A/N: Yo you all got me back for another round. Hey dudes glad to see most of you are back to read these latest updates. Ok so some have asked me why I'm not posting as often as I use to. First is cause I don't have as much free time. Second is cause I have commissions I have to do rough drafts for and wait for approval to start finals edits. Then I also have to make sure I go to my part time job on time. So yeah sorry if my bi monthly updates don't work dudes. But hopefully these long chapters will help you all out.
Nicky: Well that was a nice simple response. Thanks dude and hope you like this chapter too.
He23t: Thanks dude and yes the lewdness will continue. Also the princesses and queens will get a little crazy.
Lunar Silver: Thanks dude glad you liked it. And I hope you also get a laugh at what the princess put Finn through this chapter too.
Lets listen in on how wild our Witchers life is getting.
OOO Cake's POV
Well last night was interesting and a surprise. Finn was socializing but a few times Angie became too forward making Finn withdrew into his shell. For a guy that is on pare with Billy Finn seems like a social flower. Add Angie's constant teasing and Bandit not helping with her hand games. Finn more then a few times back away.
Finn however had a civil conversation with Bonnie and Phoebe. Phoebe seemed really interested in the legends Finn told of his people. Even the ones he only heard of in kid's books about his kind fighting half fire demons. Bonnie however kept trying to poke at his people's tech. But some secrets even Finn seems to have to shut his mouth over.
Finn however surprised even me when Simone instigated a few of the girls to show off their own magical talents to Finn. Finn however surprised us all by catching Bandit is a series of lies. Even I had to giggle at how red in the face she got.
She became so embarrassed when Finn pointed out her lies. And I guess Finn being able to sort out the truth from fiction is one of his skills. Bonnie giggled when Finn constantly managed to see past Marcy's card shark skills. Guess you can't cheat a blind guy.
But the big shock came when Finn began to chat with Ring princess. His knowledge of gems, purity, and ores must be another reason why they selected him to be with their scout team. Ring giggles whenever Finn asked her about the various gems she handled and his own small handlings of gems. The other girls started to get jealousy as Finn gave small smiles and a few too many chuckles. Well not a bad start but leave it to Marcy to keep Finn on edge... She just had to pinch his butt.
Third person's POV
Finn once more equipped with armor, as he gets ready to leave the Grasslands for the time being. Finn also wonders how he can thank Cake for helping him in his recovery for the last two weeks. Even though some doctor princess urges him to stay resting for another week of so.
But he needs to finish readying himself for the beginning of his journey across OOO. At his request the lighter armor Finn asked his grandmother was delivered overnight. Finn requested his new armor have a simple blast-absorbing vest, a shoulder shield for his stump, and lastly two thighs an shin pieces.
Other then that Finn had managed to get a pair of gold tinted sunglasses. Cake teased that he should just get his eyes glossed. Finn was actually confused by this. But Cake explained the process was like having an artist paint elaborate designs onto his eyes to create patterns or unique eyes. From how Finn interpreted the idea was like turning his eyes into mandala pieces.
Finn said he'd considered it but with no idea of how such a process would affect him Finn doesn't want to risk it. Even with Cake constantly assuring him that the magicians that do the work would never do him wrong. And if they did Angel princess and her mother wouldn't let them live afterwards.
Pulling on his clothes Finn is dressed now in a blue and white leather jacket. Dark blue cargo pants and black reinforced boots. Strapping on his weapons belt Finn moves to the door. But stops to pluck a sunflower from the vase resting on the small stand.
Walking the halls Finn returns the small bows the various maids give to him. Finn still finding it odd he is now some form of royalty. Apart of Finn feels naked in a way not use to being this under equipped. His weapons have been cut down due after the wreckage of his battle was salvaged.
To Finn's sadness both his other blades showed a great deal of damage and stress fractures. Both deemed more harmful to him if used. His helmet cowl was destroyed, his arm shields destroyed or crushed into inoperable states. Worse his Endo implant has to be repaired due to the massive feedback it suffered.
Walking downstairs Finn stops finding Cake standing in his path to leave. The feline trying her best to talk Finn into at least letting a small escort see him to the next kingdom. But Finn talked her out of it.
Cake swaying her hips to Finn stops short to say "Honey don't push yourself at least let me..."
Finn chuckles cutting her off saying "Quee... Cake even with the few interactions we've had this isn't you. We don't know each other well enough for you to want to protect me like this. And if you think I'd lose my life again don't worry I'll be careful. Still it is nice to know you see us as such a close friend already."
Cake leans in giving Finn another soft kiss to his lips to say, "After how you talked with the girls last night you better believe it. Still I would like you to stay and get to know me better... But you want to go so for now you can. Please honey come back and make my bed shake."
Finn blushes feeling Cake hold his shoulders to give him another kiss.
