Author's Note;
Smiles; Sup you'll we're back and we're ready to have so much fun.
Jester; Right you are partner thanks to my class schedule I have time to multitask during some classes. So that means I can write while I'm in class again. So that means that we might be able to start posting new chapters every two weeks again. I know some of you are tired of Smiles and me posting every once a month by now.
Smiles; Believe me its a nice deal but it just makes us feel lazy. So yeah that's the deal we hope it works out though.
Jester; Anyway lets check out the comments you all left. He23t you have no idea how out of hand this will get. Attackme thanks for the likes and yeah we hope you'll like this chapter too. Juggalobrad thanks for the likes and hope you all like this update. Smiles if you would.
Smiles; Here's a classic from back in Scattered that I'm bringing back. Fanfic all set ready... GO!
Finn's View
I'm pissed no I'm filled with rage how dared they do what they just did. Thieves broke into my home and killed my loyal friends with a chemical weapon. And some asshole kidnaps one of my kids. I'm ready to roar with rage I can feel my connection to Hawk working like clockwork. His energy pooling back to me with nothing but the urge to slaughter my enemies. Marcy "Finn sweet heart claim down you're scaring the kids!" I look over to Marcy I didn't notice when or even that she and Elea had their arms wrapped around me. I look myself over and I see I'm in a more dark and immense version of my combined form with Hawk. My eyes travel to Joey and Madeline who are hiding behind Marcy's and my mom. Sophia is hiding behind her older cousins. I pull back my powers and look to Hunson "Where is he taking our son?"
Hunson "I don't know Finn but by now he's taken something from deep inside my home." I turn seeing Lady Surio and two squads of Grass kin appear. They gasp seeing no doubt that anger in my presence. In a harsh tone I give them their orders. "Surio have five kin go with Calamity and check the vault. Everyone else check the town and ask if anyone saw strange individuals around today. Hawk will accompany you as well in that task. When you have something call me at once. Is that clear?" Lady Surio and the kin bow "Yes my king but where are you going?" "We need to check what's happened to Brook. I can't feel he's stable but in pain." I gather everyone to me and teleport us all to my father's mansion. Once inside dad gave his orders "Get me a line to the commissioner now!"
In no time my dad gets the news from the police. Someone bombs several buildings near and in several departments research floors of Brooks work place. And Brook is one of the wounded. Rushing to the hospital we found a free nurse and asked her. Nurse "Brook Mertin he just got into surgery your majesty." "I need to see how he is before they start. Tell the doctors now that I'm coming and that they are to wait." The nurse calls up and everyone follows as we crowd into two elevators. Bonnie grips my hand during the ride. I can feel her worry and see her tears run down my jacket. The makeup ruined from her tears. "Don't worry Bon I won't let this go. I promised all of you... and whoever did this will regret it." Getting to the operating floor I took off my jacket and took a pair of gloves from a nurse. With everyone waiting outside I look around the operation room. My heart sinks Brook's right leg and side so heavily wounded. Saying long sentence in Soul speech my heart sinks even lower as I find his limbs condition. "Doctor you'll need to follow my instructions please. And also I need someone to get a lot of plasma to assist me."
A few hours of surgery and Soul tapping skin reconstruction Brook is resting in this recovery room. Bon is crying to no end even while Marcy tries to comfort her. I tell them all the full result of Brook's condition. "Brook needs a bionic limb to be attached in replacement of his leg. I managed to repair his spines nerve damage. But it took too much blood plasma for me to just do that. If I went on to repair his whole leg the same way. It would be too much for me. And it'd cost the hospital all of its blood plasma." I look to Hunson giving him questioning glare "What did that Shifter take from your castle Hunson?" Hunson sighs, "He took one of the four sons of Death." Dane "Wait you had one of the sons of Death himself locked away? How and when?" Hunson "After Liliana and everyone left to find Betty I had a confrontation with a demon hunter. He was dying from fighting the son but he made a deal with me to imprison that son in my castles depths. I thought no one would know or at least Death would stop by and talk about it.
"But when the Shifter showed up a few times here and there I knew something was wrong." Liliana slapped Hunson and keeps slapping him up side his head. Liliana "You kept one of Death's four sons in my home!" Hunson "In my defense he was nothing more then a puddle in a goblet when I sealed him in the room." Several more slaps follow before the twins tugged my arm for my attention. Turning to them they asked "Hey Finn who are the kids of Death?" After coming back I found that my twin sisters Ava and Mia are even closer. Now they pretty much talk at the same time in perfect sync. It's almost scary at how easily they do it. Plus how little their outfits differ from one another. "The sons of Death are just that four kids that Death's wife gave birth to. Grim is the son of souls, and Hawk is the son of wrath. I don't really know anything about the other two."
