Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

“Beep Beep Beep!” an alarm clock rings on a nightstand which is then shut off. 

A red-haired child yawns as she sits up from her bed, rubbing her eyes.

She turns around to look out her window where there is snow falling heavily  outside.

“Aaaahhh!!” She realizes which snaps her wide awake.

She turns on her lamp, casting her room in light. This room looks like a shrine devoted to Adventure Time characters. Her bedsheets bear the visage of Jake the Dog. On her walls are numerous posters showing Marceline the Vampire Queen, Finn and Jake, Lumpy Space Princess, and more. All of which she got signed by the characters themselves. She has bookshelves lined with rows of Fionna and Cake volumes written by the Ice King along with figurines of the characters. She even wears a tiny red union suit to bed that looks like Finn’s pajamas.

She runs into her closet which contains many articles of clothing that references Adventure Time characters such as Marceline’s Red and black sweater, Princess Bubblegum’s pink dresses, and Finn Merten’s classic blue shirt and shorts along with a green backpack (the latter of which is her go-to that she dresses) She wears  latter and runs over to her dresser which has white Bunny-eared hats on hooks that she then puts on to complete her looks.

She then runs out of her room into the hallway towards her parent’s room. She jumps onto their bed, waking them up right away. 

“Guys! Guys! Wake up! You know what time is it?” The little girl cheers.

“Is it. . . Adventure Time?” Her mother tiredly responds, already having heard that phrase countless times.

“No! Well, yes! But besides that! Guess!” She grins at her parents.

“It’s almost Christmas.” Her father guesses as he puts on his glasses.

“Right you are! C’mon!” she urges her parents to get up from bed.

“Alright, alright. Hold your horses, Astrid.” her mother replies as her child runs out of the room in anticipation of the holiday.

Throughout the halls, they are decked with stockings, wreathes, candles, elves, and a large christmas tree in the living room. There are christmas lights strewn about, snowmen, reindeer, and Gingerbread men decorating the outside of their house. This is but one of the many houses that have decorated for the holiday season. 

Echoing through the streets are Christmas carolers who fill the air with the sounds of yuletide songs. 

  Deck the halls with boughs of holly

Fa-la-la-la-la, la-la-la-la

'Tis the season to be jolly

Fa-la-la-la-la, la-la-la-la

Don we now our gay apparel

Fa-la-la, la-la-la, la-la-la

Troll the ancient Yule-tide carol

Fa-la-la-la-la, la-la-la-la”

There are also humans in red and white robes ringing bells, beckoning citizens to donate for the christmas spirit.

“Thank you very much!” A robed man congratulates a passerby for dropping in a coin. 

It seems like a normal human city except incredibly futuristic with metallic pathways, hologram projectors, pneumatic tubes, computers, and everyone dressed in sci-fi getups. And it is floating among the clouds over the land of Ooo.

What is this city? You are looking at none other than Up-Ton, the successor to Humantown led by Dr. Minerva. Thanks to the combined efforts of Dr. Minerva, Princess Bubblegum, and some denizens from beyond the stars, this has become a city-state or a kingdom where humans can live in safety in the skies while being able to descend down to Ooo any time they please. 

This time of the year they are celebrating Christmas. To the people of Ooo before their arrival, their approximation of Christmas was just spending time with an Ice Wizard called the Ice King. But to humans, it is a holiday about celebrating the birth of a religious figure. They do so by spreading joy and cheer among themselves, wrapping up gifts and handing them to each other, among other fun activities. A tradition they were able to preserve for centuries after humans had to leave the mainland and what they have shared with the residents of Ooo who quickly got the hang of it.

Let us see how the other residents of Ooo are doing this season.

The Forests (Finn / Huntress Wizard)

The Forests of Ooo change tremendously during Winter. There are many trees all around that are caked with snow over its branches, the lakes and streams have frozen over. And the numerous forest critters have gone into hibernation. It is quiet except for the sounds of blistering gales rushing through.

A Squirrel is seen walking out through a clearing carrying a cart full of apples, humming happily to himself. He plans on bringing these apples to the Farmer’s market. Unfortunately it is quite difficult trying to haul his wares through all this snow.

That is when he comes across a log blocking his path.

“Oh, there is a log in my way! Well that’s a thing.” he speaks to himself as he tries to look for another way around it.

That is when hears some rustling in the treetops before some creatures jump down from them.

It was an Owl, a Porcupine, a woodpecker, and two beavers.

“Well, well, well! If it isn’t Mr. Bigshot!” The Owl jeers at the Squirrel.

Also these Forest critters are from a tree that Finn tries to climb up to get his frisbee one time. They tried to keep him trapped forever as their creed, “In the Tree, part of the Tree.”

They do not like that one of their own has left the Tree in pursuit of freedom. 

The Squirrel rolls his eyes at yet another confrontation from his former treemates he wanted nothing but to be away from him. “Oh, you guys again!” indicating that this is a rather common occurrence for him. 

“You come back with us, Squirrel!” The Owl brandishes a dagger.

“For the umpteeth time, no!  I have grown beyond the tree!”

“Then I guess it is our umpteenth time at kidnapping you, get him!” The owl orders his treemates to nab the Squirrel as they prepare to rush him.

“Eat my Bushy tail!” The Squirrel gets on his cart and tries to wheel away.

Only to find that the snow is too thick and he is not getting anywhere.

“Oh.” The Squirrel realizes too late.

The Tree animals dogpile on him and lift him up.

“No, get your hands off of me!” The Squirrel protests as they are about to carry him off.

The Owl looks on ahead with glee that he has the Squirrel dead to rights.

“That is what you get for thinking you could be something outside of the Tree, Non-flying squirrel!” he mocks.

That is when he notices a large shadow towering over him. He looks behind to see who it is.

“Owl be the judge of that!” a deep bold voice calls out that sounds oddly familiar. 

“Now who the blazes?” The Owl barely has time to recognize that person before he gets kicked away, sending him smack into a tree that knocks him out cold. A beaver holding a bucket who is missing eyes and teeth likewise gets stomped into the snow.

The forest critters are too distracted trying to stuff the squirrel in the bag when several of them get punched hard by a thick wooden branch. The others let go of the Squirrel to try and run for it. But they barely got a few feet when they get snatched by wooden vines before they are spun around at high speeds and tossed away into bushes.

“Those guys don’t know when to quit, huh?” The stranger approaches the Squirrel.

The Squirrel looks up and recognizes who just saved him. “Oh hey, Finn! Well, yes and no! They don’t know when to quit! Yes! Would they ever do so? No!” 

It is revealed to be indeed Finn the Human. And he looks very different from when we last saw him. He has grown quite well, being incredibly tall and muscular. He has a braided blonde beard, thick wild blonde hair trailing over his back. He has his usual white hat while wearing a blue tunic ripped across the chest to reveal a Jake tattoo, denim shorts, and brown leather boots. He also has a new prosthetic arm rooted to his stump. It is made of Wood and can stretch into many shapes like his old Grass arm, courtesy of a special partner in his life.

“So you taking these Cursed apples to market?” Finn recognizes what he is peddling, having experienced its effects.

“Oh, don’t worry. People find them amusing to be five inches tall! Would you do me a solid and help me carry these to the Market? Kind of hard to do so in this terrain.” The Squirrel asks him.

“Oh no, prob! I was heading there as well!” Finn says as he easily picks up the cart of apples with one hand. 

Walking down to the market, Finn the Human and the Squirrel see that is still quite busy. There are many people there either buying or selling goods. There is the usual farmer’s market ware of Fruits, vegetables, meats, cloths, and other knick-knacks. But there are also other goods befitting the season such as stockings, candies, and wreaths. Albeit quite bizarre befitting the land of Ooo such as Stockings made of slime, candies that are actually crystals, and wreaths that are glowing flowers.

“Huh-hey, Finn!!” One of the Shopkeepers call out to him.

“Oh my, glob!? Finn!” His customer turns to see that is Finn!

“Finn! Finn! Finn!” The farmer’s market soon fills with cries of his name. They all act like this whenever he comes in, not being able to get enough of the famous hero of Ooo himself.

“Would you like to sign my stocking?”A kid with one eye calls out to him.

“Sure!” Finn eagerly takes out a pen and signs it.

“Would you like to try my famous poundcake? Hero’s discount!” A vendor eagerly offers a slice of his poundcake for free which Finn savors.

“Mmm, cinnamonny!” Finn notes before burping up some small pink flames which he giggles.

“Would you please sit with us as we are having our family portrait done? It would be really something with you in it!” a Family of humanoids looking like blue spheres stacked on top of each other ask. There is a Wood person who is painting a portrait that is just a boat sailing in an ocean.

“Sorry, maybe next time!” Finn politely declines, not having the time for it.

Finn walks through the crowd alongside the Squirrel who stops at his stall.

“See you later, Finn!” The Squirrel waves him good-bye as Finn goes his merry way.

He is in search of some nice gifts for his friends in this Farmer’s Market.

“Hey, Finn! Looking for some gifts to give this upcoming Chris Mass?” Someone calls out to him who pronounces the word Christmas wrong. Finn turns to see a brown-skinned man with a thick green beard (that has some grey hairs in them) and a green robe with leaf patterns on them.

“It is pronounced Christmas, Forest Wizard. And yeah, I am!” 

“Well, you are in luck! I have been working on some lovely flowers that would really please!” He says as he searches his wares for something nice. Forest Wizard has been running a Gardening stall where he sells many kinds of fauna that are enchanted such as magic beans that grow humungous stalks that can reach the skies, carnivorous plants for dealing with pests invading your lawn, flowers with pheromones that would make your significant other even more vivacious and more.

“So what are you looking for?” Forest Wizard calls out while looking in the back.

“I’d like something that is nice and fun and would really brighten up someone’s place.” he mentions.

“How about this baby?” Forest Wizard says proudly as he plants a flower pot on his counter. 

“Oh, what is it?” Finn says as he examines the flower. It is a strange plant that has a massive crystal ball instead of a flower head with various leaves shaped like faucets.

“This is a Ravender Flower! It is excellent for parties, just watch!” Forest Wizard says as he demonstrates its qualities. He takes out a jukebox which plays some music that causes the flower to start bouncing and shaking like crazy to the beat.

“It can do this!” He taps on the disco ball flower head which causes it to spin around shooting rainbow pollen from all around. Some of that pollen flies into a nearby customer’s face who was holding up a large egg. He got blinded and dropped the egg on the ground, cracking it. 

“Woah, stunning!” Finn whistles.

“And that is not all! This flower can also produce all sorts of drinks.” he adds, turning some of the faucet leaves where they pour out drinks like fruit punch, carbonated water, tea, and milk.

“Oh, schmow!” Finn says with delight, Marceline could love this plant!

“You know it, bro! And it is yours free!” Forest Wizard says, wanting to give it away to Finn. 

“Wait, what? No, how much is it?” Finn says, having got plenty of coin to spare from his numerous adventures.

“No, no! I insist! It is on the house for my beloved apprentice’s partner!” Forest Wizard explains why he is just giving it to him. Even though he and her are not exactly on speaking terms, Forest Wizard still has fond memories of her. 

“So how is Huntress Wizard doing nowadays?” Forest Wizard asks him as he wraps up the flower.

“Oh, she is doing well, if quite busy! Being the new Forest Spirit of Ooo has given her far more duties than being a Watcher of the Woods.” Finn tells him about how Huntress Wizard is doing in the future. As for how she became the Forest Spirit, she is not telling.

“Oh, wow, she has came a long way! Talk about a huge promotion! I couldn’t be any more proud of her as my former apprentice!” Forest Wizard knowing Huntress Wizard since she once studied under him in Wizard City. He hands Finn his gift-wrapped flower before waving him off.

“When you see her, tell her I said hello!” Forest Wizard calls out. 

“I will!” Finn says back to him. Whether or not Huntress Wizard even cares is another thing.

Speaking of Huntress Wizard, he is wracking his brains with what he could get for her. 

“Christmas Sweaters! Get your Christmas sweaters! Very cozy and ugly! Just like your grandma would have made them!” A vendor calls out, selling christmas sweaters for the occassion. They look like they have been knit in the dark by a drunken octopus. The sweater’s sleeves are different lengths, the colors are mismatched, and they are terribly itchy!

“Oh my?” An elderly women picks a sweater. “These are perfect!” and she buys one to save herself the time about actually knitting sweaters for her grandkids.

“Excellent choice!” The vendor waves her off.

“Oh, I guess she never got one.” Finn muses about bringing some christmas sweaters to Huntress. He remembers one of the first Christmases he invited her to which led to her ripping one off because it was so itchy.

“I would like two!” Finn calls out to the vendor.

Finn Mertens whistles to himself as he carries his gifts across a snowy plane. 

There are several rows of pine trees growing in uniform that he passes by. That’s strange, he does not recall pine trees being grown over there last month. Some people are already there picking out Pine trees to take home for their christmas trees. 

There is a family of nut people escorted by some Nut guards which Finn recognizes.

“Oh, how are you doing Duke of Nuts? What brings you and your family all the way out here?” He recognizes the monarch who has been getting on in years. His walnut face is heavily wrinkled and he needs a cane to support himself. His wife The Duchess of Nuts has also grown old but it has not diminished her spirit. Their two sons have grown into young adults standing over their elderly parents.

The elderly Duke of Nuts turns, his face brightening upon seeing Finn. “Oh, nice to see you again Finn. Don’t mind us, we are just picking out a nice Christmas tree! It is pretty lucky that we found these growing right here in the open.”

“Huh, yeah. Pretty lucky.” and he can bet his toots who is behind this.

“So do you have any plans for your Christmas party?”

“Oh, yes! We are just going to have a simple party like last year. Food, drinks, entertainment. I am planning on having tons of pudding shipped in for me and my guests.”

“I think you might need to cut back on all that pudding, you don’t need another relapse.”

Duchess of Nuts reminds her husband. It turns out Duke of Nuts did not suffer so much from a pudding deficiency so much as a Pudding addiction. He realized that and has taken steps to try and manage it.  Although it is quite tempting for him.

“Oh, that’s sound fun. I’ll leave you to it. Merry Christmas.” he says goodbye to the Royal Nut family as he walks through these Pine Trees.

That is when he feels a soft breeze blowing over him and giggling in his ears. He turns around to see who is behind him but sees no one.

That is when he catches a scant glimpse of a green girl with antlers peeking around a pine tree. Dropping his boxes, Finn rushes over to where he saw her only to see she is no longer there. The human finds himself running all around the pine trees in pursuit of her. But whenever he thinks he has gotten close to her, she vanishes. Far from discouraged, Finn grins at the girl playing her tricks again. 

Well, he has tricks up his sleeve as well.

Holding up his wooden arm, he tries to feel where she might be. Walking cautiously through the trees, he feels his wooden arm for the slightest twitch. Coming near a certain pine tree, his wooden arm starts shaking more the closer he gets to it. Looking up, he wonders if that is where she is hiding.

He stoops down and picks up a snowball that he then tosses up at the tree. He thought she was hiding there but only found some birds scattering that were roosting there.

“So close but props for ingenuity.” he hears someone from behind. She was impressed that Finn got the idea of using the wooden arm she gave him to take advantage of its connection to her.

He whirls around to see Huntress Wizard standing right there. Just like Finn, he has gone through some changes in the preceding years. She is taller and slimmer with generous curves around her thighs and bust. Her leafy fronds have grown past her shoulders and trails down her back like her mate. She still wears her light brown cap over her head where her antlers sticked out which have become just as long. However, she traded her leather outfit for green linen robes that outline her figure nicely like a second skin. But despite the cold weather, she is not perturbed in the slightest. 

He tries to reach for her but she just slips out of the way, grabbing ahold of Finn’s arm and the back of his neck while she trips his foot.

However, Finn manages to catch himself in the snow and cartwheel back on his feet. He then whips out his wooden arm, creating some vines that wrap themselves around Huntress Wizard.

He pulls back and reels her in before catching her in his thick strong arms.

“You don’t make it easy, Hun?” Finn notes as he gazes into her verdant green eyes.

“You have to work for it, Finn. Like every hunt we have been on.” Huntress Wizard reminds him as she looks back into those baby blue eyes still full of wonder for the world despite everything he has been through. 

“And we would not have it any other way.” he adds as they lovingly touch each other’s faces and share a gentle kiss. Finn cannot get enough of how HW's lips taste of mint leaves while HW enjoys how ticklish his beard can be.

“You also dropped this by the way.” Huntress Wizard tells Finn as a root rises from the snow carrying the boxes he dropped trying to catch her.

“Oh thanks.” Finn says as he lets her down and grabs the boxes. (Hopefully she did not look into them yet)

“So what you have been up to, my big man?” HW asks Finn as they walk together.

“Oh, just prowling the premises looking for some monsters to slay or civilians in need of help? There were some squirrels who needed help finding their nuts that they buried for the winter, some birds who needed directions in migrating towards warmer places, and a wolf cub who got lost from its pack. I also protected the Squirrel from his former treemates on the way to the marketplace which is where I was also heading.”

“Ah, Finn. No deed is too small for your liking.” Huntress says with a tone of admiration.

“You know me. Homies help homies. So what about you? Those Christmas trees were your doing?” Finn asks about those Pine trees people were picking out.

“Yes. Some people were wandering too deep into the woods and picking out pine trees that were already home to some critters. I decided to grow some Christmas trees for those people out there who want in on this holiday biz.” She explains, finding a way to satisfy both nature and the common citizens. Not too hard for someone who commands the forces of nature at her fingertips. 

“I also created some hot springs by tapping into the earth’s molten core so that my peeps could have a nice spot to warm up during the winter.” A difficult job but she had just the spell for it.

“Nice, nice!” Finn nods at Huntress Wizard being more proactive in using her new powers to help everyone in need like he has.

“And also had some donkuses burning trash and releasing toxic fumes choking out animals and plants. I had to go teach those guys a lesson.” And that Lesson involved steroided animals, poison ivy, and an unspecified liquid. It is quite painful for her now that she is more connected to nature than ever. 

“Dang, those guys are the worst.” Finn agrees with Huntress  She may be more mellow and carefree nowadays but that does not mean she hasn’t lost her edge.  There were some hunting trips they had gone on recently where they had to slay evil beasts with Finn having his brawn and Huntress with her infinite arsenal of nature spells. 

“So are you excited for this year’s Ooo Christmas Party?” Finn asks Huntress. Ever since the Humans reintroduced Christmas as they knew it, it has become a custom for each Kingdom to have a turn in hosting the Ooo Christmas Party to foster cooperation and understanding between all people. 

“Yeah, I might be able to take some time off. Where is it this time?” HW asks. There were several Christmas parties she attended such as the Candy Kingdom, the Ice Kingdom, Slime Kingdom, and Lumpy Space. Each of them had their interesting take on Christmas.

“This time it is being held on Up-Ton!” Finn says, having received a message from his mother about how her city agreed to host this year’s Ooo Christmas Party. She cleared it with the Council who have decided that this would be a major step in connecting humans with the rest of Ooo after many years. 

The Humans have become quite fascinated by Ooo culture and are eager to share their own culture with them.

“Huh, I see.” HW nods. She is a bit uncertain about being so far from the forest and being surrounded by all the fancy technology that the humans have. But it would be fine as long as Finn and everyone else is there.

After walking for a bit, they arrive at their new home. Finn and HW have decided to live together and combined their homes as a result. Finn’s cottage has been moved (literally) to Huntress’s Wizard’s home which is still resting over a cliffside, all thanks to Kim Kil Wan who mastered his teleportation powers to move entire buildings all across Ooo. Meanwhile, HW’s home became much bigger transforming into a massive tree blooming with fauna and flora all around. It has fused with Finn’s cottage which now serves as the entrance hall leading into the depths of Huntress’s domain.

Finn and Huntress walk inside to unwind after a rather strenuous day of work. Finn drops his boxes on a table before kicking back on a couch with HW beside him.

“So want a drink?” HW offers.

“Yeah, the soft kind please.” Finn tells her. It is bit too early for them to be drinking.

HW snaps her fingers and a branch comes out into the room  bearing two goblets full of fruit juice, freshly plucked, squeezed, and then imbued with a hint of sugar. 

They take their goblets and clink them together before sipping them down. It's nectar to their taste buds, so refreshing and sweet! There are certainly perks to living with a nature spirit.

Finn and Huntress Wizard gaze at each other and one thought comes to mind.

Before they knew it, Huntress Wizard is shoving Finn onto his back over the couch.

Huntress Wizard breathes heavily with a look of desire in her eyes as she crawls over him, really getting a look of that magnificent bod. It is almost unbelievable how Finn has grown very nicely from a little cub to a hulking bear. 

She strokes that broad chest of his, so thick and firm. She hasn't seen trunks from a tree built like this. She gently tugs at his tunic, opening it up and showing more of those steely pecs. Contrary to that bristly beard and legs, his chest is rather smooth. Finn has been making sure to wax his chest she notes who giggles at her tender touches. 

But two can play that game. 

Finn grins as he reaches up and fondles Huntress Wizard's chest hanging down at him. She hitches her throat upon feeling him squeezing her mammaries, not that she can blame him. Just as Finn has matured handsomely, the same can be said for Huntress Wizard who has become far more shapely and pleasing to behold. Her wiry peaches have grown into full-on melons that her robes struggle to contain at times.

They put their faces very close to each other, feeling the others's breath before getting straight into making out with each other. This is something that has happened so many times ever since they started living together. They just can't help it.

They were about to pull each other's clothes off when they hear a knocking on the door.

Finn and HW were snapped out of their passion and quickly pull their clothes back on.

Finn goes over to see who it is which turns out to be Bronwyn. She is Kim Kil Wan’s daughter, Jake’s granddaughter, and Finn’s Grand Niece. She has Jake’s eyes and fur, a horn sticking out of the top of her head, and light blonde hair cut short. She wears a grey shirt with a bolt motif, ripped pants, and carries a backpack and her skateboard. She also wears a red scarf around her neck.

“Sup, Uncle Finn!” Bronwyn cheerfully greets her uncle. 

“Heh, heh, nice to see you kid!” Finn smiles at the sight of his favorite grandniece as they share a tender hug.

“So what brings you here? Wanting to spend time with your Uncle Finn?” He asks her.

“You know it! I was just done doing some work at my Grandma Lady’s salon for the day.” Bronwyn tells him. Lady Rainicorn has decided to open a salon where people can get pleasant treatments such as hair care, nail care, and massages. When Bronwyn not learning how to be an adventurer under Finn’s tutelage, she is doing some odd jobs for the rest of her family.

“So how is Lady doing?” Finn asks. He has been meaning to talk to her for some time now about Jake. Admittedly it was kind of rough the first few years after Jake has passed but he has manage to come to terms with it somewhat. Does not stop him from missing Jake occasionally and wondering how other people close to him are doing.

“Oh, she is doing fine! She was hoping of getting her mane brushed and changing her colors for the upcoming Christmas Party at Up-Ton!” Bronwyn tells him.

“Oh good for her!” Finn says.

“So what are we going to do today?” Bronwyn asks.

Finn takes a deep breath before boldly proclaiming with gusto “Today, we are going on an adventure to find the best gifts for our friends!” 

“Oh, awesome!” Bronwyn says with delight, always eager to tag along has his new sidekick.

“You coming, HW?” Finn looks behind at HW. She gives him a look before coming up to them. 

“Sure, why not? Someone has to look out for you two knuckleheads.” HW says as she puts her hands on both of their shoulders. As much as she loves Finn for his unceasing adventurous spirit, it does not mean it can get a bit too out of hand. Like that time, Finn went into a deep dark forest she explicitly said was forbidden to enter. And he did so anyways just for the thrill of it.

“Alright, you know what time is it?!” Finn says to Bronwyn.

“ADVENTURE TIME!” Bronwyn finishes the line as she and Finn laugh gleefully as they run into the snowy plains. However, they are then scooped up by a massive reindeer with green fur and a mask over their eyes. Huntress Wizard decides to save them the time of running on foot as they go on a magnificent quest to find the best gifts for their friends Ooo has to offer.

Chapter Text

The Nightosphere ( Princess Bubblegum / Marceline)

“Oh my glorb, where is this girl putting it away?” a demon says to his friend.

Inside a bar in the Nightosphere, a crowd of demons have gathered around two people locked in a drinking contest to see who drops first. The liquor served in this bar is far stronger than any mortal could handle. And yet there are many empty cups stacked on the table signifying it has been going on for quite a while. 

On one side is a buff horned demon and the other is Marceline. She wears her long black hair in a thick ponytail. She wears a red leather jacket and a black tanktop underneath. She has some dark red ripped jeans and black biker boots. However, something seems different about her. While she still has her pale skin and fangs, there are some small horns growing out of her forehead along with a long pointy tail growing out of her back.  She smirks to herself as she downs her umpteenth pint of liquor.

“What’s the matter, big boy? Feeling tuckered out?” Marceline smirks, noting how her opponent is looking a bit green.

“In your dreams, I-!” The Big demon says as he is about to go for another one until he eventually collapses under the table.

“And we have a winner!” the bartender says as he lifts up Marceline’s arm.

Princess Bubblegum immediately runs to Marceline’s side and gives her a little smooch on the cheek. The former candy ruler sticks out like a sore thumb to these demons, wearing a clean white and pink dress, frilly skirt, and mary janes on her feet. She is there to support her girlfriend in all her crazy endeavors. 

“Hahahaha, that’s right!” Marceline says as she holds Bubblegum to her side while the bartender burns her name into a gold plate and adds it to the wall of winners in the bar.

“So what do you say, Marcy?” Bubblegum asks her girlfriend?

“HHUUUUUURRRGHHHH!!” cue Bubblegum pulling back Marceline’s hair as she vomits inside a trash can outside. Bubblegum rolls her eyes at Marceline being reckless as always. Not that she would change a dang thing about it.

They are in the Nightosphere, a realm full of demons and hellfire. While there is still chaos and destruction as far as the eye could, it actually not as bad as the centuries before it. It is thanks to the efforts of its current ruler who believes its denizens can be capable of far more than just senseless violence. Thus, reforms were initiated that transformed the Nightosphere into a civilization like those in the mortal realm. It has become a pretty decent haven for the demons and those brave enough to come here on purpose.

Marceline and Bubblegum are there for several reasons. 

One is to get tattoos after a mishap with a Spider person who found it very difficult considering their nature and eventually kicked them out. Thankfully, the Nightosphere has tattoo parlors that have just the right thing for them. They were able to have their tattoos cursed on them which would never go away as long as they live. Marceline has a tattoo on her arm that looks like a Candy heart with PB’S name on it while Bubblegum has a tattoo of a bloody demon heart on her arm with Marcy’s name on it. Just another thing to do as a couple.

Marceline also is getting a new Axe Bass forged by her father’s finest blacksmiths after her old Axe Bass got destroyed several years ago. (It is a long story) She deserves  the best if she is going to set the whole concert ablaze at the Christmas Festival on Up-Ton. After seeing the humans she defended leave Ooo, she can’t wait to reconnect with them and see how things have changed for them since their departure. She really wants to show how much her musical skills have improved over the centuries. 

Marceline and Bubblegum are also there to find some nice gifts for the Christmas Party. Knowing Finn, he would want something very crazy. (One time Finn and Jake came across this skeleton dude who gave them a Demon heart). She wonders if Huntress would like a demon heart considering she has a thing for bloody hearts apparently.

For now, they are just painting the town red. (Not literally considering all the Nightosphere towns are red). Bubblegum is just tagging along to make sure Marceline does not do anything too crazy.

“Hey, wonder what is going on over there?” Princess Bubblegum points at another crowd of demons standing across the street.

Walking over to check it out, they see there is a stall where a huge purple demon wearing glasses and a red tie is presenting some paintings to his audience.

“Now look at this one right here! Watch how the colors swirl and meld into each other like maelstrom of uncertainty! Like a black hole of pigmentation, you are sucked right into the center and pulled both everywhere and nowhere!” The art demon elaborates the painting that is on sale. 

“Ooohhhh…” The demons are enraptured by this painting and the themes of chaos it conveys. Contrary to popular belief, demons are not just mindless monsters and they are capable of enjoying the finer things in life. They just had no idea what those things were until recently.

“And it would be yours for the right price!” The demon says as he welcomes any takers!”

“I will give 10!” a demon says with a dollar bill.

“No, I will give 20!” another demon says, doubling the amount.

“No, I will give 50!” a third demon yells.

Soon, it becomes a vicious bidding war as demons frantically try to outbid each other because they want that painting, almost coming to literal blows with each other until Guard demons show up to break up the fight. Finally, a demon walked away with the very painting and the purple Art demon was left with a huge load of cash.

“Jermaine?” Bubblegum calls out, recognizing Jake’s brother who is working inside the stall while his Art dealer Bryce is selling the rest of the paintings he already made.

“Woah there, my client is currently in the process of creating another masterpiece!” Bryce gets in the way of Marceline and Bubblegum. 

“Nah, let them in. I am not painting anything right now.” Jermaine tells him. The golden-furred bulldog has been getting on with for years with his thick black eyebrows having turned grey. Bubblegum and Marceline did not have much of a connection to Jermaine other than knowing he was Finn and Jake’s other brother. But they did buy some paintings from him that graciously decorate Marceline and Bubblegum’s house (Bubblegum having moved into Marceline’s house after retiring as ruler) 

“So what brings you here, Jermaine? This is heck of a place to set up shop.” Marceline points out, knowing he is not as adventurous as his brothers were.

“What could I say? This is not as bad once you get used to all the flames and howling everywhere. The ambiance gives me loads of inspiration and the Demons have a good taste for my art pieces.” The dog explains why he traveled here with Bryce. 

“Cool on you. Say, can you do us a favor and paint us?” Marceline commissions him to make a portrait of her and Bubblegum as a present for someone.

“Huh, it has been a while since I did portraits. But I could see what I do.” Jermaine says, welcoming the opportunity of refreshing his skills in that area. 

Bubblegum and Marceline sit down patiently as Jermaine works on his canvas. Jermaine hums to himself as he keeps in mind Marceline’s new features of horns and a tail as well as the gummy luster of Bubblegum’s skin. He picks some pastel tints for Bubblegum as well as some vivid shades for Marceline for a nice contrast.

