Twelve days have passed, Finn manage to finally accept that his girlfriend is the Iron Princess, finally finding peace. Finally vanquishing his thoughts of betrayal and lies, occasionally they go on adventuring together, fighting side by side, Jake is really busy with Lady Rainicorn lately, he even took a vacation in Lady's family home in the crystal dimension, So as if fate really bound them up together.
Bonnibel too also found peace at least, no longer covering up or lying to his boyfriend. Once Finn accepted her completely, she told everything that she kept from him, from the pharmacy incident to that rescuing of princess from the Ice King. Finn was amazed, at her stories, and he told something that really perked her interest ever since they had a shared dream: "Junior will proud of you."
Every time he said that, she always replies, "You and Junior will be like twins, but mischievous and naughty."
For two weeks, they had time together and time for their duties, of course the world still doesn't know that she is the Iron Princess. The Candy press is still nagging her, to make matters worst, the press captures the Iron Princess, fighting side by side with Finn. During one their adventures in mystery island, the new home of the mighty marauders.
Finn is easily avoid the press, denying the truth, still he kept bugging her, and something he get shone out with the publicity that even he shows off a bit. But that was just one time, and Bonnibel took caution and told him that, never show off again, he might spill out accidentally secrets like what he did years ago about the decorspenator serum that causes the candy zombies to rise.
But all of these is in the past; today is the eve of their fifth monthsary, so far nothing wrong is happening. Everything was peace and quiet, but Bonnibel coundn't help but to be remain vigilant. She feels that this is the calm before a storm.
"Bonnie, I think you're thinking too much." He said, while he assist her in fixing one of the computer monitors.
Bonnibel look at him through her lab goggles, "I know Finn, but I feel uneasy. I can't stop it, guess I'm used to stress that my body isn't used to being relaxed anymore." She sighed sadly.
Finn just flexed his fingers, "Do you wanna relax?" he asked with a hint.
"Not now, we need to finish this then take a rest, besides you had a lot to prepare for tomorrow, am I right?" she said smiling.
"Right, I forgot. Sorry Peebles, okay let's finish this." He said as he brought the tool boxc closer to her. He handed her the tools she need when she ask it. Twenty minutes later they were done, and the monitor works properly when she tested it.
"Okay Peebles, it's done I have to get ready for tomorrow see yah" Finn said once they were at the door.
"I'll accompany you Finn just wait."
"No, get some rest, look at you. You look like a zombie, get some rest now; I want my girl to be blooming and beautiful tomorrow. Okay?"
She looked down and sighed "Okay"
Finn lifted her cheeks "Cheer up even today, you're still beautiful."
She blushed "Get out of here Finn!"
"Really I mean it. I-..." he was silence by a kiss.
When they broke off he replied "I love you too. Got to go, bye." He left.
When she closed the door, the main supercomputer monitor screen lit up, revealing the familiar face of Beemo. "Hi Princess, long time no see. How are things here without me?"
She grabbed a chair and a glass of water, "Oh you have no idea how messy in here, and I'm also having troubles during flights as the Iron Princess. I have to do everything from fights, to calculations, scans, flights, etc. Very, very exhausting."
"Sorry I didn't got here early as planned NEPTR wouldn't leave me alone!" Beemo sighed.
"Don't we will find something for NEPTR."
"Yeah we will soon. Anyway did Finn tell you about Flame Princess?"
Bonnibel raised an eyebrow, "Yeah what about her?"
"Two days ago she went back to the Fire Kingdom, she and her father went in good terms, her father accepted her from who she is."
"That's good news, no father can resist his own child. Besides Flame Princess is heir of his throne."
"Did Finn told you about this."
"No"
"Figure, cause I believe all you did was passionate 15 everyday." He/she gave her a light chuckled then added "Guess you were right about working on NEPTR's loneliness eh? Boy or girl?" this time Beemo laugh loudly.
She blushed "No w-we didn't!" her face is turning tomato red, of all the fortunate things happend in the past week, this is the first time she screwed up, and Finn is not there to catch her, bummer.
