Jeff walked along the barren streets, looking at what used to be his thriving kingdom. Stores had closed sides that would never say otherwise, houses were completely abandoned, the doors to some being wide open, and the lights were all off around the city. It was hard to imagine that just a year ago, this place was a lively city. The kingdom didn't last long. Jeff had made it for the intention of giving refuge to people in need, but the residents just ended up leaving anyways.
As he neared the large building, Jeff noticed someone in the distance. He stopped his stroll to see who it was, and was surprised to see Princess Bubblegum looking around the street. Jeff took a detour from his route to see what she wanted. When she saw him, Bubblegum hurried towards him in a brisk walk. "There you are!", she said when they met up. "I checked your castle, but you weren't in it."
"What did you want?", Jeff questioned.
"Well, I wanted to ask you something. I hadn't really realized it until now, and thought I should talk to you about it."
"What?"
"Well...it's about you and Finn. You said you're brothers right? Related by blood?"
"Yeah."
"And you were involved in the war that ended...well everything. And you came to Ooo after a couple years?"
"What's your point?"
"Well...Ooo wasn't around after the war. Everything was just a wasteland. Ooo wasn't actually established until 500 years after the war, because it was pretty isolated from everything else, and even then it didn't become what it is until much later."
Jeff's face had a look of concern on it. "I-I..."
"And-", She ignored him, "That would mean you're almost 500 years old."
"Listen I-"
"That's not what worries me. It's the fact that if Finn is your brother, he'd be as old as you...but he's not." She looked at Jeff, waiting for a response. He was completely silent, his face was pale, and a clearly visible bead of sweat rolled down the side of his head. He finely spoke up, "I don't have time for this." He tried to walk away, but Bubblegum grabbed him by the arm. "Jeff, what part did you lie about?" He broke free of her grip and began to walk away again. She quickly followed behind him, determined to get answers. "Jeff! Why did you lie? Was it about the war?"
"No."
"Was it how you came to Ooo?"
"No!"
"Then what-"
"Finn isn't my brother, okay!?"
Marceline looked out her window, conflicted about what to do. She wouldn't be able to forgive herself if she hurt Finn, but on the other hand, her father was growing impatient. She needed to hurry. There wasn't much time left. Suddenly, she thought of something. Why not discuss it with Finn? It seemed like the easiest solution. She could at least make herself more willing to try sending Azreth to Purgatory. She quickly flew out the door and headed for Finn.
"What?", Princess Bubblegum was shocked. "But...what about your last name?"
"I lied!"
"And the story about what happened to your parents?"
"Not my parents...Finn's."
"What?!"
"We can't talk about this here! Come with me." Jeff silently led Bubblegum back to his castle, a nervous mess. He was shaking, pale, and breathing heavily, despite the fact that they were walking slowly. As soon as they entered the castle, Jeff shut and locked the doors. He led her upstairs, where he fell onto his bed. The Princess sat down in one of the chairs, waiting for Jeff to explain himself.