DAYS UNTIL WAVE: 61
Tyler opened his eyes to see kaori sound asleep above his face. The beautiful blonde was smiling in her sleep, and Tyler smiled as he kissed her awake. She was still smiling as she opened her green eyes.
"Good morning my love."
Kaori gave a little gasp,
"I love you too. That an only morning thing?"
he kissed her.
"More, an I love you thing."
She licked his teeth through his kiss.
"Smooth bastard."
"Blonde heartstopper."
She just smiled and kissed him again. Then he looked to his left to see Vixen flat on her back, the pale skinned lady still sound asleep. Her massive rack rising and falling with each breath. Kaori looked at him.
"How will we escape?"
"I got this."
He hugged her, and used his extreme strength to set her silently on the floor over a deeply asleep Malico. She was standing, and watched as Tyler ghosted his way to stand beside her. The duo dressed and left without a sound. They walked down the stairs giggling at their successful escape. AS they sat at their table kaori looked at him.
"I didn't know you could be so sneaky. Sleeping in bed with three gorgeous women, and then sneaking out of the bed with one!"
Tyler smiled.
"well, kaori, I have OTHER sneaky tricks I can play."
"Oh?"
She placed her elbows on the table and rested her head on her hands to look at him.
"Do tell."
He mirrored her posture.
"I can lift you up, without waking you, and place you somewhere else entirely."
"Do that to Malico. Watch her wake up confused."
"I can strip you naked in your sleep, without waking you."
"Do NOT to that to me."
"Understood."
They laughed as Mia brought them some coffee.
"I got a notice this morning. Yer weapons and armour are ready for pickup."
"Thanks Mia."
The burly lady smiled as she left the duo. Tyler pulled the map out as Charlotte came down yawning.
"Mornin teach. Coffee's ready."
"I heard Wulf got ten pounds of beans and a brewer."
"Good call."
Charlotte took her morning joe and watched Tyler looking at the map.
"What are you looking for?"
"More relooking. I'll go over everything until we actually get there and past."
Kaori smiled fondly.
"Man's a cautious one. Every morning, he's always first up. Watch the morning after we make camp. He'll have the fire going, food cooking, and that map out looking ahead while on watch. He never stops either."
Charlotte watched him trace the indicated route, pause at spots, go into thought, before moving along. Once he finished his first trace, he'd go right back again and go over it again.
"At it again I see."
Tyler looked to see Wulf walking to join the table.
"Always at it. I got the word from Tolic. Gear's ready for pickup. I'll toss him a few extra coins, just to make the point."
Wulf smiled.
"A wise adventurer knows a good smith when he meets one."
"And ain't no smith better an a dwarven smith."
That got a chuckle. The next to arrive were Vixen and Malico. The two ladies sitting across from Tyler and Kaori.
"Sneaky you two."
"Most impressive. Sneaking out of bed with ladies either side of you."
Tyler shrugged.
"I'm good at what I do."
They smiled as Sera, Melly, and Lillia all came down rubbing sleep from their eyes.
"Morning ladies."
They grumbled as they drank their coffee. Tyler smiled sadly.
"Sera, Tolic's gear is ready. Say goodbye to Melly."
The girl hugged her friend.
"We'll be back soon."
Melly hugged her tightly.
"Course you will!"
The sight made everyone feel warm. After the food was eaten and paid for, Tyler bid farewell.
"Bye Elirch! Watch out for heffers with swords! Keep Melly safe Mia!"
The inn keepers watched them head off to Tolic's smithy. Melly fighting hard to not burst out into tears. Mia smiled as she lifted her daughter up.
"It's okay to shed tears for a friends departure. They'll be back."
Melly hugged her mother.
"Of course they will. Sera's my sister!"
Tyler had Sera's hand, as the small princess was sniffing.
"You okay?"
"Just sad. I know we'll see them again, but still."
Tyler patted her head.
"I get it."
They entered Tolic's shop to find the dwarf waiting behind his counter.
"Welcome laddee and Lasses! I got your gear ready to go!"
Tyler nodded to Malico and Kaori.
"Please help the girls get properly dressed."
That got a chuckle as the two women took them into a corner. Tolic passed Tyler a small bundle.
"This is your sword."
Tyler unwrapped the thing, and smiled. The sword was 4 feet long, blood red, and leaf shaped. Tyler grinned as he drew the thing and drew Oblivion.
"Oblivion AND Oathkeeper. A powerful duo."
Tyler twirled the blades, and sheathed them over his shoulders. Gleipnir's hilt was just above Oblivion's hilt. Tyler then looked at the girls swords. Both were blood red, 4 and a half feet long, and slightly curved. They had a feel of elegant danger. Whereas his screamed elegant death. Their bows were simple metal bows with the same blood red color. Tyler smiled widely as he saw them.
"These fit them perfectly."
Tolic chuckled.
"Like I said. A dwarf at a forge."
