Sometime later, Phoebe's generals and advisors returned to the throne room. They quietly assembled before their ruler who stood high above them.

"Blood has been spilled on our soil before the hands of Princess Bubblegum in which is deemed as an act of war," she began as she paced with her hands clasped behind her. "As fitting as it seems to retaliate, we are currently in no condition to do so."

One general stood forward, "Our scouts report that the Gumball guardians from the Darren incident have been rendered inoperable. With that said, we could use that to our advantage and initiate an arms race. Besides, the other kingdoms will see us as the victims after what we've been through."

"It's unbelievable that she would pull something so treachous especially given her reputation," said another. "But, the proof speaks for itself." He pulled out a small booklet and tore a page out, "Whatever you need, your majesty... You got a blank check."

She nodded as she received the bank note, "Thank you, I will see to it that the money is well spent." Then she looked at another official, "I want you to gather all of our best engineers, alchemists, and scientists to work on a special project within the palace. Get them to work immediately once you've briefed them about the situation."

He bowed and left.

Phoebe faced her older brother, "I must go and make a public appearance with my people. They will need my presence to provide them comfort and emotional support in times like these."

He nodded, "What would you have me do?"

"I'm placing you in charge as Supreme General of our military forces where you'll be responsible for coordinating and maintaining our kingdom's defenses. We need to appear strong before all the kingdoms when we discuss terms with Princess Bubblegum. And furthermore, I need to have an offensive strategy planned out if things go south."

He bowed, "Of course, your majesty. I won't let you down." Little did she know, he had something already in mind.

After she left with Cinnamon Bun, he faced another representative and whispered, "Get me all available miners as possible and bring them to the outskirts... I have a task for them." His eyes narrowed.

"Yes, sir," he saluted and left.

"Is this really happening?" One of his younger brothers named Randy asked with a worrisome expression.

He placed a hand sympathetically on his shoulder, "I'm afraid so, brother. But tomorrow, there will be no shortage of patriots, no shortage of volunteers. I know you'll understand..."


Within 72 hours, every recruitment office in the Fire Kingdom was packed with men and women alike. Lines extended beyond the hallways to the streets outside. No one could blame them. After hearing the news of Bubblegum's treacherous act, the entire Fire Kingdom as a whole eagerly diverted all of its resources for one grand war.

The hours would pass as people went through selection which involved signing paperwork and taking physical examinations. Once they were done, the newly approved recruits would assemble into convoy trucks that would send them to the nearest military base for boot camp.

Meanwhile, the miners that were summoned met accordingly at the outskirts. The area was filled with hundreds of mobile office buildings along with heavy construction vehicles. Their purpose, according to their superiors, was to create a massive tunnel network that would give them direct access to the Candy Kingdom. The details of the assignment required that they needed the tunnels below the planet's crust, near the mantle to mask their people's heat signature.

The mining operation was met with several setbacks. Sometimes the tunnels would collapse from instability, the workers would get injured from faulty equipment, and the overall map layout would be inconsistent. For a long time, morale was low and they believed their work was hopless. However, some of them persevered and rallied the others as a whole to continue. When they finally achieved their goal after several grueling months, the men threw their hats into the air to celebrate. As far as they knew about their role in the upcoming war effort, their job was finally done.


The newly appointed general stood inside the throne room as he waited for his sister to start another council meeting. He was looking at one of the royal paintings with his hands behind his back until a messenger approached him, "Status report?"

"The tunnel network has been successfully completed under your specifications, general sir," the messanger replied.

He nodded as he kept his gaze on the painting, "Anything else?"

"So far, we have detected no signs of hostile activity within our borders. The kingdom is relatively secure for the moment."

"Very good, keep me updated if anything comes up." And with that, the messenger dismissed himself afterward.

A few minutes later, Phoebe entered the throne room with Cinnamon Bun and initiated the meeting.

"Where do we stand so far," she asked.

