Tyler was loving the repeated bombs going off behind Charlotte's eyes. He was now looking at maps with Malico. She had one of their route ahead.
"Whaddya think?"
Tyler looked at it.
"Hmm, it'll fill in the area ahead pretty nicely. Good call kittycat."
She purred as he went to see what Vixen had.
"We need two new whetstones and a fresh set of knives!"
"Got it!"
Tyler came to look at flay knives with the busty black mage. He spotted one that was perfect for trout.
He lifted it down and placed it on the counter. Then Sera came over with a Certificate.
"Whatcya got?"
She giggled.
"we can use these!"
Tyler looked at the things.
"Okay. Animal Sense. Detects all game animals in a hundred meter range. Relies on Perception. Hidden trail. Makes animal tracks appear to glow on the ground, and if uncertain of a track, adds the page to the HUD for review."
Tyler looked at her.
"Damn, Sera. Nice find."
He patted her and set them on the counter. She was glowing like a light. Charlotte was beside herself.
"Wait. That girl, Kaori, is that-"
Kaori planted a hand on the now startled teacher's mouth.
"It is. Her sister is with us as well. DO NOT speak another word of it."
Her once soft, kind voice was now hard, cold, and full of intensity. Charlotte nodded.
"Okay. You do, Tyler will take that head off."
"You good Kaori?"
"Fine. She just thought she knew someone by the traps."
The crew picked RIGHT up on that. The vibe in the room went from friendly work, to a now brittle calm, as if waiting for anything to break it and unleash hell itself. Tyler was heard chuckling.
"How's her Licenses?"
Kaori flipped as Tyler gave Sera a hug.
"Got two. Another Mind and a Misery."
"Malico."
"Yup."
Kaori took the licenses, as Charlotte took offense to the robbery.
"Hey! That's MY loot."
"So? Either cough em up willingly, or you grow a dagger out of your head. Those two ARE NOT for you."
Tyler was smiling as he stroked a giggling Sera on her head, effectively terrifying the woman with his eyes. Malico added the things to the collection.
"How's that ring?"
"Over half way full."
"We'll get another once it is full."
"Alright."
Tyler then looked to Wulf.
"We got what we need?"
The elven ranger nodded.
"We do. If we're missing something, we'll notice when we go to load up."
"Okay. Kaori, me, Sera and Lillie will go look at a new set of horses. Wulf, head to that sword shop and see if they have any Certificates we can use, Take the others with you."
"On it."
Tyler looked at the shop keep.
"Total?"
The man smiled.
"100 gold on the nose."
Tyler put the amount on the counter. The gear was placed in the new pouch, and Tyler gave it to Kaori, who stored it in her shirt. The party was split and they went to their tasks. Charlotte followed after kaori like a lost puppy.
"I need to see just how drastic the change is in him."
Kaori smirked.
"Hey, Tyler. Wanna prove a point?"
Tyler walked right over and kissed her full on the mouth, getting a few rousing cheers and applause from the people around them, and leaving poor Charlotte with a another blown mind. Then they were moving along as kaori licked her lips as they went. Charlotte needed answers.
"How far have you gone with that boy young lady?"
Kaori chuckled.
"We sleep together a lot, no sex yet, I'm a very happy bi sexual, and we've bathed together a lot as well."
"STILL pissed I slept through that show that night."
"Relax, you know they'll be a next time."
"eh, Fair."
That got a chuckle from Sera and Lillia. Charlotte was shaking her head.
"Kaori, how could you? At your age no less! What would your father think?"
"I don't really care. He shows up, Tyler'l just kill him and be done with it."
"Or you, if he pisses you off."
"So true. Honestly, I'd prefer to take his head meself."
"Only right since you suffered worse."
Charlotte was pale.
"You're talking about killing your own father!"
"Your point? This is MY life. Not his."
Tyler was smiling at the look of boom on Charlotte's face as her former well-behaved student showed she'd become a badass as well. They reached the stables, and the same Ferrier that had showed them to their stalls came running up.
