Chapter III
The Princess?. A dispute.
Princess Bubblegum was sitting in the lab preparing a mixture of some sort. Surrounded by a thick fume she started to cough loud, and with Finn entering the room, he asked her worried.
- What's wrong PB?! Are you OK?
- I'm fine, I'm absolutely fine! said PB ventilating herself, this damn potion doesn't work, no matter how many times I combined the chemicals, the result is the same!
- Oh, I'm sure you'll find a way, I mean your Princess Bubblegum, you're good at science and stuff...
Peebles turned around from the lab table with a childish smile on her face.
- Oh, Finn...
At the sound of that, Finn stood in shock a minute with a flashback from the dream with the other Bubblegum, the one who was marrying to. When the flashback stopped, he took two steps behind, starting to feel uncomfortable.
- Aaaaa Finn? Are youuuuuuu ok? PB asked. You look like you have seen a ghost.
- Eh... Er... Yeah!... He he, why shouldn't I..., the boy said whipping a cold sweat off his forehead, It's just so, hot in here, that's all.
- Well it will be much colder in a second, you need to go to the Ice Kingdom, Ice King has stole another princess.
- Darn him, that madman wouldn't stop at all! I'll teach him a lesson PB, don't you worry.
- Ok be careful, but know this, my scouts have reported that this princess is new, they didn't saw her exactly, it was very dark in his layer, and her forms were different, more humanish to be exact.
- Human?! oh my glob, it could really be?
- I don't know, that's why I need you to hurry, but my formula is not yet done, you see, the scouts reported that she is trapped by some sort of gelatinous scrabble, very powerful stuff, so you need my potion to dissolve it. Come to think of it, I got it! Give me two minutes.
And with a happy yet senile smile, Bubblegum returned to her lab table.
Finn and Jake didn't had much time, so they went pronto to Ice Kingdom with the new potion. Jake stretched like platform at Ice King's window, allowing Finn to see inside, indeed it was dark, and the window was half covered with a blanked. "This is weird", our hero thought to himself, ripping the blanked, jumping without any hesitation. The room had seen struggling, like it was a ruthless battle between the wizard and the princess.
- I do not like this man, it's to quiet. Jake whispered to Finn, walking threw the window.
- Shh! Let's try to focused, this is so strange, even for the Ice King, its more to this, I know it.
- Ok man, but let's try not to spook ourselves, the dark is giving me the shivers.
A delicate yet profound woman's voice, was heard from the cage, were the blue wizard kept his prize's.
- Oh... Get me out of here...
- Marcie?! Is that you? Finn shouted, and by the looks of him, he reacted differently now, when hearing Marceline's voice.
- Yes weenie, get me out of here!
Finn uncovered another set of blankets, covering the cell bars, and he saw Marceline, scattered with a green ooze, making the young boy extremely angry. Jake was shocked at his deformed face with wrath.
- Where... are... you... MAINIAC!
Jake touched Finn left arm.
- Calm down man, don't be that mad, its routine, you know Ice King's doings.
- Yes... but not with Marceline. The boy calmed down.
Entering from the other room, a familiar voice echoed.
- Well Gunter, today is the day, we will no longer bother ourselves with a skinny, bad looking animal princess, well except Princess Bubblegum, she's a sweet, but in any case, we got a queen now, Marcel... aaa FINN! how did you find me?! A wait scrub that, you know already where I live...
In a glance a fad, Finn reacted strangely, confusing everyone in the chamber.
- How dare you sir!... Kidnapping a princess is one thing, but a queen, and the Vampire Queen as well is absolutely repulsing. Are you mad sir? Don't you have any dignity left in you? I Demand satisfaction!
His strong deep voice was still hovering in the other's ear's.
- Wow now, back off everyone, we have gentleman in the house! Marceline laugh
- Finn what's wrong with you? You've acted strange all morning, even with Bubblegum, what's the matter with you bro? Jake asked pulling down Finn's sleeve.
- Whoa... I... a... no it's nothing... I... he first looked at Jake, a worried face appeared, after that at Marceline, who didn't laugh at this time, only lifting an eyebrow, and at last at Ice King, who's mouth dropped, hearing those words in that tone.
- It's over Ice King! Hand over the prince... queen... aa... Marceline, or we will beat you hard!
