A scene opens up with Atomsk and TME talking.
"Hey man first sorry for the confusion of what was said before." Atomsk said.
"No problem, I misunderstood things on my end, guess this will be a triple feature with this being the third posted Auraverse chapter in a row… chapter 5… didn't expect it to be this rapid in writing… thankfully got my laptop working again thought not sure how long so lets make sure the speed I get from it is used well." TME said while he looks determined with fire coming out of his eyes… right before he was hit with a fire extinguisher spray putting them out.
"Hey who did that?" Atomsk said as he looks around.
"Don't look at me." Cedric said.
"Was me… remember the last time this happened and we had to explain to the fire department how our boss blasting fire from his eyes from determination nearly burned the place down?" Emerald said with a half lidded look on his face as TME, who cleaned himself off, facepalms.
"Lets just get started… hopefully after some work with training Finn, can have Cedric and Finn get lucky and stuff… maybe Emerald though will need to fine tune an idea of mine since Emerald here, especially after what Cedric said, makes the topics of tier 15 would be a sore subject for Emerald himself here… funny, out of many in this story, Emerald is the virgin." TME said while he crossed his arms.
"Yeah… usually we have Emerald having issues with ladies before he finally get some action. Hopefully this time it happens." Atomsk said.
"Maybe… depends on if either a lady gets lucky… or BMO gets a new body if you remember some of the stories with BMO and a new body for them giving them a serious upgrade." TME said with a grin when he hoped Atomsk got where this was going.
Atomsk grins.
"Yeah… but let's not spoil things and let's get going with the chap."
"Well may have spoiled something but not spoiling how… for now though… its Eco teaching time…" TME said as the scene shifts too…
Badlands/ Unknown/ Finn, Emerald, Cedric, BMO
…show Finn on the ground groaning with comical swirls where his eyes were like an anime characters as Emerald used Green Eco to heal Finn.
"Good grief Finn, I know you wanted to see how strong a Dark Eco user was but challenging me to a fight was just asking for trouble… be glad I showed mercy… especially since you saw me rip that bandits skull from his body and beat him to death with it while using green Eco to keep his head alive for a minute or two so he could feel it… huh… hey now that I say it… hey Cedric, looks like you're right on me being a sadist." Emerald said while he looks at a sweatdropping Cedric nearby.
"Told you." Cedric said as Finn groans before he gets up.
"Glob… I bit more than I can chew."
"No kidding… as a reminder Finn while you lay here, what are the main Eco colors and what elemental attack do they represent and what can they do when not used for elemental attacks?" Emerald said with a sudden popquiz as Finn groans.
"R-Red Eco… power and strength… mainly to boost attacks but can be used for defense as well in rare cases… it… represents fire mainly…" Finn groans as he went over the red Eco first.
"Least his memory is okay." Cedric said.
"Yup… Dark Eco next." Emerald said as Finn groans more.
"D-Dark Eco… dangerous… don't go near unless trained for it… can kill you or… change your body… mainly a transformation… but mainly dark type attacks… c-common type of Eco in some places… mainly can be contained in boxes and stuff but… caution needed." Finn said as Emerald nods as he used more green Eco.
"Green Eco." Emerald said.
"G-Green Eco… a healing Eco… can also be used to use Earth type abilities… but mainly its a healing ability… can be used to heal organic bodies… and vehicles for… some reason… mainly its a life type Echo…" Finn said as Emerald nods his head.
"Good Good… seems you didn't get a concussion…" Emerald said as he looks at Cedric.
"So Cedric, how was the local Lynx tribe here in this temple ruin?… Finn and I were training out here mainly so how was the meeting with their leader in being able to stay here for a few days to resupply and what not?" Emerald said while he looks at Cedric.
"Actually, it went well. Their leader Nicole was understanding as we talked." Cedric said.
"I see… you seduce her?" Emerald said though…
"Actually while he tried, he slipped up a bit with him being enamored with a few of my sisters and him getting tongue tied… said stuff like pretty girls and what not which amused them." A woman's amused voice said as a woman appeared in some light particles that seemed almost digital and formed a body of a Lynx humanoid woman with a regal looking robe… this was Nicole the Lynx… leader of a tribe of Light Eco users who could use Eco in ways not many normally could so this was a good place to train Finn in Light Eco use…. And one of them was this moved to teleport it seems… given Light Eco when mastered could slow down time… a variation of this move could be used for long distance travel it seems.
Cedric blushes in embarrassment.
"Didn't have to say it like that Nicole." He said.
Nicole smiles.
"Now now… considering how sweet you were with them, my sisters and I agreed to let you three stay here as long as you want as long as you help out with some things… honestly its hard to find good help these days… especially since you three helped slay some monsters near here that were giving my people trouble… honestly would have requested help from Surge and her bandits or from the Eazy Zone City's military, but given the time, would be a serious issues in getting word to them." Nicole said as Emerald raised an eyebrow at her.
"Why even request a bitch like her for help?... she would normally try and fuck people over than help them, not without getting something in return at least." Emerald said as Nicole smiles, not bothered by Emerald's language.
"Thats because my tribe helps many here, in fact Surge owes me a bit for healing her from near Death a few times… not only that… well…" Nicole said as she smirks when she crossed her arms.
"I'm one of the few who can kick Surge's ass so I gained her respect, light Eco and Dark Eco is a powerful force compared to normal Eco so given she mainly prioitized electric eco use… well… she may have lightning on her side giving her unmatched speed… its nothing when you can stop time and slow people to a crawl." Nicole said when she looks amused.
Finn was surprised to hear that as Cedric chuckles.
"Either way, thank you Nicole." He said.
"Oh its no problem Cedric, as long as you three do well here, we will welcome you anytime… especially my sisters who seemed to be a bit smitten with you." Nicole said while she smirks teasingly at Cedric.
Cedric blushes a bit.
"We will do our best."
