A/N: I hate myself. Every time I read the ending of the last chapter I tear up. EVERY. SINGLE. TIME. It killed me inside to do that to Jake. I was so upset I couldn't even write a proper author's note at the end. I just wanted to throw the chapter up and be done. That ending hurt. But now the final battle for Ooo looms. And someone will be visiting the Land of The Dead and a hard choice will be made. It's time for Finn to grow up some more. Without further ado, here is what you've all been waiting for.

Finn and Pyra trudged through the darkness of the heart of magic. The pale light that led the way simply kept them moving one foot in front of the other, not speaking, still in shock at the loss of Jake to Abracadaniel, despite all their safeguards. Finn's last look into Jake's eyes, of him accepting death to save his best friends love, his final words echoing through the turmoil of his mind, would haunt his every step. Each movement was a reminder of his brother's sacrifice. Finn knew that if he had the Demon Sword that he would have given into it again. He was so steeped in rage and hate that even the dark light of their guide seemed to tinge red in his vision. Pyra's presence next to him held no comfort for him in this moment, and if Finn could register fear in his churning mind, it would scare him. Instead, he walked on, hoping to meet Simon and Betty along the way, as he would need every advantage he could muster to exact his revenge.

The couple continued deeper into the earth. The air was stale and full of decay. It was just like the last time Finn was here, fighting the Lich, and once again to save Ooo. He allowed himself a brief memory of Jake fighting undead with him to save the lich to surface, before shoving deep inside himself as he felt a sib threatening to break free from his iron cage of self control. On the outside, he seemed devoid, but on the inside, he was a howling fierce storm of rage and grief. Soon it would be unleashed on his foe.

The Light stopped suddenly at a crossroads of a series of tunnels. Finn and Pyra simply stood, waiting for a signal to resume their pace. Pyra desperately wanted to say something, anything to make Finn realize that she was there for him, that she was hurting that he was hurting. When she went to try, she was the fire in his eyes, and was reminded of his demonic form in the Nightosphere. She had just lost Jake and now it seemed she was powerless to not lose Finn to his hatred and revenge. Emotion, especially those of a distraught boy were foreign to her and for the first time, she wished Bubblegum was here, since she would know how to calm the Hero down. She would know just the right thing to say to make him understand. And for once, Pyra didn't hate her for it, only envied Bubblegum's experience.

Faint footsteps echoed from the tunnels. Finn readied his sword while Pyra charged fireballs, ready for a confrontation. What they found were their lost allies, being guided by a similar orb of light.

"What a relief we found you," Betty said in a worried voice. She was supporting Simon on her shoulder. The mage looked pale and exhausted, sweat pouring off his face and various blood spots dotted his clothes." Simon is hurt and I can't heal him without stopping."

"I will be fine dear," Simon said weakly, shaking.

"Fine? You almost killed yourself with that last spell," Betty yelled in frustration.

"What happened," Pyra asked, as Betty laid Simon on the ground?

"We were cut off from you both, and were attacked by creatures tailored to combat magic users. They ate magic and would attack with a mental blast before engaging in physical combat to throw anyone competent in martial combat off balance. They are called Kreelix: bat-like creatures with three fangs that eat magic inside a mage, killing them instantly with a bite. They have been thought to be extinct for the better part of five hundred years."

"How did you fight them off," Pyra asked, amazed at Simon's ability to survive such a foe.

"I was a scientist, much like Princess Bubblegum, before I became the Ice King. I trapped the Kreelix inside a room and detonated a fireball spell inside, before shutting them inside and locking the door with a hold portal spell. The fire raging inside the room consumed the oxygen, leaving the creatures nothing to breathe and they faded quickly, along with the fire."

"They managed to claw you up good in the process," Betty said angrily, passing the Blue Crystal Staff over Simon's wounds.

"I would take their claws over their fangs any day of the week my dear. I'm feeling better now."

"You need to rest and catch your breath. Those weren't ice spells Simon. They take their toll."

"Ice spells," Pyra inquired, confused by the sudden change of topic.

"I retain a certain… affinity for Ice Magic from my time as the Ice King's vessel. They don't cost nearly as much energy as normal spells do. They aren't as effective either, as the power or the Crown gave them true power. They are good in a pinch though, especially if I'm low on mana.

"I understand."

Simon finally noticed Finn staring at the orbs of light impatiently, waiting for them to make a move. "Finn, my dear boy, they will move in good time."

Simon wasn't acknowledged by the young hero, which sent off warning bells in Simon's head. "Has something happened," he asked Pyra?