One official straightened his glasses, "Our research and development teams have reported their special assignment will be complete within two years. However, on the other hand, our recruits have been successfully trained to form up a large reserve of ground units. We have also been notified that the military industrial complex has yielded thousands of artillery units along with a surplus of general weapons. In short, you have a kingdom armed at the ready."

She nodded, "Alright. With that settled, have we heard anything from Princess Bubblegum?"

"No, your majesty. We've kept an open line of communications in case she would have contacted us earlier beforehand, but have received nothing."

"Then I guess now would be a good time to start." She faced a messenger, "Contact all the princesses and arrange an urgent conference meeting. They must be made aware of the developing crisis to avoid further incidents."

He bowed his head solemnly and left.

Phoebe faced the remaining group, "This is it ladies and gentleman. Two great civilizations hang in the balance of peace and utter destruction. I'm willing myself to be the better person and give Bubblegum one last chance in spite of everything she's done. Make no mistake, she will still answer to us, but I want it to be done under the circumstances of diplomacy, without bloodshed. However, let it be known that if this fails, then at least you would all know I've sought all options."


And so, all the princesses of Ooo gathered together inside the palace of the Emerald Kingdom, on neutral territory. Tons of security guards were stationed at all entry and exit points, being sure to keep a certain Lumpy Space Princess in check. After the recent mishap from the last royals meeting in the Breakfast Kingdom, everyone agreed to take stricter precautions to avert accidental wars.

"Emerald Princess," Phoebe began. "And all the leaders of Ooo. I come before you to protest a grave injustice inflicted upon my people..."

During the session, most of the princesses were outraged and in disbelief as Phoebe revealed to them about Bubblegum's past deeds. Everyone was reluctant to accept that the Candy princess whom they've held a high regard for, was guilty of spying.

"I was just being pragmatic!" PB shouted. "I was merely taking the initiative to counter the potential dangers that may surface among us in the future."

Gridface Princess stood up and pointed at her, "And by doing this, you reap the benefits while everyone else plummets?! What is wrong with this picture?!"

Space Angel Princess stood up next, "You know well enough that most if not all of us have no ambition of conquest or violence! Your intentions are unacceptable!"

Breakfast Princess followed after, "Everyone can be dangerous, Bubblegum. It's the matter of deciding to act accordingly that counts. You should have placed your faith in all of us, rather than doubt us with science."

More princesses began to join the uproar as Bubblegum vainlessly tried to justify her actions. After a while, the host of the summit meeting called order to the court. Although the banter ceased to a minimal, dozens of eyes continued to stare at the sugar princess with disdain.

"Princess Bonnibel," Emerald Princess began. "In light of this development, the kingdoms of Ooo have unanimously agreed to impose sanctions against your civilization. Effective immediately."

PB was shocked, "WHAT?! After everything I've done for the good of this land, this is the gratitude I get from all of you?!" She barred her teeth and slammed a fist on the table, "You people wouldn't have been here if it weren't for me!"

EP frowned as she pointed at her, "Watch yourself, Bonnibel. Doing a hundred things for the benefit of society does not warrant you immunity to commit such deeds. You should be lucky that your civilization does not fall under the dire threat of war from ALL the royals before you, save for one."

The Candy princess looked down as she pondered the extent of her actions. Unfortunately, she couldn't reflect long enough when the fire monarch gained her attention.

"Bonnibel," Phoebe said. "As much as I want to give in to my pride as a fire elemental, I do not want to cast our kingdoms into chaos. I'm trying really hard right now to keep my people under control to be reasonable and relieve tensions between us through diplomacy... This conflict doesn't have to happen. We can avert this crisis right here, right now. You've told me in the past that you're not a bad person. So, if you are willing to prove yourself, you will come with me and answer before the high council in the Fire Kingdom palace, where we'll be discussing how you can provide compensation to all 94 lives lost from this incident."

Peppermint Butler leaned into PB's ear and whispered, "You can't go, your majesty. Even if Phoebe stays true from laying a hand on you, I sincerely doubt all of her peeps will be able to do the same. The moment you set foot onto their soil, they will surely kill you given the chance!"

