as they ascended the stairs to the top platform together. Murmurs and the shutters of cameras followed them, and an unenthused frown on Hunson's face greeted them.

"The challenger- step forward," the bearer summoned. The old man who led the Wizard family followed the stairs up the other side of the dais, standing opposite Marceline.

"Have you designated your champion?" Hunson inquired.

"We have," the Wizard man assented, gesturing towards someone who now rose the steps toward them.

Marceline ignored the approach, keeping her attention on the King before her, as was tradition. It didn't really matter who her opponent was, after all. They would be facing each other soon enough.

"Your majesty," a strikingly familiar voice said nearby, tinged in sarcasm.

Marceline froze. It couldn't be. Surely the wizard family wouldn't risk their entire reputation on him. Still she kept her attention at the foot of her adopted father's throne.

The standard bearer stepped forward to address the old Wizard. "As challenger, you must declare your weapons and/or items first."

"Our champion will be using a belt knife and his own cherry blossom wand," the old man announced with conviction.

That more or less confirmed Marceline's suspicions of who she would be fighting.

"A wand?" Hunson's voice sounded droll. "You're staking your entire reputation on that kind of thing?"

"I doubt our champion will need little else," the Wizard stated boldly. "Frankly, the knife is but for show."

The standard bearer turned towards Hunson. "Sire, if you would be so kind as to declare your champion's weapons and/or items."

As Marceline had already informed her adopted father of her preferred axe and sword, she wasn't worried until his gaze shifted derisively towards the Wizard folk. A look of something dark and begrudging crossed his face.

"My champion will use her personal axe... and wear the Ruler's Chaos Crystal."

A cold sweat broke out between Marceline's shoulder blades as exclamations of shock ran through the great hall. She gripped Bonnibel's hand a bit tighter.

"You can't use that!" the Wizard shouted accusingly.

"Why not?" Hunson smiled politely, although it didn't reach his eyes. "You're the one who introduced the idea of ridiculous magical artifacts with your silly wand. I hardly doubt she'll even need it. It's… just for a good show." Hunson spread his hands innocently, although his pointed stare suggested other intentions.

The old Wizard man huffed in anger before stomping back down the stairs to his family's waiting area. The standard bearer was announcing for final preparations to begin before someone pushed him, forcing their way in front of Marceline. She stared at the one face she really did not want to see right now, not allowing any emotion to cross her features.

"Hey there, Mar-Mar," Ash taunted, propping a bony hand on his hip. "It's been a while."

Completely ignoring him, Marceline turned to address Bonnibel. "I'll be right back." Stepping around the offensive presence of Ash, Marceline approached her father's throne. "Father. A word?"

Hunson sighed with annoyance. "Yes, Marceline? You're not trying to back out of the fight because of your opponent, are you?"

"No," Marceline said flatly. "Why did you assign me the Chaos Crystal? You promised me I would never have to use it as your champion. You know we don't really understand it or how to control it!"

"You don't have to use it, you just have to wear it," Hunson glared at her as if she were a spoiled child. "It's just for appearances. Your opponent has all of a knife on him- I hardly doubt you need worry."

"And another magical item that we know nothing about," Marceline countered. "Father, you're the one who-"

"Enough," Hunson's word held no doubt he would be obeyed. "I have faith in you. Now go prepare for your battle."

Marceline bowed as best she could before turning and descending the steps. Luckily, Ash had already disappeared from the lower dais, and Bonnibel quickly joined Marceline's side as they returned to the lowest area.

Marceline's mind felt like it was running a mile a minute. She really did not want to wear that thing… she'd seen it a few times, on display in the official hall, and it had always given her a bad feeling. But she couldn't risk not wearing the stupid crystal with so many people in attendance. Almost all the royalty and at least half the capitol were here, not to mention their cameras. The wrong person with the wrong picture could easily make it look like she was trying to sew her own kind of dissent by not following Hunson's decree.

A soft touch to her hand made her jump- pulling her out of her thoughts. Bonnibel stared up at her with worry. "Marceline… Are you… Can I do anything?" she asked.

"Ah, sorry," Marceline took a breath to calm down. "Thank you."

