Through Her Burning Gaze

~Earth & Water~

A New Beginning Part II

I slid down onto the couch once again. Realizing who I really am, or just what others wanted me to be, wasn't what I needed right now. It drained me. My mind was blank. What am I supposed to do now? Who am I meant to be? Princess Bubblegum said I am a threat. My father wanted me to die because of the same reason, and I put Finn's life in danger once, because I can't kiss him without totes freaking out… Because I am a weapon of massive destruction. Was that my only purpose in life? To destroy and bash the world away? Or maybe, I just wasn't meant to survive… Princess Bubblegum shouldn't have rescued me fifteen years ago.

I felt a single tear running down my cheek, and then a gentle hand wiped it away. I turned to see Cinnamon Bun sitting by my side. He offered me a cup of tea and I accepted it in silence.

"Tea helps with bad baby memories, you'll see!" he said, encouraging me to drink some.

The warm liquid reached my lips, giving me some solace. However, as soon as I let it reach my tongue, an awful sour taste engulfed me. I immediately leaned forward, spitting it out as fast as I could.

"Cinnamon Bun, this tea is—well… not that good…" I sighed, not really wanting to hurt the feelings of the only person in the world that truly cared about me.

"Oh…" he took the teapot and walked back to the kitchen. "When I don't like how tea tastes, I just make a new one."

"Y-yeah, try to make it sweeter this time." I suggested.

"Maybe I could use some honey!" Cinnamon chuckled.

"And a drop of lemon to give it flavor." I added.

"Boil the water properly this time, so everyone can enjoy it!" he sang.

"Make it the best tea it can be!" I exclaimed, jumping off the couch once again. "That's it!"

Cinnamon Bun gave me his characteristic look of confusion and tilted his head. "Yeah, it's tea." He shrugged.

"Yes, but what if the tea was the world?" I felt so full of inspiration, so relieved.

Cinnamon Bun is a genius! Why should I resign myself to live in a world that I don't like? Why should I accept the suffering when I don't deserve it? I can make a new world! Make it sweeter and better so that everyone can enjoy it; a world with no secrets, lies or cheating. All this power I was born with, I can use it to build a new world instead of destroying it. I have a reason to live; I'm not just a monster that should be kept locked and hidden!

I've changed before, why wouldn't others be capable of doing it too? I'll show the world a new way of living! I have the power to change, to change bad to good. To change sadness into joy! Starting by myself… I don't need help to be detached of the emotions that hurt me. I can leave the pain and the hatred behind, so that I can move forward, destroying the chains that bind me. Leave the past in the past to leap into the future, my future…

"There's tea in the world." Cinnamon Bun said.

"I know and I'm glad there is, friend." I smiled, shinning brighter than ever. I walked up to him and made a small bow. "Thank you, Cinnamon Bun. You have saved my life and I'll be forever in your debt. Now it's time for me to go."

"So soon? Why?" he protested in sadness.

"Yeah… I've been far away from home for too long. I have to go back and repair the damage my father has caused. If I'm going to change the world, I should start with the cradle of liars and deceivers that the Fire Kingdom is. It is my duty; I'm their princess! And now, I'm gonna prove my father that I'm worth something!"

"I'll go with ya!"

"No, Cinnamon Bun. It might be dangerous for someone like you." I warned.

"But I wanna stay with my friend…!" he cried.

I sighed and gave him a nod. How could I deny him his company? I was about to turn the table on my favor, to confront my father. It would probably be one of the greatest challenges of my life. "I know I can do this on my own…" I said, glancing at him. "But nothing could be better than knowing that I have a friend by my side. Cinnamon Bun, are you ready to fight shoulder by shoulder with me?"

"Let's rock & roll!" Cinnamon exclaimed. "Wait. What about Jake?"

"What Jake?" I asked in confusion. I don't remember Jake having anything to do with this, besides being one of the first liars I met after I was freed from the lantern. Baron of the Grasslands… Even my father believed that nonsense! Guess it has always been like that for me… Everyone takes advantage of me because I'm too naïve. Well, that's about to be changed!

"Jake the dog. My dog." Cinnamon Bun said, pointing the mop on his couch.

"Right, let me see…" I sighed, scratching the back of my head.

x+x+x+x+x

"How do you spell Kingdom?" Cinnamon Bun asked me as we prepared ourselves for the dangerous journey ahead.

"I don't know, with double 'n' maybe?" I said as I grabbed a purple crayon and helped my friend finish his note. I took a moment to look at it.

