The Fire Kingdom began construction at the Grasslands a few weeks after Phoebe's speech. Instead of simply claiming the territories Bubblegum left behind, Phoebe created a city where all of Ooo's citizens can commune freely and peacefully. In its center was a high rise building that served as the permanent headquarters for all the royals to conduct negotiations and business affairs. It was a proud moment for Phoebe as she observed its development. Once the workers were finished, they left behind a sprawling metropolis that seemed modern in design before the days of the Mushroom War. Even Marceline and Betty couldn't help but feel nostalgic at the scenery, to see the world they once knew come back to life in one fleeting moment.

"It almost feels like we've never left," Betty whispered beside the vampire.

"You can say that again," Marcy concurred. "And at least we shouldn't be expecting any nukes to be dropping anytime soon."

"Yeah," Betty nodded with a melancholic expression.

Ever since the rulers handled their differences in a very efficient manner, the world seemed relatively quiet. There were still some ocassional issues with criminals and thieves disrupting society, but overall the state of Ooo became relatively safe. Phoebe worked diligently alongside Furnius and a now fully recovered Cinnamon Bun to strengthen ties with former enemies such as the Orange and Wildberry Kingdoms, and life went on routinely as it were before the war. Phoebe was able to cope with her personal stress by dedicating herself in her line of work, but she also knew that it would eventually take its toll on her. Before she knew it, she would find herself trapped behind the mundane task of maintaining a kingdom. She loved her people dearly and was willing to move mountains for them, but she was also aware she lacked happiness in her personal life. The days she spent off in between helped refresh her mind and physical state of being, but it only helped temporarily. Every now and then, she would catch whispers among her fellow subjects expressing concern for nothing but her.

"She's still hurting," one flame guard murmured.

"Her eyes tell it all," the other replied. "Even when it seems like she's into the task at hand, I swear she stares off into the distance from time to time."

"Think it's about Finn?"

"That's a stupid question," the second guard chastised. "But yes. Seeing as how I'm usually posted at the throne room, I can easily tell you she's missed him since they've been apart."

"How would you know?"

"It's quite simple really," he shrugged off-handedly. "When I was roughly your age about twenty years ago, I had this beautiful woman who I loved so much. I was getting into the service, while she was on her way to becoming a tailor." His eyes glimmered at the fond memory, "We were inseparable after the first date and after a couple of years, I knew she was the one. But-" He stopped as his eyes expressed sadness, "Just when it seemed like I was going to ask for her hand in marriage, I suddenly get a note out of nowhere on my doorstep that told me we couldn't see each other ever again."

The first guard was shocked.

"No reason why, no early warning, no last kiss or hug," he continued bitterly. "I've tried to find her several times especially with the resources I have at my disposal, but it seemed like I was tailing a ghost. And ever since then, I would dream of the day where I can see her face again and ask her why she had to leave all those years ago."

"Man, I'm sorry for your loss," the other said remorsefully.

"It's been nearly a decade," the older elemental continued. "But the pain hurts just about the same like it did before, if not any more." He frowned to recompose in acceptance, "I've been able to tolerate it as I carry on, but the one thing that will always get to me the most is the fact that it was completely unresolved, and there is nothing I can do change it. The princess may not have said anything regarding Finn before and after the fact, but there's no doubt she is also having a similar ordeal."

Phoebe briskly walked away on cue after the story was finished. She started to have her mind become overwhelmed grief and sorrow that she needed to be alone in her room to release her emotions. Once she managed to walk inside her room, she shut the door quickly before resting her back against it. Her body slowly slid downwards as her depression took over and she sobbed uncontrollably as she tucked her knees to her chest.

"Why can't I just move on?!" Phoebe thought furiously.


A few days after her latest breakdown, the princess made her way to the throne room with a stoic expression. The guards that she bypassed on the way avoided eye contact, only to nervously look after her form out of sheer concern. No one knew what was happening in the palace, but they suspected there was a major event soon to take place. Once she finally reached her destination, all of her current family members were gathered around, anxious to hear what she had to say.

"I'm resigning," she announced with conviction before her relatives. She couldn't think of anything to make it sound pleasant, so she simply chose to be direct in the moment.