"Sirrah. Here to check on your mounts?"
"Sure. More to pick out a fresh pair for these two."
Kaori stepped up then.
"I'll handle the dealings for the purchase."
"I'm just here to scare people."
That made the Ferrier laugh.
"You are at that."
The man led them to another set of stables, and Kaori looked over the beasts. Charlotte watching her closely as Tyler and the princesses shadowed her. They were passing one stall when kaori sighed.
"Tyler, come here a sec."
The scarred boy walked over,
"What up?"
She nodded, and he sighed. Inside was a man with a small needle about to inject the beast.
"Hey, buddy. What's this things issue?"
The man looked over sadly.
"Thing's got a busted leg. We don't have any brown paths in the city."
"I got a brown spell. I'm also a white. I got it."
The man smiled with joy.
"Thank you, sirrah. I raised this beast since she was born."
Tyler walked up to the animal in the lift. He looked at the leg.
"Easy girl. This is gonna tickle."
He cast his spell and the horse neighed in relief as the pain receded and the infection cured. After, the horse nudged him affectionately.
"Ah come on now, not like I could let a gal like you down."
The horse nickered as he patted her. Then they were moving along, Tyler refusing payment.
"You need it more an I do."
Charlotte was amazed by both his kindness and generosity. Then kaori found a horse she liked.
"I'd like to look at her please."
The stall boy opened the gate, and Kaori was looking the beast over. The thing was a tall creature the size of Gloss, had a shiny red coat, a thick mane of gold and a black tail that swished. Kaori smiled as she finished her look over.
"Verdict?"
She looked to Sera.
"C'mere sweetie."
Sera came over, and Kaori had her pet the animal. The horse neighed as she leaned down to let Sera pet her head. Tyler smiled.
"I think Sera's got a new friend."
Kaori nodded.
"She's a very well behaved Horse. She'll take good care of Sera."
"Well, long as she listens to her teacher."
Sera was smiling.
"I will! I promise!"
Tyler smiled as he looked at the stable hand.
"You the seller?"
He smiled.
"Not me Sirrah. Martland's the one ya want. I'll fetch him."
"Good lad!"
Tyler was watching as Sera bonded with her horse as Kaori looked at the one directly opposite the red hued gal. This one being a few hands taller, more a smaller version of Thunder. Tyler smiled as Kaori finished up her exam.
"verdict Miss dolittle?"
"I loved that movie. Lillia, say hi."
The princess gulped, but tentatively pet the large horse, as Kaori patted her back.
"Relax, you being nervous is making her nervous."
Lillia forced her nerves down to relax. Tyler looked at an impressed Charlotte.
"Kaori's our party's horse expert. She taught me to ride. So, we go to her for all things horse."
"And WE go to him for all things leader."
The unison reply making him chuckle. Then an elf with blood red hair, pale green eyes in a red tunic came over to address the group.
"Greetings Warriors. I am Martland PlainStrider. I understand your looking for new mounts?"
Kaori addressed the elf.
"We'll take her and her."
Tyler smiled as kaori took charge of the deal. The blonde was talking to the elf, when Tyler saw the man's eyes Pulsate suddenly, and Kaori missed it. The blonde then seemed to get confused, and that was that.
"Hey, cheat, charm magic? Seriously?"
Tyler wacked kaori on the head, and it broke the spell. She shook her head.
"What? What just happened?"
Tyler's eyes never left the now terrified elf.
"Bastard used a charm spell on you. Thing uses the eyes to hypnotize a target. Whether that's an ability of his race or a skill I can't say. Guy's a cheat."
The elf gulped, as Tyler walked over to him, and shoved a hand in his tunic, fished and got burned. That was all it took for Tyler to flip the now screaming elf onto his back with Oblivion under his chin.
"Kaori. His right breast pocket."
The blonde tore open the elf's shirt to pull a set of licenses.