“And finished!” Jermaine says as he presents this painting to the couple who found it quite stunning.

“Awww sweet! You really gotten us down pat with those brilliant colors and textures. Something about this just fills me with awe and longing” Marceline says, even though she is not much of an art expert like Bubblegum is.

Bubblegum examines this piece closely  “I appreciate the impressive balance of different art styles and techniques you have utilized. You have used soft acrylic colors that you smoothed over for my visage over a light background while using rough pastels for Marceline in a dark background  yet you managed to mix them right in the middle where we sit together so it is not out of place.  That is quite appropriate considering your art subject truly.” she delivers her analysis. 

“Thank you! It was a real pleasure painting this for me as well. I don’t think I told you this but I find you two to be a perfect balance of order and chaos.” Jermaine tells them as his art dealer wraps up this painting.

“You know it, dog!” Marceline tells him as he gives a little fist-bump to Jermaine while Bubblegum pays Bryce and they walk away with their portrait.

Marceline and Bubblegum continue shopping for more gifts in the Nightosphere which has all kinds of otherworldly goods that cannot be found in Ooo. 

 Bubblegum bought some Sangre Wine for Lady Rainicorn, made with the blood of a San’Gygolla and fermented to perfection over a million years. She also got an orb of howling souls for her son Lemongrab who could use to enhance his Sound Sword. However, she is still struggling to find what Peppermint Butler would want when he is a frequent customer of this place.

Yes, Bubblegum has gotten used to magic as a thing that exists. It is not just another form of science dressed up in mystical-sounding hoodoo for wizards who don’t feel like explaining. Thanks to this encounter from a strange gentleman whose knowledge of candy matches or even surpasses hers, she learned that magic is just another path to understanding and controlling the world just like science. With his help, her control over her Candy powers has reached all new heights that she could not have fathomed prior. 

 Marceline bought a sack of demon hearts that HW could use for her spells or something. She bought a demonic arm for Finn in case he wanted to swap limbs. And she found one of the few textbooks in the Nightosphere that won’t steal our soul if you read it, written by a man who was one of the first to visit the Nightosphere . . . and survive! This would be a nice gift for Simon. 

Speaking of Simon, he and Betty moved to Up-Ton since its founding. Simon found a place there working at the Up-Ton Archives which holds many records that humanity was able to preserve after the Great Mushroom War. The citizens were always interested in hearing his lectures on the distant past with him living through it. Betty herself has also been writing new fantasy novels that have been quite popular as well as theses on the synthesis of magic and technology, 

Marceline couldn’t be any happier for her father figure now that he has gotten his love back and a new purpose among his people. After everything he has done for her, he has more than deserved it. 

Finally, Marcy and Bubblegum make a stop at the Nightosphere Royal Palace which is the most grand and elegant building in all of the Nightosphere. Hunson did not care much about public appearances but the current ruler and the ruler before them  have both made an effort to clean up the place and turn it into something presentable. 

Marceline cashed in a favor from the current ruler of the Nightosphere to have the finest blacksmiths in all of the Nightosphere build her a New Axe just like her father’s. Which she would then turn into a new Bass guitar just in time for the Christmas festival. She has been looking all around Ooo for a new guitar but none of them matched up to her previous Axe Bass that she had for centuries before its untimely destruction. 

And no, it had nothing to do with some overgrown molten lizard that caused her and PB’s breakup centuries ago. 

“Good evening, Lady Marceline!” A Demon butler dressed in a fine suit addresses her. He looks like a handsome human wearing spectacles but his blazing crimson eyes belie his true nature.

He bows his head to Marceline and gestures to an entourage of servants carrying a large ornate crate to her. 

“We have your new Night Axe, built to your specifications and made with only the finest materials.” The butler explains.

“Thanks Sebastian!” Marceline expresses her gratitude as she opens up the crate to reveal a demonic battle Axe. The head of the Axe is made of jet black obsidian, resembling a Demon with the Axe blades being massive spiked wings.  It has an open maw over the center where Marceline plans to thread some wires over. The Handle of the Axe which would be the fretboard is made from the wood of a tree that grows inside lakes of fire. Unlike most wood, it actually gets tougher when exposed to extreme heat. 

“Hell yeah!” Marceline says as she lifts up the Battle Axe triumphantly! She finally got an instrument to call her own! 

Marceline and Bubblegum walk down the streets of the Nightosphere, getting one last look at this place before leaving for Ooo. The half-demon does some test swings of the Axe as she gets used to the feeling of it.

“Man, I can’t wait to turn this sucker into my new Axe Bass! This would be great for shredding both punks and tracks!” Marceline boasts at watching everyone’s jaws drop at the Christmas festival. 

Bubblegum nods at Marceline’s approval. “Yes, yes. I am quite happy for you.”

“ I got to say, when you get used to all the burning flames and agonizing howls, it is a half-decent place to hang out.” The former candy monarch notes upon looking at how the new ruler really shaped up the Nightosphere to be a kingdom in its own right. The Demons may look scary but it turns out they are not so different from the people above. They only been beating each other up for millenia because nobody taught them any better.

“AAAAHHHHHHH!!! HELP!!” They hear the sound of someone screaming from afar. 

“You were saying?” Marceline says as she grabs ahold of Bubblegum and blast off the ground, zooming over to see what is the ruckus.

Down below, they see a pack of Demons dressed like punks from Mad Max with spiked helmets, sunglasses, and too much leather. They are cornering some smaller demon who was unable to defend themselves.

“Yeah, scream as much as you want!! Make this more fun for us!” A demon punk chuckles at the smaller demon’s pleas. 

While there are some demons who welcomed the new status quo and a better way of life. There are some demons who chose to, well, act like demons and are sick of everyone getting along like mortals. To them, What is the point of being a demon if you are not allowed to trample on the weak and stir up chaos just for the fun of it!

“Hey, beat it.” Marceline says as she and Bubblegum drop down to deal with those Demon punks.

The Demon punks turn around to see who has just arrived. 

Their eyes brighten at what they see before them. 

“Oh, look what we have here, boys! Two lovely ladies looking to get a little rough with some low-down scoundrels  like us! It must be our lucky day!I hope you know what you are getting into, girlies, because we are not going to take it easy on you!” The leader of the gang who is a short fat demon with a thick gnarly beard says as he licks his lips with lechery. 

No sooner did those words leave his mouth when a half-demon suddenly flashes right in front of his face swinging her axe at him. 

“GGGGAAAAHHHH!!” The leader howls as he is sent flying from the powerful blow.

“Sorry, what were you saying?” Marceline deadpans, heaving heard enough.

The other thugs were shocked to see their leader taken out so quickly by a girl. 

“Why you little!” A thug rants as he and several of his gang members try to swing down their weapons at Marceline.

However, she just warps out of the way before slashing at more demon punks who howl upon feeling their bodies getting gashed by someone who keeps moving in a blink of an eye. 

Marceline warps out of their reach just long enough to give them a teasing smirk before warping away once more. 

Right after, they get blasted by a Gobstopper cannonball. 

The other thugs are scattered to the wayside, trying to get back on their feet as they wonder what hit them.

They need not wonder any further when they see the pink lady’s arms outstretched with cupped hands that are steaming. And the pale lady with a battle Axe warps to her side once more. 

“What do you know? This is my lucky day too. I’ve been hoping some creeps come along for me to test this new Ax on which is working like a dream by the way.” Marceline smirks as she admires how light this Axe is in her fingertips and cuts so well like a hot knife through butter. 

The Pink lady glares at the demons, “Here is what’s going to happen. You could leave in peace or in piees. Your choice.” giving them the courtesy to surrender before things get messy. 

The Demon punks are left at a loss of words, finding these girls far tougher than they look.

Their leader returns with a bloody face that is just healing itself up before snarling.

“What the hell are you looking at it, boys? GET THEM!!” He orders.

The Demon punks clench their teeth and howl before charging at the two girls.

“Oh, it is on.” Marceline and Bubblegum smirk together as they charge as well.

Marceline blocks some of their unruly attacks with the flat of her battle Axe. She then reaches out with her other arm which cracks and bends horrifyingly before splitting into a humungous mass of slimy black tentacles. Lashing them forward, these tentacles wrap around the demon punks before smashing them repeatably into the ground like dirty rags.

The rest of the thugs who think Bubblegum is an easy target are sorely mistaken. One thug tries to drop his big hammer on her. However, she jumps back before placing a hand on the ground.  A pink symbol circle glows briefly and then the ground suddenly sinks upon impact with the thug’s hammer. The demon’s eyes widen with shock as the ground suddenly becomes very elastic like gelatin before being flung straight into the sky!

There were other demons carrying guns that they use to fire at Bubblegum. However, she quickly summons a Hard Candy shield over her arm, blocking their bullets. She then slings it forward like a disc, knocking them clean out before catching her Candy shield. 

Marceline was having the time of her life stomping and slicing up demons. However, she suddenly gets blasted by a bolt of red lightning which sent her flying back into a wall. She flies out of the wall, her body badly singed which then repairs itself. 

There was a demon punk who had magic of his own that Marceline cannot take lightly.  He howls as he starts raining down pillars of red lightning at the half-demon. However, Marceline uses her teleportation powers once more to dodge these lightning bolts before getting in close. The Demon wizard tries to fire another bolt of lightning directly at her but she just raises up her battle axe. The lightning bounces off her axe and back at the demon wizard who is sent tumbling over badly burned from eating his own lightning.

Meanwhile several thugs try to rush Bubblegum from all directions. However she gracefully ducks under and flips over their ungainly attacks while tapping their bodies. 

“Hahaha, is that all you got!” The thugs taunt her at seemingly unharmed.

“No, this is.” Bubblegum says as she snaps her fingers. That is when pink glyphs appear on the parts of their bodies she touched. 

The thug demons scream in horror as they feel their bodies inflating like water balloons with carbonated foam gushing out of every orifice before finally exploding!  It appears as if Bubblegum had transformed their internal organs into sacks of Diet Coke and Mentos. 

Bubblegum senses someone coming and summons a hard candy shield to block it. However, her candy shield was broken and she was sent tumbling roughly over the ground.

“Ugh!” Bubblegum says as she tries to get her bearings. She narrowly rolls out of the way to avoid getting trampled under someone’s boots. 

“Quick moves! But not quick enough!”  A demon martial artist who fights bare-handed confronts Bubblegum. 

Bubblegum pulls herself back on her feet and spits out some gunk from her mouth. She summons some hard candy gauntlets on her fists and hard candy greaves on her legs for protection before taking a martial arts stance. 

 She and the demon martial artist engage in close quarters combat, trading punches and kicks whilst parrying or dodging the other’s counterattacks. Bubblegum ends up getting her wrist grabbed before being flipped over and slammed onto the ground. She narrowly avoids getting her face stomped in by summoning a glob of gelatin that catches the martial artist’s foot. 

However, the martial artist just heats his foot up which melts the gelatin right off. He then charges over and sends PB spinning with a devastating roundhouse kick right through her guard.

However, she summons a Cotton Candy mass to cushion her fall. She then narrows her eyes as she tries to predict her opponent’s moves when it is clear direct attacks aren’t going to cut it. 

She points her finger as she fires a Candy bullet from it. As anticipated, the Martial artist moves out of the way. However, she planned for that. The Candy bullet ricochets off the wall behind the martial artist before bouncing off the ground. The bullet hurtles towards the martial artist who staggers forward to avoid being hit. Unfortunately this left him wide open for Bubblegum to charge in and deliver a devastating uppercut to the jaw which was further enhanced by a Diet Coke & Mentos rocket. 

And with that, most of the thugs have been defeated.

All except one, that would be Gang leader who they see has been hiding around a corner the whole time.

“Aaahhh!!” The gang leader tries to run when he realizes they spotted him.

However, he does not get far when Marceline just teleports over to him and grabs him.

She brings him back to Princess Bubblegum who is none too pleased with him.

“Please, please! Just let me go, I swear I will never bother you girls ever again!” The Demon pleads, practically peeing his pants.

“And we will make certain of that.” Bubblegum says as she generates a special kind of candy that she then shoves into his mouth.

The demon’s lips start puckering at how insanely sour the candy is. . . along with the rest of his face and soon his entire body.

*Pop*

The Demon’s body puckers itself from existence due to the candy being so sour.

They then turn to see the little demon whom the demon thugs were harassing previously. It was unable to escape due to being so paralyzed with fright at everything around it.

“Please, don’t hurt me!” The Little demon yelps for mercy. He looks like a 13-year-old. 

“Easy there, we are not going to hurt you.” Bubblegum reassures her as she wraps her in a gentle hug.

That is when she senses something different about this demon.

Bubblegum’s eyes shimmer with pink as she scans the demon’s body. That is when she sees that the demon’s composition is composed partly of candy alongside demon DNA. Now that she has taken a closer look, the demon has pure white hair with red streaks running through them. He also has white skin with red stripes on his cheeks. 

If she does not know any better, she almost looks like. . .

“Say, would you want to come with us?” Bubblegum offers, already wanting to leave the Nightosphere. 

“Yes, I have nowhere else to go!” The little child demon quickly accepts. 

Marceline and Bubblegum look on at the little demon they brought home with them sitting on a couch with a blanket wrapped around them. That couch has been replaced with something better due to Bubblegum complaining about how uncomfortable it was with Marceline having no idea prior due to floating all the time. 

“Thank you so much for saving me! How could I ever repay you?!” The child demon was baffled at how two complete strangers showed up and saved him from those nasty thugs.

“You don’t have to worry about that, we did it because it was the right thing to do.” Bubblegum tells him. 

“So do you have a name, kid?” Marceline asks.

“ . . . Percy.” The child demon says.

“Pleasant meeting you, Percy. Where is your family?” Bubblegum says, wondering what was a child is doing all on its own. 

“Dead.” the child says mournfully. His mother was suddenly killed which left him to fend for himself on the unforgiving outskirts of the Nightosphere. 

“Oh I am so sorry to hear about that.” Marceline says, it sucks to have parents who die and leave you all on your own.

“I have studied your body structure, you are part-candy person.” Bubblegum tells him which piqued her interest.

“I have no idea, my mother told us we were demons.” the boy tells them.

“What is your mother’s name by the way?” 

“Lamia?” curious about why they are asking him so many questions. 

“Do you know who your father was?” Marceline asks, wanting to narrow down his relations.

“I am not so sure, my mother told me that he was short, round, and smelled of something sweet.” he told them. 

“Yeah, who could that possibly be?” Marceline deadpans, knowing the answer was obvious. 

“She also left me this.” The child demon pulls out an amulet with a crystal that looks a lot like what was used by a loyal servant to treat Marceline that one time.

“Hmmm, if you excuse me, I have to go make a phone call.” Bubblegum says as she walks into the kitchen.

“Hey, Peps? Are you there?” She calls her former butler on the phone.

“Good evening, your highness. How could I be of service?” Peppermint Butler immediately answers. Even though Bubblegum has already stepped down as ruler with him in charge, that does not stop him from addressing her otherwise.

“Tell me. Do you happen to know a Lamia by chance?”

Peppermint Butler was left totally in shock at the other end of the phone which he drops from his hands.

“Peps?” Bubblegum repeats on the phone.

Peppermint Butler immediately drops everything he is doing to rush over to Bubblegum and Marceline’s house.

“I am here. Huff, huff, huff.” Peppermint Butler says, barging through the door.

“Would you like to explain something? Like how there is a demon child that is related to you?” Bubblegum says with her arms crossed.

“Yeah, like how could a loyal servant like you turn out to be a deadbeat dad?” Marceline hisses. She thought Peppermint Butler was cool until they found out he ran out on some demon chick and left her to raise a child by herself. So not cool.

“Wha-wha-what?!” For the first time, the cool as a cucumber servant has lost his wits at this sudden turn of events. 

“I had no idea “Mia” had a child, she never told me.” Peppermint Butler tries to explain.

“Okay, can you take us all the way to the beginning?” Bubblegum tries to hear her butler’s side of the story before drawing her own conclusions.

“To expand my knowledge and talents so that I could help my princess the best I could, I traveled through many realms few would dare to enter. The Nightosphere was one of my destinations.” Peppermint Butler sheds some secrets about his previously unknown past.

“There I gathered incredible arcane wisdom that few would lay claim to.” he alludes to how he seems to know far more about the occult than any wizard would dare.

“I might have gotten a bit too comfortable in my stay there.” Peppermint Butler admits, having probably dallied with a demon woman during his journey. 

“There was one woman I met at this bar and we just connected rather nicely. She satisfied my curiosity and she was touched by my devotion to my princess and kingdom.” Peppermint tells her with a hint of longing. He would not have gotten far without her help. 

“But just as much as I made allies there, I also made terrible enemies.” he confesses.

He tricked some demons into revealing their secrets to him and they did not take kindly when they found out.

“That is when I realized my time in the Nightosphere was at an end. And so I had to leave it behind and her for our safety. I am sorry that my heart could not belong to her as it belonged to another.” Peppermint Butler finishes his tale.

Marceline’s anger at Peppermint Butler soon fades upon hearing that. He ran away from her to keep the one he loved safe. How could she be mad at him when Simon did the same thing with her.

The child in question was peering around a corner at the man whom his mother talked about before her death.

“You’re my dad?” Percy replies.

“Indeed, I am.” Peppermint admits.

“I am sorry. But if Lamia told me she was having you, I would have probably brought her with me.” Even if it would bring some very uncomfortable questions about why there is a demon with him.

“I want you to know, I truly did have feelings for your mother. But Alas, I had far too many responsibilities as it was. It brings me great shame that I failed at one of the greatest responsibilities anyone could have, being a father.” Pep-but says with some tears down the corner of his eye.

“Better late than never.” Marceline says.

At first, the child was a bit nervous at meeting his father for the first time. But seeing how truly remorseful he was for not being there cleared some of that away. With shaky arms, the child reaches around his father and they share a tender hug.

Princess Bubblegum looks fondly on at her successor now having a heir of his own. She was wondering what she could have gotten Peppermint Butler for Christmas. Now she no longer has to worry about that.

Marceline felt weird that someone she least suspected of having a child actually has a child. Now she really wonders if Bubblegum would actually want a child with her. She might have to bring this up with her some other time.

Right now, they have Christmas to look forward to.

Chapter Text

Just before Christmas, everyone is tuning into everyone’s favorite (and only TV network) Cloud Nine.

On the telly, two news anchors are sitting behind a desk as they broadcast the latest news.

“Hello, my name is Connie Kaite!” A blonde-haired caucasian woman wearing a red dress introduces herself.

“And I am Ed Lines!” a dark-skinned man wearing a blue suit follows.

“We are here on the Cloud Nine News Network ready to rain down in delivering shocking news!” the two humans declare. They were originally from Humantown but have come into employment by a denizen of Ooo who wants their human expertise in delivering news. This is all part of a cultural exchange ever since humans have returned to Ooo. 

“It is that special time of the year when everyone is full of goodness and cheer! Homes have been decorated, gingerbread cookies baked, carols have been sung, and Christmas presents were being wrapped! Even now, some people are doing some last-minute shopping to find the right gifts for their loved ones!”

“Here are some goods that have been selling quite well this season!” Ed Lines says as they go into advertisement.

“Here are the Jake Plushies that are made to be just as soft and cuddly as the original, saying all his famous sayings.” showing a Plush toy of Jake the Dog which is then squeezed by someone.

“Making Pancakes, making Bacon pancakes! Take some Bacon and I put in a pancake. Bacon Pancakes, that is what I am going to make, Bacon Pancakes!”  the toy sings.

Jake’s family is being paid royalties in exchange for the use of his image as a toy which is selling quite well after his untimely death.

“There are the Finn Hats which are becoming quite a common fashion! I mean who wouldn’t want to dress like the hero of Ooo?” Connie notes how lots of kids want a white bear hat like Finn. 

“There is the Brawling Time II made by Cloud Nine Games which has all your favorite characters such as Finn, Jake, Princess Bubblegum, Marceline, Ice King, Lumpy Space Princess, and more.  In addition, the game promises new fighters, stages, power-ups, and costumes for a more thrilling experience! Dozens of pre-orders have already been made! Get yours now just in time for Christmas!” Showing a Video game that looks like a send-up of Super Smash Bros but with Adventure Time characters.

“Of course, there are some bad apples in the barrel.” Connie reports with some grief.

“A Body Lotion called Lumpy Suds being recalled after customers have reported that it has made their skin very lumpy when it promised them incredible beauty. The maker of this product Lumpy Space Princess has made a formal apology.”

Lumpy Space Princess appears on television, “When I said this product would make you incredibly hot, I meant hot like me! I did not think that some people don’t appreciate lumps. It is just my culture you know? I am terribly sorry for all the harm that I might have caused especially during this time. It is just, I just wanted to spread some holiday cheer in my own way! IS THAT SO WRONG OF ME, AAUUUUUGHHH?!? !” she screams before Lemongrab pulls the camera away and shuts it off.

“Oh wow, now you have heard it. She is deeply sorry and is promising her customers refunds on the Lumpy Suds.” Ed Lines finishes.

“Now for music. Marceline the Vampire Queen continues to top the charts with her new hit song, “Sweet Mayhem. A stunning love song where Bonnibel Bubblegum, her girlfriend and former ruler of the Candy Kingdom, provides some soothing vocals and melodies” Connie proclaims.

“Boy, do their passion for each other runs strong!” Ed Lines notes.

“It certainly does, Ed! It warms everyone’s heart to see how people from two different worlds can grown into a common understanding and trust with each other.” Connie says.

“It sure does! And you know what else would really warm you up? There is Flame Princess who has just released a hot album called Convection which includes her best selling songs such as Ashes to Ashes, Playing with Fire, Ground Zero, and her latest song Follow your Hearth.”

“May these Royals reign supreme in the Music World.” Connie says with a hand over her heart.

“Amen to that!” Ed nods. 

“And last but not least! For all those still unaware, Up-Ton is hosting this year’s Christmas Festival. All residents of Ooo are welcome to join in on their festivities. Up-Ton has been working over time to ensure everyone has a chance to visit, replacing those Gondolas for rocket Buses with people booking transportation. Better act now while tickets still last!” Connie eagerly declares. 

“It is quite fitting that we Humans who have brought this tradition to Ooo are now showing how we celebrate it! Now what would you come to expect from this festival? Well, there is the magnificent Christmas Tree that keeps growing and growing each year. 

“We are also serving Delicious Christmas food such as Roast Turkey, Mashed potatoes, baked ham, pecan pie, gingerbread houses.”

“Stop it, Ed! You are making me salivate. And I am trying to watch my weight as part of my new year’s resolution!” Connie teases.

“Sorry, Connie. And there is all sorts of Christmas activities to play around with. What are they? That is for you to find out!”

A bell rings signifying that their news channel is over.

“Oh, that is all the time we have for now. Thank you all for watching, This is Connie Kaite and Ed Lines signing off now! Hope you have a wonderful christmas and a happy New Year!”

What was that? That was just one of the channels broadcasted by Cloud Nine, the biggest and (only) Media Company in Ooo. Founded by Aurora after the Second Mushroom War, Cloud Nine is responsible for producing and distributing incredible variety of content all across Ooo such are as the news, entertainment, and merchandise.

Their headquarters is a massive factory in a bombed-out city that Kim Kil Wan helped Aurora acquire. It was pretty run-down when she first got it but it was not long until she and several others transformed it into a place where dreams are made. 

Cloud Nine has received numerous clients who made use of their services.

There were plenty of musicians with Marceline and Flame Princess as their most notable clients who were able to record songs with their equipment, either making vinyl records or uploading them on the internet. 

Lumpy Space Princess who wanted to make video blogs of her personal life and also promote a line of beauty care products in her name (side effects notwithstanding). 

Starchy who used the company as a platform for his radio show Graveyard shift where he talks about paranormal activity. 

And also made a contract with Kim Kil Wan who lent the start-up funding in exchange for running commercials promoting his real estate business.

The Company grows bigger every year, expanding into multiple branches. There was a branch where they could produce movies and shows (and no, not like the amateur flicks Finn and Jake made that one time). As well as a Video Game branch run by some robot the founder picked up from another universe where they were able to produce new video games besides the old ones before the First Mushroom War.

What kind of movies and shows do they make?

Well . . .

A Beige-colored unicorn wearing a black regal dress and cloak wanders onto a snowy mountaintop after a rather disruptive display of powers previously. This is Viola who has grown much taller and bears a strong resemblance to her mother in proportions as well as developing a shimmering mane like her.  She has made a leap from the theater to a movie production for which she is performing a song.

“The snow glows white on the mountain tonight

 not a footprint to be seen.”

A kingdom of Isolation 

and it looks like I’m the Queen

The bright Moon sits alone in the dark

We are alike in that regard

Couldn’t keep it, Glob knows how hard.

Don’t let them in. Don’t let them see.

Be the good girl you always have to be.

Conceal, don’t feel,don’t let them know.

But now they know!”

She casts off her gloves and decides to embrace her powers.

“Let it glow! Let it glow!” creating sparkles of light from her fingertips.

“Can’t hold it back anymore!” and she creates a construct of shimmering light which is a small pegasus.

“Let it glow! Let it glow!” blasting streaks of light into the night sky. 

Turn away and slam the door!”

“I don’t care what they’re going to say.” throwing out rainbows 

Let the light show commence.

The glare never bothered me anyway.”

And then continues her performance as she uses her light powers to build a bridge as well as a castle made out of solid photons. And this is no special effects. Viola has developed a power unique to her own. While all Rainicorns can dance upon light waves which is how they fly, she seems to be able to generate and control light as if it were a solid substance. 

“My power flurries through the air into the ground!”

“My soul is spiraling in sparkling prisms all around!”

And one thought becomes a spectrum of colors!

“What was there to fear, all this time I wonder!”

“Let it glow! Let it glow!” and she lets out her tied-up hair into a free-flowing braid.

“And I will rise like a break of dawn! ” and she draws in light over her body to form a beautiful prismatic dress made of many colors of the rainbow.

“Let it glow! Let it glow!

“That perfect girl is gone!

“Here I stand in the light of day!

“Let the light show commence!

“The Glare never bothered me anyway.”

And she walks away and shuts the door.

“And that’s a wrap!” Someone says through a megaphone while someone claps with a clapperboard, indicating the end of the scene. 

It was Aurora dressed like a Director with a beret, sunglasses, a scarf, and suspenders. Just like Huntress Wizard, she has grown up a bit. She is now a bit taller but does not seem to have changed much besides her cloudy hair which is now a bobcut.

She has been directing a new movie starring Viola as she plays the queen of a snowy kingdom where she has Light powers that she has been taught to suppress her entire life. But has eventually come to embrace them as part of who she is.

“Viola, darling! You were wonderful!” Aurora cheers Viola who was a bit nervous about playing in a movie this big when she was only on relatively small-scale theatre productions. 

“Really? I did not have much faith in my voice.” Viola admits, not being much of a singer.

“Nonsense, you sounded like an angel! It’s blinding how much dazzle you brought to this movie!” Aurora butters up the rainicorn who is flattered by her compliments.

“Think about how your family is going to react when they see this in the theatre! They will be like, “ Oh my Glob! That’s Viola?!” Aurora says as she wraps an arm over Viola. 

“Say, do you want some hot cocoa?” Aurora says as she holds up a cup for Viola.

“Thank you.” Viola says as she drinks up and walks away. 

“Okay, everyone! We are done for now! Production will continue after Christmas! Thank you for all your time, you were all quite lovely.” Aurora tells her fellow crewmembers who are working on dismantling the stage and putting things away so they can all leave to celebrate Christmas with their families.

Meanwhile in another part of the studio, there are people testing video games. 

“Yeah, eat on that!” Someone  says as he is playing Ice King who managed to blow Huntress Wizard off the stage with a blizzard.

“Yeah, no!  I already had lunch!” Another game tester says as he manages to have Huntress Wizard transform into a bird flying back up onto the stage over Ice King before dive-bombing him.

Huntress Wizard submerges into the ground, avoiding an ice spike from Ice King before growing into a tree right under Ice King, knocking him away.

Huntress Wizard was about to jab Ice King with a spear before Ice King counters with an ice shield before freezing her solid into an ice cube.

Huntress Wizard could not break free in time when Ice King pulls out a bomb that blows her up.

“Oh, man! Is that the Brawl Ball?!” A player points out what appeared on the stage.

“Hey, that is mine!” The player controlling Ice King says as he tries to fly up over to hit it. However, Ice King gets hit with a beehive thrown by Huntress Wizard, causing him to get swarmed by bees. Huntress Wizard tries to rush at the Brawl Ball before Ice King does. However, he manages to catch up and freeze her which gives him time to beat at the Brawl Ball to gain its power. 

But at the last second, Huntress Wizard breaks free from the ice prison and shoots an arrow at the Brawl Ball just before Ice King could hit it one more time. The Brawl Ball breaks and its power goes to Huntress Wizard.

“Hey, no fair!?” The player moans at having his power-up stolen by the skin of his teeth.

“Tough luck!” The player controlling Huntress Wizard says as he activates the Final Brawl!

Cue the entire stage being covered in ginormous trees that send Ice King up into the sky and clean over the horizon.

“GAME!!” The screen announces with Huntress Wizard being declared the victor.

These people are beta testers who are playing Brawling Time II, making sure that it is playable for release. 

“Best two out of three?” The other player says, wanting a rematch.

“How about none out of zero?” Someone says as she turns on the lights in the room.

It turns out to be Aurora calling for everyone to pack up and leave because it is almost Christmas. She is wearing a different outfit from her Director outfit, wearing a simple t-shirt with an Alien invader and sweatpants.

“Aww, really?” One of the Beta Testers moan, revealed to be a Cloud person.

“Yes, really. C’mon, Dennis! We got to meet up with Mom and Pops before they leave for Up-Ton. Remember?” Aurora reminds him. This is revealed to be Aurora’s older brother Dennis who was given a job at her company as a beta tester because he loves video games and little else.

“So how was the video game?” Aurora asks him as they walk down a hallway.

