As the other three heroes left, Finn leaned back in the couch and tried to sort through his feelings.
On one hand he should be as mad as the others were for being taken from his home, but honestly this was the most interesting thing that has happened to him in the last year. The land of Ooo was the kind of place that was always on the verge of exploding. Nowadays Ooo was the most stable than Finn could ever remember it being. So, every day for the past year Finn had spent his days being peaceful, happy, and completely bored. It was why he had been spending the past few months considering leaving Ooo behind to explore the rest of the world beyond his home.
Guess that choice had been made for me, Finn thought ruefully. Holding up his new prosthetic Finn began to slowly examine it. It had five fingers, the right number of joints, it was also smooth to the touch, it could almost pass for a human hand except for it being completely gray. Bonnie mentioned that it could do a whole lot of things, but Finn was warped here before he could be told how it all worked.
"Hey Owl." Finn called out to his A.I. helper.
[Hello Finn.]
"Bonnie mentioned an interdimensional communicator. Can you contact her."
[Activating communicator.]
Finn's arm began to light up shortly and he could hear a faint humming sound. Then it cut of as his arm let out a few sparks and twitched uncontrollably. It took a few minutes for the fit to die down.
[Error, some primary functions are inoperable. Multiple software and hardware damage detected. Self-diagnostics initiated… results determine. Prosthetic has been damage by recent planar shift. Activating self-repair functions. Time until full operation restored undetermined. Apologies for the inconvenience.]
"I just got you and your broken already." Finn groaned and leaned back into the couch. "PB is going to be so mad when she hears about this."
[I was not expecting you to be teleported across space and time the moment I was attached to you.]
"Excuses, Excuses. What kind of an A.I. are you?" Finn wasn't actually angry he just didn't feel like sleeping and wanted someone to talk to.
[One of the most advanced one you will ever meet. Afterall I was created through a combined brain scan of Princess Bubblegum and Minerva.]
Finn shot forward and clutched his arm, the knowledge startling him. "PB made you out of her and mom! Why do something like that?"
[According to the information given to me. For the past few months, it's been noted that you have been slowly distancing yourself from the people of Ooo and the humans from Founders Island. It was determined then, and I was to be created as a means of keeping you company.]
"I wasn't that obvious, was I?" Finn muttered under his breath. "So, you basically PB's kid, then."
[That's one way to look at it I suppose. Is that a problem?]
"Bonnie's kids have a habit of going bonkers." Finn said, remembering the insane Lemongrab and the psychotic Goliad. Bonnie wasn't exactly the most moral person around, but she was still a good person. It was just whenever she tried to create someone directly descended from her, they always ended up taking on her most unpleasant qualities and never any of her good ones.
[Then is a good thing for you that's part of my cognitive function is based on your other Mother.]
"Ha." Finn laughed dryly, as even Minerva had her own issues that made anything based off her a bit dangerous as well. "So, can you do anything right now, or is it nothing but bad jokes."
In lieu of saying anything the fingers in Finn's arm split open. From the gaps tiny tendrils poured out. They spread out and connected along several points on the legendary sword.
"What are you doing?" Finn said a little freaked out at the display.
[Examining the unknown piece of tech that has as attached itself to you.]
"Whoa stop! Messing with the magic sword might not be the best idea."
[There is no such thing as magic. Only what current science has not yet been able to understand.]
"Yeah, you were definitely made by PB." Finn watched as sparks flew from his sword, worried he said. "Maybe you should stop before…"
The blue gem within the sword started to glow. Before Finn could move his hand away, a wave of force emanated from the sword, throwing Finn backwards upturning the sofa and knocking over the chairs, tables, and everything else in the room that wasn't nailed down. The light show only lasted seconds, but it left Finn groaning in pain as steam rose from his body.
[I seemed to have activated its countermeasures. Studying the sword will take longer than I thought. Apologies.]
Warning further attempts to temper with the Cardinal sword will be met with an increased punishment.
Finn looked from his new arm to his new sword and sighed. "Can't we all just get along."
When morning came the four Heroes found themselves back in the throne room. This time they stood with the king behind them as they waited for the people that would help them in their journey.
Finn was barely able to stop himself from yawning, he was up so late. He apologized to the staff that showed up after he wrecked the room and then spent the night helping them clean it. Stifling another yawn Finn looked at the others out of the corner of his eye, he couldn't help but notice out of the three, Naofumi looked to be the only one truly nervous.
"Something wrong?" Finn asked the Shield Hero.
Naofumi looked up at Finn's question, he worked his mouth for a moment before speaking. "It's just you heard them right, at breakfast. That out of all of us, I'm the only one with a useless shield." He smiled as if that fact didn't bother him, but it really did.
Right at breakfast the three of them were talking about games again. Finn tried to listen, but after a while he just gave up and tuned them out.
