The armed forces of the Fire Kingdom marched out of their city. Thousands of citizens watched the event waving small flags and banners. Patriotic music blared throughout the main streets and people were cheering nonstop. As the troops marched, some waved to the locals with smiles, while others kept a stoic expression and continued moving. In the middle of the military column were Flame Princess and Finn mounting on Jake 2. Cinnamon Bun was ordered by FP to stay with the reserves to keep watch of the kingdom.

As they reached the city limits, Finn tapped FP's shoulder, "Flame, can you take us to the tree fort back at the Grasslands? I just need to grab a few things real quick."

She nodded, "Of course, Finn." Then she radioed her forces, "Maintain your course towards the Bad Lands. Finn and I will meet up with you shortly."

"By your command," Major Hartsock replied.

FP looked at her loyal fire wolf and said, "Ok, buddy. Take us to Finn's place back at the Grasslands."

The wolf barked once in compliance and then proceeded to fly to their destination. They arrived at the Grasslands in 15 minutes without any struggle. But as the house rapidly came closer in view, Finn realized something at the last second, "Wait, Jake 2 don't crash into the..."

The hound rammed through the same opening from before. "...wall," Finn hung his head in dismay.

FP blushed in embarrassment, "Oops, sorry Finn."

Finn raised his hand defensively, "No no no, it wasn't your fault. I should have said something before we left. I'll hire someone to take care of it, no worries." He dismounted Jake 2 and walked towards his weapons stash.

FP followed suit and looked around the living room, "Heh, it feels like it was yesterday when I came here for your help that one time." From that instant, FP realized her mistake and Finn briefly stopped with his packing, "Finn... I'm really sorry. I-"

Finn comforted her with a reassuring smile, "Flame, that's all in the past. None of that matters now. The memories may never go away, but in the end they helped me become a better person and now we're together."

FP smiled back in relief, "Thanks, Finn." He resumed his packing and then FP continued, "Do you need any help?

"No, I'm fine. I'm actually just finishing up." Finn packed one more sword following some food and drinks in a duffel bag. "I've got us some snacks for the trip in case we get hungry, let's go."

The couple mounted back on Jake 2 and flew back on their way to catch up with the military. In about 20 minutes, Flame Princess and Finn regrouped with the Fire Kingdom army which was still marching towards the Bad Lands. Jake 2 landed back on the ground and then trotted to move at the same pace with the infantry. Although the hound can arrive at their destination within a short time, Finn and FP would need the company of their comrades if they are to overpower the Phoenix Brigade.

"So," Finn began. "How will everything work once we get there?"

"We'll set up camp several miles away at the outskirts. Just close enough to free our allies, but far enough to avoid detection," Flame Princess replied. "Simon and Betty will also meet us there along with Bubblegum's forces."

"That's good, I'm glad that you and Bubblegum are on better terms," Finn said.

FP nodded, "I may have my doubts about her still, but I realize I need to move on from my history with her. I guess it's a little difficult for me to do so because I believed she could have done something to prevent my imprisonment in that glass lantern throughout my childhood. Not to mention that I feel uncertain about her personal pursuits for science. (sigh) But somehow in a spectacular turn of events, our hearts found each other along the way."

They both smiled and blushed in response.

Moments later, FP frowned to herself, "I still can't believe my own father despises me. Even though he abandoned me in the woods and even when he imprisoned me in a glass lantern for most of my life, part of me still believed that there was some good in him despite his evil nature." Her eyes became teary, "I mean, he must have loved me at some point. It conflicts with my emotions so much that I wish I could hear what my mother would have said on the matter... wherever she may be." She hung her head in sadness.

Finn touched her shoulder with one hand in comfort, "I'm sorry to hear that, Flame."

"It's fine (sniff), I'll be strong." Then her tears dried quickly, "There is truly no good in my father whatsoever. I've spared his life twice too many and he still doesn't care if he kills me. I mean, he even had the audacity to leave me to die as a baby. He was like that before and he is like that now. That man has brought nothing but suffering to me and our friends. I've spared his life repeatedly for the sake that he sired me, but now that excuse has met its end."

Finn maintained his hold on her, "It's a shame that it's come down to this. I, myself thought for a time he could change like you and reform. But, he's deliberately chosen to stay on this path despite everything you've done for him. He's taken too many lives already and he'll probably take even more if he is not stopped."

FP wiped her face, "I won't struggle to face him this time. With you by my side, we'll bring him down together in justice."

They continued the rest of their trip in silence. Hours passed, and the military occasionally stopped for food and restroom breaks. Finally, the Fire Kingdom Army arrived at their destination a few minutes past midnight. Finn and Flame Princess dismounted Jake 2, much to the hound's relief.

"Good boy. Just take it easy," Finn patted him. "Oh, man," Finn stretched his back yawning. "That took a bit longer than I thought."

"I concur," Flame Princess yawned at the last part. Then she looked over to her company and announced, "Alright everyone, set up your tents and essentials and maintain a routine overwatch. Take as much rest as you can because in less than 8 hours, we're moving out."

The men acknowledged her orders and began fulfilling their duties.

"That means you too Finn," FP looked at him with a slight glare as he stopped walking away towards the perimeter. "You'll need your strength more than anyone here."

Finn winced from her expression, "Right, force of habit. I'll start unpacking and get some sleep. Goodnight."

As he walked back into the camp, Flame Princess thought to herself, "You'll get your chance Finn. In fact we'll all get our chance." She looked towards the direction of the Breakfast Kingdom with a hardened expression, "My father's ambition for conquest ends here."