“It is pretty awesome! Man, you and that little robot really know how to cook up a video game!” Dennis proudly claps Aurora on the back. 

“It wasn’t easy, there were a lot of bugs to work through. But I have a good feeling it is going to be a smash hit this Christmas!” Aurora grins.

“Oh, you go ahead! I have a meeting with the rest of me!” Aurora says, having received a sudden signal from the main body.

“Ahhh!!” Aurora says as she unwinds in her office, lying back in her chair with a nice warm cup of hot cocoa. Her office, which sits on top of the factor, is very colorful and fluffy. The ceiling is animated with a spell so that it looks like the sky outside, dropping small specks of snow over her head.  The walls are painted with rainbows and covered with many posters promoting movies and shows. The floor is white shag carpeting that could build up a lot of electrical charge just by rubbing your feet over it. There are statues of Finn and Jake on both sides of the room with them meeting each other in the middle with a fistbump.

Aurora is living the high life as the founder and CEO of Cloud Nine where their key priority is Fun. She really came a long way since she was just a little girl in a normal neighborhood who just discovered she had magical powers. She wears a nice colorful dress that makes her look like a christmas tree with the green frills and multi-colored sequins on them.

Suddenly a large prismatic portal appears right next to her. A massive flood of boxes pour out of it onto the floor.  Popping out of the mess is a large squirrel, his fur pure white, has red eyes, and a rainbow aura emanating over him. 

“Hello there, Oskar! You finished up some christmas shopping for me? I hope you got what I asked for on the list!” Aurora greets her partner after his return.

“Bit of a hassle but I managed.” The squirrel says as he looks through his boxes to show what he got from his travels.

“Let’s see. Got some Ice Cream Spray. Makes the inside of your mouth taste like Ice cream for weeks.” Holding up a spray bottle which he squeezes, putting out some testing sprays which he sniffs. “Cookie dough, nice!”

He pulls out a bunch of golden blocks with question marks on the sides. “These are from a universe where everything was made of blocks. Do be careful with them. Sometimes you get nice stuff like enchanted armor and weapons, food, pets. But you could also get attacked by super zombies or blown to smithereens.”

“I will take my chances. Anything else?”

He pulls out a record album with Bubblegum’s face on it, “This is from a universe where Marceline and Bubblegum swapped places with Marceline ruling a Kingdom of the Undead and Bubblegum being a Gum Rockstar.” and No, it is not like that crazy universe where Marceline became a psycho vampire princess under the Vampire King’s tutelage.

Crawling out of the boxes is a teddy bear zombie who tries to make a break for it. 

“Hey, get back here!” Oskar says as he lunges onto the teddy zombie who tries to squirm out of his grasp and shoves it back inside a box. 

“And here is something very interesting. This is for you.” he places some comic books on her desk. This is about Jerry the Warlock who goes on incredible magical adventures which is quite popular among children. Reading through some pages, some of these echo the adventures Aurora and her other classmates have gone through back in the day.

But that is not the most interesting part. It is written by Harry, a classmate of hers who died before graduation.

“Yeah, this is from a universe where Harry and Paulo did not die after all.” Oskar tells her.

“What’s the catch?” knowing there is always a catch with the multiverse. No universe is completely good after all.

Oskar looks a bit uncomfortable as he tries to relay the facts to her as gently as possible. 

“Okay. . . the catch is that in that universe, you and Huntress Wizard. . . died in their place instead.” he confesses, not wanting to go into further details.

“I see.” Aurora took it rather well, having already made peace with their deaths a long time ago.

“You don’t want to visit that universe some time?” Oskar asks her.

“Nah, that is not my Harry. And I am not his Aurora. Why waste time dwelling on What-Ifs when I should be focused on what I already have here.” Aurora tells him. 

“Speaking of which.” She clicks on an intercom.

“Hey, Other Mes! Report in!” she announces.

Soon, the several other clones she made to keep things running enter her office.

“Hey, Movie Aurora! How is our movie doing?” She addresse the clone wearing the director get-up.

“Pretty well! We managed to complete the scene of “Let It Glow” just before Christmas! Might give everyone a sneak-peek of that before we finish productions!”

“Outstanding! How about you Game Aurora? Is our Game ready just in time for Christmas?”

“Well, there were some bugs our Beta Testers have found but not much.  For the most part, we are satisfied with the new characters, stages, and power-ups that we promised our customers. We just need to mass produce over 100 copies by then.”

“Excellent work! How about you Marketing Aurora?” she points over to another clone who is wearing a formal business suit and glasses. She is in charge of the marketing branch where they produce and distribute merchandise across Ooo.

Bringing out an org chart and a calculator, “As you can see here, sales have surpassed our expectations. Jake plushies have proven to be our best seller,  having been sold out in stores across Ooo. If we deduct the 15 percent in royalties to Jake’s family, we are looking at a 20% increase in profit margins compared to last year.

“How about music?”

“Marceline and Flame Princess’ songs continue to be smash hits as always. Our marketing department is still determining whether customers prefer vinyl or streaming.” 

Aurora was about to tell her clone about the beauty of vinyl and how it carries warmer sounds that are not possible on the web when her phone starts ringing. 

“Who is it?” Aurora says, annoyed at having her meeting interrupted.

“Oh, it’s just me.” she notes, recognizing her contact which is called Mom Aurora.

“Yo, Mom Aurora? What are you calling me for?” she replies to her counterpart.

Cut to her clone who is on the other end. She is dressed like a regular mother with a thick sweater, jeans, and an apron. She also has her cloud hair tied up in a sideplait.

“Where were you with those presents?” Mom Aurora says annoyed that they have not arrived yet. 

“Oh, my bad! Oskar just got here and was just letting me peek at them. He will send them over right now.”

“Okay then! See you guys!” Oskar nods as he generates a portal to send each box through along with himself.

“How are things at home? How is Debbie and Danny doing?” Aurora inquires about her daughter and spouse. 

“Oh, they are doing quite well! Debbie is practicing her spells for the Christmas show and Danny and his guys are practicing their dance routine. Here I am just cleaning  our dresses for the upcoming party”

*BEEP BEEP BEEP BEEP* 

“Hey, what is that noise?” Aurora points out.

“Oh, that is just the gingerbread cookies I have been baking.”

“. . . OH CRAP!”

Mom Aurora yells as she ditches the phone to rush into the kitchen.

“Sometimes I wonder who has the harder job between us.” Aurora says as she is wrapping up her meeting with her clones and ready to absorb them.

Aurora takes her gingerbread cookies out of the oven which were on fire! She quickly generates a blast of rainwater to douse them but this made them all soggy before disintegrating.

“Great!” Aurora grits her teeth as she now has to make a second batch all over again.

Oskar suddenly appears inside the house with all the christmas presents.

“Sorry I am late.” The dimension-hopping squirrel apologizes for not bringing them right here like he should.

“There you are! Here is something you can do for me right now! Go into a universe with the best christmas cookies!” Aurora demands while she gets to wrapping all the presents.

Oskar, annoyed at having to hop into another universe again, does what he is told. Aurora waves her arms and several rolls of gift wrap come flying over. She tries to use her wind magic to blow each gift wrap around each present.

That is when a flock of doves start flying through the living room, bumping into things and making a mess.

“Debbie!” Aurora calls out to her daughter.

“Sorry, mom!” A eight-year old girl runs into the room with a bird cage. She looks like a smaller version of Abracadaniel with pink skin and a similar hair style. However, her hair is white and wispy like a cloud. Her actual name is Abracadebra and she is Abracadaniel and Aurora’s daughter.

She waves her wand and casts a wind vortex, pulling in all the birds flying around the house back into the bird cage. It seems like she inherited her mother’s storm magic.

“Oh, the presents are all here? Can I help in wrapping them?” Debbie says.

“That would be much appreciated.” Aurora says.

However, Debbie was actually going to try and sneak some peeks into the gifts only for Aurora to slap her hand.

“Not until Christmas!” Aurora sharply reminds her as they get to wrapping presents.

“Ding-Dong!” Aurora’s voice calls out from the door. (Yes, that is literally what her doorbell sounds like.)

“Oh, dad is here!” Debbie eagerly replies, figuring it must be him after dance practice with his group.

Aurora and Debbie go over to see Abracadaniel walking in through the door with some bags. Abradaniel does not look much different after 13 years. But he fashioned his hair into a mullet still strapped with a rainbow sweatband. He wears a wool jacket and snow boots.

“Thanks, guys!” Abracadaniel calls out the door.

Parked outside the house is a flying SUV. In the Driver’s seat is Abracadaniel’s best friend Life-Giving Magi. In the back is Crabbit, Maja’s former familiar who is a crow / rabbit hybrid, and Donny who was an obnoxious grass ogre. Those two are part of his dance group in which they have been practicing a lot for the Christmas party.

“No problem, Abradaniel! See you at the Christmas party!” His friends wave good-bye to him before driving off.

“How is my Jelly Belly doing?” Aurora says, wrapping her arms around him.

“Oh, I am doing fine, Aurora! We have been dancing our butts off for the Christmas party like you wouldn’t believe!” holding up a video camera showing how he and the guys were doing.

“Aaahhh!!” Debbie turns away due to not wanting to see her father and his friends dancing in skintight leotards. 

“I brought some take-out!” Abracadaniel says, raising up some paper bags.

“We made a stop at Burger Kingdom. I ordered yours medium-rare, no pickles, extra cheese and onions with a side of barbeque sauce and sweet potato fries.” Abracadaniel tells his wife.

“Oh, you know me so well?” Aurora says as she plants a kiss on his cheek.

“Heh-heh.” Abradaniel giggles sheepishly.

Aurora, Abradaniel, and Debbie sit down at the table eating some burgers and fries for dinner. 

“So, Debbie? How did you do at Wizard School?” Abracadaniel asks his daughter. 

“Oh, it was great! I learned loads of stuff there that is really going to help with my magic tricks.” Debbie says, showing a great interest in being a stage magician performing tricks like pulling rabbits out of hats, cutting people in half, and making things vanish.

“Oh, that is great, Debbie! I can’t wait to see you show off your stuff at the Christmas party!” Aurora supporting Debbie’s aspirations due to magicians being what inspired her on magic as well.

“Thanks, mom! I got to tell you, my teachers really appreciate showmanship when they see it!” 

“I hope you been passing your exams.” Abracadaniel expresses worry that his daughter was focusing too much on tricks and putting off her studies.

“Relax, dad! They were a breeze!” Debbie says, summoning a little cloud over her fingertips to prove her point.

“Ha, breeze! Good one!” Aurora says, always appreciating a good weather joke.

Suddenly Oskar crashes through their window holding a batch of Gingerbread cookies.

“Hey, Uncle Oskar!” Debbie recognizes her mom’s best friend.

And soon after, a swarm of angry Christmas Elves storm into the house.

“What the?” Abradaniel express with shock. 

“GRAAAAHHHH!!” The Elves brandish sharp Candy Canes, sleigh bells, hammers, and other Christmas weapons.

“What the flip, Oskar?!” Aurora yells at Oskar for bringing these things into her house.

“Don’t look at me! How was I supposed to know the best Gingerbread cookies came from a world taken over by evil Santa Clause?” Oskar fires back especially when she sent him on that errand to begin with. 

“Umm, guys? Maybe deal with these intruders first?” Abracadaniel reminds them.

Aurora sighs before shooting bolts of lightning at the Elves, zapping many of them.

“Want to see what is up my sleeve?” Debbie says as she pulls out a large handkerchief which she then drapes over several elves.

“Voila!” she says as she made them disappear.

Abracadaniel pulls out his wand, casting rainbows which turn these elves into butterflies.

Oskar pulls out a large hammer which he then uses to squash several elves.

The Elves were getting annoyed and they went for the presents which they start tossing at them.

“Hey!! Our gifts we spent so much time wrapping!” Aurora says as she generates several clouds to catch the presents gently.

Suddenly a large Nutcracker Soldier comes up right behind Abracadaniel and clamps its jaws over his head.

“DAD!!” Debbie says in shock as she musters up some magic in her fist and socks the Nutrcracker soldier right between the legs.

The Nutcracker soldier lets go of Abracadaniel out of shock of its own nuts getting cracked.

Oskar gets surrounded by many elves trying to bumrush it from all directions. However, Oskar just summons more portals around him for the elves to fall right in, sending them into Glob knows where.

Aurora outstretches her arms as snowflakes start appearing on the corner of her eyes.

“Snow chance you are winning this!” she says as she brings forward her arms and overwhelming these elves in a massive wave of snow.

Debbie snaps her fingers and pulls in a Top hat from her room. Aiming it at the Elves, she rapid fires bunnies at them which chew at their faces.

Eventually the family manages to take out all these Christmas elves.

Abracadaniel turns to Aurora. “What was that about Gingerbread cookies?” he asks her, wondering what caused all this.

“Umm. . . “ Aurora was not sure how to tell him when they hear some rumbling.

“Ho-HO-HO!!!” Some boisterous laughing is heard outside.

“Santa?” Debbie wonders, recalling those human’s stories about a jolly fat guy who travels around the world delivering presents.

“Oh no.” Oskar realizes who just followed him.

Then their door gets blown down and someone steps inside.

It was an incredibly fat beared guy in a red and white suit straining to contain his massive gut. He carries a huge sack of presents over his back.

“SOMEONE HAS BEEN VERY NAUGHTY!!”  His voice echos with sinister cadence as he grins, revealing a sharp set of fangs on this Saint Nick.

“Oh my glob, Santa is real!” Debbie says in wonder as she approaches the fat guy.

“And evil!” Oskar reminds her that this jolly fat guy is not delivering presents for them.

Santa Claus lifts up his huge sack and tries to smash Debbie with it if it weren’t for Aurora stepping in with a large dense cloud blocking it.

“Hi-yah!!” Abracadaniel says as he shoots some rainbows at the evil Santa Clause.

Unfortunately his rainbows just turn his outfit green.

“Good going, now he is just a overgrown leprechaun.” Oskar quips.

Santa Claus roars as he shoves Aurora and Debbie to the side. He reaches into his sack and pulls out some presents that he tosses at Abracadaniel.

Abracadaniel who rolls out of the way as they explode against the floor.

More presents are tossed at Abracadaniel who casts some rainbows that turn them into butterflies.

They flutter over Santa Claus in which Abracadaniel changes them back. They drop down at Santa Claus and blow up.

A huge smoke cloud rises as Abracadaniel approaches cautiously, wondering if he is gone.

Suddenly a huge hand reaches over and grips Abracadaniel by the throat before tossing him like a football across the room.

He slams against the back of a wall, knocking him out.

“Dad!” Debbie yells.

“Danny!” Aurora adds.

They both get really mad at Evil Santa Claus. They clasp their hands together, combining their magic power and shooting a powerful electrical beam at the red-nosed demon.

This badly electrocutes the Evil Santa Claus and sends him flying right over at their Christmas Tree, knocking it over and scattering ornaments.

The Evil Santa Clause manages to pull itself back on its feet before grabbing the fallen Christmas Tree and tries to fling it at them like a huge javelin. 

However, Aurora thinks fast and she summons a whirlwind which she catches the Christmas tree in. She then spirals the Christmas tree around her at high speeds before hurtling it back at the evil Santa Claus.

The Evil Santa Clause’s eyes widen with shock as it gets impaled through the gut by a Christmas tree, spilling blood over the floor. Aurora covers Debbie’s eyes so she does not have to see that.

Oskar takes the time to open a portal right behind which it stumbles over and falls into.

However, the evil Santa Claus got stuck somewhat in the portal with his fat gut and Oskar had to work in shoving his body through it.

The entire house was left a total wreck with walls shredded, Christmas decorations scattered about, furniture toppled over, and a huge mess of blood and guts spilled over the floor.

All because Aurora can’t be bothered to make more Christmas cookies.

“Honey, I’m home!” The original Aurora finally shows up after everything that has happened.

“Woah, what the flip happened here?” Noticing the entire house is a wreck after being invaded by evil Christmas elves and Santa Claus.

“Oh, nothing. Just wanted some gingerbread cookies, that’s all.” The Mom Aurora who was supposed to keep things under control here.

“That’s how the cookie crumbles.” Oskar groans.

Chapter Text

Back at Up-Ton, a lot of humans are enjoying the holidays as their ancestors did in the past Walking through the streets, they take in the festive sights and sounds. Besides the standard decorations people cover their homes with, there are those who also have hologram projectors casting images of Christmas icons such as Santa Clause, his Reindeer, Christmas Elves, Gingerbread Men, and more. One ambitious group has set up an array of drones that fly up in the night sky with glowing lights. Through those, they were able to convey story of a Nutcracker Toy who battles a Mice King and took a girl through some ballet performances for which the group received notable applause. There are also those doing some last-minute christmas shopping picking up gifts, particularly those with resounding endorsements from Cloud Nine.

Inside a cafe, people are drinking nice steaming cups of hot chocolate and egg nog dispensed by Food synthesizers. They are also being serenaded by a pair of Musical Robots modeled after BMO. They have their own spin on a Christmas song.

(Lead Robot Singer Solo)

I saw a robot at Santa's workshop,

With eyes that sparkled like laser beams;

It dreamed of hologram wonders,

And joyous moments filled with gleams.

Pre-Chorus:

(Lead Robot Singer)

In the heart of this metal and wire,

A craving for warmth, love, and desire;

Robots long for the Christmas cheer,

A time of peace, joy, and love so dear.

Chorus:

(All Sing)

Oh, this Christmas, let's make dreams come alive,

For robots seeking love, let's contrive;

Embracing the light of holograms so bright,

Spreading joy and love, throughout the night.

Verse 2:

(Lead Robot Singer Solo)

With every snowflake gently falling,

The robot found its love just in sight;

A cyborg from a galaxy far away,

Hoping for love to ignite.

Pre-Chorus:

(Lead Robot Singer)

In the world of robots and machines,

Heartfelt connection, like serene;

This Christmas season, oh so fair,

Robots find solace in love's tender care.

Chorus:

(All Sing)

Oh, this Christmas, let's make dreams come alive,

For robots seeking love, let's contrive;

Embracing the light of holograms so bright,

Spreading joy and love, throughout the night.

Bridge:

(Female Robot)

Love knows no boundaries, human or machine,

Robots and holograms together, a sight to be seen;

With love in their circuits, they sing in harmony,

A chorus of unity, breaking free.

Verse 3:

(Male Singer Solo)

As the winter evening draws near,

Human and robot hearts filled with cheer;

They dance through the night, under starry skies,

Love and joy abound, no sad goodbyes.

(Lead Robot  Singer)

In the heart of this robot, love's flame ignites,

Peaceful coexistence, no more fights;

Christmas brings love, both far and near,

Robots and humans, a future so sincere.

Oh, this Christmas, let's make dreams come alive,

For robots seeking love, let's contrive;

Embracing the light of holograms so bright,

Spreading joy and love, throughout the night.

Outro:

(All Sing)

Love, peace, joy, for all to embrace,

Robots and humans, in this mystical place;

This Christmas, as we all come together,

May love unite us, and make us forever.

These robots bow to these humans who enjoy them and their lovely carol. 

Huge mounds of snow have piled up in the local park. While they could melt it all away in an instant with their Heat Rays, they decide to keep it there for the children to play to their heart’s content. On one side,  you have those building your average snowman with a top hat, a carrot nose, and sticks for arms. And then there are those who go the next level by building massive snow sculptures with the assistance of drones. Some of these sculptures depicted dragons and trolls while there were also beloved figures of Ooo such as Finn, Lumpy Space Princess, and Jake the Dog. 

The lake has frozen over where the children can ice skate on its frosty surface. Sliding to and fro, they do jumps and flips, figure eights and pirouttes, and more. Of course, there are some who fail to get it right, falling flat on their faces and behinds.

And there are tall and steep mounds of snow that make them excellent for sledding. A pair of children are doing just that, sliding incredibly fast down some hills. 

“WEEEEHHHH!!” Astrid exclaims with glee as she holds onto the front of her hover sled.

“Aaaahhhh!!” Her blonde-haired friend holds on tightly around her waist for dear life. He does not like how fast this is going like her.

They bounce up and down many snow tops like a rollercoaster, whooshing and swerving over several corners. 

“You better duck!” The red-haired girl exclaims, crouching down with her friend doing the same as they slide under several overhanging tree branches. She holds up a hand and manages to snatch an apple that is still growing in the winter.

Astrid takes a bite out of this apple.

“Aaah, cold!” She exclaims before dropping it.

A pair of children are building a snowman.

“Maybe if we sing that song, it will come to life.” A girl hopes.

“Ready?” a boy is about to sing a song with his friend.

“Oh, there was once a snowman!”

*SLAMMM*

Their snowman collided with two children riding on top of a sled, covering themselves with snow.

“Dang it.” A child exclaims, pulling off her snowcap at their attempt being ruined. 

The red-haired girl and her friend shake off the snow.

“Look out!!” Her friend points out in front of them.

There is a hardened snow clump right ahead of them. They are moving too fast to turn in time and they crash right into it!

*WWHAAAMMM**

This sends the two flying right into the sky with plenty of people watching them go.

“WOO-HOO!! WE ARE FLYING!!” Astrid laughs with glee.

However, her friend goes, “AAAHHHHHHH!!!” 

However, there were some flying pixies wearing winter clothes that accidentally went into his open mouth.

“Ack!!” he starts gagging on those pixies he just inhaled. 

They crash into a thick snow heap breaking their fall.

They pop their heads out of the snow.

“Pfft!!” Astrid spits out some snow that was in her mouth. “That was wicked! Let’s go again!”

“Ack, ptooooo!!” Her friend spits out some pixies he just swallowed.

They chatter angrily at him before flying off in a huff.

“Astrid? Where are you?” Someone calls out to her.

“I’m right here, guys!” she looks to see her mom and dad running over to her who pulls her out of the snow. 

“Did you have fun, kiddo?” Her father asks.

“I sure did!” Astrid grins. They have been doing a lot of stuff such as building snowmen, getting into snowball fights, and had been been doing some extreme sledding.

“Hahaha, alright, kids. It’s been fun. But we need to do some shopping now.” Astrid’s mom tells her.

“If we are lucky, we might be able to see the Ice King in person today!” Astrid’s dad reminds her.

That immediately catches her attention, “Oh wow! Where is he?!”  And she runs off right away. 

At the Up-Ton Shopping Center, there are two people standing backstage.

“Are you sure about this, Betty?” Simon says as he tugs onto a blue muumuu he is wearing.  He is older with wrinkles around his eyes and a white streak in his hair.  Despite having long since been reverted back to the Ice King, he is still donning his old persona for some reason.

“Of course, everyone is out there waiting for you!” Betty tells her fiance. This woman is distinctly older, having wrinkles around her eyes and her hair, once red but now grayish, is tied up in a hairbun. She is wearing a blue dress as opposed to her usual green sweater as well as a golden tiara on her head. She seems to be dressed like a female version of the Ice King.

Simon scoffs as he sits down on some crates. “You mean they are waiting for the Ice King. . .” he looks downcast at the crown he is holding, even though it is only a prop, it still gives him bad memories just looking at this. It is a mocking reminder of a time when he was a prisoner in his own body that he was doing unspeakable things. After a thousand years stuck like that, he was finally free to be himself. 

And now here he is, back to playing that role because somehow everyone seems to love that guy now instead of him. Oh, he is not Simon Petrikov the esteemed historian who proved that magic was real. Now he is just that guy who used to be the Ice King to these people. It was a bit surprising for him the first few years since moving here where he heard people talking about the Ice King. Over the years it is starting to get tedious for him. Sometimes he has to disguise himself in public just to so they would leave him alone.

“Why did I even agree to this?” Simon thinks as he looks at his fake crown. He was looking forward to shopping with Betty, buying gifts for this Christmas . But then Minerva came up to him and asked him for a favor. Little did he know this was the favor. Now normally she wouldn’t ask him but considering the state of the Ice Thing, she is left with no other options. And the children made it clear they want the Ice King and won’t settle for anyone else.

Betty sees that look on Simon’s face and places her hands on his. “Hey, I know how you are feeling. Just because you are the Ice King to these people does not change the fact that you will always be my humble little Simon to me.”

Seeing that he is still not convinced, she sighs, “Look, I get it. You really don’t want to be the Ice King and you are tired of being reminded of him. Believe me, I am tired of it as well.” she sighs. She also served as his bodyguard fending off unruly fans of that book he wrote when he was the Ice King. Personally, she thought those books were pretty quaint. But of course, she won’t tell him that. 

“So why do you go along with this?!” Simon snaps a bit but then takes a deep breath after realizing he lost his temper. Honestly he had half a mind to just take off his ridiculous gown and run off, nevermind what he promised Minerva. 

“Because it is something that make people very happy and we should respect that. Just because their interests are different from ours does not make them weirdos. You and I know that.” She gives him a knowing look.

Simon is stunned with realization. Looking down at these people for their obsession with the Ice King? Isn’t that no different from how his former colleagues before the great Mushroom War looked down on him when he talked about magic being real? Of course, magic was real but nobody could have possibly known that at the time. Admittedly some of the children who approached them looked hurt when he lashed out at them and threw their books in the trash. 

“It is just for one night, can you just play along?” Betty implores him. How do they think Leonard Nimoy felt when fans keep seeing him as Spock. Of course, Leonard Nimoy said he wants to be known for more besides being Spock, not that he hated playing the character. Maybe someday the people would see Simon in a different light. 

“Alright then.” Simon sighs and decides to give it a shot. He puts on a thick white beard like the Ice King, a pointy blue nose, with Betty applying blue makeup over his face. They also have been given a script to read over and enact.

“Are you ready back there?” Minerva opens up the backstage door and peeks her head in. She is there to check on them since the children have been getting quite restless out there.

“Yes, just about finished!” Betty says as she applied some blue makeup on her face as well.

“Okay, splendid!” she gives a thumbs-up as she goes back to reassure her customers that their star performer would be coming soon. 

Simon and Betty walk onto a stage set where there are plenty of artificial pine trees and floors covered in snow. There are plenty of penguins walking around and quacking who were rallied up from the Ice Kingdom itself. This seems to a reproduction of the Ice Kingdom. In the center is a large throne made of Ice.

Out there are many children eagerly waiting for the main star. They clap and cheer resoundingly as Simon dressed as the Ice King steps into the light before them. He gives them an awkward wave at seeing how happy they are. Normally as he recalled, many people were afraid of him when he was the Ice King.

“Look! There he is! The Ice King!” A child wearing a fake white beard and a crown like the Ice King points to him in glee. 

Putting on his best impression, Simon Petrikov goes, “You got that right, kids! It’s Ice to meet you all!” he says that with a wide grin but internally he is cringing at saying that corny line.

“And I am his faithful wife the Ice Queen, at your service.” she graciously bows her head to them. Minerva agreed to let her perform alongside the Ice King as another character. 

Minerva is standing there ushering the children in a line as she pulls off the velvet rope off the Stanchion, finally allowing them in. They rush inside and literally swarm around the Ice King. 

Simon feels overwhelmed as they throw many questions at him.

“Do you really name all your penguins Gunter?”

“Does that Crown really give you Ice powers?”

“What is your favorite princess?”

“Are you really over a thousand years old?”

“Who would win in a fight, you or Flame Princess?”

“Now, now, children! Don’t crowd him like that or he might freeze all of you.” Betty waves away the children to give her fiance some space.

“He would be eager to answer all your questions in due time! Each of you just wait your turns and ask him one by one, alright?” She tells them.

Simon Petrikov thanks Betty for that as he shuffles over to his Ice Throne and accept the first child on his lap.

“Why is your skin blue?” the first child who is a blonde girl with freckles asks him.

“Ugh . . . “ Simon groans.

 This is going to be a long night for him.

Simon has been asked plenty of silly questions such as how old he is, what is his favorite color, and does that crown give him ice powers. Simon finds it hard considering only the Ice King would know those answers which he does not. Sadly, he is forced to endure it until his shift is over.

“Hello there, you . . . ?” not knowing the child’s name who is a dark-skinned boy with dreadlocks over his head.

“Kyle, Ice King!” The boy tells him.

“Nice to meet you, Kyle! So what is your question?”

“So do you play drums?” The kid asks, pointing over at the drum set that is also on stage. 

Simon is not sure how to answer that. While he does have a fondness for music which carried over to the Ice King, they have different preferences. He is more of a classical and Jazz fan befitting his scholarly nature while Ice King is more about hard rock and roll like Marceline. He did pick up some drumsticks in the Wasteland while caring for Marceline but that was probably just the Ice King in him thinking they were neat.

“Umm, I do?” Simon awkwardly replies.

“Why don’t you play us a drum solo?” He asks with the other children seconding that notion.

“Alright.” Simon Petrikov says as he sits down at the drum set and picks up some drumsticks.

“Alright, here we go,” Simon says as he braces himself.

Surprisingly, it did not go as bad as he thought it would be. He manages to give a steady beat, banging on the drums, clanging the cymbals periodically, stepping on the pedals thumping the bass drum.

Everyone remains quiet including Betty as they listen to Simon’s Drum Solo. Whether it was some residue of the Ice King’s influence on Simon or Simon being more well-rounded in music than he thought, it does not change what a triumphant musical performance.

Finally, he brings it home with some intense beating and thumping, smashing, and crashing all over the place. Simon got lost in the moment just doing what he feels like doing.

“Haaaaaaahhhh!!” Simon yells, ventilating all his stress as he smacks down on his drums very hard and flings his drumsticks.

He takes some breaths to relax as he looks around to see everyone quite stunned at his performance. He is shocked himself that he actually had it in him.

“Well, there you have it!” Minerva announces as the children clap and cheer loudly. 

“Woah, I guess underneath every bookworm is a party animal on the inside.” Betty thinks, giving a wry grin at seeing Simon like this without the Crown.

Simon actually smiles a bit. So this is what happens when he just stops worrying about how he sees himself as well as other people. Maybe being the Ice King is not so bad after all. If that is how these people see him, might as well have some fun with it.

This gives the antiquarian some confidence as he welcomes the next batch of children.

“So is Princess Bubblegum your favorite princess?” A child asks him.