"What, no shields are great man." Finn argued.
"Really, you can't even attack with one."
"Shields are like hammers." Finn explained. "Real blunt force instrument. You hit a guy just right and you'll break limbs just as easily as you would with a hammer. Even better, sharpened the edges so when you hit a person in their neck right and their heads will fly off. It's Always fun when that happens."
"That's… something to remember." Naofumi said looking a little green as the doors were thrown opened and people entered. "Oh, thank God."
There was 12 in total lead on both sides by guards. They stood before the Heroes, each one with a bright smile on their face.
"I thank you all for answering our call! Now, gathered adventurers, choose the Heroes that you will follow!" King Aultcray declared slamming his cane on the ground.
"Wait, they get to choose?" Naofumi asked.
The adventurers without any discussion moved forward. Which was weird, but he figured that they must have discussed it among themselves before they got here. As they stood behind them, it ended with three behind him, five behind Itsuki, four behind Motoyasu, and none behind Naofumi.
"Wait, why am I the one that's by myself?" Naofumi shouted to everyone.
A tired part of Finn was getting annoyed at Naofumi's constant complaining. So, Finn turned to look at the ones behind him. Before he can even ask the question the three of them shook their heads no and seemed almost terrified that Finn was going to suggest in the first place. So instead, he looked around the room. Something about the atmosphere was giving Finn a weird feeling in his gut like he was being tricked somehow.
"Well, you can hardly blame them. The shield is the most useless class. They probably want a hero that can actually fight against the waves." Motoyasu stated simply as his team gathered close to him. They were all women by the way.
"I'm afraid it is as Lord Motoyasu says, Shield Hero you will have to find your own traveling companions." The King spoke kindly, but to Finn it looked like he was fighting back a smile.
It was faint but Finn could hear it. The faint laughter of the people around them. They were smiling at the scene being played out. The sight of Naofumi asking each of them and the king for help was amusing to them. Finn doubted that the other three Heroes even noticed.
"Excuse me, I will travel with the Shield Hero." A voice cut through the building argument.
The one who had spoken was one of the adventurers behind Motoyasu. She was a beauty, and Finn knew a lot of beautiful women. Bright crimson hair that reached her back and emerald green eyes. Finn never met her before even still something about her was familiar to him.
"Really?" Naofumi asked, a large smile on his face as he looked her up and down.
"Of course." The red-haired woman reached out and took Naofumi's hand. "You are one of the heroes that will save this world. The least I could do is help you."
"Is there anyone else that wants to travel with the Shield Hero, anyone at all!" The King shouted to the rest of them, but no one move. If Finn wasn't wrong the king seemed almost nervous to let the woman to travel alone with Naofumi.
"Very well, Heroes each month I have sat aside a stipend for your travels. But, because of the Shield Hero's circumstance he will be given a larger amount. Shield hero use your increased funds to recruit others to your side" The King commanded.
Naofumi nodded his head resolute as the red-haired woman gently squeezed his shoulder.
After a moment four servants appeared each with a bag of coins for the heroes.
"Now Heroes! Begin your journey and save this world!" King Aultcray slammed his cane into the ground dismissing the court.
XxX
"So, what am I supposed to do now." Finn muttered to himself as he stood at the bridge connecting the castle to the rest of the town.
He took a moment to observe the town. The cobblestone road snaked through the town. With multiple stone buildings doting through the town. Besides the buildings were wooden stalls that had fresh produce for sell. People walked the streets smiles in their faces and without a care in the world. All around quite a bustling city.
"Lord Finn, if I may offer a suggestion? It would be best if we head to a local blacksmith and procure you a set of armor." One of the adventurers accompanying Finn spoke up.
The adventurer was a man with brown hair and eyes. He was kind of plain looking and was dressed in a green cloak over brown and black armor. A sad part of Finn noticed that the man's choice in armor was like a certain Huntress Wizard he was starting to miss. His name was Welt.
"Don't do that." Finn said without looking at Welt.
"Don't what, my Lord." Welt asked distress evident.
"Don't call me Lord, if we going to be traveling together, you just call me Finn." He explained.
"Perhaps what Finn should do is head to the Magic Shop. There we have been told are crystals balls that have already been bought for him and the other heroes by the crown." The second adventurer said.
This one to was a man. He had light blue hair and grey eyes. With his sharp facial structure and fine black robes, he looked like a noble. Finn also guest with the book holstered at his side the guy had to be a wizard of some kind. He was named Tersia.
"What are crystals balls?" Finn asked.
"Well normally, for one to learn even the simplest of spells you'd have to meticulously study a spell tome. But with a crystal ball the knowledge of the spell is infused directly into your mind in a way that you would never be able to forget it and be able to use it instantly. They are dreadfully expensive though." Tersia said with a hint of jealousy in his voice.
