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Chapter 404 Expedition Groups

By: Major144

Disclaimer: I do not own anything, expect the OCs. This is just a story for fun.

Inside the Capitol of Wizard City, a form for a Magic Item Retrieval Quest was going through the proper channels and receiving the proper approval signatures, until it reached the desk of the Grand Master Wizard. The great wizard studied the form very carefully. The quest was to retrieve the powerful magic item known as Horror's Hand. It was a large powerful lefthand gauntlet capable of conjuring a person's nightmares and bring them into existence. The person with the hand could make those nightmares into an army of loyal servants. It would absolutely be terrible if a weapon like that fell into the wrong hands. The Grand Master Wizard considered putting Simon on the quest, but the ruler of the Ice Kingdom had other tasks to attend to. The magic ruler conjured up some files of other capable wizards. The Grand Master searched the files carefully, until he came up with five wizards best suited for the job. The five wizards consisted of Brain Wiz, Rock Wizard, Huntress Wizard, Hunter Wizard, and Heckapoo. The Grand Master Wizard also decided to send a squad of six Wizard Police Officers and two Eliminator robots to aid the wizards and the explorers on the quest. He summoned Brain Wiz, Rock Wizard, Huntress Wizard, Hunter Wizard, and Heckapoo and informed them about the quest. GMW instructed the wizards to go prepare for the quest and then he called the Ice Kingdom and informed Simon that the quest had been approved and that a team of wizards had already been setup to accompany the explorers.

Over at the Ice Kingdom, Simon gathered the group from Gravity Falls together and told them that there quest had been approved. Dipper was incredibly excited by this news and ran off to his room to go pack. The other explorers went to go pack their things as Simon went and called the Treefort and tell Finn about the quest. Mabel went and contacted Rain on his shell phone and Gideon snuck into his room and used his demonic wishing eye to contact Laser Wizard about what was going on.

At the secret lair, Laser Wizard was in his quarters, when Gideon called him and informed him about the quest. Laser Wizard was both excited and a little upset by this development. He was excited because if a team of explorers from the Ice Kingdom were setting out to Mt. Ebott then Horror's Hand truly must be deep within the mountain. Laser Wizard was upset because now he had a great deal of competition to deal with now and he knew that even with his squad of young wizards backing him up, he didn't stand a chance in direct conflict against the wizards and warriors accompanying the explorers. Laser Wizard was going to need some serious backup if he wanted to beat the explorers and obtain Horror's Hand for himself. Asking Maja for help was absolutely out of the question. Maja would just claim the hand for herself. Laser Wizard needed to pick his allies carefully. He needed allies, whose skills were best suited for this quest. Laser Wizard went through all the organization members he knew, until he thought of one whose abilities might serve him best in the dark underground. The Beast. Laser Wizard had very little dealings with the mysterious monster, but it shouldn't be to hard to convince him to join Laser Wizard on his quest. The wizard headed towards the Beast's room and knocked on the door.

"You may enter." Said Beast.

Laser wizard entered the room and found it to be nearly pitch black with a few tiny lanterns casting light. The Beast sat in a tall wooden chair facing Laser Wizard.

"To what do I owe this visit?" Asked Beast.

"I am preparing to go on a great quest to retrieve a great item of power. A group of heroes are joining forces alongside some explorers and they are after the item of power I'm trying to get. The item is located deep within Mt. Ebott. It is a dark and unknown territory and I think your powers would be very helpful in my quest. That is if you're willing to join me." Said Laser Wizard.

The Beast scratched his chin in thought before he spoke.

"You have my interest and you shall have my aid."

"Excellent. Now is there anyone you can think of that could be helpful on this quest?" Said Laser Wizard.

"My comrade Toffee could be useful. His out right now, but if you ask him to join us, when he gets back, I'm sure he would agree to help us." Said Beast.

"I'll be sure to ask him then." Said Laser Wizard before he turned and walked out of the room.

Laser Wizard was walking down the hallway and fixing to gather his squad of young wizards and inform them about the quest, when he spotted LeChuck walking down the hall in the opposite direction and came up an idea to recruit the pirate captain and his crew.

"Hello there captain just the man I was looking to help me get a ton of hidden treasure." Said Laser Wizard.

"Treasure you say?" Said LeChuck as his eyes lite up with interest.

"Indeed. I and a few others are about to embark on a great quest to the the mysterious Mt. Ebott to find and claim all the treasure hidden inside it. We could really use someone with your treasure hunting skills to aid us on this endeavor." Said Laser Wizard.

"Say no more. You can count me in! That treasure will be as good as ours!" Said LeChuck with glee as he walked off to gather his crew.

"All too easy." Said Laser Wizard with a chuckle as he went to gather his minions.

