Guys, this one threw me in for a loop! Anyway, I want to thank everyone who has favorited and followed my story. There's a lot to cover and I have so much planned. Special thanks to 10000reasons who helped me develop this story. He helped me create the Executioner as you know him. You may not know this, but some of his life is based off the real thing. I encourage you to look it up. Anyway, I hope you enjoy this.


Finn traversed to the Firepit. It was about as rundown as a volcanic city could look. Many fire people were sitting against buildings. Fire retardant trash littered the alleys. Finn walked past like it was the safest place for him to be. All who laid eyes on him, guilty or innocent alike backed away from him and bowed their heads. Even here, his reputation preceded him. Many of his executions were of their own and they feared he'd be there for them next. Not even the worst among them was foolish enough to attack him or attempt to shake him down. He could go where he pleased as far as they knew.

Finn came to a corner and scanned the alleyway then found a little flamibt with a bit of an accent trading a few things with a taller fire person.

"Ey, I need my goods, first. Hope yous ain't flakin' on mes are yuh?" He asked as he withdrew a scroll of obsidian parchment. "Info don't come cheap, buddy."

Finn knew right then. "Yup, that's Flambo."

Finn approached the flambit as he was receiving his pay and handing the scroll off. Business was done, and the short line shrank by one person. But Finn found quickly that the others were polite enough to let him go first when they had noticed him. "Oh shit! It's the Executioner! Run!"

The flame people scattered and emptied that part of the alley. Despite this, Flambo threw his arms up and put on a big smile, "Eeeey! The Executioner! How's my favorite justice machine doin'?"

Finn scoffed under his breath. "I'm looking for information."

"Ey, speakin' of," Flambo came close and covered his mouth. "Did you get that Ash guy, yous was lookin' for?"

Ah, yes. Ash. One of Finn's many jobs that he made an exception for. Finn's primary responsibilities were to execute criminals under the judgment of the government publicly or "privately." His secondary duties were the physical and spiritual health of the condemned to die. Although Jake was better at it, in the spiritual sense. Finn, otherwise, might have had a great career as a doctor if he had a choice. However, sometimes he'd be called to step out of his purview and complete an odd job that his skill set was perfect for. When he entered the scene, Ash didn't stand a chance.

Finn kneeled next to Flambo so they could be more or less the same height, "Yes, I did. But this is for another purpose. Have you received word on the street about any… plots against the throne?"

Flambo chuckled and looked around. "See, that's pretty expensive info, pal. But I might have heard a thing or two. Didn't really think much of it since I hear them all the time. Nothing but fakes, all a' them. Nobody every means they says anymore. Not with yous on the job. Gives me chills. Heh heh. Eech." Flambo shivered and continued to chuckle the chill off. "I guess peoples just sayin things to let out the uglies is what it is."

Finn dug into his pocket. "Here, will this loosen your lips."

Flambo accepted the lump of black and sniffed it. "Ooh… I know what brand this is…" he munched on the crunchy charcoal and couldn't stop telling Finn about how delicious it was through hums and moans. "oh…Mm… mmm MMM! That's the good stuff. Oh yeah." He swallowed and continued to hum approvals. "Mm! Yeah. That's the quality goods right there."

"You'll get a lot more if you tell me everything." Finn sat down and looked around for unwanted attention.

"Okay, I got a few things." A couple guys near the lava baths jokes about it one time." Finn frowed. "No? Okay there was some low lives complaining about how life here stinks. Very verbals abouts givin' the king what for." Finn shook his head. "nope?' Okay's how 'bout this. It'll be worth a look, honest. Some shady characters was chattin' it up in the local bar, the Flowin' Magmas."

"Were they… a group of three?" Finn asked shaking his head. None of this so far was helping.

"That's them." finn's interest was piqued. "Cloaked. Skulin' around earlier. Checked 'em out and they was goin on 'bouts making this alley a betteh place." Flambo chuckled, "Can you imagine? This alley? No no no, waist 'a time. Might as well go bankrupts if yous asked me."

