Alright, this one took a while. But that's what happens when your busy (No its not, it's what happens when you lazy! I know!). But I have it here. Still trying to get that vote in. It's a tie right now. So, I'm doing filler chapters until the big one is decided. It's between two.

Decreed Execution (Think Hitman)

Quiet Execution (Think Assassin's Creed)

Otherwise, thanks for the support!

Finn counted five executions today. five routine executions that had been scheduled for a while. He cared for them all this time as the prison physician, but now they were ironically well enough to die. He had come early before sunrise as to ensure his equipment was ready. According to customs, he would use the headsman's axe for two being recurrent felons, a sword for a murder, and the gallows was prepared for two pirates. They were transported from a dock city for their sentence to be carried out.

Finn knew their names. He always did. It was rare that he'd execute anyone without such knowledge. But there were circumstances that could change that. It was mostly when Finn was sent to kill them and no name, but a generic title would have to suffice. As for the routine executions, nothing ever changed. Admittedly, this time, he knew little about who he was executing.

Finn was tying a noose when he felt a presence looming over his head. He was very familiar with it, and it took a lot more than that to scare him. But the attempt had to be appreciated.

"You know, usually people avoid me when I'm working, Marceline."

Marceline laughed and floated near him. "Well, no one's around so, I can't say I'm surprised. You always work before the sun rises."

"And you seem to have a lot of downtime. They call you a queen, but I doubt you rule a kingdom."

Marceline shrugged. "Pft, my dad called me a queen. I don't actually rule anyone. He gets pretty mad when no one uses my title though. I don't really care. Marcy's cool… But only if I like you." She floated down and took his rope to check it over before placing over his neck and pulling close.

He stopped her immediately and frantically looked around. "Marcy, stop! Not in the square!" He whispered harshly.

Marceline clicked her tongue and let go. "Nobody's here, Exy. What's with you so uptight all the time?"

"I don't take chances, Marcy, everyone is looking for fodder to bring down royalty. With or without a kingdom."

"I'm dead, the rules of the living barely apply to me," Marceline so plainly said. She made this point often. Especially in response to his tenants. "They shouldn't care what we do."

Finn sighed and finished the noose. "You're risk-taking lifestyle worries me sometimes. One of these days you'll bite that tongue and ask why you didn't listen to me."

Marceline smirked. It was dark and they were lit only by a torch on the neck of the gallows. With a small and blow, like that of blowing out a candle, that was changed. The moon was still out but covered by cloud. And now they were alone together, in the dark. No one, not even a banana guard, was there. Just him alone with her. She closed the space between them.

"Well, until that time… how about you bite it for me?"

Finn sighed and fired what seemed like a spell out of his hand at the torch as he pushed her off. "I said: not here, Marceline."

Upon closer inspection Marceline recognized that Finn had a rune on the back of his glove. What he used wasn't magic, perse. More like an enchanted item.

"When did you get one of those?" She asked putting her weight on one leg while putting her hands on her hips.

Finn pat the ashes out of his hands and pulled the rope through the pully to set the noose. "I've always had a pair, Marcy, I just don't use it regularly… usually. I only wore it to light the torch if it went out this time. I'm tired of striking stones.

Marceline snickered. "That's a pitiful use for a powerful item."

"It's called 'utility' in my line of work. Enchanted axes become unbreakable screwdrivers…"

"Oh?"

"Giant swords, become pocketknives…"

"Really?"

"Yeah, and condoms become acid grenades. Get a sturdy enough one and it works pretty damn well."

Marceline had to laugh. "What a way to go. Imagine that. You're minding your own business, guarding the biggest bandit in your kingdom and suddenly, you die when a human throws a condom at you. Not the death or glory anyone hoped for."

Finn chuckled. "Well, if you're guarding the biggest bandit chief in the kingdom for glory, you probably should have factored in that there's no dishonorable way to kill you. So, as long as it's not an acid filled condom then take whatever other death with grace, and thank Glob it its more dignified than that. I only use it on targets that piss me off anyway… That stay's between us."

Marceline laughed again. "I kinda wish I could see that now. But your secret's safe with me. I've gotta get going, but I'll come back. Bonnie promised to save me a seat so I could watch you do your thing. Kind of excited really."