Gon 2 fyr

Kinng…

Dum

Yes, there was definitively something wrong with that message. I studied it closer, realizing my mistake almost immediately. How silly of me, Kingdom ain't spelled with double 'n'. I rolled my eyes in exhaustion and crossed out the second 'n' with my crayon. I had accidentally burned the rest of Cinnamon Bun's paper, so we decided to add the last part of the note on a napkin. We brought the message outside along with "Jake" and Cinnamon Bun pasted it on his door with some funny stickers that he let me choose.

"Nice, it looks nice!" my friend cheered.

"Yeah, it does!" I smiled. "Hold on…" I went inside his house and quickly returned with a can of dog food. I slashed it open and filled 'Jake's' bowl to the top. "There! Now your pet won't get hungry while he waits!"

Cinnamon Bun turned towards me with big sparkling eyes. "You are very good and very smart!" he said.

My cheeks blushed with embarrassment. "Really? You think I'm that good?"

"Why, yes! Yes!"

"I think you're very good and wise too, Cinnamon Bun."

He flushed and turned his face away with an "Aw…! Nobody had ever treated me like that! Or called me wise… Hmmm…"

I crouched to pick up the tinfoil roll that we had brought outside along with the stickers, the dog food, and the crayons. In a matter of seconds I had wrapped Cinnamon Bun's body with it. Flying towards the Fire Kingdom would be much faster than just going by feet, and my new friend needed protection to be carried in the air. That's how things will be from now on. I will always take care of my friend, protect him from any harm. Honest friends like Cinnamon Bun aren't easy to find, they are way too precious to lose 'em.

"Well, ya better believe it, friend. I'm tellin' you the truth… I always will." I laid my eyes upon the horizon where the Fire Kingdom would be siting as soon as we take flight. "Let's go. The sooner we do this, the sooner it will be over."

x+x+x+x+x

The flame guards on the entrance of the palace didn't give us much trouble. They recognized me as their princess immediately and Cinnamon Bun as my escort. I told them that we were here to pay a surprise visit to my father, which wasn't a lie at all. It had to be a surprise, and of course, it was a visit... a visit that would change his and my life forever. One of the guards offered himself to guide us, but I rejected his help. I knew how to find the way; this is my home after all.

As we walked through the searing hallway that would lead us to the throne room, I turned back to check on Cinnamon Bun. He was doing okay with the heat, especially after I forced Flambo to cast a Flame Shield on him. I knew that the tinfoil could protect him from my touch as it did with Finn, but the high temperatures of the Fire Kingdom were another story. The great closed doors stood in front of us before I knew it. I took a moment to breathe and prepare myself for the challenges ahead.

In theory, I was supposed to be stronger than my father, but here's the thing. All these years I believed that he was actually concerned about me, that he cared, that he loved me. Stupid, isn't it? I even dreamed of the day when I would get to make him truly proud, not by being evil but by being myself. That's all a daughter wants. The emotional bind was still there, I could feel it, even if I wanted to kill him right now, there is a chance that I won't be able to do it. Because he is still my father, and that simple fact could force me to restrain my powers involuntary.

"Cinnamon Bun," I sighed. "Stay behind me."

I made a step forward. The symbols on the doors changed and were opened for us. The Flame King was there, sitting on his throne as usual. My heart ached with both hatred and sadness. I felt like rushing onto him, I wanted to discharge my pain through the most violent way possible as soon as I saw him. But I didn't. I had learned to control myself; I could deal with my emotions at will now.

My father hadn't noticed us yet. He was rubbing his temple in distress; something bothered him. I made my way towards him in silence. The empty lantern hung above us, I caught a glimpse of it out of the corner of my eye. Nostalgia rushed through my nerves. To think that I had spent fourteen years in that thing, watching, learning, waiting… It made the pain in my heart worse. That prison meant so many things to me. Not only the dirty lies of my father but also, the happiness and the hope that Finn brought to me when I was finally freed from it.

I found myself grinning as I approached my father, it seemed like it was only yesterday when I was begging him to let me go in exchange of a good behavior. When I got him in trouble in revenge for denying me my freedom or at least an explanation. When I was grounded, forced to remain silent…until Jake, the Blue Potato Dog appeared. Then my story began, and here comes the plot twist.

"Flame King!" I called defiantly.