After another embarrassing moment, she excuses herself out. "Good night Beemo!" she said, her face still red.
"Caught red handed! BUSTED!" Beemo replied, still laughing.
"Shut. Up!" she said
"Okay, okay I'm going back to the tree fort, I just passed by, probably accompany NEPTR again, until you didn't solve the issue"
"GOODNIGHT BEEMO!" she interrupted, making the computer laugh again.
"Whatever, stay safe" the screen went dead.
When Beemo was gone, she gave sighed deeply, "That was close."
She cleaned and wrapped up her lab. When she was done, she turned off the lights and shut the door and locked it. Then went for bed, tomorrow is the big day.
She woke up early the next day, immediately remembering what today is, she didn't need coffee to be alive this time, (Still she need it and drank a cup in record time). After she prepares herself, she orders all royal duties to be postponed for today. Earning a cheer from her staff, Pep butler just smile for he is the only one who knew the real reason why.
Around nine in the morning she wears her casual shirt and pants with matching sneakers. A typical teenage girl, 'how Finn like it' she thought. Today she at the lab, making final adjustments on a metallic backpack she was working on lately. Beemo just watched her intently.
"Princess, you're going on a date with Finn, would it be necessary to bring the Iron Princess there?"
"Yes Beemo, I need to protect him, in case there is danger, also to test the new delivery system of the suit." She said as she made finally adjustments "There it's done, and look at the time Finn is on his way."
"Yes Princess, ten minutes tops"
"Well see you later Beemo..." she wore the metallic backpack on her back and headed for the door. Beemo just shook his/her head and went back to the tree house.
"Hey Finn, so shall we?" she met him at the base of the steps of the candy castle.
Finn arched out his right elbow for her to take. "Yes Princess, let's go."
Despite Bonnibel is holding Finn's crook of his arm, she is keeping distance, Finn also knew this and they had to keep it like this in order not to get suspicion. Some of the citizens greeted them cheerfully, only Cinamon Bun ignored them, they can't blame him though. He IS Cinamon Bun after all.
Soon they reached the Cotton Candy Forest, here they give into the urge of intimacy, Finn hands went around her lower back and Bonnibel's head leaned to his shoulder, her crown is hanging in her side, right now she is not Princess Bubblegum, but just Bonnibel Bubblegum, simple teenage girl. Finn also remove his hat to reveal his shaggy blonde hair, Bonnibel has to admit to herself that Finn is really handsome without his hat.
Finn took her in vast grasslands, far away from anyone or anything in Ooo, Bonnibel just stood agape at the vast beautiful landscape, the mountains formed the background, vast forest and grass plains in one side, and grass hills on the other. The sun bores down on them in this bright sunny day, so she wears a sun hat that she brought with her. Finn noticed this.
"You look cute in that sun hat" he said
"Thanks Finn, you look handsome in that hair." She replied smiling.
They sat down or rather Bonnibel lay down, on the blanket. She sighed in relief, things could anymore better than this. Well, to better when Finn handed her a small plastic container full of fresh grapes.
"Want some?" he said, chewing a grape.
"Thank you" she picked one and ate it.
When she is going for another grape, Finn said "Here let me" he put the grape in her mouth. She blushed, "you're such a charming gentleman, FTH." She said, her voice muffled with the grape.
"I know, I know, want more?" he asked.
She nodded, Finn was about to hand her another grape when he suddenly put the grape in his own mouth. Bonnibel pouted, "Hey! That's mine!" she said smiling.
"I don't see a name in here" he mockingly said while pretending to inspect the grape. In response Bonnibel grab a handful of grape and threw it at him. Finn laughed at her.
"That's for returning the favor." She said then she squealed when Finn threw back the grapes she just threw. The grape battle continues until they are no more grapes. Finn then serve next is her favourite food, spaghetti.
"Another share strand?" he said.
"You ask too much" she said at eat the spaghetti. Her cheeks were wide with food. Finn serve another food, which caught her attention: Another plastic container that contains cylindrical rolls of fried looking bread.