"Your morbid definition of entertainment would concern me if you weren't a vampire, Marcy. I don't have to remind you that this is a public display to set an example. Not entertain the crowed."

Marceline shrugged. "I'll take what I can get to watch you work. Haven't seen one of these since your father was executioner. See you." She flew off and left Finn alone.

Finn sighed. He was used to working in the dark alone but after she came to talk he actually appreciated the engagement to pass the time. Now he found himself disappointed in her leaving. He had finished the gallows, prepared the block, and his axe and sword were sharpened. There was nothing further that needed to be done. The best thing he could do was return to the prison and wait for dawn.

Finn woke up from his chair when he heard someone slam the door to his forge. He sat up and saw Jake welcoming himself inside. Finn cleared his throat and sat up to wake himself up.

"Jake."

"Sup, dude," Jake said raising his hand to wave. "I just finished with the prisoners today. Everyone's about as ready as they can be. Executions start in fifteen minutes. Crowds are already gathering at the block. You ready?"

Finn sighed and stood up with a groan. "Yeah, I'm ready. So did you get word who was going first or is it my discretion?"

"Your discretion," Jake replied as he walked out with Finn, "As far as I know anyway. Maybe PB will change her mind."

"Well unless she wants to be here all morning, we'll do the murderer first, the felons next, then the pirates last. Hangings take longer if the neck doesn't break."

Jake grimaced. "I hope that doesn't happen. Hangings are weird enough, watching people dangle is just donked stuff, dude."

Finn chuckled as they left the prison and began walking the streets. Two guards bowered their heads as they passed. "You've been with me a while, Jake. I'd have thought you'd gotten used to this by now."

Jake shook his head. "Blech. No way, dude. I try not to be here if I can help it."

A shadow passed above them as they walked. Looking up, both saw Marceline in her sunhat giving Finn a wave then racing off to meet Bonnibel. The sun was just over the hills now.

"She seems excited," Jake remarked.

Finn scoffed in response. "She doesn't get to see these often. Apparently, this is entertainment for her."

Jake scratched his head. "That's weird, bro. I mean, the town cheers for it too, so… I guess it's normal, but…"

Finn stopped next to the stairs to the block "She's a vampire. It's not strange at all."

"You gotta point. Oh, hey, there's lady. She might not like watching this, so I'll hang out next to her."

"Might not like? I thought someone like her would hate something like this. Did you invite her?" Finn chuckled.

Jake started to twiddle his hands. "Well, no… she just said she wanted to see what you did, and I told her you we're working today."

Finn shook his head with a sigh. "So much for this not being entertainment. What, did she think you were inviting her to a theater?"

Jake shook his head. "No, but… She was just curious, dude, leave her alone."

Finn laughed. "Easy, Jake. We'll talk later. Be sure she understands what she watching, hm?"

"Yeah… I'll talk to her. but if she leaves; I leave. I hate watching this stuff."

"That's fine. I'll see you at the tree if you do." Finn climbed the stairs.

"Later, brother, and good luck," Jake waved before stretching off towards lady.

Finn waved back and then checked the sword he would be using for the morning. It was quiet at this time. The mutters of the citizens were the only thing filling the air. Finn passed the time by examining his axe and sword when suddenly the people went quiet, and the royal assembly took their places to sound the fanfare.

Peppermint butler took his place then at the sound of the trumpet he shouted to the people bellow, "Presenting her royal majesty, ruler of candy kingdom, Princess Bubblegum and her guest, Queen Marceline!"

Bonnibel took her place and a seat, smaller than her almost throne like chair was filled by Marceline, who little more than hovered over it. Before Bonnibel sat down she again presented her speech then Peppermint Butler took over.

Finn stood menacingly at the top of the block and waited for the first name to be called. Fortunately, Peppermint Butler seemed to have gotten Finn's unspoken message when he shouted the name of the murderer first and ready his charges. The murderer was brought forth with force as he struggled to get free than was forced to stand still on the block.

"Does the defendant have any final requests or remarks?" Peppermint Butler said lastly after his speech.

The murder stuttered for words and searched for something to say. Something to convince them to wait a little longer to kill him but he had nothing. Nothing but to beg.

"Your majesty, please. That man I killed wronged me in a most insufferable way. Justice did nothing in my stead! Spare me and let me do slave labor instead."