Sera and Lillia came back then. The two princesses had discarded their green gowns for a more road appropriate outfit. Sera had on a tight fitted tunic of deep green with her sleeves removed, a pair of riding leathers the hugged her legs like jeans and a pair of hiking boots. Around her waist was a belt with notches for knives and pouches. Her long black hair had been pulled back into a tight ponytail like Kaori's. Lillia had opted for a Tunic of blue, sleeves removed as well, with black leathers and boots. Her hair also in a ponytail. Tyler nodded at the road ready girls.
"Nice to see the princesses looking like ladies for once."
Lilli and Sera looked at each other.
"Is…that supposed to be a complement?"
"I think so. But why do I feel like he just insulted us too?
Kaori sighed.
"He did. Both."
"oh."
"Jerk."
"Love you too Sera."
"Yay!"
Tyler then lifted their weapons and belted it around their waists. Though Sera had other ideas.
"Across my back like you!"
Tyler smiled warmly, as did everyone in the room. Afterwards, Sera looked like a rather fearsome fighter in her right. The bows and quivers were next. Once their gear was comfortable, Tyler at them.
"Last step. Ladies, what are their names?"
Sera had a twinkle in her eye as she drew her sword.
"My sword is Lionheart. My bow is Demonshot!"
Tyler laughed as Tolic used his reblacking skill to engrave her weapons with the names.
"Fine names, Sera. Lillia?""
The older sister smiled.
"The sword is Dusk. My bow is Daybreaker."
"Again. Fine names."
Tyler smiled as he looked to Tolic.
"These are fine weapons."
Tyler placed another 50 gold on the counter.
"Curious to see what you can do next time."
Tolic saw his ploy, and appreciated it.
"As am I."
"One question."
Tolic saw a look of curiosity."
"Sure lad."
"What's Oblivion made of?"
Tolic snorted.
"Oblivion is made of the scales of a high grand dragon. Just under Mythril in strength."
"Really? Neat. Thanks Tolic."
The dwarf lifted two full quivers of drakolisk scale arrows.
"here's the leftover scale."
Tyler smiled widely as they added them to their own. As they'd found larger quivers in Sylvina's shop. Now properly kitted out, the party left after saying their farewells. Tyler loved how it felt to have hilts over each shoulder. Sera and Lillia walking along beside him, Sera's sword poking over her won shoulder. Charlotte was now more observing Tyler's change, and seeing just how deep it ran. They arrived at the stables, and saddled their horses. Charlotte was amazed by the size of Tyler's horse.
"That's your horse?"
"His name's Thunder."
"Fitting."
Vixen's horse was also impressive. As she was the same size as Thunder, with a far blacker coat, longer tail and thicker mane. The horses were readied, and Tyler gave the Ferrier 20 silver. The man understanding the gesture. Tyler had his band surround Sera and Lillia as they learned to ride, with kaori right beside them, guiding them as they went. Charlotte watched as people moved out of the way of the group, sometimes with fear, others awe at the sight Tyler made, with his three sword hilts and white bow making him look both imposing and fearsome. To think that a boy that would let others bully him all day long would now command such respect and fear people just get the hell out of his way on sight. The wallgates blew trumpets as they left.
"Hail! The OUTCASTS DEPARTURE! FAREWELL!"
"HAIL!"
The entire wall roared as one at the exit of Tyler and his crew. Tyler just smiled as they stepped up their pace to a light canter, both to preserve the horses, and give the girls their lessons safely. Tyler was in the lead with Wulf to his right pointing the way, Malico his left, behind him was Sera, behind her was Lillia, Beside her was kaori, and on their others side was Vixen, and bringing up the rear was Charlotte. The teacher finding that riding with the group was a little exhilarating. If this is how they've been living since they got here, I like it! The group rode along for several hours, by which point, Sera and Lillia had gotten the hang of riding. The road and landscape went from gently rolling plains to more hills and dales, with large rock outcrops everywhere. Tyler sighed.
"Slow it down. This reeks of ambush."
Wulf was right there with him.
"This is a known place for bandits to hide."
Tyler and his crew slowed to an easy walk.
"Charlotte. Watch the rear. You get hit, scream."
"Prick."
"Atta way teach."
They chuckled, as They played out their plan for baiting bandits. Relaxing and ignoring their surroundings. Tyler had out a dagger and was honing it, as the ladies chatted. Tyler smiled as he spotted a set of shapes on top of a hill. He started whistling like he hadn't a care in the world, and his friends picked right up on it. Tyler was still whistling as an Arrow bounced off his chainmail under his shirt. The group stopped, as if confused, while Charlotte was indeed confused why they were stopping instead of running. A group of twenty appeared in front, with ten behind them. Tyler smiled at Wulf.
"Wanna take the front as the ladies play behind?"
There was a nod, as a man came forward with a long spear.
"Hand over your women."