- Finally! Jake cheered
- Never human! She's mine to marry! the wizard shouted
- In your dreams Ice King! and with that Finn jumped at the old man hitting him in the stomach with his foot, making him to cough a bit and felled down . Recovering, the king started to throw ice bolts at Finn, but without luck, because the boy outmaneuvered the incoming ice missile's, hitting him again in the stomach. Now the Ice King was laying down on the floor without breath and a big headache.
- Oh, I see a lot of Gunter's... soooo many Gunter's. The Ice King mumbled with a dizzy mind.
- That's for messing with my friends you freak! Finn shouted
The human returned to Marceline, spraying her with the potion, causing the petrified gelatin to break at Jake's karate hits. The vampire was still recovering from numbness so she wanted to lay down a little bit.
- Thanks Finn, myyyyyy herooooo. She started teasing him bringing a blush in the boy's cheeks.
- Oh it was nothing, anything for you Marceline.
- Yeah... sure, can you carry me for a while, I'm still stiff from this dumb ass substance...
Marceline notice that Finn was tall like her. She never thought of it really.
Outside the Ice Kingdom, in the open green field, Marceline was already floating beside the human and the dog.
- Thanks again for saving me Finn. Can you believe it? Ice King, king of the vampire kingdom? My husband? Disgusting! drawing out her fork tongue. Yeak!...
- Yeah I know, disturbing even for me, Finn replied wondering.
- My husband, if I will have one again, will not be a schizo sissy old goat. Seriously...
- Yeah... seriously... . Finn replied again with his mind wondering even more.
Stopping, Marceline shake him.
- Are you even listening?
- YES! Of course Marcie, sorry... I was just thinking
- Thinking of what? You know weenie, you were acting strange back there, so noble like " I shall save you lovely maiden". Marceline started teasing him again.
- NO! I was...hmm, some books I've read from on old human library, probably they've influenced me in some way. Memorizing involuntary passage's within the books.
- Finn the scholar, interesting... , the vampire grinned.
- Stop teasing me!
- Yeah, yeah, ok, calm down. Well here is were you stop, and I'm going. Thanks again.
Marceline kissed Finn on the cheek, making the boy blush because she kept her lips more longer on his cheek then usual. Then the vampire gave him one more smirk, flying away, remaining only a black spot on the blue ocean of the sky. Now Finn was gazing into his emptiness. It was the first time when she kissed him that way, more intense. He was thinking that they can have something together and the kiss was a sign, but who knows, she was teasing him before, why should be different this time ? More questions, fewer answers.
It was getting late, and our two adventurers settle back home for a good evening meal. Jake was famished from all that crazy deal with the Ice King. He was to into his meal to even notice Finn's gazing, one that had no purpose, dreaming without control of his body, just playing in the plate with his food. He thought it was not a good idea to bother him, but he did it anyway.
- Finn buddy, what it wrong with you? You've acted ludicrous all day and you haven't eat a thing. It is about Bubblegum? Do you still have a crush on her? Or is it Flame Princess? Gosh man, FP is to dangerous, she'll burn you up like a barbecue and Bubblegum? She doesn't even look at you. Being to young and all that crap. It doesn't matter if you are older now, she will be always 4 years ahead of ya...
- No man, it's not that, it's because, I'm tired to be the only human left on earth, and yeah ok rejected by PB, can't be with FP, I understand. But the thought of living alone my entire life it's just... awful...
- Why do you say that? You have me don't ya?
In a fraction of a second Finn lost it and stood up, not noticing that he was yelling at his brother.
- Oh Jake! You don't get it man?! For crying out loud, I'm not talking about friends and shit, I'm talking about a girl! You have Lady Rainicorn, she's also pregnant! She has your pups, in a way your life is continuing threw them! It's not about friends love, it's about more intensive love, of a girl's love, a lover! One day I want to have kids of my one, human kids, and probably continue my race! My race! Have you forgot that I!... am the only human on earth?! Have you thought about that?! Ha?! No Jake, it's very convenient for you, that I stay happy, and see my life in pink?! Why don't I start to dress up like Bubblegum?!
- But you do dress in pink, you have that sweater from PB. Jake replied slowly.
-AAA! You are such an idiot some times!
