Summary- Finn goes missing after attempting to reach out to the Gumbaldian's. Concerned for her people, Princess Bubblegum agrees to the treaty if only to benefit from Gumbald's military and Fern.

AN: warning for abusive behavior, manipulation, and grooming. Human experimentation is also going to come up but not to the same extent as those three. This chapter also contains underage drinking. Tread with caution.

The bubblegum family seemed delighted to listen to Finn's story, the three of them seemed so laid back now. It was hard to believe only hours ago they were ready to have Fern kill him just for approaching their palace. Finn avoided drinking anything they offered him, but Jake had no hesitation.

Gumbald cleared his throat. "Finn, your talent for diplomacy is not what I expected. My memory is of someone much more fond of violence than you seem to be."

He smiled politely and looked away. Something in Gumbald's eyes reminded him of the beasts he used to fight so often. Finn tried to squash the feeling, blaming it on PB'S paranoia. "Thanks, I just want to keep everyone safe, y'know?"

"Yes, I can understand the feeling. Finn, You have convinced me to call off war preparations against the candy kingdom. Why don't we discuss the details in my study?"

"Oh sure! Jake, are you coming?" Finn stood, hoping his brother would pull himself away from the table to back him up.

Jake shoved another tart into his mouth. "I'll catch up with you later. Aunt Lolly, your cooking is divine."

Finn was dragged off by Gumbald as Jake and Lolly began exchanging recipes excitedly over the banquet in front of them. The strange base that Gumbald used to build his kingdom went fairly deep underground, many rooms seemingly empty. It was reminiscent of the dungeons Finn was so adept at but instead of silence it was filled with noises of construction and preparation. War was being born in these walls.

He shuddered at the thought. It was not the future he wanted for Ooo, another war on the same caliber as the Great Mushroom war would leave the land in tatters. Ooo was only just recovering from the last one.

Gumbald led him into a room that seemed rarely used. The walls were lined with shelves holding books in languages Finn had never heard of. In the center of the room was an ornate desk. A fireplace erupted to life as the pair entered the room. "Please, make yourself comfortable. I wasn't expecting to have to draft a treaty so please forgive the state of my study."

"Ah, no it's nice." Finn slipped into a chair near the fireplace, taking in his surroundings. "it reminds me of Simon's library… uh do you know Simon?"

"I'm afraid not. After we have this treaty mess sorted out, perhaps you can fill me in on the goings on around Ooo."

Finn relaxed a bit, smiling. "Sure."

As the pair discussed a variety of things to be included in the treaty, trying to include things that Finn was certain PB would agree to. Once they found an agreement that seemed to be satisfactory, Gumbald suggested that they celebrate, pulling out a bottle of strange liquid from a drawer. "Aunt Lolly is quite adept at creating new recipes, she calls this 'Sweet Malt' I'm sure you'll enjoy it."

"Oh um, I don't think…" Gumbald handed him a silver cup of the drink before he could refuse. Finn took a sip out of obligation, flinching at the burning sensation. The taste was good but left behind some bitterness. If they didn't poison us at dinner I'm sure this is fine, right? He took another sip.

"… write a letter?"

Finn jolted out of his thoughts. "Sorry, what did you say?"

"I asked if I should write a letter to Bonnibel. To apologize for everything? Would that make me seem more trustworthy?"

"I guess," Was his drink supposed to sparkle like that? "I'm sure she'll warm up to you when she sees the treaty though." His next sip made him feel lightheaded, which worried him. He decided to set his drink to the side. "She's nice…"

"Of course," Gumbald rolled up the signed treaty and letter- when did he finish writing that?- before slipping them into a round canister. "Finn its been such a pleasure meeting you. I'll have Fern escort you home. Give Bonnie a big hug when you tell her."

Finn stumbled a bit, knocking over the goblet. The carpet seemed to sparkle where the drink fell. His suspicions rose when Gumbald jerked away from the stain. Gumbald had no intention of peace, he was trying to kill him. He'd been poisoned.

Before he could try to escape, he found himself collapsing into Fern's arms. "Where should I take him?"

"Just keep him out of Jake's sight for now. Try to keep him intact."

As Finn lost consciousness, he felt himself be slung over Fern's shoulder. He donked up...

"Finn?" Jake glanced around the Gumbaldian Palace, ducking his head into almost every room. "Where are you buddy?"

As if to mock him, Fern rounded the corner at that very moment. The grassy knight seemed frustrated. He didn't even seem to notice when he almost ran into Jake. "Oh, it's you."

"Fern! Hey buddy, could you help me find Finn? Last I saw, he was going somewhere with Gumbald to talk about a treaty."

A Canister popped out of the Knight's chest; thin vines holding it in place as Fern plucked it out and handed it to Jake. "Finn already left. He forgot to take this with him though. Maybe you can still catch up to him?"

"Thanks man!" Jake took the canister and raced towards the exit. Once outside, he continued his search for Finn from above. He stretched up high enough that he could see from a distance. Jake tried not to worry, Finn was seventeen after all. But something inside kept nagging at him. Hmm... maybe I should go back. No, he could've taken a different route. I'll just catch up with him at PB's castle.

Upon arriving at said castle, Jake was greeted to the sight of even more war preparations. He stretched his way to PB, unsurprised to find her overseeing the preparations. "Double check the fortifications of the outer walls,"

"One signed peace treaty, delivered straight from Gumbaldia!" Jake dangled the canister in front of the frazzled princess.

"What?!" She snatched the canister away from him, tore it open, and began reading fervently. "How... Where did you get this?"

"Finn didn't tell you? He wanted to try a last ditch diplomacy thing to get you two to settle down."

She stared at the treaty in awe. "He did it... he got Gumbald to stand down." Her eyes snapped up to Jake. "Where's Finn? Glob, I could hug him right now!"

"Heh, figures I got here before him. Serves him right for leaving without me. He'll probably show up later."