"Wait, what?" Furnius sputtered in shock. "Surely, you can't be serious?"

"Our kingdom's been freed from a perilous debt and a state of poverty, while also assuming its dominant role in the United Civilizations," Phoebe reassured. "All that remains now is to reestablish radio contact with the Candy Kingdom for their admission to the UC, and to maintain this current trend of overall peace. I know that with these circumstances considered, I should have all the more reason to stay but I cannot hide my pain forever." She moved her right hand to her heart, "Everytime I sit on that throne, I keep expecting him to pay a visit. And no matter how busy I try to be, I am still struck with that feeling day in and day out. It's become more of a nuisance that I fear that one day I'll slip up. And if there's one thing I hate to do is to rule while being emotionally compromised, spelling disaster." She brought her hand back down.

"Cousin," Furnius said. "Our people and myself included wouldn't be here without your guidance today. When the world seemed to drive us near our breaking point towards desperation, you sought to go against the grind until one of them eventually softened up. I've been trying to follow your example ever since you gave me and my brother a second chance, but I always seem fall short in that regard." He bowed condescending himself, "I'm nothing like you, Phoebe. For a long time, I schemed with Torcho as a means to reclaim the throne. And now that it's back into my hands, I just don't know what to do with it."

"Yes, you do," Phoebe argued with a determined look on her face. "Just do what I have been doing all these years. Rule just and fairly, and keep the peace with foreign relations. There's obviously more to it in depth, but that's basically it in a nutshell."

"Well, okay," Furnius shrugged with a nod. "But still, I don't think I'm worthy of such a role. Why don't you transfer chain of command with someone in your family. I mean there has to be someone else who can qualify!"

"Flint has been raised to adhere to the archaic traditions of the Fire Kingdom," Phoebe frowned. "Appointing him as Supreme General made him dangerous enough as it were and it nearly resulted in a catastrophe. As for Randy and my younger brother, those two are still in grade school, leaving them out automatically. Aunt Agnes and my uncle have been considered, but I believe in good faith that you are the best person for this role. While it may be true that you have struggled, that does not mean I am any different. I've made a lot of mistakes myself before I started to improve, but with it came experience. You know just as much as I do that our faults cannot be repeated if we choose to learn from them. However, there's always going to be a new struggle we'll face or a new problem to confront. No leader is perfect, Furnius and it took me a long time to realize that."

"Can you really trust me to uphold our kingdom's legacy then?" Her cousin asked.

She placed a hand on his shoulder with a comforting smile, "I already am. You have heart and compassion just like your brother. You have proven to put others before yourself as a great display of humility that I know I wouldn't have picked a better candidate. To top it all off, you are familiar with our kingdom's current forms with foreign policy."

"Alright," he nodded hesitantly. "I shall assume the leadership by your command, only on one condition."

"What might that be?"

"Promise you'll visit the palace from time to time," he answered. "To appease the population, and to keep in touch."

"Sounds reasonable," Phoebe shrugged in understanding.

"By the way," Furnius remembered on cue. "Even though you just relinquished your power, you and your family will still retain your status as royals. That goes form being addressed by your titles, to having your residency in the palace, and to having your fair share of the inheritance. I don't care what you have to say on the matter, that is something I will never take away!"

"Fair enough," she complied. "I will phone the princesses of this change and make it official. After that, I'll be on my way."

He stepped forth to give her a long embrace, "Best wishes to you cousin."

"Thanks," she patted his back before parting. "Who knows, maybe you'll find somebody too. You are the only prince in Ooo acting in charge as of now. You'll have a lot of options!" Phoebe teased.

Furnius chuckled with her briefly while gesturing dismissively, "I'm pretty sure my responsibilities and obligations will just have to do. I'm in no rush."

"So you say," Phoebe rolled her eyes before departing with a wave.

Once the meeting was over, Furnius sat down on the throne and was placed in deep thought. It felt weird to be in the center of the Fire Kingdom, but he knew he was willing to lead in the same regard like his cousin, if not be any better. However, his mind kept on looking back to the last bit of the conversation regarding his love life. The princesses were no doubt sweet, charming, and beautiful in their own regard, and it seemed reasonable that to pair with one of them would strengthen political ties. He then shook his head when he remembered that such a gesture was pointless as the United Civilizations already served fulfilling that purpose.

