Chapter 19: Carving the Path

Cinnamon Bun greeted Finn, Jake, and Blayze at the Fire Kingdom's main entrance. The giant gates that allowed passage through the walls creaked loudly as they were closed, sending an echo through the air that could be heard across nearly the entire kingdom.

As Blayze walked ahead to converse with the pastry guardian in private, Finn and Jake stayed behind with a few of the other guards, attempting to keep their heads low as they could feel numerous glowing red eyes fixed upon them from every conceivable direction. Not just the guards, but any citizen currently walking about in the area.

Finn wondered if they had just become prisoners as soon as they stepped within the Fire Kingdom's grounds. After all, he did keep several details to himself regarding the situation for which he found himself here some days ago. If Blayze was currently giving Cinnamon Bun all of the details, it was a high possibility that he would have to face the consequences for violating the laws of the land. Jake would perhaps be off the hook, but the yellow canine was with him during that time. Misunderstandings were bound to happen.

Luckily, it seemed like this was not the case. Once Blayze and Cinnamon Bun ended their conversation, the pastry bid him farewell and went off to perform other duties. The smile still present on his face could have been enough proof to show that the elemental that brought them here was not about to start talking about the situation to anyone. At least not until Flame Princess was present to hear it.

As he walked back towards them, Finn and Jake still tried to keep their eyes averted from anyone else. The human was also trying his best to keep the mark on his hand hidden from view.

"CB's got some business to take care of down at the docks," said Blayze. "Something about preparing a ship for sail. In the meantime, he said we could let ourselves into the palace, and that word of our arrival has already been sent. But he also mentioned that Phoebe might be a bit busy today, so our time to speak will be rather short."

"Do you really think she knows as much as Weimar puts on?" Finn asked.

"I'm hoping to find out myself. We're all walking into this rather blindly, guys. There are no secrets in Fire Kingdom, but there are still several delicate matters that are kept on a need-to-know basis for the higher ups only. If we're lucky, any questions we have will lead to proper answers."

Finn nodded in understanding. He and Jake followed the elemental further into the kingdom, being taken through the busy streets as countless others went about their daily business.

In the market, voices came from every single direction, all from merchants trying to sell their goods. Although, the variety was not that much, at least to Finn. A few swords here and there and some armor sets got his attention, but he could not use any of them given their burning nature. Some stands were selling clothing, but again, none of it would be appropriate for him, and others were selling coal for others to eat.

Overall, everyone seemed happy, which made him smile.

During his distraction, the human was accidentally knocked to the ground by another elemental walking his way. It must have been a guard because his head caused a noticeable clank when he hit.

"Watch where you're…" Whoever the angry elemental was, his voice was rather recognizable. "Oh, it's you."

After standing back up with the help of Jake, Finn could get a good look at whoever it was he bumped into. He mentally cursed, wishing it had been anyone but Flame Princess' brother.

"Flint," Blayze spoke up before the human could get a single word in. "What are you doing out here?"

"And what's the hurry?" asked Jake.

"None of your business, mutt," Flint replied. He pointed a finger at Blayze. "And none of yours neither. Out of my way!"

He left without another word, marching away like the soldier he was through the crowd.

Finn still rubbed his head from the earlier impact. "What's his deal? Why is he so angry?"

"He's angry all of the time," Blayze answered. "Maybe he had another argument with Phoebe."

"Do they argue often?" asked Finn as they continued their walk.

"More than they probably should."

"Ah, they're brother and sister," said Jake. "What do you expect?"

"Their views on how to rule this kingdom differ widely. Flint may be loyal to her, but he believes in a lot what his father used to say. That we fire elementals are beings of battle, and thus we must answer to others with our fury, not ours words."

"But Flame King doesn't believe in that anymore," Finn said. "He spends most of his days in a cave with Bun Bun ruling over a group of chipmunks."

"Still, old habits die hard," replied Blayze as the palace came into view. "Flint is still a long way to go before he starts seeing things differently."

"Do you think he'll be a problem?" Jake asked. "I never really liked that guy, and having him say nonsense to Flame Princess might cause some issues."

"Phoebe is smart enough to not heed all of her brother's words. But yes, if no one keeps a close eye on him, things could get complicated. And the last thing this kingdom need is another coup with a drastic change in leadership."