Francine adds, "The other two are Dave and Accardo. Accardo is the son of art and fools. And Dave is the son of Blood." "Which son did you have locked away Hunson?" Hunson rubbing his healing neck and head. Liliana hand imprints bright against his skin as he answers me "Dave from what the demon hunter said. But I never understood why he was a puddle? He never once said anything or did anything in the form" "I'll ask Death or Grim that when I go see them. They might have something to tell me about this Shifter too. Dad be sure to tell me if the police find anything on the bombing at Brook's work place." Dad "Not to worry son I will. People will expect a conference about what happened too. But still I worry about what is to come with Connor? Finn what is the meaning of Mortality that the Shifter and Connor were talking about? They made it seem as if you knew more about it."
I sigh Bonnie was still tearing but looking at me as everyone else. "The true meaning of mortality can be applied to life in general. When life advances from its primitive instinct it becomes more consuming of resources. And a result of this consumption natural balance out the world by trying to fix itself of us. We living beings are like a virus in a large functioning body. Nature the body's immune system is trying to keep us in check or eliminate us all together. Storms, wars, and diseases all means that the worlds trying to make the population decrease in size before we out grow our world. The Shifter is insinuating that me not backing down before slowed the natural order of nature trying to balance itself. If I allowed the war to spill out to the rest of the world the some means of balance would occur. But being a hero I didn't let it."
Elea "That asshole is wrong. Life is precious not something that needs to be regulated." R'lando "Eleanor look at it from a gods point of view. We mortals are like animals in a forest. If one species grows beyond what that forest can handle and our resources slowly dies away. What are we left with? Nothing but time that will lead to us starving to our deaths. That's what Finn is getting at and that's the view of this Shifter." Francine "So he wants us to sit back and let another war spill out? I'm sorry but that won't happen?" "I don't think we have much of a choice. Even fighting him at my full awareness I could hardly track him. And when he changed it so that his wound was transferred to me. Something like that would require me at least a half a paragraph in Soul speech. He was just distracting me while he set his plan into motion."
Bon squeezes Brook's hand as tears swell up in the corners of her eyes. Bon "Finn please don't do anything rash. We don't want to lose you again." "I won't and that won't happen I promise... but I want to know what was taken from the vault? I made sure to gather as many dangerous artifacts as I could. And placing them down there was my best bet. But I made sure to not tell anyone about it." Mom "Finnegan J. Mertan what are you hiding?" I face palm myself I shouldn't have let that slip out loud. "The vault isn't just my treasure room and weapon's cache. It where I've place dangerous items away from anyone who wants to try and conquer a city or more." Bella growls "What kind of items Finn?" "A few staffs, wands, cursed elixirs, rings of power, and a haunted shard. I'm still wondering what they took? Nothing there is enough for someone to spark a war."
Feeling my phone vibrate I answer it to hear Calamity "Finn they've left everything untouched but the flesh covered shard." "Calamity does Lady Surio know how they got past the defenses?" Calamity "They new the key codes but that's impossible?" "Not if someone saw me put it in... That's why he was interested in Connor. Connor followed me down to the vault on day when he was younger. Someone must have tapped into his memories to see the combination." Marcy "All this for a fucking shard! Finn one of our children is hurt and another got kidnapped for that?" "I need to speck to my masters about this. Don't worry Bonnie I'll be sure to make that bastard pay. Calamity have Lady Surio and the Enforces lock down the kingdoms. I want every petty thief and career thief in for questioning. I want to know their last two years thoroughly looked over. I'm going to meet my masters. I have a feeling something worse is to come if this Shifter has what he's after." Kissing my wives and hugging my kids, family, and friends I leave the room.
Outside I find Wolf a thin cigar resting in his mouth. "You know that's bad for you right?" Wolf "Not when they're made different. And don't argue I'm coming too. Fox didn't come home last night. And the tracer I put in his phone is sending a signal from inside Colony Pacific Park." As we walked Wolf asked what's my plan. "Same as last time we fought the odds. Only this time we have a few new allies waiting in the wing for my say so." Wolf "So if its like last time I assume you mean swearing, a shit ton of screaming, and a lot of gory violence." "Yup are you ready to hit this mysterious fucks hard." Wolf nods and I teleport us to meet my masters.
