Chapter Text
Finn sat in his forge at the Candy Kingdom Prison. He was sharpening an axe when Peppermint Butler let himself in.
"Executioner," He bowed.
"Enter," Finn stopped his sharpening and waved him in. "What brings you here, Pep?"
Peppermint Butler offered a rolled-up paper sealed with Bonnibel's sigil. "Your skills are needed."
Finn accepted the paper and broke the seal then unrolled the paper. Not much was written inside. For what type of execution, it was, it was common that the order would be brief.
By order of the Royal Assembly of Ooo, and approval of Princess Bonnibel Bubblegum, the Uplifter,
The group of bandits who call themselves "The Victors Gang" located within the confines of the Jungle Kingdom are banished forthwith from the kingdom under pain of death for banditry, slaughter, highway robbery, theft, vandalism, and all other charges not officially reported. The Executioner, maybe he be well, is hereby released to carry out judgment against these felons and any party who associates with or benefits from their illegal activities. NO EVIDENCE SHALL BE REQUIRED.
Signed,
etcetera and so forth
The Uplifter, Princess Bonnibel Bubblegum
Finn rolled the paper and stuffed it in his satchel. "I understand. I will got to the Jungle Kingdom and find them."
Peppermint Butler smiled and bowed. "I shall inform the Princess immediately. Farwell Executioner, and be well."
"Thank you, Pep." Finn sighed as he began tapping his satchel. He needed to gather his things and head out. His blades would have to wait.
Finn returned to the tree fort and immediately got his bag. As he was entering the living room, Jake greeted him at the dining table.
"Hey, bro, welcome back. You're early."
I've just been issued a decree," Finn said. "PB wants me to take out a gang in the Jungle Kingdom. I'm going to investigate then hunt them down. I'm just getting a few essentials."
Finn opened a large wardrobe and started picking and choosing items. Throwing knives, hidden blades, wrist crossbow, and its darts.
"She decreed an execution. Wow, it's been a while. Who's the unlucky gang?" Jake asked.
"The The Victors Gang." He replied as he loaded his almost empty belt with additional devices and tools then finished with placing a dagger beneath his belt. "I know, the name sounds terrible. They probably thought otherwise."
Finn ensured he had some poisons and debated on wearing an enchanted glove. But decided against it. He'd delt with gangs before and wasting magical items on them wasn't very appealing. He'd use simple gear today.
"You think you're going to need a firearm this time?" Jake asked.
Finn shook his head. "No, the ammunition is hard to make and harder to come by. I'll take a crossbow." Finn grabbed a folded-up crossbow and simply pushed a button for the stock and curve to pop out. He aimed it to check its sights and when satisfied, began to put it away and attach a box of bolts to his belt.
"Got it. Powerful and quiet. I don't know if the gang is large or not. Sometimes it doesn't hurt to overprepare," Jake pointed.
"I agree," said Finn, "That's why I'm packing so much. I'm not taking the bag; I need to travel light. I'll take Beatrice this time. BMO!"
"Alright, if you're sure, dude," Jake shrugged, "I can get you there faster."
"Yes, but I'd like to take her out once in a while. She gets restless otherwise."
"I'm here, Finn!" BMO exclaimed happily.
"BMO, can you remind me what the Tenant says about killing political figures. If this gang is politically backed I'd like a refresher on the etiquette."
"The tenants are clear. If you find ties to a political figure, you are not required to prove their guilt." Beamed BMO. "If you kill them, they are guilty. The Executioner cannot spill innocent blood."
"That's what I thought. Thank you BMO," Finn nodded. "I'll be gone awhile. If you need anything, just pull from the treasury."
"Yup," Jake waved, "Good luck with your hunt, bro. How about the Birkat Hatzaidim before you go?" Finn nodded and knelt before Jake as he raised his hands over Finn. "Blessings and praises to you, oh Justice, Ruler of the universe. You have chosen this one to be your hunter. Grant him swiftness, keenness, and a quick conclusion to his investigation. May his enemies be plagued with confusion in his wake, and may he always, forever, deliver justice unto this wicked land. Amen… Okay, go do your thing, bro." Finn stood up and nodded a thank you to Jake then geared Beatrice and galloped off.
