1: New Beginnings, Old Stories
A horizon in the distance is the only sign of light, the setting sun casting an orange hue across the land of Aaa, the greens and pinks becoming darker, more defined in their tones as the day turns into night and the wind picks up speed, urged on by the oncoming darkness. Rolling hills beckon the last remnants of sunlight, the grass swaying easily back and forth, rustling slightly as the smell of pollen and sweetness permeates the air.
The rays land on the blonde head of Fionna, her bunny hat protecting her from the bite of the wind as she leans back facing the sun as it shines in the distance. Its warmth is nice, and after a day like today, Fionna needs the time out.
Cake yawns beside her, stretching out before curling up on the grass, her large eyes staring up at Fionna, "It's getting late, Fionna baby, maybe it's time we head back before we're faced with another set of monsters," she shivers, fur standing on edge.
"Yeah yeah, I hear you." standing up, Fionna stretches, putting away her sword with a metallic zing.
"Thank goodness, I was starting to think we would never go home, there's only so much Aaa I can take," Cake stretches up, her magical abilities allowing her body to extend to incredible heights. Fionna clambers up with ease sitting on her back, and they coast easily back the way they came. The quietness has Cakes looking up, her eyes just catching the top of Fionna's glum head.
"Whatcha thinking about?"
"Nuthin, nothing," Fionna sings.
"Is it a certain prince?"
Fionna ignores this, instead scanning the oncoming trees.
"Ooh it is, hmm, is it a certain gummy prince?"
Fionna shakes her head, "Cake."
"What? You know baby, I haven't seen him since our last adventure when we had to deliver those cream puffs to the cloud kingdom," Cake smiles, "Well, the one cream puff."
"Yeah," Fionna sighs dreamily, "That adventure was a bit, I dunno, lame," she shudders.
"Lame?!" Cake twists her head, "Girl we ate so many cream puffs I'm surprised we didn't turn into one!"
Fionna grins, her blue eyes lighting up, "That part was awesome, but the other bits, not so much."
The tree house, an impressive structure that boasts several flights looms in the distance and they both relax, eyes drooping as Cake picks up the pace, her body bounding forwards and Fionna digs her fingers into her fur. They reach it in record time and Fionna flips down, dancing to the door as Cake shrinks to normal size.
"Hey, Cake," Fionna says, coming to a halt, a note sits on the door, swirly writing greeting their eyes, "It's a note from GB."
"Ooh read it!"
Fionna snatches it from the door, "Ladies, my humblest apologies for it seems I may have missed you for the past few days."
Cake coos and Fionna rolls her eyes, her cheeks reddening.
"I have been meaning to send you these invitations to my annual sticky ball, everyone will be there and I hope you too, can attend."
Cake grabs the note before Fionna can react, "Hey!"
"Shushers," Cake slaps her hand away, "I'm just checking for myself!"
"Whatever," Fionna shrugs, slipping into the tree house with exaggerated care, her eyes scanning the dark floor filled with countless amount of treasure from their adventures. Entering slowly, she holds up her hands, karate chops at the ready.
"BMO, attack!"
The little robot flings itself towards her and Fionna tuck and rolls as Cake switches the light on.
"Darn," BMO says, kicking the floor with tiny feet.
Fionna smirks, "Better look next time BMO."
Cake stretches them up to the main floor and drops them, still clutching the note, "Lord monochromicorn is going to be there, I best get my best bow ready!"
Fionna groans as the next words leave Cakes mouth, "That means you have to wear a dress too, baby girl."
"No way, not after last time!"
"Sweetheart, last time the Ice Queen was pretending to be Prince Gumball, I doubt that she will be even invited,"
"She could be! You know, it could totally happen, I'm not risking it."
Cake sighs, her voice lowering, "You will be in a dress, Fionna, whether you like it or not."
Fionna shakes her head, making a run for it but a stretched paw wraps around her waist and halls her to the bedroom, "Aw no fair!"
"My baby is going to look so pretty!"