Finn cringed and closed his eyes at the common attempt to reach the better nature of the princess. But as he finished she stood up to reply, "Your trial was conclusive that your actions were no better. If justice had truly done nothing the man you killed would not have been doing slave labor himself. You were unsatisfied by his punishment and now you will learn what greed earns you. Executioner! Proceed."

"No! Please!"

The man was secured to the block and Finn readied his sword. He took a moment to try and calm him down, speaking as a friend, which in a way he had a right to claim. "Wildur… Wilbur, calm down. Don't go out like this. Deep breaths." The murderer looked Finn int the eyes and there was a brief moment of acceptance. "I will make this quick. You won't feel any pain. There's nothing that can be done."

"Executioner… please," He said with tears in his eyes.

Finn put a comforting hand on his shoulder. "A far worse day is coming for me. Your blood will atone for you, your sins and you will find yourself in a far better place than this. Don't be scared. If it helps. Turn your head away and you will not see the blade coming."

He turned his head and Finn got into position. The drums began and Finn raised his blade to a ready position then measured his swing, hovering the sword over his neck before raising it. The drums rolled. One.

Finn took a deep breath as he raised the blade. As soon as it reached over his head he let it out. Two.

Finn took another breath and eyed the throat. Three.

Finn took a sharp breath in and brought the sword down. The drums stopped; the sword parted the head of his victim from his body. The blood spilled and the head fell into a basket. Finn exhaled. One down. Five more to go. He cleaned his blade with a rag, and the body was taken away. The sword was placed on the weapon rack and the axe was taken from its place.

As the next victim was being announced, Finn checked the head of his axe and looked briefly for Jake and Lady. Both were on a roof with a few people doing the same so they could see. Lady didn't seem like she wanted to leave. But she did seem bothered. Finn was thinking to himself, hoping Jake was considering her feelings. Meanwhile, the first felon was being dragged to the block and wasn't much better than the first execution.

"No please!" He begged, bargaining for a chance to live. Despite Jake's counseling, he wasn't very confident in his chances in the afterlife. "There has to be something I can do to pay for what I've done! I can change! Please!"

If only he'd done that sooner. Finn sighed as he tried talking him down as well. He didn't want to mess up his cut. A botched execution was… much harder to clean up. But with a few failed attempts at getting the criminal's attention, he was forced to give up and wait for the man to be secured to the block. With his head not placed, Finn lined his axe up and raised it over the man's head. There was already cheering to get it over with. One.

Finn finished raising the axe. Two.

He took a deep breath and let it out, staring at the flailing neck of his victim who was now bribing him. Had he not been hysterical he'd have been given a final request. Thus, why Finn attempted to calm him. But the man was broken. Three.

Again, Finn took a breath in and came down. Despite the odds of botching, Finn's experience managed to earn him a successful, clean cut. The body still flailed a little and the legs shook but quickly froze and the eyes of his victim rolled upwards. The body was carried away and the next one was read allowed and brought forth. He was the sick one. The one Finn worked hard to nurse back to health. It seemed as a thank you he remained still, unaffected by the hysterical victim from before. But clearly, he was scared.

"Executioner," he greeted politely with a bow to his head. As was proper when addressing him as the tenants dictated should one pass him by.

Finn nodded back to be courteous. "Morning, Melnyk." Finn scoffed under his breath. They addressed each other as if there were no executions today.

"Does this defendant have any final requests or remarks?"

Melnyk was quiet for a while. He spoke with a rasp, "Nothing. Give my thanks to Dr. Princess for her car. And I thank the Executioner for his." There was a cheer of approval for him.

Bonnibel gave a nod, "It will be done," and saw to it that Peppermint Butler wrote a note to do so. Finn also gave a nod to Melnyk as he looked back.

He was placed at the block, helped to his knees and, unlike the others, he was not secured to the block. Finn whipped his axe clean with a cotton rag and placed anew basket at the block. "I'm sorry, Melnyk. I had hoped that this day would no longer be necessary."

"Your tenants wouldn't allow that anyway, friend," Melnyk smiled assuredly. "I'm ready."

Finn once again glanced at Jake and Lady, Lady, buried her head in him so she didn't watch. The drums rolled again, Finn lined his axe, and raised it. One.