Connor's View
(Seven years after Finn's death) Walking alongside brother and sisters I feel odd. I remember this day so well. It's when we took the hero's challenge. Walking with them to the first challenge I just kept looking around at how beautiful the forest looks. Emma "Look it's the first test." Looking forward I see a lake filled with bamboo shoots. Seeing another pillar like at the entrance of the Sacred Grounds Jacob taps it to have another flower grow from the pillar. And just like before the blue lily opens and plays a message from dad. He's wearing a copy of his old adventuring outfit. Blue shirt and cargo shorts and a simple green backpack. We were shocked dad has left us messages well to any who take the challenge.
The first message was a welcome from dad and telling us to be ready for what's to come. It was great to see him again. Even though he wasn't directly taking to us. I know he was making them for us to learn as he did. To make our own way forward with our own two hands. Dad never pressured us when we were younger he just wanted us to have fun and enjoy things. Dad's message "Greetings fellow heroes and heroines. This is the first challenge in your journey to the Enchiridion. This first test is one of balance walking along the bamboo shots will bring up voices of those who are your enemies. Or those who have spoke ill of you. Their words will drain at your mind as your progress through. To move through the harsh assault you must free yourself of that weight. Be at ease with who you are in even if others aren't."
With the end off the message Sophia walks to the edge of the lake. Sophia "Simple we just walk and keep our minds clear of things that are stupid." Sophia and Jacob making quick work of walking as if they're having no problem. Emma pushes my arm "See you on the other side Gut man." Emma goes on step-by-step she makes it seem easy as she walks from shoot to shoot. "That's Mr. Gut man to you!" As I begin to walk I feel ok but a voice enters my mind. I don't remember this voice before. I remember hearing a few old bully voices from when I was younger. But this voice is deeper calm but almost sinister with his words. Voice, "Such a gentle glimpse of what you were. Are you looking back because you miss this time? Or are you angry because you were so naive back then?" With the voices end I reach the end of the lake. Jacob "That was easy. I forgot how much of a pain in the ass the marshmallow bullies were when we were kids." Sophia "They changed their tone once I took a bite on that ones girls hand."
Jacob "Momma B and E got on you after they heard from the teacher though." Sophia "Hey they were picking on Madeline first. And they had the nerve to touch my antlers." That's the thing with wood nymphs. Their antlers are like a persons limbs. They're much softer then they appear and are very sensitive to the cold weather and unwanted touches. "Well at least a few of the other kids came to your defense about the bullies. And that the girls parents didn't decide to take you to court." Sophia "With all the witnesses at the time they'd have lost if they did." Walking to the next test I smile seeing the large bridge filled with swinging traps, springing spikes, and arrows flying from one side to the other. Emma touches this ones pillar to have dad popup again. Dad "This ones pretty straight forward ain't it. But yes as an adventurer dungeons and tombs will be filled with traps. You must always be on guard."
"Oh yeah this is my kind of challenge. Joey would kill for a chance to try this." Sprinting ahead I breeze through the challenge using my smooth reflexes to roll, dodge, and slide around each trap. Uncle Jake trained us in basic fighting and trap dodging when we each turned ten. He gave us baby versions of traps like these on a small dock at Shanty beach. He even play sparred with us poking fun at how squishy and soft we were. But after us hurting him or should I say after Emma toasted his butt. He started to wrestle us to the ground as a challenge for each week. To show him that we we're still ok with learning tough stuff. Finishing the challenge by sliding clear on my knees I turn an wait for the others to finish. Emma and Jacob scared me a little when they started to burn or melt some of the traps. Emma was giggle like crazy making the same face Momma E makes when she's really angry.
Only Emma's face is more slimmer and she not shouting at Joey, me, or grandpa Dane from messing up the living room with something. Voice "Why do you try and compare yourself to them? They have natural skills that allow them to grow beyond normal burden. Your human... what can you do if you can't speak to your soul?" As the voice ends I turn to Sophia "Remember the last time you giggle like that sis. Momma E grounded you for a month." Emma "Still don't get why she did that though?" Sophia "Emma you nearly burned down the market place. And almost deep fried Choose Goose." Jacob "If she did we would have had a free lunch." "That's so messed up bro that even I want to kick you for saying it." Jacob "It's a joke come on."
