The banana guards at the entrance of the Candy Kingdom were jolted awake by a sudden visitor, or rather set of visitors. A pair of cloaked individuals had presented themselves. Nothing was shown except for the lower portion of their faces, one taller than the other by a couple centimeters. Before they could enter, the banana guards had stopped them. "State your purpose," one demanded.
The shorter one stepped forth. "I bring urgent news from a neighboring kingdom," said a familiar female voice.
"And what news is this?"
"It's confidential. It's only reserved for Lady Abadeer. Direct orders."
The Banana Guard showed a face of suspiciousness. "I see… Do you have any documentation?"
"No… Wouldn’t that defeat the purpose of being confidential?"
"Then how can we let you pass?"
The shorter cloaked woman gave a distinct growl in disdain. "I can't tell you anything… but I will let you know this. If you don’t let me pass right now, the king will be very angry. Trust me, you won't like it when he is upset." The Banana Guards stepped back. "So… with that being said, I suggest we speak to Lady Abadeer right away."
Marceline awakes next to Chris, at first questioning her surroundings. She had remembered that she still wasn’t used to being inside at all because she had spent the previous several hundred years outside, next to the grave of her beloved. She thought back a little further, immediately jolting up at a thought. She didn’t just wake up on her own; something woke her up. She could smell it in the air. It was a very familiar scent, yet she couldn’t put her finger on where she first smelled it. She closed her eyes and concentrated, trying to pinpoint the source of the smell. Where was it coming from? Who was it coming from? Why does it smell familiar? Her bat like senses detected footsteps racing, getting closer to her door, the door of the castle infirmary. It was like little pitter-patter, gentle taps getting closer and more audible. She turned to the door quickly and jumped when the door slammed open.
"Lady Abadeer!" It was Peppermint Butler, panting. "We have guests!"
Marceline turned away. "Now isn’t the best time, Pep. I'm busy."
"But my lady… It's urgent! You are going to want to see this!"
She paused for a moment. A guest that I would want to see? Who could that be? That thought in conjunction with the familiar smell triggered memories in her head, flash backs of what things used to be like several hundreds of years ago. She thought of her lover, Princess Bubblegum, and shook her head. No that can't be it. She turned towards Peppermint Butler once again and tried to read him, at least what was possible to read. The panting in his breath as well as the sugary sweat on his face. She knew he was telling the truth, otherwise he wouldn’t be in such a hurry to tell her. She stood up from her stool. "This better be urgent. I don’t like wasting my time."
"Of course my lady. Why would I waste your time over unimportant matters," said Peppermint Butler as he escorted the majesty into the royal hall.
Upon entrance, the familiar smell became stronger, as well as an unfamiliar smell, almost a stench to Marceline. The royal hall itself was a majestic masterpiece. Though everything was candy, it all had a gold plating. It was pillars upon pillars of candy, with a mural on the ceiling depicting the joining of hands from various kingdoms in the United Alliance of Ooo. The floor had a black and white checkered reflective surface, and dividing the floor was a red carpet with a gold outlining, very vast in length. One would have to walk all the way down the hall on the carpet to reach the steps that lead to the thrones of the king and, in this case, queens. On the door to the right of the thrones, was the door that Marceline entered through. Her two cloaked guests were just down the steps. She floated like royalty onto her throne. "I am Marceline, the Vampire Queen and Queen to the throne of the Candy Kingdom. I am a very busy person. What is it that is so important that you had to call me away from my duties? Speak!"