"Who was that guy- the Wizard Champion?" Bonnibel asked. "It seemed like he knew you."

Marceline grimaced slightly. She didn't particularly want Bonnibel to know, but she didn't want to lie to the woman either. "…an ex," she answered dully.

"An ex what? Ex-soldier?" Bonnibel responded before understanding dawned on her face. "Oh. An ex…"

"Bonnibel," Marceline cupped a hand softly against her wife's cheek when Bonnibel glanced away. "Listen… I need you to know that I trust you. And if anything happens to me, I trust your judgement."

Bonnibel's face held a worried frown. "Marce-"

"Bubbleline!" a voice nearby yelled to interrupt them. "Bubbleline! Over here!"

Marceline could see the exact instant where Bonnibel's mood went from worried to irate, but managed to keep her amusement limited to a grin. She'd forgotten that the press area was right beneath the royal dais, leaving them open targets when they'd come down the stairs.

"Lady Marceline, are you ready for the coming battle?" a tall man yelled over the others' heads.

Marceline dropped her hand from Bubblegum's face and turned to face the paparazzi with as much grace as she could muster. "Can anyone ever really say they are ready for such a thing?"

"Does the presence of magical artifacts hold any significance to the rumors of the Ice Kingdom planning to attack soon?"

"Have you already decided on a tactic to use against your opponent?"

"Care to share a comment about the rumors of your past with the Wizard Champion- Sir Ash?"

Marceline glanced to her side as Bubblegum made a huffing noise. "How can they make light of this?" she demanded, keeping her voice low so the recorders couldn't pick up her comment.

"It's their job," Marceline shrugged. "You can go back up to your seat if you're uncomfortable. Don't worry about me."

"Bubblegum!" an excited voice drowned out the others in a hurry, the newsperson stretching their body as far as possible over the boundaries. "How about a good luck kiss for Marceline before the big fight?"

Marceline almost sighed before she caught herself. This was an awkward moment to be caught in. She would have liked to just have a quiet moment together with Bonnibel before the fight. If they refused, the public would have a field day with the potential rumors. If they gave in, it would most likely cause another strange atmosphere between them. Marceline didn't want that before going into a fight.

"I refuse!" Bubblegum suddenly announced loudly next to her. Marceline looked at her in surprise. In the stunned silence of the reporters that followed, Bubblegum squared her shoulders and spoke directly at them.

"Marceline doesn't need luck! I already believe she's going to win. So… So, she can have one after she wins instead!"

Unable to hold back this time, Marceline leaned forward in laughter. She straightened after a few seconds, turning to Bonnibel despite the 'ooh's and 'aah's from the crowd. "You know, I might actually hold you to that," she couldn't help but tease, bopping Bonnibel's nose softly.

"F-Fine!" Bonnibel's voice announced more loudly than necessary.

Before anyone could say anything else, the standard bearer approached to summon the champions onto the field. Bonnibel grabbed Marceline's hand one last time, looking at her seriously. "You've got this."

"Yeah," Marceline nodded in agreement. She watched Bonnibel strut her way back past the guards who had tried to stop her earlier before approaching the entrance to the field. A foot soldier waited at the gate, holding her axe in one hand and a pillow sporting the Chaos Crystal in the other.

Marceline grimaced as her fingers touched the cold metal around the crystal. A feeling of discontent settled in her stomach as she draped the chain around her neck. She thought of Bonnibel's comment to the paparazzi as she took her axe and opened the gate to the field. At least she had better things to occupy her mind than worrying about this thing.

Marceline walked at a normal pace to the center of the arena, ignoring Ash's over-dramatic entrance of flying in circles over the audience. When he finally landed across from her in the middle of the battle area, she regarded him calmly.

"Hey Mar-Mar," Ash cocked a hand on his hip, twirling his magic wand in his hand. "That was pretty freakin' rude of you to ignore me like that back there. After everything we've been through?"

Marceline stayed silent as the standard bearer announced the stakes of the battle to the audience.

Ash frowned, obviously not a fan of being ignored. "Glob, that ridiculous military get-up does not suit you. And that fake face you keep putting on with your 'wife'?" he rolled his eyes. "I remember what you look like when you're really enjoying yourself," he sneered, twirling the magic wand in his fingertips.