"Mind Flicker. Makes the target agree absolutely to whatever the caster says. Mental haze. Disorients the target and makes them easier to manipulate. Mental nudge. Uses the caster's own will to force the thoughts of a disoriented target. The swindler's toolkit."
"We'll add them to the pile."
A group of guards came up then, with one he knew.
"Lorgah. We really need to stop meeting like this."
The man laughed.
"Whaddya got this time?"
"A ripoff artist with a nasty toolbox."
Kaori showed the guard the set. He sighed.
"I see. I'd check to see if he has a bounty before we take him in."
"Good call."
Tyler looked at the now pleading for mercy elf.
"Let's see if someone is missing you. Yut, let's see…..Wallic the cheat. Wanted alive….reward alive is….50 gold, and a License? Neato!"
Tyler knocked the man out and hoisted him on his shoulder. Tyler then looked to Lorgah.
"Soo, we were going to buy some horses here, but the owner's a rat. How does it work now?"
Lorgah chuckled.
"We'll handle the transaction."
Tyler waited as The girls got their new friends. Cost was 10 gold for the horses, saddles, and other tack. Sera and Lillia rode their new friends to the stables to both learn the reins, and to learn their new friends personalities. Kaori between them teaching them patiently. Charlotte still following them as she was fascinated by the boy's transformation from meek punching bag to powerful Warrior. Tyler then thought of something.
"Hey, Spider. You live in town?"
She shook her head.
"No. I'm actually on my way to the elven city of TopLeaf. Since a group of Warriors went through and left a mess, and they sent out a call for healers, I was going to help them."
"Why'd I even bother asking? We're headed that way as well. Might as well tag along."
Kaori chuckled.
"Make sure to tell her the rules of camp."
"Rules?"
"1: You pull your weight. No work, no food. 2: As I'm the strongest member of the group, I hold the coin. Problem? Doors that way. 3. If we stay at an inn, we ALL share a room. We clear?"
Charlotte sighed.
"We are. You've certainly changed Tyler."
"You ain't seen nothing yet."
"Wait till the bandits tomorrow."
They reached the stables as kaori said this. As Sera and Lillia got their new horses settled, Charlotte asked the question.
"What bandits?"
Tyler smiled.
"We bait bandits for fun and practice. So, you'll get to see me to my favorite thing."
The boy then left the shaken teacher to go make a delivery. The girls right behind him. Charlotte hurrying after then like a child afraid of getting left behind in a large store. Yoko was sitting in her booth as Tyler came with his new catch. She smiled, and caught a look from kaori that seemed to say: If you get him BEFORE me I'll be pissed! The raccoon girl smiled as she got the hint, AND open door after the blonde.
"Hiya Yoko. Got ya a fresh bastard."
She leered at him.
"Show him to his new home."
"As the Raccoon commands."
Kaori chuckled as she too leered at the sexy raccoon lady.
"Now YOU I'm curious about."
Yoko smiled at the beautiful blonde.
"Believe me miss, the feeling is VERY much mutual. I take it your first?"
"Uh-huh."
"Lucky girl. Be sure to tell me!"
"Ohhh, YOU'LL take a turn, never you worry."
The girls giggled at their lewd talk as Tyler fitted the shackles and collar on the now sobbing elf's body. Charlotte was just shaking her head. My most well-behaved student has become a wild-hearted lady with a foul mouth, cold heart, and no modesty. Tyler walked over and patted kaori while Sera and Lillia watched.
"So, Yoko, what's this about a License for this one?"
She smiled warmly.
"it's a White spell. Called Holy Truth. It forces a target to tell the truth."
"Isn't that black territory though?"
"This one does NOT cause pain. More renders a target incapable of lying. It's used in courtrooms for trials."
"Nifty, but I prefer scaring the hell outta people. More fun."
That made them chuckle. Yoko got the confirmed target.
"here's your payment."
Tyler smiled as he added the coins to his pouch and the License to his ring. The group left to rejoin Wulf and the others at the sword shop before they returned to the inn. They found the group looking at blades and Certificates. Tyler walked to see the small set Wulf had found.