There hours later Fionna slumps out of the bedroom, face planting the floor as Cake stretches over her, her tail plumped and her bow resting neatly on her head. The dress itches, it's too tight, her sword has no way of even fitting into the gown and there's no way in hell she's going without her sword this time, her own sword. Why can't she just go in her skirt and top, the outfit kicks butt and is infinitely more accessible than this doped up junk. She rolls, her long hair wrapping around her and she grumbles at the tresses. Why did Gumball have to have the stinking party anyway? It's not like he hasn't had countless others in the past year, you'd of thought the pink prince would be all partied. Fionna could just imagine him now, pestering Peppermint Maid as he runs about the hall, hanging up party streamers and baking cakes. The image of the frantic prince brings a chuckle forth, and Fionna is pulled up by Cakes arms and set begrudgingly on her feet.
"Look!" Cakes arm stretches a loop around Fionna and points to a hidden pocket in her dress, "What are sisters for?" she places Fionnas demon red sword in the pocket, and surprisingly it makes the night seem so much less glummer.
"Radical, now can we just go and get this over with? I'm starting to chafe dude."
Cake harrumphs and returns to her normal stature, folding her kitty arms, "I want some excitement, baby cakes, otherwise I'll take the sword."
Fionna pumps her fist in the air with a yell.
"Yeah! Force that enthusiasm!"
The two stretch out of the window and Cake shifts so Fionna is on her back, and despite herself Fionna is laughing the entire way to the candy kingdom, her hair flowing behind her, escaping her bunny hat even more so as Cake lopes through the fields. Fingers gripping tight, Fionna chuckles as Cake twirls and Fionna stands, pulling out her sword as they come upon a group of flying pixies. They giggle at the two, sprinkling their magic on them as their faces morph into something demonic, switching from cute to evil in seconds. Fionna slices the air, cutting them down with ease as they mutter at the pair, pulling their severed arms and legs away.
"Yeah, take that! Stinking pixies, always stinking up the place."
Fionna nods, "They do stink."
"Like the Ice Queen."
The two guffaw as they come up to the candy kingdom gates, the towering castle boasting lights that twinkle in the night sky, fireworks leaping from the roof with wild abandon as the cheers of the candy people mingle with the bangs. The banana guards step aside as the two enter, Fionna's shoes clicking loudly against the drawbridge.
"Hey Fionna." they nod.
"Sup guys."
The shoes really aren't working for Fionna, the things are so loud, it's almost like an alarm bell fitted around her neck, no good for sneaking. The Castle seems to vibrate with the energy within its walls and as the pair enter the castle, they gasp. The place looks awesome, the pinks complimented by the yellows, the smell of candy heady in the air and the musical laughter of PG echoes politely around the place. Lumpy Space Prince gyrates in the centre of the dance floor along with others, and some gather around it to watch the spectacle with joy, joining in. The cheesiness almost reminds her of Marshall Lee, and she wonders where the rad vampire is right now.
PG spots her almost immediately and Fionna blushes as he hurries towards her.
Engulfing her in a hug, Fionnas face burns as he laughs.
"Fionna, Cake! I'm so glad you could make it." standing there in his princely ensemble, he looks every bit the royal and Fionna for once, is glad that Cake forced her to wear the dress. The white strapless outfit hugs in at her waist before flowing silkily down to the floor, brushing the pink tiles lightly with a slit up the side allowing movement.
"Uh, it's cool PG, you know, haha."
Cake rolls her eyes, "Prince Gumball, do you know where Lord M-"
The confusing language of Lord M greets Fionnas ears and Cake squeals in delight.
"See you later baby, if you need me I'll be with Lord M." The two twirl around the guests and into the crowd, Cakes laughter echoing behind them as they leave Prince Gumball and Fionna behind.
"Prince Gumball, like, this punch is disgusting, ugh, what the lump?!"
PG smiles apologetically at Fionna before hurrying off to LSP, his calming words instantly soothing the inflamed prince.
Bounding through the crowd, waving back at the greeting the people give the heroine, she flips her way to the buffet, thankful for the skirt she has on underneath. The dress rubs painfully, and with a groan she shifts it around, picking at the stray pieces.
"Boo."
Fionna lunges, her fist connecting with the plump cheek of Marshall Lee.
"Argh, what the junk?"