Walking further we start to walking deeper into the forest. Slowly the trees shadows darken and a mildly thick mist covers our sight. "Can anyone see anything?" Emma "No ouch." Emma ignites her hand as she rubs her hurting nose. In doing so she reveals the next message post. Dad "Welcome to your next challenge. In this mist you must find the small moth that wanders through here. Find it and guide if out of the forest to the field beyond." The message ends for Emma to groan in frustration. Emma "How are we going to find a moth when we can't we've see one another?" Sophia "That's the challenge our sight is not evaluable to us. We must use our other senses and skills to help guide us to find our target. Then guide us all out. Pretty hard yes but all we need to do is focus on trying to find the moth." Jacob "How do you find a moth?"
"Easy moth wander to light when its dark right? All you two have to do is make your one of you brighter." Jacob "And how are we going to do that? Mom never gave us a how to lesson on being a fire elemental bro. We were born will learning how to not turn every thing to ash." I rub my neck for a moment to think of something that'll help. Then it hits me. I rush up to Emma and give her a big hug even lifting her off the ground a little. "Sis I love and value you so much." I said is so sweetly and even rub my cheek to hers. Emma starts to flail while blushing calling me a big goof ball. But it works once I put her down her hair goes wild lighting up like a room filled with candles. Emma pouts and puff outs her cheeks as a pure white as snow moth wanders and flutters around her.
Sophia giggles and Jacob nudges her as he teases her further. Voice, "Do you miss it? How innocent your mind was when you were still close to them? Or do you regret learning all that you have learned after this?" Once again the voice ends and Sophia begins to leads us out. Sophia "I can smell fresh grass this way." Once getting free of the mist the moth flutters back into the field then in an instant pops with a puff. In its wake it leaves a sprinkling of pollen. As we walk through the field the ground rumbles causing us to slightly lose our footing. The rumbling soon changes to the sound of rocks shuffling under us. In shock the ground splits to have a pixel golem climb free from the hole it made. Pixel golem "You have braved the fields those far young warriors. But now you must face your hardest task... Choice!"
The golem slams its club into the ground cause several rocks to jet up. On the rocks are candy people, elementals, vampires, and humans. Each rock holding their victims by their wrists over a boiling pot. Pixel golem "These ten have not allied themselves and renounce their heritage to their homelands and kingdoms. Cut their ropes and punish them for these outrage." "Did they kill or hurt anyone or steal some stuff?" Pixel golem "No they have simply left and walked away from their kind. And the places they once called home." Emma "Then why should they be punished? I refuse to harm anyone that hasn't wronged or hurt anyone for no reason." "I agree this is wrong release them golem!" In a snap the golem charges us his large frame compared to us is intimidating.
As the golem swings his club I hold my spot waiting for the hit. But all I feel is the breeze of his weapons stopping short from hitting me. I look to see his club inches from my face. Pixel golem "You have choice... wisely. You are truly brave warriors. You stuck with your choice and held your ground. You may pass your journey for the Enchiridion is over. Please carry the future of heroism will young ones." With that the golem bows to us and we bow back. Walking past his rocks we find that it's an illusion. On the other side of the field we find our moms along with the rest of our family. I smile only to hear the voice again. Voice, "You smile why you could have died for not being strong. Your siblings are and will always be held higher then you. Don't you want to grow into your own person? Why must you be in their shadow? Why must you remain in his shadow? Even as you tried to prove you weren't like him... they still saw him in you." 'Who are you?'
Voice, "I'm just a friend who wants to know you. If you ask why it's simple. Blood connects us better then any kind of words. Your mother knows this and so does your father. Let me see more Connor and I'll help you shred the pain of being the black sheep." As the voices words sink in I look around the memory. Joey's tugging at the child leash and momma E's trying to get him to sit still. The Gate Keeper congratulates us and Emma starts to skim through the Enchiridion. But soon Sophia sees a page she wants to read too. Slowly my dream breaks apart. Looking up I find I'm once more in the small room in this cabin that Neo has left me in. The odd goblet still in my hands as I sit and slowly I once again drift off to sleep. Not knowing why but after drinking the goblets contain I've been feeling really tired.
Smiles; You all know shits going to get crazy.
Jester; But just not how crazy. So like always please like, share, and comment. It all really helps.
Smiles; Peace off and WE'LL HUG YOU ALL LATER!