"Whatcya got?"
"A few detection for you, a new slash for Kaori, another Farsight based one for us, and a crafting skill."
"Nice. I'll see if I can't add to my own sword tricks."
"Got a handed one that allows for a single double strength slash."
"Yeesh, put that behind my strength?"
"Why I grabbed it. Are the girls set?"
"Yup. We got a tagalong to TopLeaf though."
Wulf looked at the teacher staring at Tyler like a lost puppy.
"She useful?"
"Barely. She'd have just followed us regardless."
"Ugh. Long as she doesn't slow us down."
"If that's the case, she get's left behind."
That got a smile from the worried elf. The Warrior then noticed Vixen looking at a one handed axe.
"Hey, Vixen. Can you even use a weapon?"
The pale lady looked at him with a smirk and reached into her buckled robe to pull a similar axe out.
"I can handle myself quite well."
"Nifty. A lady with an axe to grind."
That made them all laugh, even Charlotte.
"Since when is Tyler funny?"
Sera chuckled as she looked at a set of daggers.
"He's hilarious! Sometimes. Hey, Tyler, these daggers look good."
Tyler came to see.
"Those are dirks, Sera. Basically a longer dagger, but perfect for you as a backup knife."
She giggled as she took two.
"Can you teach me to throw them like you?"
"I can try. Malico's the dagger expert though."
Sera smiled at the idea of bothering the sexy cat. She went to ask her when Lillia spoke up.
"Hey, Tyler, look here."
He looked to see the princess hefting a crossbow. He tilted his head.
"Ahh yeah, you shot at me with one o those. And Missed."
"Prick I was wondering if I should get another."
Tyler walked over.
"I'd recommend a good bow over a crossbow. Easier reloads and they're faster as well."
Lillia chuckled.
"That's what I was thinking."
"hey, Tyler, got another blue dagger here."
He went to where Wulf was holding the thing.
"Nice eyes Wulf. Now I got a matching pair."
The friends found a few more things before they ran out of ideas. Tyler paid the 2 gold price before they all returned to the inn. It was getting late in the evening when they returned to Mia's place. They took their table, and Tyler laid out the map.
"Okay. I'd like to be at least half way to TopLeaf by tomorrow night. So, the plan is to wake up, eat, get our gear from Tolic, and we ride out. Everyone clear?"
They all, including Charlotte, nodded. Wulf had a question.
"Is it a hard ride?"
"We'll go easy so Sera and Lillia can get comfortable with the reins. We can't push the horses hard uphill Wulf, even I know that's just asking to throw a rider or break a leg."
Kaori nodded.
"Looking at how it rises, I wouldn't go faster then a canter."
Wulf sighed.
"I understand, and hate this."
Tyler patted his back reassuringly.
"Have faith in your cousin, Wulf. If she's hurt, I'll heal her. If she's missing we'll find her."
He looked at him.
"If she's dead?"
"We hunt down those that killed her, and make them scream until we get bored."
Wulf let out a deep breath.
"I'll put my faith in her. And you're right about the horses. People get hurt on this road all the time."
Tyler snorted.
"Like Kaori would let our horses get hurt due to our own stupidity."
That got a chuckle, and a glow from the blonde in question. Melly came over and got a hug off Tyler and Sera.
"You staying again?"
"Yup. Need two extra beds though."
Vixen chuckled.
"I'm happy sharing."
She leered at Tyler.
"Especially if the bedmate is…pleasurable."
Kaori and Malico looked at her.
"His arms are taken!"
"His chest is free then."
That got a light squeak. Tyler just laughed.
"If ANYONE gets to sleep on my chest, Kaori does. Sorry ladies, thems the brakes."
Malico and Kaori looked at each other and smiled.
"Still the favorite."
"How will you respond?"
"How will I indeed?"
Tyler laughed as Vixen smiled.
"I get an arm then."
Tyler laughed again.
"I kinda feel like a piece of meat getting divided up fer dinner. Not sure why though."