"What is that? she asked"
"That is what they call 'Shanghai Rolls' another food from the land called Asia. Lady taught Jake how to cook those. It's literally, grind meat wrapped around a piece of thin bread. Try it its delicious." He said as he handed one to her, she took it with outmost curiosity.
"You suppose to eat it, not stare at it." he said, earning a light punch from Bonnibel.
With a little hesitation, she took a bite at the roll. Then her eyes immediately lit up, then she took another bite. Finn just smiled. "I prepared them myself, of course Jake just gave me a hand."
She didn't reply as she kept eating but she still smiled at him.
A half an hour later, the food were gone, the couple are lying on the blanket their tummies were slightly swollen, and they unceremoniously belched louder, thy don't care if someone sees them or not. They just laugh at each other, enjoying the peace and quiet that surrounds them and just them, and the peaceful world.
Another hour past and Finn manage to fell asleep on Bonnibel's arms. She is humming soft tunes into his ear. She too is falling asleep, and soon she too fell, tenderly cuddling her boyfriend in her arms.
It was already, three in the afternoon when she opened her. The first thing she saw was Finn, staring at her lovingly. "Hey, beautiful rise and shine, smell the cold breeze." He said softly.
"Where are we?" she asked groggily.
"We are still here Peebles, you sleep soundly and peacefully." He said smiling.
"Hey, you fell asleep first." she replied before sharing a quick kiss.
Finn stood up, "Come on let's take a walk, stretch some legs." He said offering his hand to her which she immediately took.
Just when they are about to walk, Flame Princess shows up, Finn was about to greet her when he notice that the Fire Elemental's flames was a little brighter, though she didn't burn the ground beneath her. Bonnibel instinctively let go of Finn's hand.
"Hey FP, how's-..." Finn began.
"YOU! HOW DARE YOU!" Flame Princess began, glaring daggers at Bonnibel who calmly stood her ground.
"What's going on, FP?" Finn asked as he stood between the two ladies.
"Why don't you ask your girlfriend about this, I'm she knew about this!" she said as she crossed her arms over her chest.
Finn look towards Bonnibel, who stood there confused for a moment. When Flame Princess noticed they were silent she said. "It's her who locked me in that lamp. She made father locked me up in that lamp! Father told me when I went back home!"
Finn looked surprised, "Is this true?"
Bonnibel just sigh, "Yes" the tone was flat and no emotions.
"Why?" Finn asked softly, he made sure she blocks Flame Princess, who was still fuming with rage.
Bonnibel looked up to him with determine eyes, "Because it's for Ooo's sake. I didn't ask for this! I didn't want to imprison her deprive her of the world. No, it's because of the elemental matrix that can cause the world to burn. It's for the safety of everyone." She said, her fist were clenched shut.
Finn just nodded in understanding, "I would do the same." He said.
At his words, Flame Princess' flames grew brighter in rage. "WHAT!"
"FP think! Do you want the world to burn!?"
"Finn this isn't about that, I-..."
"Then what, Flame Princess?"
Because of my imprisonment, I lost my family, friends my world. For years I stayed there, rot and my personality to wither; making me hollow, Finn. What if, you think will happed to me if you didn't came to my life, what do you think will happen to me!? Maybe I will become my father, even worst!" she became a bit larger a little. Her flames became a bit hotter, despite this Finn stood his ground.
When Flame Princess, tries to step forward Finn, stopped her. "Finn get out of the way, she has to pay for what she'd done to me!" Finn knew that reasoning about being heroic will not work anymore; this is her nature, to burn.
Bonnibel just stood her ground, staring blankly at the fire elemental, and looking worried on Finn's safety, "Finn stand aside, I don't want you to get hurt." She said with full worry.
Trying to stop an inevitable fight, Finn just stood his ground. "No I won't let you, get burned." He turned to Flame Princess, "I won't let you hurt her."
Flame Princess knew that there is no way to remove Finn out of the way, leaving her with no option, she sighed. "I'm sorry Finn..." she said sadly as she enlarge her right arm and slammed them to Finn sending him sideways hitting the ground twenty five feet to his left. He groaned in pain and a portion of his body burned.
