Sorry for the delay in getting this chapter out. Didn't mean to keep all you guys waiting. Thank you for all your wonderful reviews and comments, you guys are amazing people and I love each and every one of you :)
Don't forget, if you have a Tumblr you can follow my blog, username Strickycub (I post Bubbline art as well as writing up there). I generally upload everything to Tumblr before fanfic net because it's just faster and easier (some stories I don't even bother putting up here).
Well, enjoy the new chapter :)
The warmth of the morning sun outside the velvet curtains of Bonnibel's bedchamber made the room heat gradually, causing the pink girl to shift under the blankets uncomfortably as she was woken from her slumber. The sheets rustled underneath her as she slowly sat up, propped up on her elbows. A few blinks, then a palm to her eyelids wiped away the sleepy dust residue and crust that had formed during the night. Turning her head to the right, she noted the blankets were curled clumsily around a lump, of which all she could see was a drape of raven black hair.
A small smile pressed into her lips, Bonnibel reached a cautious hand over and swept the hair away from the pale face it was hiding, using her fingers delicately to tuck the locks behind a pointed ear. Of the few stray, dappled splotches of sun that made it through the edges of the curtain, they managed to dip the room in a dark hue of orange. Bonnibel could already hear scuffling and clattering in the distance, alerting her to her staff downstairs beginning the chores of the day and preparing breakfast.
She let the pad of her thumb feather lightly across Marceline's lips, watching in amusement as the pale girl scrunched up her face and half mumbled a reply, of which the Princess couldn't decipher. It was almost surreal, waking up beside Marceline like this. Though she was so much different, she was still the same girl. The vampire almost appeared angelic in the soft morning glow, harmless like an innocent animal that Bonnibel wanted nothing more than to curl around and cling to endlessly.
Alas, a deep rumbling in her stomach reminded the girl that it was breakfast time, and with a soft grunt she removed her hand from her companion and pulled away. Shuffling to the side of the bed, she stretched before pushing herself up onto her feet. She went to her closet and flicked through her belongings before deciding on simple attire. A pink sweater and a knee length white skirt that billowed about her legs, followed by her favourite pair of slip-on moccasins and she was ready to make her trip downstairs.
Exiting the room as silently as she could, she slipped down the hallway and trotted her way down the staircase. As expected, servants were rushing about the foyer and the sounds and smells of cooking food could be heard drifting in from where the kitchen connected to the dining room. Bonnibel smiled as Peppermint Butler came hurrying out of the dining room and into the foyer, spotting the princess and smiling broadly.
"Good morning your majesty! You slept well, I hope?" he greeted her kindly, waving his arms about to signal for her to follow him into the dining area. She laughed quietly and followed him in, almost having a servant run straight into her with a tray full of hot drinks. They flushed deeply and apologised profusely, scurrying away despite the fact that the Princess was kind about it.
"Yes, I did sleep well. I forgot how comforting it is to have a companion in bed," blushing lightly, she didn't see the nervous twiddling of her Butler as he made his way over to the long, narrow dining table and pulled out a chair for the Princess.
"Yes, I um, speaking of companions..." he begun, pushing the chair in underneath Bonni as she took a seat, scooting in closer and pulling a napkin from the holder, tucking it gingerly into her collar.
Peppermint scurried over to a side table, retrieving a silver platter with a round lid and placing it before Bonnibel, taking off the lid to reveal a spread of large pancakes and a jar of golden-brown syrup. Licking her lips, Bonnibel grabbed the nearest knife and fork, leaning forwards to collect several pancakes and placing them on the plate before her. That was soon followed by a heavy stream of the syrup, making sure almost every inch of the breakfast food was covered.
The Butler took a seat beside the Princess, watching as she dug into her food, eating ravenously to make up for the amount she had been depriving herself of the last two days.
"I spoke to your father last night, after I came in to see you," Peppermint spat out quickly, his eyebrows lowering and a sheepish expression crossing his face. Bonnibel looked up at him, her cheeks puffed out from pancakes as she gave him a worried glance. She finished chewing her food, swallowing before replying.
"What did you speak to him about?" she asked calmly, not allowing the edge in her voice to be heard.
"Well, as you know, Marceline cannot stay at the castle. I merely discussed the options we have for housing her," he replied, clearing his throat and looking down at the deep, red tablecloth beneath his hands. Bonnibel had to take a moment to calm herself, steadying her heart rate at the thought of her friend having to leave her.
"I see. Would you care to explain why she cannot stay at the castle?" the Princess's reply was sharp and intimidating, her knife and fork working at a chunk of her food without looking up at her Butler. Something, Peppermint noted, she shared in common with her father was that stubborn attitude.
"You know why, milady. She... she is not like our people any longer. I'm sorry, I wish it were different," his voice was low, and although he was trying his best not to upset the girl, he knew there would be no way to avoid it no matter how calmly he explained it.