Melnyk turned his head so he would not see the axe come down. He let out an ill cough. He was still sick, but he was able to stand. That meant the execution was permissible to the tenants. Two.

Finn finished readying his axe. He took that breath again. The crowed cheered again. Three.

Finn took the final sharp deep breath. His axe took another victim. Another he could call a friend. He had the pirates left. With his work finished with his blades, he set the axe down and left the block for the gallows right next to it. The pirates were still before, but now that their time had come they were getting flustered.

Finn scanned around him as he walked. He took another look at Jake and Lady who were speaking. Marceline was whispering to Bonnibel about something. She seemed in the middle of entertained and bored. At least he didn't have much longer to go.

Peppermint Butler began reading another parchment. "The final executions shall take place at the gallows. These following are guilty of piracy!" A shout was carried out against the final two. The list of the accused was read, then the first was called. His crimes were listed as he was dragged to the gallows, being secured by several ropes, including his feet. He struggled and Finn fitted the noose over his neck.

"Stop struggling," Finn ordered calmly, "You are given one request. Don't lose it like the other man did."

He was suddenly still. Sobbing, but otherwise quiet.

"Does the defendant have any final requests or remarks?"

"Please… can't I live a few days longer? Postpone my sentence. Please!" Finn sighed. He was glad his face was covered. That way he could make any face he wanted, and no one could tell the difference between his stoicism and his cringe. But under his breath as well, he remarked how he wouldn't have wasted his request like that. Even if it was granted. It would be better to get this done and over with than live in fear a few days longer.

Bonnibel listened to some whispers from her officials but eventually replied. "I cannot grant the request you seek. Your time is today. I am sorry." Marceline seemed to make a remark that caused her to nearly break her composure. But her rolled eyes told Finn that it was most likely a pertinent joke at an unbefitting time. She stood, as custom for hangings demanded. Then her hand raised. The drums rolled and Finn gripped the trap door lever. Second passed. "Now." Bonnibel's hand dropped. And Finn pulled the lever vicious and quick. If he didn't, the lever might stick, and he'd end up strangling the accused rather than break his neck.

The drums stopped. An audible pop told Finn the hanging was successful. The rope held, the accused dangled limply and the crowed was quiet. Finn waited for his cue. Bonnibel staired at the body for some time before nodded and sitting back down. "Cut him down."

Finn drew his blade, and cut the noose. The lifeless body was dragged away, and Finn worked at replacing the rope. The final pirate, and his final execution, was dragged to the gallows as soon as he nodded to the guards. It took him a minute to rearrange a noose in the pullies of the gallows. Finn didn't have a good look at his final accused. But when he did he realized that this one was shorter. Maybe even a child. Or a teenager more like. To have started so young. Crime had no standard.

Finn walked down the stairs of the gallows to a guard while the others were confused he was leaving. "Get me stool. I don't have enough rope to accommodate this kid's size."

"Yes, Executioner," The guard replied and ran off. Finn waited rather nonchalantly. While it was certainly heartbreaking to execute a child, it wasn't something Finn had hadn't done. He had gotten over the feeling of guilt when he executed children. But that didn't mean he never had it. In a few minutes time, A barrel was provided instead. "This was the closest thing I could get. It's empty so no one will miss it for now."

"Close enough," Finn said, taking it, "So long as it makes him tall enough."

Finn put the barrel onto the trap door and motioned for the guards to force him up. Finn gave him a brief and solemn apology, "I'm sorry, friend. Don't worry, this is much less painful than a beheading. It'll be quick."

"Have you been hung before?" The teenager asked somewhat spitefully.

It was a fair question, if not otherwise a smart aleck one. One Finn heard a hundred times, though. "If you can believe it… yes." No one ever expected that answer. But yes, in a sense, Finn did know what it was like. In his initiation to take up the title, Finn underwent a vision that made him suffer every execution he would ever deal. It was an experience he was neglected to be told about. Apparently, that was always the case.

The child went silent then. Then he was addressed. "Does the defendant…"

"I don't have anything just get it over with!" The teenager spat. Now his composer was breaking. He had help a clam demeaner before, but now he lost it.

