Author's Note
Hello dear viewers and readers. I've just finished chapters III - IV of "The French Lieutenant's Woman" as you know. Some of you complained that they are confused of the dialog's, or that the story is, in some way, hard to follow. Let me in light you with the situation. I know that you are not in my part of the country, or world, and I don't know how others uses it, but my condition is clear enough in my stories, when two characters have a conversation I use this symbol : - , and when they think to them selfs I use this symbol : "..", for there is a tricky part as well. When a conversation starts, the reader must be careful to spot when the characters conversation ends, and when it starts again. For example : '- I thought there was somebody in the room! the lawyer shouted' or '- The weather is nasty outside, John said, so you need to take an umbrella.' and the last one defined is ' - Don't you think you need to sharp that before you use it? The old man suggested. After that you can cut as many branches you'll need for the green fence.' The rest is pretty much the same. I'm sorry for the discomfort created. Thank you for the understanding, and now with chapter V - VI. If other questions arise, feel free to contact me.
Chapter V
Rest Day?
Finn awoke with a terrible headache, thirst and grumpiness. This time, the dream was exhausting and energetic, so our young adventurer had a lot of movement in his sleep, hitting stuff around the study desk, throwing them far in the room corner's. " Ohhh, I can't believe that girl was Marceline. It's to beautiful to be a dream. I'm so curious of the end. Perhaps I'll marry her… . Eh… who knows. Probably I'll end up with Bubblegum again". He barely lifted is body, trying hard to recover from the dream. In a glance, his eye's shifted open, remembering the fight he had last night with his brother. " Looks like I have to apologias to him… oh, but first I need to brush my teeth. If I dare only one word, he'll fall like a tree after you cut it, the poor fellow doesn't need this kind of treatment. I can't judge him by his foolishness. Oh well…". Finn lowered himself down the stairs into the kitchen, where he found Jake drinking his coffee with his eye's closed. BMo was sitting next to him waiving his hands in vane, smiling to the wall. After just looking at him for a while, the boy spoke.
- Aaa Jake, buddy, look I'm so sorry for last night. I was not in my full minds you know. I was tired and the Ice King… kind of pissed me off. I didn't wanted to insult you like that…
The yellow dog's eye's opened, just starring at the table. " Ah, shit, it's really bad, I can sense it, Jake will not speak to me again. I just know it".
- Understand that I'm human Jake… some times I burst, just like that… this kind of reactions are normal, you see?… he he…. The boy's smile faded. Jake didn't moved at all. But…
- Neah… I can't do this. It's to tiresome for me. Ha Ha. Of course I forgive you. We're brothers. We need to forgive each other, despite the situation.I was just messing around.
- Blob Jake. Ha ha. You had me there for a moment. Never do that to me again!
- Don't worry dude. Let's have breakfast!
- Yeah sure, and after that we will spend some time together.
- That will be awesome!
And yes, after the breakfast, Finn and Jake were sitting in the kitchen. The human was reading a book on the local human society of the world, and Jake was cracking some points on BMo's new game. As time was passing, the sun was getting high up the sky, provoking Finn to take a walk. "It is the first time in my life for feeling the need to just go into the field and simply walk, doing nothing", the boy thought to himself, " OK. OK. Fine! I'll do that after a couple more minutes". He then struck with his look a very interesting paragraph talking about the prostitutes in Europe, and how they influence the economy of the country's in the XIX-th century. Remembering the woman in his dream, that everyone considered her a whore. He came by this word multiple times in some books, referencing to a girl or woman that haves sex with more then one man for money. An insulting word, and at first he consider it disgusting, but then the sin thought came, challenging what he may have found some beautiful, and probably convincing them to stop that terrible deed. He's hero soul was engaging the situation. I'm saying a sinful thought because then he questioned how was it to have sex with a woman, just giving her money? The boy's mind wondered, blinking frequently. In some way detached, with his eye's still on the book, started a conversation with Jake about the subject, trying to find one's opinion. He jumped rather direct.