The Princess placed her cutlery on her plate, her face paling somewhat as she slowly turned her eyes to look at Peppermint. Her expression was almost begging, and all he could do was look back at her apologetically, wrinkles deepening at the corners of his eyes. She watched him for a few seconds, before letting out a heavy sigh and turning her face back to her plate, watching her food now with disdain.
"Tell me, is he just trying to send her as far away from me as possible? Or does he genuinely want her to be safe?" Bonnibel quizzed, slowly tilting her head back to watch her Butler's reaction. His eyes brightened a little at the question, a small smile crossing his face as he stared back.
"Actually there are several dwellings not too far out from the Candy Kingdom that would provide adequate shelter and are easy to travel to. Your father already knows he won't be able to dissuade you from visiting Marceline, he was only too happy to agree to keeping her close by to our Kingdom," he explained, his smile becoming crooked as he looked away. "If only to make it easier for you to be retrieved."
Bonnibel rolled her eyes, picking up her cutlery once again and digging back into her food with renewed vigour.
"Of course," muttering at the hidden agenda behind everything her father did. Though she couldn't deny it herself, she would of course find every opportunity possible to go and visit Marceline, now that she knew the King was at least willing to give her a place she could call a home.
Finishing up her breakfast, she placed her knife and fork neatly across her plate as her etiquette teacher had taught her long ago. She took her napkin, wiping her lips to make sure they were not smeared with syrup, before scrunching it and placing it on the cleared plate.
"And how do you suggest she is going to take care of herself living on her own? I don't know if you've noticed Peppy, but she doesn't necessarily have the same diet as she did prior." her words were laced with mild sarcasm as she scooted back on her chair, turning to face her Butler who also did the same.
"I will be arranging a courier to bring her weekly supplies of food. I can continue for as long as she wishes, she might learn to drink the red from regular food after some period of adjustment and training," he watched as Bonnibel nodded slowly, but there was concern etched on her features, so it was natural for him to quiz her about it.
"Are you okay, your majesty?"
"Yes, yes I'm fine. It's just that... well, I hope it isn't improper of me to ask such a thing, but where exactly are you getting said supplies?" her question came out a lot braver than she felt about asking such a thing. Although she trusted Peppermint fully, the thought of where he might have retrieved the food for Marceline from terrified her just a little.
Pushing himself off the edge of his chair, he took a few steps towards the Princess, his eyes gleaming as he stared up at her. A small, striped hand extended in offering, and Bonnibel smiled as she took it and allowed herself to stand before being escorted from the room.
"Let me assure you, Princess, that no innocents were harmed in the process of acquiring the blood for Marceline." Though his words were firm and calming, Bonnibel couldn't help but shudder from the thoughts at the back of her mind of just how he had procured the blood. She allowed for Peppermint to escort her up the winding stair case, turning to the right when they reached the top and making the short trip down to the King's study, where many a rules and tax laws had been passed by a scribble of his signature.
Peppermint rapped lightly with his knuckles on the thick door, squeezing the creaky, iron handle to open it once a deep grunt resonated from within the room, signalling for them to enter. Bonnibel instantly felt smaller upon stepping into these private quarters, towering oak bookshelves full of musty folders and record keeping books, polished leather chairs that smelled oddly comforting, and the visage of her father as he sat in his high back chair behind a desk and scrawled across a parchment.
"Your Highness, I have come to see if you will be joining us as we choose a suitable abode for Marceline, or does his Majesty have other plans?" Peppermint was always so formal around the King. He was, of course, still formal around the Princess, but Bonnibel noted there was more of an air of casualty between her and her Butler. She twiddled lightly with her fingers as the King finished a sentence and placed his pen down in it's ink well, sitting back in his chair and staring between the two.
"No, I'm afraid I have much work to attend to today, and as you know I have a meeting with the Commander from the army base."
Peppermint nodded curtly in reply, straightening his tie and smiling politely at the King who was now pushing out of his chair and stepping heavily towards the two.
"Of course, your Majesty. Is there anything else I can do for you before we take our leave, then?" a polite question from the Butler as the King stopped a few paces from them and stared down at his daughter.
"May I have a moment with Bonnibel? In private," his gruff voice replied, lowered eyebrows watching as the Butler threw a knowing nod to him and offered a sympathetic smile to a now nervous Princess, who shuffled in place as she watched Peppermint make his leave from the room.
There was an awkward silence, with Bonnibel staring at the ground and hands limp at her side, refusing to acknowledge her father's presence. The man was towering above her, but for some reason, today he did not feel as threatening as he would have on any other day. The King let out a long sigh, reaching out and pressing a thick hand to his daughter's shoulder, not missing the light flinch she gave at his motion.
"Bonnibel, I did not wish to scold you for anything. There is no need to be so anxious," he quipped, watching as his daughter slowly raised her head to meet his eyes. A small glimmer of trust flickered behind her pupils, so he took the opportunity to capture it while he could.