"No, what we should do is pick up some supplies for the road ahead." The third adventurer spoke up.
Unlike the other two this one was a girl. She had green hair and eyes. She was someone Finn could call cute. She had on this weird red skintight sleeveless shirt, where the sides end at her waist but the front and back part of it stretched down to her knees. She also had on white baggy pants with black slippers. She looked like a monk to Finn, but her name was Farrie.
Three places to go today and only so many more hours left till night.
"Supplies first, then armor." Finn decided.
"Okay! I know a good general store." Farrie shouted as she almost ran down the road. "This way."
"We should hurry before she leaves us behind." Tersia did as he said following behind Farrie.
Welt nodded in apology as he followed his two friends, Finn close behind him.
As Finn moved through the streets, he noticed that the signs themselves are written in a language he didn't understand. As he passed by several more, he could feel his right arm twitching. As the group stopped in front of a building Finn's right arm rose towards the sign. A light emitted from his palm scanning the sign and every strange letter engraved on it.
[Running translating software. Comparing unknown script to all known language databases for matches. Will need a larger sample size to adequately translate unknown language.] Owl spoke up suddenly.
"Do you want me to find you a book, or something?" Finn asked Owl uncaring of the looks he was getting.
[That would be appreciated.]
"What?" Finn asked his companions. "Never see a man talk to his arm before."
Walking past them Finn entered the building. The first thing that's Finn noticed was the smell, a rich combination of herbs, oils, and spices. The room was dominated by a large table set directly in the middle of it with several various things placed atop it. Besides that, there was a single counter stretching from one wall up to the other behind it was door leading into what was probably a back road. Standing at the counter was an old woman. Ashen gray hair with a tiny pair of glasses rested on top of her nose her face had several wrinkles, but she was smiling as she looked at Finn.
"How can I help you, dreary." The shop owner's voice was soft and barely audible.
"I would like to buy some camping supplies, a bag to carry them in, and some provisions for the road."
"Well, I'll be, I think I have just what you need in the back, won't take me but a few minutes to get them." She smiled as she headed into the back.
As she left, Finn found his eyes wondering through the store as his companions filed in. He should probably find out their names sooner rather than later. Slowly his eyes found themselves on a mason jar on the counter, filled with gumballs. They were entirely pink with three white spots around them. They remind him of the Candy Kingdom. Only been two days and already homesick. He really should have asked how long the waves would last.
"You can have some if you like, free of charge." The shopkeeper's voice spoke up behind him.
"Really?"
"Yes, there an import from Faubley apparently all the rage over there." The Shopkeeper dropped the bag she was carrying and opened the jar for Finn.
Finn took one of the offered gumballs, but as he raised it to his mouth the gem in his sword began to pulse. Feeling curious Finn brought the gumball to the gem. When he did the piece of candy was absorb and the sword begin to glow then change. Once the transformation was completed words appeared in Finn's vision.
Catalyst accepted Candy Sword unlocked.
Candy Sword
Rarity: Unique
The first thing about the new sword in Finn's hand that he noticed was the pink blade, the color the same as PB's hair. It was doubled edged and about the length and width of a longsword. The guard was red crystal hard candy, the hilt had a peppermint swirl like pattern. It smelled of sugar, licking the blade it tasted sweet. So, Finn took a bite of it.
"Cool." Finn swallowed as he held the sword up high with stars in his eyes.
"Stories state that the four Cardinals weapons can change shape, but I doubt how a sword made of candy can be of any use." Tersia spoke up as the three of them gathered around Finn's new Candy blade.
"Oh, you'd be surprised at what candy can do to you." Finn laughed.
"Can I have a bite?" Welt asked.
"Oh, me too?" Farrie chimed in.
"Sure!" Finn pointed the blade at them as they both took a bite out of the sword. Just as quickly as the pieces was taken out, they just as fast grew back.
Tersia covered his mouth in horror as he and Finn watched them chew.
"Oh, my gods, this is so good!" Farrie cheered.
"It's like there is a party in my mouth right now!" Welt said in awe.
Anymore conversation was cut as the Shopkeeper let out a gasp. "Oh, my stars, it you aren't it. The Sword Hero."
"You got me, so how much do I owe you for the supplies?" Finn asked.
Finn watched as the shopkeeper's eyes went from Him, to the bag, and then back to the sword in his hand. "Give me a few pieces of your sword and you can have it for 63 silver."
"Throw in any kind of book you have around, and you got yourselves a deal." Finn gave his counteroffer.
"I have a book of Fairytales and folk stories, is that okay?" the Shopkeeper said as she grabbed a book from the shelf next to her.