"Good… I will say a couple of my younger sisters are interested in seeing what this human is up close and stuff… won't lie he is cute, maybe we should take him to rest in a bed and after he recovers, can be given a proper recovery with some light Eco channeled into his muscles." Nicole said while she winked at Finn at the tease of multiple ladies hitting on him soon.
Finn blushes a bit after hearing that making Cedric chuckle.
"Well thanks to the training he got, he'll probably need it."
"Hehe, no doubt… why not take Finn ahead Cedric, you know where the guest rooms are, need to show Emerald where he can store the buggy and what not." Nicole said while Emerald raised an eyebrow from this when he himself was called for buggy parking but looks at Cedric to see if he could get Finn to a room to rest since it was logical for Nicole to make that suggestion given Finn was still a bit out of it physically.
"Sure I'll help him." Cedric said before he helped Finn up and starts leading him.
As Cedric worked to get Finn in his arms as Finn groans while BMO sat on their stomach… Emerald was silent as he watched Finn, Cedric, and BMO leave before he looks at Nicole.
"So… whats the real reason you wanted me out of everyone alone?... given an hour or so, Finn would be up and about so lets skip the pleasantries and get to why you wanted to talk with me alone… since you may not know or if you do if Surge talked about me… I got one hell of a grasp of Dark Eco mastery… you know our powers would counter one another so slowing time won't work with me… pure combat only and something tells me while you would be an issue… I wouldn't lose… not without broken limbs at least but could still win in case this is a trap." Emerald said while he looks on guard with a dark mist of Eco emitting from him as a warning.
Nicole didn't show fear.
"Oh she has. You definitely gave her a good impression. But relax, I'm not your enemy."
Emerald narrows his eyes but he stands as he rubs his head.
"Good… would hate to have light Eco users as an enemy." Emerald said though…
"I do have to ask… why are you so saturated in Dark Eco?... if you're not the Sage of Dark Eco… you know that improper use would have serious side effects." Nicole said as Emerald narrows his eyes as he looks at Nicole.
"No… I'm not the sage… as for those side effects…" Emerald said as his eyes momentarily turned pure black with a hint of green for pupils.
"Considering how long I've been using Dark Eco… bit late for me to worry about side effects… especially when I need to use it to keep insane psycho bitches off my ass." Emerald said before he relaxed his Dark Eco use as he moved to the buggy and got in to start it so he could get Nicole's directions to a parking area while gesturing for her to hop in the passenger seat.
Nicole did take the passenger seat after getting over her surprise.
As Emerald drove… he listened to an occasional direction as he saw a few occasional Echidna workers working on the temple ruins to keep them in shape, some Lynx women working to heal others and support many while other humanoids were here or there showing while not many did stop by for long periods of time, this place was a small hub of commerce given the location and the Lynx tribe that mainly resided here… honestly was an oasis…
As the duo rides more…
"You know… you could try and take some Light Eco training… could help balance things out and stuff… from what Cedric told me, he says your normally distrustful of many… granted from what he did tell VS what he didn't… I get that you may not trust many but Dark Eco isn't exactly something to be used in the way you're using it… could harm not just your body but your soul as well." Nicole said as Emerald rolls his eyes.
"Oh don't give me that good VS evil thing… you should know in the badlands might makes right here… I learned from a young age that you should never show weakness… besides not like I had a choice in Eco use… I am a green Eco user normally but an incident in my past caused me to either learn how to channel Dark Eco or be mutated or killed… why care so much if I use Dark Eco Anyway?... I've seen some in your tribe use Dark Eco in battle so not like its a detriment to your kind in the long run…" Emerald said while he turned down a road slowly and stopped to wait for some kids to pass by with a teacher leading them.
"Maybe but… it's good to have balance. Trust me people that use Dark eco too much won't look pretty in the end. Literally." Nicole said.
Emerald gave her a half lidded look.
"Wait till sunset and you'll know why I wouldn't care about that… besides I wouldn't be compatible with Light Eco anyway… as some would say… I got too much angst to have a calm serene mind… believe me, tried it, did not end well when I tried to use light Eco once." Emerald said while he relaxed in his chair as the last of the students were passing by.
"Maybe but… I think I can help you. I just need your trust. Don't worry, won't tell Surge you're here." Nicole said.
Emerald frowns though as he looks at Nicole.
"If you knew my past if Cedric told you too much, you should know that trust won't be gotten easily… honestly I'm starting to wonder why I hang around people when I seem to get the oddest luck with them." Emerald said as he starts driving when the road was clear.
"Now now… no need for negativity. Things have a way of working things out as my mother always told me." Nicole said.
"Really?" Emerald said as the duo got to a parking spot and Emerald gave her a narrowed eyed look.
"Would you say the same if you were nearly raped in the past?... ran out of a town because of a Deity's prophetic dream?... and more or less forced to delve into Dark Eco against your will?... because if surviving those have some silver lining in not getting the end result… well honestly I wish my luck was better and them not happening." Emerald said as he moved to turn the Buggy off and he got out of it a moment later.
"Okay… I may not understand your… issues but… this won't stop me from helping you." Nicole said.
Emerald ignored her though as he left her near the buggy… this allowed Nicole to have a thought as she looks at Emerald and from her point of view… she could see a heavy dark mist emit from him… for others would look like nothing but to her and other light Eco users…
'Damn… this is gonna be tougher than I thought if he's letting out that much dark eco.' Nicole thought.
Time passed to a bit later with Finn starting to come too sometime after… he groans as he sat up on a bed while rubbing his head.
"Oh man… talk about a good sleep." Finn said.
As Finn looks around, he saw he was in a large bedroom… his last memory before he came here was a Dark Eco charged fist from Emerald uppercutting him… and some Eco testing from Emerald before he passed out and stuff.
"Oh man… Emerald really hit me good. Definitely need to learn some eco moves to get better." Finn said.
Giggling was heard near Finn.
"Well you should be careful human… Dark Eco infused hits could be extra deadly to an unguarded body and soul." Finn heard, when he looks over, he saw a cute looking Lynx woman around his age sitting next to him, she looked lower ranked than Nicole given the less extravagant robe she wore and how youthful she looks.