"Now what?" he growled in annoyance, oblivious of my presence. His eyes were slowly opened and they fell upon mine in disconcertment, his jaw dropping at the same time. "P-princess? What in the name of Grod are you doing here?" a smirk was drawn on his face. "What? You finally got tired of your pitiful human mate, huh? Are you ready to return to the only place where you belong?"

"Yes, actually. I'm ready to return where I belong… I want my throne!"

"That's what I—your what?!" The King choked in his astonishment, pounding his chest in an attempt to get his lungs back to work. "You're kidding me, right?" he chuckled nervously as he slowly descended from his seat. "Yes, that must be it… You are only playing with your old father… This is a game, isn't it?"

"Yes, a game…" I hissed, lighting my hands on fire. "C'mon dad, play with me…"

The tension in the air was as thick as the lava surrounding us. The Flame King detected the obvious sarcasm in my voice. I could see it in his frightened eyes; he could no longer hide the truth from me. He knew my true intentions. He knew that he wouldn't escape from this one easily. He was at the mercy of the being he feared the most… Me.

"Play with me like you never did in these fifteen years…!" I yelled, throwing the first hit. My father caught my gripped fist with both hands, slightly sliding backwards from the amount of strength that I had put on the blow.

"C'mon, daddy! Smile a little for your dearest daughter!" My free hand shot a furious fireball on his face. He fell onto the floor, defenseless, horrified. It hurt to see how afraid he was; my own father knew I was a monster. The crowd around us gasped in fear as well, unleashing chaos as they struggled to flee. "Are you proud now, father? Don't you like to spend some quality time with your little baby?!"

"You are insane!" he screamed, struggling to get back on his feet. I let him. The Flame King helped himself up with the staircase behind him. He eyed me just like he had done with his many enemies in the past. It hurt. "So… I guess you know everything now, huh? The Princess of the Gum World spilled the beans, didn't she?" A guffaw left his lips. "I never thought this day would come… To see you, my own daughter, trying to steal the crown from me… How delightful…"

The enraged flames swirling around me grew as he spoke. My eyes burned with hatred. All I wanted was to end this nightmare now. However, as much as my anger increased, so did the pain. He was my father for Glob's sake! I searched for a hint of regret in him, I wanted to see him suffering as much as I did. I wanted to know that he loved me… But I couldn't find anything. There was fear, yes, hidden beneath a hypocritical grin.

"How does it feel?" my father asked all of a sudden. "The unlimited power that runs through your veins, tell me, do you really think you have the right to take over the throne because of it? Please, princess…" he chuckled. "We both know that you are too young to control it. In fact, you can't control anything! Not even yourself!"

The Flame King leapt forward, punching me on the chin. I never saw it coming. I was focused on his speech, on his empty words, still waiting to hear an "I'm sorry." or an "I did it because I cared about you." But instead, all I felt was his fist, tossing me into the air. I hit the ground on my back. It was frustrating. I knew I had the power to finish him whenever I wanted, but I didn't have the courage to do it.

"You have been very insubordinate, Flame Princess…" I heard him whisper as he approached me. "I'm quite disappointed. Guess that, after I give you the beating that you deserve, I'll have to lock you up again."

"Just try!" I cried, exploding over him. I let my flames feast on my anger, making them grow to seize my father. He struggled to free his body from my ever-growing one. If wanted to, I could crush him now. Squeeze him until I make him cough up an apology or until he died. "You never loved me did, you?" I hissed. "All you ever wanted was to keep your throne, even if that meant having to get rid of your newborn baby, just like you did with your brother… Am I right?!"

"W-who…who was the traitorous rat that told you that?" the King gasped, unable to breathe.

"I figured it myself!" I yelled, squeezing him harder. "One just have to look at you with a cold eye to know the kind of selfish coward that you really are! Now, this is what you're going to do if you wanna keep your, oh so precious life… You are gonna kneel before me and beg for forgiveness, then you're gonna hand the crown to me and then, I'll let you run away like the worthless donk you are!"

"F-fine…" he said weakly as his fire lost intensity from the lack of air. "Just let me breathe, please…"

I let go of him, watching how he collapsed at my feet like a panting dog. The Flame King took all the time he wanted to recover. It was the least I could for someone that pathetic. As he promised, my father got onto his knees and faced me with shameful, pleading eyes.

"F-Flame Princess… I'm… I'm sorry you've forced me to do this! Guards!"

