"Your majesty," a fire elemental solemnly greeted.
Phoebe lifted her head and stood up quickly in response, "How is he?"
The medic struggled to answer briefly before saying, "The flame shield saved his life by deflecting most of the blast. However..."
The fiery ruler and the wolf Jake 2 beside her tensed in anticipation.
"The burns are too severe for Cinnamon Bun to re-enter the field. Parts of his lungs have been seared significantly and most of his body has been crippled. Unless there's a way to heal him instantly or miraculously for that matter, then I'm afraid our champion will be deemed unfit for active service until further notice.. He'll need to be transferred towards a medical facility asap if we are to sustain him."
Phoebe felt distraught upon hearing this and struggled to remain composed. Her eyes were threatening to burst with another set of tears and her flames dimmed a little.
"We've done everything we could," the medic said remorsefully. "If we hadn't cared for him sooner, he might not have survived." He glanced at Jake 2, "In fact, it's all thanks to this fellow. I heard some of our guys saw him go for the rescue while under the line of fire. If there's one thing I've learned today is that he shares a unique bond with his handler." He then shook his head, "Not many of our canine units exhibit this."
Phoebe glanced down from the left and gave Jake 2 a small smile, "Thanks, buddy." She then patted him appreciatively before returning her gaze with the medic. "Any chance when I can speak with him?" She asked with a hopeful expression.
The medic sighed, "Of course, your majesty. In fact, it was Cinnamon Bun who sent for me. He made it very adamant to speak with you right away despite our protests." He frowned, "I advise you'd make your visit short, your highness. We've just stabilized his condition temporarily not too long ago that he needs to rest."
She nodded gratefully, "I understand, thanks for your help. I'll be on my way."
The young monarch proceeded towards the medical bunker and encountered the same two guards at the entrance. Once they saw her, they immediately stepped aside with stoic expressions, disregarding the run-in from earlier.
She slowed her pace as she stepped inside the dark passageway. There were lanterns dimly lit across the walls with supply crates stacked nearby. Once she reached the end, she saw several wounded men lying beside each other on the ground sedated. A few doctors could also be seen managing their equipment and they made a silent acknowledgement when they saw their ruler.
After a moment, Phoebe finally saw her protector on a gurney amongst a few others. Her eyes watered at the sight and she struggled tremendously to withhold a gasp.
The pastry being was covered entirely with bandages except for his eyes and face. His chest rose and fell in a slow rhythm and an IV fluid was attached to his left arm.
"Hey," Phoebe began in a hushed voice. "How are you doing?" She asked as she mustered a broken smile and sat on a stool to his right.
"I-I'll be.. fine," he answered weakly. "And you?"
A cascade of tears ran loose from the girl's cheeks as she answered, "A bit better than before. I was worried sick when I heard about what happened." She wiped her eyes and sniffled, "I just couldn't do anything!"
CB wished he could comfort her from that moment, but frowned as he concentrated on what he needed to say. "Listen," he rasped, getting her attention. "I need you to listen very carefully."
Phoebe nodded as she held his right hand that was protected with a flame shield.
"It's not o-over," he continued. "Bubblegum has an underground lab beneath the.. palace."
"I remember," Phoebe replied. "So all we have to do is keep her trapped until we force her surrender, right?"
CB grunted as he shook his head slightly, "The lab is much bigger than you think, princess.. It has several exits for Bubblegum to escape."
The girl paled upon hearing the news, "Y-you mean.. She could've left anytime?" Her voice broke with an upset expression.
"They all lead to the surface within the Candy Kingdom lands," he comforted. "Besides, I don't think Bubblegum would leave without having to confront you first."
She slightly composed herself as she thought out loud, "I guess that's somewhat a relief. And even if we do trap her somehow, she'll just invent something from the inside to keep us on edge." Her body shuddered, "Nothing has changed. We already have a one-man-army to worry about and I don't want to know what else I might be dealing with."
"I had hoped to fight by your side in your time of need," CB answered with a crestfallen expression. "So that I could show you the way.. T-take care of Jake 2, p-princess. Take c-care of your people, w-win this war and lead them.. home." He wheezed and coughed moments later.
She smiled tenderly, "I will, CB. You've done your part and that was all I could ever ask. I'll just have to be thorough with my search and be on the lookout for any traps in the meantime." She then glanced at some of the doctors approaching before facing CB, "Hang in there, dear friend."
The pastry nodded momentarily to reply and then watched as Phoebe made her exit. The doctors came to his bedside shortly after and his breathing slowly recovered as he was administered sedatives.
"The transport's almost ready," one of the caretakers said. "Let's have him prepped for transfer."
Phoebe dried her tears as she walked outside the bunker. When she walked back onto the trench network, she looked around briefly for her brother and briskly approached him.