Miles away in a tavern outside Lizard City, Toffee was casually sitting at the bar, sipping a drink, and eyeing the other patrons. Everything was calm and peaceful until a very tall and muscular lizard with green skin, a yellow right eye with a black slit pupil, a frilled neck, a purple gemstone for a left eye, an artificial cybernetic left arm, and spikes jutting out from his shoulders stomped into the tavern. The newcomer wore dark grayish-blue pants, a brown belt, black boots, and a purple cloak. Everyone in the tavern eyed the newcomer with fearful eyes as he stomped to the bar. A few customers began to whisper among themselves.

"It's Rasticore!" Said one frightened lizard.

"I heard he killed an entire army of zombies!"

"He beat a T-Rex with nothing, but his bare hands!"

"How did he lose his arm? His a lizard like us, shouldn't it have grown back?"

"I heard Rasticore was involved in some illegal magic acid scheme with a few dark magic users. The acid was called Ravage and it was so powerful that when some of it accidentally splashed on Rasticore it not only destroyed his arm, he was unable to regenerate it."

Rasticore reached the bar and glared at Toffee.

"Can I help you with something?" Asked Toffee.

"You're in my spot. Get out." Growled Rasticore.

"There are plenty of chairs still open. Just take one of them." Said Toffee in a board voice.

"I sit wherever I want. Now beat it or I'll beat you." Said Rasticore.

"Oh so that's how it is. Fine. I will play your little game. I could use a little exercise." Said Toffee as he stood up and faced Rasticore.

"Please take your business outside." Said the bartender with nervous eyes.

"Fine by me. This will be quick." Said Rasticore with a grin.

The two lizards headed outside and faced one another followed by a crowd of onlookers. Rasticore lunged at Toffee and threw several quick and strong punches as him, but the other lizard dodged them with ease, which only infuriated Rasticore and made him double his efforts. Toffee continued to dodge Rasticore's attacks, until he decided to sidestep one heavy wild punch and trip his opponent. Rasticore crashed to the ground, but quickly got back to his feet snarling, only to receive a few powerful well placed punches to the face and chest sent Rasticore reeling back. Toffee stepped close to Rasticore, who threw a punch at him, only to have Toffee to duck beneath the blow and deliver a punch to Rasticore's gut and knock the air right out of him. Rasticore stumbled back gasping for breath as Toffee got behind him and put him in a headlock. The big lizard gasped for air and trashed around, but couldn't break free from Toffee's hold. Rasticore was on the verge of passing out, when Toffee released him and he fell to the ground gasping for breath.

"Had enough?" Asked Toffee.

"I...yield." Said Rasticore looking at Toffee and then bowing his head in defeat.

The crowd of onlookers gasped in shock. Not believing what they had just heard and seen. Toffee turned to leave, but Rasticore called out to him.

"Wait!"

Toffee turned to face him.

"You bested me in combat and I greatly admire your fighting skills. Please allow me to serve you. It would be a great honor." Said Rasticore getting to his feet.

Toffee studied Rasticore and thought about his offer. He had once commanded a great legion of fighters a long time ago before he had been sealed in the book with the other generals and monsters. Toffee was free now, but he didn't really have anyone under his command now, so he supposed he might as well start somewhere with creating his own fighting force.

"Fine. You may serve under me." Said Toffee.

"Thank you sir!" Said Rasticore with a bow.

The two lizards walked away from the tavern as the crowd of onlookers headed back inside.

(Author's Note Rasticore is from Star vs the Forces of Evil.)

Miles away at the Treefort, Finn had just gotten the news about the quest from Simon. Finn gathered up Gata, Jake, and BMO and told them about the news and they all went to pack up for the quest. Gata decided to call up Locke to see if he wanted to join and he said yes. Finn called up Phoebe to see if she wanted to join in on the adventure as well. Phoebe said yes seeing the adventure as a good way to get away from everything and get her mind off of Bubblegum's trial. As the heroes were packing their bags, Insecto Knight spied on them and reported everything he saw back to Castle Lemongrab.

At Castle Lemongrab, Sir Slicer was informed about the quest from Insecto Knight and quickly alerted Jordan about what the heroes were doing. Jordan was pleased by the news and he already had a team of the finest people in Castle Lemongrab. Tinker Knight had a powerful drilling machine assembled and combined with the digging skills of Shovel Knight, Black Knight, and Mole Knight and the explosive expertise of Plague Knight there was no rock or wall that could stand in the expedition's way. The skilled fighters Shield Knight and Specter Knight would also be going along on the quest, along with General Pig, General Sheep and Treasure Knight, whose treasure hunting skills would be incredibly useful. Jordan would serve as leader of the group as well as the magic expert and he decided to bring along General Rabbi, six fairies, and a dozen bugbears. It was a great team, though Jordan wondered if he should add Fern to the team. Jordan headed off to go see Gumbald and see how Fern was coming along.