Finn nodded, "What were they 'skulking around' for earlier?"

"Not sure. Stopped just outside the bar. Weren't from 'round these parts. Numba one rule 'round heres: Mind your own business." Flambo chuckled again, "Unless you're me of course."

Finn squinted and leaned in closer. "What about cloaks?"

"Yeah, the group I says earlier. Three in cloaks."

"Anyone else? You said they were listening to someone, who?"

"Don't rightly know. I was watchn' them. I guess a fight broke out. There was some shoutin'." Finn threw him a charcoal. "Mmm, thanks, you're a pal."

"Where's the bar? Can you take me there?"

"Right this way," Flambo smiled, "It'd be my pleasure."

Finn followed Flambo who pointed out the spot. "Right here."

Finn looked around but no one seemed to be wearing a cloak. He did take note that the spot was wide open. A lot of ears. Why have a private conversation like that in the open? "Huh… strange."

"Beg your pardons?" Flambo said puzzledly.

"Flambo, if you were discussing a private matter that could affect the whole kingdom, where would you go?"

Flambo was weirded out by the question, but he humored Finn. "The bottom of the bar, corner of the lava baths… My own basement!" He laughed at his own joke, but Finn took his answer seriously.

"My thoughts exactly. So, why on earth would you dress suspiciously in cloaks, speak to each other within earshot of a whole public witness, in a basically open square, about doing the most heinous crime to the kingdom and inside the most backstabbing corner of said kingdom?"

"Nobody usually cares, but I still wouldn't if I was smart, just in case someone is desperate to get an easy scratch." Flambo replied, "And I am smart… Not that I… plan on killing the king or nothin'… just…"

"So… either my sources were lying… or they were set up to do the dirty work of a more elaborate scheme."

Flambo hummed and stared at the scene like Finn was. "You know… if I was tryin' to get to the King… I'd go afteh the princess."

"What?"

Flambo shrugged, "Think about it. Future of the kingdom, usually naïve; close to the heart. All of a conspirator's favorite exploits."

Finn nodded in agreement, but his next train of thought made his eyes nearly pop out of his skull. "Fuck!"

He threw his leftover charcoal at Flambo who caught it unexpectedly but no less happily, then took off towards the castle.

"Ey! Leavin' so soon? Alright, I guess I'll catch you later!" Flambo waved.

Finn was cursing himself over and over again. Either he played into the hands of three masterminds, or he discovered a plan that targeted the princess. The evidence was pointing in the two directions, but he found the first more likely. The counselors had played him and may even have anticipated him leaving the princess behind.

"God damn it," He began to chant. "God damn it. God damn it! GOD DAMN IT!"

Finn was silently praying to the Entity of Justice that the counselors were at least foolish enough to make their move on the princess with Jake nearby. If they did, they had no idea what they were in for, and Finn would have time to retaliate. But the castle was still so far away…

X

Phoebe and Jake were walking with the councilors as they explained their stories over again. Including their failure to mention the activities of the three councilors.

"You must understand, it was a simple error," Elpenor replied, "The presence of the Executioner is very daunting. I just wanted to answer his question, so he'd leave."

"But neither of you thought about mentioning it?" She asked, "At all?"

Lupin shook his head. "I got nauseous just thinking about him."

Her head turned towards Cepheus who was the toughest of the three. "Not even you, Cepheus?"

He shook his head. "I knew the least about the plan."

"We only recently included Cepheus," Elpenor said to justify him.

They stopped at the door to Elpenor's room and the councilor unlocked it then stepped aside. "Please, the drafts of the bill are in my desk."

Phoebe entered first and jake behind her. The councilors followed after them. Elpenor went to his desk and unlocked his drawer. "Here are a… few examples. We're still going over the fine details, of course. You must forgive the rough appearance. Cain is a far better writer than I…" Elpenor took one that looked good to him and showed it to Jake. "This one should give you the basics, I think."