The Supreme General was pacing back and forth with his phone in hand and muttered curses. As he kept himself lost in his thoughts, he suddenly stopped altogether when he saw his younger sibling from the corner of his eye. "Sister," he exclaimed. "Everything alright?"
"I want the entire city obliterated when the shield goes down," she said fiercely. "But leave the palace unharmed."
"Hold on," SG replied as he was taken off guard. "Why leave out the palace? Bubblegum has no where else to go as far as I'm concerned."
"Not from what I've just learned," she replied firmly. "Mobilize several of our infantry divisions and get them to seal off the boundaries of the Candy Kingdom."
"It'll take a while for everything to get in motion," he said with skepticism.
"Then perhaps you should start at once," she ordered with her eyes blazing with authority. "We have more than enough people already that it's time to put them to good use."
SG nodded hastily from the intimidation, "Of course, I'll get right on it!"
"Keep me posted on the shield's status, general." she said with professionalism. "I'll be on my way to my personal quarters and I want no disturbances until then unless it's extremely important." She stormed away leaving her brother confused.
After a while, the older elemental lifted his head upon realization. "This conflict is changing her," he thought. "It's changing all of us," he continued as he looked over at the salvo of rockets bombarding the barrier relentlessly. He then looked at all the surrounding troopers who had blood and grit smeared all over their armor until he finally said, "All my years in the military and I have always glorified the prospect of going to war..." He looked down and shook his head in disappointment, "Man, was I so naive."
The young monarch pitched her helmet aside as she settled inside her tent. Her flames intensified as her anger rose and she slammed both fists onto the nearby desk. The furniture shattered effectively into two and her head reeled back as she grasped her hair with both hands out of frustration. She was losing control of her emotions so quickly that she didn't notice the lantern behind her change with its flame taking on a different shape. Once it took on a different form, the ruler paused when she heard a familiar voice.
"Still intent on keeping her alive?" Flame King asked with a smug expression.
"Dad," Phoebe warned. "Not the time."
"When I think about it, daughter," he said ignoring her. "You are held just as accountable as your adversary regarding this war."
Phoebe shot him a death glare that would have surely made anyone buckle. "You don't think I know that," she asked venomously. "Everyday, I dread about the backlash I'll get when I get home. I could blow them off, justify my actions, spin everything around to make myself look like the most righteous person in the world, but that won't get rid of the resentment they'll always have for me."
"Spare me the dramatics," FK said unnerving her. "You could have prevented all this bloodshed if you had just killed her to begin with!"
"NO!" She boomed. "That's not who I am! Doing that would not make me any different from her."
"I hate to break it to you," he countered. "But even 'heroes' must go beyond their morals to ensure the survival of the people. You think this world was shaped entirely with treaties and handshakes?! That, everyone would come to a mutual agreement without having to draw swords? That by showing peace and mercy, they'll just share it? You are ignorant as you are blind!"
Phoebe faltered as she was taken aback.
"Those who share compassion to their enemies are destined to fall," FK stated. "Only a few have made the exception to still live after the fact."
"And those few are more than enough to support my beliefs." She said as she recovered.
"You're beliefs are FLAWED!" FK shouted indignantly. "All you're doing is just giving the enemy another foothold on when they can back stab you."
"So why didn't you do it when you were in charge?" She seethed. "Explain that!"
"I was never given the chance," he answered bitterly. "The closest I ever got was to settle for a truce. After exhausting many troops and resources into a stalemate, I had no choice but to use peace as a means to recover." He narrowed his eyes, "You really have no idea how good you could have had it for all of us!"
"I wanted her to change!" she argued. "I still want her to change."
FK asked, "Just like how you wanted me to change? How did that work out for you?"
Her flames began to intensify with her fists tightening, "You're expecting that I reconsider?" Her tone took on a darkened impression.
FK was unfazed, "You could have wasted me whenever you wanted, Phoebe. Killing me now would merely be an effort to save face, just like Bubblegum. But then again, you might have the strength to do what is necessary if you strike me down."
She stared at him menacingly with raging flames for a long time until she decided to power down. "No," she uttered in a low voice. "Only a savage would succumb to such deeds."
He frowned.
"You may be willing to slaughter anyone including your own kind, but I am far from anything like you. The principles and virtues that I have chosen to live by will make me a far better ruler and person than you could ever hope to be."
"Then you will perish," he sighed in resignation. "Along with everyone else."
At the streets of the Candy Kingdom, a squad of five elementals rushed towards the southern generator. They ran for many reasons, the main ones involving a crazed killer who singlehandedly slaughtered their unit and the fact that a series of non-stop explosions thundered over the skies. The barrier withheld all the ordinance with no signs of struggle, but the elementals felt wary nonetheless. For all they knew, they could reach the second generator without being caught in the crossfire or they could be obliterated without warning.