“Well, I would not say favorite but . . . I do find her quite a pleasant lady with her brilliant mind, her caring nature for her citizens and loved ones, as well as how happy she and Marceline are with each other. I certainly would be very proud to have her as a daughter-in-law.” Simon can’t help but let some of himself slip through.

“Wait, what?” The kid having no idea his relation to Marceline.

“So you actually knew Marceline when she was a kid?” Another child asks him with curiosity after overhearing what he said about her.

“More than knew her, I raised her! I found her when she was alone by herself in a ruined city. Even as I had my own problems to deal with, I cared for her like the daughter I never had. ” Simon admits, getting a little somber there for the moment.

“So you are the reason she grew up to be so cool?” the kid points out. 

“Hahaha, I guess you could say that.” As much as he felt ashamed at abandoning her as a child, he still made the most of his time to instill moral values in her. He is really proud of the fine woman she grew up to be.

Simon regales another story to a child who asked him about the Crown. 

“What else does it do besides make ice?” a little girl asks.

“Oh, do you really want to know?” Simon asks her just to make sure she knows what she is in for.

“Yes. . . ?” The girl says uneasily.

“Very well.” Simon says as he softly whispers to the girl. 

“This Crown not only grants you the power of Ice Magic, it also afflicts its wearer with terrible visions and voices. It can wear down your mind until you find yourself doing things with no recollection of it. You start losing pieces of yourself until you are nothing but a hollow shell.”  he explains exactly what the Crown has cost him.

This leaves the girl with a stunned expression on her face.

Realizing he might have gone out of character, he quickly adds. “It is also helps cover my bald spot, you know?”

“Hello, remember me?” A red-haired girl that Simon is quite familiar with shows up. 

“Oh, no.” Simon groans as she hops onto his lap. She then pulls back on his beard.

“I know you really aren’t the Ice King.” Astrid giggles. “But I won’t tell anyone that.”

“How fortunate.” Simon rolls his eyes. “So what do you want?”

“Would you sign my Fionna and Cake book?” she holds up her book that he has written when he was the Ice King.

“Fine . . . “ Simon says as he pulls out a pen to write The Ice King on it, knowing that what she is asking for.

“So when are you going to write more Fionna and Cake books?” she asks.

“Ugh, how many times do I have to tell you? I did not write those books, the Ice King did!”

“But weren’t you The Ice King?” she points out.

“Yes, I was! Now I am not! I am done writing those stupid books!” he snaps at her. 

Betty realizes that her partner is getting too heated. She pulls away from entertaining the children by creating small glowing butterflies to address this.

“Okay, that is enough.” She pulls off Astrid from his lap. “Would you want me to hear some stories from me about the Ice Queen?” 

“You don’t look like the Ice Queen.” Astrid points out.

“Oh, I am an alternate version of The Ice King’s former fiancee if she wore the Crown instead of him.” she quickly explains the backstory of her character.

“Oh, cool!” Astrid says as she follows Betty and gives Simon some space.

Simon sighs as he sits back in his throne. He has to put up with this for another hour.

“Okay, kids. Have a nice night!” Minerva escorts the children off the premises to be reunited with their parents.

She then walks backstage where she sees Simon and Betty taking off their costumes and make-up. Simon pulls off his robes to reveal he has an artificial leg made of ice. The reason for the loss of his leg is something you really shouldn’t ask.

“Thank you for the wonderful show you have given us, Simon and Betty.” Minerva beams at the two as she shakes both of their hands.

“Aah, don’t mention it.” Betty says. She actually finds it pretty fun. Those children really enjoyed her magic tricks and had lots of questions for as the Ice King’s wife.

“Yeah, please  don’t.” Simon means it. He would never hear the end of this if Marceline saw this.

“Say, there is still some time before the Mall closes. Would you want to go get some coffee?” The doctor offers.

“Yes, that would be nice.” Simon agrees.

They head inside a relaxing coffee shop where Simon and Betty buy a vanilla soy latte and a mocha latte respectively.

Sitting down, they drink their coffees to imbue themselves with its warmth.

“So how are you two doing?” Minerva asks.

Betty starts first. “Oh, pretty well. I have been doing some research down in Wizard City for the past few weeks. The wizards there seem to appreciate my inquisitive nature and my theories on magic. The Wizard School Board has even offered me a job as their new Magic Theory Professor.” Wizard City has become sort of her home away home. She enjoyed studying all she can about the magic such as Conjuration, Abjuration, Potions, and more. The Wizards themselves seemed quite fascinated by her as the only wizard in the entire world who has actually became a Chaos Deity. She understood how Simon felt when people kept asking him about being the Ice King as the Wizards kept asking her about what is like being GOLB. 

Wizard City has undergone a major overhaul and reassessed its position in Ooo. It has decided to start freely sharing its magic to help the residents of Ooo with many Wizards providing services. They have even let down their restrictions where non-magical residents are allowed to visit as long as they have proven connections to known wizards. Ooo has became a new world where magic and science freely co-exist and even improve the other.

That prompts a generous clap on Betty’s shoulder by Simon. “Woah, excellent work, my dear! I am so proud of you.” 

Minerva also approves. “That is a pretty esteemed position to have, Ms. Grof. You certainly have the drive and acumen for it. You could even act as our representative to the Wizarding Community.” The kindly doctor has been working hard to establish Humanity as an important part of Ooo, reinforcing their connections to the native kingdoms. There was also a serious overhaul back on Founder’s Island with a new Council that has a different plan in mind.

“Yeah, thanks guys. I think I am going to give them a call and tell them yes.” Betty tells them. She has lost her chance before to become something more by not going on that trip to study ancient petroglyphs. She did not know it at the time, but staying with Simon was the best decision of her life. Thanks to him, she was now in a new world full of wondrous magic that she thought only existed in the realm of fiction. Now she finally gets to be a professor of it as well.

Simon Petrikov himself has become the History Professor of Up-Ton’s University where there are students who are interested in his knowledge on the past. Simon has been leading several expeditions where they investigated ancient ruins such as this gigantic cruise ship beached on a desert, a fallen skyscraper, and a fallen military transport plane. Regardless of their banality in their time of origin, they hold significant information in the present about the state of the world after the first Mushroom War. He is not just some old fossil out of time but more of a link between the past and the present. 

Simon and Betty have both become notable professors on equal terms. Sometimes Betty joins Simon on his expeditions where her magic proved incredibly helpful in excavating and preserving antique relics. Simon has also been studying the magical artifacts that Wizard City has and tracing their history.

And they owe it all to their good friend Minerva as their relationship counselor. She was the one who helped them recognize the flaws in their relationship and provided them with the steps to work past them. Betty sees how much she has been sacrificing for Simon’s sake instead of pursuing her own happiness. Simon sees how he has enabled her to go so far instead of trying to support her like she did for him. They both have decided to be more communicative and understanding of each other’s needs and desires. Besides that, they also enjoy Minerva with them as a dear friend of theirs who balances them out. 

They talk a bit more about the kind of gifts they plan to give this Christmas. Although it has been difficult trying to think of something new they can give their children every Christmas.  Simon has been looking through the Human Archives where they have an incredible amount of literature, movies, shows, and music they managed to preserve since the Great Mushroom War.  Betty has also found that Wizard City surprisingly has kept their own collection of mass media since the Great Mushroom War as curiosities. Minerva has been thinking hard about what Finn would want as their interests are too different from each other, she is not the adventurous type like him.  But Simon and Betty tell her not to overthink it, sometimes the simple gift of a mother’s tender love to her child is more than enough. 

Eventually, they leave the Coffee shop in high spirits and bid their friend a farewell.

“It was a pleasant having you with us, Minerva!” Simon and Betty tell her.

“It was a pleasure for me as well.” Minerva says to her as they walk away from each other.

Simon and Betty walk down the streets of Up-Ton late at night, making sure to bundle up as it is really getting cold. Even though Betty is still shivering a bit, Simon strangely finds this actually quite refreshing. Living in a frozen kingdom for a thousand years tends to give you some cold resistance. 

They stop to admire some of the Christmas decorations that people have set up over their homes and businesses. A few of them resemble typical Christmas props of the past millenia but many of them are made through the use of holograms and gadgets.

“Aah, it is funny how a thousand years have passed and things still have not changed a bit.” Simon notes. These props may be different but the spirit they convey remains the same.

Betty smirks, “I believe your daughter said something about that, Everything stays but it still changes , right?” she has gotten to know her fiance’s adoptive daughter Marceline in the years after her freedom from GOLB. 

Technically they already met when Simon summoned Betty from the past but Betty was more focused on saving Simon at the time before leaving. Their following encounters was not that great where Betty inadvertently caused the Elemental Crisis that overtook Ooo including her as well as summoning GOLB that almost destroyed the world before she fused with it to save everybody. And now that she no longer has to worry about Simon’s safety and can truly see the world in all its wonder and people.

Marceline only heard about Betty from all the stories Simon told her about which made her seem like some magnificent goddess who was the light of his life. But their first talks made Marceline realize Simon put her too high of a pedestal when she had her own problems to deal with. Devoting her whole life to helping another person and denying any ambitions reminds her too much of someone else she knew very well. She insisted to Betty that Simon is fine already and that she needs to give some time to work on herself as well. That is not without mentioning the fact that Marceline fears Simon’s dependency on Betty and longing of her might have been what accelerated his insanity with the Crown.

As for Betty, she has come to see Marceline as somewhat a daughter like Simon sees her as. Besides the fascination she has of her being a vampire (well, full-blooded demon now anyways) rock star, She admires her daring and bold nature when it comes to caring for the ones she love. It warms her heart knowing that Simon still had someone to care for after her sudden disappearance. (Technically she jumped into a portal to the future. But that was only because Simon said she disappeared and wanted to say goodbye. But then it turns out he was the reason she disappeared in the first place. Ouch, that kinds of hurts her head to think about the ramifications of Time travel)

“Say, why don’t we go and see how their Christmas Tree is doing in the town center?” Simon tells her.

“Oh, that would be a sight to see.” Betty agrees.

They walk over to the town square where there is a massive Christmas Tree that reaches the skies. Through a combination of bio-engineering and cybernetics, this tree can grow in high altitudes, endure the most arduous of weather patterns, and support its own weight.

“Wow, look how marvelous that is.” Simon whistles at how the future humans that settled on Ooo really do not hold back when it comes to showing off their advanced technology. Many people of Ooo agree that humans have grown to be the most technologically advanced society on the planet whom even Bubblegum is trying to take notes on.

“That is not all, look at how they decorated it!” Betty points out at what is put upon it.

It is not just the humans who have decorated the Christmas Tree with Baubles, candy canes, and silk ribbons. Along with those, there are many different kinds of decorations that the residents of Ooo have contributed for the occasion. 

From the Candy Kingdom, there are Candy Canes, Cookies, peppermints, taffy, and other sugary confections. Some of them are actually alive who are eager to sing Christmas carols or explain traditions from their kingdom of origin. Of course, any passing travelers are discouraged from eating the ones that talk.

There are slime balls and disco balls from the Slime Kingdom, Sausage Links from the Hot Dog Kingdom, Luscious bundles and wreaths of flowers from the Jungle Kingdom, and Various nuts from the Duchy of Nuts, Berries from the Wildberry Kingdom, Balls of Fire from the Fire Kingdom (Harmless fire that does not burn anything, of course), bacon and eggs from the Breakfast Kingdom, and many others.

There are some magical decorations such as shiny orbs, flufy clouds, hanging potion bottles, and beady eyes that gaze at them from the Wizards of Wizard City. When touched, they imbue all sorts of magical effects such as brilliant rainbows, growing your head huge, zapping lightning bolts, and making you talk backwards.

There are even decorations from other dimensions such as crystals and rainbows from the Crystal Dimension, lumps of stardust from Lumpy Space. And even demonic artifacts from the Nightosphere. Some humans question whether that last part should be allowed but the Demons seem to have grown quite fond of the holiday too and want to get in on it.

“Impressive. The Humans really have opened themselves up to the world they are living in.” Simon recognizes. He can’t help but remember what it was like when the humans first arrived in Ooo. They chose to hide themselves away in a colony that does not allow any non-humans. Their fears of the unknown have swelled to the point that one of their leaders was willing to wipe out all life on the planet so that his race would thrive.

“You know, Betty.” Simon turns to her. “When I look at this Christmas Tree, it is not just its imposing stature and curious decorations that I admire but what it represents. Not just Christmas in general, but as a symbol of unity where the people of Ooo have come together to partake in the joy and happiness. As different as we all are, we are not that different.” that thought brings warmth to his heart.

“Wow, should we add Anthropology to your major, Mr. Historian?” Betty teases at his analysis.

Simon takes in stride, “History and people are intertwined with each other after all. History is made by the people who live through it. And people are remembered by the history they left behind.” a phrase he commonly used while in college.

Now that he thinks about it, what kind of history has he and Betty made together since their time on this Earth? How would they remembered once they are gone? They are leaving middle age behind them and inching onto their golden years. Simon is curious about how Marceline would react once he finally leaves this realm for good. After all, he is now a mortal human and she is an immortal demon. There are only so many years left in his life and he is dedicated to spending them with the people that make it worthwhile.

They decide to take a seat on a bench right under the Christmas Tree, just to enjoy the serene atmosphere around them. 

Plenty of snowflakes are drifting down over their heads. Simon holds up a hand and watches some of them touch down on his fingertips. He admires their beautiful but ephemeral nature, lasting only seconds at a time. Is that not life as a whole? Though we may not last forever, that makes what we are and what we do with the time we have all the more beautiful.

“Hey, you know what this reminds me of?” Betty asks him. 

“What is it?”

“That time you stopped me from going on that bus?” She reminds him. That day that changed everything for them.

“Oh, how could I forget?” Simon never could. He found her note which expressed her feelings for him and how they had something special. He felt the same way too which is why he ran as fast as he could to stop her from getting on that bus. He just could not let her go and wanted her by his side. For the first time, he found someone who believed in him and the rest was history.

“Whenever I look back on that day, sometimes I wonder where would I be if went on that bus?” Betty says as she has a mysterious distant look on her face.

“Right, you would be in Australia studying Petroglyphs. Probably make a big name for yourself as an Archeologist instead of just an assistant in my endeavors. Why didn’t I go on that bus with you instead? Maybe things would have been so different.” he laments, questioning his choices.

Maybe he would have never have found that Crown and cursed himself, driving her away and living a thousand years of loneliness and misery. 

Years ago when he and Betty were finally able to be together, that is when she told him about her personal feelings such as that time she was on Mars trying to find a cure for his curse. King Man made her experience a bunch of trials along with Finn and Jake’s dog brother. That is when she saw a vision of her past when she was about to go on that trip to Australia studying Petroglyphs only to meet Simon the next day. She told herself that she has been dedicating her life to Simon so much she was not sure there is a part of her left.

That really hurt him when she told him about it. That is how she truly felt about herself in regards to him?  She was sacrificing so much for his sake? In all the time they had with each other before the bombs fell and she suddenly disappeared, how was he so blind? If he knew even a smidgen of it, he would have done everything to assure that she is just as special as him. That he is not someone to put on a pedestal and just deny herself what she truly wants. 

That is when Betty places a gentle hand on his head. He looks to see her with a serious stare pointed at him. 

“You did not make me sacrifice anything, Simon.I was the one who made my choice. Maybe things would be different but it does not necessarily mean it would be better. I would be stuck studying measly cave scrawlings while you would still be the laughing stock of the scientific community.” She is not saying that her way was not as good as his but she is trying to make peace with the choices they already made. What is done is done. There is no point trying to dwell on what-ifs.

And then we both end up dying in the great Mushroom War and never ending up in this amazing world and meeting all the wonderful people in our lives.” She hits the nail on the head. They could not have known it at the time but maybe her staying with Simon and him finding that Crown was the best outcome in the longrun. She is not saying that it made all the pains and tribulations they have gone through any less bad. But it was all worth it in the end.

Simon got to be the father of an incredible girl who became one of the greatest Heroes of Ooo and an important link between the past and the present as the humanity’s History Professor.

Betty got to live in a world beyond her wildest dreams where all the magic she could think of and the magic she could not is all real for her to study and debate. And now she gets to be a Magic Theory Professor even where she gets to teach magical students as well. Truly the best outcome they could have gotten and they would not change it any other way. 

“Say, maybe I am a bit too early. But I feel like this is a better moment than most.” Simon says as he pulls out something from his winter jacket.

It was a small christmas box that is signed with,

“To Betty, My Princess.”

“I guess this is my early Christmas present to you.” he gently smiles at her as she opens up the box. She opens her eyes wide with astonishment.

Inside was a walkman with some earbuds attached to it. Simon was very fortunate to find an Antique shop on Up-Ton that was able to recreate something like this and sell it to him. He also did a lot of digging through the Media Archives to find their song they have listened to over a thousand years ago.

“Oh, Simon, you shouldn’t have!” Betty tells him.

“Oh, but I did. It is the least I could do after all we have been through.” Simon gently shakes his head as they put the earbuds on their ears. They then press play. 

You and me  

We've got something to lose  

Boy you got your dreams  

I got everything in you

Simon and Betty place their hands down on the cold bench and interwave their fingers with each other, looking at each other with fond relaxed eyes. Betty even has a rosy blush on her face, whether by the sheer coldness around her or something else.

And I'll be there through all the reveries  

'Cause I believe in you more than I ever believed in me

  Ooh, and I love you, love you, love you  

No, it's not so hard to tell

A Gingerbread man hanging on the Christmas Tree behind them sees what is happening between them. He pulls himself off his hook and starts climbing through the tree branches onto a hanging magic bag. Rubbing it, the magic bag starts spewing rainbow fireflies around the aging couple. 

And I love you, love you, love you

  It is obvious to everyone else?  

And maybe this is killing part of me  

But it ain't called love without a little tragedy

Betty notices a firefly floating next to her face. Simon does as well, raising his finger up and shooing it away. He ends up with his hand over Betty’s chin which brings a blush to her cheeks.

Ooh, and I love you, love you, love you  

No, it's not so hard to tell  

And I love you, love you, love you

  It is obvious to everyone else?

Simon gently tucks her reddish hair back, revealing her ear. This causes an even more brighter blush to emerge on her face. That is when she falls over onto Simon’s shoulder and wraps her arms around him. Simon blushes as well with a content smile on his face as he holds a comforting arm over her.

And even in my fantasies  

Make believe couldn't make you  

Darlin' I've seen worlds in you  

I didn't know how to dream

Simon decides to look up in the night sky where the stars are especially bright. Next to these stars is a brilliant shining moon.

And you and me  

We've got something to lose  

Boy you got my heart  

My everything is

A sentient Fireball still burning amidst this bitter cold notices the couple would be freezing if they stay there. He takes a deep breath and puffs out a gentle blaze enshrouding the couple. These flames are enchanted so they are not very hot but still gives some warmth like a fireplace. 

You  

And I love you, love you, love you  

No, it's not so hard to tell  

And I love you, love you, love you

Simon decides to stay here for a couple of minutes before eventually taking Betty and himself to their home. He wants to listen to this song to the very end.

It is obvious to everyone else?  

And even in my fantasies  

Make believe couldn't make you  

Darlin' I've seen worlds in you

I didn't know how to dream

Once that is done, Simon gently lifts Betty over his shoulders and give her a piggyback ride. Despite his age, he is still has some strength left in him.

Betty mutters a bit as he tries his best not to jostle her from her sleep. Once she is set in place, they both walk into the night and head for home. 

Chapter Text

Finally is the big day everyone has been waiting for, Christmas is finally here!

All over Ooo, people are celebrating the holiday in their own way.

In the Candy Kingdom, Princess Bubblegum has done her best to adopt the holiday for her people according to how the humans have done it. After her retirement, Peppermint Butler continued the holiday  in her stead. The Candy People have quite taken to the traditions of delivering presents and cards to one another, wearing ugly sweaters, singing christmas carols, setting up Christmas decorations, and cooking a Christmas feast.

The Candy People try their best but that does not stop some accidents from happening that PB had to deal with. These include some of them being awful singers and disturbing the peace, some getting tangled up in their own christmas lights, and overcooking their Christmas Hams and starting a fire. They also tried to bake Fruit Cakes only for those to turn out to be incredibly inedible. (They did make nice bricks though)

And for some peculiar reason, The Candy people who are Candy Canes, Gingerbread people, and Swiss Cake Rolls believe they deserve special privileges this day considering they are living embodiments of the holiday treats. (Never mind the fact that Christmas existed long before the Candy Kingdom)

Since the beginning of her reign, Flame Princess has been doing her best to improve the Fire Kingdom’s reputation and show that her people are not so bad. She has been taking notes on the Candy Kingdom in designing the aesthetics and infrastructure of her kingdom with calming lava rivers and smoking burnt trees. Her people on the other hand wanted to prove themselves as well. Contrary to what Flame King said, they are not really evil. But when they burn everything they touch, it is easy to call them that. Just like Flame Princess, they want to do their part to be more welcoming to the rest of Ooo.

Flame Princess was also was enamored by the holiday and the values it espouses such as peace, hope, and honesty. The Flame People also enjoy it as well, trading gifts to each other. But there were some misinterpretations. When told that Santa Clause gives coal to bad people, they thought it meant they have to bad on purpose so they can get the coal they very much want. Things almost got out of control until Flame Princess told them they can just give coal to each other for Christmas which they understood. Another thing is they thought they were supposed to eat the Yule Log instead of putting it on a fireplace. (Which is confusing since they are all made of fire)

Out in Lumpy Space, the Lumpy Space People had their own version of Christmas or Lumpidad as they call it. They exchange gifts (mostly cool clothes, jewelry, cellphones, car, stuff like that) and sing carols. But some of them can be real extra about it blasting the airwaves like it was open mic night. But the Nativity play was something they were heavily engrossed in with many Lumpy Space people wanting to play a part in it like a drama production. Lemongrab himself tends to celebrate his Christmas there with his wife, bringing several of his children as well.

Lumpy Space Princess actually mellowed out with age, being less abrasive, self-centered, callous, and ignorant, doing her best to be a decent ruler for her people. However, that does not stop her from doing some gaffes such as that Beauty Care Product that made people lumpy like her. Of course, she apologized for that.

Wizard City itself actually was well-aware of Christmas and practiced its traditions long before the humans reintroduced it to Ooo. The Wizards thought of Christmas as a fascinating holiday where they exchange magical gifts with each other,  set up Christmas decorations, sing songs to one another, and have a nice rousing Christmas feast. All of which is done with magic.

They believed in the existence of Santa Claus but he disappeared after the Great Mushroom War. The Wizards took it upon themselves to carry out his legend with some of them aspiring to be the new Santa Claus  where they would don his persona for one night and deliver presents to every Wizard in Ooo.

The Nightosphere is a very chaotic realm full of demons and hellfire  no sane person would willingly go. But its rulers are making an effort to be more civilized  with Marceline herself offering some pointers whenever she cares to visit. Compared to how the Nightosphere was a millenia ago before Hunson took over, this was practically a paradise. Although it is still frequented by only the most hardcore of thrillseekers.

To those who lived centuries of violent conflict and mayhem, Christmas and the values they convey seemed totally anomalous to them. They find it hard not to steal gifts instead of giving it, singing songs instead of agonizing screams, warming themselves around a fireplace instead of setting each other on fire, and cooking a Christmas feast instead of their babies. It was a huge headache for Marceline trying to teach them, almost like herding cats at this point if those cats were feral, had taste for mortal flesh, and set everything on fire just to see the glow. She now knows how Bubblegum feels about her candy citizens. Although the Demons do make an effort even if they do not understand it.

That is how the other kingdoms and dimensions are celebrating their Christmases. But there is one spectacular Christmas festival happening else that nobody wants to miss.

Flying over the skies are many aircrafts that resemble old-fashioned steam trains with anti-gravity propulsors on them. They drift down and make a stop in front of various places in Ooo.

The trees wave as a Sky Train lands in the middle of a forest. “All aboard!” A Human conductor hangs outside ringing a bell as a train whistle is blown, calling for any would-be passengers that have bought tickets. 

“Oh, where is it, where is it? ” a Fox named Mr. Fox grumbles as he searches through his pockets for his ticket. He looks quite old with some wrinkles around his eyes as well as streaks of grey in his fur. 

“There, found it!” Mr. Fox exclaims with glee after pulling out a ticket which he hands to the conductor as he steps aboard one of the Sky Trains. He is seated in one car where an adult Bear and his elderly Mother Bear, Mr. Goose and his wife Boobafina, several squirrels, and birds. 

Jungle Princess is also there, she has some wrinkles and streaks of gray hair in her ponytail, but she still looks fine for her age. She brought an entourage of Jungle Guards who are dressed like her wearing Tiki Masks covering their faces as well as other residents of her Forest Kingdom.

Another Sky Train lands in front of the Candy Kingdom where many Candy Citizens eagerly await its arrival. 

Starchy is one of the first to step aboard. This Chocolate Malt Ball has gotten old like everyone else, having grown a white mustache. 

“Glad to have you with us, again. Mr. Starchy!” the Human Conductor tells him, being a fan of Starchy’s radio show as broadcasted by Cloud Nine.

“Ah, it is nothing! Just doing my part in uncovering what dark nefarious secrets lie around every corner of Ooo!” Starchy takes off his hat in respect as he takes his seat.

Other Candy people also step aboard such as Chet, Nurse Pound Cake, and Pineapple Guy. There are also the Marshmallow kids and the Pup Gang who were once children but have all since grown up to become adults.

“Over here, Chocoberry! I saved you a seat right here!” Cherry Cream Soda gently pats right beside her upon seeing her walk through the aisles. The Chocolate-covered strawberry smiles and sits next to her as they await the Sky Train taking off. These two girls seem to be getting along quite well with each other for the past few years after having met each other in a grief support meeting.

Peppermint Butler himself has decided to board this Sky Train to represent the Candy Kingdom at the Christmas festival as its new ruler. He has other ways of getting where he needs to go but decides to partake in the novelty of the Humans’ advanced technology. He has to admit, their technology almost outstrips that of her majesty (though to be fair Bubblegum had only herself while the humans were building up on each other’s work over the centuries.) Joining him are his new son Percy sitting beside him along with some Banana Guards who wear Christmas attire such as red hats and white beard, reindeer antlers, and ugly sweaters. Aunt Lolly was left in charge of the festivities back at the Candy Kingdom for those who chose to stay.

After having picked up their passengers from the kingdoms of Ooo as well as other places, these Sky Trains fly up and head towards Up-Ton which is the center of the Ooo-wide Christmas festival. After many years of settling in Ooo with their citizens interacting with the locals, the floating city has decided to open their borders to the residents of Ooo. For the entire Christmas festival, everyone is allowed in from Candy People to Rainicorns to Wizards to even freaking demons from the Nightosphere are allowed in to take part in the merrymaking. (As long as everyone behaves themselves, of course.)

That being said, those Sky Trains are not the only way of getting to Up-Ton. There are Rainicorns and Wizards who could fly up there as well as others with their own modes of transportation. But for the most part, this is how the commonfolk as well as several dignitaries chose to arrive there. 

“Welcome! You have arrived at Up-Ton. Thank you for using the Sky Trains. Hope you enjoy your stay and have a merry Christmas.” A gentle cordial robot voice announces to the passengers. The Train doors open up and let the passengers outside as they step onto the various train stations on Up-Ton that have been prepared for the incredible amount of visitors they have expected to receive. 

These people have to go through checkpoints where they are processed and cleared before they are allowed entry into Up-Ton. In addition to that, Up-Town has surroudned itself with an unbelievably powerful force-barriers that would disintegrate anyone attempting to get past it while also negating most attempts to teleport past it. (which also includes magic that is not of the highest-level possible, some wizards tried it and got disintegrated.)

Mr. Fox ends up having to go through plenty of these security measures in order to get to Up-Ton. 

He has to put his luggage (which is just a small backpack) onto a conveyor belt where it would be scanned. He then steps through a metal gate.

*BEEP*  A red light flashes on the gate.

“Ugh.” Mr. Fox groans as he is forced to step out of line as he is searched by a security drone.

“Empty pockets.” The Security drone addresses him which he does. And it turns out all he had was some car keys (when he does not even own a car.)

But he was better off than some Demon who also set off the Metal detectors. 

“Cough it up.” A Security Drone tells the demon who then proceeds to vomit out a huge pack of cursed jewelry he was going to sell at the festival. He thought he was smart in hiding it inside his stomach.

After going through several long and uncomfortable security scanners, Mr. Fox makes it to an airport ticket counter which is manned by several Minerva-bots.

“Hello, there! How are you today?” she beams.

“Umm, fine. Can we get this over with?” Mr. Fox says.

“Gladly. What is your name?”

“Mr. Fox?” The vulpine mammal says, having put Mr. in order to designate himself as different from the other foxes in his gang.

“What is your reason for visiting?”

“Umm, the Christmas Festival? Same as everyone?” 

“And how long do you plan to stay?”

“As long as the Christmas Festival?”

“Very well. Just sign here.” Minerva Campbell guides him over to a screen where he writes his signature.

“And then place your palm there.” popping out a biometric scanner whom Mr. Fox reluctantly puts his paw on. He flinches a bit as it leaves a little burning sensation.

“Ow.” Mr. Fox says as he pulls his paw away.

“Thank you! And I hope you have a wonderful time. Merry Christmas.” And then a little bracelet is planted onto Mr. Fox’s arm as his ID card. With all that taken care of, The Fox is let inside Up-Ton and allowed to enjoy in all the festivities it has to offer.

If you think these security measures seem a bit tedious, Up-Ton has very good reasons for this. 

The first thing visitors would notice is how absolutely advanced the city with metallic floors, floating vehicles, pneumatic tubes that suck people, and send them where they want to go, as well as holograms, robots, and other gadgets as far as the eye could see. It is quite unlike the naturalistic magical atmosphere down in Ooo.

A Minerva-bot who is dressed in red instead of her doctor’s coat approaches a group, “Greetings, one and all! I am Minerva Campbell and I would be your guide to our wondrous city of Up-Ton.” she explains.

She and several of her robot doppelgangers have been assigned to ease visitors into their stay at the Human City and make sure they behave themselves.