"I should be focused more with work anyway," he thought in comfort. "Although, should the case ever arise, I guess there is one person I might remotely consider..."

At that moment, his cheeks blushed when his thoughts projected a certain raven-haired individual.


Phoebe moved back into her house at the river by the mountainside Finn had built for her. What was once considered Marauder Village, the scenery still had a breathtaking view. The grass that ran alongside the river was lush and green, and the birds flew cheerfully into the clear blue sky. A smile graced her lips as she recalled the fond memories she shared with Finn here. She remembered particularly the first day her house was constructed and how her flames didn't easily burn the human's skin.

"Huh," Finn said casually as a small trail of fire touched his right foot while Phoebe examined the house. "This doesn't hurt as bad as it used to." Right after he said that however, the flames intensified and suddenly engulfed his right leg. "Ahhh! Oh Gob, oh Gob, oh Gob!" He ran towards the edge and dove into the nearby river.

As the memory ended, Phoebe hummed in thought with a frown, "He was getting used to the fire. Back when we first met, he would flinch right away at the slightest touch. Then again, I barely handled myself feeling even a single tear drop from him. Not to mention I couldn't sever my connections from a distant flame." She then thought of her encounter with him at the Goblin Kingdom. "We sure did come a long way though in our attempts to defy nature," she recalled looking forward from that event. "I mean by the time we were together for a year, he didn't need to wrap himself in tin foil to get close to me. Could it be that I also learned how to control my heat too?" She speculated on the thought for a while before ultimately shrugging to herself.

Phoebe spent the next few days to herself as she moved on. One day she would be exploring a dungeon to loot its treasure and another she would be watering plants from her personal garden. She did make a few calls occasionally to the princesses and her friends to let them know she was okay, and for the first time she felt a sense of personal freedom. She was completely content with the lifestyle she had now, but with it still came the constant personal struggles.

"It's scarred onto my heart," Phoebe thought bitterly as she looked at herself in the mirror. "No matter where I go, no matter what I do, it'll always be there." She then sighed irritably and threw her hands yelling, "Okay, fine! I'm still miserable. I can't forget it and I won't forget it. But all I want to do is move on! Is that too much to ask?!"

Suddenly, she blinked. The reflection she saw before her made her realize how much different she looked. Her face and overall body had seemed to mature to that of a young woman and she instantly thought of how Finn would react. "He would no doubt see the beauty beneath my struggle," she thought fondly as her anger subsided. "Heh, it's almost hard to believe I'm already eighteen. I can barely even recognize myself now." She leaned forward and rested her hands on the dresser in front and bowed momentarily. When she looked back on her recent birthday during her time as ruler, all of her friends paid a visit at the Fire Kingdom palace. The day was festive and everyone seemed happy, but a part of Phoebe felt distant nonetheless. She tried to be involved and engaging with the guests and when the day reached to an end, she was still trying to register the fact that she was one year older now.

"I suppose," she thought as she looked back up at the mirror with a small smile. "There is one more thing I could do to move on." She pulled out her phone and contacted Marceline moments later.

"What's up Phoebe?" The vampire greeted.

"Hey, Marcy. Any chance I can stop by your place for a jam session?" Phoebe asked courteously. "I, uh feel like I'm in the mood today."

"It's no problem," Marcy replied in understanding. "Just head on over here whenever you're ready."

By the time the elemental arrived, Phoebe noticed Betty and Ice King were also accompanying the vampire.

"I hope you don't mind the extra company," Marcy explained as she carried her ax bass. "Thought they might help."

"It's cool," Phoebe nodded. "I wouldn't have it any other way."

"So," the vampire said. "How would you like to do this?"

"Well," Phoebe answered hesitantly. "Ever since I've started downloading my own music, it's almost hard for me to decide which one to choose first. But you know what, I think I have the right idea."

"Great!" Marcy exclaimed. "Which one is it?"

"Are you familiar with Pink?" Phoebe asked.

Marcy blinked in suprise before breaking down into a chuckle, "Now that is a name that I haven't heard in ages! I used to be a big fan and listen to her music all the time."

"Really?" Betty asked.