Bubblegum nodded and cleared her throat before speaking, "Look I'm really sorry for what I've done to your people. It was a poor choice in judgement and I can't undo it. However, I will have to decline on that offer."

"You do realize what it will come down to if you refuse, right?" Phoebe asked cautiously. "A simple apology isn't going to resolve this issue."

PB nodded sharply, "I'll take my chances."

Phoebe shook her head and let out a deep sigh, "You leave me no choice then. On behalf of the Fire Kingdom, I officially declare war on the Candy Kingdom. I hope your citizens realize the predicament you've thrown them into."

EP spoke next and concluded, "All the other rulers, including myself, have agreed to take a neutral standpoint. We will offer no allegiance to either warring parties, for this dispute is strictly between the two of you. May the deities of Ooo be with us all..."

As the meeting ended, Phoebe stormed outside the conference room towards the lobby. From there, a small crowd of reporters were flashing cameras and asking the fiery monarch tons of questions. She didn't acknowledge them though as she continued to reach the exit.

Phoebe's mind was preoccupied from today's meeting while CB and her royal escort pushed the news media aside. Her eyes were focused on the floor, recalling everything that PB said during their previous duel. All it did however was anger her more as she also recalled the lives lost. Because of PB's ambitions, several children became orphans overnight. With a grievous tragedy too great to ignore, she lifted her gaze back up towards the doorway with determination. Unbeknownst to her however, was a security guard far into the distance observing her with a solemn expression.


Hours later, Phoebe and her escort returned to the Fire Kingdom. As she dismounted Jake 2, she instructed her company to give her some time alone. They complied and left their ruler in peace knowing it would be brief.

The young monarch was in her chambers as she changed out of her formal dress attire into her iconic royal armor. She took her time as she fastened the plates together along with her boots. Memories of her past began to surface as she prepped herself for the imminent war. Times of depression and loneliness in the lantern crossed her mind first, then happy and joy from the outside world. But as the memories concluded, moments of betrayal and anger clouded her mind. The fire elemental bowed in front of her bedroom mirror as she held her crown firmly with both hands. Then, she slowly placed it on top of her head and looked at her reflection with a hardened expression.

Phoebe walked back into the throne room to meet up with CB, her siblings, and her military advisers. The moment she entered through the doorway, everyone inside instantly hushed and stood upright. They looked at her expectantly as she slowly approached her seat at the throne. Each step she took was a constant reminder of the grim reality she had to face now. None of this was twisted dream, PB revealed her true colors, and now hundreds of thousands of lives were at risk.

She closed her eyes briefly as she rested on her throne. From that moment, she found solace. The only thing that could be heard within the room were the flames cackling. It was only short-lived though as her older brother approached and knelled before her.

"Your highness," he began. "What are your orders?"

Phoebe opened her eyes, "Assemble the armies and engage the Candy Kingdom." Each word was uttered with conviction.

"Yes, my liege. I've got a wicked strategy in mind that'll end this war in no time! Bubblegum will be caught by surprise that she won't know what hit her."

She placed a hand on her forehead, closed her eyes and sighed, "Just do whatever it takes."

He left moments later containing his excitement.

Everyone else followed suit until it was just the ruler and CB.

"You know I've tried everything," she said solemnly to her knight.

He nodded, "Of course."

"I still can't believe PB was responsible," she said with a pained expression.

"She's evil," the pastry stated. "It was only a matter of time for her to reveal her true self."

Phoebe frowned, "I was thought to be evil too, CB. Maybe I was actually from the start. Bottom line, neither of us are completely pure in either extremities. Bubblegum regretted her actions after the fact and that's at least something to show otherwise. Still though, that isn't going to stop my entire kingdom from going out of their way to get even."

A few moments passed as CB considered his ruler's thoughts.

Phoebe turned right to met his gaze, "Whatever happens from here on out, please do not think less of me..."