Thanks for the reviews, everyone! They mean a whole lot.

We last left off with Marshall Lee and Gumball fighting over who started their feud/rivalry. To kick us off, I'm using the song party hardy submitted. Thanks for your contribution. And please, people, keep on sending them in! I love to hear what you got. Headcannons accepted as well. :)

And I know that Gumball is named Bubba but I always thought that was just more of a nickname like "Hubba Bubba" Gum or something. That's why I called him Benson. Like "Peebles" for Bubblegum is "Bubba" to Gumball. Bonnibel for Bubblegum and Benson for Gumball. Just to let you know and to clear the air.

Guys, please try and review through an account, if you have one, I mean. I love guest reviews but it's hard to contact you when I can't PM you.

Disclaimer: Adventure Time, I don't own it.

"An agreement?" Marshall grumbled at Cake. He barked out a dark laugh. "That's hilarious, kitty. Gumball will never agree to something that will bring him down to my level."

"That's a lie and you know it," Gumball said. "We were great friends until you snapped like that."

"You didn't wanna hang out with someone who was 'improper'," Marshall said. He pretended to swoon, the back of his hand hitting his forehead. "Oh, no! Hanging out with someone I've known for years and years is just too much for me! I know exactly what they're like and why but I just can't. It's all about class," he said sarcastically, tipping over in the air and pretending to cry. "Boo, fluffing, hoo."

Gumball's pink face turned into a brighter shade, his cheeks glowing red. He clenched his gummy fists and imitated Marshall. "Look at me, I'm Marshall! I think I'm so cool because I'm a night-walking vampire with deep lyrics. I'm such a bad little boy that I attract all the girls in Aaa! Spending time with an old woman that doesn't even-."

"Boys! Calm down!" Cake cried, becoming alarmed as Marshall lunged at Gumball. They ignored her as the tussled on the ground.

"Take that back!" Marshall roared.

"You apologize!" Gumball barked, slamming his fist into Marshall's face.

"Aw, my cheek meat!" The vampire flew back, sending a kick into Gumball's stomach. The King flew back and hit the recorder, a beat flowing into the air. He went after Marshall but Cake decided to intervene.

"That is enough!" Cake screamed, her arms flinging to both boys and pinning them against the wall. "Break it up. You both obviously feel the other needs to apologize. Why don't you do it at the same time."

"Like it would mean anything," Gumball said. "It's too far gone at this point." He glared at Marshall, who was hanging his head low, his hair over his eyes. The beat still played and he was tapping his sneaker on the red carpet floor. And Marshall did what he did best in an emotional situation. He rapped.

You said something mean

And you made me scream

I just need to say

That it wasn't okay

It was wrong what we did

A cranky teenager and spoiled kid

I forbid this to go any longer

Your leaving just made me stronger

His head shot up, his demon eyes staring at Gumball, his fangs baring harshly. Gumball watched his old friend as he rapped, the beat going faster and so did Marshall's words.

Wonder. No go

You were far too slow

They made you a royal god

Ha! More like a stuck up snob

Take a hint, dude

Do I need to spell it out for you?

I don't mean to yell at ya, Candy

But saying your sorry would be dandy

I'll say it if you go first

Go on, spit it out before we get any worse.

The beat slowed and died, making the tense air thicken as Marshall ended his rap. He was breathing hard, his gaze softening and his fists unclenching. The red mark that Gumball left on his cheek was fading and he unlatched himself from Cake's arm but remained leaning against the wall. Cake let go of Gumball and the King landed on his feet, the carpet emitting a soft poof of dust as his slippers his the floor. The two boys stared at one another, the awkwardness of the situation skyrocketing. Cake felt like she was intruding in their friendship complications but knew, if she left, they would have at each other again, fists knocking together. So she remained, waiting for one of them to make the first move and end this stupid argument.

They still stared at one another, Marshall's rap playing over and over in their heads. The beat ringing in their ears and the words flowing through their brains. Marshall took a good look at Gumball, forcing the image of that small, fourteen year old boy he had become great friends with. Gumball transformed right before his eyes like he had when he was saved after his possession of the Lich. Marshall had seen Gumball like that and felt saddened that he wasn't a part of the adventure. It had brought back so many memories. But as Marshall looked closer, he saw the Gumball he once knew and watched grow. The Gumball that he was friends with. The Gumball that was his little brother, no matter how old he aged. The helpless prince that always called on the vampire for assistance.

Marshall suddenly laughed. "Remember when we put itching powder in that bully's bed? He kept teasing you at the school so I suggested revenge... and he got so mad that he tried to beat you up."

"But you stopped him," Gumball finished, a smile crossing his features. "I remember. That kid wasn't very nice."

"What did I say to him again?"

"No one messes with my little bro," Gumball said, repeating the words Marshall Lee once spoke. "No one-."

"Except me," Marshall grinned. The two boys laughed a little, the tension dying down.