Jake took it and began to read. He turned towards a window and mumbled the bill aloud to himself. "… 'Seek to improve the lives of the poor'… 'improve the kingdom's quality of living,' that's not bad… 'Bring hope to the impoverished'… Huh, not a bad set a goals."

Jake went quiet for a moment and heard a slight struggle. He turned and saw Lupin near him with a giant vase. Jake ducked and the vase missed him just barely. The councilor attacked with a sword but Jake nimbly dodged. Phoebe was out cold in Cepheus's arms. As Lupin thrust and cut with his sword Jake gave ground then when he had taken Lupin's hand and tied them tougher with one arm. The other stretched out into a giant flail and knocked Lupin on the ground unconscious. Elpenor and Cepheus were already out the door and crying for the guards.

"Guards! Guards! Infiltrator! Assassin! he made an attempt on the princess's life!"

The guards made their way to the room in droves as Jake groaned and entered a combat stance. "Oh, come on, guys!" While they were trying to arrest him, Jake, unwilling to let the traitors get away cracked his knuckles. "Sorry about this, dudes. But I have a princess to save." He grew into the size of the room, squeezing the guards against the wall and moving them all out of the way. He then gave chase after the two counselors with menacing size.

"You'd better give up while you can! No one get's away with attacking the Executioner or his handler! Or especially a princess!"

"He's catching up!" Cepheus warned.

Elpenor growled as he ran. "I know, I don't need you to tell me, you big oaf! Guards! An Assassin!" Another wave of guards joined them at the antechamber where the king had come to inspect what the commotion was about.

"What is the meaning of this!?" He shouted loudly as the counselor's took shelter by him. Cepheus dropped the princess next to the doors where the King had barged in.

"My king, the men your daughter voted for to investigate the counselors have betrayed us! This dog made an attempt on the princess's life! We barely managed to get out alive!"

"What?! That is outrageous! You, dog, explain yourself!"

Jake squeezed through the entrance growing a bit bigger for more intimidation even as the guards began to surround him. it was working since the guards backed up unsurely and the two counselors were taking cover behind the king. "You! You'd better surrender, or I'll give you a pounding worth ten executions!"

"You see! He admits it!" Elpenor screamed. "he wishes violence on us, King, we harken to you, do something!"

"Enough!" The king shouted burning like an eruption. Then, seeing his daughter, he came to her side. "What has happened to her? Phoebe, wake up!"

"They're the ones who attacked us!" Jake claimed, "They distracted me with one of their bogus bills and took the princess from right behind my back!"

"He lies!" Cepheus shouted, "He killed Lupin! Now he seeks to do the same to us!"

"I said enough!" The King shouted. "You, giant dog! Do you have evidence to support your claim against my trusted counselors?"

Jake frowned. "Uh… well…" he began to shrink and twiddle his thumbs then replied. "…no? But… the princess can vouch for me…?" He shrugged and formed a nervous grin. The guards all pounced and chained him. Several of them held onto the chains he was secured to. Jake examined himself and huffed. "Aww man…"

"This is absolutely outrageous. I trusted you to investigate a case that already bore a conclusion. All for the sake of my daughter, who called upon a foolish right to attempt to overthrow my judgment. And on the first day, you don't even wait to assassinate her. I thought you accompanied the Executioner! Does he trust assassins to accompany him now?"

"What? No way, your majesty. I'm a Cleric of the Church of Justice! I would never use assassination tactics. It's against the code of ethics!"

"He lies even though he is caught, my lord!" Elpenor growled, "He's an impostor and he must be punished as such! I believe even the Executioner was not truly here. He too must be an imposter!"

"Can it, big wig, or I'll show you an impostor!" Jake shouted and struggled with his chains. He only stopped when spears were pointed at his throat.

"Such insolence!" Cepheus shouted and pointed at Jake, "He throws insult at us and has no backing to prove his stance, yet he still resists! How long must his façade go on?"