Finn says "I... I can't guarantee that but I can at least hold you in your sleep as a start."
Cake smiles to let Finn pass but she thinks 'How much does he workout to have buns like that?'
Leaving the Tree fort several dozen anthros see Finn walk calmly from Cake's palace. Right away a handful say that it's Golden mask or prince Finn. Many wave or snap pictures of him. While others queuing in there shock stop as one tough guy has to be a smart ass.
As the bull stands in Finn's path he says, "Well look at this the newest prince pfft. Ain't so tough huh? I bet the queen kick you out cause you're only half a..."
Before the Bull can't finish as Finn trips him grabbing his horn to drive his face into the ground. Finn shoving his heel into his neck to keep him down.
As the bull groan Finn says "I may have one less arm but I'm still more tougher then anyone here. And seeing as I have properly told anyone this allow me to educate you my idiotic friend. Educate you to what happens when someone pisses me off. 'Finn's eyes shine behind his sunglasses.' Magic man died at my hands because he wanted to fight like a coward. Losing my arm was his last attempt to try and kill me. But I ask you which of us is still standing? And which on of us is buried with the worms?"
Finn pulls his sword igniting it with nitro energy. Running the blade along the ground near the bully's face. The bully shakes frantic as Finn keeps him pinned with little effort.
Finn asks "Are you willing to try your luck at besting me?"
Finn lifts his boot for the bull to quickly crawls backwards on his ass. His fear of Finn spreading to other tough guys that looked ready to talk shit.
Finn poses with his sword across his shoulders saying, "Sir Billy maybe gone but I'm still alive. And as both a royal and a hero you better watch your step. Cause just like a royal I can kill anyone who angers me or wants to test my metal."
With that the street falls quiet as Finn puts his sword away and walks out of the Grasslands. His destination is Mermaid Lake. But Finn once more goes over his mental list.
Mermaid, Ring, Frozen, Breakfast, Lizard, Angel, Bandit, Water, and Doctor princess.
All have had next to little contact with Finn. Wanting to correct this right away Finn is setting out to the three that a graphically closest to each other. Those kingdoms being Mermaid, Lizard, and Breakfast kingdom all running across from the other distance wise.
Some of the princess didn't like this. They wanted to get Finn to be with them right away. But Finn was stern with not neglecting the princesses that were snubbed by his peoples needs.
Walking for half the day Finn makes it to the shores of the largest lake in OOO. Right away several Merman guards spot Finn.
The Merman bow welcoming Finn who asks how he will get to the city. Said Merman gives Finn a clam which confuses him. The clam opens to wrap its odd tongue around Finns head. The two shell pieces acting as earmuffs and a snorkel piece as it inflates around his face.
With the slimy core stretches around his head the neckpiece expands like a frogs throat bladder. It grows to transfer air in and out for Finn to breath normally.
Walking into the water the Mermen guards assist by holding Finn from either side as they swim him to the city. On reach Mermaids and Mermen alike swarm Finn asking him questions and complementing his hair.
However three large Mermen guards ask their people to stop. Swimming forward they come to a large coral home where the Mermaid princess accompanied by her guards are waiting.
Mermaid princess smiles saying, "Welcome prince Finn I hope my peoples welcome wasn't too excited."
Finn shakes his head saying "Not at all I take it they hardly see anything from OOO. And when you finally get a chance to make a new friend some get overly excited it is very understandable."
Mermaid princess smiles to take Finn's hand to guide him into the palace. Finn noticed the delay in each step he's taking however. Also noting the due to the breathing bladder he isn't affected by the pressure of the depths.
But his movement is all but cut in half when compared to how easily the Mer-people can move. Finn notes that as them being aquatic in nature they have the advantage of being water fairing people. Mermaid princess smiles as she guides Finn into a nice coral sitting room.
Mermaid princess asks " Prince Finn would you like some tea or a snack perhaps?"
Finn says, "No actually Mermaid princess I wanted to just talk. Get to um know you better and see what your interests are. Our small chat at the party was disrupted."
Mermaid princess forces her smiles hoping Finn doesn't notice as she's reminded of the nasty comment Angel princess made.
Mermaid princess think 'He really is indifferent to relationships. But at least he wants to try the other night must have been his best attempt. And those nasty whores want nothing more then for him to pump them and leave. A gentlemen like Finn isn't so crude.'
Finn says "Mermaid princess you don't have to hide your true self from me. I can feel you're anxious to do something even with my limitations in this environment I can still hear very well."
Mermaid princess exhales to start laughing before Finn can understand Mermaid princess's attitude completely changes. Giggling at every few words to also making silly jokes.