Marceline kept her face blank, not giving into his attempts at riling her. She wasn't completely sure she wasn't tempted to kill him just a little bit. Finally, the standard bearer raised the flag, checked both contenders one last time, and announced the start of the battle.

As Marceline took her first step forward, Ash seemed to disappear into thin air before her eyes. She waited, ignoring the shocked murmurs of the crowd.

A sudden breeze in the otherwise still air allowed her to step out of the way as something sizzling with electricity flew in front of her. Ash appeared behind her, his cherry blossom wand pointed out like a knife.

Thoroughly unimpressed, Marceline began her slow march towards him. She hated beating up weaklings.

"Did you like that?" Ash was busy saying, waving his wand between his hands. "Impressive, isn't it? That's what you get when you trade a witch something with heavy emotional attachment." He began to walk backwards as Marceline got closer. "Didn't you ever wonder what happened to old Hambo?" he taunted.

Marceline frowned. Hambo was her old stuffed animal that she'd had since her childhood. It was one of the last things she'd had from her family. Unable to find it after her time in the military academy, she'd assumed he'd been lost.

Lost in thought and growing anger, she almost didn't catch the sudden brush of wind from her right. Stepping aside, a second Ash fell past her as it tripped over her foot.

"How do you like my clones?" the first Ash called from the safety of the other side of the field. "They're quite fast and extremely capable!"

A third one appeared behind her. Ignoring what she assumed to be the original Ash's ongoing self-praises, she planted her feet and waited for the coming charge. Rather than run, she side stepped as the clone approached, lifting her angled axe to catch the clone clean through the middle.

The original Ash finally stopped gloating as his clone fell to the ground and began to disintegrate. "What the- How can you just chop it in half like that!?" he screeched.

Gripping the handle of her axe tightly, Marceline hopped into the air and began to approach the real Ash. He was easy enough to keep track of, since he loved the sound of his own voice so much. She almost felt guilty when he began to fall back, desperately shooting bolts of electricity from his cherry blossom wand.

Before she reached him, Ash yelled the spell for flight and shot into the air above. Marceline sighed. The last thing she wanted was to play an aerial game of cat and mouse. Hoping to end this ridiculous battle sooner rather than later, Marceline landed briefly to catapult herself towards the fleeing man.

Panic crossed Ash's face as he pointed the wand toward Marceline and screamed something incoherent. Thinking it to be another electric bolt, Marceline simply moved to the side; but nothing shot at her. Her momentum was suddenly cut short as something attached onto her right foot, dragging her down.

An Ash-clone clutched to her leg, using its weight to bring her back to the earth. Just as she managed to peel it off with the butt of her axe, another one grabbed her other leg. The real Ash's panicked spells produced clone after clone, each one weighing Marceline down until she was almost immobile under a pile of fake Ashes. They kept her arms pinned to her sides, but moved so that the real Ash could approach, although still at a safe distance.

"Ha!" he screamed triumphantly, pointing his wand at her face. "I got you! The great and fearsome Marceline, bowed before me!" He turned to wave at the crowds as if he'd already won. "Guess you're not so special when you're on your knees, are you?"

It took all of Marceline's self-control to not roll her eyes. She simply stared at Ash when he pointed his wand to her face again.

"And now- the finale!" he announced. When he began the words that triggered the electric spell, Marceline flinched and looked away… but nothing happened. Rather than take the direct shot, Ash pointed his wand towards the ceiling at the last minute. Thinking he'd lost his mind, Marceline began to try to wiggle her way out of the pile of clones.

"Ah, I missed!" Ash said through laughter. "Come, Mar-Mar, a little bit closer!"

The clones began to shuffle forward, dragging Marceline with them. She looked up to see a beam of clear sunlight filtering through the hole in the top of the dome Ash's electric shot had created. It seemed his intent was to fry her alive in front of the kingdom.

Her left arm was the first to reach the sunlight, her skin immediately beginning to burn and smoke in the heat. Marceline grit her teeth as she wrestled backwards, determined to not make any sound. Ash, on the other hand, continued his sing-song declarations of victory as he shot more electric bolts to make the hole in the ceiling bigger. Once most of her body had been dragged into the circle of light, the clones began to dissipate. As each one disappeared, more of her body became exposed to the light, increasing the painful reactions she felt.