"Enough!" The king shouted and sighed, rubbing his brows. I will speak to the Executioner about this. He has much to explain today!"

"My lord, he may be an impostor like this one! We shouldn't give him the chance!" Elpenor growled.

"is that so?" Finn shouted as the doors behind him closed. "It seems your predicament has only affirmed my findings, counselor Elpenor." Finn approached slowly and arrogantly. "Should I even call you that?" Elpenor and Cepheus faced each other than stared at Finn. "Funny that the word you would use is 'impostor.' You were behind all of this, weren't you? You, Lupin; Cepheus? You must have spent a great amount of time on this."

Elpenor was visibly nervous. And Finn could basically smell it. "Y-you see? Even he speaks lies, your grace!"

"Quiet! I want to hear this," the King silenced. "Go on, Executioner. What have you found?"

"I must admit, you had thought this plan through, quite well. The visit to the Firepit showed real commitment… but it was also your mistake. And proved ot be your downfall… Do you think someone of my skills doesn't have eyes in every corner of Ooo?" Elpenor and Cepheus grew more nervous looking to each other to find a solution.

Jake grinned and chuckled darkly. "Aw, yeah, here we go. Let 'em have it, brotha!"

"You no doubt thought the best way to reach the King was through his daughter. But you couldn't simply take her. The counselor's the King had appointed as her mentors all protected her, accompanied her, every step of the day. I had only recently today discovered the King had a daughter. I can only assume it was because she was learning under the three counselors who never left her side. You needed them out of the way! So, you proposed that the party make a bill to the king to help the impoverished lives of the Firepit. You knew their compassion would get the better of them! And you were all such close friends. The plan was guaranteed to succeed. The next step was stealing their seals. Darius was a skilled businessmen. He would spend hours at the treasure to compute the cost of the project should it pass. This gave you time to steal his seal from his desk in his absence."

The King turned his head to the two as they looked at each other. Not a word was said, but his mind was beginning to change in Finn's favor as he continued.

"Casper was making deals with the masonry. They would need resources, time, money. He just needed to sort out the details. And this would have him occupied long enough to steal his seal. And Cain. Even as he poured hours into his speeches, you, Elpenor, were his good friend. Surly you would not steal your friend's seal. But that trust would be betrayed. Once all three seals were stolen you wrote the letters. You wrote to each other, there was no doubt to keep a distance and refrain from rousing suspicion. But you used the seal and signature of one of the counselors. From there, you only had to contribute a legitimate visit to the Firepit to make it seem as though you had done your part. Your plan was close to flawless. I wouldn't have seen through it alone. You ensured all the evidence was pointed at the counselors, but you missed vital factors that now proves your undoing. You didn't count on the princess being informed of the Right of Challenging, you didn't count on me getting on this case, and worse still, you overplayed your hand with the letters. Had you just kept the letters cryptic enough to point to the counselors, you wouldn't have given yourselves away. The format was wrong in several of the letters. A true councelor would know better. Even traitors like you… impostors."

"You spit out what sounds intelligent but is, in the end, nonsense," Elpenor accused, "Where is your proof?"

Finn pulled from his picket three small dragon hide pouches. "I'm glad you asked. I wouldn't make these accusations on a hunch. I knew Jake would be fine on his own, we've been through worse together." Finn and Jake shared a smile and a nod, though no one could see through Finn's coverings. Jake only needed the nod to know how Finn felt. "I managed to get into each of your rooms and… find these." Finn gave the pouches to a nearby guard who examined the contents.

"My lord, these are the seals of counselors Casper, Cain, and Darius! The Executioner spoke truthfully!"

The fires of the two counselors dimmed. Phoebe began to stir and wake unbeknownst to the room.

"And as I said I expected the worst," Finn added as he grabbed a large, wrapped ball from a satchel. He uncovered it threw it out to reveal some sort of pale thing's head. "Behold, your… 'Counselor Lupin.' A doppelganger. Which leaves me to wonder… where is the real Counselor Lupin?" Finn drew a red blade from his back.