As the trio reached the main gate of the palace, Blayze told the guards what their business was, and they were allowed passage into the main throne room. They were told that Flame Princess would be with them soon, provided that she had not run into any problems on the way. And so they were forced to wait.

In the meantime, Finn continued their conversation from earlier. "Another coup? So it's possible that multiple people don't see her as a good leader?"

"I think no leader is loved by everyone bro," Jake said. "Especially in a place like Fire Kingdom. Everyone here loves to argue over anything." He immediately turned to Blayze. "No offense."

The elemental brushed the statement off. "I don't really have grounds to complain about somethin that's true. But yeah, having to rule over an entire kingdom means dealing with equal amounts of love and hate. Not two are ever ahead of each other."

Finn looked around the throne room. From what he could tell, everyone working in it seemed happy enough, and everything seemed as normal as any other time Finn had visited. Well, except for one thing.

Whoever the stranger standing near the throne was, he did not belong in Fire Kingdom, that much was sure. If the fact that he was wearing a fire resistant suit was not enough to give it away, then his endless gazing at Flame Princess' seat of power as if it were the finest seat he had ever seen in his life.

"Who is that guy?" the human asked Blayze.

As the elemental studied the man from afar, he seemed just as confused. "I'm…not sure. He must be here on some business, otherwise the guards would've kicked him out already."

"Well," Jake began, "since we have nothing else to do, why don't we go ahead and say hi?"

The dog was already walking away before Finn or Blayze had a chance to stop him. Frustrated, they followed, but he had already stretched all the way to the stranger's side before they could stop him.

"Hey, dude," Jake greeted.

A shout of surprise escape the man's mouth as he slightly jumped. He took a few steps back from Jake.

"What…what are you?" he asked, noticeably frightened.

"What am I? Have you never seen a dog before?"

Finn and Blayze caught up with Jake and pulled him back.

"Jake, come on, man!" exclaimed Finn. He faced the stranger and was able to clearly see his face underneath his helmet; a humanoid of pale blue skin and red eyes with neatly trimmed bleach colored hair and eyebrows. "Sorry, sir. My friend can be a little too curious sometimes."

"Look who's talking," Jake mumbled.

The man seemed to relax a bit. "Oh, it-it's quite all right. I'm not from around here and, well, I'm not used to seeing such colorful beings."

"Not used to it?" Blayze asked. "What are you here for, exactly?"

"I…I'm sorry. But I really can't say. I am here on very urgent business and I was told to only speak to the ruler of this kingdom regarding my duties. Forgive me."

'He's sure apologetic,' Finn thought.

"Can you at least tell us where you're from?" Jake asked. "You look like a really young Ice King!"

The man raised his brow. "Who? I'm not sure I know who you are referring to. But, if you must know, my name is Leif, and I hail from the Floating Gems far off the eastern coast of Ooo. I am a citizen of the great Diamond Kingdom."

Diamond Kingdom. This was the second time in the same day Finn and Jake had heard that place being mentioned. First a letter to Princess Bubblegum, and now a member of the kingdom itself here to seek out Flame Princess. But why? It must have been important if it caused him to keep a secret in a place where they are not allowed.

"Diamond Kingdom, huh?" Finn said. "Never been there. Well, mostly because I can't go."

"Yes, it is quite unfortunate that most people of the mainland can't visit our beautiful home," Leif replied. "But you must understand that a miracle of nature like the Floating Gems must be preserved at all costs. Having outsiders visit would hinder that preservation."

"I hope you don't mind a bit of fire, then."

Finn, Jake, and Blayze all turned to meet the source of the new voice. The human was grateful he could inhale plenty of air through his nose, because otherwise his gasp would have been a bit too loud at the sight of Flame Princess.

While it had only been a little over a week since he last saw her, everything that he and his friends had gone through during that time made it feel like an eternity. Every single time he came to Fire Kingdom, he expected something to be different about her in some way, but now it was mostly the same as before. Neatly dressed, standing as straight as any other princess (most of them), and the same warm smile on her face.

"And besides," she continued saying to Leif, "telling these guys that you're just a simple courier delivering a letter won't be the end of the world."