Finally assured of his victory, Ash came just within the edge of the sunlight, commenting on how all Marceline had to do to make the pain stop was say two simple words. She could barely hear him for the pain coursing through her head, but she had no intention of giving up that easily.

Bracing her legs beneath her, Marceline waited until the clone on her right moved to stand. Just as it leaned forward on the balls of its feet, she forced her bodyweight up and under the clone. It fell forward, covering her head and arms from most of the painful light, allowing her to use it as a makeshift cover as she dashed forward.

Ash had come close enough that Marceline closed the short distance quickly, knocking into him and grabbing hold of the cherry blossom wand. Ash screamed as Marceline stood over him, her axe pointed at his face and his wand held captive in her other hand. Her eyes didn't leave his as she crushed the wand, snapping it in two.

"Yield," she ordered, glaring down at him.

"Please," Ash whimpered, hands shaking in front of his face. "I- I don't want to die… I don't!"

Marceline frowned as she lowered her weapon. Battle was one thing, but having people shaking in terror on the floor beneath her while begging for their life was not her idea of a solid victory. She looked up, realizing Hunson and the standard bearer were seated behind her.

She turned, tossing the broken pieces of the wand into the dust. "The opponent is disarmed," she announced. "I claim-"

A sound behind her registered in her mind, but not quickly enough for her to move. A sharp pain sprouted in her side, making her gasp and stagger forward. She swung her axe behind her, barely missing Ash as he jumped backwards. He faced her, the knife in his hand covered in blood.

Marceline pressed a hand to the pain in her side and grimaced as it pulled away covered in her own blood. He'd taken advantage of her mercy to attempt a blow from behind.

"I disarmed you and accepted your yield!" she yelled. She hadn't thought this battle would actually go until death, but if he was going to fight dirty…

"I never said I surrender!" Ash spoke raggedly, his breath coming in short bursts. "I won't lose! I won't lose to you! I can't!"

Ash charged forward, but without the support from his magical items he was slow and weak. Even injured as she was, Marceline could easily avoid his thrust. She tripped him and kicked the knife away when he dropped it. Ash scrambled in the dirt, trying to crawl away. Marceline stomped over, kicking him in the side to slow him down before flipping him onto his back. She stepped on his shoulder, pinning him to the ground and pressed the edge of her axe against his throat.

"I said, yield for the crown's mercy!" she ordered again.

Tears ran through the dirt on Ash's face. "I can't," he whispered. "They… They won't let me."

Marceline's frown deepened. She had a good suspicion of exactly what 'they' he was referring to. "Who?" she demanded.

Ash closed his eyes as more tears fell, his head falling into the dirt in defeat.

Marceline turned her head up to Hunson, keeping Ash pinned to the ground beneath her boot and axe just in case. "I declare the opponent defeated!" she announced in as loud a voice as she could muster.

For whatever reason, Hunson was standing at the front of the royal dais, hands gripping the rail in front of him. "The victory is decided," Hunson announced before the standard bearer could do his job. "Finish the traitor."

A strange hush fell over the arena. Marceline simply stared at her adopted father and king in confusion. "He is beaten," she said again. "The battle is over."

Hunson grimaced, a look between pain and anger that Marceline had never seen on him before, and removed a ring from his left hand. "As the victor and ruler of Nightos, I declare the Wizard family traitors to our homeland! Nightos does not tolerate traitors! Kill them!"

On his last word, he gripped the ring in his hand as an eerie red mist began to appear. Marceline could hear her heartbeat speed up as red mist covered her vision. She glanced down at the Chaos Crystal hanging from her neck- the source of the mist that began to crawl its way into her skin.

"No!" she yelled, stumbling back from Ash and throwing her axe away from the both of them. She gripped the chain of the Chaos Crystal in her hands, trying to pull it off. The metal burned her skin, the tingling sensation the last thing her body registered as her senses fell into darkness. One thought flooded the black expanse of her mind as she lost consciousness. Kill the traitors.