Finn blinks when he saw her.
"S-Sorry… I didn't know you were here."
"Hehe, no worries, I came in to check on you from my older sister's orders… must say you were cute sleeping there." the Lynx woman said while she smiles cutely at Finn.
Finn blushes a bit.
"T-Thanks. I'm Finn."
"Nice to meet you Finn… people here call me Rosalin… you can call me Rose for short." Rosalin or Rose said while she smiles at Finn more.
"I see… it's a lovely name." Finn said.
Rose giggles as she got up.
"Thanks… I'll go get your friends, Cedric and BMO were really worried about you since you didn't wake up for dinner yet, Emerald figured you would be out till tomorrow at least but would recover since he said you're a tough fighter." Rose said before she left the room with a smile on her face.
Finn blinks a bit after hearing that.
'How long was I out?' He thought but did think that Rose has a cute smile.
As Finn got up, he stretched his body while he looks around the room… the place seemed to be in the temple and looks surprisingly high tec with various items around the room fueled by Eco… a lamp had light eco in it giving the room a bright look while some glass tubes around the room showed various Eco going around to other parts of the temple.
'Damn… if PB was here she would be jealous at the tech stuff.' Finn thought.
Meanwhile…
"Wait… you bugged Finn's phone and lost track of him near the badlands?" Marceline said while she floats next to Bubblegum while she was near some kind of large supercomputer.
"That's exactly what I did. I wanted to know where he was and all I got was the badlands but now I can't find his signal." Bubblegum said.
Marceline blinks at this and gave her a half lidded look.
"You're super computer can track Finn's phone to the badlands and… no further?... ever think Finn may think you bugged his phone and just tossed it?" Marceline said as Bubblegum shakes her head.
"No… if that was the case, wouldn't be able to get into his voicemail to leave messages, normally would just get that annoying, this number is no longer available thing, you know those kinds of responses… either Finn got a new phone with the same number and is ignoring me for some reason or his phone is being constantly powered if he did throw it away like you said… but if thats the case either way, chances are since it didn't move from the checkpoint… wouldn't this mean Finn left Ooo to go into the badlands in full?... He should know how dangerous it is even for him… even I don't set up shop there because of how bonkers the place is… not yet anyway… its like that place has its own rules and logic with many things… even the… ugh… magic there is something called Eco… nature magic that people channel for odd elemental attacks or can use the energy in technology which I do admit I admire a bit… but my point stands… when Finn and Jake tried to deliver the Royal tarts to a special meeting… they nearly died when traveling on the borderland section my kingdom operate… not the majority that is untamed wild and full of bandits, thieves, monsters… and unlike the Ooo variants… these guys are many times harder than anything Finn ever took on." Bubblegum said while she had a worried look on her face.
"Maybe I should have injected Finn with tracking nanobots or replaced one of his teeth with a tracker…" Bubblegum muttered while she wrote down the tracking false tooth idea for a later idea she had in keeping track of her peeps.
Marceline sweatdrops.
"I think you and I need to talk about this later."
"Talk about what?" Bubblegum said as Marceline shakes her head.
"Nevermind… say Finn went to the badlands… than what?... not like we can just go there and track him down… weenie could either grow a serious pair there if he survives a year there or could just run back home if its too much for him, guys still human and stuff." Marceline said while she made a point… either Finn would be back in a year or sooner if things were too much for him there.
"Hmmm…. Maybe but still, some people do need his help." Bubblegum said.
"And you're people and Ooo didn't survive without Finn before?" Marceline said while she gave Bubblegum a half lidded look.
"Okay I get it Marceline but I still can't help but worry for him. I mean he's our friend still." Bubblegum said.
Marceline on her end was a bit quiet on this as Bubblegum looks at her.
"Marceline… you heard Jake… it was mainly Jake and the Cosmic Owl's fault for what happened with the Ice King… I get he was like a father to you when he was sane but Finn nor Jake ever saw that… even if they did know there was good in the ice king, all they knew is he was a goofball princess kidnapping person… believe me… he kidnapped me… many… many times… even had to get his howls of pain when I had to put the hurt on him… reason being before you snap… not sure if you heard but remember that time when many in the candy Kingdom got a cold if you heard rumors… all ice king when he… ugh… scratched his beard over my kingdom to make it seem like it was snowing but… guy was just dropping what he would most likely call his… Frosty Dander… froze my people in literal ice blocks and only way to stop it was getting howls of pain… thankfully Finn and Jake managed to fix that by having Finn be Ice Kings friend and pretend to have died and stuff… nuff said was mainly mental anguish so not physical and stuff… if you doubt me, you can ask lady… may not speak Rainicorn in writing but I know you at least know enough to know a word or two of Rainicorn to know yes from no at least." Bubblegum said when she looks at Marceline from her chair.
Marceline was quite for a moment.
"May know a few."
"Good… can call Lady to confirm that but should be a fact to many if you ask that Ice King used to kidnap me on the daily… think he does that one a week now and again so can't be too careful… honestly can't blame him… been keeping this figure of mine in shape and you should know more than others how good it is." Bubblegum said with an amused look as she got up before she walked from Marceline, ironically enough on accident, swaying her hips making her plump ass more pronounced to Marceline for a moment before Bubblegum's poofy dress returned to normal.
Marceline blushes a bit before smirking.
'Careful Bonnie… you should remember when you tease a teaser.'
Though as she follows… she did frown when she remembered that this was most likely just Bubblegum giving a reason why Ice king would come after her for kidnappings mainly and less of her actually teasing Marceline… she and Marceline did break up many years ago after all in the Glass kingdom because of Bubblegum and her kingdom and tech and Marceline and her issues with emotions.
'Damn it… sometimes I hate when Bonnie is right.' Marceline thought since the facts were there.