Finn arrived at the foot of the city, which was high in the jungle trees. On the ground, there was a wall of stone which acted as a gate to the elevator. This elevator carried visitors and residents alike up and down the kingdom. A stable also provided care for mounts. Finn left Beatrice there with a nervous stable boy who recognized him vestments. He was not alone. As Finn walked to the gate, the guards would bow their head and greet him, and the people would bow and back away from him.
Finn saw a line to enter the kingdom, but that meant nothing to him. None could deny the Executioner passage according to the Tenant of Hospitality. Finn pushed his way through and while initially the people would be perturbed, they'd quickly step aside.
A guard noticed him and shouted, "Make way for the Royal Executioner! You are blocking his path!"
The line divided and Finn was able to enter the building. The people inside did not hear his announcement and remained still, but he pushed passed them again. The guards recording all comings and goings were also indignant at first when he pushed his way upfront, but their mood changed, and all stood in his presence to respect him.
"Executioner, how may we serve you?" Asked the guard he faced.
"I require passage to the city. I must speak to her majesty, the princess, immediately," replied Finn.
The guard bowed. "Yes, Executioner. You, notify the princess so she may know he's coming. Right this way, Executioner, the elevator will leave immediately."
The entering group groaned but the guard rebuked them. "Be silent! None will obstruct the Executioner's path or waste his time. Do you want to be cursed?" None replied. "Please, come this way."
Finn boarded the elevator, and as promised, the elevator began to ascend to the city. It took a few minutes for the elevator to reach the city. The trees were quite high from the ground. Finn stepped off as soon as the elevator stopped and made his way to the biggest tree house. That was considered the Jungle Palace. Home of the princess and her family.
As he stood before it, the guards opened the doors and sent out the call, "The Royal Executioner is on his way!"
The curtains closed, all evacuated the antechamber but the guards, and Finn waited. This chamber was much smaller than Bonnibel's. It was the size of a living room and only two guards stood to defend it. Finally, the door opposite of the entrance, opened and Jungle Princess stepped out to greet him.
"Executioner," She said simply.
Finn bowed. "Princess. I have come to begin my investigation. What information can you give me?"
"Not much, Executioner," She replied, quite agitated. "We first noticed the damage when we realized trade to and from the kingdom was hindered, or better said, halted. We were receiving no supplies, no traders came for commerce, and stores were running out of stock. Especially food. When we began to investigate we realized we were being robbed. A gang with this sigil had been attacking them."
She handed him a neatly folded drape she had been carrying. Finn unfolded it and flicked the fabric to see the sigil clearly.
"I see," He said rolling the fabric up and giving it back. "What has been the most recent attack?"
"A trade caravan. One with armed escort," She replied, "One guard survived. The poor thing crawled back to us before he died. He didn't say much to help us. Only that he heard the name, 'The Victors Gang.' I have never heard of them. They must be new! Whoever they are they are quite successful and illusive! We've checked Caves! Trees! Under rocks!" She presented a map with places they checked and routes the gang hit. Their attacks are well coordinated… and well informed."
Finn hummed. This was obviously an operation. "How many know of this?"
"The guard," She replied, "My officials. My citizens are growing weary, and rumors are spreading. They're nervous. They've questioned what is causing the shortages. I cannot keep them in the dark for long. There would be uproar if they knew, they'd demand justice I cannot give, due to lack of knowledge! They might even make the gang's operations easier! I had to plead the Uplifter for help. She speaks highly of your skills."
"Yes, she decreed the gang was to be eliminated. Any and all who are a part of it are to be put to death. You do understand that this may also mean your officials. You are aware of what the tenants say?"
She nodded. "I will write the necessary pardons and keep them blank until the names are given. As will be the necessary condemnations."
"Good," Finn said as he rolled the map up. "We'll try something easy." Finn motioned at the guards.
Jungle princess understood and faced them. "Away! Leave us!"
They bowed and left the room. She leaned in to listen to him as he whispered. "I will return to the Uplifter, and you will message her again. Share these details only to your inner circle. I suspect inside knowledge. My hope is that the insider is of the inner circle. That would make it easier to narrow down who is responsible. If it's among the guard then this will be difficult."
"But if the traitor is in my circle then who knows what else my kingdom will suffer from? How many of them are corrupt if it is as you suspect? Besides, I know each personally, I'd be sending good friends to death." Jungle princess said nervously.