Leif seemed to quiver a bit, but bowed his head respectfully. "Forgive me. I just don't think it's very wise to be talking about my work to anyone who asks."

"Well, they're not just anyone." She placed a hand on Finn and Jake's shoulders, making the human blush underneath his flame shield. "These are Finn the Human and Jake the Dog; the heroes of Ooo. And this here is Blayze, my suitor."

Leif studied all of them briefly. "Ah, I see…Then it's a pleasure to meet you all. If the princess vouches for you, then I suppose I must apologize for my distrust."

'He's very apologetic,' Finn thought.

Flame Princess stepped closer to the courier. "I've already sent word for a ship to be prepared for sailing by tomorrow. If you wish, you can come along with me back to your home."

A ship? Finn wondered what she meant by that. Could it be possible that she was going to the Floating Gems?

Leif pondered her words for a moment. "I suppose I could. After all, the ship that brought me and my colleagues could not stay for long, and we would have to wait a while before its return."

"Colleagues?" Blayze asked. "So there's more than just you here?"

"Oh yes. If it were only me delivering word to the royals, it would take too long."

"Makes sense," Finn said. "We didn't see the one sent to the Candy Kingdom, though. We must have missed each other. The letter was sent to the princess by a banana guard."

"Well, we were in a hospital instead of the palace," Jake commented. "Maybe he just didn't wanna walk all the way across town."

"In any case, I will take this as conformation that you will be coming," Leif told Flame Princess. "Now, if you will excuse me, I will take my leave and spend some time at one of your establishments."

"Feel free to have a guard escort you around," Flame Princess replied. "I've sent word that you are of high value here."

Leif bowed his head one more time before walking away, leaving Finn and the others alone. Once he was gone, Flame Princess loosened her stance and sighed.

"What a day," she said.

"Seems like you really are busy," Finn said. "By the way, you said something about a ship. Are you leaving?"

"Only for a short while. The Diamond Kingdom is gonna have its new king crowned soon, so me and several other princesses will be attending. But I don't wanna talk about work right now. Tell me, what brings you here?"

Blayze nudged Finn closer to her. "Finn here has a few things to say and ask."

Finn shot a quick angry gaze at the elemental before facing Flame Princess, who awaited with a slightly tilted head for what it was he had to say.

He cleared his throat. "Well…it more or less has something to do with the reason me and Jake came here a while ago for. I asked you a few questions but, and please don't be mad at me for saying this, I may not have told you…everything. Meaning, yes, I did keep a secret. But to be fair, at the time it seemed like no big deal. Even if it nearly cost us our lives. Including your suitor's, who we wouldn't be here without. Sort of."

She did seem slightly annoyed at Finn's confession, but did not make a big deal out of it, which relieved him.

"Fair enough I guess," she said. "Since you've been a good friend and ally to the kingdom, I suppose I can let it slide, though I'd prefer it doesn't happen again." She turned to Blayze. "And I'd like to hear more about this trip from you personally later. But in any case, why exactly are you brining this up, Finn?"

The human raised his hand so that the crow marking was clear for her to see. "Do you know anything about this symbol?"

He could immediately tell she did. Her eyes widened to their full extent in shock, fixed on nothing but the marking. As she raised her hand to touch its surface, she only kept it there for less than two second before pulling it back.

She seemed almost…scared of it.

After finishing her examination, she appeared to be struggling with her words. "Finn. If you don't mind, I think we should speak somewhere a little more private…Just the two of us."

Finn turned his gaze to Jake and Blayze, but both appeared just as confused as he was.

"Okay…" he said nervously. "Lead on, I guess. Jake, I'll see you in a bit."

The dog simply nodded and remained in the throne room with Blayze as the human followed Flame Princess further into the palace.

Several people passed them on the way through the halls. Soldiers, servants, maids; all the works of a royal castle. He kept his mind busy by looking at the numerous works of art located along the walls, some of different elementals that he did not recognize, while others were of simple things like flowers, pots, or just plain fire of different colors. They really helped to give some life to the constant red and black of the walls, and anything to keep him from looking straight at Flame Princess was largely appreciated.

"So…" she said, breaking the silence. "Have you and Blayze been getting along well?"