Mermaid princess with a wide tooth grin says, "Finn it's so good to finally cut loose. It grinds my coral to have to swallow so much of my own bubbly fun! My aunt says I laugh and act silly too much but I can't help it."
Finn stunned at the princess's true attitude just lets her keep going. Floating or trying to sit as the princess giggles and laughs.
Finn finally asks, "Why don't you act like this more Mermaid princess? It's not right to hide you who are."
Mermaid princess sighs to say "Yeah its a really cloud of sand to have to hide myself like this in public. But my aunt always told me that a princess needs to be tough and not an easygoing bubble of giggles. So I put on my mask like a good princess and help my people."
Finn says, "Your people will like you. I mean from how excited they were when I came down here. I'm sure they'd love seeing their ruler just as happy and fun as they are... You never know until you actually let them see right?"
Mermaid princess smiles to say "Your right Finn no more miss puffer fish. I'll be more of a nice clown fish princess."
Finn nods to ask Mermaid princess her likes, dislikes, and her plans for the future if she had any. Mermaid tries not to answer some of Finn's questions. Not sure of how he'd react. But soon Mermaid begins her own questions to Finn.
As they continue Finn admits, "To be honest Mermaid princess I can't swim. On Frontier we've never really gone over the idea of water based combat. Or any kind of water exercises. The lakes and pools we have are only deep enough for people to sit and relax in. Plus I maybe able to hear but even the slight movements you make are amplified in my ears. It's a bit irritating and loud."
Mermaid princess smirks saying, "Then let me show you how fun swimming can be."
Taking a big breath Mermaid princess blows into a spiral shell. Soon a school of various colored eels swarm Finn. Confused the eels swiftly trap Finn rushing him from the room and back outside.
Mermaid princess laughs seeing Finn is oddly scared and franticly trying to grasp at something solid. The school of eels start zipping and turning all over the place like a rollercoaster ride. One that is making Finn very dizzy.
But feeling the rush of the water around him and Mermaid princess's odd humor and laughter. Finn wonders if telling the princess to be herself was a good idea?
Finn's POV
I can honestly say I'm happy to be on solid ground again. Puking into the bladder after Mermaid princess little joke was nasty. I'm adding the weightless feeling of swimming to my dislike of sirens and sand.
Two other natural environments that stop me from feeling people or things around me. The feeling of just being a drift in their voids does bring a calming side given enough time. And in the right conditions the affects can work to my advantages. But again I do hate my weaknesses for my fears.
This desert however that joins the kingdom of lizards and breakfast folk is odd. Why do the breakfast folk live in this heat is not clear. I can't stray too far from the cement road. Least the sand blind me or heat my body to dehydrating levels.
The shifting and formless nature of the sand makes it very hard for me to see. Sure I can still feel with my other senses. But just like weightless nature of space and water my feet must have a solid foundation for my senses to be at their highest.
To my shock as I continue a loud moaning echoes through the air. But the moans echo almost like a voice. The sands to my left and right give as the sound of large piles of sand sinking into the desert. To my shock large creatures erupt into the air from the sinking sand.
From the length of their voices, their shadows cooling effect on my body, and the amount of sand they displace. These creatures are nearly two hundred pounds. They have a flat shaped body with great width and length. And are traveling across the sands in V formations. Staying still the creature's voices become distant to either side of me. Shaking myself for a moment I listen for a short while longer as they continue eastward. Whatever they were they paid little attention to me...
After four hours I've made it to the clay city of the lizards. Walking into the city voices and shouts are as clear as ever. It reminds me of the food and music cultural events in the memory pods. People who studied food and music would join for a day of showing their talents. From what grandmother told me humans planned events like that very often. She even said as often as once a month or twice a week if in the fall.
Smelling so many things, hearing so many voices both young and old. And feeling the rhythmic thumps and sounds of reedless instruments is nice. Stopping I smile hearing the five person band of flutes, horns, tuba, and oboes.
Tapping my foot I hum along enjoying the softness of the instruments coming together. I slowly become lost in the music much like on Frontier I listen in peace. I begin to hum slightly louder not caring about who hears.
The group stops to ask "Liking the music stranger?"
I nod walking closer to say, "It really is like nothing else to hear a live band playing it's such wonderful unity. Wish that I had even a fraction of the skills you all pose."
One member says, "Well music isn't just for us you can do it too. Here friend give this trombone a wail and see how you do."
Taking hold of the instrument I think for a moment to ask, "What notes should I use?"
Another band member says, "It ain't about the right or wrong note it's about what you want to play. Every instrument from a cook's knife to even your sword is an instrument in anyone's hand. Let the instrument help guide your musician to a place of calm and fusion. Put it simply go with the flow jack!"
I thumb over the instrument to say, "Go with the flow..."
Give the horn a few test blows as I think of a simple tune to go by. Tapping my foot to the tone I remember from a large orchestra memory. I blow the rhythmic sound for all to hear.