Bonnibel watch in sheer horror at what transpired, at the blink of an eye, Finn was already lying face down on the soft ground. The fire elemental just stares at him in shock for what she did. After a second, her voice came back to her. "FINN!" she screamed in horror, as she ran towards him.
She turned him around and cradled his head on his arms, his face was slightly burned, covered in dirt, shirt was also burned and covered in dirt. Some bruises on his arms. Other than that he's okay. But it never stop Bonnibel from worrying. "Are you okay? Finn, answer me!" she said in horror.
"I'm okay, please don't hurt her." He cough a little.
"Shh... it's okay, don't speak..." she said softly. Then with all her might, she lifted him up, bridal style, and carried him to the blanket. When she placed her down, Finn pleaded to her, holding her hand tighter. "Please, P-Peebles don't hurt her." He said before groaning in pain.
She nods "Okay, for you, I will do it." Her eyes were burning with rage. She grabbed her metallic backpack and went towards Flame Princess.
Flame Princess on the other hand, just stood there watching the whole event transpired, she can't believe of what she'd done. She was still recoiling herself from shock when Bonnibel called her attention:
"That's it! You've gone too far! You're a threat to the world Flame Princess! How dare you hurt Finn, you promised not to hurt him, and look what at you did, no more! No more! I will never let you hurt him again!" she screamed in rage then she threw her backpack to the ground.
As soon as the pack hits the ground some of its parts shifted revealing a foot press. She then slammed her foot down on the foot press making the 'pack' shift again revealing two glove looking bars. She puts her two hands on those bars and all her strength she puts the whole 'backpack' on her chest. As soon as it made contact with her body, the whole thing began to engulf her body with metal. It covered first her both arms as she spreads them. Then her legs, then finally her head as the shifting metal on her backpack created the helmet around her head. Finally the mask shuts close on her face, the Arc Reactor of the suit glows brightly.
Both Finn and Flame Princess watched in awe, especially Finn "Whoa Ominous..." he said. His jaw almost hits the ground. Flame Princess, quickly recovered from shock again and glared at her.
"So you are the famous Iron Princess. I'm not surprised. But you will still pay." She slams her enlarge right arm on the ground.
Bonnibel manage to dodge the attack and activated her jet boots and flew eye to eye level with her.
"Let's take this somewhere else, fiery beast" she said tauntingly
The fire elemental growled in anger, as she too flew and chase after Bonnibel through the sky at blazing speed. Flame Princess began to hit her with a barrage of fire balls, but it has little effect. Beemo suddenly announce "Princess, the attacks of Flame Princess cannot harm you, how ever you can be cook alive if you are expose to too much heat."
"Great..." she said as she flipped herself around and fire repulsor blast at Flame Princess which she just absorbed. "What are the weapons of the suit?"
"Princess, I think you should remember next time, what are installed in the suits."
"NOT helping Beemo...whoa!" she exclaimed as a large fireball glances her right side, hitting a nearby hill.
"Beemo, options. Now!"
"Uh... Princess try the Unibeam." The computer is slightly panicking.
"NO can do, she absorb my weapons, the Unibeam will only amplify her." She said as look over shoulder, Flame Princess is following her, her face is on fire, literally.
"Hang on, I'm trying to find something."
"GLOB IT BEEMO HURRY UP!" she scream as another barrage of fire blast passed around her, she dodges all of them, but one manages to hit her. "AAHH!" her HUD is already warning red, it showed her suit and the damage the fireball did. Of all the parts in her suit, she was hit in the crook of her armor, below her shoulder. This is the Mk V's weak spot since, this is a retractable suit, and it sports less armor in exchange of mobility.
"Princess the Mk V's stabilizer's joints were hit, this will make turning right difficult."
"YOU THINK!? How about the update on how do we slow her down." She dodge again, this time she flew low, and headed towards the nearby forest in order to lose the fire elemental. As soon as she was near the forest, Beemo announced.
"Princess, I've found the solution. Try shooting the Gems on her chest or her forehead. I found that the gems modified her powers, making her stronger. Maybe shooting the gems may however slow her down."