“As you might know, Up-Ton has existed for quite some years after we humans have decided to return and be a part of Ooo once more. While it has been 13 years since humanity’s arrivals as a whole, this city has existed for 8 years since then.” she explains the timeline of humanity in Ooo. 

“We have all kinds of facilities and amenities we have developed since our migration.” She leads them over to a street that has all sorts of conveniences that they can partake in.

“Here is a Food station that we humans use to get our food. We have food synthesizers that can synthesize all kinds of foods from base ingredients, a process that can happen instantly.

Underneath a food synthesizer, a light beams down which generates a burger right on the spot for a human citizen to eat with relish.

“Oh wow! Just like magic!” A wizard who is part of the group exclaims. He knows some spells for making food but they don’t come as easy as that.

Minerva chuckles at the common misconception, “I can see why you think that but it is just some science that I do not wish to bore you on the details. Why don’t you give it a try?” 

The visitors go ahead and try their turns at the Food synthesizers. A wizard orders some hamburgers, fries, and a milkshake. A Candy Person orders some pancakes. And Mr. Fox orders a plain salad. However, someone just could not control themselves and they ended up hogging a Food synthesizer to engorge on all the food they could produce. Minerva Campbell and some other nearby robots had to pull that person away.

“Moving on. These are Game stations where humans can play in Virtual Reality, a computer-generated simulation that has its own sets of rules from the real world.” She shows the various people inside who are wearing goggles that send them into another world where they can do anything they want.

“Wow!” The visitors exclaim.

“Here, give it a try with these VR goggles.” Minerva hands everyone a pair of headsets for them to wear.

A Demon and a Rainicorn decide to be the first to try.

“AAAAAAHHHHHH!!!” Both of them scream which is a natural response to having their consciousness flung around and thrown into an entirely new setting.

“Woah, what do you see?” Mr. Fox asks.

“Oh wow! What is this place? Everything is colorful and geometric! It is almost like home .” The Rainicorn says through a universal translator on her collar.

“What do you feel like doing in there?” Minerva Campbell asks.

“Hmmm, it would be sweet if I could make a killer longsword.” The Demon mutters.

Minerva assists, “Say, ‘ Get Big Sword.’” 

“Get . . . Big . . . Sword?” The demon repeats after her.

Upon getting that in his hand, “Ah-hah, yeah!” The Demon exclaims.

“Just to be clear, can people die in here?” He asks curiously.

“No, they cannot.” Minerva answers.

“Aww, sweet!” The demon gives a toothy smile before he starts waving his hands like he is swinging a huge sword all over the place. 

“Take this! And this! Don’t you want another of these?!!” The Demon exclaims, from the sound of it, he seems to be going on a rampage throughout the Virtual world slashing up players just for the fun of it.

Unfortunately, that causes a reaction from some nearby Virtual Reality players who take off their goggles.

“Dammit! Who let that system dump in there? He ruined our conga line!” 

“I was just riding my llama!”

“I was just bouncing a ball!”

Minerva looks with shock at seeing the demon take things a bit too far now that he knows he can’t kill anyone in there. “Ummm, sir? You might need to hold back on whatever it is you are doing in there!”

“Die! Die! Die!” The demon rants as he gets too into playing a virtual world where there are no consequences. He wants to satisfy his bloodlust in a non-destructive manner.

Unfortunately, his fun comes to an end when his rampage inadvertently summons a MOD to deal with him. 

“Hey, what are you- AAAHHHH!!” The demon yells as he feels himself thrown down a fiery pit and forced out of the game.

“Hey, what gives? I was having fun in there?” The demon pulls the goggles off with annoyance.

“You can. But I advise you try not to ruin it for the other players there with what you did.” Minerva shakes her head in disapproval.

“Oh, can I stay here?” The Rainicorn asks, wanting to know more about this virtual reality game where there is lots to do here.

“Very well. Just make sure not to stay on there for too long. Don’t forget about the Christmas festival.” Minerva Campbell nods as she and her tour group move along.

“And here are the pneumatic tubes that we use to get around the city.” She points to a massive suction tube.

“Would anyone like to try?” Minerva asks.

This prompts some visitors to push Mr. Fox ahead of them.

“Aah, excellent. I promise it would feel like smooth sailing.” Minerva lifts him up.

“Wait-wait! I don’t want to-AAAAAHHHHHH!!” Mr. Fox yells as she is sucked into the tube and sent zooming all across the city.

Mr. Fox screams as the Pneumatic Tube sends him hurtling all across the city.

He passes right over Simon and Betty who are walking through the streets of Up-Ton, enjoying Christmas like everyone else. Betty is eagerly bobbing up and down looking at the sights and sounds around her, having plenty of energy for her old age. Simon trails behind her while lugging a floating wagon cart that carries their presents. They have dressed for the holiday season with Betty having a green festive sweater with a gingerbread print on it. Simon wears a bright red jacket with a christmas tree tie around his neck. 

“Woah, look at that, Simon!” She points out to her hubby. 

“What is it, dear?” He says as he looks at what she is seeing.

There are plenty of stalls set up by Ooo residents who showed up earlier to take advantage of the numerous visitors. Everyone in Ooo is attending the festival. 

A flame person is busy cooking some barbeque sticks on a grill. He impresses some customers by flipping and juggling them around before catching them. He then finishes off by burping some flames all over the barbeque sticks, setting them ablaze.

“Is that, Flambo?” Simon 

“Well, if it ain’t the former Ice pop and his dame. How’s life treating you both?” Flambo amicably greets them. He used to be pretty small as a Flambit but now has grown up to be taller than that, standing around Simon’s height.

“Oh, we are doing wonderful, thank you for asking!” Betty responds amicably.

“Want some?” Flambo shows off some barbeque sticks he lit on fire.

“No thanks.” Simon gently turns down, not having an asbestos tongue like some residents do.

“Your loss.” Flambo shrugs it off before handing it to some customers who could take the heat.

Nearby, there is another stall manned by a wizard with a green cylinder head showing off some . “Yes, yes! Gather around! Your boy Ron James got some magic for you peeps, just in time for the holidays!”  He has grown a white beard in the interim.

“What do you have for us?” A curious human asks. Despite all the advanced technology surrounding them, they are fascinated by the concept of magic. Some humans were even hoping of visiting Wizard City and learning some magic there.

“So glad you asked, brother! Tell me all about your troubles!”

“Oh, I was hoping of being able to eat all I want this Christmas without worrying about all that winter weight. My wife has been getting on my case about that.” A human who is quite pudgy asks.

Ron James then looks under his counter searching his wares. He pulls up a potion. 

“Now this, this is what you need. Just one sip of this baby and you would be burning calories like no tomorrow!” The wizard boasts that his potion would induce immense weight loss.

But before Ron James could hand the human the potion, it gets stopped by a reddish force-field.

“Hey, what gives?” Ron James gripes as his potion gets lifted out of his hands into someone elses.

They look to see it is a tall Candy Person holding the potion. She has reddish cake skin with white lines running across her face. She has creamy white hair that is tied up in a braid which she wears a red fedora over. She wears white gloves, a crimson frock coat, brown khaki pants, and black dress shoes. She has changed a bit over the years. She has developed a more curvy, feminine figure almost like Princess Bubblegum. 

It is none other than Red Velvet Cake. For years, she has been one of Ooo’s best detectives who specializes in solving cases involving wizards and magic. She was once Huntress Wizard and Aurora’s classmate but they parted on bitter terms after graduation. Several years afterwards, they were able to reconnect once more and forgive themselves for what happened back then. Since then, Velvet continues her work of solving crimes with her psychic abilities.

Red Velvet Cake takes out a crystal from her pocket which shines a light on the potion.

“I believe this is a Thinner Potion?”

“Yeah, and what if it is?” Ron James scoffs.

“I believe this is banned both due to the dangerous effects it could cause in making you lose far too much weight which could cause death. And also because of its ingredients containing tapeworms.”

“Ugh!” The chubby man recoils at what Ron James almost sold him.

Red Velvet Cake inspected the rest of the potions he was selling. Pulling out a list from her pocket, she found that these potions were made with volatile ingredients that would render them too dangerous to be sold to normal consumers.

“I am afraid you are going to close this stall and take your potions away from here.” Red Velvet warns him, pulling out a badge indicating she has the authority to do so on account of the Wizard Police.

Ron James, not wanting to get in trouble, reluctantly packs up his stall and leaves. However, he still grumbles under his breath about her being a total killjoy on Christmas.

“Still on the job, are you, Ms. Cake?” Betty recognizes that Candy Person, having met her several times in Wizard City. She was mentioned as being incredibly intelligent and serious for a candy person, becoming Wizard City’s top detective with many solved cases under her belt.

“Justice does not take holidays as it is.” Velvet Cake replies as she turns to see Simon and Betty.

“Wow, I did not expect to meet you here?” Simon notes. He only knew her as Huntress Wizard’s friend who described her as a very stern and standoffish. Although he appreciated her efforts in stopping people from being poisoned by Ron James’ potions.

“Well, I was traveling around in this area, making sure my fellow wizards are not trying to take advantage of people’s naivety here.” she explains her presence.

She holds up a pocket watch showing the time. “I have been wondering if Huntress Wizard has arrived here. Where could she be?”

“Oh, what a coincidence! We were looking for her and Finn as well? Care to join us?” Betty offers.

“I see why not.” Velvet Cake decides to accompany them as they try to find the rest of their friends.

Along the way, Velvet had to stop a demon from selling cursed jewelry to unsuspecting wizards, settling a dispute between a Flame Person and a Slime Person over a game of Tic-Tac-Toe, and a Wizard who is also running around naked once more.

That is when they see some rainbows and sparkles shooting up in the sky which is followed by some loud cheerings of “oohs” and “awws” they can hear.

“Woah, what was that?” Simon points out.

“Hmmm, let us see.” Velvet says as they walk over to check it out. At a nearby street corner, a large group of people have gathered around a mobile stage. 

Aurora’s daughter Debbie is on stage, practicing magic for their onlookers. She is dressed like a little magician with a top hat and opera cloak. She has been shooting rainbows and sparkles 

After shooting plenty of rainbows in the sky, “Oh, you think that is good? Wait until you see my next trick! For this, I need my assistant!”

That is when Aurora steps on stage wearing a glitzy purple dress. She waves genially to the audience and blows some kisses to the crowd. 

“Woah, is that Aurora?” Simon looks with astonishment. He knows her better than Velvet, what with how she desperarately wants to be a member of Finn’s circle of friends ever since she reunited with Huntress. 

“No, that just happens to be another attention-seeking cloud person..” Velvet deadpans.

Debbie pulls out a large wooden box for her mom to step inside before closing the door.

“For those faint at heart, you might want to look away from this one.” The magical child warns.

She then pulls out several blades that she then drives into the box with the Humans gasping. These blades divide the large box into several smaller sections. 

Debbie then waves her hands and she has the boxes float out of place and start rearranging themselves.

She then opens up the box to reveal Aurora’s head, midsection, and legs have been split. Aurora has her head on the bottom with her legs in the middle and her torso on the top.

“What smells like feet?” Aurora’s head casually says before looking up, “Oh, it is just me.” she takes her dismemberment quite well.

That prompts several rounds of laughter from the humans.

Debbie then reassembles the boxes back in the right order before opening them up.

Aurora steps out in one piece. She arches her back (despite having no bones).

“Ah, that really saved me a load on chiropractor sessions.” 

That prompts several more laughs from the audience.

Simon, Betty, and surprisingly Velvet stay to watch Aurora’s daughter throw a stage performance for everyone this Christmas. Debbie continues doing card tricks, making audience members pick out cards without looking before showing the chosen card, pulling rabbits out of an empty hat, and escaping a water tank.

“Wow, Aurora’s child is very talented!” Betty cheers with Simon agreeing. 

“I don’t see why they prefer these parlor tricks only normies get over actual magic.” Velvet scoffs with an eyeroll at her old classmate and her child making a spectacle of themselves.

“Now here is the moment you all have been waiting for! This is the big finale!” Debbie boasts. 

“For this, we need a volunteer!” she exclaims.

Immediately, their audience goes wild with everyone yelling and raising their hands.

“Pick me!”

“No, pick me!”

“Nuh-uh, I am going to be in it!”

“As if!”

Aurora scans through the people  for anyone who might be the right fit for this trick.

That is when she sees some familiar faces in the back.

“Hey, you there! You seem like the right fit!” Aurora points her finger at Simon Petrikov standing next to Betty and Velvet. 

“What, me?” Simon acts confused. He did not even volunteer.

“Go for it, Simon!” Betty says, pushing him in the back.

“Okay, okay!” Simon says, reluctantly deciding this is happening as he makes his way through the crowd and climbs up on stage.

“What is your name, you silver fox?” Aurora asks in jest, knowing full well who he is but this is jut part of an act. Though now that she notices, he still looks pretty good with his age, just having some silver streaks and a little wrinkles on his face there. Wait, let’s not get distracted here.

Simon taken aback a bit by her teasing. “Umm, Simon Petrikov?” he says, choosing to just go along with whatever she is planning.

Turning Simon around and standing behind him, “Nice to meet you, Mr. Petrikov. Now stand right here. This trick requires you to stay extremely still, don’t move a muscle.” The cloud girl tells her as she grabs ahold of his shoulders.

“Okay, what are you going to do?” Simon says with curiosity.

“Oh, nothing big. We are just going to shoot you in the face with this gun!” Debbie says as she stands on a stool holding a gun in her hand. 

The audience gasps in shock at what these magicians are attempting.

“WHAAATTT!?!” Simon screams in shock, not expecting them to do that kind of magic trick! He remembers how this Chinese man died trying to perform that trick they are doing.

“Hey, hold still!” Aurora holds him back as he tries to run away.

“The hell I am holding still when you are going to shoot me in the face!” Simon protests.

“Relax, we have this planned out! You are not going to feel a thing!” Aurora whispers in his ear to reassure him.

That is when Simon sees Debbie testing the gun by tossing up an apple and shooting at it. The apple bursts into chunks.

“That is what I am afraid of!” Simon hisses.

Even Betty thinks this is getting out of hand and has a half a mind to run up there and stop this show. Velvet herself can only look with disapproval at Aurora not knowing when she is going too far.

“Okay, ready!” Debbie says as she takes aim at Simon and has her finger on the trigger.

“Ready!” Aurora replies as she restrains Simon who is desperately trying to escape.

“No, I am not ready!” Simon manages to blurt out.

BANG!

The gun is fired and Simon is thrown onto his back to the floor.

The audience gasps as they wonder if they manage to pull off the trick or worse.

Aurora stoops over Simon as Debbie. “Hey, Simon! Speak to me!” 

That is when he feels something stuck in his throat and starts gagging on it. “KEH-KEH-KEH!”

**PTOOO**

Simon coughs up a rubber ducky that was in his throat. Somehow, the bullet transformed into a rubber ducky when it went into his throat.

Debbie runs over to pick it up and show to the crowd.

“AND THERE YOU HAVE IT! Talk about Ducking the Bullet.” Debbie exclaims as she squeezes the rubber ducky in her hand.

That prompts some roaring laughter and applause  at their most audacious trick yet!

Aurora helps Simon up to his feet as they stand alongside Debbie. Together, they take a bow to signal the end of the performance. 

“How was it, professor?” Aurora says as the crowd clears and she puts away her daughter’s magic stage in a small chest.

He gives her a dry look. “Almost gave a heart attack, but thanks for asking.” He thought if the bullet did not get him, his aging heart would.

Aurora turns to see Betty stepping on the show

“And you must be Betty. How did it feel to have your husband to be the star-”

That is when Betty yanks her by her collar and pulls her to her face.

“If you try something like that again with him,  I will Chaos magic you into mist!” She warns with a stern glare as she emits some reddish sparks from her eyes.

“Yeah, that’s fair.” Aurora admits. The problem with her is that she has a hard time understanding what is fun for her is probably not the case for anyone else.

“But other than that, that was the best magic show I have ever seen. You and your daughter really know your craft.” Betty acknowledges when she calms down, letting her go.

“Thanks! I have been working all week on that!” Debbie speaks up. She admittedly was hesitant about doing that bullet catch trick but her mother encouraged her to go through with it.

Finally, Aurora turns to see Velvet who has been standing to the side.

“Aah, Velvet! Just the person I wanted to see tonight!” 

“And you are the opposite of that.” Velvet replies.

“What did you think of the show?” Aurora asks, always eager to hear what she has to say.

“The fact that it is superfluous when you and her have actual magic. And yet you decide to put on this ridiculous spectacle only these buffoons who know little about magic would be entertained? But to give credits worth, you certainly put a lot of effort in this. Someone’s head did not get blown off, so there’s that.”

“I have been tuning out everything else besides that last part to say aww, thanks!” Aurora smiles as she wraps her arms around Velvet who flinches at her contact. Normally, Velvet would just immediately repel her but she seems to tolerate it. Aurora lets go after a few moments. 

“So it is just you, Mr. Tweedpants, and turtleneck? Have you seen Finn and HW?” Aurora asks.

“We are looking for them actually! Why don’t you come and join us?” Betty offers.

“And try not to start another fire this time.” Velvet adds. 

“Try not to bust another crime ring this time.” Aurora fires back. Even if they have reconnected and gotten along better than they usually did, that still does not stop them from trading barbs at each other.

Aurora says before turning to her daughter. “Go and find your father, tell him to go and meet us at the huge christmas tree in the center of town.”

“Got it, mom!” Debbie says before running off. Aurora trusts her to handle herself as she gives mommy time with her pals.

Aurora is eager to share her own stories with what she has been up to this whole Christmas season. Running Cloud Nine, the major Entertainment Company of Ooo, has her burning both ends of the candle. She has been working on finishing production of toys, video games, movies, albums, and other entertainment media to meet the Christmas deadline. Brawling Time 2 has a few bugs but hopefully she can iron those out later once everyone gives it a try. There was also the Fionna and Cake books she has been publishing, recycling the same volumes with no new stories being made.

“So when do you want those royalty checks for the Fionna and Cake books?” Aurora asks. She has been writing checks to Jake’s family for permission to use his likeness in her toyline.

“Oh, no, thank you!  I rather not owe anything to those books if I can help it!” Simon refutes her offer. Sure, those books made him popular but not in the good way. Children won’t stop seeing him other than that guy who used to be the Ice King.

He really wants to put this whole Ice King nonsense behind him which includes those damn fanfictions he could not recall ever writing. When Aurora asked him to sell her the rights to Fionna and Cake, he could not sign the deal fast enough. 

“I have to say, Aurora. I can’t believe you actually brought back mass media to the land of Ooo?” Betty points out. Ever since the first Mushroom War, everything about humanity’s culture such as movies, tv shows, and video games have been wiped out. The survivors were content to just preserve what was made before that fateful cataclysm. The residents of Ooo did have some fascination with the ancient past even if they had little understanding of it.

However, this cloud person was able to create a company that managed to make new movies, tv shows, and video games on a much larger scale. All kinds of Ooo personalities such as Marceline, Flame Princess, and Lumpy Space Princess are given platforms to promote themselves. Ooo has never been more connected and fun than ever.

“Well, someone has got to do it. And I was up to the task.” Aurora sees it as no big deal. Ever since she was a child, she was enraptured by the movies and video games humans made in the ancient past. Thinking it was a shame that there are no new movies or video games made today, she decided to change that.

Walking down a street, they are surrounded by many large screens that broadcast all kinds of products and shows in Ooo. There is Marceline and Princess Bubblegum rocking out in their latest music video, Commercial sponsored by K.K.W Enterprises presenting a variety of homes for sale, Lady Rainicorn’s Spa displaying glamorous beauty treatments, and other toys resembling popular Ooo residents. All of these broadcasted by the Cloud Nine Network the leading (and only) broadcast network in Ooo.

Simon and Betty feel like they have stepped back into Times Square. Even Velvet looks with some interest at what her classmate had made. She thought that Aurora’s obsession with Pop culture was stupid but she actually made a rising industry out of it.

Aurora notices that look Velvet is giving. “You like what you see? Maybe I could shoot you a commercial for your detective firm. Or heck, your own TV show CSI: Ooo! Justice has never tasted so Sweet!” the Cloud girl’s eyes sparkle at the idea of everyone watching her friend solving mysteries and chasing down criminals. 

Velvet’s lips curl at how her friend is getting ahead of herself, thinking her exploits should be put on live television. Does she really think she does what she does for attention? I mean that is what she is always been doing. 

“Yeah, no. I don’t need your kind of help, Aurora. Not everything has to be a ridiculous spectacle. Some of the most important tasks are the ones nobody knows about.” Aurora firmly turns her down.

Simon finds himself agreeing with Velvet. He has his own adventures with Marceline that some people might want to hear. But for he and her, they were legitimately traumatizing to go through.

Simon, Betty, Aurora, and Velvet continue walking through the Christmas festival, seeing a lot of people attending. Some of them they recognize.

There is Mannish Man the Minotaur still kicking after all this time. His orange mane has since turned white, and if anything, made him look better than before. He is at the Christmas festival flexing his muscles upon muscles to onlookers. Throughout the years, he has maintained his chiseled physique.

Mannish Man is busy carrying some humans on his shoulders when-

“Looking good, Manny!” Aurora calls out to Mannish Man, walking right up to his side.

“Oh, hey, Aurora! Pleasure seeing you!” Mannish Man says as he tosses up those humans on his shoulders to stoop down to her, face to face.

“How has it been for you?” Aurora asks.

“Oh, you know me! Just staying manly as always!” Mannish Man says, doing another flex and casually catching the humans he tossed up in the air.

“I say!” Aurora remarks as she leers at his posterior with a hint of redness in her cheeks and a smug grin.

“See you later that night?” Mannish Man says as he continues flexing to his audience.

“You know it, my beefcake.” Aurora says as she gives a light slap on his thigh before turning away.

Picking up on their interactions,  “Wait, are you?” Simon addresses.

“Married to Abracadaniel?” but Velvet finishes it for him. To be honest, she is not surprised that she still plays around even after having a kid. 

Aurora scratches the back of her head, “Aah, yeah. But he understands a girl like me would get bored without some diversity.” she chuckles. “Woman cannot live on rubbery glutes alone.”

It is not just Mannish Man she has been seeing over the years. 

Simon and Betty have some misgivings about this, due to being quite dedicated to each other and also because where they were from, monogamous relationships are the norm and anything else is frowned upon.

 Ooo has progressed to be a lot more open when it comes to relationships. Marriages are still practiced but it is usually optional for couples. Marceline and Bubblegum have been with each other for a long time and they still have not decided to marry. (but they still like talking about it).  It has since been understood that as long as everyone involved knows what is going on and there is no secrets, there is no harm having a little fun.

“1 pull-up! 2 pull-ups! 3 pull-ups!” A green man shaped like a bean chants as he repeatably lifts up a rubber ball with his buttocks and drops it the floor. He has been trying to teach several humans the highly competitive sport of Dropball. But they are not as good at it as him.

Everyone just walks past that without saying anything.

There is another family of Wizards present in Up-Ton.They all have minty green skin and cylinder heads. One of them is an older woman in her late 20s who has fairy wings, a forked tail, and a unicorn horn on her head. There is her younger brother who looks like a dragon. And then their youngest brother who is unchanged. These were actually the children of Peace Master. They were once fans of the Dark Arts but have since renounced it after a very terrible incident they experienced. They have since decided to continue their father’s legacy of hunting down the dark arts. (Even if two of them are monsters)

There is the Ancient Sleeping Magi spending time with his son who is Finn’s hat he brought to life with his magic. He is entertaining other citizens by bringing random things to life with his touch.

“I love my mommy!” He touches a Gingerbread Man decoration, infusing it with the essence of life and desire to hug people.

“Mommy!” He says as he animates a street light, a pine tree, and a cup of hot cocoa.

“Mommy!” he slaps some guy’s winter jacket which springs off his body with a life of its own.

“Hey! Bundle up, it is freezing here!” The winter jacket lectures the guy, prompting some laughs.

The Ancient Sleeping Magi couldn’t be any better, he managed to master his magic over the years. It is all thanks to his aging mother who is proud of the wizard he grown up to be and no longer having to suffer from his abusive father who died several years ago.

“Ummm, excuse me sir?” A pair of children walk up to the Life-giving Magi.

“Yeah, what’s shaking?” He asks as they beckon him to follow them.

“Can you bring our snowman to life?” The children ask?

“Of course! Mommy!” The life-giving magi obliges with a nice touch.

“Oh, it is a wonderful day to go out in the snow and play!” The Snow Man springs to life with a song and dance.

“Yes! We did not need that stupid song anyways!” The children giggle after many failed attempts to bring their snowman to life.

“Wow, there are so many people here.” Simon notes. While the Humans of Up-Ton are intrigued by what the land of Ooo has to offer and visit many of its places, it is surreal to see the opposite where many Ooo denizens are allowed to frolick on this hyperadvanced metropolis.

“Dang it, where is Huntress and Finn? Where could they be?” Aurora complains.

Velvet remains silent as the cloud girl pokes her forehead for ideas. “Let’s see, if I was a forest nymph who prefers the wilderness but comes up to this technological city because my boyfriend wants to, where would I be?”

“Hello there, are you guys a bit lost?” Someone else calls out to the group. 

They turn to see a yellow dog with a horn on her head and a bushy tail sitting in a tent. It is Charlie who has grown older with her hair graying a bit and draped around her face. She wears a long purple dress with a talisman hanging around her neck. She is one of Jake’s children who has pursued a career as a fortune teller, being able to predict the future through card reading. Many people sought her talents to see where their fates lie.

“Charlie?” Aurora and Velvet recognize her as she has visited Wizard City and met them on multiple occasions. 

“What seems to be the trouble?” The Rainicorn pup asks them.

“Oh, we are just trying to find our friends. But we have a hard time finding them through this massive crowd.” Aurora tells her.

“I see. Would you like to have your fortune read?” Charlie offers.

“Oh, that would be fascinating.” Betty gushes. She always has been fascinated by the concept of Tarot cards where what they represent can indicate what path you are heading down. Simon does find them interesting but is not as invested in them, finding them to be a bit tedious and just confirming what he already knows.

“Well, come in and I can see what I can do.” she beckons the group into her tent.

The Rainicorn Pup searches some jars she has lying around and pulls out a hunk of fur and a bone that she places on the floor. 

She then pulls out a deck of tarot cards, shuffling them up in her hands, before dealing them out.

“Alright, so each of you pick out one card from the pile.” She instructs them.

Aurora, Velvet, Simon, and Betty each pull out a single card from the deck.

“Now reveal what card you have and I will let you know what it says about you. Remember, you got your card for a reason. There are no accidents.”

Aurora turns over her card which has the picture of the Sun. 

Charlie explains that card, “The Sun. It radiates with optimism and positivity.”

“Oh, that sounds fun!” Aurora grins.

“It does. You are a source of warmth and happiness that you bring into other people’s lives. As long as you believe in yourself, you will never fail!”

“I don’t need a card to tell me that!” Aurora says with her companions agreeing that she can be a bundle of joy.

“I must warn you though, the Sun Card represents your inner child. You might suffer from lack of responsibilities and treat everyday like a non-stop party. Your ambitions take you so high up in the clouds that you detach yourself from reality.”

“Oh . . . “ Aurora gasps. Admittedly she has thought she could have her cake and eat it too, what with thinking she can juggle the responsibilities as a CEO, wife, mother, and explorer all at the same time. She has been pumping out so many movies and shows over the years, jumping at the next big idea, without taking a step back to see it clearly all the way through.

“I guess I would go next.” Velvet sighs as she flashes her card which has a judge holding a sword and a scales.

“The Justice Card.” Charlie identifies.

“Yeah, that sounds about right. You are all about justice.” Aurora quips as Charlie continues.

“You are dedicated to seeking justice, fairness, and the truth. Everyone is equal in the law as far as you are concerned.” The Rainicorn pup states.

“Mmmm. . . “ Velvet goes along with what she is saying.

“But when reversed, Justice represents that your motives are not morally pure. Sticking to your principles may lead to conflicts with other people. There is no shame in showing some flexibility.”

“Yeah, instead of being a right stick in the mud.” Aurora notes. Even after all this time, Velvet still imposes high standards on herself or everyone. Whereas Aurora loves to party, Velvet does not know when to clock off on her work. 

“Quiet.” Velvet shushes her. 

“Ummm, may I?” Simon moves forward with his own card. Who knows? It might be something totally different from what he expected.

“The Moon.” Charlie says recognizing the card that has a moon in the night sky with two wolves howling under it.

“So the Moon upright represents fear and illusions born from your past experiences that may affect your present and future. You have painful memories that you choose to push deep down rather than properly deal with them. And in doing so, it prevents you from properly moving on.

“Ugh . . . “ Simon shifts uneasily at what this Card suggests. Yes, that is understating his situation.

“You do?” Betty looks at him with concern in her eyes. 

“I don’t want to talk about it right now.” especially during Christmas when it is supposed to be a time of happiness.

“Fair enough, maybe we can bring this up with Minerva some time afterwards.” Betty says.

Finally, Betty reveals her card. There are two people holding cups to each other.

“The Two of Cups.” Charlie proclaims.

Betty however explains what this card means, “Oh, I know this one! It is about unified love, partnerships, and mutual attraction. We create deep connections and partnerships that can last a lifetime. Me and my partner bring out the best in each other and drive us to whole new heights.  We do whatever we can to support each other.”

“Yeah, that’s what I was going to say. But reversed?” Charlie implores her to continue since she knows just as much.

Betty stammers before continuing, “Oh, well, reversed. It involves self-love and making time for yourself. Otherwise, you find yourself greatly imbalanced and heavily dependent on your partner to give yourself meaning. You need to make time for yourself to redefine who you are outside of your relationships. Ohhh . . . “ she blanches a bit realizing what she just said. Yeah, that is something she has been attending counseling sessions with Minerva to address. 

Simon leans over to hold  her hand, understanding perfectly well what she is feeling. She does not need any card to tell her that.

“Oh, crud, my bad. I might have shown you too much about yourselves.” Charlie realizes she might have killed the festive vibes they had.