My ears caught the echo of dozens of footsteps, dashing into the throne room. Let them come. I thought with a smug grin on my face. I can handle a million of them. It was until I realized that I hadn't been attacked, that I dared to look back. Yes, I could certainly handle all of those flame guards, but there was someone that couldn't. Cinnamon Bun had been cornered by a sea of flaming spears, all of them aimed at his chest.

"Oh noes…!" he gasped with a blank expression on his doughy features. How could I have forgotten about my friend after I swore to protect him? My anger had consumed me, and all I was thinking about was the Flame King and how to make him pay. That shows the kind of selfish blood that runs through my veins. I can't deny that I'm a fire elemental too.

"C-Cinnamon Bun…!" I heard myself gasp in worry, and then my father's laughter filled the room.

"So young, so foolish!" he chuckled, getting back on his feet.

"Let him go!" I demanded. "Or I will—!"

"You will what, Princess?!" I had no choice but to return to my normal size. It was obvious that if I tried to counterattack my father would order his men to hurt Cinnamon Bun. Flame King took advantage of this and he quickly grasped my ear, pulling it severely. "Now, this is what you're going to do if you want to keep your, oh so precious friend alive… You are going to surrender and stop all that nonsense of wanting to overthrow your own father, and then, you are going to walk inside the lantern without causing me any more trouble! Is that clear?"

"Pssh!" I hissed, nodding in response with a dead glare in my eyes.

"I wanna hear you say 'Yes sir!' next time, spoiled child!" My father yelled. "Now guards, bring the lantern down!"

Back to the lantern, really? After all I've been through, I have to end up where I started? As if nothing had ever happened, as if all my struggle and suffering in the outside world had been in vain? Tomorrow I will wake up to the blinding sunlight that leaks itself through the openings in the wall and everything I have lived throughout the year will become a distant dream, even Finn and the love I still felt for him. No, I won't allow it. I didn't come all the way here to surrender. I came here to change my fate, to make things better for everyone. I will change this kingdom…

"What's wrong? Why have you stopped walking?" Flame King yelled impatiently. "Hurry up and get inside the lantern, now! There will be no dinner for you tonight, young lady!"

I didn't move. All I did was to scream to the top of my lungs: "Snake Fire!" Four long whips came out of my arms and I used them to wipe the flame guards away from Cinnamon Bun, sweeping the area with a single blow. Their unconscious bodies began to fall one by one, raining upon the astonished face of the terrified king before me. I turned to him shortly after that, my eyes blazing with fury.

"You're not going to lock me up in that lantern ever again, did you hear me?" I whispered in a threatening voice. "I was born a free spirit, no one will ever contain me or my power… I will always find my way back to freedom!"

"So what now?" my father demanded in defeat. "Are you going to kill me?!"

"That's not how things are going to be done in this kingdom from now on…" I replied, leaning closer to him.

x+x+x+x+x

I took a deep sigh and opened my eyes to see my reflection in the mirror. There I was, wearing a royal armor as garment and the crown that proclaimed me as the new Flame King. Cinnamon Bun and I had done it. We conquered the Fire Kingdom and now it was time to change things around here and reign with truth, just like it should have been done since the beginning.

I stared back at my reflection, I could barely recognize myself. I was the living image of authority, no longer a confused ignorant girl. For a moment I couldn't help to wonder, what would Finn think if he sees me like this? Will he be proud of my success or will he be afraid of me? No, I'm not the kind of ruler that governs the land with fear. That era has ended and a new one has begun, the era of honesty.

I left the mirror behind and I walked up to my new bed. My royal private quarters suited the new Flame King perfectly, but the Flame Princess within me kept begging me to take her back to the giant bonfire in the Grasslands. I struggled to silence her as I picked up a medium package from the bed and headed towards Cinnamon Bun's new bedroom on the other side of the corridor.

I had ordered to lit his chamber with some of my favorite scented candles, their soft light and enchanting smell would provide him the best sleeping environment he could ever get. His happiness was my happiness, and as I watched him play with his new hat in front of the mirror, I couldn't help to smile.

"My, you look pretty good with that hat, friend!" I greeted as I stepped in. "Quite handsome!"

"Oh! Hehe!" Cinnamon Bun chuckled. "Thanks."

"Here, please take this as a reward for all you've done for me." I said, handing him the package. "It's also a prize for your bravery during the coup. I'm impressed of how you remained calm and stoic when all the guards seized you."

"It was nothing, I just—Wahhh!" A fire wolf puppy jumped out of the open package, knocking him down. "A dog! A real dog!" he laughed, letting the pup lick his face. "Best day of my life! BEST DAY!"