The rest of the house felt repulsive, the only room left was the study, in which he retired from the fight, slamming heavily the wooden door. Now our hero was sitting down in his chair, all covered in old human books. He didn't had the patience to read, still amazed of the fight with Jake, well more he's fight, Jake just stood there. " He is so incompetent some times!" Finn thought to himself. " Why can he understand my problem, he doesn't take it seriously!, and I hate when he does that!". Racking, throwing books all over the place he stopped in shock, remembering the dream he had last night. " Oh how I wish to dream that again. The lady on the dike was Marceline! That kiss... It was divine... I want more!" The whisper became a loud voice, and the intent became substantial, Finn had hitted the desk with his fist. He couldn't take this anymore. He needed love, or just a woman's care. He wanted it so badly, that the last night's dream was the only escape from this cursed reality, so he putted his head on the desk, trying to bring back his perfect world of imagination. He knew it was a long shot, but he had nothing to lose, the boy slipped slowly into the realm of fantasy.
Chapter IV
The Dream
part 2
I realized now that I've made a mistake. Bubblegum is and will be an extraordinary person to share a life of matrimony, settle down, have children, inquire the very top of positions in the kingdom. I have to admit, the existence as a king is boring. It lacks adventure, not only that, it lacks the very essence in which I constantly coexist with the surroundings. I can defend my opinion since I was king of the goblins, well... I still am... but the experience hunts me even this day. To have someone chew your food is repellent, in the Candy Kingdom is not the case, yet I can not accommodate.
It is half paste eight. I was sitting with Bubblegum in the living room drinking hot tea and relaxing after the strange event on the dike. The rainy day had tired us. I was just laying in the armchair cheerless remembering the mysterious woman.
- Tell me who is this... French lieutenant? I asked, interrupting Bubblegum who was looking at on old photo album.
- He is a man she's said to have... . She replied indifferent.
- Fallen in love with?
- Worse then that.
- Ah. And he abandoned her. Is there a child?
- I think not. Oh, it's all gossip.
Bubblegum came gently closer, squeezing next to me in the armchair. I continued.
- What's she doing here?
- They say she's waiting for him to return.
- How banal.
The fact was interesting. She doesn't think rational. It is logic to say that the French will never return to her. So she's suffering for nothing. I think I'll take a lot more interest on her story, and probably trying to save at least a part of her, before she kill's herself in vain. From my perspective no man, woman or child should suffer for such trivial matters, an insipid depression, in which the human mind could be devastated never to recover, and if it does it will be no longer at it's full potential. How sensitive is the human body with all it's organs.
My name is judged by every one, every living soul hate's me for what they consider that I've become. No matter... . I hope they all die, and suffer for the pain and misunderstanding they abused me with every day, and yet I take comfort on my solitary wait. I know he will not come. He forgot me along time ago, but I've made a habit on just wondering around the coast's and forest's. The forest calms me, and the wet sand tickles my feet, lighting a spark of happiness when I remember doing the same thing when I was only a child. I will not anger them, give them the consolation of there words. Mrs. Poulteney will do just the trick, a cover needed, to do my calming things, and who knows? I might see him returning one day again.
A young human maiden opened the door for me. At first she was frightened, not seeing a vampire in her life, the reaction was normal. Then she realized Mrs. Poultney was expecting my presence, she lead me then to a waiting room not far from the old woman's personal courters. Now I've been left alone in the big chamber sitting on a bench and hoping the Mrs's will take me in. It was a funeral silence in the entire house, except for the shouting voice of Mrs. Poulteney that I could hear from the other room. And by a fraction, her voice became much clearer as a new maiden entered in.
- How has she supported herself since her dismissal?... aaa most pitiful. I understand...
The conversation was once again blurred by the closing door. I see that the vicar is trying to convince the old ham to bring me into her service. I just hope he succeeds. Another brief moment past an the door opened again, seeing the vicar pointing out to come in. Her room was like I've expected, not entirely dusty, but old and with a stench of antiquity, not bad decorated but religious, it didn't disturb me at all. Mrs Poulteney was indeed an very stubborn old woman, and by the looks of her, not even a dying child could move her cold. She wore a long lace green dress, with a white bonnet on her head. Pale as milk and with a statue face she began throwing words like they were arrows, hitting me hard. The voice was not pleasant.
- I see. I wish, as the vicar has told you... she replied, ... to take a companion. He has indicated to me that you might be a suitable person for such a post. You are without employment?