"I know this situation must be... difficult for you," he begun, waving a hand slightly and peering around the room as he looked in thought. Bonnibel crossed her arms loosely over her chest and waited for him to continue.
"I just want you to know that regardless of what happens, I will be here for you. Whether you choose to acknowledge it or not. You are my only child, and I merely want what is best for you," he continued, watching as Bonnibel flicked her eyes everywhere around the room, avoiding direct eye contact with him. He pursed his lips for a moment, before letting out a long sigh and removing his hand from her shoulder.
Bonnibel looked deep in thought, her eyebrows knitted together and her fingers playing gently with the fabric of her shirt while she formulated a response for her father. He was being civil for the time being, so she believed it to be only fair that she show him the same courtesy.
"Why do you believe the Candy Kingdom and the Nightosphere can never unite?" the question came tentatively, causing the King's ears to prick up as if he had made a mistake and that perhaps he hadn't heard anything at all. He shuffled a little uncomfortably in place as he repeated what she had said in his head.
"We come from two completely different worlds, Bonnibel. While our Kingdom is ruled by peace and civility, theirs is ruled by terror and violence. The Lord himself heeds no care to the well-being of his people, it is only his job to promote pain and suffering, foul deeds and monsters roaming every corner."
Bonnibel looked up at him, her eyes opening wider as she listened very carefully to his words for the first time in what felt like an eternity. She didn't want to believe any of the things he was telling her, but did she really have any choice? She had not seen the Nightosphere for herself, and from all the tales she had read of it in books and from stories told, it was made to sound like a place where no one should ever tread.
"But what of Marceline? She is nothing like that. Even though she's changed I know she's still the same kind person inside," the Princess argued in return, smoothing her palms over her shirt before straightening them at her side, her eyes begging for the King to see her side of the story.
"And if she decided to return to the Nightosphere? You forget that she has much to discuss with her father. Being in a place like that, even in the short term, can ruin a person," he explained. His eyes burned with fear, his own memories of that foul realm returning to him from the occasions where he had to attend there due to royal responsibilities in discussing treaties.
The Princess seemed taken aback, hanging her head lightly as the realisation set in that she might in fact, still lose her Marceline. She didn't want it to be so, it couldn't be. Perhaps the new vampire would just decide to stay here and not return to her father? She had, after all, been raised in the Candy Kingdom and was a citizen of it regardless of the current situation.
"I... I didn't think of that," shrugging her shoulders, her words were timid and remorseful. Her father actually had a point that she couldn't argue with, so she felt it best to leave it as it was. "I should go, Peppermint is waiting..."
The King nodded, turning his back to Bonnibel quickly and making his way over to his desk. Slipping around it, he sat himself firmly into his chair and shuffled closer, picking up his pen to continue working on all the paperwork spread before him. He peered up from underneath his thick brows, watching as his daughter made her way to the exit, pulling open the heavy door.
"Before you go, remember to stay away from the Western forest. There has been reports of a disturbance in the area, and I would prefer it if you returned home in one piece." The King cleared his throat at the end of his sentence, waving his hand at Bonnibel who looked clearly puzzled by his sudden show of concern for her well being.
Giving an understanding nod, she excused herself, pulling shut the office door behind her and making her way to find Peppermint Butler.
It had taken considerably more effort than it should have to wake up and insist upon the vampire getting dressed to look at houses. The slender woman had hissed and whined emphatically as Peppermint held out a pile of clothing that would protect her now sun-prone skin from the harmful UV rays. She complained the waist on the jeans was too high, making her appear much older and not complimenting her slender hips at all. She complained that the thick linen gloves were itchy against her skin, and she frowned deeply as she scratched constantly at them.
Her pout had protruded even further as a grinning Bonnibel had pushed a delicately woven sun hat upon her head, letting out a huff of exasperation and storming away as Peppermint chased after her with an accompanying umbrella.
The first place they inspected was a little wooden cottage, nestled just behind a grassy knoll. It was small, but homely, with a painted beige interior and a view of a natural pond that had formed from rainfall during the wet season. As beautiful as it was, Marceline had insisted she couldn't handle being cooped up in such a feminine building all day long, listening to the incessant quacking of the ducks and geese that had made the shimmering pond their home.
So it was onto the next place. A towering tree house with several levels including an attic. Green foliage covered its roof, hanging down low and swaying gently, rustling against the siding of the house with each movement. The only problem Marceline saw was the fact that there was many large windows letting in much more sunlight than what she deemed necessary. Picking up a stray piece of metal that lay against the dusty floor of the second level, she begun carving her initials in the trunk of the tree that split through the building.
