AN: The following is an alternate (early) ending that stems from the events of Ch 2 in Scorched Ooo.

For a long moment, Princess Bubblegum was weighing the consequences of her actions. She couldn't bring herself to cry during the summit meeting at the Emerlad Kingdom, but she needed a quick moment to do so. The heavy gaze of disdain she felt from all the princesses of Ooo began to overwhelm her, and mind was on the brink of collapse. "May I request a break?" Her voice was nearly on the edge of cracking.

The Emerald Princess maintained a hardened expression but let out a tired sigh, "Very well, considering that this has been quite stressful for all of us, I hereby grant a 30 minute recess." She slammed a gavel to finalize her decision. The moment it happened, PB rushed out, towards the restroom and released her emotions. Tears poured from her face as she cried hysterically in guilt and realization.

"What have I done? Where did I go wrong? How did I bring myself to this?" She kept asking herself more questions as she ran the water in the sink. The more she reflected on her past, the more distressed she felt as she began recalling every moment she spied on everyone.

She shook her head and looked at herself in the mirror. Her eyes were red from all the tears, but she couldn't figure out what caused her to make cold, calculating decisions. Suddenly, her thoughts were broken and gasped when someone unexpectedly entered.

"Ph-Phoebe!" Bubblegum said frantically as she tried to compose herself quickly.

The fire monarch's lips were pressed firmly into a line as she studied her adversary. She saw her features were struggling to withhold more tears as Phoebe looked at her intently.

"Bonnibel," she spoke after a while. "I've been thinking about what we've said to each other last time. I admit I was very blunt when I yelled at you, but I was caught in the moment."

PB sniffled and wiped her eyes one more time before speaking, "You had every right to tell me those things, considering my actions. I'm so sorry, Phoebe. I want you to know right now that I am willing to make up for my mistakes."

Phoebe's expression softened a little, "I don't want to believe you're cold-hearted because you've been known to do great things for the land of Ooo. The thing is, there's a saying I've heard in which I quote, 'you are remembered for the rules you break, not for the rules you follow.' I know from personal experience that it can be frustrating, especially since doing the right thing as a ruler is always expected from everyone."

The fiery princess paused for a moment then continued, "Our kingdoms are at the brink of war, Bonnibel. I don't want to place thousands of lives at risk senselessly despite my pride as a fire elemental. You've shown me that you have realized your mistakes and that you are willing to fix them. And so, when this break ends, I plan on telling Emerald Princess not to press charges and that we will discuss terms of compensation for my people. After that, I respectfully request your presence before the high court in the Fire Kingdom to finalize our agreement as an act of good faith. Does that sound like a deal?" She held out a hand.

"If that is what it will take to start in the right direction, then I accept," PB said as she reached her right hand and shook Phoebe's. Even though she felt tremendous comfort at that moment, she knew all of her friends and loyal subjects would never look at her the same ever again. The road for redemption that laid before her was bound to be an uphill battle for years to come, but her heart and conscious reasoned it was better than going for a darker alternative. One what might have lead into a grand conflict that could have spelled certain doom for her life and for her kingdom.

"I'm still mad at you for what you did," Phoebe said as she frowned briefly. "But, I am willing to find the strength in myself to forgive you."

PB nodded gratefully in haste, "O-of course! Thank you so much, Phoebe!"

"Now go clean yourself up. We can't have you looking like this after the break's over," Phoebe suggested as she left.