It had been a few weeks since Fern had come into being. Gumbald and Jordan had treated Fern very well, though only a few people knew about the clone's existence. These people included Sir Slicer, Blargetha, Mandarin, Bebe, and King. Fern had his own private room. Gumbald used his charm and smarts to show Fern everything he had accomplished so far and what he wished to accomplish. He had helped better unit the forces of Castle Lemongrab and create several inventions and innovations to help the various inhabitants living at Castle Lemongrab, such as walkways and stairs designed for the rats, ants, and worms to use to get around the castle, attachable robotic limbs for the dinosaurs to help them pick small objects up, and provided great fertile plots of land for the Puckerberry People and the Pistachions to grow more of their people. Gumbald had plans to create a railway station around Ooo to better connect the people and bring better trade to all the kingdoms and civilizations. Fern was impressed by all this, but he was still a bit iffy about fully trusting Gumbald and the forces he represented. Deep within the very essence of Fern's mind the Grass Demon was hard at work using it's own unique methods to convince Fern to side with Gumbald and Castle Lemongrab. Grass Demon went through all of Fern's memories and began to tamper and edit with forming both a figurative literal web of lies. One particular memory that came in handy was the adventure in the mountain where the real Finn had to fight a large group of warriors from Castle Lemongrab and was forced to kill them all in order to save Billy from Crimson. It was a dark memory that haunted the real Finn. Grass Demon removed Billy and Crimson from the memory, put an insane manic grin on Finn's face, and added screams of pain and begs of mercy to the warriors before they died. This altered memory disturbed Fern and it started to make him believe that maybe Gumbald was right about Finn. The Grass Demon also used and altered some memories of Marceline, Lucinda, and Phoebe. The altered memories showed Marceline and Lucinda in their giant bat and werewolf savagely beating and destroying enemies. The altered memories of Phoebe showed her in her dragon elemental form going on a rampage in the Comet Space Mall and people and aliens running for their lives. This made Fern realize that each of these women had a dark monster side to them that they would totally let loose if war did breakout in Ooo. Little by little Fern was getting swayed to the side of Castle Lemongrab by Gumbald and Grass Demon.

Fern was in a special training rooming testing out his powers against some REDs, with Gumbald, Blargetha, and Bebe watching him. The robots fired at Fern who dodged the shots and then he stretched out his arms with some enlarged hands, grabbed a couple of the robots and slammed them together smashing them to bits. Fern returned his arms and hands to normal and used his powers to conjure up a grass sword and slice the remaining robots to bits. Jordan walked into the room and told the others about the heroes's quest and asked if Fern would be up for it. Gumbald thought for a few seconds and then he called Fern up to him.

"I have a very important mission for you Fern. I've just been informed that Finn and some of his allies are going on a quest to a place called Mt. Ebott. This is the perfect opportunity to both show your skills as well as get close to Finn and his group." Said Gumbald.

"Why would you want me to get close to Finn and the others?" Asked Fern.

"Oh there's an old saying about keeping your friends close and your enemies closer. This will give you the opportunity to observe Finn on your own and come up with your own conclusion about him. Is he a hero or a killer? You can side with Finn or you can side with me. The choice is yours." Said Gumbald.

"Ok. So am I going to have to reveal myself to the rest of Castle Lemongrab?" Said Fern.

"No I think it would be best if you took on a different identity for a bit. Use your powers and alter your form like you've been practicing." Said Gumbald.

Fern's body began to grow and take on a different shape. He was now a darker shade of green; with his waist being darker than the rest of his body. Fern had thorns sticking out from his limbs and head, and his right arm morphed into the shape of a blade. His head and face resembled a knight's helmet and face mask with multiple holes scattered across his face.

"Everyone may I present the Green Knight." Said Gumbald introducing the new form.

"Hello." Said Fern in a voice different from his own.

"Now would you kindly go get ready for the quest. You have a big job ahead of you." Said Gumbald.

Fern nodded his head and walked off to his quarters.

"Are you sure it is wise to have Fern get close to Finn and his allies?" Asked Jordan.

"It's a gamble, I'll admit, but I have faith in our special little friend. He'll make sure Fern sides with us." Said Gumbald with a twinkle in his eyes.

"Very well. I'll be sure to keep a eye on Fern as well." Said Jordan as he left the room.

Back at the secret lair, Laser Wizard had gather Angelica, Ringo, Streak, and Koba in his quarters and was telling them about the quest, when there was a knock at the door. Laser Wizard answered it and was surprised to see Chi, Nyx, Ying, Kai, Samantha, and Alcor standing before him.

"We want in on your quest." Said Samantha.

"How do you know about it?" Demanded Laser Wizard.

"We have our ways." Said Kai as she sunk into Chi's shadow then rose out of it.