- Are there any prostitutes in Ooo?
- Wow man, I don't know, but it's a very rood thing to talk about…
- Oh come one Jake, don't be timid about it. It's normal to have any kind of conversations, on any topics/ subjects.
- Yeah OK, I understand but, it's weird tho, and to answer I just don't know, never seen a woman taking money for sex, and for that I thank the world. This are more civilized times.
- Listen to this then, " In 1857, it is estimated there were 80,000 prostitutes in the county of London.". London being a former human metropolis in Europe.
- Man, that's pretty much, Jake responded a little shocked.
- Yes… well, the boy continued, " Out of every 60 houses, one was a brothel. At a time when the male population of London, of all age's, was one and a quarter million. The prostitutes were receiving clients at a rate of two million per week".
- Two million!? One quarter million!? I thought humans were many, but not that many. Not even the population of Ooo reaches two million!
- Apparently they were more… , Finn nodded, not lifting his face from the book.
- Yeah…
- Let us see…,the boy started thinking, now having in his hand a pen and a sheet of paper, dropping the book on the far edge of the table. The male population was one quarter of a million? Well if we take a third for children and old men…, he was calculating, that means that outside of marriage… your Victorian gentleman could look forward to 2.4 fucks a week! The boy then looked quickly at Jake, now laughing his butt out.
- Since when are you good at math?
- You are behind with my progress Jake, if you really need to know, from an old book called 'Math for beginners and advanced'. It's quite simple to learn some elementary stuff.
- What ever man…
- And with that, I'm off. It's a beautiful day Jake, and I think I will go take a walk.
- Ok buddy, take care…
The sun was shining in the middle of the sky, showing that it was a summer afternoon. A deem cold wind was blowing from the south-east, from the Ice Kingdom, making Finn breath a healthy unpolluted air, but some how reminding him of the fresh air in the forest in the dream, while he was searching for fossils. He then thought if he was the only survivor of the human race, it was not a bad thing to build a monument or a museum in the memory of the mushroom war, how the locals call for that he will need to speak with Princess Bubblegum, being the head scientist in Ooo, and with her abilities searching and amass historical sources, it shouldn't be a problem. He then realized that no one in the realm did that, they didn't tried to discover there past. Finn forgot about the walk, now sitting on a large rock covered with moss near an edge of a forest, a couple of miles from the tree house. The boy was oblivious of what surrounded him, giving a chance for the dark shadow behind him to jump right in his back, but Finn didn't react.
- I knew it was you… , Finn said with his look undisturbed.
- Come on hero boy, you always loved to mess around.
- Not today Marcie. Not today…
- And whys that?
- I don't know… I just want to look at the view…
Seeing him like that, Marceline wanted to leave. Then a worm touch grabbed her hand, pulling her on the rock.
- Please. Stay with me Marceline. The vampire woman was a bit shocked. It's been a while since we've enjoyed each other's company…
- Finn… I… think I must go.
- Why? Do you have something better to do? "Ah shit, she hesitated my wish, it's clear as crystal that she doesn't give a fuck". Fin thought afterwords.
- No… I just. Need to finish a song, and it's getting kind of late. The vampire tried to avoid the humans look.
- You do that all day long? Don't you ever get bored? Just playing all by yourself?
- I NEVER GET BORED OF MY SONGS!, the vampire queen snapped in a second, almost turning into some kind of monster, now standing over Finn, now laying in silence.
- I'm sorry…. Finn responded with his eye's closed.
Realizing what she was doing, Marceline recovered her senses quickly. Her cold hands petting the boy's cheek.
You forgot how I react to my sensible stuff. I'm sorry…
- No, it's nothing, I probably overreacted. I'm the one who needs to apologies. I'm a fool, for taunting you in that manner. But I kind of miss you now and then, just thinking "what is she doing all day long? ", the two friends now sitting straight, I think that you are in some danger, and I can't help you. That troubles me.