Grinning cheekily, she shied away from the teasing slap Bonnibel had swung her way. The pink haired girl sighed in annoyance, crossing her arms over her chest instead. Marceline went back to carving, now free of scorning, smiling satisfactorily as she finished her job. She stepped to the side, allowing Bonnibel to lean in and see what she had written. A deep blush and a flattered smile made its way onto her face as she saw that Marceline had added the initials PB and had encircled the two sets of letters in a heart shape.
The vampire flicked her hand, letting the piece of metal fall from her fingers and clank against the ground. There was a glow about her eyes, pupils dilating as she stared at the Princess with an almost hungry gaze. She stepped forwards, cupping a pink cheek harshly and a low growl escaping her lips as she dipped her head downwards towards the smaller girl's ear. It took all of Bonnibel's willpower to not let a gasp escape from her now parted lips, her eyelids fluttering and her heart rate escalating from the close proximity of her friend.
Marceline inhaled deeply, the cold tip of her nose grazing a soft, pink earlobe and causing goosebumps to prickle along Bonni's spine. The sweet scent of sugary bubblegum combined with the tang of the velvety fluid pumping through the girl's arteries was causing a deep pang of hunger to unfurl within her gut.
"M-Marcy..." she whispered softly as she tilted her neck back ever so slightly, unintentionally inviting the hungry demon in further. She felt and heard the sound of cool lips opening and fangs sliding out from pale gums, resigning herself to the need of the woman embracing her and only melting deeper into her arms.
A shuffling of polished shoes against a creaking wood ladder brought them out of their stupor, Bonnibel inhaling a sharp breath and pushing away the girl, not missing the hum of disappointment leaving Marceline's throat. The Princess tucked a strand of her hair away from her eyes, giving the vampire an apologetic glance from a few feet away as she moved over to where the ladder poked through the floor. She extended a hand, assisting her Butler up and into the room. He gave her a smile of thanks, pressing his hands against his jacket and brushing away loose cobwebs and dust from the fabric.
"So Marceline, what do you think of this place?" he asked warmly, opening his arms out wide as he motioned around the room. The vampire lifted up an eyebrow sceptically, chewing on her lower lip as she stared at the Butler. She was still more than a little irked that he had interrupted her and Bonnibel, but she just couldn't find it in herself to be mad at the little round man.
"I dunno, it's not really my style." Looking around the room, she scratched at the back of her head, shrugging her shoulders at Peppermint who looked upset by the fact that she so far had not liked any of the places they had seen. Clicking her tongue, she took a few steps towards him, pushing a smile across her face.
"Hey, it's fine. Don't suppose you've got any places that are like, in a cave or some junk?" her eyes danced musically, watching as a contemplative expression crossed Peppermint's face, bringing his hand up to his chin to tap lightly.
"Well, there is one place in particular that comes to mind, but... it's a little further away from the Candy Kingdom. We can take a look at it, so long as you don't mind the extra travel time." Peppermint responded, a gracious smile bisecting his face as the crimson eyes that lay on him widened with anticipation.
"What's a little travel time? Let's see this place!" she chuckled loudly, making her way over to the ladder and hurrying down it, an air of excitement now overtaking the feeling of emptiness in her stomach.
They finally came to a stop before the mouth of the cave, slippery stalagmites and stalactites glistening in the rays of sun, the entrance like the maw to a beast's mouth inviting them in only to be devoured. Bonnibel looked tentative about the place, a stark contrast to the child like grin on Marceline's face as she frivolously took off into the depths within. Picking up her pace, Bonnibel went after the woman, her feet clapping against the dirt and loose stones on the ground. It took all of her concentration in the dim lighting not to trip and fall, despite having Peppermint by her side steadying her with every step.
As they entered further into the dank cave, the smell of mud and mildew rank in their nostrils and the sound of trickling water falling into small pools, their sight fell onto a rather inviting looking house. It even had a garden to the side, and despite being in a uninviting scenery, the look of absolute awe on Marceline's face caused Bonnibel's heart to thump erratically in her chest.
Feet scuffled on the wooden verandah, the vampire reaching out and turning the door knob, giving the obstruction a light shove to un-jam it. Marceline's eyes widened in enthusiasm as she stepped through the entrance, a large living area that joined onto a smaller kitchenette meeting her gaze. She spotted a ladder off to her right, twisting her body towards it and hauling herself up the rungs, clambering onto the second floor and walking few feet towards a dusty looking bed that remained in the room from the previous occupants.
She was soon joined by her two companions, helping the Princess up and giving her a gracious smile as she did. Peppermint looked up at the vampire expectantly, arms crossed behind his back as he rocked on his heels.
"I love it. This is definitely the place for me." Beaming brightly, she stuck her thumbs into the belt loops of her jeans, rocking back and forth on her feet as Peppermint bowed slightly, before reaching a hand up to straighten his tie.