"How far is this place," a squad member panted as he ran.
"Just keep going and don't think about it!" The leader replied.
"It'd be a lot easier if we could use one of these cars," another thought out loud.
The leader glared at his teammate, "Good luck clearing the streets. If you can't do that, then shut up!" All the lanes were packed with vehicles that stretched all the way into the horizon.
They continued their run towards the objective for another five minutes until their legs suddenly gave out. The squad leader motioned everyone to slow down and his eyes surveyed the streets until he found an abandoned liquor store. The five elementals took a few minutes to catch their breaths, but the group remained restless as they overheard the relentless bombardment.
"I can't do this," one member finally said as he paced back and forth.
"Stand down, private," the lieutenant ordered. "Panicking over the situation isn't going to make things better."
"Y-you're crazy!" The subordinate shouted. "We have no backup, no radio, and no guarantee we'll make it back!"
"As far as I'm concerned, the shield seems to be doing just fine," he argued staying the most sane.
"Screw it," the private snapped. "I don't plan on dyin' today! You guys can get blown to kingdom come for all I care! I'm outta here!" Just as he was about to make his exit at the door, a rifle cocked right behind him.
"Anyone who deserts the battlefield is punishable by death," the lieutenant announced with a grave tone. "Now I will order you to fall in one last time or I will have no choice but to shoot you myself!"
The private gulped but remained adamant, "You're willing to shoot your own kind?!"
"My own kind," the leader corrected. "Are the ones who follow orders for the good of our kingdom, not sniveling cowards who flee at the first sign of danger!" He glanced over to another group member, "Sergeant, relieve this man of his weapon and gear."
The elemental hesitated briefly but ultimately approached the deserter. As he cautiously made his approach, the private contemplated on his next move. He was already near the exit and lieutenant stood far enough for the subordinate to consider dodging. When the sergeant got within close proximity, the private acted suddenly on impulse by ducking and diving in his direction. As he scuttled outside along the wall as cover, a trail of bullets followed, killing the unfortunate sergeant.
"Grod-danggit, he's dead," the fourth member wailed, clutching the body.
The lieutenant clenched his teeth in frustration and stormed outside the building. He looked over at the deserter's last known direction and trembled when he couldn't find him among the city block. He bellowed, "There's gonna be a reckoning when this is all over! Do you hear me?! I will personally have you hanged for this!" He took off his helmet and slammed it on the ground moments later.
"Sir," the fifth member asked solemnly as he joined him. "Should we go after him?"
"No," the leader reluctantly answered. "We have a mission priority to fufill and we need all the time we could get. He'll get what's comin' to him," he said with assurance to steady his nerves.
"AAAAAAAARRRRRGGGGGH!"
The two commandos pointed their guns from the distant bloodcurdling scream, recognizing the voice.
"More sooner than I thought," the leader muttered in surprise. His heart started to race when his mind clicked in realization, "We need to move, now!" He looked over to the fourth member and said, "Grab the sergeant's explosives and split up towards the objective!"
He complied but struggled as his hands fumbled for the bag. Precious seconds passed by as he tried to recover and the squad leader couldn't help but grit his teeth muttering loudly, "Hurry up!"
"Ok," the fourth member exhaled in relief as he picked up the last explosive. He began running outside the store with haste to join the others. Just as he stepped outside, however he suddenly found himself being violently pulled in midair and started flying towards his confused teammates. The two elementals parted by diving in opposite directions and the fourth member's screams of horror ceased as a blade impaled right through his stomach. The lieutenant and the last private both looked up from the ground at the newcomer who stood only a few feet away, and the men scrambled back onto their feet with their weapons ready.
Finn sharply withdrew his blade as his victim collapsed to the ground in a splattering mess. Right when the two shooters fired, Finn reached out with his off hand and suspended all the bullets. Once the rifles clicked empty, the candy warrior used his telekinesis to drop all the projectiles much to everyone's surprise. The private then tried to rush in for the melee, but was met to no avail as Finn tossed his sword sideways right through the waistline splitting him in two. As the blade flew back to its owner, the leader pulled out his own sword and rushed towards the attacker with the weapon raised high above his head. Instead of going for the duel however, Finn effortlessly used his powers to send the elemental flying backwards several feet into the nearby wall. Once he was effectively pinned, Finn manipulated the elemental's blade by having it go slowly towards his own throat. The elemental widened his eyes and clutched his teeth as he tried to resist, but Finn made a slight pushing motion to finish him once and for all.
"All targets neutralized," Finn radioed from his communicator as he carelessly released his fallen enemy.