Doing so twice another lizard playing a trombone plays back the tone. Doing the tone again just with another addition of two new notes. Several drums join in from behind then two string instruments as well as a piano.
To my surprise even the band in front of me plays along. Doing the tone for at least three minutes all together I wonder if I should.
Stopping my portion of the tone I inhale to sing. And as I do I smile as a deep voiced lizard sings with me. Both of us improvising the lyrics as we both play and sing. The musicians in the open street playing their own tone to our voices.
(Look of Jeepers creepers 1958 Louis Armstrong and Jack Teagarden. I'll let you decide who is who.)
Ending the song on a wonderful note I bow to the crowd and their praise.
I turn back to the band to say "Thank you my friends this was wonderful. But I do believe this is yours."
No band member makes a move to take back the trombone. Just saying that I should play when I feel I need to. Thanking them all I ask if they can point me to lizard castle. Sending me off I pass one lizard in the band a small pouch.
Before he can ask I leave. Hearing their gasps in shock is all I need as thanks for their kindness. Inside the pouch is a same handful of gold coins and various jewels I've collect from traveling with Billy.
It isn't all the money I've collected. The full mass of it Billy placed into a place he called the Crack. He said that in time I'd be able to go there. And with his death I do plan to go there but first I must see to the princess.
With the trombone in hand I blow a few more tones liking how much wider my hearing and pressure senses go. Amazing myself I can feel and sense almost two floors high and at least two streets across.
I think 'What a wonderful sight music continues to grant me.'
Continuing my walk to the castle I continue to play loving the wider field of senses. Before long my music bounces off weapons and armor. Feeling carefully I greet the guards at the castle gates.
I say "Hello I'm Finn the hero here to visit Lizard princess."
The guards say "One moment sir hero."
The guard makes a series of whistles and clicks with his mouth as we wait. Quickly several clicks return but from their pitch they seem hurried or rushed.
The guard says, "Sorry sir for the delay her majesty is waiting for you."
The doors to the castle slide downward and I walk in guided by two servants. The servants seen to move quickly no doubt Lizard princess has asked them to speed my meeting to her.
One maid asks as we climb some stairs "Sir hero can you play that trombone with just one hand?"
The other maid tries to hush her and apologize for the rude question. Smiling I play a soft tune as we walk up the spiral steps. Both maids are surprised to softly whistle along my tune. Arriving at the room I thank them.
Inside I find Lizard queen and princess. Both dinning at the movement from the sounds of utensils and pouring drinks. Smiling I bow as they both welcome me.
Lizard queen asks, "Prince Finn has the spirits of the howling sands sung to you? Or have you always had a passion for music?"
I answer "No Lizard queen. I often listened to music as I dance. Back on Frontier I like others I could watch the memories of those past. Some study these memories to learn or invest their time in the lost arts. I invested my time in dance while enjoying the harmony music gives to dancers. But a street band I passed enraptured my hearing and soon I started to play and sing with them."
Lizard princess perks up asking "Finn would you play with me? Often others are too shy or too giving to allow me to play with them."
I nod to say, "Id be honor Lizard princess."
Leaving Lizard queen Lizard princess shows me to a garden of sand. She asks if I would take off my shoes while in here and reluctantly I agree. Feeling my bare feet sink into the soft and moist sand. I note how right away my sensory field begins to blur.
But I keep my hearing tuned to Lizard princesses breathing. Following her steps she stops to sit down.
Lizard princess says "I've been meaning to try this song for a while but I can't help but worry how my people will react. I don't get a chance to play my songs in public like everyone else."
I smile to say "Lizard princess just as I told Mermaid princess I can hear it. Your people love music. Be yourself and I trust they'll love the music you want to play."
Lizard princess's tail soundly slides around happy at my comment.
Lizard princess say, "Ok I'll play the piano here and you follow along with your trombone. And remember keep up beat and happy."
Nodding we begin and I now understand why she said to keep upbeat.
(Play Dolly Parton 9 to 5 and you got the tune Lizard princess is going for.)
Playing the song for a solid three times so the Lizard princess can fix and add different instruments. She thanks me with a hug and a kiss to the cheek. Caught off guard even further is that fact that her tail is wrapped around my shin.
I blush saying "It was nothing Lizard princess but if you don't mind can we talk more. I'd like to get to know you."
Lizard princess decides that playing music while we talk, stating it's more fun. And to be honest I hold no objections. I really do like the music as we play back and forth. Though I'm not sure if she's doing it on purpose or if her tail has a mind of its own. But she keeps stroking my shin with her tail... Odd.
Well hoped you liked it and if you didn't well I don't care. Drop me a review and some other fun stuff. I'll see you later!