"I'm glad you like it, friend." I nodded.

Just then, a flame guard ran inside and knocked on the wall respectfully, asking for permission to interrupt us. "Your highness, two strangers have arrived. They say they want to see the Flame King. Oh, and you look cooler now, your highness! Not that you didn't look cool before either, I mean…"

"I get it. We'll let those strangers meet the Flame King." I answered. "C'mon, Cinnamon Bun. Let's see what's this all about."

We headed downstairs and in a moment I had occupied my new place as Flame King on the throne. Cinnamon Bun remained by my side with his new pet and his fiery accessories on. My best friend was now my trusty right-hand man, what could be better than that?

I gave a nod to the guards at the end of the room and the doors were opened. There was no way my face would show it, but my heart almost leaped out of my chest. How come after all the madness I've been through today, destiny still wanted me to meet the two persons who had once put my life upside-down? Finn and Princess Bubblegum. I bet Cinnamon Bun was as shocked as I am, just that he's too pro when it comes to hide emotions. I've got a lot to learn from him.

"Flame Princess?" Finn whispered.

Oh Glob, no. How is possible that just hearing him saying my name can twist my guts like this? I guess it's because it's been a while since we last saw each other. "Finn?" And I missed him.

"You're okay!" he ran directly towards me. If only he knew that was forbidden without my permission, oh boy… Still, I was kinda glad Finn had come this close. "Um, how's it going?" I could tell he was genuinely happy to see me, but his nerves had taken over him. Not sure if it was because of my new title or just because of me. Maybe both?

Yeah… Things turned awkward pretty fast.

"Pretty good. Cinnamon Bun and I staged a coup and I overthrew my dad." I explained, just to make the long story short. You knew the first half of it as well as I did, Finn.

"Oh-ho, that's why the guards were wigging out!" Princess Bubblegum exclaimed, approaching my throne too. She seemed rather excited. I hope Bubblegum wasn't expecting me to follow her back to that hellhole she called lab, because nope.

Let me be strictly honest about how things worked around here now, just to let these two realize I'm not playing any sort of game. "That is the new way in Fire Kingdom. Total honesty is the law of the land—no secrets." With emphasis in No Secrets for you both… It won't be easy to forget all the stuff you kept hidden from me in the past.

"Oh." Finn said. Both him and Princess Bubblegum looked concerned. I wonder why was that, what could be wrong about my new method of ruling this place?

"Right, can you believe this nonsense?" the muffled voice of the big baby I used to consider a father filled the chamber. "Once I get outta here, I'm gonna ground you for real! No snacks, no friends, no popular music...!"

I locked him up in the lantern. That was the most appropriated punishment I could find for him. Right now he was being an annoyance, but I couldn't wait to see him in a couple of years. How will my father deal with the same torture that he had inflicted on me for fourteen years? He'll be lucky if he doesn't go insane. I was fortunate enough I didn't.

"You never let me have any of those things! You were a selfish king and a bad parent!" I yelled, rubbing the truth on his nose once again.

"But I did it for you, honey—for you not to overthrow me like you just did!"

He'll never understand, will he? I turned towards him furiously and cried. "You belong in that lamp! And if you don't settle down, you'll have to answer to Cinnamon Bun!"

"Hi." Look at that, he's the man of steel! Nothing scares him, and nobody can intimidate him. With Cinnamon Bun by my side, I'll be invincible!

I was pondering on what an incredible man Cinnamon was when my ears picked the sound of Finn's voice whispering. "Wow… She's even awesomer than I remember." So, did that mean that he was proud about me? Did I do the right thing? Finn… I don't expect you to like me as I am now. I want you to see that I can be a hero too, in my own way.

"Take off that silly hat. We're going home." Princess Bubblegum ordered as she stood before Cinnamon Bun. I knew that not even she respected his cinnamon ways. Good thing he came to me in the lab this morning.

"No. Look, got a real dog now! Hah!" That's it, my friend. Show her who's a better ruler now, who treats you like you deserve and rewards you for your unconditional loyalty.

I watched that funny scene in silence until I felt Finn's presence getting closer. His features displayed worry and regret. "Flame Princess, listen. I'm really sorry I lied and hurt your feelings, and I was a big fat jerk—…"

"Finn, it's okay. It's in the past now." I interrupted. I didn't need an apology from him to know that he had realized his mistake, but I had to let him know that I had realized mine.

"So, does that mean we're still going out?" he asked with a grin, full of hope.