"Well then, I shall see to it that we get some furnishings for your new home. I will arrange for the courier to deliver a stock of food for the week, but I must get back to the castle quickly in order to have it here by nightfall." He turned to Bonnibel as he stepped towards the ladder, cautiously lowering himself down a few rungs before peering back up.
"Princess, I'll allow you to say your farewell," he begun, lifting a hand up in silence as she was about to protest before he continued. "You will have plenty of opportunities to visit next week, your teachers are taking their yearly leave to celebrate the Mid Year Fire Festival with their families."
"Oh yes! The Festival! Peppy I completely forgot about that, thank you for reminding me, it's such a glorious time of the year," eyes sparkling with flecks of purple and blue, she blushed joyfully as Peppermint nodded calmly at her, giving a wave of farewell to Marceline before climbing downstairs.
"Babe," a cool voice muttered, drawing Bonnibel's attention to the vampire staring intently at her. A hot blush worked its way up the Princess's neck, and she found herself uncharacteristically nervous, catching a section of hair in her hand and twirling it nervously about her fingers. A lopsided smirk slipped across Marceline's cheeks as she noticed the embarrassment, taking several languid steps forwards and quickly scooping Bonnibel up in her arms.
The pink girl elicited a squeak at the action, strong arms encircling her waist and a cool face burying against her neck. It took her several moments before she relaxed enough in the other's embrace, sliding her own arms around her and closing her eyes, taking in the delicate and earthy scent of the vampire.
This new behaviour being exhibited by her best friend was both entrancing and frightening. She didn't know if it was due to the girl's awakening or because of the traumatic event that had happened to her, and if she was completely honest with herself she was truly concerned for her well being. Not that she didn't mind the pet name, or the way she felt their bodies fit together like two pieces of a puzzle, or even the vampire's seemingly ravenous hunger, no. But it was certainly out of character, not the usual sweet love and kindness she would shower her with.
"Are you okay?" the woman in question's concerned voice brought her out of her thoughts, and she pressed against Marceline's shoulders, edging backwards so that she could look at her face. As she did, it seemed for a moment that she had her old Marceline back, she could see that familiar twinkle behind ominous eyes.
"Yeah, I'm just going to miss you, that's all." A half hearted smile made its way across Bonnibel's lips, glad for the genuine smirk that the vampire returned.
A moment of doubt and panic shot through Bonnibel's body though as Marcy's eyes lowered, her face dipping down and her lips coming dangerously close to the Princess's own pink ones. She didn't know why she should be so afraid now, when everything had been fine earlier, but as the vampire's cool breath tickled at her mouth she turned her head quickly to the side in order to avoid the contact.
Marceline leant back, her face looking somewhat shocked at the rejection she had met. Her lips moved slowly as if she wanted to say something, but she couldn't for the life of her find the words. Bonnibel shivered softly, taking a step backwards and wrapping her arms around herself at the sudden chill she felt. Her cheeks burned red and she was overcome with a deep feeling of guilt as the vampire mumbled something inscrutable under her breath.
"I-I have to go." The words had left her lips before she could think of anything else to say, turning her head back to view her friend's reaction, feeling even worse that Marceline's expression was downcast and her body now limp in acceptance.
"I'll see you next week, I have much to do at the castle until then, unfortunately," her words were warmer this time around, and she spared a smile to Marceline who peered up gently, her grey lips trembling as she shook her head in a quick nod.
"It's fine Bon, I know. You don't have to make excuses, you're royalty and all that junk." The vampire gave a morose smile, the bags underneath her eye sockets visible and the Princess wondered for a moment if it was truly even necessary for an immortal to sleep.
"I'll see you when the Fire Festival begins, okay?" Bonnibel replied, making her way over to the ladder and taking two steps down. Marceline nodded again, running a finger through her long, slick hair as she gave a grin in return.
"Sure thing, I'll uh... be here," the vampire put on the bravest face she could as the Princess gave a small wave to her, waiting before she received one back from the vampire before descending the ladder to rejoin her loyal Butler.
The rise and fall of the sun every day was an excruciating reminder to Marceline that she was no longer the child she had once been. Long gone were Summers spent frolicking in the grasslands, enjoying a soft serve ice cream underneath a shady oak tree with Bonnibel or throwing herself into a chirruping brook to cool off after a long day in the Blacksmith.
She had taken up the habit of retrieving a bottle of her syrupy red liquid from the refrigerator at the dawn of each new day, cautiously traversing to the entrance of the cave and watching from the shade as the Sun peeped its bright face over the horizon. Watching as it rose and feeling the stinging caress of the first stray beams on her face, she would shuffle back behind an outcropping of rock, where she could sip her bitter liquid and view the sunrise from relative safety.