- I am, ma'am.
Her small yellow eye's pointed me.
- But you have education, you've been a governess?
- I have ma'am.
- The post of companion requires a person of irreproachable moral character. I have my servants to consider... the old woman turned her head aside, to gaze at the window from her armchair. The vicar then cough his voice, flinching the Mrs's. The old woman resumed her words.
- You speak French I believe?
- I do ma'am.
- I do not like the French! They are immoral. The vicar cough again to Mrs. Poultneney. Perhaps you might leave us now Mr. Forsythe. The old woman attentioned him. The vicar calmly retreated himself in the other room.
- Mr. Forsythe informs me that you retain an attachment to a... foreign person. I have heard from the most impeccable witnesses that you're always to be seen at the same place when you're out. You stand on the dike and look to sea. I have been encourage to believe that you are in a state of repentance, but I must emphasise that such staring out to sea is provocative!... Intolerable!... And sinful!...
- If you consider me unsuitable for this position Mrs. Poulteney, do you wish me to leave the house?...
The old wench smirked.
- I wish you to show that this person is expunged from your heart! the woman shouted.
- How am I to show it?!
- By not exhibiting your shame!
Why did I come here from the first place. I was stupid to believe that a human can be merciful. It's clearly that this hag will not help me!
- I should like to hear you read from the Bible, the old hag continued with a devil smirk, and if your expression is agreeable to me... you shall have the position.
In none other place I've found this abundance of fossils of the humans who had deceased in the nuclear war century ago. Apparently the near forest cliff's, in Dulcishare, detains a large number of this kind, especially animals, like dogs, rats or chickens. I was alone on a nearby knoll, uncovering some remnants of a dogs jaw, and I thought a good breathing will do me no harm, also lighting my pipe.
Doing that, I took a pick on the surroundings, just in time to see the woman on the dike yesterday, moving slowly to north west, going, I think, in the direction of Mrs. Poulteney's house. I gaze at her for few moments, watching intense her sad face expression, like she didn't want to go in that direction, so I thought " why don't I introduce myself", clearly wanting that to happened.
She almost vanish after carefully avoiding some trees. I packed up, throwed the pipe into my pocket, and lowering down the knoll, picking up the paste, but without any success. She disappeared entirely.
Parallel scene.
Jake moving down the road, trying to reach Bubblegums residence. He stopped for a second, thinking to pick up some flowers, thou he had a bouquet in his left arm hiding them in the back. Finn knew of his absence to find some major discovery of his past, telling Jake to send flowers to Bubblegum for amends. But why is he picking another set?
Back to the main scene.
Moving silently threw the shrubbery's, I found at last, the mysterious lady sitting on the ground watching the golf, apparently like waiting for someone, or some thing. I caught myself gazing at her again, but I've decided, not to disturb her, and I left in another direction, to an old mill. Just as I was living, I broked a branch with my feet, causing the woman a flinch, turning on my position. Now it was a different moment, not only me gazing, but her as well, and by looks of it she was worried and wondered in the same time, what I was doing so close of her "place". Her skin was even pale in the shade, her lips even redder, her mouth slightly opened, releasing a sharp white fang, exciting me to the my very bones, in that very second, I wanted her badly. Her long black hair covered half of her face, seeing only one cheek blush and her deep eyes picturing me, turning me into stone, like the monstrous daughter of Phorcys. I couldn't speak, only solution to my numbness, was to leave.
Parallel scene.
A loud knock.
- All right. I'm comin'! said Lady Rainicorn, going to open the kitchen back door. Opening it she saw Jake standing on the door post whistling. Lady was happier then the first gift Jake made her on they're second date.
- For the lovely young lady upstairs..., the yellow dog replied smirking.
Lady's face changed instantly to an angry one.
- ... and! he continued grabbing the rainicorn's hand, for the even more lovely one down!
Pulling the second bouquet out of nowhere. Lady then giggled.
Back to the main scene.
The herdsman was kind enough to pour me a coup of warm milk, right in the barn. The cow was just milked. I drank it all in a blink, because the journey was tiresome, filling it up again by the owner. After that I retreated to a small window to glance at the landscape.
- How much do I owe you? I then spoke to the herdsman, looking at him.
- A penny?