"And remember when we played that prank on Ashley? We switched one of her potions with water and food coloring," Gumball reminded.

Marshall roared with laughter. "And the potion blew up in her face."

Cake smiled at them as they both began to laugh again. They paused to catch their breath and Gumball's smile wavered a little. Marshall was still the same. Even after all of these years, his old friend was still inside of the cold heart of the Vampire King. He didn't change appearance and he knew that Marshall never stopped caring. He just grew frustrated over time, like Gumball has. So, feeling like he had to do what must be done, Gumball clutched his arm awkwardly and cleared his throat.

"I didn't mean what I said," Gumball muttered. Marshall looked up and blinked. "I guess at the time, I was a little frustrated that you had been gone for so long. And now, I'm still frustrated. But I don't think you deserve it... I'm sorry for being such a puke friend." He closed his eyes and then felt a hand on his shoulder. Gumball opened his eyes to see Marshall standing before him, his fangs flashing in the light.

"I'm sorry, too. That I left so for long and that things got out of hand," Marshall said. "Truth is, I love spending time with you and Fionna and Cake... and I just miss being your bro."

"And, Marshall... I want to help you with Ice Queen. It's the least I can do," Gumball said quietly.

"Really? You would put up with her? Even after everything she did to you?"

With a nod, Gumball stuck out his hand and Marshall grasped it. They shook politely before they embraced in a one armed hug. Cake watched as Marshall punched Gumball in the arm and laughed. Gumball smiled at his friend and returned the hit. The awkwardness was still there, hanging above them like a curtain but Cake knew that they had to give it time before they fully forgave one another. It may take days, weeks, months, or maybe even years but there was no longer that tension and the air was clear of any confusion, putting the past behind them. After a while, they bid Marshall goodbye and he floated there, feeling a bit of closure with the Candy King. Marshall grinned and floated on his back up the ladder and into his room. That was off his list. All he and Gumball had to do was fully forgive one another and all would be well.

But Marshall still had two other things to do. He had to get Simone to remember who she was and had to tell Fionna that he loved her. It was a little silly that he didn't tell her the day she left but she was so stubborn and oblivious to her crush on him that he realized it before she did. He knew he was falling for her himself but didn't want to pressure her. Glob he hoped she was okay...

It was massive, staring back at the duo. It was like a scar that just cursed the planet. The deep foreboding it held was felt all the way on the cold mountain face. Fionna and Charlie stared at it, their eyes wide and fearful. They had no idea why they were feeling like this. It was just a stupid hole in the ground... just a stupid, huge hole... a stupid, huge, hundred mile hole... thousand mile... But whatever kind of hole it was, it chilled them to the bone. Fionna slowly began to walk forward, her legs wobbly. Charlie was still frozen in place, the sense of danger filling his stomach to the brim, overflowing and splashing into his core. A sudden cry awoke him from his trance-like state and he saw Fionna slip from the ledge.

He cried out her name, running towards her. Thankfully, her quick reflexes kicked in and she grabbed a indentation in the face of the mountain, her adrenaline rushing through her veins. Charlie fell to his stomach and he stuck out his hand for Fionna to grab. She climbed up a little, grasping his hand in her own and he pulled her up, using all of his strength. He was able to get her safely back on the path and they were both shaking, the fear of the crater and the near-death fading slowly, torturously. All Fionna could do was embrace Charlie, burying her head in his shoulder, trembling. He patted her on the back gently and helped her stand up. They looked back to the crater and swallowed before turning a pressing on down the path.

The two of them followed the path until they reached a cave. Charlie suggest they make camp here and Fionna agreed. They ventured inside and Fionna built a fire as Charlie set up his sleeping bag he collected from the shack. Fionna set hers up as well and sat opposite him. So they were both leaning their backs on the walls of the cave and facing one another over the flickering flames. Fionna closed her eyes and sighed inwardly, her hand over the hilt of her Golden Sword. She patted it gently and laid down on her sleeping bag, her eyes gazing upon the cave's ceiling, illuminated by the fire. She heard Charlie mumble to himself as he shifted through his motes again, trying to find something useful.

"Thank you," she said softly.

"It was no problem," he said, smiling. "We can't have you dying today, now can we?"

Fionna sniggered, a small grin blessing her lips. "Not today."

They lapsed in to yet another silence and they continued to go about what they were. But Charlie sensed that she was more troubled by the view of the crater than he was. He muttered her name and she turned her head to look at him. The flames danced in his green eyes, his shadow large and his smile warm but small. Her face burned a little as he spoke gently to her.

"What scared you about it?" he asked.

She didn't have to ask what he meant. She knew exactly what he was talking about. That crater had something in it that horrified the both of them even though they could see it. So Fionna shrugged indifferently. "I have no idea... I guess something about it stirred a... I dunno, and instinct? Like it was telling me not to go there but I know that I have to. That thing has to give us some sort of clue, right?"

"If you ever want to turn back, just let me know," Charlie said.