- Oh my dear hero, she kissed him on the cheek, you don't need to be concerned about me. I can take care of my own. I know you care, and I love that about you. To answer your question, I travel a lot. I don't play the guitar all day long. You don't know nothing about me Finn. Not yet tho.
- You do this now, and did before we met? I mean…
- Sure… before Ash anyways. I've traveled the earth far and wide, seeking adventure, in places you can only dream about. Marceline smiled devilish.
- After that moment with the Ice King…
- Oh yes… Simon. He was a savior for me in my time of need. When my father was on a wild goose chase, Simon took care of me in his own way.
- I a minute, Ash is still alive?
- Yeah, sure… don't remember? We've beat the crap out of him, but not that hard, he survived…
- A yeah…
- Anyway Finn, thank you again for helping me. She landed a kiss on his cheek. I really need to go now, and… drop by my place now and then… see you later…
- Marceline wait! Finn interrupted her departure. Did you really loved him?
Marceline thought for a second.
- I liked him a lot, and I think I tried to love him, but with the thing that he did to me, the charm that existed, vanished… . Then the vampire flew away.
Finn realized what he needed to do. Go and find her teddy bear. Banal, but it will improve there relationship. "Let's head on to Candy Kingdom first…", the boy thought "…after that try to talk with Ash, don't know how. I'll think of that later… don't worry Marceline, something good will happen to you in the end…".
The day past by swiftly, in a race with the other times, and Finn arrived at the Candy Kingdom, finding Bubblegum still in her lab, tired.
- Hi there PB. Whats up?
- Oh hello Finn…, said Bubblegum trying to keep her head up straight. Sorry that I'm not in a good mood for talking, but I have finish this formula. If my calculations and measurements are correct, this "potion", so to speak, will enhance the fundamental base structure of the candy walls, making them approximately unbreakable, if someone like the Lich decides to attack.
- Approximately?
- Yeah… well… it needs more thinking.
- Aha. Well, if you…
- I know I know, it was not a princess, it was Marceline. I know, I have my spies Finn.
The boy glared suspicious.
- If you say so…
- Thank you for the good work.
- Yes… aaa, right, do you have some shape shifting potions?
- Why do you ask me this so suddenly?… Bubblegum said scratching her chin.
- I need them for a quest, I have to be incognito, if you know what I mean… that was the point of arriving here.
- No Finn, I'm not a magician, I'm a scientist, I don't do that kind of work, and shape shifting is a dangerous business, I have a device that could change your molecule structure, but I will not guarantee your safe returning to normal.
- Radical, aaa okeee then, I'm off, sorry for interrupting.
- Bye Finn, take care of yourself! The pink princess smiled.
And with that our young adventurer left the Candy Kingdom, planning to go at the Tree House first, grabbing supply's for the journey ahead. Who knows what Ash was up to, and if he would want to kill him, so the boy needed to prepare quite thoroughly. The Tree House was empty, finding only BMo talking to himself like always. "Jake must be at Lady's", Finn thought. "Being a wizard, I must be swift, and if he tries to cut me down, I'll fill him with this". His old chest of weapons reviled what was an old crossbow. "A couple of iron bolts, a cloak and I'm ready". Indeed he was prepared, like an assassin and Ash wouldn't stand a chance.
This moments benefit the wise man, and the courageous knight, marching on foot up the dusty road, to the encounter, or to the problem, giving the boy time to meditate upon how he will act. The final solution was the weapon, first movement, try to take the answer not by force, but by speech craft. One thing that he learned from the old human books, that the words can wiled a much greater power, then the sharp blade of a sword.