This morning though, she could see in the distance workers bustling about hurriedly, putting up tents and stages and stalls, there were decorations and tall poles adorned with lanterns that contained long burning wicks; she knew it was the fair being set up for the Fire Festival celebration. A warm, familiar feeling circled around inside her chest, her lips tipping up into a smile as she remembered that Bonnibel would be free during this time to visit her. She wondered to herself if she would arrive during the day or perhaps in the evening. Either way, she decided it a good idea to return back to her home and shower, she wanted to at least look somewhat presentable despite feeling awkward and unfamiliar in her new body.
A knock thumped at the front door of Marceline's house, just as she was finishing up cleaning off a stubborn section of mould that was growing on the side of her bathtub. Pointed ears perking up, she rushed through her bedroom and down the ladder, making it to the door in record time. Straightening her blouse quickly, she reached out and turned the knob, pulling back the door to reveal her best friend waiting on the other side. The vampire's cheeks blushed a hue of scarlet as she took in the vision of beauty before her.
Bonnibel had her hair curled, pink ringlets flowing and bobbing gently against her shoulders. Her ear lobes had on a pair of clip-on gold hoops, and her body was adorned by a flowing purple dress. It was cinched around her waist tightly, held in place by black string along her spine, a black ribbon tied into a dainty bow between the valley leading between her breasts. The silken dress fell loosely about her feet, revealing a pair of matching purple boots that buckled at her ankles.
A warm smile graced pink lips, a gentle laugh escaping Bonnibel's lips drawing the vampire out from her inspection of the girl's body. At this realisation, Marceline blushed even further.
"Sorry, you just look really nice," the compliment was genuine and even somewhat shy, the fact that the Princess was growing into womanhood more every day not lost on the vampire.
"Thank you Marce. Shall we go?" Bonnibel extended her hand with her question, waiting as her friend nervously reached out, cold and clammy fingers interlacing with warm pink.
"Where's your shadow?" joked Marceline as they left the mouth of the cave, laughing as Bonni nudged an elbow into her side gently.
"Peppermint and my father are already at the festival. You should be thanking Peppy, he convinced father to entrust you to safely escort me back to the festivities," she replied sharply, raising a single eyebrow as she looked over at her companion, who now seemed to be beaming that someone actually did trust her with the Princess.
"Don't worry Bon, you know I won't let anything happen to you." Marceline gave the hand in hers a squeeze, moving her eyes towards the warm orange glow of the carnival in the distance.
They finally approached the entrance, Bonni giving a light wave to the guards standing watch, smiling as they gave her polite nods in return. It didn't take long for the vampire to find a stall that caught her attention, a favourite game of hers from past years, where one had to shoot burning arrows at inflated balloons and pop at least eight in order to gain a prize. Sadly, this year she was just as bad at it as always, only managing to burst three and putting a hole through a fairgoers fancy top hat.
Enjoying several stall games, a fire breathers and jugglers show and a display of animals jumping through fiery hoops, the two were finally caught up to by an enthusiastic peppermint man. Behind him trailed the king, who eyed up the vampire suspiciously, wary of her at all times.
"Your Majesty, Marceline. I hope you two are enjoying the faire, and I am thankful to see you got her here in one piece, Marcy," his tone was jovial and teasing, not meant to hurt the vampire's feelings at all, this was confirmed by the throaty laugh she gave in return to his comment. Her eyes lowered however when she noticed a man with a pale brown complexion and a sticky mess of hair on his head to Peppermint's right.
"Who's this guy?" she questioned sceptically, eyeing off the dress shirt and pressed pants the man was wearing, noticing finally that he had a small, silver crown nestled atop his head.
"Oh, your Majesty, I'd like to introduce you to Prince Taffy. He is a visitor from the North, your father requested that he meet with you." Peppermint shuffled to the side, allowing for the Prince to step forward, taking Bonnibel's right hand gently in his own and kissing the back of it. Bonnibel blushed furiously, her mouth opening in a show of confusion as she shot a glare to the King.
"It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Princess," he proclaimed softly, letting go of her hand and giving her a pleasant smile as he stood up straighter. Marceline growled quietly under her breath, not missing the crude smile crossing King Bubblegum's face at her discomfort.
"Bonnibel, why don't you show this young man around? It is his first time visiting the festival, I'm sure he would be most grateful." the King ordered more than questioned, crossing his arms across his chest as he shared a staring match with his daughter. Bonnibel balled her hands into fists at her side, ignoring the Prince as he looked between the two, but she relaxed and accepted her fate as a cool hand pressed against her lower back.
Letting out a shaky sigh, she threw a thankful gaze to Marceline, who looked back at her with tightly drawn lips, her eyes glazed over in a way the Princess could only describe as a animal ready to protect its master should the circumstance so arise. Though anyone else might have felt threatened by the gesture, with her father forcing the Prince upon her, Bonnibel felt overly grateful for her presence. She once again felt guilty for brushing off Marceline last week, knowing deep down inside of her that the woman would never let any harm come of her.
Bonnibel nodded begrudgingly at her father, stepping forwards and allowing the Prince to sidle up beside her as she begun escorting him around the faire grounds.