"That's fine." Finn took the book. He then gave her 30 pieces of candies each the size of his thumb and placed them in a jar offered to him. He then left with his camping supplies and book. When they left the building, Finn turned to Welt. "So, where's the blacksmith?"
Welt kept chewing as he walked, with everyone else behind him. It took them some time but while they were walking Owl periodically scanned through the pages of the book. Soon they found themselves in front of another building with a hammer and anvil on the sign outside. As Finn pushed open the door, the room was filled with the ringing of a bell.
Finn whistled to himself at the room filled with all kinds of weapons and armors. Just racks, barrels, and shelves filled with every type of weapon Finn knew. Without thinking Finn placed the legendary sword on his back and started to examine the various blades in front of him.
"Well looks like someone knows their stuff."
Embarrassed Finn place the greatsword he was playing with back in its barrel. Finn turned to the man that spoke. He was taller than Finn, more muscled as well. He was wearing beige overalls and a white shirt underneath. He was smiling at Finn with his arms cross, displaying a variety of scars on them.
"So, if your done playing with my stock how can I… wait." The man leaned forward looking intently at Finn. "Your one of them aren't you, one of them summon heroes?"
"Yeah, Finn Mertens nice to meet you." Finn held out his right hand to shake.
"Hot dam, to think I get to meet two of the Heroes in a single…" As the man took Finn's hand his expression changed and without warning lifted Finn up and pulled down the sleeve of his arm revealing his prosthetic arm. "What is this?"
"It's my arm!" Finn shuddered as the man ran his fingers intimately down is on his arm. "Stop that!"
"Ah, sorry." The man chuckled nervously as he dropped Finn. "I've seen many fake limbs, even made a couple for a few unlucky adventurers. But never in my life have I seen one so perfectly crafted. Mind if I examined it for a bit."
"Sure, just don't pick me up again." The man was so tall that when he did Finn's feet dangled of the ground. "You know you never introduced yourself."
"Erhard." He answered absentmindedly, Erhard took Finn's hand in his as he muttered under his breath and a light covered them. "Now isn't this interesting. I can't tell what kind of material the arm is made of, but it seems like a lot of energy is coursing through it. There is a lot of information that I can't make heads or tells of either."
"What are you made out of anyway?" Finn asked Owl as Erhard released his hand.
[My metal casing was made from ore harvested from the Flame Kingdom.]
"You say something?" Erhard asked.
"Just talking to my arm." Finn answered.
"Hm? Whoever made that arm for you must care a great deal for you. I could feel the amount of love poured into that work of art." Erhard blushed a bit as he clapped his hands. "But you must be here to purchase some armor. Sorry about that I got carried away."
"No problem." Finn walked through the store examining the various pieces of armor on display. He had worn armor before, but generally he didn't like wearing it as much as he use to anymore. Better to avoid getting hit if you could anyway. Eventually he settled on a blue gambeson, basically a padded jacket. Some trousers a lighter shade of blue and black boots. Also, he grabbed a sheath for his sword.
"You sure? That isn't going to provide much protection." Erhard explained as he took in what Finn brought him.
"I know, it's fine I've fought in less. How much?" Finn asked.
"For this?" Erhard did some calculations in his head. "50 silver."
Finn gave him the money. "You have a dressing room?"
Erhard led him to a dressing room and soon Finn was out of his old clothes in into his new armor. Finn attached the sheath to his back and placed the sword in it. After taking a moment to make sure everything was on right. Finn came back to the front of the building thanked Erhard again and left.
"Great, your all set up. So, let's go hit the magic shop then we can go hunting." Tersia was nearly jumping in place.
"Eh, about that were not going. Let's just head out now." Finn cut him off.
"What! Why?" Tersia whine sounded almost like a child.
"Magic is fun and all, but I'm the more physical kind of guy. No good at magic, anyway, always forget the words to a spell after a few days." Finn explained to them.
"But that's the best part about crystal balls, the knowledge is directly stored in your head so you can't forget." Tersia shot back.
"Don't like the sound of that either. Let's just go we can get you some balls to play with later." Finn turned and walked towards the town gates without another word.
"Well can you at least add us to your party before we leave?" Welt cut in.
Finn almost stopped at the word party but kept walking. "I don't know about the others, but I'm not the kind of guy who can just party with people I've only known for a few hours. Maybe after I get to know you, we can have one, but until then why don't we just keep this professional."
Honestly Finn was brought here to save the world not to have fun. Besides, if he was going to through a party, he would need a lot more time to plan one!
"Oh, okay." Welt was probably disappointed that there wasn't going to be a party waiting for them when they get back.
"Just give me a few days and I can probably set something up." Finn promised.
"What?" Welt asked.
Any further talk end as they passed the main gate and left the town behind them. Finn stared at the long grassy plain in front of him and smiled. This was going to be so much fun!