That is when they hear a baby crying in the back.

Charlie rushes to the back of the tent where she is carrying a wolf pup with a horn on its head.

“Sorry, baby. Mama was getting too carried away with her tarot reading to realize you wanted your bottle.” she coos at her child whom she calms down with a milk bottle.

“Oh, who is that?” Simon asks, another grandchild of Jake besides Bronywn.

“Oh, him? This little pooka of mine is Gibbon. I actually saw him before in one my previous visions.” Charlie explains.

“Oh, who is the father?” Betty asks.

“Oh, he is a very interesting man I have met somewhere in this desert on one of my travels. I am surprised that there are civilizations in other lands beyond Ooo” she mentions some details about the father of her child. But she is not giving away anything.

“There are other civilizations outside of Ooo?” Simon raises an eyebrow upon hearing that. Now that he thinks about it, what other parts of Earth has been changed since the first Mushroom War. The only other land outside of Ooo he knew about was the Archipelago were the humans fled. That would be certainly an expedition worth setting forth on.

“Yeah, well, thank you for your time, Ms. Charlie. It was certainly an eye-opening experience” Velvet wraps up their tarot reading session and skidaddles. 

Aurora, Velvet, Simon, and Betty continue walking through the streets of Up-Ton where there are numerous Ooo residents who have either partaken in the festivities or set up stalls of their own.

That is when they hear the sound of sword-swinging and people cheering.

“Woah, what is that?” Simon says as their curiosity draws them closer. 

That is when they see a large crowd gathered around, leaving an open space where they see two combatants duking out in the center.

“Hah!!” A tall blonde hairy man with a wooden arm yells boldly as he swings his sword.

However, a man even bigger than him with yellow skin and antlers counters it with a swing of his own sword.

They both lock their blades against each other and stare down at each other, flexing their respective muscles.

“Excellent! Just as we practiced, Sweet P!” The blonde man grins with delight.

“Thank you, Mr. Finn!” The giant sparring against him replies in a soft tone.

They both break away from the clash and give each other some space.

That is when Aurora, Velvet, Simon, and Betty make it through the crowd to see clearly who the combatants are.

It is Finn and Sweet P having a public spar in Up-Ton, showing off their skills to the audience.

Finn still wears his blue tunic ripped open in the chest area, not giving a damn about the cold. He is wielding an iron sword with an oak handle and an emerald pommel (yes, it is an emerald and not a ruby, dang colorblindness)

Sweet P himself has grown taller, about two feet than he used to be as a child, His chubbiness turned into stout muscles. He also grew a short beard covering his chin with a brown mane growing down his back but not as long as Finn’s. He wears a thick fur coat for this cold weather, big leather pants, and fur boots. He wields the Night Sword that was once Finn’s but has since been reforged to Sweet P’ size and handed down to him.

The two circle around each other, trying to assess each other’s strengths and weaknesses.

“Got to say, Sweet P. You are keeping up with my moves rather nicely.” Finn compliments.

Sweet P giggles, “Thanks, Mr. Finn! I would not have done it without your teachings.” he replies, still keeping the same modesty he had as a child despite his newfound strength.

“Welp, get ready, Sweet P. Because I am about to take you to school!” Finn grins as he takes things to the next level.

“Right!” Sweet P says as he takes a stance with his sword.

That is when Finn holds his sword with his wooden arm, bringing it behind his back. He then slings it forward, the ligneous appendage rushing forward like a vine right at Sweet P.

Sweet P blocks the first blow but then the wooden arm comes flying back to strike him again. Finn turned his wooden arm into a whip, lashing at Sweet P from many different angles which he parries deftly. This Wooden arm is even more flexible than the previous robot prosthetic. 

Sweet P charges in to close the distance between him and Finn, lunging at him with his sword. Finn tries to strike at him one more time but Sweet P manages to deflect that as well. He flips around and brings down his sword, chopping Finn’s wooden arm off at the elbow.

“Aww!!” Finn gasps as his wooden arm holding the iron sword clutters to the ground. He rolls out of the way as Sweet P swings his blade down at him. Sweet P follows up with another horizontal swing that Finn has to lean back to avoid, the tip of the blade cutting some whiskers off his beard. 

Finn manuevers  around Sweet P. He then reaches out with the stump of his wooden arm which quickly regrows itself. He stretches it over to his iron sword to pick it up before blocking a sword thrust from Sweet P. Another cool feature of Finn’s Wooden arm is that if it ever gets damaged, it quickly regenerates unlike his robot arm. 

Sweet P tries to bring down his sword at Finn who raises up his wooden arm to block it. The wooden arm immediately grows a wide wooden buckler that traps Sweet P’s sword.

As Sweet P struggles to pull his sword out, this leaves him open for Finn to swing back his fleshy fist and punch him right in the gut.

“Ooh!” Sweet P gasps from the blow, letting go of the sword and backing away from Finn.

Finn pulls out the Night Sword from his wooden arm and throws it away. He decides to make it fair by throwing away his iron sword as well. They decide to use their fists instead. Despite Finn being smaller than Sweet P, he is putting him on the defensive.

Aurora, Velvet, Simon, and Betty are looking at the fight with great interest. They were searching for Finn, alright. But they did not expect to see him in a duel with Sweet P. For the past decade, Sweet P has been receiving training from Finn to become a hero just like him. And it will be paying off in the next 1000 years.

“Woah!! Finn is kicking serious butt!” Aurora calls out, always excited to see her favorite hero in action.

“My goodness, I have a hard time believing that is actually Sweet P.” Simon shakes his head, remembering when he was just a sweet little boy who could not bring himself to hurt a fly.

“That is a great deal of nature magic in that wooden arm.” Velvet recognizes the kind of appendage Finn has and its numerous powers.

“Naturally, considering I am the one who made it for him.” Someone appears right behind them, seemingly out of thin air. It was Huntress Wizard . . . and she is wearing an ugly sweater that Finn bought for her and Bronwyn. Not very uncomfortable compared to her linen robes but she wears it anyways.

“Woah, Huntress!” Aurora calls out with delight upon seeing their mutual friend at long last. 

“I did not even sense you coming.” Velvet admits. And that is rare since she has been using her psychic abilities to scan every crowd they pass by. It felt like she just blipped right in their presence.

“Oh, Huntress Wizard! We were looking for you and Finn all over.” Simon tells her. Now all that is left is for them to find Marceline and Bubblegum. He wonders what those girls have been up to.

“So where have you been, HW? What have you and the Finnster been doing since getting up here on Up-Ton? C’mon, spare me the Deets!” Aurora presses.

HW sighs as she regales her side of the story, “A lot of things. You wouldn’t believe the amount of meditation I had to do before coming up to this outpost so far removed from nature and with this massive crowd to deal with on top of that. So one of Finn’s mom’s robots was showing us what they have to offer such as these video games that gave me a migraine and these food dispensers that I have to admit was pretty decent. Although It still cannot beat the taste of gamey meat.  Afterwards, we just went off on our own and saw some places.”

“So did you meet anyone else?” Velvet adds.

Huntress recalls all the people she met along with Finn. “Oh, Bronwyn was with us but split off from us to go help Lady. Then we met BMO, Phoebe, LSP and her boyfriend Lemongrab, Jake Jr. and her girlfriend, and some other peeps. They all said they would be meeting us at the huge Christmas tree in the center.”

“Did you see Marceline and Bubblegum?” Simon asks Huntress.

“Nope.” She bluntly says.

“Anyways, I also had to deal with Forest Wizard pestering me again on how I became so powerful with my magic. And like the last umpteenth times, I told him no. Me and Finn then met Sweet P and his dad selling pies at the market, tried some.  And then Finn decided he wanted to fight his disciple and here we are.” she finishes up her story.

They continue watching Finn and Sweet P coming at each other with their fists. Despite Sweet P being much bigger than Finn, he is not as fast and agile as him. Finn was able to dance around Sweet P’s punches before knocking him around with his own.

“Hi-yaaahhh!!” Finn runs up to Sweet P and hits him upside the chin with his foot, staggering him.

“Time to finish this!” Finn yells with gusto as he dives downward at Sweet P with his wooden arm. His wooden arm expands like an oak tree, growing into a humungous fist that he uses to crush the boy into the floor.

“Ooohhhh!!” The audience gasps as they think Finn already won this match.

Mr. Pig is in the crowd watching his son battling and winces. He is getting on in years, having grown several wrinkles around his eyes. 

“C’mon, Sweet P! You can do it! I believe in you!!” He calls out to his son to pick himself back up.

“Okay, dad!” Sweet P replies from underneath the huge wooden fist.

“Huh?”  Finn is taken aback when he feels his wooden arm getting pushed off.

And then his Wooden arm gets exploded into splinters!

Finn reels back from the sheer force, landing with his feet on the ground.

“Wowza!” he exclaims as he peers through a smoke cloud where Sweet P should be standing.

The smoke cloud drifts away revealing a dramatic transformation in Sweet P. Pink crystals have grown around Sweet P’s facial features with glowing eyes. He also has pink veins bulging around his body.

“Oh, now we are talking!” Finn grins at Sweet P using that power. He regrows his wooden arm and is back for more.

Sweet P just floats up from the ground and starts shooting powerful white lasers from his hands, the same lasers that the Extinct Guardians of the Crystal Citadel once used, at Finn down below.

Now the tables have turned, with Finn jumping around to dodge the lasers. Sweet P takes care not to hit anyone else with his powerful laser beams as he uses them to pressure Finn.

“C’mon, Finn! You been through worse than this!” Aurora calls out, cheering him on.

Simon and Betty just hope that they won’t seriously hurt each other in this duel. But Finn can still be a reckless lunk, what with that adventure he dragged Simon into where they wandered into a forest Huntress Wizard explicitly said was forbidden. Boy, did Betty and Marceline really tear into Finn for that.

Velvet and HW do not say anything about the fight, the former because she does not really care much about fighting and the latter who is fully certain about the outcome.

“So what is with that Wooden Arm Finn is toting? What is he packing?” Aurora asks Huntress.

Huntress turns to her friend to answer that, “That Wooden arm is constructed with the highest-level Nature Magic. It can grow into any shape he can imagine and it can also regenerate easily when damaged.”

Finn grins as he dodges another barrage of lasers from Sweet P. “You may have tricks up your sleeve but so do I!” 

He raises up his wooden arm which shifts and grows into another form. Popping out of his wrist is  large wooden rocket launcher.

“I am really pining for this victory!” He says as he shoots out several pine cones from it.

“It can also do that.” Huntress adds.

These Pine Cones explode next to Sweet P, stunning him.

Sweet P takes a moment to recover and tries to look for Finn.

That is when Sweet P gets some vines launched up at him, wrapping tightly around the reincarnated Citadel Guardian.

“I got this all wrapped up!” Finn chuckles as he yanks Sweet P back down.

Sweet P is sent hurtling down at Finn who clocks with another mean left hook that sents him toppling onto the ground.

Keeping Sweet P bounded in his vines, Finn jumps over and is ready to knock him out with another punch.

That is when a portal flickers like static in front of Finn. His fist goes through that portal and another portal appears right next to Finn’s head. Finn’s fist comes out of that portal punching himself in the face, knocking him to the side.

“Woah, did not see that coming!” Finn admits, it has been a long time since he saw that. 

After the Lich was fully extracted from Sweet P’s body, he has developed new powers similar to the Citadel Guardians whose blood gave birth to him. He is now immortal, can shoot devastating lasers, and also portals across the multiverse. 

Many Ooo residents are heavily invested in the battle between Finn Mertens and Sweet P, with several taking bets on either one.

“I bet that Finn the Human would win this!”

“Nuh-uh, did you see the lasers that big guy is shooting? And those portals? He got this in the bag!”

“Popcorn, get your popcorn!” A Popcorn person yells as he is walking through the crowd offering popcorn made from himself.

“So what do you think, Velvet? What does that big brain of yours tell you about the outcome of this battle?” Aurora asks her candy detective. 

Velvet puts a finger to her chin as she analyzes the situation. “Hmmm. Well, Finn’s wooden arm possesses the incredible versatility and vitality of nature magic . But Sweet P has overwhelming power of his lasers and massive range  his portals grant. It could go either way. Ultimately, it comes down to experience.” 

Sweet P generates even more portals around him which he uses to warp his limbs around, striking Finn from many angles. However, Finn continues to be too quick and agile sidestepping, hopping, and parrying his attacks. He manages to catch Sweet P’s fist through a portal and then he just shoves him back with that same portal. 

“Let’s finish this!” Finn says as he charges at his student. He grows his wooden arm into a gigantic fist with spikes on them.

“Agreed, Mr. Finn!” Sweet P answers back as he runs towards him as well. He throws his own fist which is crackling with multidimensional energy. 

The audience holds its breath as their duel reaches its conclusion

Their fists clash against each other, Nature against Cosmic! They try to overpower the other, screaming their lungs out.

“AAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!”

“AAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!”

*BBBOOOOOOMMM**

A massive explosion erupts between them, sending both parties flying in opposite directions.

Woooaahhh!!” Finn yelps as he crashes into a large television screen ironically showing his face.

Wildberry Princess was walking down the street with her guards carrying wagons full of berries. That is when Sweet P suddenly drops onto the wagons, splattering berry juice everywhere.

“Sorry!” Sweet P apologizes to Wildberry Princess who was left in shock.

Finn and Sweet P manage to walk back where they hold out their hands to each other.

“That was an excellent fight, Sweet P! You really came a long way!” Finn smiles at his student. He did not think of himself as much of a teacher but he did not do a bad job of it.

“Aww, it is nothing, Mr. Finn! I just want to be as good a hero as you!” Sweet P smiles back at Finn, hoping to continue their training together.

“You did good, son! I couldn’t be any more proud. If only your mother was here to see what a fine man you become.” Mr. Pig races  up to his son’s legs.

“Yeah, if only.” Sweet P slightly frowns at the thought. 

Even though the fight ended in a draw, everyone was pretty happy how it turned out!

“DAMMIT!! I was really counting on Finn winning there!” Except for Aurora who was betting on Finn’s victory. She was hoping the Underdog that Finn was would have came out on top.

“Sorry that you are the only one disappointed.” Velvet shows no sympathy to Aurora as she and the rest of the group walk over to Finn.

“That was a terrific fight, Honey. Even with those cosmic powers of his, Sweet P still has much to learn.” Huntress Wizard walks over to her mate to give a gentle pat on his broad shoulder.

“Aww, the credit should go to you, Artra. It was your wooden arm that was carrying me the whole way through.” Finn calls her by her real name as he wraps his thick arm around her and hold her close. They both exchange a small kiss in celebration of the match.

That is when they sense a reddish crackle of energy in the air.

Suddenly, Marceline teleports right in front of them with Bubblegum by her side.

“I should have figured if there was an explosion nearby, you had something to do with it, Finn.” Marceline deadpans.

“Marceline!” Simon gasps with joy upon finally seeing her in person. 

“Simon!” Marceline is just as happy as he rushes over to give her a nice big hug which she also returns.

“How have you been? We have been looking all over for you.” The Old man tells her.

“I am doing fine, Simon! I could say the same for you.”  The Demon girl gives a toothy smile at him.

While Marceline and Simon are exchanging stories about their time in Up-Ton, Princess Bubblegum is addressing the rest of the group. 

“Good evening to you all, I hope your time here in Up-Ton has been most tremendous. Minerva Campbell has actually been consulting me and Wizard Princess on the security measures for the Christmas festival so everyone stays safe.”

 While Princess Bubblegum has long since retired as ruler of the Candy Kingdom, that does not mean she still has responsibilities as one of the smartest people in Ooo. As for the new ruler of Wizard City, Wizard Princess was quite open-minded in integrating magic spells with advanced technology to account for every possible threat.

“Yeah, it sure was!” Finn proclaims. “We met a lot of our friends here and I had an awesome fight.” Like HW mentioned, he came here with her and Brownyn, met Lady Rainicorn, BMO, Phoebe, LSP, Lemongrab, Jake Jr. and Penny. 

He also met Choose Goose’s daughter Lucky Ducky and his wife Lucy Goosy. It has been hard for them living with what happened to Choose Goose but they learn to deal. It also has been hard for him living with what happened to Jake. But whenever he has those bad thoughts, he tells himself that Jake would want him to be happy so that is what he is going to do.

“If you guys are done with whatever it is you were doing,  you all need to get going. We need to be at the massive Christmas Tree in the center of Up-Ton soon to get ready for the main event of the festival!”

“Oh, snap, you are right!” Aurora says, pulling out her watch. “I am also part of the main event! I really need to get my showtime dress! See you guys there! Last one is a rotten egg!” She says.

Suddenly a massive bolt of lightning comes down on where Aurora is standing. In a flash, she is no longer there.

“Yeah, same for me as well!” Marceline knows everyone is waiting for her to perform. 

“Simon, want me to warp you over there?” The demon girl offers.

Simon was going to take her up on that when Betty intervenes, “Actually, I can do that for him, thank you!”

Betty grabs ahold of Simon Petrikov. And doing some magical gestures, the two of them dissolve into red magical sparks and vanish.

Marceline blinks at seeing Betty do that but shrugs. “Fair enough.” She then wraps her arms around Bubblegum and they both teleport in a red flicker.

“Let me guess, you also have a teleportation spell?” Finn turns to his mate Huntress Wizard.

“Of course.” HW nods. “Hold on tight.” she tells him as they hold hands together. Suddenly, a furry of leaves appear and start swirling around them. This leafy tempest encloses on them and they vanish.

“Hmmph.” Velvet is the last one there. She notes how convenient it is that everyone has a teleportation spell. Well, it is the fastest way of getting around and she is no different.

She pulls out a crystal gun  which she uses to shoot a portal which she then walks through. The portal  immediately closes up.

And just like that, everyone instantly appears where they need to be.

“Wait, who got here last?” Aurora asks. The thing about teleportation is that it is instant.

“Does it matter?” Velvet curtly answers as everyone else walks past here. 

There is the Up-Ton Christmas tree towering ahead of them, oh so grand and majestic. Decorated with literally every ornament Ooo has to offer,. It is not just a symbol for Christmas but also unity between  all races and civilizations. Up-Ton understands that everyone is not so different from each other. 

Surrounding the ginormous Christmas tree, there are hundreds of tables already set up with Christmas decorations that could seat numerous guests. There are plenty of waiter robots who are providing appetizers and refreshments. The buffet spread would be available in due time.

“Hello, everyone! So glad to see you all make it herel.” Minerva cheerfully welcomes them, wearing a Santa Claus Hat on her head.

“Hey, mom!” Finn waves at his mother. It is so good to see her. 

Minerva beams and walks over to him. “Oh, there is my boy.” but she stands only up to his chest. 

She realizes that, “Goodness sake, Finn! You are getting so big and strong..” she lifts up his beefy arm in surprise. Even if she has been seeing him on a regular basis, she still has a hard time wrapping around that this is her little boy.

“Heh-heh, I know.” Finn chuckles, he is just as surprised as well. Whatever genes he has, they are wicked strong.

“So where are we sitting?” Bubblegum  asks Minerva. She made reservations ahead of time where she, Marceline, Finn, Huntress Wizard, Simon, Betty, as well as their other associates would have a table big enough to accommodate all of them.

Minerva lets go of Finn to address her, “Oh, yes! I have your table ready for you all. Follow me!” she beckons them.

She leads them through many tables that already have people seated. 

 There is Jungle Princess and her group of forest animals and guards. As the ruler of the Forests of Ooo, all forest critters and anyone connected to nature fall under her domain. She sees  Huntress Wizard and waves at her who nods back. Huntress Wizard still works under her as a Watcher of the Woods (probably its most powerful member in history) and pays her dues.

There is Slime Princess and her group of Slime Guards and trusted citizens. Seated right next to Slime Princess  is Elder Glops, son of Elder Plops. He got the position after his father’s untimely demise. They are planning on showing the Humans how they boogie.

There is Breakfast Princess sitting at another table with her citizens. She is still ruling the Breakfast Kingdom alongside her sisters Strudel Princess and Toast Princess. She smiles at Bubblegum but gives a dirty look at Marceline who returns it as well. She apparently never forgot that time where Marceline and Lumpy Space Princess kidnapped her and dumped her in the desert.

There is Lumpy Space Princess and Lemongrab 3 sitting together. They have decided to combine their respective parties together. LSP has brought her aging parents as well as her best friend Melissa (who she forgives for dating her ex-boyfriend because she found an even better one). Lemongrab has brought his Lemon children with him. He actually tried to find Lemonhope to apologize but the kid made it clear he does not want anything to do with him. Sadly, some things can’t be fixed no matter how much he wants it. 

“Hey, guys!” LSP waves at them. She is wearing a snazzy green dress with sequins while Lemongrab wears a red suit with a black bowtie.

“Oh, hey there LSP and Lemongrab!” Finn greets them. LSP has gotten a lot less sassy and selfish now that she is the princess of Lumpy Space for many years. (Although she still has her moments) Lemongrab has been seeing therapy to deal with his overwhelming social anxiety and difficulties interacting with people. That is to say, he will still scream at the top of his lungs if there is anything that offends his senses. Their relationship was a bit rocky at the start but they managed to make it work.

As part of her New Year’s resolution, Lumpy Space Princess would be more charitable this year. “Merry Christmas, guys and gals! Guess what? Because I am such a nice person, I am handing out free baby powder to everyone here.” she says, holding out some purple bottles with lumpy powder inside.

“And you sure this won’t be anything like those Lumpy Suds?” Aurora asks. That was a scandal not just for LSP but for Aurora as well for distributing it to the public without properly testing.

LSP scowls, “How dare you?! What kind of Lump do you think I am?” She made sure it did what it supposed to be which is making people smooth which is what they want (even if she finds that word a bit disconcerting)

“Darling, watch your words!” Lumpy Space Princess’s father calls her out for using that word on Christmas.

“Sorry, pops!” LSP realizes she lost her temper again. As part of her new year’s resolutions, she is going to be less temperamental and not jump over the handle at every nasty uncalled-for comment that stings her soul.

“Mother princess! Mother princess!” Lemongrab eagerly stands up from his table to approach Bubblegum.

“Yes, what is it, Lemongrab?” She asks her son. Bubblegum realizes that Lemongrab’s problems were kind of her doing and has been taking steps to understand him. 

“A present for you!” Lemongrab shows a yellow-wrapped gift box in front of him.

“Oh, for me?” Bubblegum feigns some surprise, having an idea of what it might be.

“Please open it quickly!” Lemongrab insists as Bubblegum opens up the gift box to find-

“Oh, wow? It is a Catcher’s mitt! How did you know I always wanted one?” Bubblegum says.

“Yes, because a game of catch is how people who are normal show they are getting along very well! Mother princess, I would dearly like to play that game with you.” Lemongrab cheers.

“Of course, Lemongrab. I would be willing to do that with you if that is what you want.” she gives a gentle touch to the lemon man’s sour cheek.

“Dude? What happened to your voice?” Finn points out, realizing it is a lot screechier than it should be.

“Oh, this? I have broken my vocal chords from screaming too much and had a transplant done!” Lemongrab explains the change in his voice.

“I don’t think I am ever going to get used to that.” Finn shakes his head as he and his friends walk away.

“A Catcher’s mitt again?” Marceline tells Bubblegum, wondering why she tells him all that even though he constantly gets her a Catcher’s mitt every year.

“Yes, but they mean so much to him and he is honestly trying. He needs this, Marcy.” Bubblegum tells her.

There is Flame Princess’s table where she has her (not-so evil) relatives sitting with her as well as some Flame Guards. There are two empty seats that Finn and his friends notice but do not comment.

“Oh, Merry Christmas, Phoebe!” Finn greets one of his close friends. Phoebe has changed a lot like Finn. Her body has grown to be more stocky with wider hips and thighs, giving her a more of a shortstack appearance.  Her flame hair has grown out into a long ornate braid trailing down her back. She wears a fine red dress that generously hugs her curves. 

“Merry Christmas to you as well, Finn!” Flame Princess smiles at her good friend, getting up from her table. She goes over to Finn who flinches a bit only to find her hugging him surprisingly.

“Woah, no burning?” Finn realizes no searing sensation from her.

“Yes, it is thanks to my magic necklace that allows me to touch people without burning them.” she shows a glamorous necklace with an orange jewel in the center.

“Who gave you that? This is sweet!” Finn is happy that FP is now able to get close to people without any Fire protection spells.

“Oh, my dutiful Court wizard Fuego.” She points over at another Flame person sitting at her table. He has a long flame head, wears glasses over them, and has grown a long curly mustache. He wears a nice snazzy fireproof suit.

“My name is Ignacio Galeras Teneguia La Palma Santa Margarida Fuego but you can call me Fuego for short.” He dramatically proclaims. Unlike other Flame people, he has long since tamed his own flames so he can interact with other people. He actually has been behind many projects to make the Fire Kingdom more accommodating to outsiders.

Fuego recognizes a certain Cloud person trying to hide which is unlike herself. “Oh, is that Aurora? So nice to see you again!” He gets up from his table to talk to her.

“Oh hey, Professor Fuego.” she awkwardly replies. It is always a bit weird to see your old teachers again after so long.

“Ah, I still remember fondly when you have first taken my course. You started out as such a feisty firecracker that left quite a hot mess on my hands.” He grimaces at the times Aurora loses control and he had to clean up after her.

“But then you brought such fiery passion in the class I could hardly expect. I was concerned about stomping out the wildfires of magic that I blinded myself to the homely warmth it could also bring. It was you brought back that spark I was missing.”

“Yeah, thanks, Professor.” Aurora beams at him. Admittedly, she did not feel that way about herself after leaving graduation. And it took several years to heal from her wounds. Like everyone else, she was able to move on and forge a much better future for herself.

Fuego realizes he took too much of her time, “Well, look at me blathering. I will leave you to enjoy yourself with Huntress and Aurora. Merry Christmas.” he bids her a farewell before settling back down in his seat.

Phoebe leaves her table to join Finn and the others. Her aunt Agnes and uncle Adonis would take care of representing the Fire Kingdom for her. She firmly reminds them to wear their special jewerly less they start some wildfires in their midst. She is really enjoying the fact that she can now freely mingle among people without burning them by accident.

“Alright then, here we are!” Minerva brings Bubblegum’s party to their table which is big enough to seat the large number of people they are expecting.

Bubblegum, Marceline, Finn, Huntress Wizard, Phoebe, Simon, Betty, Aurora, and Velvet find their seats.

Lady Rainicorn soon flies over to them with BMO on her back. They are the last to arrive.

“Hip-hip-hooray, It’s already Christmas Day!” The little robot cheers upon the rainbow horse’s back. They wear a little Santa Claus hat on top of their head.

“So nice to meet you all! May this be a night we will never forget!” The rainbow horse speaks with her graceful voice in English. She finally got around to wearing a translator collar like her parents so that people could understand her. She did change her colors, turning her coat into red and white stripes. She also brushed her golden mane so it is sparkly fresh.

“Oh, Lady Rainicorn, BMO! Terrific! Now the gang is all here!” Finn claps with delight. It has been a long time since they all have been together after living their separate lives. If only someone else was here.

“Splendid. So some waiter-bots would be here to attend to you shortly. May I start you off with some refreshments? We have all kinds that everyone generously donated.” Minerva tells them.

Everyone chips in with their own preferences.

Finn says, “I would like some Hazelnut coffee with some milk and cream in it.”

Huntress Wizard says, “Some Gunpowder Green Tea.”

Bubblegum says,  “Some Rose Wine if you may.”

Marceline says, “Give me some tomato juice.”

Phoebe says, “I would like some high-grade gasoline.” 

Simon says, “Oh, just some mint water.”

Betty adds, “I would have the same as well.”

Aurora says, “Some Blue Bubble Tea would be a blast.”

Velvet says, “Just some Coffee, Black, for me.”

“Banana Milk, please!” Lady Rainicorn chirps.

“A thumbdrive consisting of every citrus flavor!” BMO says.

“Of course. Your drinks would be out in a minute or so.” Minerva says as she then transmits their orders to a nearby server robot before walking away.

This leaves the gang to talk amicably among each other.

“Man, it is so nice around here! The Humans really know their stuff.” Finn looks around to see all sorts of Christmas decorations such as wreaths, mistletoes, candles, and other stuff. It was a joy partaking in all these traditions humans brought even if he does not understand why. 

“No surprise there, since Christmas has been celebrated by us humans for thousands of years long before the Great Mushroom War.” Simon notes.

“So professor? Would you care to tell us all there is to know about this Christmas?” Betty nudges him.

“Yeah, like why do people kiss under the mistletoe? Do mistletoes produce amorous pheremones?” Finn asks.

“Why does a huge fat guy sneak into people’s houses to leave presents?” Phoebe asks. 

“And which is the best Christmas movie of your time period? Mine is Die Hard.” Aurora asks, she was a connoisseur of Christmas movies such as It’s A Wonderful Life, Home Alone, Elf, and The Nightmare before Christmas. 

“One question at a time.” Simon shakes his head with a small smile.

That is when some drones come swooping by carrying beverages that they then place right in front of them. Finn recognizes these drones as the ones from Better Reality Island used to assist the people stuck in those VR Pods. 

“Excellent service.” Bubblegum tips her glass to those drones as she and everyone else enjoys their drinks. 

Phoebe takes a sip from her own glass of gasoline, finding it quite tangy with a hint of copper to it. But then she accidentally burps out some small flames from her mouth. 

“Excuse me.” Phoebe says only for everyone to laugh jovially which she does as well.

Once everyone is settled down, Simon continues with his speech, “So as I was saying, Christmas actually dates back to thousands of years ago before the first Mushroom War. The earliest origins of Christmas goes back to when neolithic people wished to commemorate the Winter Solstice, throwing feasts of meat, milk, cheese, and mead. They traded each other gifts and sang songs around a bonfire, all to encourage the Sun to come back and lengthen their days once more.”

“Ooo!” Finn and the others looks with interest. There is ancient history which to the people of Ooo is basically just before the Great Mushroom War. But this is ancient ancient history long before Simon’s time.