It was nearly at dusk, when Finn arrived at his place, and the emptiness ignored his shouts or knocks. He realized that Ash wasn't home. "His probably hanging in the wizards town at a tavern or in some magic shop", the boy thought. So he did. The old wizards town, but I crudely call it that, it was a majestic city, surrounded by great walls of stone, and into each corner, tower guards reign over the crowded ocean of people, making way through the streets. The city was into the far west, hidden into a mountains gorge, were the rivers of the old cut it open. I want to point out that nobody knows what lies beyond the city, many say that the gorge itself connects The Land of Ooo with the ancient continent, only the inhabitants know the truth. The city is an old medieval English town, builded some time in 1400, with inns and markets, a lords manor, now in the full functionality of a council office, administration and law distribution, and last but not least, a some sort of cathedral, now a guild of few necromancers. The necromancers are not viewed by the wizards in a positive manner, seeking death as the ultimate answer to all, it struggles with the wizards of the nature and order, the bad acts of the so called Lich, are not approved by the council, so black magic is contained by far. Finn hailed the guardsman at the gate, and the doors where open. The boys ears had to struggle with a noisy crowed, of yelling merchants, costumer complaints and other sorts of noises made by moving caravans, entering and going through what appears to be another gate, at the other end of the city. Traveling by foot, was not easy, and not to be recognize was the main problem for our hero, and he badly needed a shape shifting potion, at least temporarily, but luck was sure to come. His attention was focused on a lizard merchant., who apparently was calling for him.
- Hey you! You look like the kind for a rough bargain! What say you? Buy an amulet? I have many for wizards of all kind, filled with magical powers!
- No! I'm not interested in amulets!
- But you didn't even look! Come on, don't be a spoiled sport! I'm sure there's something here, even for you! I say, what form of wizard are you anyway?
- The kind not to mess with! Finn responded.
- I see, your a keen one. I have just the thing for you!…
- No I'm not interested! And the boy wanted to leave the annoying merchant.
- A shape shifting amulet!.. The lizard continued, and the adventurer stopped.
- How much is it? And how does it work?
- Ohohooo! It shapes the very fabric of your atoms! With the power of your mind and concentration, you will be anyone or anything you'll think of.
- Anyone? Really?…
- Yessss, for a price of nearly 30 gold pieces.
- I don't have that amount. We can bargain for 20.
- Hmm, the lizard thought, very well then 20 it is!
Not be seen by the people, Finn took refuge in an alley. He didn't exactly knew, who it will be, so he thought a character from his books. "I know, I think of Richard the Lionheart! He was a robust dude. I'll handle Ash with him". So he did. In that very moment, the amulet glowed strongly in the dark alley, reveling a red light sparkling. His body started to shiver, and in the next moment, a bright crude man, with a pale complexion and a blond red beard, blue eye's and 7 feet tall, stood in the alley. He was wearing a chain mail armor, with a red cross on he's chest, a long shield and a saber tied at the waist, but only the green backpack was giving him away. It didn't matter, for the spell was complete, and our boy entered the first tavern he saw.
Approaching slowly the bar, with suspicious eye's following him, Finn encountered a cyclop attending the costumers with beverages. "If I'll not order ale, I'm as good as dead".
- Give me the strongest ale you've got! The boy commanded, with a strong deep voice.
- Ha ha ha ha! You look like a fine one don't you?! I'm Galor, the innkeeper, and I'm telling you that we don't have Corian Ale. We've run out of it! But tell you this, I'll fill your handle with the Wizards Liquor. It's not that strong, but it will stuff the beast…
- Very well then…
-That will be 10 doubloons.
Finn started drinking, and a slight tinkle struck his tongue.
- So what are you then? None of my business, but it's better to ask then presume…
- I'm aa… a witch hunter…
- Not many of you, lurking around this parts. First I thought , you be more of a crusader type. We've get plenty of those weirdos around here.
- Crusaders?
- Yessss, the cyclop petted his sharp brown beard, humans from the old continent, they say, came here a couple of years ago, caring the cross with them, trying to convert the town for there own bunch, saying that we are miracles after The Great War, children of God, mythical beings brought to life, by the hand of the Savior. All bullshit to me! And you look like human, bad business to us folk.