Some time as Lady came by and with some talk with her…
"OK… seems that Lady knows about what happened in the Ice Kingdom with Finn, Jake, and the CO thanks to Jake confessing to her… got him sleeping on the couch of Finn's treefort for a month as a punishment for that one… anyway Lady, Marceline has some questions to ask you, mind answering in simple yes or no responses?... Marceline barely knows Rainicorn and just knows simple response type stuff… so if she asks a question, just say yes or no in your language OK?" Bubblegum said while she pets Lady's head with a smile.
Lady was thoughtful before she nods her head.
"What would she like to ask?"
When Bubblegum translates that…
"Well first off… how often did Simon… as you know him as the Ice King… cause trouble?... was he as bad as some say?" Marceline asked while she knew Ice King did a lot of stuff… she wanted to know if it was that bad.
Lady was quiet for a bit.
"Almost all the time when I hear that Princess is kidnapped. I don't think IK has harmed anyone but still."
"Huh?" Marceline said when she didn't get a yes or no answer and Bubblegum translates what Lady said to Marceline.
Marceline heard this and she rubs her head.
"Did… Simon really cause this… Icy Dander thing and did Bonnie really need screams to get everyone healed?" Marceline asked while she looks worried by the answer.
Lady saw the look but nods her head but she did say this.
"Though not on purpose. I don't think IK realized what was happening."
Marceline sighs when she heard Bubblegum translate that.
"Did… everyone before many found out about Finn getting Simon to fight Finn's ex… did they really just assume it was because Simon caused things in the first place and think it was just karma getting back at Simon?" Marceline asked which seemed like her final and most important question.
Lady was quiet for a bit.
"Well… I heard people talk about it and there are some that believe it was Karma. But it's not that big of a number."
When Bubblegum translate this…
"But this was before Finn got found out right?... that is not that big of a number part huh?" Marceline said when she sat in a chair nearby.
"Well yes. No one knew until that video was seen by that Lumpy Space Princess. Apparently she was there when she saw the Ice Kingdom getting destroyed and Finn confessing to Flame Princess." Lady said.
Marceline blinks at this and looks at Bubblegum.
"Don't need a translator to hear LSP's name in the mix… so… she was the reason the Weenie is in hot water huh?" Marceline said as Bubblegum facepalms when LSP was mentioned again…
"Glob dammit LSP… I'm giving that gossip bitch an earful." Bubblegum said.
"Pretty sure that will go in one ear and out the other/"Pretty sure that will go in one ear and out the other" Marceline and Lady said with half lidded eyes in unison and though spoke different languages, Bubblegum could understand it fully.
Bubblegum sweatdrops.
"Nevermind. Bottom line, LSP screwed up and now Finn thinks he has no allies."
"Well, somewhat, least Jake and I made sure to know we were on his side… wonder how he is doing." Lady said while Bubblegum looks at her.
"I wish I knew… hopefully he is doing OK…" Bubblegum said while the scene went back to the badlands…
Badlands/ Lynx tribe Temple/ Finn
"OH CRAP!" Finn yelled as he ran from a falling box that nearly crashed on him… he was helping Rose move some large boxes that were in the way of a hall leading to the food area so he could get dinner and she looks surprised when the crash happened.
"Are you OK Finn!?" Rose said when she went to Finn while he had a hand on his chest while he felt his heart beat rapidly.
"A-A bit. Box almost crushed me." Finn said as he calmed down.
A moment later…
"Hey is everything OK?" Nicole said when she rushed to the duo and blinks when she saw the large stack of boxes toppled over.
"Oh… guess not, is everyone OK physically?" Nicole said when she got close to the duo.
"Y-Yeah. I am." Finn said.
"Indeed sister… unfortunately the hall is blocked though." Rose said as Nicole smiles.
"Don't worry Rose…" Nicole said when she looks at the boxes and closed her eyes… after she opened them… they had a pure white light… Nicole gained a blue coloring all over her body and 8 tentacle like energy constructs formed from her back… amost making the shape of wings when energy rained down from the tendrils… they moved to the boxes and moved to stack the boxes rapidly but carefully until they were in order and out of the way while Finn looks on in shock as Rose smiles.
"High mastery of Light Eco gives upper members of the Lynx tribe a form known as a Light Eco state… from what I gather, your friend Emerald has a Dark Eco form… similar concept but unlike with negative emotions, Light Eco is used by purely good emotions of kind intent… honestly I don't get why your friend has so much Dark Eco… makes me wonder if he is even a good guy." Rose said though…
"Rose that is enough." Nicole said with a stern look making her jolt and by proxy Finn from being close jolt as Nicole continues while returning to normal since this would be a good lesson for Finn as well.
"First off don't give Finn a misunderstanding Rose… while its true that by its very nature Dark Eco is a danger to many, from Death to mutations… it also can be used as a force for good… no Eco or magic or power is inately evil… its the user who uses it… and try and not mock practitioners of Dark Eco… the fact he can use his powers this much, while a bit worrisome because of side effects after long term use, shows insane willpower since Dark Eco users need the will to not be consumed by their own darkness that the Eco brings out, the training for Dark Eco control is many times harder than using light Eco in general… one slip up and it can make even the calmest of people a true berserker… this is why your stil an acolyte Rose… your view on Eco is too one sides and misguided… in case you forgot, I use Dark Eco even if its not a common sight to keep a balance so does that make me a evil woman?" Nicole said while raising an eyebrow at Rose.
Rose jolts before shaking her head.
"N-No. I'm sorry."
"Good… after your meal as punishment for the insult to Dark Eco practicioners, 2 hours of meditation… I'll be having someone time you so don't try and skip this one young lady…" Nicole said while she gave Rose a look that showed she was adamant in this punishment.
Rose has her head down.
"Okay."
Nicole than had Rose walk before she looks at Finn with a calm smile.
