The Crossing of Blades (FIOLEE)

Chapter Four

Over the next few days, Marshall and Fionna began to grow close.

The night before they reached Middleground Island, he asked, "Would you run when we get there?"

"No. If nothing else, we had a deal. But the Silver Sword planned to make a stop there. We were debating meeting up with the Royal Pride and continuing to Dulce in a group for extra security."

"Guess that didn't work very well." Marshall responded, lounging on the bed.

Fionna sat at the desk. "In our defense, the Royal Pride is a lot closer to Middleground than it is to Duine."

"Mm... hey, Fionna? Are you... happy here?" Marshall asked, sitting up a little.

"As happy as I can be." She answered honestly.

"Alright then. But you're an honest person, or at least more honest than me, so here's a deal for you: if you beat me in a sword fight, then I'll let you go free."

"What's the catch?" She asked suspiciously.

"There's no catch." He replied. "You just have to be fully healed before we fight."

"But you work with an axe. This is clearly in my favor."

"Fine. If you win, you can't marry Gumwad right away. And if I win, you stay with me, on the Shadow, forever."

Fionna was silent for a minute, before nodding and smiling. "Will I have to move into the brig at any point?"

"Not unless you try to lead a mutiny against me." Marshall grinned.

Suddenly, a knock was on the door. A demon stuck his head in. "Captain? We're approaching Middleground Island."

Marshall sat up fully. "Already?"

"Yes, sir. Should we dock on the Duine side, or ours...?" The demon asked, glancing at Fionna.

"Our side, obviously. Middleground may be peaceful, but if we march in with their princess, there will be trouble." Marshall replied. The demon left, and Marshall turned to Fionna. "You're sure the Silver Sword is docked in Middleground?"

"It's likelier than not. The Royal Pride is probably also going to be searching for us."

Marshall nodded slowly, then shot her a look. "Ever been to a demon or vampire tavern?"

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"Well, what do you think?" Marshall said proudly as the remaining crew filed in behind them.

"It's... busy." Fionna said carefully.

Marshall nodded, dodging a punch and grabbing someone else's tankard of beer. "Definitely. Honestly, when I first saw it, I was a little unnerved."

"You come here often?" Fionna asked him.

"Depends on who you ask." Marshall chuckled, before sobering up and peering at her. "Are you coming on to me?"

Fionna flushed. "No!"

"You were!" Marshall said, delighted. "That's so cute, Fi. I knew you wouldn't be able to resist my— ow."