Finn was hesitant, but decided to carry the conversation. "Eh, you could say that. We've spoken here and there, but there's still a lot we can learn about each other."

It was hard to tell whether she was actually listening or not. Every time someone walked passed, she would keep her eyes on them. He had never seen her this uneasy before. Was she doing it just to make it seem like they were having a normal talk until they were alone? In any case, Finn never questioned it and kept following.

Once the two of them made it to her bedchambers, she opened the door and nodded for him to step inside. Naturally, he did, and took a moment to look around as she closed and locked the door behind them.

Her room was fancy, but that was more or less what he expected from a royal. A big bed to his right, a mirror with a few products to make her look pretty, a wardrobe with all kinds of dresses, a bathroom entrance to his right, and beyond the bed, at the far side of the room, a balcony overlooking her kingdom, where the sun's rays entered and provided most of the illumination in the room.

"Very nice place," Finn said. "Does it get rather chilly when-"

He almost choked on the very air he breathed as he turned back around to face Flame Princess. If he was nervous before, now he was downright terrified.

She had formed a sword with her hand, and the tip of the blade was pointed right at the human's throat. He took a few steps back with his hands in the air, pondering as to why exactly she looked so mad all of a sudden.

"Uh, FP? Wh…What are you doing?"

"Finn, listen to me. I'm only going to ask you this once. So think over your words carefully, and answer me with nothing but the truth."

She moved closer, the heat of her blade almost piercing through Finn's flame shield.

"Where…did you get…that damn mark?"

"She always does this!" Flint shouted up into the sky as he clenched his fists. Multiple spots of grass burned underneath his feet as he walked. "I do nothing but try and offer my advice to the council, and all she does it brush it off! And everyone else just plays along with her as if my words means absolutely nothing!"

He hardly ever left the confines of the Fire Kingdom, but Flint wanted to be somewhere in which no one could hear his shouting. Aside from punching and burning things, it was the only other way he could vent any anger present within him.

The sun was no longer at the very top of the sky, but there was still plenty of time left before dusk arrived. With how big and deserted most of the Grasslands was, it was the perfect place to go to take a break from the loudness of the Fire Kingdom, even if it he was still within its territory beyond its walls.

The patches of grass he burned were all gray and feeble on account of all the ash and smog around the area. All trees were also dead, devoid of any leaves or color on their trunks. The sky was not orange, but neither was it blue, it was a combination of the two. It was a way of knowing if you were close to arriving or leaving the kingdom's perimeter. The elementals had a name for this place: Nowhere. Because no matter where one looked, there was nothing. Nothing but the border between a field of grass and trees and a land of rock and flames; the only way in or out without having to sail through the Isle of Steam that surrounded the kingdom from its west, east, and south sides.

The area was not big, but it paved the way for such a drastic change in scenery that it felt like one was stepping into a whole other world. And as the patches of grass started to become their luscious green color the more he walked, Flint continued his rant.

"Father would have listened to me. Before he was dethroned and then exiled, he would have taken my advice without a second thought. He always said that we fire elementals are beings of battle, but how can we be when the kingdom becomes weaker with every passing day? I just…we should be feared and respected, not become a bunch of sissies like all the rest."

Flint vent some more anger by kicking a rock as he walked passed it. The height and speed of the kick was strong enough to have it break when it fell against the ground again.

Instead of making all the way into the Grasslands, he decided to sit on top of a nearby boulder instead. From the top, he could just attempt to rest and relax for a bit as numerous bursts of steam shot from the underneath the hot earth.

His mind drifted back to his younger days, when he first joined the Fire Kingdom's military. During those days, he felt prouder than he ever had before. As the eldest child of the family, it was expected by most that he would one day inherit the throne, but he decided to take a different path; one where he could fight his own battle rather than having someone else fight them for him. He recalled how proud his father was.

Now…now he wondered if with him being the ruler would be the only way of bringing the kingdom back to its former glory.

He sighed. "No. Like it or not, Phoebe is the ruler of Fire Kingdom, and I must follow her lead no matter what. And as for me, well…maybe my days of fighting will be far behind me before long."

"Not exactly, dear."

Flint immediately stood up on the boulder and turned in the direction of the new voice, while forming a flaming sword with his arm. "Who said that? Who goes there?!"