Doing her best to uphold her royal manners, entering in polite conversation with the young man, laughing at his jokes and talking about their interests, she always threw her eyes over her shoulder to make sure the vampire was maintaining watch over her.
Marceline was seething on the inside. Though she tried to remain calm and keep up appearances, there was a swelling ball of hatred and anger gnawing at her insides. It had been eating away at her since she had first awoken in Bonnibel's bedroom, and it was only getting worse by the day. She knew it had to do with the demon that was inside of her, and she could only do so much before fear that she might harm someone unintentionally rose up inside of her chest.
She watched Bonnibel and the Prince like a hawk, following their every movement under slitted eyes, hushing the voice that spoke in her head that told her to just grab the damn guy and rip him to shreds. The wind was suddenly knocked out of Marcy, and she looked down to see she had bumped into a rather rotund looking, lumpy space person.
"Oh my Glob! Why don't you watch where you're going? That is so rude!" the woman wailed, her lips turning down into a deep frown as she floated, arms crossed on her lumpy hips, in front of Marceline. Rubbing at her arm, the vampire blushed and apologised hurriedly, trying to see past the round figure. Her breath hitched in her throat as she heard a high pitched voice demanding someone to stop.
Shoving the lumpy woman harshly out of the way, ignoring the loud cries of protest coming from the obnoxious person, she ran forwards, her eyes shifting and becoming more sensitive to light as she searched for the head of pink hair. Ears twitching, she honed in on the Princess's voice, turning a sharp corner and coming to a halt to where Bonnibel was frantically trying to push away the advances of the Taffy Prince.
Without even realising it, Marceline's feet had completely left the ground. Her face twisted and contorted, her mouth opening wide and sharp fangs forming from each tooth, a forked tongue flicking out and burning eyes of sanguine locking onto their target.
There was a scuffle, the man was now crying and flailing frantically to push the beast off of him. Pink arms were circling Marceline from behind, warm tears slipping down her hot cheeks as she begged her love to let the boy go and forgive him for his mistake. The vampire could not make any sense of the threats and curses spilling from her own mouth as she protected her territory with a rage she had never felt before.
In the heat of the fight, Marcy found herself flinging an arm back in preparation to land a heavy blow to the Prince's stupid, sticky face, and was knocked out of her fit of uncontrollable anger as a shrill cry rang out from behind her. The vampire snarled and turned back, eyes shrinking suddenly as it dawned on her that she had accidentally smacked Bonnibel across her face, knocking her to the ground.
"Bonni..." she squeaked, suddenly letting go of the man who scuttled off to the protection of the guards. She crawled over to her friend, who was now baring a bright red cheek from the slap and tear stained skin. Pressing a hand to the Princess's face, she shook her head, wishing with all her might to disappear into a hole and never come out again.
"I'm okay, it's okay." Though Bonni's words were soothing as one of her own hands covered the vampire's, Marceline was now crying freely, her eyes sore and red as quiet sobs shook her chest. There was a shuffling of footsteps and raised voices, looking up she saw a very angered King and a worried Butler rushing towards them.
Panic taking over her body as she glanced around her like a caged animal, she did the only thing she could do. She gave Bonnibel one last gaze, her eyes full of sorrow and an ache in her chest at seeing the Princess instantly recognise the look, pink face slowly shaking as her hand gripped Marceline tighter. Then, before everyone descended upon her, the vampire made a break through the crowd and bolted off into the night.
Curled up into a ball on her couch, Marceline rocked herself back and forth, tightly gripping her legs. Her lungs and eyes and throat all hurt from crying. She had let the beast take over her body instead of defending the Princess in a way socially acceptable, flashes of her own trauma from the Army Barracks coming back into her mind at the very thought of her love being forced upon by another.
Digging her nails into her shins harder, she almost didn't hear the faint rapping on her front door. Lifting her head from her knees, she looked towards the entrance, dreading what might be behind it. A sigh of relief escaped from her throat as a familiar voice called out from her front porch.
Getting up slowly from the couch, she walked over, opening the door and allowing room for the Butler to come in. Her gave her a weary smile, his tuxedo jacket rustled and untidy as opposed to how neat and tidy it usually was. He entered the house, his shoes scuffing against the worn carpet as she closed the door behind him.
"Look, before you say anything, I just want you to know I never meant to hit Bonni. I was just trying to protect her from that guy, he was trying to assault her!" she begun frantically, her nostrils flaring suddenly as she turned back to him, the hurt rising in her chest once again. The butler held up his hands quickly, an expression of seriousness crossing his face.
"I know, you need not explain yourself to me Marceline."
The vampire let out a long breath, closing her eyes momentarily as she lifted a hand to her face, rubbing at her forehead. "I just, I couldn't control it, it took over and there was nothing I could do to stop it."