"I'm sorry about that… Dark Eco practitioners have a bad image about them… some of them are villains but I've seen good people use Dark Eco for good… honestly out of all the Eco elements… Dark Eco has it the worst… many misunderstand that while its a deadly force in the world… its also one that is necessary for this world as well… otherwise why would the world form Dark Eco in the first place?" Nicole said while she smiles calmly at Finn… and also she didn't want Finn to get a bad image of Emerald.
"You have a point there." Finn said since Emerald didn't do anything evil.
"Indeed… if you do want to try and train with Dark Eco, you may have to ask Emerald or find a practitioner who is willing to teach you, but remember Finn, unless you have a balance, Dark Eco over time can corrupt unless your will is strong… its not a matter of morality given anyone can technically wield it… similar to Light Eco… its a matter of not letting the power go to your head… any Elemental Eco user can let their powers go to their head and run amok." Nicole said as Finn rubs his head.
"Like… Surge and her use of Blue Eco?" Finn said as Nicole shook her head.
"Surprisingly enough… no for her… granted her being a bandit is a shame but she isn't the worst evil out there… in the badlands might is unequivocally right… for Surge, dominating others and leading bandits is a thing she does to keep order in her life… granted you may not see it, but you could call Surge a necessary evil… think on this… if Surge didn't take control of many bandit groups, keeping them under her thumb with her might that not many can beat given her affinity with blue Eco and her natural talent for combat… what do you think wild untamed bandits would do to the good parts of the badlands like this temple?... its only because of a deal and the threat of Surge's anger if any harms anyone here that keeps enemies at bay… well that and the fact if we were taken out, many healers for many would go extinct… point is… while Surge may seem brutal… she does have a method to her madness." Nicole said while she explained things about Surge in a calm manner.
"I see…" Finn said as he didn't realize how important Surge was.
Though Finn did have a question.
"Wait… what deal was this?" Finn asked as Nicole blushed.
"Well… sometimes she comes here to challenge me to a fight… mainly to try out moves and what not to try and get a one up on me… lost to her a couple times but got much stronger after those times… the deal was mainly a two fold deal… if she won… in the bluntest way imaginable… I would be her bitch… least till I challenged her for my freedom… the other was win or lose, the temple and my people wouldn't be harmed… Surge didn't need much talking to agree to that since it was me she was after." Nicole said as Finn got wide eyes.
"A-And… since you won so many times… what would you get?" Finn said as Nicole blinks and blushed more.
"Well… the reverse would happen… lets just say that she is the main reason why I got Dark Eco under control to some level so I could even do that… let's me… vent a bit if you get what I mean." Nicole said while she scratched her cheek lightly with a blush on her face.
Finn was surprised at this info before blushing.
"I think I do." He said.
Nicole blushed more from this.
"Y-Yes… well I should let you know that you're safe here at least even if she does show… she mainly focuses on me here though given she maybe after Emerald, try and be careful if you see a green quilled Tenrec woman with black markings around her eyes and wears some spiked bracelets and a spiked collar… thats normally her since she does change clothing depending on the weather for the badlands." Nicole said while she looks at Finn seriously at the end when giving Surge's description on her usual looks.
"M-Message received." Finn said.
"Indeed… oh and by the way, she is a hermaphrodite who doesn't care on the gender of her partner… may use a genderbend spell and stuff but just… guard your backside… heard she got this grey skinned fool with a cherry blossom wand under her thumb and turned them into a maid for her pleasure recently… than there was this former Cat assassin woman who escaped from some prison… honestly many people are coming to the badlands lately and running into Surge a lot." Nicole said as she starts walking from Finn to the eating area.
Finn blinks a bit when he heard this.
'A-Ash… and Me-Mow?!' He thought.
As Finn followed… he walked next to Nicole.
"Um… anyone else from outside the badlands?" Finn asked while Nicole hims.
"Well not sure if this counts but I think… three bounty hunters names Tangle, Whisper, and Lanolin… a monkey man… lets see… a horned woman who called herself Bandit Princess smuggly enough but was caught in no time… oh yeah… there was more but… she is trying to not break to Surge for her people's sake… a powerful user of Water magic and yellow Eco… mainly that gives powerful ranged attacks and wind abilities… her name is Kyra the Echidna… a powerful Echidna woman…" Nicole said while she tried to remember more.
Finn blinks at the names.
"Okay… never heard of them but I think I saw echidna people here."
"Well they live here or there, mainly in temples like this… they may as well be the owners and caretakers maintaining the ruins for generations… the Lynx tribe here moved in generations ago but the Echidna's may as well be the true natives of the Badlands… honestly if not for them many of the Eco based technology would be in disrepair and the attempts from others wouldn't be a quarter as a efficient in the repairs… I think its because they have the sense of the world on their side… but Eco manipulation comes naturally for them… well aside light and Dark Eco… those are naturally for everyone though the Lynx tribe is mostly in tune with it out of many." Nicole said while she smiles at the small history lesson.
"I see." Finn said as he understood that.
"Good… anyway lets hold off on lessons since we are here to get you a meal, your friends were worried for you." Nicole said when she led Finn into a complex looking cafeteria with many people inside of it… at one table was Emerald, in cat form given how late it was, Cedric, and BMO were at a table and Cedric grins and waves at Finn and Nicole when he saw them.
"Hey Finn! Glad to see you're awake." Cedric said.
"Yay!... Finn is awake!" BMO said.
Emerald was silent thought as he ate his own food, he looked pretty tired right now for some reason.
"Hey… you ok Emerald?" Finn said as Cedric looks amused.
"Hehe, Mr. Popular here was helping many ladies here and there with requests and stuff, honestly he had to sneak away from a cute Echidna woman and a few Lynx ladies." Cedric said though Emerald gave him a narrowed eyed look but he just focused on eating his sandwich as BMO continues.
"He is a grouchy grouch… he will be taking a nap soon to cure that." BMO said to clarify things.
Finn sweatdrops.
"Right… sorry to have worried you guys."
"No problem, things happen dude, you should be better now, come and eat and we can talk about more stuff once you get some grub in you." Cedric said while he grins at Finn.