Finn almost had a heart attack, hearing that humans still existed some where in this world, but he faked he's reaction.
- You are human! How come you didn't know all of this?!
- I'm… from the south, came by boat.
- I understand. So humans still exist, I'm surprised even from the south. It doesn't matter now, drink, drink, and serve another one, need to serve my costumers, humans also…
- Thank you… and I need to ask you something. Did a wizard, named Ash stepped by here, I… have some business to deal with him, the cyclop played full, and 5 gold for the trouble, but I assure you there will be no trouble, only talk…
- Upstairs, second snug, but don't tell him I've send you!
The second floor was pretty spacious, and the snug rooms were not that private, only carved big opens in the walls, not covered, and Finn took a walk among them, trying to find Ash. A powerful girl giggle was heard from in the far end of the floor, and our hero went to investigate in that part. At round table he found Ash, a tall grayish humanoid with a slick lock of white hair in the middle of his appalling face. The perverted creature was touching the young girls private places of her body, trying to raise her disposition in this crude manner into bringing her back to his place to shag, but the wizard alarmed himself by seeing the tall man standing next to there snug room.
- Is there a problem dude? Ash asked.
- No no, Finn responded, but all the other rooms are full, can you spare a little place for me? I'll be off just as I finish my drink, it wont be long and I'm tired… . Finn complained
- Yeah sure… if I think about it, and he pushed the whore rudely at aside, I could use a good chat with a stranger. I like to discover new things, and by the looks of it, a human also. I bet you got a good story!
- I don't have pretty tales Mr. , the disguised boy answered sitting at one of edges of the table, I've come to this city to explore new things… and probably business…
- I understand, and tell me… what are you anyway? A warrior by trade?
- Neah…, just a traveler, seeking his fortune. Our hero needed to be quick about killing him, if he suspects something, so the crossbow was armed and ready under the table, holding it with his right hand aiming at his guts.
- Yeah, I've heard that humans are still alive, somewhere around this planet. The town is not the same as it use to be, since you folk came. Now it's just a border, patrolled heavily by guards, not letting any bagger or nut in. And thats the truth, wondering around with your arrogant monotheistic religion. And of course there is that new illness you've brought…
- Illness?…
- Yeah… making fun of me?
- Sorry, I'm from the south, traveled by boat, I'm not from above the border.
- I see. Yeah, no wonder. They are so dirty, and they don't even bathe. You look more clean then them. The plague they call it, serious stuff. I hear there's no cure…
- But what happened?
- Who really knows? The bastards returned to a former stage of they're history, I've heard from a friend of mine who traveled to there medieval kingdoms. Because of the great war, they've agreed to return to a more basic meaning of living life, and very few technology to use, only in special conditions. Damn humans, it was worse with one, now they are a whole bunch! Say now… you have a familiar backpack, now that I see…
- Oh? And Finn's finger was trembling on the crossbow's trigger.
- Yeah, it reminds me of that human boy Finn!, damn boy, because of him I've lost any chance of getting back with my ex… that little vampire cunt.
- I don't know what you are talking about! Vampires? In my country if you speak of this shit, you've got a free ticket to the stake. I'm a witch hunter myself… , Finn faked it, to calm Ash down, but it was not easy for him to hear an insult at the address of the Marceline.
- Oh… I understand… well, many witches left The Land of Ooo, to go to the human kingdoms, to full around, and make money…
- So I've heard…
- If you come for business, just let me know, I've got a few friends who you can sell stuff for a good price.
- Yeah… well I got a few of that stuff… can you tell me some names?
- There is Wolf, that you can sell magic weapons and amour, there is Annabelle, the Arch-witch, but don't mess with her, I've steered my business to her now and then, good bargain, there is…
- This witch, Annabell, do you trust her? I mean Are you sure I can sell some enchanted items for a good price?
- Yeah Yeah sure. Just a couple of months ago, I've sold her a teddy bear. She wanted badly one. I don't remember why…
- Aha. Good. Where does she live?