Finn crossed his arms. "That's not my concern. If it pertains to this case, leave that to me. Otherwise, look for the signs of corruption on your own. You are its leader. Now, what you will say is that you are requesting a large supply of goods for the kingdom to feed the people. After the supplies are received, you will send payment back. This will give us two chances to catch the gang and search out their priorities. If they are wise and they are looking for funding, they will wait out the supplies and you will be able to feed your people. Then we can strike them. If they just want the food, then this will be over faster. If they should attack neither, then you will have had a successful trade and your people can still eat. But we will suspect that they managed to figure out the plan."
"Which plan is that? This is a simple trade deal with you in it." The Jungle Princess asked.
Finn took out his dagger and examined its sharpness. "I'll be waiting inside the shipments."
The Jungle Princess nodded in understanding. "I will do as you say. But we must hurry, Executioner. My people will starve without provisions."
"Then waste no time. Call a meeting. I must go. I cannot investigate this without rousing suspicion."
"Be well, Executioner," Jungle Princess bowed.
Finn removed himself from her antechamber and the call went out, "The Royal Executioner is departing!" The subjects returned to the antechamber where they continued to conduct their business. Finn did as he promised, and told Bonnibel the plan. She was quick to agree. And the trade was to happen in a week.
The Banana guards filled the cart with what was agreed, and Finn overlooked the loading. Bonnibel was with them as well to sign off on the final transaction.
"You are sure this will work, Executioner?" Bonnibel asked as she signed the agreement with a Jungle Kingdom Representative.
"The priority is to ensure the Jungle Kingdom is as least fed. I can find the gang one way or another. Nothing escapes the all seeing eye of Being of Justice."
Bonnibel returned the agreement. "Your plan has many ways to be ruined."
"Specific ways," Finn agreed, "Yes. Which narrows down my search. Either way, your decree will be passed."
Bonnibel nodded. "Very good then. I leave it to your capable hands. Bring them to justice. Return only with the ringleader's head, as proof. Thus, is what the Tenants say."
Finn bowed, "As you say, Uplifter." Finn climbed the cart and hid inside.
Bonnibel looked around for onlookers then leaned in. "Be careful, Finn."
Finn smiled underneath his shroud. "It's the gang who needs to be careful, Bonnie." Finn closed the drapes.
"Go, and may the Being Of Justice see you safely," Bonnibel said to the Jungle Kingdom Guard.
"Your generosity humbles us, your majesty," Bowed the representative. "We will return with your dues with haste."
The Jungle guard left shortly after. Finn waited patiently in the back of the cart. He entertained himself by examining his dagger or reading from the prophets, but the wait was still frustrating. His hope was that the Victors would simply need supplies and try to raid the initial delivery. But the more time had passed, the less certain he was that they were interested in food. It was good, he supposed. Perhaps they had plenty and could let the people have their portion. But then, did the plan get leaked, like he suspected? Was a mole in the inner circle? Or another technique, could it be a secret passage the Jungle Princess was unaware of had been used against her? Less likely, the princess could be involved. But what would she gain?
Finn sighed, and sheathed his dagger. He decided to read more words from the prophets. The words were simple, a comfort to the people as they had questioned quietly who the Executioner was.
And he saith to me, "Ye among them who is worthy, who is great, who is obedient, who is upright, who turns not from the laws, ye among them who is just. Fear not, for The Executioner is for ye. He shall serve ye with obedience and patience. He shall cast down the wicked. He will justify the meek. He shall have one boot in the dead and another in the living, but his power shall only be granted him, if he is as just as you."
Indeed, at the time, the Executioner was feared and loved. Too much in the Prophet Larry's eyes. He heard the whispers of people calling him a manner of good and bad things. This passage was simply a defense of his name… and a challenge.
Indeed, it has been said, "The Executioner is a hero, he cuts down the wicked. He kills who kills, and he harms who harms."
But he saith to you, "Be not deceived that the Executioner is you salvation. He is only here in the name of Justice. So, ask not he, 'Fetch me a thing!' Nor ask, 'Do this thing for me!' For he shall not be expected to answer you."
Finn sighed. He and Bonnibel both skimmed this passage. He always did "a thing" for her. And she always asked him to. Of course, she was the Uplifter. She was to use him as she saw fit. Finn flipped thew the small book and passed several chapters until he found the passage.