"Excellent work, my protector," Princess Bubblegum replied. "And now there is just one last detail to take care of," she said with a sinister expression.
"...Indeed," he agreed with grave tone.
Sometime later, Peppermint Butler and the remaining candy subjects ran in circles across the conference room as Finn began his massacre. With the only exit point sealed off, Finn took his time as he reached his victims and then delivered a few strikes intending to bleed them out. Cries and shouts of protest filled the room and soon the overall interior was splattered with bits and chunks of candy. Only Peppermint was left unscathed during the whole ordeal, but he knew his fate would soon be sealed along with everyone else's.
"The princess sends you a message," Finn seethed with a daunting gaze as he sheathed his sword. He then pulled out his communicator and placed it onto the blood-stained table. A small blue holographic image of Princess Bubblegum took place shortly after, and she looked at her long-time servant with a disappointed expression.
"You have failed me for the last time, Peppermint," she began irritably. "I gave you a simple task to run the defenses and you couldn't even do that!"
"Princess," Peppermint argued with a quiver. "I may be many things in my line of work, but I am no tactician!"
"Clearly," she concurred sharply. "But what gets me the most is the fact that you tried to sell my secrets to our sworn enemies!"
"No," Peppermint begged shaking his head insistently. "I swear I was trying to figure out a way to help you from the outside." His face lit up as an idea surfaced, "I know! I could pretend to defect and lead everyone to a trap! Problem solved, hehe."
PB was unconvinced, "You betrayed me, Peppermint. Such an act in my experience is considered treason. Do you really think you can get away with all the things you've done behind my back? That I don't know of your 'secret' rituals with dark magic in which I have clearly frowned upon? I've been letting it slide all these years because it has helped me further my pursuits for science."
"You didn't trust me?!" Peppermint was appalled. "I have faithfully served at your side since the very beginning! I took care of you, made sure you balanced your time as a scientist and ruler, and even maintained order on the kingdom on several occasions."
"I was keeping you in check," PB affirmed. "And although your accomplishments are clearly undisputed, that does not grant you a free pass on what you have done today."
Peppermint yelled in protest, "I had no choice! I was backed into a corner that I had to protect myself! But now that the elementals are gone, I can simply join by your side again and we can put this all behind us!" He formed a hopeful expression.
She stared at him pensively for a long while, contemplating his words until she sighed, "You'll just betray me again sooner or later..." She looked away, "Perhaps you were bound to anyway if I ever gave you the chance."
His expression slowly faded into despair.
"A true devoted servant would have given his life in the line of duty," PB chastised. "You have clearly forgotten the core principle of what it means when responsibility demands sacrifice. For these reasons, you are hereby declared an enemy of the state."
Peppermint fell on his knees, begging, "No, please don't do this! I'll do anything to earn your trust back, I swear!" Tears ran down his eyes.
PB looked at him remorsefully, "Oh, very well." She paused as he calmed slightly. "I suppose there is one thing you could do to atone for all this."
"Really?" the mint squeaked.
"You can sacrifice your life in the name of responsibility," she stated to the mint's dismay. "And you will forever retain your honor and dignity in the archives of the Candy Kingdom."
Peppermint's lips quivered, "B-but I can still contribute if you let me live! Please!"
PB bowed her head, "This is for the best, for both of us, my old friend." She then looked back up, "Normally.. I would say, 'auf Wiedersehen'. But since what 'auf Wiedersehen' actually means is, "till I see you again".. and since I never wish to see you again, to you Peppermint Butler I say... goodbye." She looked over to Finn and nodded before her image vanished.
The former butler felt a stinging painful sensation as a fist drove into his face. As he flew across the length of the room, the mint gasped breathlessly upon hitting the wall. A small crack formed from the landing as he kneeled on the ground with all fours, and his arms trembled to support himself. A set of ominous footsteps could be heard converging on his location shortly after and before he knew it, he felt a hand cover his mouth as it lifted him back up against the wall. He screamed during the ordeal to no avail and quickly stopped as the other fist pummeled him repeatedly in the face and jawline. His body began to crack from all the injuries he accumulated, but Finn continued the beat down as he drove a knee into the mint's stomach. As Peppermint doubled over, Finn added momentum to the former's direction and had him slam right into the table.
Peppermint couldn't recall anything else after that. All he knew was that his eyesight became blurry and that his voice broke from being overly strained. He was now lying down on his stomach with his arms forward as Finn left, and he prayed to the deities for the insufferable pain to stop. With no strength to move not even a finger, the mint could only groan as he heard the doorway sealed again for good measure. It would take some considerable time for the Fire Army to commence its destruction on the city, and he could only hope he would pass away long before the fact.
As far as anyone else was concerned, he was going to die with his cohorts one way or another, and no one would even know nor care.