- Two block's up, after the tavern, you will see a long left, and at the end of it, right next to depot, is her house.
- Thanks Ash. I must be going now. I'm in a hurry…
- You're welcome. Wait a minute, how do you know my name?!…
His words where left in vain, because our hero was long gone, now heading to the witches house, to find he's beloved vampire her teddy bear. I didn't took our hero long to find it, wondering the street, as we speak, in an oddly silence. The street was not that patrolled by guards or merchants, only housing old shacks and abandoned depots, and at the slightest quake it will all come down. For the young adventurer, there was no time for admiring the scenery, because a band of robber's jumped in his path, in front, and from behind, humans and lizard men alike, armed with clubs. Against the might of the sword the clubs have no chance, but the odds where deem for our hero to fight that great numbers. But after a moment, one the bandit's spoke.
- Say now, thats a nice head you have on your shoulders! Give us what you got, and we let you live.
- I'm not afraid of you! I'll fight!
- I will drink from your skull! The infuriated bandit shouted, mustering he's companions to attack.
Finn positioned himself, with his shield up front, and sword back, waiting one of the bandits to finish his hit, and after cutting him with the sword. At first, the strategy succeeded, to implant a full blow in one of the bandits neck. The remaining three in front, backed off, and the other two at the rear holding there position. The bleeding bandit was still alive, struggling on the ground with his hand covering the cut. A second bandit jumped at Finn, but he was much quicker, so the boy dodged his hit. Another bandit from behind was preparing a sneak attack, and with an easy swing Finn fended off the blow, taking cover with his back against the wall. Now the bandits where surrounding him into a semi circle. Our hero knew the outlaws will never give up for anything, except a terrifying struck to shape there lines. So he throed himself in one who apparently was the gang's leader, punching the man with the shield knocking him down, and for the final blow the head was crushed with the pointy edge of the triangular protector. In that moment the bandits scattered in fear seeing the bloody head of there boss.
Rain started dropping from the sky after a brutal thunder, and the silence was only disturbed by the metal sound of rain falling on the boy's armor. A puddle of blood was forming around the first victim, still alive crying for help, but Finn ignored the muttering continuing the path he proposed in the beginning. The witches shack was like an abandoned small depot fixed for some time. He knocked at a wide iron door, but no sound. He knocked again more louder and more impatient. At the center of the iron door a flap opened raveling a pear of angry yellow eye's. The eye's asked.
- Who are you and whats your business?!
- My name is Finn the Human and I'm seeking Annabelle the witch. I need her help!
The eye's closed for a bit making the look more intense.
- In a moment!
The flap closed, leaving the boy in silence for minutes. After a while, the flap opened again.
- Come in! Don't forget I'm watching you, so no funny stuff! Or you'll die!
The inside was well decorated, red and brown wall carpets, red leather furniture to go with the carpets, dusty candle brass and green transparent hangings. Books scattered all over the place,and alchemical apparatuses filled with different sorts of chemicals. In the middle of the room a tall woman wearing a red gown. He could so by her shapes that in the past, she was a beautiful woman, now aged by time. He reminded him of his mother in a way, just thinking how it was of having one. He was deeply impressed. In the left the yellow eye's took form, and a horned black demon was standing next to him. The old woman spoke calmly.
- What do you want for me human?
- A wizard named Ash sold you teddy bear, who belong to a dear friend that I love so much. I came to you to take it away, of course for a fee.
- I speak to what exists, not to appearances. I don't make deals with lies. The woman wanted to leave.
- NO! WAIT!
The woman stood still, but the demon took an aggressive stance. Finn ripped the amulet from his neck, returning to normal, raveling a young man at the age of sixteen. The witch turned and spoke again.
- I can not give you the bear.
- I'll pay you anything! I'll trade this amulet then, Please tell me it isn't so?!
- The teddy bear is with my niece. Only she may change her mind alone…
- Where is she then?