I had to crush that before the two of us lost our self-control again. Things had changed, and I'm not the same foolish girl anymore. I am a king. "No. I've realized my place is here, ruling these weak and vicious Fire People."

"I see…" Finn sighed as he got into fetal position before my feet.

It was a heartbreaking scene, really. But I just had to open his eyes; this is who I am now. I'm a savior and these dirty fire cheaters need me to guide them. I couldn't just chase Finn forever, knowing that what we had could never be. My own emotions and power forbid me from doing so, Princess Bubblegum said it. I am a threat and Finn is the trigger. That was the truth… cold, painful, but the truth nonetheless. That's the nature of veracity; it hurts and destroys just like the fire.

"But we're cool. You're welcome to come back and hang out whenever you like…" I said, crouching by his side in an attempt to cheer him up. We might not be a couple anymore, but I still cared for Finn and I wanted him as a friend. "If you promise me one thing…"

"Anything!" he exclaimed, standing up with renewed hope. I smiled. That's the Finn I know and love.

"That you'll be completely honest with me."

"Heh. Okay. I promise."

I chuckled lightly. He was taking this quite maturely. Maybe Finn had learned his lesson after all, but just to make sure I returned to my authoritarian self. "I'm serious." I warned.

Finn stared at me in shock, frightened mostly. "Hmm…" He took a deep breath and knelt before me, taking my right hand in his. "I swear, your majesty. Never will I ever trick you again. My hero days are back and I'll be at your service…!" a smile graced his features. "If you let me of course. It'll be mathematical to be buds with you again…!"

"I'm so happy to hear that, Finn." I replied, asking him to stand up with me. "That's all I ever wanted from you…"

x+x+x+x+x

Night fell upon my kingdom and all of my subjects had already left the throne room. Finn and Princess Bubblegum had left as well, a couple of hours ago. After wishing goodnight to Cinnamon Bun, I decided to sit back on the throne to ponder in silence. A day as exhausting as this one will end up killing me if it were to repeat itself every single week. But then again, starting a revolution against yourself and everything you once believed in was supposed to leave you as numb as I am now, right?

"That's right, keep lying to yourself…!" My father's voice echoed above me. "Let's see where will that take you and your foolish 'Reign of Honesty', Princess…!"

"I am the King now." I replied.

"Yeah, that's what you think. You don't have what it takes; you couldn't even get rid of me. These people will consume you! You'll see! You may think you're too powerful, but how does that help when you're as soft as that piece of walking dough that you call friend, huh?" I heard him chuckle, but I remained silent. "C'mon, sweetie, we both know you won't be able to handle this. I saw how your royal mask melted before that human boy…! You're dying for him aren't ya?"

"Leave Finn out of this, you don't know anything about us!" I snapped, leaving my seat behind.

"Yes, I know! I know you can run back into his arms if you just let me carry the weight of this kingdom once again. Nobody will judge you; you'll be doing what's best for you… C'mon, ain't it tempting? You said you were born a free spirit, well let me tell you, being a King is the same as being a slave…!"

I shook my head in denial. I had made a decision. I'm not living for myself anymore. I'm leaving for my people, even if that makes me a slave… I know I was free when I chose this fate.

"I hope you rot in there, dad." I whispered, glancing at him. "Goodnight."

"A woman can't be a king!" my father yelled as I left him behind. "Your brothers will avenge me!"

Let them try; I'll take them down as well. I climbed the stairs to my private quarters and sank on my bed, staring at the ceiling. With a weak movement of my fingers, I lit the scented candles on the small table next to me. Soon, their essence would help me forget all of this. I hesitantly glanced at the candles again; a small rock with several burnt marks on it was resting next to them. It was the same one from the incident of our first kiss. I've always kept it close, as silly as it sounds, this rock has a meaning of its own.

Out of instinct, I took the rock and kissed it. Let me be myself, at least while I'm alone. My father was right: I'm too soft… But at least I have friends to rely on and lots of good memories to drive the nightmares away. Without realizing it, I had fallen asleep… with the small rock, held tightly onto my heart. I'm sorry Finn, but you know how it is… Responsibility demands sacrifice.

I'll make this work. I know I can…

Utopia is the process of making a better world, the name for one path history can take, a dynamic, tumultuous, agonizing process, with no end. Struggle forever.

― Kim Stanley Robinson, Pacific Edge

Finally, it's done! Sorry for the delay, hope it was worth the wait! :)