"I am hungry." Finn said as he got himself a plate.
As Finn got something to eat, Nicole smiles as she walked next to Emerald.
"So Emerald… how was the food?... I helped make it for you myself since I felt bad you had to help out more than intended and got into so much hijinx." Nicole said as Emerald looks at her.
"Its good… honestly I only mentioned not liking pepper once and really liking cheese and mayo on my chicken sandwich and you made it without the pepper and added plenty of mayo and cheese… honestly if you get a husband or wife, would make them pretty happy… though that would be pretty shallow of a reason to marry someone just to get them to cook for them… I mean who would do that?... making a lover their servant?" Emerald said while Finn was funnily enough reminded of Ash here.
"You be surprised on who would do that… but that wouldn't be love. Just a random donk that wants a maid… being a master and not accepting consequences." Finn said with a frown.
Cedric on his end moved to pat Finn on the back while making sure that Finn would calm down as Emerald looks at him.
"Got a point there… if you want to be a master, boss, or leader, or just a guy or gal wanting to take charge… need to at least keep the feelings of others in mind… anyway lets finish eating Finn… considering how long you've been out, may as well help me with the night shift with Nicole and BMO in cleaning some of the older rooms here, even with living here for years, Nicole and her tribe with the Echidna's who live here have yet to uncover all the rooms here… honestly some people who delve deep into the deeper parts may as well be called archeologists… dungeon divers who work to bring out treasures similar to adventurers but more for the peoples benefit than themselves." Emerald said while he looks at Finn seriously.
Finn was thoughtful.
"Fair enough. May find some cool stuff here."
"Indeed… try and not to do anything stupid though… some caused serious issues when they activated traps and what not… normally wouldn't allow this for you since you're new to the badlands… but Emerald and Cedric vouched you have skills perfect for stuff like this being the hero of Ooo… told me a lot about you and more… and we will have a few Echidna warriors and ruin experts here in a team so think of this as a refresher on the finer arts of dungeon diving in appreciating the culture the people in the past who used to live here before us." Nicole said while she smiles kindly at Finn.
Finn smiles.
"Cool with me. I don't wanna mess with someone's culture."
"Don't you take gold and treasure for the Treefort Finn?" BMO said innocently since he did take and sell others culture for his own benefit in the past.
Finn jolts.
"Well… I do… but those dungeons were abandoned. Plus Jake and I work hard to get to the prize."
"Well don't worry, as long as the Echidna's with us don't give issues, some people can take prizes or trophies with them, nuff said things as long as you listen to the guides and follow instructions, should do well." Nicole said while smiling kindly at Finn.
"Right." Finn said as he ate his meal.
After the meal and Emerald, BMO, Finn, and Nicole left Cedric who went to sleep for now, Finn walked behind Nicole as Emerald walked next to her and BMO sat on Finn's head while giggling at the ride they got.
"Wee!" BMO said.
Emerald had a half lidded look on their face.
"Since when was I a taxi service?" Emerald said as Nicole giggles.
"Least BMO isn't getting buried in the sand… honestly after Finn passed out and they got buried, you were the most worried for them and dug them out with your bare hands before many could help." Nicole said while smiling at Emerald who blushed at this.
"Really?" Finn said with a surprise look.
"Yeah, honestly he was so panicked they looked like they thought BMO died." Nicole said as Emerald puffed out his cheeks cutely.
"Just didn't want the games I like to go to waste if BMO died…" Emerald said and while sounding cruel… it was easily seen though in being a pale defense on his real emotions showing he did care for BMO in his own way and just didn't know how to express his emotions much.
"Right…" Finn said as BMO giggles.
"Well fear not… BMO doesn't die."
"Well thats good… because it keeps my high scores and shows I do better in the Warriors of sunlight game than Finn does." Emerald said before chuckling at the tease he made.
Finn puffs his cheeks.
"Oh it's on. I'm gonna beat that game and your scores."
"Says the guy who always loses to sleepy Sam." Emerald teased though…
"Where here boys." Nicole said when she led Finn, Emerald, and BMO to a large old structure in the middle of the temple… looked like a massive elevator with a few buildings on it, the size of the elevator showing the temple they were in was just the tip if the iceberg so to speak.
"Wow… that's big." Finn said.
"Indeed… and while this goes to many floors of the temple, for safety reasons only goes to the 10th floor… where heading there after getting on and meeting with the teammates on the elevator…" Nicole said as she gestures for Emerald, Finn, and by proxy BMO to get on the elevator before her.
After the group enters the elevator, Nicole presses the button for the 10th floor.
As it lowers…
"Hey Nicole… these the newbies?" A rough voice said making many look to where the voice came from… from one of the buildings came a beautiful looking Echidna woman with scars on her body and one eye sealed shut by one… she still looked rather attractive despite the scars… she wore some tribal outfits so it didn't cover much of her body.
Finn blushes at the Echidna woman as Nicole chuckles.
"Yes. This is Emerald, Finn the Human and this little cutie is BMO."
The Echidna woman hums before she looks at the trio.
"Hmmm… the cute looking cat man seems the most capable… the… human here seems rather weak… as for the… cutie…" The woman said as Emerald speaks.
"I'm teaching Finn how to use Eco or trying to… hard to do with a lack of Eco fonts so hopefully can give him a more indepth explanation as we find them… if we find Eco based threats, I'll let you, myself, and others trained to deal with them show Finn what its light to fight with Eco for real and Finn can be the pack muel of the group to level up with weight training." Emerald said while he points at BMO.
"BMO is a living friend of sorts as in a friend who can entertain… if you or any know blue Eco use or have items to recharge BMO… BMO here can help us pass time in camps so we don't get bored out of our skulls." Emerald said while he looks at the one eyed Echidna woman.
The echidna woman hums.
"Alright."
"Yup… anyway… whats your name?... I'm Emerald like Nicole said, this is Finn, again… a human… and this is BMO… should be proper manners to introduce ourselves first before a high ranking Echidna warrior such as yourself." Emerald said while he bowed politely to the woman after getting BMO off their head.