From behind one of the other nearby boulders, the woman in question stepped out into the open where he could see her. Immediately after, he only raised his sword in defense, narrowing his eyes at the familiar sight before him.

"Candice," he growled. "What are you doing here?"

It was indeed the leader of the Blackbell Knights herself. Flint only wished he could properly identify her face, but she always wore that hood and mask over it, leaving only room for her eyes. One hand rested on her hip, just above the unusual weapon she always carried with her.

"I was just taking a walk," she responded to his question. "What? Is it illegal to take walks now, even out of the kingdom's jurisdiction?"

"The fact that you and your band of freaks operate out of our jurisdiction is exactly why you're not rotting behind bars at this very moment."

"And you can't be swinging that sword around when I have made no violent move against you. Why don't you be a good little soldier and put it away before you hurt yourself?"

"I can have this blade pointed at your neck all day if I wanted. Just give me a good reason to drive it through. I dare you."

Candice sighed. "Will you at least let me speak to you briefly?"

Flint chuckled in response. "What could you possibly want to talk to me about? If this is about letting the Blackbell Knights operate within the Fire Kingdom, you can save your breath, because you already know my answer. And my sister's."

"Well…not exactly. Although, I do have an offer for you in particular."

Candice made her way closer to the boulder where Flint stood, but a quick wave of his sword kept her from moving. "Whatever you have to say, you can say from there. I have good hearing."

"As you wish. Tell me, Flint, judging from what I heard you rambling about earlier, I take it you and your sister aren't exactly on the same terms when it comes to how the Fire Kingdom is being ruled. Am I right or wrong?"

"We have our disagreements, but she's still the ruler of the kingdom. And a soldier, honor binds me to follow her orders."

"Ah, but that's the problem." She walked over to another boulder and climbed on top of it, sitting on the edge with one leg dangling over the other while both arms supported her from behind. "You see, whether you want to deny it or not, you're not a soldier anymore."

Flint narrowed his eyes. "What are you saying?"

"I'm saying that what you were rambling about earlier is true. The Fire Kingdom used to be feared and respected, but now, with each passing day, it's becoming a land of peace. And a land of peace doesn't need hardened warriors like you. You can argue all you want that it's not true, but you know deep down that it is. All that my organization and I want is to fix that. Make the Fire Kingdom a place of peace, but because of fear and respect from others, not because we keep being nice to everyone."

She looked in a random direction, where the land just seemed to stretch out forever.

"Because soon, this land won't need clothing vendors, diplomats, or your average stationary guard. It'll need warriors. Real ones who will fight to the very last breath for their home. I am offering you the chance to be that kind of warrior, Flint. I offer you…a place within the Blackbell Knights."

He slightly lowered his blade, thinking over her words. "What? You honestly think I'd want to join your freak show?"

"All I'm asking for is that you give us a chance. You've spent years staying by your sister's side, but deep down you know that she is only make the kingdom weaker, not stronger. Your talents aren't needed there anymore. However, you give me the opportunity show you what the Blackbell Knights are all about, and I promise you'll never wanna go back. You can be a real warrior once again, and carve your own path in life rather than letting others carve it for you."

"And if you're wrong and I refuse?"

"If I'm wrong, then you are free to refuse and stick to your current path, or you can find a new one with purpose. But first, all I ask is that you come with me and witness everything that I have to say and show to you."

Flint kept his eyes fixed on hers at all times as her words bounced in his head. The fact that he was actually considering this made him nearly hate himself, but at the same time, he could not deny that everything she had said about the Fire Kingdom was, to some extent, true.

"Fine," he said, lowering his blade. "I'll play along. For now."

It was hard to tell because of the mask, but something told Flint that Candice was smiling.

Note: Not much to say this time, other than a quick thanks to those who are still following this story.

-sonicthehedgehog240: While I understand why you would see it that way, I can assure you that this is indeed a FxFP story.

-OMAC001: Me neither.

-An Amber Pen: They sure do, and thanks for enjoying it.

-Awolfx9: That might the case for her. Or maybe not. We shall see.

-Ooobserver: Always nice to see people actually interested. And I'm just as eager to see how everything ultimately plays out.

Next Chapter: The Gate to Paradise