Phoebe stirred and groaned as she put a hand to her head. "My head… what happened?"

Cepheus grabbed her and drew a knife then placed it at her neck. "Stay away or I will cut her!"

The King had all the proof he needed. "You wretched creatures!"

"You'll never take us alive!" Elpenor hissed as he backed away with Cepheus carrying the princess off.

Finn reached for his sword and shouted, "Get back! He'll kill her!"

The king held his men back as they escaped to another room and Phoebe struggled, demanding they let her go. They disappeared behind the door and Finn sheathed his sword looking at the king.

"Why do you stand there? After them!" The king commanded.

"I cannot kill them unless you decree it," Finn replied, "What does the King sentence?"

The king boiled in anger and shouted, "I sentence those men to death by any means you choose! Save my daughter! Kill the fiends! I order it in the name of Justice!"

"It shall be done," Finn nodded. "Jake, the hidden crossbow!"

Jake threw the small contraption at Finn and a strap of aquerious darts then secured the bag and Let Finn take care of things from here. Finn fixed the crossbow onto his right wrist and loaded one of the darts inside. At the same time, he had rushed through the door and just barely managed to see Cepheus and Elpenor turn a corner. They led him on a chase through the castle. From chamber to chamber. The only thing he could track them by was the princess's shouting. No matter how hard they tried to silence her, she managed to get free and fight them off to yell for Finn.

Finn was gaining quickly, and Elpenor knew it. He and Cepheus had tied her into magic ropes that began draining her of her strength. Her fire was beginning to dim but she rebelliously kept screaming.

"This brat is more than she's worth!" Elpenor growled. "Marven, slow that cursed thing down! Don't be reckless. Vivek was more than enough of a loss. Buy some time then escape through the window!"

"You are so quick to leave me behind, Belmore?" Marven grunted, "Fine. I will meet you at the rendezvous."

Belmore kept driving the princess forward, and into another room. One he knew had a secret passage for the use of evacuating the castle. But little had he known that Phoebe was loosening her bonds.

Marven had chosen the image of a dragon. As soon as Finn turned the corner he quickly jumped back and pulled out his sword. Marvin growled and charged forward striking at Finn around the corner. Finn dodge and weaved as the small dragon swiped and clawed. "You are too late, Executioner! My brother will get away with the princess and we will have our sacrifice. Kingdoms will crumble, mountains will level, all with be ready for the evil king's coming!" Marvin breathed in and blew out a cloud of fire that engulfed Finn. He laughed as the smoke settled but a sharp pain was forced into his chest. He cried out and began to transform into his original shape. It began to burn all over; his fire immunity was lost. And he screamed trying to focus on a fire-retardant creature.

Finn smirked at the sight and dangled his talisman. "Flame cloak. You fire meant nothing to me. Smart choice of a creature, but not smart enough." Finn cut Marvin's head off then swung his blade down and eyed the door where Phoebe and Belmore were. "Now for your brother."

Belmore struggled to find the lever to the emergency exit. "Damn it, where is it!"

Phoebe wrestled with her bounds, nearly out of energy, but suddenly she felt the knot loosen. She pulled at the rope and her strength was returning. The rope was loosened, and she found herself able to stand again. Her fire grew brighter again as her rage empowered her.

"Hey, Elpenor!"

Belmore faced her angrily but widened his eyes at the menace he saw. He took cover as she fired a blaze at him again and again. She waited for the dust to settle then found herself face to face with a mirror image. It smiled at her arrogantly. "It seems we're at an impasse, 'Princess'."

She charged at image, but it met her zeal. They clashed and fought fiercely with fire and violence, but they were unable to overpower the other. Then they had locked hand as they sought one last time to overcome the other.

But the door burst open, and Finn aimed his hidden crossbow at them. "Princess, I'm here!"

Both princesses were identical in every way. They were equally beat up, tired, and messy, puffing for breath. One of them spoke, "Executioner, it's me! He's the fake!"