"GOT IT!" she said as she immediately change course, she made for the sky, Flame Princess followed close behind. Still blazing like the sun.
She flew in circles, making sure she doesn't go far from Finn, who just watched them chase around in the sky. Like the Ice King before, Bonnibel flipped her body, and fired her repulsor blast at the gems of Flame Princess, the first one hits her shoulder, the other one directly hits the gem on her chest.
"ARGGH!" she screamed as she felt her powers weakening as she slows down her speed, the fire around her shrink a little.
"It works, great!" Bonnibel said as she sharp turn to her left, then suddenly hit the breaks in mid flight, using Flame Princess' momentum against her. She overshoots pass her, Bonnibel then shot her with a barrage of repulsor blast, though they are not powerful, but they can weaken the fire elemental's powers when the gems were hit. Soon Flame Princess has to come down to the ground, clutching her side and grunting in pain. Bonnibel landed a safe distance from her.
"Will you please just listen; I don't wanna hurt you anymore!" Bonnibel shouted, she her mask was lifted, but she kept her defences up. Repulsor blasters primed.
Flame Princess just hissed at her, but she didn't attack. She regain her composure and stood up straight, despite being weaken, her eyes still determine to settle things. "Fine, you wanna talk, go ahead SPEAK!" she roared, her face went literally ablaze.
"Not here, I want Finn to hear this as well." Bonnibel replied and flew back to Finn before Flame Princess could reply.
"Look this all about your father. Flame King told me that a prophecy that someone more powerful could come and overthrow him. It was you. Scientifically speaking, the fire elemental matrix in you is most powerful ever recorded in the Fire Kingdom's history. Flame King sent you away to die at the wilderness, fortunately I found you walking towards the Candy Kingdom. To protect my kingdom and the rest of Ooo, I've told your father to keep an eye on you. But I had no idea that he would lock you up in the lantern, I for one would never do such a thing." She said to Flame Princess who somehow listens to her rather impatiently. Finn sat besides her listening as well.
"So that's how. Wait that was fifteen years ago Peebles are you still?"
"Young? You know why, I can adjust my age by biomass remember?" she said amused
"Yes, I mean, looking good." He awkwardly said blushing. Flame Princess' expression remained passive.
"But father told me, that it was you who ordered him to lock me up." She said, now she doesn't know who to believe anymore. She never felt so confused, Finn just held her hand and squeeze to reassure her.
"Of course he will do anything to cover up his crime, listen to your heart Flame Princess, you know he's lying."
Flame Princess closed her eyes as she zoned out from them. Recalling what happen exactly fifteen years ago. The caretaker took her to the woods faraway from the Fire Kingdom, he gave her to a stone person, and she burned the person's home, burned down a forest, and eventually come cross paths with Princess Bubblegum. When she came back to reality, she was wide eyed and stared at Bonnibel.
"YOU! You were the one who found me and took me back!" she said.
Bonnibel smiled, "yes it's me. Look if I didn't know that you're the princess of the Fire Kingdom, I would have adopt and raised you. I only I knew what your father is going to do to you, I would raised you myself." She said, with a little seriousness.
Finn on the other hand was a little out of place, "So, let me get the straight, you found her lost in the wilderness, wandering around, and you took her back to her dad and told him to keep and eye on her. You have no idea that she will be locked in that lantern." Finn summarized.
"Yes, that's about it." She said flatly then she turned towards the silent fire elemental sitting in front of her. "So, what are you going to do?"
Flame Princess was silent for while then she said, "Set things right."
Finn went alarmed, "You don't mean..."
She looked at him "What? No not like that, just seek the truth, punished the one who deem worthy, my dad. Maybe lock him up see how he likes it. Finn, Bonnie all my life I live in the lantern, blind to the world. Thanks to you guys, I've seen the right and wrong of the world. But the world is also full of deception and lies..." she said looking at the distance. Bonnibel look down with a little guilt on her heart, remembering that she too lied to Finn weeks ago about being the Iron Princess. "...time to imply these to my own people the teachings of good, maybe, just maybe this will work." She continued.