It was in this time that King Hamilton sent for the prophet. And in his anger said, "Why should the Executioner be above my reproach? Does he rule over me?"
And the prophet replied, "No, my king, he does not rule over you."
And King Hamilton asked, "Why is he then above my reproach? Is he the not human?"
And the prophet replied again. "He is human, My king."
And king Hamilton asked again. "Why, then, is the Executioner above my reproach? I order him, 'cut down a killer in my brother's kingdom.' And he says, 'I have seen no killer in your brother's kingdom.' Then I tell him, 'See there a thief in my cousin's court. Take his head.' and he says, 'I saw no thief in thy cousin's court.' Then I saith he, 'You must read the tenants! These say the thief and the killer are to die, but you say, "I have not seen it."' Then he spoketh, Why do you order me? Are you the Entity Of Justice?' So why is he above my reproach?"
And the prophet was troubled. For the Executioner was unjust in these acts. So he said to the King, "Let me pray and see?"
So, the king let the prophet go and he pray to the Entity of Justice. "Blessed are you, Entity of Justice. Ruler of the universe. Harken unto thy servant. Your right hand the Executioner speaks back to thy king. Pray thee, what do I say to he?"
And a voice came from heaven as the sky grew dark. And in that time a storm had come so it was hard to hear. But the prophet prayed on. But he heareth the voice from heaven after he begged three times that the voice speak louder. And on the third time the storm calmed, and he heard the voice say, "If my Executioner refuses to be accountable to justice. Then the unjust shall hold him accountable."
This passage was written in a time when a king who did not serve the Entity of Justice ruled over those who did.
"Speak to thy king, and choose for me a new Executioner. And say to him, 'Thy Lord the Entity of Justice says this: the Executioner is yours to command the way you deem fit. Only harken to the tenants and ye shall rule well." Go now, and anoint him with holy oil. He shall Uplift the next Executioner."
Finn chuckled to himself. The rest of the story simply had the previous Executioner suddenly die and the new Executioner, chosen from the humblest of the condemned, was ordained. It was a painful process, Finn remembered. But he shivered and put the book away. while to most who read the scriptures, it was comfort and history, to Finn, no such comfort would be found. Every Executioner always met a bitter end. His duty went unfulfilled, so he was killed, he kills an innocent man out of passion, so he dies; there was even an executioner who was killed because he failed to cut off a man's head properly. There were ways to save botched executions, but to let it go on to such an extent as this one did... Justice was not lenient to him.
The short story was that he used a dull blade and was given pittance to ensure his next victim would die quickly. Such a thing was lawful to the Tenants and was common among the rich. The third swing injured the spine, but did not sever it. As such, the executed was crying in pain while being stuck on the block. The Executioner at the time had foolishly then continued to stab him to death with the blade rather than switch to a sharper one. He died in front of the whole kingdom suddenly. His last moment was a scream in pain, and he dropped to the ground as his soul was ripped from his body and visibly dragged to the Nightosphere. The next executioner would ironically be appointed as the next man in line
Finn had many of his own botches. But he never let his executed suffer like that. He'd always ensure he had one more axe, one more sword, if necessary. Pittance was occasionally given to him. According to the Tenants, a pittance could give a condemned an easier death. It was lawful. Some of Finn's boilings turning into hangings or hangings to beheadings when a wealthy prisoner gave him a pittance. Some families would stop him on the street and offer pittance for their family member who would suffer a beheading. The money bought them insurance for a quick and easy death. As such, Finn would choose the most assured method of execution rather than the one they were awarded.
An example would be a pirate sentenced to death. usually, piracy was awarded banishment by hanging. But if the Pirate's family or the pirate himself paid an honest pittance, or a pittance with clean, earned money, then they could get a beheading instead. Hangings had more of a chance to be botched than beheadings. Likewise, illegal practice of magic could be awarded burning at the stake. But a pittance could allow for beheading or hanging instead.
Elementals were another situation. Obviously an elemental who practiced illegal magic couldn't be burnt at the stake if they were from the fire kingdom. As such, a method referred to as "dousing" was developed. It acted much like boiling but they weren't lowered into the cauldron. Rather, the Executioner simply immobilized the victim and forced their head into the water, then the rest of their body followed. Cruel as it sounded, Finn preferred those, no matter how terrifying it was to the condemned. It left little to no remains to clean up.