She simply looked at the ground and stated, "Abracadaniel captured Jake and made Finn choose who to save from death, Jake or me. Jake chose for us."

Betty gasped in horror as what Pyra said seeped in. "I'm so sorry Finn," she spoke. Finn again didn't reply.

"Are you sure that's what you saw," Simon asked, thinking?

"Yes."

"That doesn't make sense. Gunter had the Demonic Wishing Eye. I don't know of many beings with the power to overcome that artifact, and Abracadaniel doesn't have the raw power to do so. His power is sealing, leeching, and absorbing, as well as dimensional travel. He doesn't have raw combat magic."

"You said it yourself, He absorbs magic. He could have absorbed the power of the Demonic Wishing Eye and kidnapped Jake," Finn said forlornly, finally speaking.

"If he's absorbed the power of that Artifact, we'll have an even harder time defeating him." Simon analyzed. "What was Abracadaniel's magic before when you defeated him?"

"Cantrips."

"I can only hope what you saw was an illusion. I don't want to believe that Jake has fallen, and until I find definite proof that it has occurred, I refuse to believe it," Simon declared.

"You should believe what you hear," said the voice Finn was waiting to hear.

Abracadaniel stepped out from a portal in front of the group, his appearance even more ragged, his eyes black and his skin pale. "Are you all ready to join the Dog?"

Finn charged the Void Mage with all the speed his leg could muster, bringing his sword down upon his foe's head, intent on cleaving him in two. It wasn't to be, as a shield of blue magic blocked the strike.

"Freezing sphere," Simon shouted, before tossing balls of ice at the distracted villain. Black holes appeared and absorbed the ice balls, and the fire thrown at him from another direction by Pyra.

"My turn," Abracadaniel said, before rags emerged from the singularities and attempted to entrap the magic users. Finn cut the ones aimed at Flame Princess and Betty slammed the Blue Crystal Staff again the ones focusing on Simon, turning them to ash. The heroes launched more attacks in vain, all absorbed by their enemy's defenses. Finally, he had felt he had toyed with them long enough, and shield of sealing trapped the group.

"You first Flame Princess," he said, and began to extract her magic as she screaming in agony, the magic of her elemental fire literally being ripped from her. She fell to the ground, unconscious as she was drained.

"STOP IT," Finn screamed, beating at the walls of his prison, unable to save his princess and falling into desperation.

Finally, the shield over Simon exploded with force, freeing him. Abracadaniel turned with surprise and simply asked, "How?"

"I've been tearing down your shields for a little bit of time now. It was just a matter of gathering the energy necessary for the spells since that shield kept draining me. Now Abracadaniel, you will answer to me for your crimes," Simon said, readying full combat magic.

"I will devour all you have to offer me," the hungry mage replied.

Simon launched combat spell after combat spell at their enemy, shouting, "Magic Missile. Frost Ray. Fireball. Lightning Bolt. Cone of Cold. Burning Hands. Scorching Ray. Flame Sphere. Acid Arrow."

Despite the massive array of spells against him, Abracadaniel simply raised a shield around him, blocking and absorbing everything Simon threw at him. While he was distracted, Simon broke the shields surrounding the other heroes. Finn ran to aid Flame Princess and Betty came circled Abracadaniel to attack him from behind. She swung the Blue Crystal Staff horizontally, colliding with his ribs and sending him hurling into the wall with a resounding crack. Everyone turned to Betty, looking at her with wonder. The medic of the team had gotten the only hit in so far.

Abracadaniel slowly pulled himself from the wall, cursing the heroes and holding his ribs, which had been burned with the Staff's magic. "I've heard of the power the Blue Crystal Staff holds. I've never seen it in action until now. It holds up to it's reputation. I will enjoy devouring that power."

"You can't even hold it without it burning you," Betty challenged. "Try absorbing something like that."

"It doesn't matter what magic you hold or what powers you possess. All will be consumed," the villain said before charging his absorbing magic.

"You won't win Abracadaniel. We will stop you," Finn shouted, holding the unconscious Pyra in his arms.

"I concur," A voice projected inside the minds of all in the room.

A white light appeared and the companion thought dead stepped out of it.

"JAKE," Finn cried in happiness.

"He's back," Simon said with relief.

"I'm back guys. Neutral Ant saved me"

"Neutral Ant," Betty asked, confused?

"I saved Jake from death," Neutral Ant projected again. "Abracadaniel has broken the balance. It is time for it to be restored."

"How will you stop me Neutral Ant? You have no real power to affect me," Abracadaniel laughed.

"I have reunited the Champions of Good. They will defeat you now," He replied matter-of-factly.

