Chapter theme: Pompeii by Bastille
Ooo's liberation forces won the war as the flag of the Phoenix Brigade toppled from palace rooftop. Moments later, the majority of the Phoenix knights automatically dropped their weapons and surrendered. As for the others, some of them decided to either fight to the death or retreat further into unknown distant lands never to be seen again.
At the palace, Finn and Flame Princess walked together towards the balcony overlooking the kingdom. Ooo's liberation forces were assembled in front of the capital where Flame Princess delivered her speech.
"People of Ooo, rejoice! The war is finally over. Your dedication and support has helped put an end to the terror of the Phoenix Brigade."
The liberation soldiers cheered in an uproar.
FP continued, "Let us never forget the men and women who gave their lives to restore peace upon this land. Our lives are greatly indebted to them. Their sacrifice and valiant efforts will be forever remembered in the archives of the Fire Kingdom and beyond."
She paused as she bowed her head. Moments later, she continued, "This war has proven to be costly to all of our people. We have may have endured through the trials and tribulations this conflict had to offer, but we have emerged victorious. It will take time to recover from such a catastrophe, but you have my word that if we work together to rebuild and raise the next generation, we will recover and achieve a new level of prosperity!"
The crowd cheered once again, twirling miniature flags of their own kingdoms that have participated in the war.
Hours later, Ooo's combined forces began the Restoration Project. It was an act proposed by Flame Princess and approved by Princess Bubblegum to have all involved kingdoms from the war work together to reconstruct their own civilizations. Since only the Breakfast, Slime, and Fire Kingdoms were the only ones that were directly affected from the Phoenix Brigade's destruction, progress was quickly achieved within 18 months. If the war lasted longer, additional kingdoms could have been devastated which could have extended world recovery by at least half a decade.
As Finn and Flame Princess oversaw the reconstruction from the main balcony of the Fire Kingdom palace, Finn stretched his arms out.
"Well, it truly is over Flame. Even though this conflict lasted for at least a year, I feel as though the whole thing lasted a lifetime."
She nodded, "That makes two of us. I'm so glad that Bubblegum and I are on better terms now. We probably could have been crippled into poverty and economic ruin if it weren't for her support. Matter of fact, we might not have been having this conversation right now and my father could have taken over and burnt all of Ooo with him."
Finn hugged her side, "You don't need to worry about that anymore. Though, I'm sorry about your dad."
She frowned and shook her head, "Don't stress about it, he made his choice and died for what he believed in."
Finn frowned as well, "Still, a part of me thought he would at least have a hint of good in him. I really thought he would change somehow."
"He didn't have any regrets or remorse before his last moments. He stayed evil to the bitter end."
The two remained silent for a few moments until Finn changed the subject, "Anyway, let's get out of here, Flame. Go for a walk to my place and have a change of scenery, you know?"
"But, Finn I need to make sure my people are in order," FP replied.
"We've worked with the construction teams long enough, and CB and the crusaders are here keeping watch of the place. Besides, with Ramirez gone, there won't be anyone as influential to rally another uprising," Finn persuaded.
She sighed, "You're right, I keep worrying too much. I'm still shaken up with the fact that my people suffered the cost of war twice in such a short span. This whole time after the conflict has put me on edge."
Finn nodded as they started to walk together out of the palace, "I feel the same too, Flame. I get all these nightmares and flashbacks about everything's that happened recently. Although..." He squeezed her hand firmly, "I have you to comfort me."
FP smiled warmly and squeezed back, "You bring me peace to my heart and mind too. I guess both of us have already figured out how to cope: by taking strength from each other."
Finn chuckled, "I remember. Come along, we'll be back here soon."
As the two left from the main entrance of the capital, they rode on Jake 2 to fly towards their destination. The trip to the Grasslands was easy-going as Finn and Flame Princess felt a gentle breeze in the wind.
"Remember," Finn said to Jake 2. "Just land outside of the house, please?"
The fire hound barked happily.
Flame Princess giggled, "Ah, so you remembered this time."