"Sorry." Fionna smiles, "Reflexes."
"Yeah, whatever, listen, could you do me a favour and distract Sir Fluffingtons over there?"
Fionna glances over to see PG patting LSP on the... Shoulder? Fionna shakes her head, turning back to Marshall, "Why?"
He shrugs, his toothy grin flashing a dangerous pair of fangs, "So I can spike the-"
"Punch?"
He nods, kicking off the ground and pulling out a bottle, "Potion makes everyone burp uncontrollably for a solid five minutes."
"Say no more," Fionna makes her way over to the prince, once again admiring his stance. The guy really knows how to soothe people, he's always caring for others and junk, well, for his candy people anyway. The missions he sends her on have always been for the greater good, like blocking off caves that the candy people could fall into, or fighting off an ogre heading straight for the candy kingdom. His handsome face comes up and Fionna smiles.
"Yo, PG, do you have a second?" she twirls and pulls the prince with her, his back facing the punch bowl and over his shoulder she can just make out the floating legs of Marshall Lee.
"Uh, Fionna," he stumbles and Fionna rights him.
"It's just about the latest adventure you gave me."
He nods, smiling, "Did all go well?"
"Yeah, totally, in fact, it went better than well."
PG raises an eyebrow, his face drawing together, "Whatever do you mean by that?"
"That uh..." Marshall Lee gives her the thumbs up, his fanged grin indicating he is more than pleased with himself, "It just uh, went amazing, is all."
"Fionna." PG says, "I only asked you too-"
Fionna nods, "Yep, well, gotta go, you know, Cake needs me."
Fionna has never been good with making up things, and to be honest she's surprised Marshall even bothered asking her to distract the bubblegum prince, her stories always muddle up if she doesn't pay attention. Like now, for example. The prince watches in confusion as the adventuress bounds off into the crowd, her dress flowing behind her like a whirlwind, much like the heroine, whirlwind Fionna. The prince chuckles to himself before a scream from LSP draws him back to the present situation.
Whirlwind Fionna indeed.
Meanwhile...
The roar of flames pierces the cavern, the spittle and crack dangling above their heads precariously drawing to an almighty inferno, the glass containing the fiery doom groaning as the flames threaten to melt away the magical bonds. The yells of anger well deep inside the lamp, purely constructed for this purpose, to imprison the one who cannot control himself.
Such anger ignites the flames around him as the Queen watches on in boredom, the fiery throne room becoming increasingly hot as the flames branch out of the lamp, the only thing she can see is the twisting, writhing mass of flames within the glass prison.
A deep sense of pride fills her fiery frame, but she huffs in annoyance. The flames, albeit the strongest in the land of Aaa, are for nought, and helpless, she can only stare on as her son exhausts himself into a stupor, before his anger burns up again and like a reoccurring nightmare he blankets his prison in flames, a desperate but in the end feeble attempt to escape. The Prince of the Candy Kingdom ensured the magical bonds would not succumb to the destruction of flames, the glass never melting, never shifting, always groaning. Teasing the Flame Prince.
The groan and breathless gasp signals the end of his tantrum, and the flames dissipate as if there was nothing there in the first place, flitting away and the frame of the Flame Prince slumps down the side of the glass, his body completely exhausted.
Flame Queen sighs, her jester dancing himself away in an attempt to alleviate the Queens torment. The boy turned sixteen a few days ago. Eleven years he's been trapped in that glass, eleven years and he still tries to escape. The Prince of the Candy Kingdom presented the idea, no, the demand with the utmost logic, and the Queen, not willing to start a war bowed down to his demands out of respect. The Flame Prince from an early age demonstrated his potential, so much more than that of his fathers, of his mothers. The inherent evil nature obliterated any of her intentions; even the Queen of Fire knew the limits.
The squeal of laughter that comes from her jester is the final straw, and standing up, she sends a bolt of fire towards the dancing fool, "Enough, you bore me."
The jester runs, laughing giddily.
"Oh son," She sighs, the flames crackling as he closes his eyes, his fiery Mohawk flickering as his flames, his entire being, begin to die down.
Something needs to change, and that change needs to come now.