"Is that what you think? Well since I don't care about the balance anyway," Abracadaniel's voice trailed off as he rose his hand and pointed at Finn. "Die," and a tendril of cloth shot from the villains arm to pierce Finn's chest, ensnaring his heart and draining the life energy from it.

"FINN," the group shouted in terror. Jake shot to his best friend, cradling him in his arms as Betty and Simon renewed the attack.

"C'mon man. You can't die on me. I just got back. You can't leave now. You haven't met the pups. You haven't had the chance to become an uncle yet." Jake could feel tears running down his face as Finn lay unmoving, still by the cold grip of death. "I need your help to raise my pups. I need you to help me teach them to adventure like we do. Please Finn, don't be dead." A long mournful howl erupted form the dog's throat, unable to contain his sorrow.

It was at the moment that Pyra awoke and saw Finn in Jake's arms while Jake howled in agony. She knew that howl. The fire dogs would make that sound when one of their own was extinguished. She saw Finn and just knew. She knew everything. And that was when she exploded with rage and power.

All she could think of was that Abracadaniel had stolen the light of her life from her. All she could see was darkness as her flames darkened to black. She shot fire from her mouth at her target, and joined the fray.

H

Finn felt weird. He couldn't describe it at first. It was like floating in a jelly cube without the gross wetness. He just seemed to float aimlessly, unsure of a destination. He didn't know how he got here, nor where he was going. Time held no meaning, and the light was dark.

After what seemed an eternity, "or was it a minute," Finn thought? He heard a voice call out to him. It was calling him, and he felt compelled to follow it. The voice sounded like home. It FELT like home. Finally, he approached two figures, figures he knew very well.

"Jake. Marceline. What are you guys doing here?"

"I'm not Jake son," Joshua answered, his tie finally coming into view and strangely he was missing his hat.

"Hey Finn," Marceline answered, but didn't respond further.

"Son, to be frank, we're here because you're dead."

"I'm.. what?"

"Dead. Like me. That mage thing killed you son," Joshua answered, sadness in his voice.

"If I'm dead then why aren't I in the Land of the Dead. I should be talking with Death. And what about Jake? And Flame Princess? And Simon? And Betty? And Ooo? They need me. I have to go back."

"Death hasn't claimed you son. That's why I'm here. I'm here to give you a choice. You can go back. Or you can come with me and move on. If you go back though, an even greater threat to Ooo will appear and you WILL lose people. People you are close to. And there won't be anything you can do to stop it. There is a choice though. You have done a great many things for the people of Ooo and if you so chose, you may simply enjoy the afterlife with me. Otherwise Marceline will bring you to Death and he will send you back."

"Dad, I don't know what to say."

"I miss you son. And we will be reunited one day. It doesn't have to be today unless you want it to be. I just want you to be informed of what your choice will hold."

"Can you tell me what the evil is?"

"I can't. Tell you as much as I have is already breaking a lot of rules. But you're my boy, as much as Jake is, and there is NOTHING I wouldn't do to help either of my boys."

"There's something you should know." Finn had been struggling with how to Joshua this since he realized he was speaking with his father. He just hoped Joshua wouldn't be disappointed in him. "I wasn't able to control your sword. It turned me evil. I had to return it to the demon you got it from."

"Ahh. Well in hindsight it was irresponsible of me to leave it to you without proper training. It's more my fault than yours. No harm done. It's not like I use it, and you seem to get along fine without it, besides your current situation."

Finn nodded, happy his father understood. He turned to Marceline and said, "What do you think about this?"

"I'd miss you weenie. I want you to come back. Forever is boring without friends."

Finn took her words to heart and he thought of everyone in Ooo who he had touched in his years as an adventurer, from Jake and Pyra, to Cinnamon Bun and Princess Cookie. He knew he couldn't leave defeating Abracadaniel to chance, and if there was a greater evil on the rise, he would rise to meet it.

"Sorry Dad, but I have work to do," Finn said with conviction.

Joshua simply smiled at the man he watched his son become and said, "I'll be waiting on the other side Finn. Be safe. Live a happy and fulfilling life, like I had with your mother and you and Jake. And tell him I miss him as well, and I wish I could have been there to meet my grandpups."

"I will dad," Finn said, before embracing Joshua in a hug. Pulling away, he grasped Marceline's hand, and she flew them from Limbo to the Land of the Dead.

"Hey Marceline? If you're trapped in Candy Kingdom, how are you here right now?"

"I was summoned. Since I'm a vampire, a Living Dead creature, I am able to ferry souls if I so choose. It was a simple dimensional shift and here I was, waiting for you."