Finn pointed at the other princess. But she spat back, "What! Don't listen to him, Executioner, he's the one!"

Finn pointed at the other. He kept looking for signs. For anything. One thing that could tell him for sure who was fake and who was real. "Executioner, remember when you helped me write the letter?"

"Yes, you told me what to say and to say it in my own words, but I couldn't!" Finn switched targets again.

The second princess's eyes shot open. "What? How could you know that!? You weren't there! Wait… uh, remember when we talked in the prison? You asked Cain what he wanted to eat, but he said he didn't want anything! He didn't have an appetite!"

That was true. Finn remembered. She could only know if she was there. he turned targets again.

"That's impossible. You couldn't have known…" The princess thought then gasped, "In the room. We went to Darius's room. You were looking for his seal, but you didn't find it…"

"That's obvious, you fake princess!"

"But I wouldn't know that it was Darius's room! If I was the fake, I wouldn't have been there! So, I wouldn't have known. Just… like… you!"

Finn's head was splitting. Something had to happen fast. But he couldn't think with all the chatter. "Just shut up! Shut up! Both of you!"

Finn went back and forth again and again. Trying hard to determine which target to shoot. He was so frustrated he didn't know how to pick.

Phoebe thought hard. She struggled with memory after memory she had shared with the Executioner. But then her thoughts lingered elsewhere. The fear of death, the wondering what would happen if she died, and if Finn was wrong, what would this doppelganger do? What havoc would he wreak? Phoebe thought about the whole day. To think she had been worried about her closest friends in the prison. If she died today, she at least would know that they would be okay. She started to cry a little, her doppelganger doing the same to make them indistinguishable. It made Finn struggle more. He growled as he aimed the crossbow back and forth then fixed it on her.

All the time she had shared with the executioner, was perhaps the best she ever had in her life. Solving a mystery together with him and his dog companion Jake. Phoebe sighed softly. She had remembered Jakes silly behavior when he had accidentally told her Finn's name… Her eyes popped. His name! She looked at her doppelganger who gave her a vailed grin as Finn seemed to have made his choice. Her.

With no other option left she looked up, found the small crevice where his eyes watched her then whispered, "Finn… please…?"

Finn's eyes widened. His target switched and he didn't even hesitate to shoot. The doppelganger was surprised. He fell to his knees, his form reverting, and he began to scream as the heat burned him all over. Finn pulled out his sword and cut across Belmore's neck. The doppelganger, and his plot, was no more.

Finn sighed and sheathed his blade. "You are banished forthwith from the Fire Kingdom under pain of death. By order of the Flame King."

Phoebe hugged Finn and whispered his name again. "Finn… thank you… thank you!'

"Don't say my name!" He scolded. He was rather shocked she knew it. He tried to understand how she even learned it. How could she? Surely Jake wouldn't have told her! It didn't matter now. The important thing was, she remained silent. "Never utter that name again. Do you understand?"

She nodded, "I do, Executioner... Thank you for saving my life. And for proving my friends' innocence. Jake was right about you… only you could have done this so quickly."

Finn sighed as he picked up Belmore's head then headed for the door. "Try not to get used to it. I'm an executioner. Not a problem solver. I'm supposed to behead people, not…" he sighed. "Oh, who am I kidding? Why can't I go back to the old day where I just cut people's head off or…" Finn picked up Marvin's head on the way back, "hang criminals at the gallows or… boil them alive!" Finn sighed again as he stopped and looked down at the ground. "I told myself I wanted more in life ten years ago… but now that I have it… I don't know what to do."

Phoebe came around in front of him and faced him then lifted his head. "If you ask me, you're still the Executioner. But Finn never truly died. You can't help that. He's who you are." Jake's werewolf analogy came to mind. "When we come calling, and you answer, you come as the executioner. You're… like a werewolf. The moon sets and you become someone else. Your hood comes on and you're the Executioner. You do your duty and no more no less. But when the sun rises… you wake up and remember the things you've done… and you regret them." Finn turned away so she would not see his tears. But she raised his head again. "You can tell yourself all you want that you died the day you became the Executioner. But you can never truly kill who you really are. Finn helped me today, not the Executioner. Remember that."