Peppermint stepped towards her, his face softening with kindness as he placed a hand on her lowered arm. She looked down at him, a soft smile crossing her features.
"I know. That's why I'm here," he begun, clearing his throat and turning his back to her, closing his eyes and mumbling a chant under his breath as his hands moved fluidly, until there was a burst of brilliant light and a swirling blue portal opened up before the couch.
Marceline stared in both shock and wonder, her pupils following the colours and bits of frayed fog that broke off from its edges, taking it all in for several moments before a figure begun to emerge. Her body stiffened, her eyes widening as a tall man with short cropped hair and blue-grey skin stepped out and into the living space. His eyes fell on Peppermint at first, a bothered frown gracing his lips and a grunt as he shook his head.
"What is it now, Peppermint?" he demanded hoarsely, quickly pressing his head to the side and cracking his neck to relieve it of tension.
"Hunson, your daughter is in need of you," the Butler replied matter of factly, his eyes hardening as he watched the Lord of the Nightosphere's ears prick up. Hunson moved his gaze to behind Peppermint, his expression becoming one of what could almost be described as joy as he spotted his daughter standing there staring at him.
"Pumpkin!" he cried out, a fangy grin splitting his cheeks as he hurried forwards, brushing past the candy man and wrapping his arms around the confused vampire girl. In shock of the sudden news that this was her father, a new spring of tears begun escaping Marceline's tear ducts. She paid no mind to any reservations she might have, instantly throwing her arms back around him and holding on tightly.
They embraced for several moments before Hunson pulled back, looking down at her with a gleeful smile and reaching down to pinch a cheek.
"And what is it you need me to do?" the Lord requested, turning his head slightly to give Peppermint a questioning look. The Butler wrung his hands nervously, not wanting to word himself wrong and invoke the wrath of Marceline's father.
"Well, here's what I had in mind..."
"Are you sure you want to do this?" Hunson asked his daughter cautiously, hands on her shoulders. The vampire looked up at him, smiling before nodding her head quickly.
"I'm sure. I need to learn how to control this, even if it takes an eternity." She noticed the way her father almost seemed to beam down at her with pride, and she had to hold back a blush as he pressed a kiss to her forehead, bringing a hand up afterwards to wipe away the parent germs he could have left behind.
"I'll be waiting on the other side for you, just step through the portal as soon as you're ready," Hunson told her quietly, doing his best to calm her nerves at the prospect of being thrown into a world of chaos. Marcy shook her head again, her raven hair flicking about her face as she did.
The vampire watched as the Lord stepped through the glowing portal, his body disappearing and seemingly being sucked away like water flushed in a toilet. Turning back to the Butler, she saw him fishing in one of his coat pockets, grumbling to himself as he fought to retrieve what he was looking for.
It finally popped out, and he smiled brightly as he brought it up for Marceline to see. She squinted, making out her name in Bonnibel's handwriting on the outside of the folded up bit of paper. Her heart instantly bobbed up into her throat, and she extended shaky fingers to accept the note from Peppermint.
"I told her what might have to be done, and she demanded I let her write you a letter before you took your leave," he explained, watching as the vampire chuckled lightly, letting her smooth fingers trail delicately over the slightly crumpled note.
"Sounds like her alright," she noted, palming the letter in one hand and pushing it into her back jean pocket.
Her and Peppermint stared at each other in silence for a good while before either of them said anything, a nervous air between the two as they delayed their goodbye.
"Thanks. For everything, y'know? I mean, without you I never would have had Bonni in the first place, it's just... you're the best Peppy," Marceline gushed, looking down at the little man who's face was now turning a red to match his stripes. At this point he was looking more like a boiled strawberry sweet than a peppermint.
"Think nothing of it. I only wanted to see the both of you happy together," his voice came out in a rush, trying to distract himself from his own embarrassment. The vampire gave her trademark crooked smile, a fang poking out as she did and causing her cheek to dimple.
Stepping forwards and bending down, Marcy embraced the candy man tightly for several seconds before letting go and taking a step towards the portal. She looked back at him, grinning widely in order to hide the fear she felt for what she might find on the other side, hiding the fear she felt at leaving behind the love of her life for however long it took her to control the monster inside of her.
"Take care of her for me until I get back, okay?" she called over the low thrum of the portal, her hair now whipping wildly as the pressure on the other side begun to suck the mess of blackness into it. Peppermint smiled and gave her a deep bow, one arm over his chest in a very formal manner as he did.
"You have my word," he called back as he rose from his position, satisfied with the look of relief in Marcy's eyes at his promise. Lifting a hand to her forehead in an over exaggerated salute, the pale girl stepped into the pulsing portal, not looking back as she was spirited away to a whole new world.
Next up, Marceline in the Nightosphere yay! If you have any suggestions or questions about anything else you'd like to see/know about in the story, drop a comment and I'll get back to you :)