"Thanks Marcy," Finn said, smiling as they floated to Death's castle.

They found Death practicing on his drum set, fire flying from the drumsticks as they hit the drums. He jammed for a few more moments before he noticed the pair watching him.

"Hey Kid. Made your choice I see."

"Yeah. I need to go back."

"That's fine," Death said. "Your destiny wasn't completed yet. Anyway I've got something that will help you defeat your current villain."

"What is it?"

"I had to go into the 4th dimension to get it, so be grateful kid. That place gives me a headache," Death said, before handing Finn his 4-D sword.

"I didn't know this would work," Finn said.

"It will drain him of his power. The sword has absorbing powers of it's own. It absorbs anything it touches, but stabbing works best."

Finn looked at the sword solemnly before nodding and placing it on his back.

Death appeared in front of Finn and grabbed his hand, "I supposed you should be getting back now. You friends are a mess without you." He concentrated for a moment, and Finn wasn't in the Land of the Dead anymore.

Marceline looked at Death and smiled, "Thank you."

"You paid the price. The task was simple after that."

"I understand," Marceline said and she too disappeared from The Land of the Dead.

L I F E

The first thing he felt was the heat. It was unbearably hot. Finn opened his eyes and was horrified by what he saw. Betty, Simon and Jake were all sprawled on the ground, as if taking cover. A demonic roar rattled the chamber and the source of the heat was revealed.

Flame Princess was in her full powered form, but this was different. Instead of intense reds and oranges, her flames were black, just like Ardor. She was showering Abracandaniel in evil black fire, but he just kept absorbing it all. The heat didn't seem to affect him and the fire didn't seem to burn him. Pyra screamed in rage and poured more fire on him. "YOU KILLED HIM. YOU TOOK HIM AWAY FROM ME. I'LL DESTROY YOU. I'LL KILL YOU. BURN. BURN. BURN. BURN UNTILL THERE IS NOTHING LEFT TO BURN OF YOU."

"I grow tired of this game Flame Princess. Will you never give up," Abracadaniel asks, seemingly bored?

"I'LL NEVER STOP. IF I HAVE TO DESTROY ALL OF OOO TO AVENGE HIM I WILL. HE WAS MY EVERYTHING. AND YOU TOOK HIM AWAY. I'LL NEVER LET YOU DO THAT AGAIN. NEVER."

Finn knew Pyra would do exactly what she said in her current state of mind. If she didn't stop soon, she would use her Elemental Matrix to power her assault, and then the planet would surely be doomed to roast. He had to stop her before it was too late and he lost her for good.

"Flame Princess," Finn shouted.

Pyra heard him call to her. His voice was sweet music to calm the rage and sorrow that had shattered her soul. His voice eased her pain. She knew it was impossible but she still turned to look. She couldn't help it. Any chance, no matter how miniscule, that he was alive was worth everything to her. She turned and for the first time, she felt hope.

Finn saw her tear stained face and as their eyes met, her flames returned to their normal color. Betty, Jake, and Simon simply watched as the evil in Flame Princess receded.

"So you're back then? Good. I was getting hungry," Abracandaniel said as his tendrils launched at a turned Flame Princess.

Finn jumped over Pyra and drew his 4-D sword, blocking the tendrils as they approached her back. As they touched the sword, they withered and the effect traveled up towards Abracadaniel's body, who panicked and severed the connections.

"How did you do that? What is that sword? I must eat it."

"It's just you and me now Abracadaniel. As it always should have been."

"Then come, Hero of Ooo, and taste defeat."

It was then they clashed, Finn's sword devouring all the black holes and tendrils sent to destroy the Hero. With no martial training, Abracadaniel was quickly losing ground and was out of ideas. Finally, Finn was in front of him, and Abracadaniel felt fear.

"I'm sorry for what I did to you," Finn said. "I'm sorry I helped make you like this. I was selfish, and now I have to correct the evil that my choice made. I'm sorry." As Finn uttered a final apology, he plunged the 4-D sword into Abracadaniel.

A black hole opened around the villain and as he was being absorbed into it, he seemed to flash back to his old self for a moment, long enough to look and Finn and say, "I'm not hungry anymore. Thank you." And Abracandaniel disappeared into the black hole, never to be seen again upon Ooo.

A/N: I'm sorry it took so long to finish this. I just moved into a new apartment and it kept coming out differently than I wanted it to. Finally I think I have it in a place where I can like this chapter. Thank you for all my loyal readers. One final chapter before the last arc. I can promise it will be a great adventure for Ooo. See you soon, Raistlin99.