- Mm... . I nodded, turning my look again at the small window.
Out of the bloom, I saw again the lady from the dyke, now crossing the country road, again in the direction of Mrs. Poulteney's house. I quickly walked out the barn, next to the herdsman, stretching my arm with a penny, keeping my eye on "Tragedy".
- Thank you very much, I told the old herdsman. Do you know that lady?
The old man looked in the same angle.
- Aye, he slowly replied.
- Does she come this way often?
- Often enough. But she be no lady. She be the French lieutenant's whore.
I glanced at the old man, assorting my brown journey hat. I forgot to mention, that I left my old adventuring cloths to the dust, wearing a number a various gentleman's garment.
Parallel scene.
In Bubblegums main chamber, Lady rainicorn found her sitting on the couch and reading a book.
- From Mr. Finn, Miss Bubblegum, with his compliments, said Lady Rainicorn.
- Did he bring them himself? Bubblegum asked, pulling out a little note from the bouquet.
- No, Miss.
- Where is Mr. Finn?
- Donno, Miss. Didn't ask him.
- Ask who? Bubblegum inquired worried. After that swinged her arm to another table, showing Lady to put the vase with the flowers.
- He's servin' man, Miss.
- But I heard you speak to him.
- Yes Miss.
- What about? Bubblegum growled impatient.
- Oh, it was just the time of day, Miss.
- You will kindly remember that he comes from the Tree House, the pink woman said firmly.
- Yes, Miss... . Lady rainicorn sighted.
- If he makes advances, I wish to be told at once! Bubblegum said with a rude tone this time. Now bring me some barley water.
The poor rainicorn did only a bow behind her back, leaving Bubblegum to read the message, that said
For my beloved
Back to main scene.
- Madam?! I shouted, trying to catch up with her. She stopped, but was not looking in my direction. I regain then. I'm very sorry to have disturbed you just now. Trying to get near her, she avoided me again, walking just past me, but I've followed her. I gather you've recently become... secretary to Mrs. Poulteney? I asked smiling for her to see me, but I was like talking to a brick wall. I continued. May I accompany you? Since we walk in the same direction... . She then turned fast, not aware of me closing by, gasping.
- I prefer to walk alone, she then replied still not looking at me.
- May I introduce myself?... I asked breaking the ice.
- I know who you are...
How could've she know?
- Ah. Then...
- Kindly allow me to go on my way alone... , she interrupted me, and please tell no one that you have seen me in this place.
At last she looked at me, finishing the sentence, starring a little longer then I've expected. Something did fascinated her, but the beauty of this mysterious woman fascinated me even more.
I followed her, now entering the forest again, leaving the hill area, the mysterious woman after a few steps caught her blue satin dress in a bush branch, ripping it out, loosing her grippe, she were to fell down if I hadn't been there, catching her in my arms. Now I was holding her close, smelling her beautiful perfume, watching every inch of her face. After a while I spoke.
- Miss...
- Abadeer, she replied.
Again a moment of silence.
- I dread to think what would happen... if you one day turn your ankle in a place like this.
She was holding me for a second, realizing the closeness, she made a step back.
- I must go back.
I did not want that.
- Permit me to say something first. I know I am a stranger to you, but... , my words where interrupt bye some dogs barking. A father and his son hunting for pheasants. Miss Abadeer scared, retreated to nearby tree, letting me watch the two people and there dog. After they past, I continued the conversation.
- It's really not necessary to hide.
- No man who cares for his good name can be seen with the scarlet woman of Dulcisher. She wanted to leave again.
- Miss Abadeer... I've heard something of your circumstances. It cannot be any great pleasure being in Mrs. Poulteney's employ. Why don't you leave Dulcisher? I understand you have excellent qualifications. I should be happy to make inquiries...
- I cannot leave this place.
- But why? You have no family ties, I believe, that confine you to Dulcisher.
- I have ties.
- To this French gentleman? she got very worried when I pronounced the man. Permit me to insist. This things are like wounds. If no one dares speak of them, they fester. If he doesn't return... he was not worthy of you. If he returns...
- He will never return, Miss Abadeer interrupt, walking further and smiling.
- You fear he will never return?
- I know he will never return.
- I do not take your meaning.
She turned at me, watching.
- He is married.
The last two words left me in emptiness, not realizing her departure.