"Contrary to the popular belief," Marcy replied wittingly. "I do not limit myself to metal or hardcore rock. Pink's been like a inspiration to me because some of her songs are about going through struggles and getting on with life." She looked back to Phoebe, "I bet you I'll remember the whole thing right away once I strum the first beat!"

"Alright," Phoebe chuckled. "Ill hold you to that. But I do want to let you know that I'll be the lead singer for this one."

Marcy nodded as she made last minute adjustments to her bass. Once she was done, Betty manned the drum set from behind, while Ice King merely stood back and watched. Phoebe tapped on the microphone to test it was ready and then cleared her voice a couple times before proceeding.


You took my hand
You showed me how
You promised me you'd be around
Uh huh

That's right
I took your words
And I believed
In everything

You said to me
Yeah huh
That's right

If someone said three years from now
You'd be long gone
I'd stand up and punch them out
'Cause they're all wrong

I know better
'Cause you said forever
And ever
Who knew

Remember when we were such fools
And so convinced and just too cool
Oh no
No no

I wish I could touch you again
I wish I could still call you friend
I'd give anything

When someone said count your blessings now
For they're long gone
I guess I just didn't know how
I was all wrong

They knew better
Still you said forever
And ever
Who knew

Yeah yeah
I'll keep you locked in my head
Until we meet again
Until we

Until we meet again
And I won't forget you my friend
What happened

If someone said three years from now
You'd be long gone
I'd stand up and punch them out
'Cause they're all wrong and

That last kiss
I'll cherish
Until we meet again
And time makes

It harder
I wish I could remember
But I keep
Your memory

You visit me in my sleep
My darling
Who knew
My darling

My darling
Who knew
My darling
I miss you

My darling
Who knew
Who knew


Phoebe bursted into tears after the song finished. Upon seeing this, Marcy and Betty rushed to her side and consoled her.

"Breathe," Marcy said with a soothing voice. "Breathe."

"It's gonna be alright," Betty joined.

"I know," Phoebe nodded through her breakdown. "I know. Just.. give me a moment."

"Take as long as you need," Marcy comforted. "Let it all out."

The trio stayed like together for a few minutes until Phoebe started to compose herself.

"How do you feel?" Betty asked once they all parted.

"Better, better," Phoebe snifled as she dried her tears. "I needed to get it out of my system."

"No arguments there," Marcy teased. Her face then changed back into a serious expression when she said, "You know, Finn actually did the same for you recently believe it or not."

"He did?!" Phoebe lifted her brows.

"Yeah," the vampire recalled. "It all happened on the day when Betty jumped through that time portal."

"Has it been that long?" Betty commented out loud.

Marcy nodded with a hum before continuing, "He and Jake came over to my house after I called them over. The idea of the whole thing was to see if they could help me with a new music beat I was trying to make. And right when it seemed like it was going happen, he suddenly made a last minute request to perform a song for himself." She paused as she visualized the memory. "I knew something was up with the way how he acted beforehand, and when I realized the lyrics alluded to a certain individual in this very room, I didn't need to look any further."

Phoebe looked down in remorse. "He still felt the same about me, after all this time," she thought.

"He sang The Reason," Marcy continued as she looked at Phoebe. "Although, he initially thought it was called Starting Anew..." She then shook her head and quickly amended, "That's not the point. What I'm saying is that he would done anything to earn your trust back. I have never seen anyone become so dedicated at bettering themselves, that I actually felt a bit jealous he went through it all just for you." Her demeanor softened a bit and said, "But I guess like with Jake, he started to make himself a stranger overtime. I rarely saw him like I used to since then, and I had this gnawing suspicion he was going to run away sooner or later." She noticed Phoebe's worried gaze and put her at ease with a shrug, "It's pointless to think like that now though."

"Yeah, I guess..." Phoebe nodded glumly. But then her flames brightened a little when she suddenly took on a determined expression. "I don't want to wallow in the past anymore, nor do I want to imagine would could have been. I want to actually move forward for once!"

"We all do," Marcy nodded in understanding.

"So any ideas?" Phoebe asked eagerly. "I want to try something different besides all the other stuff we've been doing!"

The vampire hummed thoughtfully until she glanced at Betty and Ice King. "I guess there is this one thing..."