"Okay people. I need more trenches to be dug over in these areas on the double," ordered a banana guard. "They're gonna throw everything they got at us and we need to be ready."
The Grasslands was packed with thousands of candy troops as they used shovels and bulldozers to set up defensive positions.
"How're we doing on progress," asked an officer.
"So far, so good," replied another. "Our forces are deploying the traps and barricades successfully in an efficient manner. We should be finished within 2 hours."
"Alright, let's try and speed it up in the meantime. The enemy's not going to give us the courtesy to prepare once they get here."
"Yes, sir!"
As the second officer left, the first one observed the armored trucks parking near the perimeter. Each one had six all terrain wheels, three on each side, an adequately sloped front bumper, and one turret on the roof. These were usually designed to subdue riots as each truck was loaded with water. Next to the riot vehicles was also a tank column. With several of them being salvaged from the Mushroom War, it didn't take long for Bubblegum to reverse engineer them into mass production.
"We're going against fire elementals," Colonel Candy Corn said as he approached the first officer. "Most of the ordinance is loaded with nitrogen and other stuff used to counter the opposite element."
"I see. It shouldn't be so hard to fight them then if that's the case," the officer said confidently.
"I've gone through the Nightosphere many times protecting our people from the Fire Kingdom," he said gravely. "Do not underestimate them."
He noticed this and looked down, "My apologies, sir."
Candy Corn placed a hand on his shoulder, "Understood, captain. Just keep our troops vigilant in the meantime."
"This is gonna be awesome," Phoebe's older brother exclaimed to himself. After waiting for almost a year, he was finally able to put his plan into action. The Supreme General stood center stage on an elevated platform with thousands of troops listening, "Everyone here knows for a fact that we've lived peacefully like everyone else. We had goals and dreams in hopes we would someday prosper. But that future was taken from us by that sugar princess. And for what?! Because we're too dangerous?! We worked hard together and made an honest living for ourselves for a long time, until she came along and wasted it on that dreadful day."
He looked down momentarily, lifted his head up, and continued, "Because of her, we have lost men, women, ...and children who could have been our next great thinkers of tomorrow. Because of her, we nearly became extinct as an entire race. Because of her, we are at war rather than spending time with our families!" He shouted as his flames increased from that moment.
His flames returned to their normal state, "She maliciously violated the core principles we've abide by for so long through an elaborate act of deception. She has mocked our kingdom's virtues and way of life... Well I, for one will not stand for this! Today, her lies stop! We will take the fight to their land, to their people, to their blood!"
The men cheered raising their weapons.
He raised his right hand and swung forward, "March onward, to victory!"
Columns of infantry moved in unison, singing songs of honor and glory. As they moved closer to the Grasslands, the general pulled out his communicator.
"Status report," he asked.
"This is Commander Erwin, my men should be in position within two hours."
"Good, wait for my call once they're ready. We only have one shot at this to pull this off perfectly."
"Understood, Supreme General. Over and out."
Finn was rushing past the candy refugees as he entered the kingdom's outer walls. Although he couldn't bring his truck, he still managed to reach the capital quickly by navigating through shortcuts with alleyways and small rooftops. He arrived at his destination in record time and rested for a few moments to catch his breath.
"I can't rest too long," Finn thought to himself panting. He held onto his knees momentarily until his most of his breath became even. Satisfied from the break, he focused his sights on a set destination and stretched his legs before going into another sprint.
Suddenly, the blonde hero drew his sword, turning around. He lowered his weapon after realizing it was his sword master, "Rattleballs, I didn't think I'd run into you. What are you doing here?" Finn sheathed his sword afterward.
"I am here to fulfill my programming to protect the princess and her people," the guardian replied.
Finn was shocked, "You'll still follow her after everything she's done?! She tried to kill you, you know."
"Regardless, I swore an oath to defend this kingdom. The only reason why I rebelled against her from all those years ago besides my personal safety was because my teachings would have gone to waste. I needed someone who I could trust to carry my skills as a sword fighter so that I may know this world will have a righteous protector."
Finn was stunned, "Righteous protector? Heh, I haven't been exactly the best person for that role in a while now."
Rattleballs placed a hand on the hero's shoulder, "You have struggled and have fallen short at times, but deep down you still strive to do the right thing. You have gained the essential characteristics to become the hero this world needs and that is: humility, virtue, and compassion. Guide as many refugees as you can, Finn. The Fire Kingdom will stop at nothing until everyone and everything in the Candy Kingdom is destroyed."
Finn lifted his head up, "You should come with me then. Everybody knows for a fact this place is finished. Without any support from the other kingdoms, it'll only be a matter of time until it runs dry from resources."
The guardian shook his head, "My place is here, Finn. I will give you and the others time to escape while I hold them off. Head over to the train station through the office building two blocks east of here. It should get you there fast in half the time."
"Master, it's been an honor," Finn bowed.
"You have been a great student under my tutelage, but most importantly you have been a great friend," Rattleballs said as he returned the bow. Afterward, they hugged each other briefly, "Go now, and may Glob be with you."
After saying their goodbyes, Finn set his sights towards the shortcut and leaped towards the closest rooftop. The streets below were still packed with cars and pedestrians alike, and they were all heading towards the same destination. With all of the aerial transports departed already, the remaining refugees frantically rushed towards their last means of escape. Time was running out though as the sun was beginning to set. Although most of the sky was becoming relatively dark, the edge of the horizon from the east was beginning to glow bright.
A candy citizen from one of the apartment buildings furrowed his brows in confusion, "That's weird. Is the next day starting already? I was so sure the sun went down just a moment ago."
"That's not the sun I'm afraid," said another beside him. "That light over there is coming from all the fire elementals Bubblegum ticked off. And we're about to pay the price for it."
Back at the Grasslands, banana troops armed with crossbows and spears anxiously waited inside the trenches.
"Captain Henson, the enemy is closing in! I've got hundreds of heat signatures closing in fast," said a candy trooper.
He nodded, "Copy." He pulled out his communicator next, "Colonel Candy Corn, I'm getting reports about a large enemy presence approaching our position. Should we engage?"
"Not yet," the superior replied. "Standby until your men have visual contact."
"Roger that," Henson gulped as he hung up. Anxiety began to course through his body as his stomach churned in realization. "I might actually die," he thought to himself. The captain felt relatively indifferent at first when he established defenses hours ago. He thought of the whole process being a routine exercise when he realized at the last second this was the real deal. As far as he was concerned, he never tested his combat abilities with an actual threat until today. It also disturbed him from the fact that most of the troops around him felt relatively the same.