“It was the Romans who started Christmas as a festival that marked the end of the harvest and the coming of the Winter harvest. But it was the Christians who turned into a celebration for the birth of Jesus Christ?”

“Jesus who?” Aurora asks with curiosity, never heard anyone like that and so does everyone else besides Betty.

“Nevermind.” Simon shakes his head, not having the time to explain another religion to the Ooo natives. Admittedly he is not exactly a Christian and only knew about it as a clinical curiosity.

“So they decorated their homes, gave gifts to each other, sang songs, and ate special foods. ” the antiquarian sums up the activities they did back then.

“Like fruitcake?” Aurora asks. She actually enjoys the food everyone else seems to hate. It has a very gritty and overly saccharine. Then again, she also enjoys Cotton Candy mixed with seaweed so her taste buds are different from everyone else.

“Yeah, what is the point of Fruitcake? Is it some sort of edible brick past Humans used to build houses?” Finn brings up. He remembered one time he and Jake tried to make a Fruitcake only for it to come out all charred and heavy like a boulder. And then Jake accidentally dropped it on his foot. Boy, was that hilarious (for him that is, not Jake) 

“I wish I could say you are wrong. But I know exactly what you are talking about.” Simon chuckles, remembering the ill reputation that Fruitcakes get which is not unwarranted. 

He remembered how Betty tried to bake a fruitcake for one Christmas party before the first Mushroom War. Everyone ate it, including him, so as to not hurt her feelings. And then they all got food poisoning from it. Boy, was that something funny to recall.

“So what is with the Christmas trees? Why do people need to chop down trees and cover them with decorations?” Huntress Wizard asks.

“Oh, the traditions that have come to define Christmas were introduced in the Victorian Era when a certain queen of England ruled. Her husband brought in pine trees from his native land where they are decked with lights and presents to celebrate a day that is now known as Christmas. There are also Christmas cards, Christmas Crackers, and Christmas pudding. All the things we enjoy right now spring from there.” Simon explains.

“So where does this fat guy in red who sneaks into people’s houses leaving gifts come into the picture?” Phoebe asks.

“Is he even real?” Finn mentions.

“Yeah, he is real!” Aurora interrupts.

“Wait, he is?” Finn turns to Aurora.

“Yeah, I killed him!” Aurora chirps, recalling a few days ago when her doppelganger was taking care of her home and getting things ready for Christmas. That is when she found out her associate Oskar accidentally summoned an evil version of Santa Claus who she killed.

“WHAAAT?!” That prompts some cries of shock around her.

“Let’s not get sidetracked here.” Simon intervened, choosing not to dwell on what crazy business that must have been. 

“Hello again!” Minerva returns with a waiter-bot.

“What did I miss?” she looks at her friends.

“Oh, we are just talking about Santa Claus. Why don’t you sit down here and join us?”

“I would love to.  Minerva accepts and finds a spot to sit down at the table. It is so nice to be with her son Finn as well as her friends Simon and Betty. 

A tall robot addresses the group. “Hello, I am Dwight. And I would be your server for tonight. Here are some Menus.” he then hands out everyone some tablets.

These tablets contain catalogs presenting an incredibly vast variety of dishes from all parts of Ooo.

Everyone picks out their orders carefully before handing them back to the robot.

“I would bring them out to you as soon as they are complete, thank you!” And Dwight the robot hovers away.

“So what were you saying about Santa Claus?” They continue the conversation as they await their meals.

Simon adjusts his spectacles as he regales them on the origins of Santa Claus.  “So Santa Claus is actually based on a real life figure known as Saint Nicholas. He was known for his many acts of charity where he gave gifts to the poor and helpless. A day was named in his honor where people give gifts to each other which was then merged with Christmas day. There were many mths surrounding Saint Nicholas which cumulated into what people of my time believe to be Santa Claus, a large jolly bearded man in a red coat who travels around the world to visit people’s houses and leave them Christmas presents while they sleep.” Simon Petrikov caps off his history of Christmas with who Santa Claus was.

“Hmmm, Santa. I believe we saw him before.” Bubblegum mentions.

“Yeah, we did.” Marceline agrees, remembering what she is talking about.

“Wait, really?” Simon inquires. 

“We went inside the Ice Crown this time to see what was going on. We met several people and a dinosaur who said they all wore the crown as well. There was this one bearded guy that the dinosaur said was the first Santa or something, whatever that means.” Bubblegum says, the myth having not survived the first Mushroom War.

“Wait, you mean there was more than one Santa?” Simon finds it quite interesting that the person Bubblegum encountered described himself as the First Santa and not The Santa. 

“Yeah, there is! Us wizardfolk actually have been keeping the Christmas tradition alive long before you humans showed up.” Aurora pitches in.

She decides to share her story about Santa Claus. “We were just as enraptured by the idea of some fat bearded guy in a robe sneaking into people’s houses and leaving gifts behind. We believed he was a wizard like us which is how he was able to travel around the world so fast and not be detected. Sadly, he vanished after the First Mushroom War. That is when us wizards took matters into our own hands and we each decided to become our own Santa Clauses.” the cloud girl explains what Santa Claus is to them.

There was this time she decided to be Santa Claus and tried to sneak into people’s houses to leave gifts. Let’s just say some ideas sound better on paper. 

“I have to say, I don’t really believe that Santa Claus could be real.” Bubblegum adds.

“Why?” Aurora turns over to her.

“Because the sheer logistics of it. Think about it, he has to visit the homes of everyone in the world over the course of a single night. Do you have any idea how fast he would need to be going. And how many gifts can he carry with him for all those people?

“He uses magic, duh!” Aurora says that as if it was obvious. How could she still be skeptical when she happens to be a Candy elemental, is dating a vampire whose father is a lord of ultimate evil, and she met a cosmic entity living in the center of the multiverse who can grant reality-altering wishes. That she finds hard to believe. 

Huntress Wizard decides to ask Simon, “So why do people hang up mistletoes and people kiss under them? I mean not that I am complaining but I do wonder.” There were many times where she uses her powers to grow a mistletoe over her and Finn’s heads where they make out. Not that she needs a parasitic plant to decide her libido but she just wanted to get into the (Forest) Spirit of things.

“Now that can traced back to Scandinavia where a Nordic goddess gave her son a blessing that made all things on Earth not harm him. However, she forgot about mistletoe which a certain trickster used to kill her son.”

“What a total wad whoever that guy was!” Finn scowls.

“Indeed he was a wad. After her son’s death, the goddess declared Mistletoe a symbol of love and vows to kiss anyone who passed underneath it.” Simon finishes. 

“And another thing, what people commonly think is mistletoe is actually holly. Holly has jagged leaves and red berries while mistletoe has round leaves and white berries.” Simon corrects.

“Dang it.” Aurora says as she holds up the plant that she was going to use to kiss a certain candy person under where she least expects it.

“That is not even holly or mistletoe, that is poison Ivy!” Huntress Wizard points that out. 

“Oh, it isn’t?” Aurora says as she stares at the Poison Ivy leaves she was holding in her pocket.

“Where you just holding that in your pocket, why?” Phoebe questions.

“No reason!” Aurora says as she throws the poison ivy over her shoulder. And it lands underneath someone’s sweater.

“Hello again.” Dwight the Robot Waiter returns after downloading all their food and stored in his food banks.

“Dinner is served.” The robot then opens up its chest and a massive beam of light shines out from over the table.

Immediately out of thin air, the food appears right onto the table with so many succulent dishes for them to choose from.

“Holy crud! It is like magic!” Aurora is astounded by how that food just blipped right before their very eyes. She takes a good whiff to see that the food is indeed there and not just a hologram.

Minerva giggles at her proclamation, “Not magic, just some simple food synthesization where we are able to analyze foods on a molecular level, store it as files in memory banks, before reconstituting them into matter for our ready consumption.” she explains how Food synthesizers work. The food is already made and scanned beforehand.

Betty asserts, “But as Arthur C. Clarke would say, any sufficiently advanced technology is indisgtinguishable from magic.” Especially when that technology allows someone to teleport, time travel, produce solid matter from nothing, and more. 

“Conversely, Sufficiently analyzed magic is indistinguishable from science.” Velvet chimes in. She agrees with Betty’s proposition. In addition, Magic has its own set of rules that wizards seek to understand with new discoveries being made each day. Wizards determine which ingredients produce better potions, how teleportation spells can be either made more efficient or restricted, and what affects the brain chemistry of a wizard?

“Oy, save the philosophy after we are done eating. ” Aurora says. 

Everyone digs into the food spread, piling as much of it as they can on their plates. There is the standard Christmas Foods such as Turkey, Baked ham, mashed potatoes & gravy, stuffing, casseroles, sweet potatoes, and roasted vegetables.

But then there are also burritos, hot dogs, hamburgers, fried chicken, pizza, fruit salad, eggs, cheese, bread rolls, and spaghetti, 

Some of these foods are alive such as sentient sandwiches whom BMO taught the Humans how to make.

There also pickles donated by a Wish Master who made a business exporting them all across Ooo.

There are also some particular dishes that the heroes of Ooo ordered for themselves.

Princess Bubblegum is eating several sweets such as a parfait, cupcakes, and cookies. Some of them might be alive but they enjoy being consumed. At least that is what they say. 

Marceline ordered some food from the Nightosphere. There are bloody entrails mixed with eyeballs. A lump of mashed-up demon flesh that screams when she digs her spoon into it. A bowl of extremely spicy chili made from ghost peppers grown in the Nightosphere. And also Devil’s food cake.

Phoebe ordered some piles of smoking wood pellets that come in a variety of flavors such as applewood, oak, hickory, maple, and cherry. There are also some hunks of coal, olive oil soup, flaming shots, and other burnable materials. So much for a Flame girl to burn through. 

“Hey, can I try some of that?” Phoebe asks Marceline about a bowl of Chili she was eating.

Marceline obliges her and she bites a spoonful. It seems fine until she feels something rising from the bottom of her throat and she burps up a large flame out of her mouth.

“Ohhh Glob! That is hella spicy, even for me!” Phoebe having to fan her tongue from the sheer hotness. Yes, even a Fire Elemental can’t stand something that hot which prompts some laughs from her friends.

Huntress Wizard, as a devout carnivore, she stacked upon her plate massive amounts of meat. There are all kind of meat from all kinds of beasts such as chicken, turkey, boar, lamb, and salmon to even the  obscure ones few would dare such as venison, frog legs, buffalo, rabbit, and alligator. She even went for the offal or organ meats such as tongue, liver, kidneys, and heart (especially the heart). She hungrily munches through all of them like a starved beast she is.

Simon and Betty have ordered some courses from Russia which is where they can trace their lineage from. On Christmas, their culture partakes in deviled eggs,  stuffed buns full of beef or vegetables, salmon turnovers, meat dumplings, and borscht made with beets. For dessert, there is a sweet fruit compote made of dried fruits, spice and gingerbread cookies, Ukrainian donuts, and Kiev Cake. 

Lady Rainicorn eats some dishes that her people are fond of which parallels what people in Korea eat. There are pan-fried meat patties, Dumpling soup, stir-fried rice noodles with beef and vegetables, beet ricecakes, mung bean pancakes, beef shortribs, and Kimchi. 

Minerva eyes another dish Lady Rainicorn is eating which appears to be a fleshy gray lump marinated in soy sauce.

“Umm, Ms. Rainicorn, what would that be you are eating?”

“Oh, this is Soy people.”

“Soy people?” Minerva mutters the phrase.

Finn lifts up from his plate, overhearing that.  “Oh, that! Yeah, I remember trying that too. This was after I first met Lady’s parents where they tried to eat me.” that memory of Jake inviting his girlfriend’s parents to his house popping into his memory. 

“What?!” Minerva blurts out.

“Oh, relax. My parents realized their mistake and they swore never to do that again. We all have been eating Soy people as a substitute for humans which tastes just as well as the real thing.”

“I see . . . “ Minerva says, not sure if this constitutes as cannibalism. 

In addition to the standard Christmas foods, Aurora also ordered a strange combination of food items. She had Spaghetti mixed with popcorn and strawberry jam,  Poutine covered in softy Cheese and chocolate bars, A sloppy joe containing anchovies and slapped between two waffles. And a deep-fried swordfish soaked in ranch dressing. 

“Ugh, how could you stomach that dreck?” Velvet twitches her mouth in distaste seeing Aurora scarf all of that down. Ordering some German cuisine, She has gotten some pretzel and egg dumplings, mulled wine, roasted goose, Spaztle or Egg noodles, potato salad, Sausages and sauerkraut.

“Hey, that’s just how I like it? Besides, I am not the one drinking Muck fuck!” Aurora fires back. Honestly, who would name a drink like that?

“It is pronounced muckefuck. And it is not as bad you as think it is. But of course, you wouldn’t know.” Velvet scoffs.

As they are eating their food, everyone is engaged in conversation with each other.

Finn and Huntress Wizard are chatting with Bubblegum and Marceline.

“So Finn and H-Dubs? What have you two been doing together lately?” Marceline asks.

“Oh, the usual. I was just running the course, helping everyone in need no matter how big or small. Just the other day, I helped a bunch of dwarves trapped in a mineshaft against some jewel monsters. I really Frack-all of them.” the human man boasts. 

“Well, except for the part where you had a hard time with those Ruby and Emerald golems because well, -” Huntress Wizard was there with him at the time. He would have been toast if she was not there to bail him out. 

“You are colorblind.” Marceline finishes. She remembers that time she was alone with Jake while Finn was trying to find her some red to eat. And then he brought back an emerald. She was two seconds away from draining both of them dry until Bubblegum swooped in.

“Dang, why does this happen to me?” Finn groans at one of his weaknesses.

Bubblegum pitches in, “If you like, I could develop you some glasses or contact lenses to correct that.” she is curious why Finn never asked her sooner.

“It does not really come up that often.” Finn awkwardly excuses. 

“As for me, I had to help the dwarves on several problems regarding their mines. From what the ground shown, there is a large risk of sink-holes and cave-ins, chemical leaks seeping into the soil and groundwater, gas leaks from tapping into methane pockets.” HW was able to detect those with her enhanced connection to nature. With her powerful magic, she was able ot reinforce the mineshaft’s structures, cleanse the area of toxic chemicals, and siphon away the poisonous gases.

“How meticulous of you, HW. Glad to see that your magic can serve in numerous other ways besides slaying monsters.” Bubblegum nods.

“You are like some Major Nature, aren’t cha!” Marceline smirks at Huntress Wizard, citing a popular cartoon show she watched with her mother when she was a kid.

“Anyways, what have you two been doing?” Huntress Wizard peers at them.

“So we have just been going on some adventures of our own. We have been down in the Nightosphere! Check these crazy tattoos we have gotten!” Marceline says as she and Bubblegum show off the tattoos that have been cursed onto their arms.

“Guaranteed to last as long as we live.”  Bubblegum continues. And considering who she and Marceline is, that is basically forever.

“I also got a new replacement for my Axe Bass. Can’t wait to melt your faces off when you see it in action tonight!” Marceline boasts.

“Say, how is the Nightosphere been doing by the way?” Finn asks. Years after Hunson got his new promotion, he heard that some new blood has taken over the place. Instead of just letting things run rampant, they actually cared about providing some order and sophistication. 

“Actually pretty well! The Demons liked the idea of Christmas when I brought it up with them. Even if their idea of gift giving is not what I had in mind.” Marceline grimaces at some of the presents these demons give each other which leaves them stung by angry hornets, their eyes melting off, or getting sucked inside by large slimy tentacles. But these demons seem to thrive off of pain and misery so that is probably them being generous to each other.

“I can’t believe that realm is actually half-decent from what I heard. Jermaine told me he has been visiting there regularly for both the atmosphere and clientele.” Finn shakes his head in surprise. Last time, he and Jake were there was not a very good time.

“So who’s running the Nightosphere nowadays? Should it be you since your dad ruled it previously?” HW asks. 

“I guess. But I don’t know a thing or two about ruling stuff so I handed it over to someone else.” Marceline says.

Bubblegum looks around to see several demons attending and not causing any mayhem. “I have to say, I am pleasantly surprised the Demons actually willing come here. If even they could get along with everyone else-”

However, her speech gets interrupted by Marceline’s stomach rumbling terribly. Something funny was in that demon mash she ate. 

“What’s wrong, Marcy?” Bubblegum says with worry in her tone. 

“Ggggghhh!!” Marceline grunts with exertion as she feels something rising from the pit of her stomach.

And two bananas spurt out of her ears.

Everyone was left speechless upon seeing that. 

“That did not happen.” she hisses with everyone taking the hint to look away. She was not the only one with several demons at the party also pooping out bananas from their ears after overstuffing themselves.

Aurora keeps the conversation running along, “So anyways, Phoebe. I heard you have been trying to make the Fire Kingdom more hospitable.” that was one of her favorite spots to visit with her and Phoebe hitting it off immediately after they first met. Aurora understands what it is like to have a nasty temper that could get people hurt. But they were able to grow past that and channel their passions into stuff they love. Aurora loves listening to Phoebe’s rap music and helps distribute them all across Ooo.

“Yeah, I have been investing in a lot of fire resistance stuff like potions, jewelry, and spells. Fuego has been a huge help with that. I want my people to be with the rest of Ooo without burning someone horribly.” Phoebe laments that she could have gotten something like that when she dated Finn. That might have been a major reason why it did not work out between them.

“Okay, so you have opened the door for people to visit your kingdom. But have you thought about giving them a reason why to visit?” Aurora segues into a sales pitch.

Phoebe stays quiet and listens to what Aurora is asking, “Okay, so what does your kingdom have to offer? What do people really come there for?”

“Oh, umm. Well, there are those lava pools my people use as jacuzzis. I also have built some public parks that I had planted with burnt trees and dried grass. There is also the theater where actors put on shows.” she brings up.

Aurora looks unimpressed. “That’s it? That’s what is going to put the Fire Kingdom on the map? If people are into that stuff, there are plenty of places that don’t risk burning them alive without protection. 

“Well, what do you suggest?” Phoebe demands.

Aurora grins. “Oh, where do I begin? People know you as the Blazing Queen of Hip-Hop, The Molten Majesty of Musicality, The girl dropping flaming bars that leave mics in ashes! Why don’t you try making Hip-Hop  be your kingdom’s anthem?” She could see it now, Fire People rapping against each other in the streets, spitting literal fire at each other.

“Huh, you know I only took up rapping as a personal hobby of mine, something true to myself.” Phoebe mullies on her words. 

“Some of my family  did try to take up rapping like me.” The Flame Princess shivers a bit at that thought.

Flashback to that one time her relatives tried to take up rapping like her. She was a doing a concert when they went up on stage and tried to assist. 

“My name is Agnes and I am here to say.

I want to do rapping my niece’s way.

Cause she is so hip and fly.

She is way radical than you and I!

Ummm, I don’t know what else to say.

I just want to wish her a happy day!

That made her cringe so hard alongside watching her uncle mumble some gibberish under his breath, and her little brothers accidentally tripping over some cables and started a fire that almost burned half the audience.

“Ugh, I know that feeling. Your family always sticks with you, whether you like it or not. And that is what I am afraid of.” Aurora shakes her head.

Eventually her family got around to her passions when she was able to make a business out of it. She tried to give her family roles in her movies but it did not pan so well. Her father's acting was wooden (with the tree person he was working with showing more life than him.) Her mother was too lively and over-the-top, being far too excited about acting for her little girl. Her brothers did find some work under her  as a stunt double and a video game tester respectively. And her older sister was still busy working in the hospital to want anything to do with her productions. 

“Tell you what, I will bring my film production over there and shoot a video showcasing all the sights that would really spark people’s interests towards the Fire Kingdom.”

“Sounds like a plan.” Phoebe agrees. She was worried that she buried herself far too much in her work to distract herself from the fact she does not really have much of a social life outside of it. After what happened to Cinnamon Bun, she never thought she would have anyone else she could be close to. But thankfully, Aurora proved to be what she needed as a confidante they can both share their passions together. 

Across from them, the scholars of the group are getting in a heavy discussion.

“So you are saying that Madness and Sadness are prime components towards Magic?” Velvet asks Betty.

“Yes, that is what I am saying. I have been studying wizards for years ever since I arrived here in Ooo. All wizards have madness and sadness on some levels that affect their magic.” Betty confirms.

Simon nods his head, ruminating on that.  “Yes, I can agree with her. I experienced it first-hand. When I wore the Crown, it not only granted me powerful ice magic but also terrible visions and voices that eroded at my sanity.” 

“That also happened to me as well when I was working with Magic Man.” Betty recalls  when King Man was afflicted with tremendous grief that made him a powerful wizard tormenting the people of Ooo.

“His magic transferred over to me and with it all his madness and sadness while he was left a normal man.” Betty says. Already driven to cure Simon of his curse, it made her far more obsessed and crossed many lines to get what she wants. She ignored everyone’s warnings to stop and it almost cost everything. It took several months trapped as a Cosmic entity and miraculously being freed to realize where her problems lie. 

Velvet raises a finger to her chin. “Interesting, I could say that the inverse is true. One of my associates Abracadaniel had rather little magic power but he was more subdued and prudent than the other wizards of his ilk.” His fellow wizards would describe him as positively milquetoast but she finds him quite tolerable due to not causing as much trouble as anyone else. She is still puzzled why the oh-so-eccentric Aurora chose him out of all people. 

“Another close friend of mine I knew in the past was the same, he did not have magic like you and I. But he had the determination and intelligence to understand magic in ways wizards would not be able to to conceive.” Velvet citing another example from her past. She sees the same spirit in Betty, another rational mind trying to make sense out of inherently chaotic forces.

“So does Madness and Sadness lead to Magic or is it Magic that leads to Madness and Sadness?” Simon questions Betty on that principle.

“That’s the big question is it? Which came first? This is like a Chicken or the Egg-type situation. They are so closely intertwined we don’t know for sure which is the cause and which is the effect. And there are plausible arguments for both.

“One things for certain. It is not necessarily madness and sadness that can also spring forth magic.”  Velvet points over to Finn and Huntress Wizard as well as Bubblegum and Marceline. 

Huntress Wizard was able to create a wooden arm that possess incredibly powerful nature magic for Finn. However, she did it through channeling her feelings of love and desire to keep him safe. She remembers another wizard close to her in the past who empowered his magic through positive emotions. And he taught another spell to Huntress Wizard which is a protective spell that can only be cast for the sake of someone else. It is not Madness or Sadness that drives magic, rather any strong emotions. It just so happens Madness and Sadness are the most reliable sources of it.

And there is also the royal couple Marceline and Bubblegum who were able to awaken their powers out of her sheer will to keep their loved ones safe. Not to say she is a romantic, but she cannot deny the evidence right in front of her.

“Huh, interesting.” Betty says as she takes out a notebook and writes down several notes on her principles. 

Lady Rainicorn and BMO are chatting about their own adventures. 

Lady Rainicorn mentions how proud she is of what her offspring made of themselves. Jake Jr. being a certified Treasure Hunter who tracks down any stolen goods as well as a political activitist promoting peace between the Dogs and Rainicorns. T.V is a bonafide detective who cracked some of the most puzzling cases through sheer imagination. Viola is an elegant actress who starred in the best shows and movies Ooo has ever seen. Charlie is a Fortune teller whom many seek her to shed some light on their destinies. And Kim Kil Wan is a mogul of a profitable real estate agency who is setting the foundations for some town he sees as a place where their descendents could call home. Their father would be smiling down on them.

BMO is telling some crazy stories about some adventures he was on. The robot was walking around when they heard some lovely singing, following it to a talking hole in the ground who was eager to hear about their thoughts on the world and its people. They are also planning an anniversary for their partner who is the air itself. Everyone was wondering who exactly is this person BMO claims is always around them but they cannot see. They just chock it up to BMO making stuff up like he usually does. On a somber note, BMO was hoping of finding out a way to rebuild AMO as a good person despite knowing exactly what he tried to do in he past.

Everyone manages to finish their food as Minerva looks at her watch.

“Oh, it is that time already. Everyone who is part of tonight’s entertainment. You must get yourselves ready to be on stage.!” The android doctor tells them. There is much for them to do.

“Oh, snap! You are right!” Marceline jumps at realizing that almost slipped her mind.

“C’mon, Bon-Bon! It is time for us to spread some Sweet Mayhem!” Marceline pulls up her girlfriend from the table, mentioning one of her latest hit songs that everyone cannot get enough of. 

“Yeah, yeah! I brought my equipment with me, leave the melodies and technics to me.” Bubblegum rolls her eyes as Marceline takes her by the arm and they warp over to the back of the stage. 

Phoebe looks at what a wonderful pair Marceline and Bubblegum make before turning away with a hint of pain on her face. “If only they could see me now.” The flame girl mutters to herself before flying off on a jet flame. 

Aurora got up to head over to the stage only to see Velvet standing up as well.

“You signed up to be part of this as well?” She thought Velvet was going to just sit in the back and watch like everyone else.

“Yes. I plan to bring a particular sort of class that this show requires.” Velvet replies blankly. 

“Yes, a particular class you would sleep through.” Aurora states as she wraps an arm around Velvet and they both transform into a bolt of lightning that surges away. 

“Mama Rainicorn, do please bring me over there!” BMO tells Lady who obliges the little robot, granting them a ride on her back as she flies across the dinner area. 

This leaves Finn, Huntress Wizard, Simon, Betty, and Minerva remaining at the table.

“If the rest of you get up, I will ensure you get good seats in front of the theater.” Minerva beckons them. Several waiter bots remove the tables to make space.

The rest of the group follows her as they make their way to a massive stage set up in front of Up-Ton’s Christmas tree. There is a huge auditorium that can seat hundreds of people. Finn, Huntress Wizard, Simon, Betty, and Minerva find a good viewing spot in the middle. 

There are plenty of people also seated there such as Lemongrab, Lumpy Space Princess, Sweet P and his dad Mr. Pig, Slime Princess and her sister, Jake Jr. and her girlfriend Penny, Charlie and her son Gibbon, Kim Kil Wan and his wife, Bronwyn, T.V, Peppermint Butler and his son, Chocoberry, Cherry Cream Soda, the Pup Gang and their elderly mothers, The Marshmallow gang, Breakfast Princess and her sisters, Hot Dog Princess, Aurora’s daughter Debbie, and several others.

As time passes, more and more people fill the auditorium until it is jam-packed. There are some drones hovering over the seats providing refreshments such as popcorn and soda for those interested.

Several minutes pass as the lights dim across the town center, leaving only the spotlights illuminating the main stage. 

A Minerva-bot steps on stage. “Attention, everyone! Please find your seats and settle down. Here is the moment you all have been waiting for . . . the Up-Ton Christmas Spectacular will be beginning shortly!”

The Curtains part and a large assembly of children gather on-stage. They are all dressed up as famous Adventure Time characters such as Finn the Human, Huntress Wizard, Jake, Bubblegum, Marceline, Lady Rainicorn, Ice King,  Lumpy Space Princess, BMO, Flame Princess, and Lemongrab. 

Peering ahead, Simon could see that Astrid is leading the congregation, dressed as Finn the Human. (Wait, she is always dressed like him)

Together, these children sing a Christmas song to start things off. 

On a snowy night in Ooo, where dreams ignite,

A story begins of love and light,

In the aftermath of the Mushroom War,

When all races seek unity and more.

Magic and science together embrace,

As the holiday spirit fills Ooo's space,

With wreaths of understanding hung with care,

A season for humanity to share.

In this land strange and quirky,

Christmas brings joy, oh so merky,

With mirth and laughter, both old and new,

Ooo celebrates, feeling content, too.

Oh, in Ooo, wonder anew,

Unity shines like a star so true,

In this season, we all embrace,

A Christmas miracle, a magical chase.

From Finn's mighty heart to Marceline's song,

Jake's stretchy limbs twirling along,

Princess Bubblegum's scientific cheer,

Ooo's Christmas spirit brings all near.

With BMO's bright screens and Lumpy Space joy,

Ice King finding friendship, oh boy, oh boy,

As the snowflakes fall, soft and light,

Ooo's magic ignites the darkest night.

In this yuletide journey, hearts feel warm,

The lessons we learn, like nature's storm,

Ooo sings songs, so sweet and true,

A unity in diversity, a heavenly hue.

Oh, in Ooo, wonder anew,

Unity shines like a star so true,

In this season, we all embrace,

A Christmas miracle, a magical chase.

As the fire crackles, spreading warmth around,

Ooo's inhabitants, happiness they've found,

In the love and laughter shared each year,

Contentment envelops, so crystal-clear.

So, in Ooo's land, let's all unite,

Embracing the joy of Christmas night,

With wonder, unity, and spirits bright,

Ooo celebrates, contentment in sight.

Everyone claps and cheers at the children who take a gracious bow. 

Finn and Huntress Wizard enjoy listening to their song even if they find it a bit odd to watch themselves portrayed by children. Huntress Wizard never thought of herself as being popular like Finn and his friends.

“Wow, that was marvelous!” Simon claps. This takes him back to when he was a child who participated in another Christmas play which was on the nativity.  He played Joseph, the father of Jesus Christ.

“ It is thrilling to see how much they accepted the land of Ooo as their new home.” Betty appreciates how everyone she knows are treated  as icons of hope and joy.

“Thank you, we put a lot of time and practice into this! I hope it would be all worth it!” Minerva accepts their praises.

This is followed up by several more performances by other residents of Ooo.

There are the Banana Guards who each show their various talents such as ventriloquism, horse riding,  trumpet playing, and singing. 

There are the Slime People doing a Jazz dance, Demons who actually do a pretty good performance of Macbeth that ends with everyone dying, A Rainicorn K-Pop Band, and there are some mudscamps doing roller-blading moves while squirting stink oil.

Minerva walks on stage once more to give a audience a heads-up. 

“Now that those preliminary acts are done, here we have someone who really knows how to set a stage on fire and I do mean that literally! Give it up for Flame Princess!”

That immediately provokes some wild screams and cheers as several flames race across the stage. They converge in the center where they take the shape of Flame Princess who changed into her rapping outfit which is a Baseball cap, a T-shirt, and jeans. 

“Yo, yo! Merry Christmas, people of Ooo!” Flame Princess chants.