"I…" Peppermint Butler looked around for some approval for the unpreceded reaction. So, Bonnible stood up and gave him what he required. "Very well…"

Bonnibel raised her hand. "Ready…" Finn took the lever and waited again. He looked over at Jake and Lady again. Jake was comforting Lady who was staring at the execution and pushing Jake back a little. He looked concerned. Finn's eyes turned back to Bonnibel. "Now!" Her hand dropped.

Finn went to pulled the lever when he heard a baby's cry. Many eyes darted towards its direction including Finn's. he knew they were all thinking the same thing. There was a child present? It wasn't against the law, but it was considered despicable. Many children often snuck peaks of his performances but to bring a baby! That's when it happened. Finn realized his lever stuck.

"Damn it!" He said to himself. He wiggled it; the teen struggled to keep the barrel beneath him so he wouldn't strangle. Finn tried to retract the doors so they could maybe try again and salvage the botch, giving the kid a quicker death, but the lever was jammed. The barrel slid to its side and child dangled every so slightly that he could get gasps to breath. The guards were forbidden from helping. There was no going back. The tenants were clear. The pulling of a lever was like that of swinging the axe. If it should be pulled, then like the swing that cannot be stopped, the hanging could not be stopped either. It was something of a criteria to fulfill. Any interference was like stopping the axe from swinging. Something that would lead to an execution itself.

It was clear then. Finn had to let it play out. He stepped forward to the trap door and kicked them the rest of the way open. Nothing he hadn't done before… even for a child. Bonnibel broke composer to look away. Unlike Finn, she couldn't stand to watch something like this. The child eyed Finn with a mix of spite and confusion. It was easy to read. A curse for what seemed to be a lie… and a question why. Seconds passed. Minutes. Finally, the light in his eyes was leaving and the body stopped moving. Finn dropped his head, staring at the trap door.

"Damn this broken equipment. No one deserves this…" He sighed. The guilt was settling in.

"C…cut him down…" Bonnibel sounded a little broken this time. Finn obeyed. There was a moment of silence as the poor teen's body was taken away. At least ten seconds had passed as Bonnibel fought to remain composed. Marceline initially tried to speak to her, but a hand quieted her. "This concludes this day's executions. May they…" she had to clear her throat daintily to keep her image, "Maybe they serve as a reminder for those who choose lawlessness as their lot in life." She dismissed the crowed and quickly departed. Marceline hurried after her and It seemed Lady and Jake were leaving in the same condition as well.

Finn sighed. His first botched execution in a year. He needed to fix that trap door…

A banana guard with his bucket and mop caught his attention. "Too bad with that last one, huh?"

Finn took the bucket and mop. "Nothing I haven't seen before… I thought I had that mechanism fixed. It keeps breaking."

"Too bad the blacksmith can't fix it," The guard said more as a suggestion then a remark.

"Blacksmiths can't fix these sorts of things. It puts blood on their hands. Return to your work. I need to do mine."

"Yeah, okay," The guards said. "Bye…" He returned to the cart of the dead and wheeled them off.

Finn mopped for some time when saw Marceline stop at the steps of his block. "Hey, Exy… Bonnie took that last one pretty hard…"

Finn continued to mop and squeeze out the water into a drain. "Yeah… I know."

Marceline became quiet. She was more reserved knowing that there were some public eyes that could notice them this time. "Are you okay?"

Finn put the mop in the buckets and slapped it in the stone. "It's nothing I haven't seen before, Marcy. Don't worry about me. It gets easier. But… I think that was Bonnibel's first time watching someone strangle to death. If she'll let it, I'd recommend you stay with her for a while. She could sue the company. She won't want to see me for a while, I think."

Marceline chuckled. "Heh, well actually, she's sent for you. Whenever it's possible. Don't keep her waiting long."

Finn was surprised to hear that. He placed the mop in the buckets again. "…Alright. I'll see her after I put my things back in the smithy." Finn threw the water over the rest of the stone and let the blood reach the drain.

"I'll let her know," Marceline smiled. "You sure you're okay, Exy?"

Finn gathered the mop, bucket, sword, and axe then replied again, "I'm just fine, Marcy. Go on now, tend to Bonnie."

Marcy gave him a curt nod. "I'll do that. See you soon."

Finn exhaled as he watched her fly away towards the castle towers. He stood there a while. Somewhat reminiscent. It's what happened when he was stuck under a weight of guilt. It would pass soon. He just needed to let time pass for now. "Bye…"