Kaori, Malico and Vixen all looked at each other, then all three lusty ladies leered at him at once. Tyler grinned right back at them.
"We're gonna need a bigger bed. But I like where this is going."
All of them burst out laughing as Charlotte was red in the face at their discussion. Melly giggled.
"Soo ONE extra bed."
"Yup. Something tells me Charlotte doesn't like to share."
The former teacher looked at him.
"You know I can hear you, right?"
"Oh, hi Charlotte. You were so quiet I thought you went to the bathroom."
The teacher's eye twitched as Wulf groaned,
"No. It doesn't stop."
"Nor do you get used to it."
"He's an infuriating prick."
All heads looked to Sera. She giggled.
"I still love him though. For SOME reason!"
Tyler hugged her as Lillia groaned as she put her head in her hands.
"She's learning from HIM. Gods have pity on my poor soul."
Sera giggled again.
"Gods have pity on that poor face sis!"
The table groaned as one then, as Tyler gave Sera a tighter hug.
"Atta girl!"
Malico just looked at the happily giggling girl.
"From crown princess, to wild child. Greeaat."
The friends all got their food and were eating peacefully, when Lorgah came from the street. The guard captain spotted Tyler and headed right over to him.
"Pardon Sirrah. A letter for you."
Tyler took the sealed thing, and nodded.
"Thanks Lorgah. How's the searching going?"
He sighed.
"We've obtained hundreds of banned Licenses, wands and other things since the rule was put in place."
"Scary. They've been destroyed I trust?"
"The Lady Seline is throwing the match as we speak."
"Tell her to roast a steak over it."
That got a chuckle.
"I shall indeed."
"Take care big guy."
"You as well, Sirrah."
The man left as Tyler pulled his dagger and slit the letter. His crew were curious as he opened it. Inside was a neatly written letter that smelled faintly of saltwater.
"To the Warrior known as Tyler the Outcast. I am Viscount Lymir. I besiege your aid in my port city of Yalik. I have heard of your skills in ferreting out the unseen, and the unwanted. Please sirrah, we need your aid to stop the flow of these evils through our city. We'll pay you well, and offer you the city as your playground if you'll aid us. Upon this letter is a spell that will allow a direct response. Please use it."
Tyler sighed.
"I shoulda seen that one coming. Alright, let's see."
He placed a thumb on the small circle and a tiny figure appeared in a blue light. The figure was a mermaid like the shop keeper, only her scales and skin were a lighter shade of blue and her rack seemed to be bigger. Tyler and Kaori looked at each other.
"Help me Obi Wan Kenobi, you're my only hope."
"Loved that one."
Charlotte snorted in disgust as the two spoke.
"Children."
Tyler looked at the small figure
"You Lymir?"
The figure nodded.
"I am Sirrah."
Even though her figure was so small, her voice was loud enough to be heard by everyone.
"I understand you need my aid in your city."
"I do. I've spoken to Seline, and she says you're the best there is for finding these things, so I ask you to help us."
Tyler sighed as he rubbed his eyes.
"We're on our way to meet with Tatiana. Afterwards, we'll swing for your city. Does that sound fair?"
The relief the mermaid exuded was immense.
"Thank you, Sirrah. The entire city of Yalik and myself will be yours to play with in payment."
"As much as I'd like to lay with a mermaid, rather it NOT be a form of payment. More fun that way. We'll work out a form of payment once I see just how bad it is. Sound fair?"
She smiled.
"Very. We'll expect you."
The image vanished and Tyler sighed.
"No way we don't get jumped by the church in that town. I'd bet gold on it."
Kaori nodded.
"Yeah. Plus after we leave the elven kingdom, we don't really know what our party will look like."
That got a shocked gasp from Charlotte.
"What does that mean?"
Tyler looked at her.
"Wulf is our guide to the Elven homeland. We're escorting Sera and Lillia to Tatiana. You're just here to TopLeaf. Once we reach the elven kingdom, we're not sure who's staying or leaving."