The echidna woman was quiet for a bit.
"It's Korra."
"Well Korra, its an honor to meet you… saw many Echidna's here but the power I sense from you is not low level… are you a Sage or perhaps a warrior protector of one?... because most Eco users of your level are normally in those positions." Emerald said while he stands and looks Korra in her one good eye.
Nicole chuckles.
"Korra here is the best fighter among her people."
"I see… well depending on things, hope you don't mind occasional spars to keep in shape while we are down here." Emerald said while he unaware of the thoughtful look Korra had when she looks Emerald up and down a few times though Nicole noticed that.
"Easy Korra. Emerald is strong." Nicole said.
"Hmmm?... oh I can tell… was thinking of something else for later though… for now should introduce you to the team… one of them is named Brass… guys descended from a powerful Echidna warrior named Knuckles from ages past… so we should be good for protection though his knowhow on Archeology is better than most here so he will be our guide mainly." Korra said while she turned to one of the larger structures on the elevator and walked to it while gesturing for the group to follow her.
"Wow, a guy named after a literal Knuckles. He must've been tough like Billy." Finn said.
"Not sure who this Billy is, but Brass is named after his Ancestor since if you put brass knuckles on a fist… well you get the idea… point is Brass has the same, if not more strength than his ancestor… so we won't have to worry about him much… its the other one we need to worry about… she is a strong fighter and good for being a medic with Green Eco… but… ugh… look… just… ignore her if she flirts with you… she is friendly with Rose and tries to get her into some… situations… her name is Frost and has a sub type of Eco that allows her to manipulate cold winds… add water magic and you get ice hince the name." Korra said while she shakes her head.
Finn blinks a bit.
"Don't think Rose mentioned her. Plus I have my fair share on dealing with someone that uses ice."
"Well try and not fight her… honestly her way of dealing with people she beats is forcing them in tier 15 with ancient customs we have… helps with making strong young… she uses birth control with males and females so no young yet but only a matter of time before Karma bites her in the ass." Korra said as she approached a large door while waiting for the group to get to her.
Finn jolts when he heard that.
'Is every female I'm gonna meet only focusing on tier 15?' He thought.
"From the reaction human, should let you know if I'm close… yes… many females here think about tier 15 alot… mainly to have young so they can pass on strong genes and make sure they have living family to take on the world… the badlands is a cruel place and the weak do not survive… you either serve the strong like it or not or become strong so you can make your own rules." Korra said when she opened the door so the group can enter the building.
Finn blinks when he thought Korra could read his mind but didn't say a word as the rest of the group enters the building.
When they did…
"Damnit Frost seriously why do you have to try and jump the new guys!?" a large buff Echidna male said while he had a hand on the back of a pretty Echidna woman's shirt like equipment… seems she tried to jump the group and was chuckling nervously when she looks at by process of elimination, Brass who gave her a stern look.
"S-Sorry Brass. They just look cute." Frost said.
Emerald gained a tick mark on his head from this as he walked to one side of the room.
"Let me know when we're ready to leave, most likely after introductions." Emerald said while muttering under his breath about insane women and their antics.
Nicole sighs as she should've prepared better.
Though as this happened Brass sets Frost on her feet.
"Sorry, my name is Brass… I'll be your guide in this expidition, hopefully you'll learn a thing or two under my care… can take care of myself in a fight as well so try and not worry about me if we run into monsters or something." Brass said while he hits his fists together with a grin… he looked pretty friendly when having a pleasant conversation.
Next to him was Frost… she looks bubbly and had a cute look about her and looked about as old as Rose so she was about Finn's age.
"And I'm Frost… don't worry if you get hurt, as long as you don't die, I can help you recover from the brink of Death… even if you are missing parts of your body, Green Eco is pretty powerful in that way… still try and not do anything stupid and we should be good… I can also take care of myself with a combo of Wind Eco and water magic giving me a pseudo Ice Eco power." Frost said when she herself gave a kind smile while she and Brass look at Finn and BMO mainly.
"R-Right. Nice to meet you both. I'm Finn and this is BMO." Finn said.
Frost giggles when she saw Finn looking shy.
"Well must say, you two are really cute… where are you fro-ugh!" Frost tried to say but was lightly bopped on her head by Brass.
"Sorry about my friend here… she gets to flirty for her own good… anyway this… BMO aside… you use any Eco?... you seem to either be rather good at hiding what your forte is or you maybe a newbie, either way try and not be stressed… my Earth Eco powers are top notch so I can sense when things will be getting intense and give warnings and stuff…" Brass said as Frost rubs her head and shrugged off the hit by smiling.
"Oh maybe they are a Blue eco user or maybe a Red Eco user… they seem to be the excitable type or aggressive type." Frost said as Brass chuckles.
"No they may seem like a good match for Earth or Wind Eco… maybe Green Eco since they seem friendly." Brass said while Finn scratched his cheek.
"Uhhh… well… not exactly calm so maybe… with proper training… Dark Eco?" Finn said much to many's surprise… mostly with Emerald who actually looks more surprised than the others though…
"What?... but that gross Eco is bad for your health!... honestly you should stay away from that stuff." Frost said as Brass frowns.
"Yeah… rare to actually find good Dark Eco users… either they have something to hide or got secret agendas… honestly Dark Eco users are just straight up no good given my expertise." Brass said while Emerald was quiet as he looks away from many and this caused Nicole to look really irritated when she walked over and actually hits Brass and Frost hard enough to make them crash to the ground… HARD… and Korra was a bit surprised by the anger in Nicole's eyes.
"First off in order to keep a balance… I dabble in Dark Eco arts… and second… you two lack training because Emerald here… the Cat man nearby… is a high level Dark Eco practitioner who may as well be a Warrior for a Sage or a Sage himself in terms of how controlled he is… and he never caused any trouble Brass…" Nicole said while she had a fierce look on her face when she crossed her arms as she looks down at the duo.