Finn's thoughts were interrupted when he heard shouting from outside. He jumped at first, but calmed down when he realized his trap had worked. The Victors ambushed the caravan. The jungle guard fought bravely, and Finn sprang to action. He drew his sword and jumped out quickly wounding a bandit who tried to get onto the cart. He needed as many alive as he could handle in case one didn't feel talkative. It made integrations easy when the victim saw the results of their silence.
Finn parried a blade that nearly struck him then forced the sword into the bandit's gut before finishing him off. He moved onto his next target, drawing his dagger, and taking two down that tried to attack at once. He followed it with a leg sweep as a third charged him from behind. He tried to get up but Finn quickly jumped on top of him then shoved his sword into his gut. It was then the Bandit realized who he was.
"It's the Exi…" His sentence was cut short when Finn slit his throat.
"Shh, don't tell anyone," He taunted. Finn stood up and continued to defend the caravan. He saw a bandit climbing on top of the wagon driver's seat. The Representative was thrown off then the bandit took the reins. Before he could force the horses to move, Finn drew a throwing knife and managed to land it into the bandit's back. He screamed and fell off then Finn defended himself from another blade strike.
This bandit was larger, well armored. Which meant they were well supplied. Interesting, Finn thought.
"Do you think you presence here will make a difference, Executioner?" The bandit asked, his helmet making his voice echo menacingly.
"It is unwise not to fear the Executioner," Finn replied equally dark then punched the helmet making the assailant stagger back. Finn swing his blade, but the bandit blocked and tried to counter. He was well trained. Finn was actually glad. He could use the exercise. They traded blows and parried each other as the guard and the bandits fought around them.
"Do you think superstitions and fairytales will scare us into submission? Perhaps amongst the common rabble, but we are free from your illusions!"
"You call this an illusion?" Finn growled as he stretched out his fire rune glove. The leg of fire surprised his target but the two didn't meat. Finn pressed his advantage and charged the skilled duelist. His first strike with his sword met the blade and dislodged it from its master's hand. Finn followed up with his dagger, shoving it into the week spot under the shoulder, then kicked the bandit down to the floor. Seeing him defeated, his ambush party called for a retreat and disappeared into the greenery.
"Come back you cowards!" He shouted angrily. "Where are you going! Fight!"
"You may be disciplined, captain, but you command poor forces," Finn taunted as he flourished his blades and sheathed them. "Give me the survivors. I will question them personally." The Jungle guard set up a defense while others collected the survivors for interrogation. Two grabbed the band leader and forced him to his knees before Finn while the others did the same to the wounded bandits. All were aligned and waiting for him. Their armor and weapons were stripped off of them and Finn began to examine each with an intimidating gaze.
Some of them quivered in fear, others averted their eyes. Only two stared at him. One of them trying to be brave, the other was the duelist. Finn stopped pacing and crossed his arms. He began with the first in line. "What is your name?"
The bandit was timid. He had obviously heard tails of him, and Finn could tell he was starting to believe them. Perhaps this interrogation wouldn't last long, and his questions would be answered.
"I'm… Hornet." Obviously an alias. This was a candy person, and their names always possessed some kind of affiliation with a pastry or treat.
"Do you come from a gang?" Finn asked slowly and clearly.
Hornet broke eye contact and did not answer. His friends obviously were encouraging him to be silent, but he was weighing his options.
"Don't say a word, Hornet!" One hissed.
"He's just a superstitious idol, Hornet, don't be a coward!"
Finn chuckled and leaned over. "Is that what I am? Tell me more, Hornet. What do they saw about the Executioner?"
Hornet shivered and turned his head. "He doesn't look like a ghost."
"Don't be fooled!" He was scolded.
Finn kneeled. "Hornet?"
Hornet turned his head. "Th-they say you are just a human. That the reason you are as powerful as you are is because of stories and legends. There are no supernatural beings behind you or empowering you. Y-you're… normal."
Finn chuckled and stood up. "And you?" He spoke to the one who scolded hornet the most. "What do you think?"
"What's there to say?" The bandit replied defiantly, "You're a man, in a hood, with a sword. There's nothing special about you! We Victors are disillusioned. Free from superstitions, from fear. We live by our own terms."