"You little rats! Why would I take any of you on my quest?" Said Laser Wizard.

"Well we all have unique power and skills that would make us useful to your quest." Said Alcor.

"Yeah that and if you don't let us come along we will tell Maja about what you're up and I have a feeling she's going to be pretty ticked at you." Said Chi with a wicked grin.

"It'll be fun to see what wicked things she does to you." Said Nyx with a wicked grin of her own.

Laser Wizard realized he was backed into a corner and he had no choice, but to take the group with him on the quest.

"Fine you can come, but you better not get in my way." Said Laser Wizard.

"Smart choice." Said Chi as she and her group left the scene.

Laser Wizard let out a frustrated groan and dismissed his minions to get ready for the quest. The evil magic user then decided to take a little walk around the base to do a bit of thinking and encountered both Toffee and Rasticore in one of the hallways. Laser Wizard told Toffee about his quest and then asked him to join him. Toffee thought for a few moments and then he spoke.

"Alright I will accompany you on your quest and aid you, along with my associate Rasticore. I'm interested in Mt. Ebott and it's inhabitants." Said Toffee.

"Great. Really appreciate the help." Said Laser Wizard with a bow before he walked off.

Laser Wizard continued walking down the hallway, when a communication crystal in his pocket rang and he pulled it out and answered it. A holographic image of Berdzerd appeared before Laser Wizard. Berdzerd had joined Retinz's forces in order to spy on the magician and report on his activities to Laser Wizard.

"Master Laser Wizard I have important news on some active in Retinz's activities." Said Berdzerd.

"What is it?" Asked Laser Wizard.

"Retinz is sending out a team to Mt. Ebott to get Horror's Hand!" Said Berdzerd.

"Who is he sending?" Asked Laser Wizard.

"Retinz is sending Magica to lead the expedition and she will be added by her shadows, Morbidia, Gateaux, and Natasha." Said Berdzerd.

"I see. Good job Berdzerd. Keep up the great spying work." Said Laser Wizard before he ended the call.

Laser Wizard let out a frustrated sigh and leaned against one of the walls. Things were really getting out of hand now. It seemed every major group or power in Ooo was assembling their own expedition to go to Mt. Ebott and get Horror's Hand. Laser Wizard wouldn't be all to surprised if Castle Lemongrab already had a group assembled and ready to go on the quest. It was enough to drive a man mad! Laser Wizard clenched his fist and began to laugh insanely.

"Oh this is just rich! Everyone is after what I want! They think they deserve the power of Horror's Hand, but they don't! That power belongs to me! I Laser Wizard am the greatest wizard in all of existence! I only am worthy of Horror's Hand and it's power! No one is going to stop me from claiming what is rightfully mine!" Declared Laser Wizard to himself before he stormed back off to his room.

In another part of the lair, Bill was in his room conducting a nasty scheme. Bill had talked to Beast recently and he had informed him about Laser Wizard's quest and he had decided to spy on the wizard. The villain saw Chi and her little group blackmail Laser Wizard into taking them along on his quest and this gave Bill a wicked idea. Bill returned to his room and opened up a portal to the Land of Tainted Souls and Him's face appeared before Bill.

"To what do I owe this little call?" Asked Him.

"I just found out that Chi is going on a dangerous mission to a place called Mt. Ebott and I think it's the perfect time to send those Daughters of Aku after her and get her out of the picture, so we can bring Aku back to his good old destructive self." Said Bill.

"Yes. It's time those girls finally met one another. I can picture it now." Said Him with a wicked grin.

"Leave it to me. This is going fun!" Said Bill before he closed the portal.

Bill opened up a portal to Universe 56 and flew through it. He located the Cult of Aku's lair and was happy to see the High Priestess sleeping. Bill entered the High Priestess's dream and took on the form of Aku. He found the High Priestess in a dream version of Aku's palace and approached her. The High Priestess saw Bill and got on her hands and knees as she bowed before him.

"Lord Aku! I am your most loyal servant and I have used what you have given me to produce seven mighty daughters worthy of your name and legacy." Said High Priestess.

Bill didn't exactly know what the women was talking about, but decided to go along with it.

"That you have. The time to remove my weakness is growing closer and closer. A visitor will come soon to open the path to you and your children's destiny. Soon you will be by my side, but you must not tell anyone I told you to have Chi killed. It must remain a secret that you cannot share with anyone." Said Bill.

"Yes master! I will take this secret with me to the grave." Said High Priestess.

"Good." Said Bill before exiting the dream.

Bill returned to the lair and let out a nasty laugh as he rubbed his hands together.

Many teams had been formed and were preparing for a great quest. Many of them had no idea that they would be competing against other groups and they had no idea what dangers and challenges they would face beneath Mt. Ebott.

To be continued.

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