CHAPTER 20
Finn arrives at the Candy Castle to talk to Princess Bubblegum. He is escorted by Peppermint Butler to Princess Bubblegum's office. Finn enters and is surprised to see not only Bubblegum there, but other princesses throughout Ooo there except for Water Princess.
"Thank you, Prince Finn, for coming tonight. We have much to talk about. Please have a seat." Princess Bubblegum says. Finn sits down, confused about all of this.
"What is this about? No offense to the other princesses, but I thought it was just going to be you and me talking." Finn says.
"Yes, but this concerns them as well. War eventually consumes everything, and we want to stop it before it has a chance to. We believe you are the only rational one between the two kingdoms, and we wish for you to try to get Phoebe to agree to a peace treaty, not just for your sake, or her sake, or for our sake, but for the sake of every other life on Ooo."
"So, this wasn't about wanting to form an alliance, then."
"No. Sorry about being vague in the message I sent, but I thought it was the only way to get you to come without raising Phoebe's suspicions."
"I understand, but she's not going to like this. She only let me come because she thought you wanted to help her, since she not only has the Water Kingdom to deal with, but the Sea Kingdom as well. They sent a declaration of war shortly after we arrived home before I came over here."
The other princesses are stunned and begin whispering to themselves.
"Oh, dear Glob." Princess Bubblegum says.
"I'm sorry, Princesses, I would like nothing more to agree to the treaty, because I don't want war, either. But Phoebe is the ruler, so whatever she says, goes. Also, she's my wife. I love and care for her deeply, so I must be faithful to her and do my duties as a prince and defend my kingdom at all costs against the Water and Sea Kingdoms."
"We understand. Thank you, Prince Finn, for coming and hearing our concerns. If you can get her to change her mind, please let us know." Princess Bubblegum says.
They stand and bow to one another. After Finn leaves, Princess Bubblegum slumps back in her chair with a look of dejection on her face.
"What do we do now?" one of the Princesses says.
"Nothing but hope for the best. It's all we can do." Princess Bubblegum replies.
Prince Finn arrives back at the Flame Castle. He goes in and embraces Phoebe and gives her a kiss.
"So, how did it go?" she asks.
"Well, she didn't want to form an alliance. Her and the other princesses wanted me to talk you into a peace treaty."
"Figures. I should have known she was going to be soft in this and wanted me to fold like a card table. She should have gotten Water Princess to surrender instead."
"Well, maybe she tried and failed."
"I find it doubtful. I think she felt she could sweet talk you into it."
"She didn't sweet talk me. She sounded afraid and very concerned about the matter."
"If she were truly afraid and concerned she would have aligned herself with us. No matter, then. We won battles without her and the rest. We can do the same now."
"I hope so."
"Don't worry, my love. We will." Flame Princess says as she kisses him.
With that, the viewscreen fades to black. Jake turns away from it with a deep concern on his face. All his hopes of a happy ending in this are fading fast. He turns back to the viewscreen to see what happens next.
The viewscreen shows the vast field that separates the Fire Kingdom and Water Kingdoms. The armies of both kingdoms gather there. Suddenly, they charge at one another. The war has begun. Finn and Flame Princess attack alongside their men and Water Princess attacks alongside hers. After several hours, the battle reaches a stalemate with Finn and Flame Princess retreating back to their castle with their men as Water Princess does the same.
The next day, Finn and Flame Princess discuss what to do next with their Council and generals. As they draw up plans for the next attack, there is a knock on the door.
Flambo goes to answer it and then comes back with a shocked look on his face,
"What happened, Flambo? Who was it?" Finn says.
"Well, it's-"
Flame King walk in.
"YOU!" Finn says.
"I thought I sent you into exile. What brings you back here? We don't have the time for this now." Flame Princess says.
"You did, but during that time I came to the realization that you were right and I was wrong. I wish to make amends to you by helping you take on this threat to the brave and noble people of our kingdom."
Flame Princess is overjoyed. "Of course, Father. Thank you."
Flame Princess hugs her father. Finn, however is still suspicious. But he loves Phoebe, and decides to accept his apology and shake his hand.
With that, the viewscreen goes black once again. Jake is more worried than ever.