Wulf chuckled.
"If it's alright, I'd like to stay."
Tyler looked at him.
"What about your duties as Ambassador?"
The elven ranger chuckled again.
"This is just too much fun."
Sera and Lillia spoke up next.
"I wanna stay!"
"Me too!"
Tyler crossed his arms as he looked at them.
"I want you to come as well. Problem is you can't wield a sword or even fight."
"Teach us!"
"Please!"
Tyler rubbed his face as he looked at kaori. The blonde smiled.
"They WOULD be a lot safer with you in yelling distance."
Wulf burst out laughing.
"As much as I hate to admit it, she's not wrong. I've seen Tyler's stats. He's easily the strongest human alive. Plus, with that burning library of a mind he's got, well, GOOD luck trying to lay a finger on those girls heads."
"Hey, look."
Sera and Lillia were sitting with Malico between them, and the sexy cat rested a finger on their heads. Getting a loud laugh from them. Tyler sighed.
"Alright. Sera, Lillia, if you truly wish to join us, you're going to have to kill. A lot. Can you do that?"
Sera glared at him.
"I'm MOMMA'S girl! Of course I can!"
Tyler patted her head fondly.
"Keep at it, and you'll intimidate ME someday."
"I'll make you piss yourself like you did that creep!"
"Atta girl!"
Lillia looked at him.
"I'll do what I can. I think...as far as killing goes…..I'll need help."
Tyler took the gentle girl's hand.
"If you need help, we'll do what we can. But, you'll need to listen. Both of you."
They both nodded. Tyler lifted his mug and so did the other members of his party.
"To the Outcasts!"
"OUTCASTS!"
They banged mugs before throwing them back. Kaori smiled.
"That our party name?"
Tyler looked at them.
"Whaddya think?"
"It suits us."
"We'll all Outcasts from somewhere."
"It does have a nice ring to it."
"Indeed."
"A bunch of Outcasts banding together? Sounds like a hero's tale to me."
"Only I ain't no hero!"
"Nope. Just my big brother!"
"And you're my cute as hell little sister."
"yay!"
They laughed as Sera started glowing. Charlotte just smiled at Tyler with a warm pride. That boy has finally found the place he belongs. And friends to call his own. The food and drinks vanished until Sera yawned.
"That's the bell."
The group agreed. Melly showed them to their room, and had imposed upon them again. Tyler was smiling at the sight of Sera and Melly curling up together on the bed. Though, when he removed his shirt. He got a loud gasp of horror from both Vixen and Charlotte. He looked at them.
"What? I get stuck?"
Kaori sighed.
"Yer scars dingdong."
"Oh."
Charlotte came over to rub a hand across his chest.
"This explains…..so much. I'm sorry."
Vixen looked at him.
"What happened to you?"
Tyler shrugged.
"My family didn't like me very much."
Charlotte hugged him.
"I'm sorry. I didn't know."
Tyler hugged her back as he patted her head.
"Only Kaori knew how bad it was."
She sniffed, and looked at him.
"I see. So THAT'S why you're so strong here."
Tyler snorted.
"I was always strong. Had to be to keep the Monster under control. That world had no use for my kind of strength though."
Charlotte rubbed his chest again, feeling the lines.
"What's the Monster?"
"My split. The personality that absorbed all the pain, hate and rage. It was slowly killing me, so me an it worked out a deal. We merge once again. It gets set free, and I get my full strength back."
Charlotte just hugged him again.
"You are the strongest person I know."
"That's what they tell me."
"Don't get arrogant."
"Yes ma'am."
That got a soft chuckle as Tyler was released. He laid in the bed, Kaori on his chest, Malico his right arm, Vixen his left.
"Everyone comfy?"
A tired yes.
"Goodnight ladies. And elf."
"Fuck you."
"Not into dudes. We talked about this."
"Kaori?"
She smacked Tyler tiredly.
"Thank you."
The room chuckled a little before they went to sleep.