“Yes! You go, girl! Let’s get lit and slow-cook these fools!” Flame Princess’s family cheers in the back holding up signs. This prompts some groans from Flame Princess as she tries to ignore that.

She brings out a boombox and gives herself a funky beat.”

Even in the cold winter, I bring the heat,

My rhymes so hot, they make vapor from sleet!

I'm on fire, like a blazing inferno,

Swagger of a Rapper, yeah, I'm nocturno

Better Watch out, Santa, when I am on about!

Come down my chimney, you get smoke-out!

I'm the shining star on the Christmas tree,

Brighter than the sun, so you better wear your shades, you see

Feeling naughty, got that coal in my stocking,

But I ain't stopping, 'cause I'm on a roll, I'm rocking,

Too hot to handle, I can't help being me,

Name’s FP, MC to the Fourth Degree!

Dame of  Flames bringing her A-Game!

Got the Rhymes that put y’all rest to shame!

The Ham is not only thing that is getting roast!

Wrap my gifts in asbestos or you’re toast!

It is that special time of the year!

Which we are all here to cheer!

Weather Report thought they called for a Blizzard!

Turns out it was a Heat Wave  that I just delivered!

And Flame Princess incinerates the Microphone she was holding and lets it drop as ashes on the floor.

“Boom!” Flame Princes smirks as she walks off.

Minerva steps in front to conclude Flame Princess’s part. “And there you have it, folks! I am a robot and even I feel a bit hot under the collar.”

“And here is the intermission!”  Minerva says as she gives everyone some time to relax and go to the bathroom before they continue on with the show. 

Flame Princess takes the time to walk off the stage where she chats with her friends.

“You like that, peeps?” she gives them a cocky grin.

“You were incredible, FP! You really blew up that Mic!” Finn says as he goes over to wrap his big thick arms around her, no longer having to fear getting burned by her with that magic bling.

“Literally!” Huntress grins as she also joins Finn in hugging her close friend as well. While she may not know much about rapping, she can see the sheer intensity she is putting into her words, like an exceptional beast.

“My thoughts exactly. This is like that time me and Betty went karaoking that one time.” Simon recalls another fun night he had with her before the first Mushroom War. He did not think much of it at first, but after so many years he has come to appreciate those carefree moments they had before the world ended.

“Oh, how could I forget! You were so drunk and you sang so badly! I never heard such a good impression of a dying whale.” Betty giggles, remembering another part of that night that Simon omitted. 

“Betty!” Simon whirls at her, embarrased.

“Oh, I would like to hear that too!” Finn agrees with Betty.

“Guys, can we just focus on what is coming next? Flame Princess? What about Marceline and Bubblegum, do you know what they are up to?” Simon tries to change the subject?

“I wouldn’t know. They are keeping that a secret. And even if I did, that’s not my business to tell you.” Flame Princess shrugs.

“Fair enough.” Simon says as the intermission ends and everyone gets back in their seats.

“Let’s give it up for the Jelly Jammin Jiggers!” Minerva introduces the next act as Abracadaniel, Crabbit, and Donny the Grass Ogre step on stage all dressed up as Christmas elves in tight red leotards.

“This is for you, my baby girl!” Abracadaniel declares with confidence. He is longer that skinny little twerp everyone step on. He is not afraid to show everyone how it is done!

“Dad!!” Debbie blurts out in embarrassment as she covers up her face, not wanting to see her dad and his troupe dance in front of everyone in Ooo.

Abracadaniel and his dancers get to dancing to some Christmas songs. And they do a pretty good job of it, reenacting many popular dances such as those played by Jake or Finn!

“I’m a Buff baby that can dance like a Man! 

I can shake- oh my fanny, I can shake - oh, my can!

I’m a tough tootin’ baby, I can punch - ah you buns!

Punch - ah, yo buns, I can punch - ah yo buns!

If you’re an Evil Witch, I will punch you for fun!”

That prompts some roaring laughter from the audience, seeing an old favorite.

Finn just chuckles a bit at seeing that dance he made as a tough, tooting baby. Sure, it was embarrassing when he first saw it played out in front of everyone, but he got used to it. If everyone likes doing it, that is fine by him.

“I blame Aurora for this.” HW groans at her allowing her husband to do this. Now it has a become a meme where there are many people doing it across Ooo. 

“Glad I am not the only one with dirty laundry being hanged out for everyone to see.” Simon says grimly. Whatever Finn feels about that dance is the same thing he feels every time people talk about the Ice King like some goofy mascot character. 

Abracadaniel’s group walks off and there are more acts to come.  

There are these clowns juggling balls, making ballon animals, riding on unicycles, and farting bubbles out of their butts. Some find these clowns hilarious while others find them freaking terrifying.

“Wauuugh!!” Finn yelps in shock as he averts his eyes. Despite being a grown man, he still is afraid of clowns.

Huntress Wizard just stares at Finn. “Let me get this straight, you slay giant monsters and demons no problem. But you can’t handle some guys wearing make-up and goofy leotards?”

“I just don’t like them, that’s all!” Finn defends. It is not that he is afraid, he just finds them annoying.

“It is okay to have fears of your own, Finn. Even if they seem ridiculous compared to all we have experienced.” Simon reaches over and pats him on the shoulder. 

“I, for one, have a fear of cockroaches.” Simon admits.

“Yeah, you should have heard him scream when he saw one in the bathroom. He almost cracked glass with that one.” Betty snickers at another hilarious memory between them. 

“Cockroaches are gross. Yeah, I understand.” Finn sees nothing wrong with that.

“What do you fear, Huntress Wizard?” Betty asks.

Huntress Wizard barely bats an eye at that question. “Softness. But I have long since conquered that fear.” and also her fear of crowds and city living considering she came all the way out here.

Betty shakes her head at that assertion, “I don’t believe you conquer fears. Rather, you just learn to live with them.” 

“I see.” HW gives it some thought as they watch several more acts.

There is that green bean guy Simon and Betty passed by earlier without a single word.

“Oh no. . . “ Simon realizes what is coming.

“Here is how you play Drop ball!” The green bean guy says as he drops a rubber ball on the ground.

He then turns around, squats down, and grabs the rubber ball with his buttcheeks. This prompts several reddish cheeks on the audience’s faces who did not expect this. Some parents cover their children’s eyes at this.

“One pull-up!” 

“Two pull-ups!”

“Three-”

However, his act was quickly cut short by Minerva who shoos him away. She does not think that is appropriate. 

Then there is Morty Rogers who holds up two sock puppets in his hands. 

“Chip! Chip! Chip!”

“Ice Creeammm!!”

Even though it has been many years, he still misses them dearly and tries to carry on their memory.

But then there is BMO who steps on stage with everyone calling out in enjoyment.

“Oh, sweet! BMO!” Finn calls out in joy at his favorite robot.

“Yes, yes! I am here! I love to see you all just as much!” they wave off their audience.

“I am here to talk about a special someone who is with me all the time even as I speak!” 

On Christmas day, I sing my heart out

To a special someone I’m so devout.

But you may wonder why I'm all alone

With no one to hold or call my own

Well, let me tell you a story so strange

About a love that's beyond any range

It may sound odd, but it's true

My love, my bubble, has become air, it's true

My love, my bubble, now surrounds me

Invisible but oh, so lovely

We said our vows after an arduous day

And now he will be with me always!

He used to be a bubble, light and bright

But now he's changed, he's my guiding light

he fills my circuits with endless joy

As we dance and sing, oh boy, oh boy

Some may think it's just a silly dream

But our love is real, or so it seems

He may not have a body or a face

But he's my everything, my saving grace

My love, my bubble, now surrounds me

Invisible but oh, so lovely

We said our vows on an arduous day!

And now he’s with me, always!

Some may say it's strange, and that's okay

But I'll love him in every single way

he may not be tangible, but he's mine

And together we'll keep shining, for all of time

My love, my bubble, now surrounds me

Invisible but oh, so lovely

We said our vows on an arduous day!

And now he’s with me, always!

So on this Christmas day, I sing my song

For my love, my bubble, who's never wrong

He may be air, but he's my everything

And with him by my side, I'll forever sing.

“Thank you!” BMO bows their head after their song. The audience claps in respect. Even though they cannot make heads or tails of it, they feel the little robot pouring their heart out to them.

Minerva then announces to the audience.

“Thank you. Everyone has been putting such astonishing performances thus far. Now here we have another pair of shining stars ready for us! It is none other than Marceline the Vampire Queen and Princess Bubblegum!” she gleefully announces much to everyone’s uproar of applause and screams. Technically Marceline is no longer a vampire and Bubblegum is no longer a princess. But they have been known by those names it is awkward to call them anything else.

Marceline and Bubblegum do indeed appear on stage in a crackle of red lightning. Even though they were just backstage, Marceline cannot resist using her new teleportation powers any chance she gets. 

“Merry Christmas, Bitches!” Marceline hollers which causes the audience to scream even louder. 

“Marcy!” Bubblegum immediately snaps at her for using such language when there are children in the audience.

“Sorry. It just left my mouth.” Marceline apologizes, getting caught up in the moment there.

“Anyhow, everyone better hold onto your butts! Because I am about to raise serious hell in this festival!” Marceline says as she pulls out her new Axe Bass. This one is made of obsidian and resembling a howling demon head with a hard wood handle that she strung along with polycarbon fibers from Bubblegum. 

“Drop me a sick beat, P-Bubs!” She points over to Bubblegum who nods and works on her synthesizer, tapping some gentle low blips and bloops.

Marceline then follows by strumming her obsidian guitar, delivering some deep resonant notes. She takes a deep breath and goes like a soft whisper, 

“Oh, oh, tonight is the night.

That leave our troubles behind.

As we walk into a wonderous world.

Full of vivid lights and sounds unfurled.

People of all races come as one.

Together having Fun.

Flowing through us, is the Christmas Spirit.

All those sweet nothings, can you hear it?

A short pause ensues as the audience takes in. 

And then suddenly Marceline and Bubblegum kick things into high gear! Marceline frantically strums her guitar as Bubblegum flips some switches on her synthesizer and changes her tune. Several demons and Candy People come in with instruments, providing accompaniment for these two girls. 

Here is a story that you can relate.

It’s when Two souls met, by thread of fate.

A child born from the darkest of realms.

A ruler of a kingdom, sweet and calm.

But their love could not withstand the strain

And they broke apart in heartache and pain

Now it's Christmas time, let me tell you the tale

Of two immortal girls who couldn't fail

Oh-oh, under the mistletoe lights aglow 

They found each other once again to show 

Their undying love for one another now,

Though different worlds will try to tear them down somehow 

One was born from demon's fiery breath,

Carrying shadows and secrets unto death

Her heart longed for warmth, in purest light,

To be with her candy queen every day and night

Through Ice storms and battles they fought their way,

So they would be standing here on this precious day.

What was once broken is forged into something better.

Living Forever, ain’t so bad as long as we’re together.

Oh-oh, under the mistletoe lights aglow 

They found each other once again to show 

Their undying love for one another now,

Even when the world tries to tear them down somehow 

Marceline strums her obsidian guitar, delivering a powerful guitar solo, hitting those high and low notes. Her fingers blur across the frets as red lightning surges over it, building up a devastating charge. Finally, at the peak of her solo, the red lightning propels over the headstock of her guitar and shoots straight into the sky over everyone’s heads.

Through Ice storms and battles they fought their way,

So they would be standing here on this precious day.

What was once broken is forged into something better.

Living Forever, ain’t so bad as long as we’re together.

(Chorus) x2 (Outro Fade Out)

Oh-oh-ooh, under the mistletoe lights aglow... Yeah!

They found each other once again to show... Oh!

Their undying love for one another made to last. 

All their Heartaches and pains stay in the past.

This Christmas, to ourselves we are staying true.

Defying all odds, our love shining through.

Kingdoms rise and fall, but we are immortal.

What a christmas miracle that we’ve made it all.

Marceline and Princess Bubblegum conclude their wonderful duet as they take a bow. Everyone was left speechless by their earnest song. These two girls have gone through far more heartbreak and pain than any mortal can claim, but somehow they were able to restore what they had and never drift apart again.

Simon is shedding some tears, listening to his baby girl bear it all on stage. He is so glad that even after he is gone, she will still have someone with her by her side. 

Minerva herself was having a hard time holding herself together as she bids them adieu. “Wow, Marceline and Bubblegum. That was real something. . . I just don’t know how to describe that feeling but . . . lovely song, truly magnificent. Thank you.” 

“No problem. Just being real with you all. And I am not apologizing.” Marceline gives a toothy grin. 

Bubblegum just walks over and gives a calming hand on her demon girl before pecking her a gentle kiss on the cheek. Marceline smiles as she grabs ahold of her and take off into the sky.

“Well then, let’s see who is up next.” Minerva pulls out a tablet where she reads up on the list of performing acts. After that incredible performance by Marceline and Bubblegum, everyone has high expectations for the next acts. 

“Aah, here it is. Now following afterwards is Velvet as she plays us some Christmas classics” Minerva introduces the next act.  

A Grand piano is wheeled on stage and the cake girl herself marches from the side towards it. 

Velvet sits down on her piano bench and straights her tails on her coat and cracking her fingers.

She taps some profound high notes as she plays a rendition of Silent Night on the Piano. A calm soft face appears on her face as she gets into it. 

Simon and Betty listen with keen interest, both of them remembering hearing their colleagues perform this song in one of their Christmas parties. 

“Wow, your friend is pretty good.” Finn admits, recognizing solid musical talent when he hears it.

“I know. . . “ Huntress nods as she too follows along with her classmate’s melody. Contrary to appearances, she actually has a taste for classical music, what with that being what drew her to Finn when they first met and having some talent for classical instruments like the flute. 

Then Velvet changes her tune towards something a bit more brisk and enthralling  like “Dance of the Sugar Plum”. She shows excellent technique with the way her fingers dance across the keys in rhythm and sequence. 

“Mmm . . . this is acceptable.” Lemongrab declares to his girlfriend.

That is when Velvet seques into a deeper and more menacing melody.  It starts off slow and low-key but then goes faster and more complex until it builds up into a frantic pattering of notes. 

“Oh, this is Edvard Grieg’s Into the Mountain King.”  Simon recognizes that piano song. He and Betty have listened to this song many times. A common leitmotif used for movies to herald a character’s presence or the harrowing situation they are in. He remembers how it was first used Fritz Lang’s M in 1931, whistled by a murderer. This practice of playing music associated with a character or a situation became a staple in films.

“What?” Finn asks in confusion, not knowing about ancient music like that.

“Yes, this is actually incidental music, music played in the background to add atmosphere. It has become one of our most iconic themes that were included in many movies and shows Simon and I watched.  I am surprised she would know that one.” Betty adds, curious about how a wizard like Velvet is familiar with that song.

Huntress Wizard explains. “That’s because Wizard City has been hoarding a lot of your human stuff even before the Mushroom War happened. Not that I am personally interested in that, Aurora just kept dragging me into whatever human junk she was crazy obsessed with that day.” shaking her head as she tries to suppress some terrible memories of a purple dinosaur and his friends. 

Then Velvet cap things off with a rather haunting piece with many sonorous high and low notes. It began soft only to grow even more thunderous as she continues. A lot of people felt their hearts jumping with the way she nears the climax of her song. Velvet’s brow furrows as pours her spirit into these notes. Finally she slams hard on those keys, ending her song on a high note.

After that, Velvet stands up and takes a bow. Cue everyone clapping and cheering at yet another stellar performance.

“Woah, nobody told me Classical Music totally rocks!” Finn finds himself clapping as well.

Simon just  smirks, knowing full well the true depth and magnificence of classical music. Some may find it stuffy and boring but they have not been listening to the right songs. “Then what if told you there was this song made by a Russian that he intended to have played with cannon fire.”

“What?!” Finn yells in shock. 

Soon follows several more interesting acts. There is Viola on stage performing her song, “Let It Glow” as a preview to her top movie Brighten that would be in theaters next month. 

“Man, Viola really had it made, being one of Ooo’s top actresses and all that! I am definitely going to watch that movie she is in!” Finn says as he claps to her.

Then there are a trio of Water nymphs but they are not there to do some dancing or stuff like that. They are actually there as comedians.

The first nymph with long flowing water hair tells her friend who has short hair.

“So did you hear about the mermaid who fell in love with a guy?”

“What?”

“She was totally hooked on him!”

“Hahahaha!” 

“Okay, stop me if you heard this one. Why did the mermaid cross the road?”

“Why?”

“To get to the other tide!”

“Hahahaha!”

Even if they thought these jokes were funny, the audience have a lukewarm reception to these.

“Wow. I have not heard jokes this flat since Aurora dragged me into that comedy club.” HW deadpans.

Several more acts later, the Spectacular is nearing its end.

Minerva steps back on stage to deliver one more introduction, “Okay, okay. Everyone has put on quite a show so far. Not saying that some of them were bad, everyone is special in their own way.” trying to put nicely.

“And now without further ado, Last but not certainly least. We have-” 

“LOOK OUT BELOW!!!” Someone yells out of nowhere.

Suddenly a massive lightning bolt blasts down onto the stage, nearly blowing Minerva off her feet. 

Standing before everyone is Aurora. She has her cloudy hair tied up in long pigtails and dressed up in a red sparkly dress with lightning bolt patterns on them.

“Aurora’s in the House!” She calls out boisterously as she points at her audience.

Everyone goes wild at her entrance.

“She never does anything subtle.”  Huntress rolls her eyes at her friend making her own introduction.

“Yes, baby! Show them what you got!” Aurora’s mother calls out energetically amongst the crowd alongside her husband and the rest of Aurora’s siblings. Yes, even her older sister is there to watch her little sister perform. 

Aurora waves at her family in the back  before she quickly grabs the microphone away from Minerva and does her own introduction. 

“Thank you, Minnie! But I will take it from here!” She shoos her away as belts out her own speech.

“Now as much as I want to get out my song and dance like I promised, I have some things I want to get off my chest before I do.” she declares. “So bear with me.”

Marching across the stage, Aurora monologues, “I got to tell you, it is totally amazing how everyone is part of this spectacular celebration.  And I don’t just mean everyone on stage with their far-out performances, I am talking about seeing everyone’s bright faces sitting there watching all of us live. You guys are what makes this Christmas Special!” she grins.

Everyone else smiles at her touching words. 

“All the same time, It is miraculous how we managed to get here, you know everyone being all happy and having a good time. It has been like, what, nine years, since that calamity? And we have long been recovering from that ever since.”

Everyone feels uncomfortable with how she is alluding to a very terrible event they all have gone through that they have worked very hard to recover and rebuild.  Minerva had half a mind to take the mic away from her from but Aurora pulls away. 

Aurora feels that too as she takes on a more somber tone. “I know, it is inappropriate for me to talk about. And I am sure some of you want to pretend but we cannot. Not when there are a lot of good people here who should have been watching this with us tonight” she shakes her head as she gives a moment of silence. 

Finn frowns as does Huntress Wizard. There is also Chocoberry and Cherry Cream Soda, Flame Princess, Lady Rainicorn, as well as Choose Goose’s family who close their eyes and bow their heads in gloom.  And there is not-a-small amount of people in the audience who feel the same way.

“I, too have my fair share of losses that weigh on me even right now.” Aurora says as she gives a knowing look in Huntress Wizard’s direction. “But who hasn’t? That is just a part of life, you know.” she tells everyone. It has taken her years to recover from the pains in her past which still hurt her a bit. But she knows that there is no point dwelling on sad things when she could choose to be happy instead.

“But you know what is also a part of life? Finding the will to move on and keep living our lives to the fullest. That is what brought us all here together this Christmas. The fact we still have loved ones by our side celebrating it with us? That is the real Christmas gift we’ve been receiving every year!”

Her heartwarming speech touched much of the audience who start clapping while driven to tears from such beautiful sentiments. Some of them start hugging the people next to each other, thanking them for being with them.

“Without further ado! Hit it!” Aurora wraps up her speech and points over to the side where her technicians bring in amps. She then  throws up a a large blanket of fog that envelops the entire stage as well as the audience.

Several lights of various colors flash out of the mist as it parts away. It is revealed that Aurora has split herself into multiple clones of herself, all wearing different costumes and carrying instruments of their own.

The first Aurora dressed in sparkly red steps up with her microphone.

Oh, Look at all of those smiles!

They sure ain’t going out of style!

Oh, Look at what we left behind.

Right now, we are just doing fine.

I sing you this blissful Lyrical

Witnessing a Christmas Miracle

Where our scars have faded away

And now we are on to better days.

Bringing all our hopes and dreams.

The Future never looked so clean.

Merry Christmas is finally here.

And onto a happy new year!

Are you ready to deck these halls?

We are in for a heck of a ball!

Full of fun and feasts and gifts galore.

Are you in for what we got in store?

Then a Second Aurora who is dressed in funky clothing, with a purple feathered jacket and pink shades. A band of Slime Musicians playing Jazz instruments follow along with her.

“Oh, baby can you dig this feeling? (Mmmm yeah)

Almost as if your heart is reeling? (Mmm Hmm)

Whenever you feel under the weather

Just put on your Christmas Sweater

Beyond all the ribbons and zeal.

The Truth will be revealed

Here on Christmas Day, we will find.

The best gift Is the loved ones by our side. 

Then a third Aurora who is wearing a robotic helmet and tracksuit, she is standing over a mix table as she is reverbing some classic Christmas songs as Dubstep. She shoots some lightning from her fingertips, adding to the bassdrop. There are several robots who provide electronic sounds of their own.

Then there is another clone of Aurora who is wearing a cowboy outfit and riding a horse as she is playing a Banjo.

“No one know where the winds blow.

Does not mean to go with the flow.

Take the gales under your sails.

Find in yourself the will to prevail.

Eventually you will be where you need to be.

And if you fall, that doesn’t mean defeat.

Someone will pick you up on your feet.

Even in your darkest of sorrows.

The sun will always rise tomorrow.

Rain or shine, it will be all right.”

And then finally a clone of Aurora who is wearing some sunglasses, a leather jacket, and a spiky mohawk.

“Coming right in to wrap things up.

And I ain’t talking about presents, bub.

Be on your guard, weather forecast has called.

This Christmas, you are gonna get squalled.

By the Storm Witch 

whose niche is to pitch

The best tempests from east to west.

Here to put her skills to the test.

It is Aurora, not Boring Alice.

I lay it on thick like a callus. 

So cold as I spit my rimes.

Sending chills up your spine.

Rock you hard like a hurricane,

No telling with a weather vane.

It ain’t a gentle breeze, I go Gale force.

Even Santa Clause is blown off-course.

Building up my charge, you need to bolt.

Measured over a hundred  million volts

When I unleash  my static verses.

That will really hit you where it hertz.

You be put under my spell, when I go full blast.

Taking over the airwaves, Call it a Broad Cast

From AC to DC, I will be bringing it Ohm.

Leave your Christmas wishes at the tone.

And then Hip-Hop Aurora electrocutes the Microphone to ashes and drops it with a satisfied smirk.

Everyone gives an overwhelming uproar as she ends the Christmas festival with a literal storm.

After the festival concludes, everyone is ready to settle in and take it easy. Minerva, ever the gracious host, offers her own home that she has just expanded for Finn and all of his friends. She had everyone’s presents dropped off here while they were all having fun. 

“Wooh, that was amazing!” Finn gasps with relief as he and everyone else walk inside who feel the same way.

“Tell me about it. Honestly never spit flames that hot in a while. I am a bit burned out.” Flame Princess says as she swallows up a large log next to a Fireplace to replenish herself. 

Now that is all the fun and games are done, it is time to open their presents. 

Everyone has brought in lots of incredible gifts for their family and friends. There are some drones flying around in Minerva’s home taking good snapshots of them all.

Finn is first. He and Huntress Wizard have been going on a lot of quests in the last couple of days. He may have gotten stabbed a bunch of times, broken several ribs, got a concussion, lost several of his teeth, and stubbed his toe. But it was all to get his friends only the best treasures that they deserve.

He got Princess Bubblegum the Sugar Skull from an ancient temple made of spicy chocolate. He got Marceline a Ravender Plant from Forest Wizard which produces drinks, shoot out rainbow pollen, and dances to liven up any party. Far deep in the Mines, Finn got Lady Rainicorn an incredibly large luscious diamond that the Gnomes gave him out of gratitude for saving their lives. He did not have the time to find a jewelsmith who could make an accessory out of a gem that big. But Lady knows a Rainicorn who knows a Crystal Person who could do the job. Finn got Flame Princess some ancient Hip-Hop Albums he discovered on a trip with Simon which he has been holding on for months and was just looking for the right opportunity to give it. (Some of the Hip-Hop Albums have very . . . interesting lyrics to say the least that he and Simon found out). And some other treasures from other Dungeons he trekked to for the rest of his friends.

Huntress Wizard had her fair share of gifts she gathered from nature. She gave Princess Bubblegum a Vanilla Rod that can infuse the essence of Vanilla which would be quite handy for her candy making ventures and other experiments. She gave Marceline this Mockingbird that can copy any kind of sound they hear which would be a nice accompaniment for her songs. For Flame Princess, she gave her a bag of seeds that she enchanted to survive intense heat. This would help her beautify her kingdom.  She also gave Aurora and Velvet some magical gifts. She got Aurora another flute she carved from the Tusk of a Thunderboar (which she made sure to ask in the first place) in which the lightning nature would probably be more attuned to her than it does for HW who also has her own flute made out of it. Velvet actually requested her to make a diamond out of her father’s ashes, a process that required a lot of intense heat and pressure deep underground but she managed to accomplish it. And then she turned it into a locket so that Velvet could have her father close to her heart. (Velvet is a far more sentimental person than she conveys herself as)

Marceline got a lot of her gifts from the Nightosphere. There is this Demon Arm that she got for Finn in case he needs to replace HW’s arm. She got Flame Princess this wicked Mask that would make a gnarly mantelpiece over her fireplace. And she got Simon some journals documenting the exploits of a man who actually visited the Nightosphere and lived to tell about it. And also a Music disc for Aurora which basically just involves agonizing screams but somehow she likes it. 

Aurora had her friend Oskar trekking across the multiverse for the best gifts they literally cannot get anywhere. Finn and Minerva got a framed photo of themselves with Martin in a universe where they are just a normal family living in a city without the Great Mushroom War. Marceline got a music album made by Bonnie Bubblegum from a universe where she and Marceline swapped places with Marcy being the ruler of a kingdom of the undead with Bubblegum being a rebellious Pop Star. Flame Princess got a flaming necklace from a universe where Finn did not blow it with her and eventually became the ruler of the Fire Kingdom alongside her. (Flame Princess was surprised that a universe like that exists but she is happy for her counterpart who was able to make things work between her and Finn). Simon and Betty got several historical documentaries that wouldn’t be made after the Mushroom War. 

“And last but not least for my Sisters from another Mister!” Aurora graciously says as he passes her gifts to Huntress Wizard and Velvet. 

“What is this?” HW tears open her package to find a potted plant that some luminous fruit growing on it.

“Why don’t you give it a taste?” Aurora grins at her.

“Ugh.” HW grimaces, being strictly a carnivore. “But what the heck.” She just plucks a fruit off its branches and pops into her mouth. Her eyes bulge out in shock from just how sweet and juicy it tastes on her tongue. Before she knew it, she found herself plucking even more fruit off its branches which quickly grow even more. Yes, apparently a part of Huntress Wizard still enjoys fruits, just not other parts of the plant.

“Where did you get this?” Huntress Wizard asks with curiosity. Even though she has been mastering her nature magic for years, even she is taken aback at how she can taste the pure essence of greenery flowing through it. 

“Oh, got it from a universe where you became the  Leader of your clan of Forest Nymphs.” Aurora explains.

“Oh, I do?” Huntress Wizard nods, being familiar with her friend’s multiversal exploits. 

“Do I still fall in love with Finn there too?” HW asks with curious eyes.

“Sh’yeah!” Aurora nods. “It is kind of like a Canon event or whatever that  jerk Miguel called it.” 

“What is this?” Velvet calls out after opening up her gift box. Inside, there are some textbooks and comic books that deal with wizards and magic. But the most interesting part is who written them. Velvet raises her eyebrows in fascination upon recognizing them.

Aurora knows and confirms. “Yeah, let’s just say some dear friends of ours are doing just fine.” No need to go into further details.

Velvet nods. “I see. Well, thank you. This is much appreciated.” she says to her sincerely.

Aurora grins in response, “Aww, you’re welcome. How about a little kiss as your Christmas gift?”

“Not a chance.” Velvet immediately turns that down. 

Simon finds himself taking a deep yawn. “Well, that was fun. But honestly, it is getting awfully late and an old man like me needs his sleep.”

“Wait, hold on, Simon! Can we do just one more Christmas picture? All of us together?” Finn urges him.

“Alright, alright.” Simon says with Betty helping him up by the shoulder.

“Okay, everyone. Over to the couch, please.” Minerva ushers everyone to the sofa that is large enough to accommodate over a dozen people (and a large Rainicorn)

It takes some doing for everyone to find some space and get in position, but they manage it quite well.

There is Finn and Huntress Wizard sitting in the center with Minerva sitting up next to her son and her daughter-in-law. To the right, Marceline and Bubblegum are cozying up to each other with some cups of hot cocoa and wearing matching sweaters. There is Simon and Betty sitting down together with the former holding an arm over the latter’s shoulder. Flame Princess is standing to the side, having changed out of her armor in favor of a casual sweater and sweatpants (both fireproof of course). BMO is standing right at the feet of the couch raising their little arms in joy. Aurora and Velvet are also standing on the other side of the couch. Velvet is formally poised with her hands clasped together whilst Aurora is putting on a silly face with her tongue sticking out and doing some peace signs. Lady Rainicorn is just hovering over the back of the sofa behind everyone’s heads. 

“Alright, everyone. Say Merry Christmas!” Minerva calls out as several drones move in to take the picture.

“Merry Christmas!!” Everyone calls out in joy.

And just like that the picture is take, commemorating yet another precious memory they could look back fondly.

They have gone through much to get where they are now. But it is all worth it. A Happy Ending that everyone worked so hard to achieve.

Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night.