It had been several hours since Flame King escaped from prison. Flame Princess, Finn, and Cinnamon Bun were gathered in a council meeting at the Fire Kingdom palace. Accompanying the three at the meeting were FP's generals.

"Unbelievable!" Flame Princess slammed her hands on the table. "This is the third time my father has escaped. I thought leaving him in our best prison would prevent something like this!"

CB lifted his hand to her in comfort, "Ok, just calm down. We're all stressed out about this. Let's just take a couple of breaths then address the matter."

FP was defiant at first until she saw Finn give her a look of encouragement. Then she nodded and recomposed herself, "Alright...what are the details of the prison escape?"

One of her generals replied, "Ma'am, it has come to our knowledge that Flame King was freed from the same mercenaries from the previous coup. Based on what we know, they call themselves the Phoenix Brigade. Most of these members are identified as fire elementals who formerly served in our military."

"Ok, so it seems that we still have people who choose to follow my father's rule." FP flared up slightly and tightened her fists, "Even without my complete honesty law. Anyway general, please continue."

"The good news is that we were able to prevent all the other prisoners from escaping, but it turns out that the riot was staged as a distraction. We were given reports that Roy's squad was escorting Flame King to the ISU, but they were killed in action before they could make it. From here, we were informed that Flame King escaped using a dragon interceptor at approximately 22:00 hours near the ISU building."

Flame Princess placed a hand on her forehead, "(sigh) He could be hiding anywhere in this case. We have yet to learn more about this Phoenix Brigade, their whereabouts, and their capabilities... We will need to assume the possibility of another coup. General, assemble the armies and post this kingdom on high alert. We will need to enact martial law and enforce curfew in case we have any spies in our kingdom. Effective immediately."

"Yes my liege." The general bowed to her and dismissed himself.

Flame Princess looked over to one of her representatives, "I will need to schedule an emergency meeting with the leaders of Ooo's kingdoms especially Princess Bubblegum of the Candy Kingdom. Please inform her of the situation as soon as possible."

"It shall be done your majesty." He bowed then left.

FP concluded, "This council meeting is adjourned. Everyone, dismissed."

Hours later, Princess Bubblegum was informed of the situation and offered her alliance with the Fire Kingdom. As she helped, the other royalties of Ooo followed suit and began assembling their armies. Simon and Betty were also informed, but they couldn't join the alliance yet since they were halfway across the world from their honeymoon. It would take them a few days before they can return to the Ice Kingdom and provide support. Fortunately, Flame King didn't mobilize his forces at the time, and Simon and Betty were able to return without delay.

Flame Princess was back at the palace overlooking her domain from the balcony. Her eyes were red and heavy. She had been sleeping inconsistently for only a couple of hours throughout the weeks. Finn was not any better as well. Although he was used to working sleepless nights as a hero, his concern for his love tasked his mind. He hated to see her miserable and felt frustrated that Flame King was the source of it.

Finn walked over to Flame Princess's side while looking at the horizon, "Go get some rest, FP. Your father hasn't made his move yet. It pains me to see you suffer like this."

FP frowned, "No, I cannot afford to drop my guard at any given moment. He's out there with his armies somewhere. If I rest now, my father would just spring into action and take over this kingdom."

He shook his head and placed a hand on her shoulder, "FP, please. I beg you. You are in no condition to fight. If you face him now, you will falter from your lack of strength... I don't want to lose you if I know I can do something about it."

She looked down in resignation, "You're right, Finn. This whole crisis just reminded me of the recent rebellion. I guess when I looked back, there was a moment of weakness when I believed I was alone again." Tears started to form, "I'm sorry, Finn. I told you before we would work together as a team, but here I am going against my own advice."

Finn hugged her and said soothingly, "Flame, it's ok. That's why I'm here. You helped me through my struggle back at Simon's wedding and now I'm helping you with yours. This relationship works both ways. As long as we never give up on each other, we will make it through this."

FP wiped her eyes and brightened slightly, "Thanks, Finn. I needed that. But, you don't seem like you fare any better than I do. What good is it that you tell me to rest if you need it as well?"

He shrugged, "I'll be fine, I've trained myself to work without sleep under certain conditions."

She shook her head in disapproval, "No, I will not sleep unless you do the same. You need it as much as I do. As a matter of fact, I'll have Cinnamon Bun keep watch. That way, both of us will be ready when the time comes."

Finn smiled, "Alright, see we're working together now! I bet you in the future that our places would be switched again and you'll be the one comforting me."

She playfully punched his arm, "Finn, this is serious!"

He grimaced in pain, "I know, I know! I'm just trying to ease the tension. Sheesh, that hurt!"

She rolled her eyes, "Ok 'hero', come on."

Meanwhile, back at the Dark Forests, the Phoenix Brigade made final preparations for their invasion. At this point, they already had as much 5 million troops at their disposal. Most of the brigade was diverse with bandits, thieves, and barbarians who shared the same interests with Flame King. They were all recruited from the far reaches of the Bad Lands. During the past time, Flame King and his subordinates placed them through rigorous training to make them become deadly warriors. Now that they were done, the newly formed army anxiously waited for the order to strike.

Flame King, Dillon, and Ramirez stood together side by side surveying the infantry columns. FK stood in the center, Dillon to his left, and Ramirez at his right.

"We are ready, my lord. When do we attack," Dillon asked.

"Tomorrow, at dawn," FK replied. "I want to show our might to all of Ooo as the sun rises. It think it seems fitting given our name. Ramirez, wouldn't you agree?"

He nodded in silence.

FK looked back at the infantry columns, "Their time is coming, gentlemen. Soon we will have our glorious victory." He narrowed his eyes and muttered darkly, "Even if we must stand on a pile of ashes."