Phoebe turned away so he could have time to himself. Finn dropped the heads of his recent victims and then looked at his own hands. A grapple in one wrist, a crossbow in the other. His gloves were rather clean despite the endeavors. Were these really the hands of Finn? His hands? Or was he the doomed man he became ten years ago? After today, how was he supposed to tell the difference? Who was Finn? And who was the Executioner? Were they not one in the same?

Finn dropped his hands and exhaled. His fists clenched and he remembered his resolve again. His reason for life. His destiny. No princess could change that "No, Phoebe… you are wrong. Finn is dead… he always will be." It felt right to say that. Even if she could not hear him even if it was under his breath. "He always will be…"

The king applauded Finn as he and Pheobe returned. "Masterfully done, Executioner. Your skill in investigation is second to none. But now another mystery is on our hands. Where are the real counselors? If those were doppelgangers, we must find the true men."

"Their lives are not in my hands," Finn said dismissively to Phoebe's disappointment. "I have fulfilled both my duties as an investigator by Right of Challenging, and an Executioner. My work is done."

"Quite right," The king agreed, "Don't worry, we'll scour the kingdom. They couldn't have hidden them far. But the good news is that Counselor's Casper, Cain, and Darius will be pardoned and released. They will be happy to hear it. And my daughter will no longer suffer me with her complaints. Or her temper."

"I shall leave then," Finn bowed, "Jake, let us depart."

Jake picked up Finn's bag and ran right beside him with a thumbs up. "Right behind you, brother."

Before they could leave, Phoebe stopped them, "Executioner, wait."

He turned and faced her. "Yes, princess?"

Phoebe had been frowning but she found her smile again. She was at a loss for words. How could she thank him for everything? For actually committing and fulfilling his promise. Only one such token, even for an executioner, could be given. She took both her hands and placed them on his head then leaned in, ever so slightly moving his shroud and kissed him. It was tender and thankful. Her feelings had all gone into this single token. Then she pulled away and returned his shroud to its place. "Farewell Executioner. I'm sure it's odd to hear this. But I do hope we meet again. Perhaps, under better circumstances."

Finn, a bit lightheaded, nodded in reply then cleared his throat. "If such a time should come, I look forward to it."

He turned and left, Jake behind him giving him a bump with his elbow. Finn scolded him with his eyes, patting his elbow down then turned around to see her waving him goodbye. He looked forward and let out a chuckle. "PB would probably kill me if I told her about today."

"Eh, she doesn't have to know. It was a one-time thing," Jake said waving his hand.

Finn shook his head. "Ah, no, I tell her everything. One time or not, I'll just have to accept my fate if she does decide to kill me."

"That's her funeral… literally. If she wants to go to the Nightosphere, let her." Finn and Jake faced each other then laughed after a short pause.

"By the way," Jake said looking at his still, blue fur. "Do you know how long this fire shield lasts?"

"Uh…" Finn's heart skipped a beat. He wasn't even sure. And the need to run was suddenly strong. "No… No, I don't…We need to go!"

"Hop on and let's go then!" Jake exclaimed as he grew a few feet tall, picking Finn up at the same time. "The Executioner is departing! Look out everyone!" Finn and Jake laughed together as they set off into the night back to their home. Where it was nice, cool, and green all around. After a whole day in the fire kingdom, they couldn't ask for anything more.


Like... holy crap! That scene with Flame Princess was not planned! Is this what they mean by a story writing itself? This has to be my greatest project ever! I was actually going to get rid of Jake's slip up in the previous chapter, but now I know why he did it. Everything served its purpose. I can't wait to see where this goes next. You guys planning on sticking around for a while longer?