"Believe in it." Finn said.
"I will" she replied as she gave the couple as smile.
The trio enjoy the rest of the afternoon, until the sun is beginning to set. Finn is already packing the picnic up. Bonnibel and Flame Princess sat in a nearby hill gazing on the sun.
"So are you going back to the Fire Kingdom now?" Bonnibel asked breaking the silence.
The fire elemental shook her head. "No, I have to go home first. Prepare my things, pack them for my journey. Maybe I'll have Flambo help me."
"What are you going to do with your dad?"
"I don't know; maybe imprison him in that lamp. Share the pain and loneliness, he maybe evil but he still my dad. Even he has to pay his deeds, for his crimes against my uncle, and me." She said, remembering the now imprisoned Furnius and Torcho, her cousins who became orphans when Flame King framed her uncle Flame Count to kidnap Cotton Candy Princess only to be vanquished by Billy the Hero.
"Maybe free those who are really innocent who fell victim to our unjustly law. Set honesty as the law of the land. I don't want anymore lies and deception."
Bonnibel held her hand "me too, I'm sorry Flame Princess if I also kept this from you, I was really hoping that your dad will tell you the truth. I only wish is for the safety of everybody."
Flame Princess smiled at her, "It's alright. You don't have to apologize for that. You only did what is right; I would have done the same."
Bonnibel sighed as she picked up the Mk V backpack and placed it in her lap. Flame Princess eyed it. "You know, you're really awesome wearing that suit, the first time I fought someone one can go toe on toe on me like that."
"It's nothing really, but if you want I'll make you your own suit."
The fire elemental chuckled "That would be great. Maybe we can face each other again in a one on one fight."
"I would rather prefer sparring. Maybe teach you how to properly fight."
"That's sound nice." The fire elemental smiled.
Just then Finn called them up "guys everything is good and ready to go. Let's go!" he said. The women went to him.
"FP is it okay for you to return home alone?" Finn asked worried
Flame Princess gave Finn an are you kidding me expression "Finn I can fly, I can kick butt or rather burn them." she said flatly.
"Right" he scratched his head, Bonnibel punched him in the arm for his stupid question.
"Okay take care Flame Princess, see you later." Bonnibel said.
"Thanks" the fire elemental said before walking towards home. They wave and watched her goodbye until she was out of sight. Then the couple walked towards home. Their hands intertwine with each others leaving so space between them.
"I gotta say, the fight you had is awesome. Do you ever run out of new tricks Peebles?" he said hinting the Mk V now a backpack once again on Bonnibel's back.
"Maybe just maybe, the possibilities of Iron Princess are limitless" she said. Then she winks at him, "just like you and me, endless possibilities." Her voice was purring again.
Finn was sweating again and blushing slightly. "Right..." then without warning he kisses her.
"What was the kiss for?" she blushed
"For being an awesome girlfriend." He said with a little smug.
"Whatever" she chuckled, and they continue the trek towards home.
A mysterious figure wanders around the castle unattended, she usually hang out her lately. But as far as she was concern, she couldn't see Princess Bubblegum lately; she wonders what happen to her. She search room after room, but the figure never found the princess. The next room the figure will check is her laboratory, which stores Bonnibel's biggest secret.
"Hello Princess are you here? Where are you?" It was dark but it's not a problem. It was very unfortunate that Beemo is at home, and no one was guarding the Princess' biggest secret.
The figure looks around, "Whoa nice lab so rad!"
The hall of armors got the figure's attention. "Hmmm... I wonder what these are for..."
She continues to look around then something caught her night vision eye: something shiny in sitting in the table. She eyed it with outmost curiosity. Then she looked back to the armor, wondering the shiny circular piece in her hand has something to do with the weird looking armors. Maybe its time to find out.
"What are you up to Princess... maybe it's time to meet your match." She said with a little mischievous hiss.
She kept looking though the lab until she found all she needs. Satisfied, she left the lab carrying some blueprints and the shiny object with her.
And that shiny object is the Arc Reactor.