- I'm right here Finn. A third voice spoke. The girl was about five years old, with long black hair, green eyes and a very white face, like she was suffering of some illness.
- Please little girl. You need to understand. That teddy bear was sold without my friends approval by a jerk who thought she cared about. The bear was a friend from childhood.
- I don't need material goods Finn. There is nothing you can give me.
The boy knelled near the little girl.
- I've been threw a lot little girl… .
- Call me Sasha please. I don't like people calling me little girl. Sasha interrupted.
- Sasha… please, you have to understand that a love her. Returning her teddy bear will mean a lot to her… . Finn bowed his head, not wanting Sasha to see him cry.
- If you truly desire that, you need to give in return something of equal valor.
Finn stood in shock.
- I… I have nothing of valor… I mean, he reached for his fathers sword, I do have something… , he puts the sword down at Sasha's feet, it was given to me by my father, when I've become of age. He putted it a dungeon made by himself, for I to find it. Indeed it has greatness, valor and love, and I give it to you in exchange of the teddy bear…
- Then I shall answer to your offering. Take it. The bear is yours. The girl spoke wisely.
- I thank you. Now I must take my leave. Fair well and thank you again.
Never in his life, made such a sacrifice, but the thought of being with Marceline was more greatly then others in the world. Finn was at the door opening it sad, when the girl called for him.
- Finn!
As he turned, the sword was coming strait at him, but he didn't dodge, he just cached it.
- I hope you've learned your lesson… , the girl continued, fair well to you, and good luck. Finn simply smiled at her.
Now victorious of what he accomplished, Finn returned to the streets filled with people, putting on again the amulet so that he could have safe passage out of the city. Up close, two men dressed in same outfits started to follow him. They where doing that for some time, seeing him getting out of that alley, confused of what they saw. Finn noticed the stalkers, and by that he stopped at a fountain in the center of the bazaar.
- Hey you! One of the crusaders shouted. From what regiment do you belong?
- I belong from no regiment. I'm just a traveler.
The two crusader toked out there swords.
- You are coming with us! In the name of his Holiness!
Finn prepared himself, but 10 city guards surrounded the three of them.
- Halt! What are you doing here?! You know you are not aloud to use weapons in the city! And I'm talking of you humans! The fine is 500 gold pieces!
- We will not pay anything! One of the crusaders shouted. This man is one of us, a traitor and a deserter! We have authority on him!
- You heard the crusader?! Come with us! The guards captain spoke.
- No! I'm not a crusader! I'm a boy, look, I'm Finn! He smashed the amulet. I don't care about the fucking amulet. I need to leave now.
- We don't know who you are, the captain said, you are a human child, and you need to be in care of them!
- What?! The boy screamed.
- The boy is with me! An old voice echoed from above. It was the Ice King levitating as always because of his magic beard.
- Ice king? The captain continued, aa yes, ok then. Crusaders I'm sorry, involving the circumstances, you no longer have authority. So I want you two to leave immediately.
Of course the crusaders made a fuss about it, but where discarded by the guards. Outside the city gates, Finn gaze at his enemy.
- Hey don't stare at me like that, I've just saved your butt. The Ice King said.
- Yeah, but why?
- Aaaa… Now that I think about it. I don't actually know. The king looked confused. Probably because I sense you were doin something lovely…
- Right…. Ok… I'm leaving. Thanks…
- Sure. That what I get for saving Ooo's hero. A simple thanks, but without a meaning.
It was late at night when he returned to the tree house, finding Jake asleep. Finn was now relived of what he accomplished. He learned a great lesson this day, and he hopes his acts will comfort him in the future, and he hopes of a better life, thinking of course at Marceline. A life with her.
From the branches a familiar white figure appeared giggling creepy. The sounds of children covered the tree house. The creature gazed inside threw the window, finding the two heroes sleeping. A sadistic laughter followed, and the figured disappeared.
P.S. Sorry for the delay, chapter VI next time. I'll be quick about it.