Fionna smirked. "I never turn back!" She jumped to her feet and punched her fist in her palm. "I'm gonna go through with this until the very end. You and I will find out what happened to the humans, Man! And we'll be an unstoppable team when we come to Aaa, with or without humans!"

Charlie watched her with an amused smile on his face as she drew out the Family Sword, thrusting it up into the air.

"Fionna and Charlie the Humans!" she yelled. "Adventure Time! C'mon grab your friends. We'll go to very distant lands with Cake the Cat, Fionna, Charlie. The fun never ends, it's Adventure Time!" Fionna sang, making Charlie laugh, leaning his back against the cave wall.

"How old are you again?" Charlie teased.

"Ha, ha," Fionna said, sticking her tongue out at him. "Very funny, Charlie." She sat back down onto her sleeping bag, sticking her sword into the slot of her pack. She pulled out a container of sausage that she had packed and took a bite out of one of them. She offered Charlie one but he politely declined, stating that he wasn't hungry. After finishing her meal, she stuffed the container back in her bag and rested her back on the sleeping bag again. The fire began to die down and Charlie closed his notebook, yawning heavily. Fionna had snuggled herself in her bag a while ago and was sleeping soundly, soft snores floating into the air.

Charlie climbed into his bag and rested his head on the pillow he brought along. He put his glasses on the ground beside him and watched a blurry outline of the flames dance around the pit. He closed his eyes and let the sound of Fionna's little huffs and mumbles in her slumber lull him to sleep.

The following morning, they left the cave, pulling on their sweaters and marching along the path. Charlie said it would take another two days until they would be able to reach the end and climb down the other mountains. It was taking a whole lot of willpower not to look over at the crater that was looming a great distance away, waiting for them to discover its depths. Fionna hugged her arms to her chest, her breath coming out in wisps of steam from the cold. Her feet would sometimes crunch in the snow and she almost believed she was right back in Aaa, going after Ice Queen in her kingdom, Cake by her side and sword in hand. They would have been running up a not so narrow slope, however, the weight of the world off of their shoulders and laughing. But now, it was a different story. This wasn't exactly another fun adventure for the human girl and her feline companion. It was far more dangerous and the human race was on the line, not the bachelor life of a helpless prince.

Behind her, Charlie was sketching a few drawings in a blank sketch pad, his green eyes turning on the landscape below. He was dictating a few thoughts over the drawing, labels indicating several things he noticed along the bare plain. He almost lost his footing so Fionna told him to put the drawing away before he killed himself. Smiling sheepishly, he tucked the book back into his bag and followed Fionna further up the face of the mountain. They trudged higher and higher, starting to lose their breath. They sighed in relief as they came across a flat path and followed it as the sun began to sink behind the desert. Charlie suggest they look for a cave but there wasn't one in sight. It looked as if they were going to have to sleep out in the cold that night. Fionna was about to sink to the ground and set up camp but brightened as she saw an opening a few feet away.

"Charlie! Over there!" she said, grabbing his arm and tugging him forward. It turned out to be a metal door. Fionna knew instantly what this was. It was the bunker Simone and Marshall used when the crater was created. It made sense now. The perfect view of the crater mirrored their view of the explosion years and years ago. Fionna knew that it would be safe to camp here so she and Charlie pulled the door open and revealed the little bunker. The stepped inside and left the door open, just in case they might get locked in.

They set up their stuff on the two beds. Fionna took the one she knew was Marshall's old bed. While the other one had full red sheets, this one was grey in spots, showing that the vampire had sucked the red out of it during the time he stayed here. Fionna lay her head on the pillow and watched Charlie tinker with the light bulb, making it flicker dimly.

"You're quite handy, aren't you?" she said. He glanced down at her and smiled with a humble shrug.

"I suppose I am," he said simply. "I've worked on so many old appliances over the years that it's like second nature to me. But I'm not strong, like you."

"That's not true. Do you see how curvy I am?" she said, indicating her curvy hips and legs. "It's not all just muscle. Marshall says it's 'chubby cute' but I think Cake's been feeding me too much."

Charlie laughed. "For what it's worth, I don't think it's fat or anything. I think you're very cute..." He blushed and turned away as she started to laugh at his flustered face. "I mean- uh."

"Dude, relax. Thanks. I'm flattered," Fionna assured.

He grinned and rubbed the back of his neck nervously. "Sorry," he mumbled, sitting on the bed that was once Simone's. Fionna continued to giggle at him before they turned in, warming themselves beneath the blankets of old and falling into calm slumbers.

Chapter Eight, everyone! Thank you, thank you. I hope you liked it.

And for those of you who are asking: I have no idea how long this is going to be. There's still Marshall Lee's problems we have to see and the further journey of Fi and Char so it's hard to say. Sorry but I never have a designated number for my fics. :P I'm a bad writer.

Thanks again for reading and please review! I'll give you a cookie... it's homemade... (coughstoreboughtcough).

See you next time!