Finn replied, "Yeah, tell me about it. I almost forgot actually until I saw the tree fort coming closer in view. Anyway, just wait here. I'm just going to grab some food to set up a small picnic nearby."
"Ok," she cutely shrugged her shoulders.
"You're so adorable when you do that, Flame. I'll be right back," Finn said as he gave her a quick kiss.
She blushed from the sudden affection and watched him walk inside the house.
As Finn entered his humble abode, he quickly ran to his bedroom dresser to retrieve a small obsidian colored box underneath the first drawer. He chuckled to himself that he wanted to surprise his love. Today, he was finally planning to propose to Flame Princess. Once he checked the inside of the jewelry box, he ran to the kitchen to fix a couple deli sandwiches and grabbed a picnic basket on the way out.
"I'm back," Finn said with an excited smile.
Flame Princess chuckled, "You seem to be happy over food."
"Oh, you know. We haven't had anything exciting to eat since the war and the Restoration Project. All we had back then were the MRE's (meals ready to eat) and they were just boring," he said offhandedly.
She nodded, "True, true. Those things were lousy, but at least they were practical."
Finn mounted back on Jake 2, "We'll take our break over at one of the hillsides over there. They offer a great view of the sunset and the best part is it's at the same direction towards the Fire Kingdom so we can get back to save time."
"Sounds great, Finn."
The couple ate their meals in silence as they enjoyed the serene atmosphere the Grasslands provided. Once they finished, Flame Princess noticed Finn was acting distant with his emotions.
"Finn, is something on your mind," she asked with concern.
He was shifting uncomfortably as he wrung his wrists, "...Yeah, it's just that (sigh). Give me a moment."
FP nodded as she gradually showed a worrisome expression.
Finn rubbed the back of his neck, then finally continued, "Flame Princess, when I met you for the first time in my life, I felt like you captured my heart. I didn't realize back then I would do everything I could to be with you from that very instant. I've made a lot of mistakes, have struggled, and have fallen short, but somehow I managed to prevail and work things out. Ever since we got back together, I've seen you act more cheerful during your rule at the throne. You would always smile more often and be enthusiastic every time I stood by you."
FP's expression changed as she was slowly beginning to realize what Finn was saying.
He continued, "With the war and everything else put aside, I have decided with myself to make sure that I can offer you that same joy on a full-time basis." He got on one knee, pulling the jewelry box from his pocket, "Flame Princess of the Fire Kingdom, will you marry me, a humble protector of Ooo?"
The fire monarch's eyes were leaking with joy as she observed the elegant platinum wedding ring presented before her. "Yes! I do, Finn the Human!" She lunged herself towards her soon-to-be husband and kissed him fervently.
A few moments later, they broke for air and Finn rubbed the back of his neck, "Heh, I want to apologize, Flame."
She had a quizzical expression, "For what?"
"I was waaay off when I told you long ago that we would be together 'soon'."
FP was flustered, "You're beating yourself up over that?! (sigh) But, that doesn't matter anymore. We are finally engaged!" She continued to kiss him.
Their faces were brought together for a few moments until FP realized something, "Finn, are you sure this is something that you want?"
He smiled, "More than anything, my love. We've already given each other the run down on how things will be once this kicks off. Speaking of which, how soon do you think we can marry?"
"I'd say about 2 weeks time, I'm too eager to wait a month like Simon and Betty did. I want to see a second throne beside me when I rule my kingdom as soon as possible."
Finn gave a lop-sided grin and trembled a little with excitement from hearing that, "I don't mind at all." Then, he checked his new phone, "Well, we better head back and make the announcements. I have a feeling this will spread like a firestorm and the news media will never live it down."
She giggled, "So be it, I could care less."
He smirked, "You're too excited to care, are you?"
"Of course, you dummy! You just proposed to me!" She playfully slugged him in the arm.
"Fair enough," he said as he rubbed himself. "Come on Jake 2, take us back to the Fire Kingdom."
The fire wolf barked as the engaged couple mounted on him. Moments later, they flew off into the sunset towards their destination.