Frost shudders.
"I-I'm sorry… I didn't know."
"I certinly hope you remember this now… and Brass… you better not be the reason why I had to get onto Rose earlier… she was spouting lines similar to yours in insulting Emerald if he was a good guy or not." Nicole said before she looks at Korra.
"My apologize Korra but if you have thoughts even close to what Brass and Frost have… maybe we would have better luck looking for a team of Echidna's who are not prejudice against Dark Eco users…" Nicole said when she wondered why two out of three seemed to have issues with Dark Eco users and Korra could have issues as well given the track record today in Nicoles eyes as Korra narrows her one good eye.
"I have no such issues… in fact I apologize on Brass's behalf and Frosts as well… after this expedition, with or without this hiring… seems I'll need to train them from the ground up in manners as well as in training with their forte's and remind them that Dark Eco is not inherently evil… dangerous sure… but not evil with the proper willpower to resist the detrimental effects." Korra said while she gave Brass and Frost a serious look showing they really messed up.
Said duo jolt after hearing that as Nicole sighs.
"I'm sorry for this Emerald."
Emerald on his end was quiet before he glanced at many with a cold look in his eyes.
"No need… Dark Eco users have a bad rap so should expect this kind of reaction, we get by this expedition, gain treasure, get Finn some training with Eco to see what he mixes well with, and we leave, as long as we don't have issues from here on out, should be good… can keep them hired for now… after all Brass has a decent level of Earth Eco control and Frost is strong in her own right with healing Eco… I'll just keep to myself so we don't have issues." Emerald said before he looks away again while he kept his thoughts to himself on things.
Nicole facepalms as she looks at Korra.
"Make sure you double on teaching them manners."
"Depends on if they make amends with Emerald later… for now… Brass… make sure your equipment is ready… Frost… make sure we're stocked on Eco containers so we can be covered for many types of situations… I'll go over a plan of action with Nicole on which area would be best for us… more so since you are barely experienced in dives compared to Brass and I." Korra said when she gave the orders to prepare.
"Y-Yes Ma'am." They said.
This had the duo run off and Korra sighs again.
"Off to a rocky start with my first ever team in awhile… normally I work with Brass but not all the time and Frost is a newbie… honestly I have my work cut out for me…" Korra said while she rubs her head as Nicole sighs.
"I know what you mean… Rose gives me issues and trying to keep my people in check sometimes with light Eco training can be a chore… sometimes they teleport at random… I mean there was this boy who thought it would be cute to teleport into a women's bathhouse to try and peek on women… honestly this is why Eco can be used in good or bad ways no matter the color." Nicole said while she shakes her head.
Finn blinks a bit.
"Wow… that is… something." He said.
"No kidding… look Finn… one thing to learn with women… while being… affectionate can be good… unless the woman has a few screws loose… more so than even in the badlands… try and not be an outright pervert or scumbag… you're too sweet for that." Nicole said while she holds her cheek in her hand.
Finn blushes.
"D-Don't worry. Not a pervert or scumbag."
"Good… would hate to break you." Korra said with a deadly look in one eye as she cracked her knuckles ominously though…
"Hehe… well why not just invite Finn to the bathhouse on the ladies side and than he wouldn't be harmed if he gets seen there." BMO said innocently making Emerald facefault from his chair.
Finn blinks.
"B-BMO?!… that's not helpful."
"Why?... I mean if you're invited for fun bath house times, wouldn't that mean you didn't sneak in?" BMO said innocently as Korra sighs while she pets BMO on the head.
"Oh if the world was as innocent as you the world would be at peace." Korra said while she rubs BMO's head more.
"Indeed." Nicole said making BMO smile.
A moment later the elevator stopped moving as Nicole and Korra got serious looks.
"Looks like we're here… Finn once Brass, Frost, Korra, Emerald, and I are ready… are you ready for a heart pounding dungeon dive that will make or break your time in the badlands… learning everything you can on Eco and learning the secret to succeed here?" Nicole said with a determined look in her eyes.
"Y-Yeah. I am ready." Finn said as he grabs his demon sword.
Though it was just half of a sword as Emerald sighs.
"First order of business when we enter… finding Finn a new weapon since Finn's demon blood sword is more like a Dagger as it is now." Emerald said while he saw the damage the sword had.
Finn felt embarrassed.
"Sorry. Even though it's broken, it's still a reminder of my dad."
"Maybe… but any family member or good friend will tell you if they are in their right mind Finn… no fancy weapon is as good as a bond with a friend or family member… if I had to choose between something dear to me or an ally… I would pick the ally… just make sure that this Demon blood sword doesn't slow you down… after all… sometimes the worst curse you could have is being weighed down by memories that make you obsessed over something." Emerald said while he seemed to speak from experience on this.
Finn blinks a bit after hearing that.
"Maybe you're right. Perhaps I'll find weapon during the expedition."
"Good… until than, better store this away than and make sure that when we get a new weapon, can put this in a safe place." Nicole said when she got Finn's sword from his hand and puts it in his backpack as Korra moved to the door.
"So… ready to see the ruins in full Finn?... you'll want to wear this since you don't have Eco blocking falling rocks and stuff." Korra said when she passed Finn a hardhat to go on his head.
"Falling rocks?" Finn said before he quickly put on his hard hat.
"Well we are in ancient ruins, that while being restored, do have some issues and large rocks could fall from the ceiling of the previous floor… honestly people have been killed from being off guard, careless, or just going places they shouldn't." Korra said like this was a daily occurrence or something.
"Right… definitely sticking close." Finn said.
"Good… lets get going… because right now… its diving time." Korra said reminding Finn of what he and Jake did before going on an exciting adventure making Finn's heart pump a bit in excitement.
"Yeah! Diving time!" Finn said.
As Finn ran after Korra with Emerald, Nicole, and BMO following her… the scene slowly fades to black as the lights in the room turn off one by one until the scene fully faded to black.