"Thank you for your honesty," Finn turned and walked away to speak to the representative. "It seems my plan worked. Take the guard, and three of the bandits… leave the rest, and the captain to me."
"There are twelve of them. What will you do alone with the others?" The representative asked.
Finn turned around. And pointed at eight of them. "Kill them."
The guards nodded and drew their blades. Protests and begging followed then were quickly silenced. The captain was left alone and though he was stoic before, he was clearly nervous now. Three were left alive, including Hornet and his scolder, and the Captain was still being guarded by the two he was restrained by.
"Release him and deliver the supplies," Finn ordered, "He'll stay with me."
The captain glared at him, and the guards nodded. "Yes, Executioner."
Finn and the captain stared at each other while the caravan departed. Bodies and prisoners in tow. There was silence for some time. Then Finn began to pace around the Captain.
"So, what now, Executioner? What do you plan to do with me alone out here?" The Captain watched as Finn quietly circled around behind him.
"I simply don't like having an audience when I peel information from the mind of the condemned." Finn closed his eyes and gripped his talisman, then whispered a prayer.
"Blessed are you, Being of Justice, Ruler of the universe, who sees all unjust. Who plots against them, and brings them to light. See now your servant, your right hand. Raise him up. And show him their sin."
The captain chuckled. "If you think your interrogation methods will work on me, you are free to try. I've been tortured before and none of broken me yet."
"I do not doubt your abilities to withstand pain," Finn caressed his hidden blade then ejected it as it began to glow a golden light. He then placed his hand on the bandit's shoulder and whispered. "But I didn't keep you for an interrogation." He forced the blade into the bandit's head and gasped. As his eyes went wide he began to see several of the bandit captains dealings during his time with the gang.
What Finn could gather was that the Bandit had joined years ago. They were small time for a while. A street gang in the Jungle but had the promise of becoming big and earning a name. And they did just that two years ago. He saw then that they only got bigger when a familiar creature had met with them, promised great power in the name of… The Evil King? He'd heard that title before from similar creatures. From their things grew like cancer. They had a hideout in a cave that was three leagues away from the jungle kingdom capitol. They met with a politician regularly. Finn didn't have a face, but he did have confirmation they had a mole in their ranks. A later conversation revealed that he was an advisor. Just as Finn hoped. Although, it was in some way alarming even if it was the first thing he'd expect. After all, the advisor always had a say in the course the kingdom would take for their future. And equally so, they'd have the ability to give its future up. Finn finally had the information he wanted. The location of the gang's base and the confirmation of the mole's authority. He pulled his blade out and took slow steady breaths.
The ritual often left him feeling chilled and disoriented. It was why he preferred to be alone during these extractions. It made him vulnerable, and the process was… disturbing to watch. The bandit captain groaned one last time, then fell lifelessly to the ground, his eyes blank. Finn sat on a rock and began to regain his bearings. When the chills finally stopped, he went over the information in his head.
It was strange the princess hadn't heard of this gang before. They did, in some way, earn themselves a bad name to the guard. She'd have to make decisions on the course of action to control them. but then, it could be their benefactor was covering them up. However, to argue that point, they didn't get a benefactor until they left the city and grew bigger. It was all odd.
If that wasn't enough mystery, the meeting with the doppleganger and the mention of "The Evil King" was the fine point that made everything much more puzzling… and concerning. First the Fire Kingdom was affected, but the Jungle Kingdom too? Finn believed that the mention of some evil king was simply ambition… He was beginning to thing that now… it was a conspiracy.
Finn shook his head. "It doesn't matter now." He'd have to bring it to Bonnibel's attention. Maybe Marceline would know as well… Finn hummed. But he cleared his head again. He still had to eliminate the gang. And maybe they'd have information on this corrupt advisor… or an evil king. It bothered Finn to no end on his way to the bandit hideout. One doesn't simply corrupt an advisor or a councilor. Maybe the advisor be a doppelganger? Or perhaps, he was real…
"An ultimatum, perhaps," Finn muttered to himself as he ran.
Advisors and counselors were highly trusted officials. Loyal to their kingdoms usually. Maybe with enough money, their minds could be changed, but then, if they rejected, they could be killed and replaced. That could have been it. How far did this intrigue go? Were other kingdoms affected? The thought gnawed at Finn's conscience. He needed to tell Bonnibel soon. She would want to know.