Tyler flipped his dagger into the man's throat. He was then out of his saddle drawing Gleipnir in the blink of an eye. Wulf right beside him as Kaori charged the ten in the rear with Malico sniping would-be archers off the hilltops. All told. 40 men for a single raid. Tyler swung his blade ablaze with his twin paths, and carved three before following through with a rotating slash that suckered four more in for a cleaving.
"I got 7, Wulf!"
"Asshole! I got 5!"
Tyler then held his blade close and spun a circle, dropping a set of five, as blood spattered all over the place. The last fell to Wulf's blade, leaving one survivor.
"Ladies?"
"Dead!"
"Clear!"
"get to it!"
The group then descended upon the fallen like vultures to carrion, searching for loot. Charlotte could not believe what she had just witnessed. A bandit party of 40, wiped out in a matter of minutes, without a scratch. The teacher hopped off her horse to see what Tyler and Wulf were going to do with the one survivor. Tyler smiled as he pulled his dagger.
"Wonder if they're smart this time?"
"They're bandits."
Tyler crouched to look the terrified man in the eye.
"Where's your camp?"
"Like I'll tell you."
Tyler stabbed him in the knee, getting a scream of agony.
"right here asshole. Where is it?"
The man tried to resist, but Tyler twisted the blade slowly, all the while glaring at him with his demon glare. It broke him. HE tossed a map, and the chant.
"Please! Lemmee go"
"How many men?"
"40."
"Mages?"
"None."
Tyler twisted the knife, getting another scream.
"Our leader hates mages! No magic!"
"Leader have a bounty?"
"He does! His name's Wallio the Defiler!"
"traits?"
"Tall, and wields a massive mace."
Tyler looked to Wulf.
"He speaks truth."
Tyler knocked him out, and tossed him to the side of the road.
"Ladies! Anything?"
"A few Licenses."
"Of those?"
"Already added."
"Atta cat. Results!"
"50 silver, 20 copper. A few Licenses, nothing good, and a poison."
"Alright. We got a camp to hit. You know the drill."
Tyler opened his map, and the new area was filled in, and Wulf took one look and laughed.
"Idiots. I know that spot well."
"Weak points?"
"Plenty."
"You'll be with me, Kaori, and."
Tyler looked to his crew,
"Just us. I want at least one of my mainstays with the newcomers. Sorry you keep getting left out Malico."
The catgirl chuckled.
"It's okay. I'll teach Lilli and Sera some things while you go play."
"You tortured him."
All heads looked to a now pale Charlotte. Tyler smiled.
"I did. Now, get over it, NOW, or get left behind. Make a call."
The others all mounted up to head for the camp. Tyler with Wulf pointing out the way in the lead. Charlotte got on her horse too, and followed, more on autopilot, as she struggled to process the fact that Tyler had just mercilessly, and with terrifyingly efficient methods, interrogated a man by means of torture, without hesitating. She looked at him as the elven ranger showed them to a spot out of sight of the camp. The friends dismounted, as Tyler dropped a water spell, Water barrier that would shield the ladies from harm. Tyler readied his bow, daggers, and blades. Charlotte spoke up.
"I want to help!"
"No."
She was taken aback but his utter refusal
"I can fight!"
"You'd just get in our way. Wanna help? Stand guard here."
Charlotte was adamant.
"I am going with you!"
Tyler walked over, and slapped her across the face. Hard.
"You. Will stay. Here. Say anything other then okay and I'll just kill you now."
She had tears in her eyes.
"Why?"
"Lady, you just sat on your horse and let US do the fighting. You're a Warrior like me and Kaori, yet you did nothing. I do not trust you enough to place my life in your hands, or any of theirs. Now. Sit down. Shut up. And be a good damsel in distress."
Charlotte just looked at him, then Vixen spoke up.
"Allow me to join the fun."
"Sure. Kinda curious what a black mage can do."
The mage smiled as they left to go level the camp. Charlotte made as if to follow, only for Malico to grab her.
"I see why he doesn't trust you now. If you follow, he WILL kill you. Actually, keep trying and I will myself."
The now trembling teacher looked at the sexy catgirl.
"It's 50! Against four! It's suicide!"
Malico, Sera and Lillia laughed.
"Tyler might actually get a moderate workout."
"Yeah. He can handle fifty by himself."
"Plus he's got Kaori with him."
Tyler and his raid team moved silently towards the camp. Tyler with his bow, Kaori hers, Wulf his repaired one, and even the black mage Vixen had a bow. They followed the elven ranger as the man led them up a rocky hillside. As they crested the hill, the camp came into view. The bandits had built it around a set of stone pillars, setting wooden barricades up in the gaps. Tyler and his team went flat.
"I'm gonna use LongSight."
They nodded. Tyler blinked, and his vision zoomed in like a sniper scope to scan the camp.
"They've got lookouts there, there and there. An alarm, and what."
Tyler zoomed in further, and sighed.
"Fuck. We've got captives in play."
Wulf looked at him.
"How many?"
Tyler scanned the camp.
"Just the one, thankfully. Little elven girl. They got her locked in a cage of wooden rods chained to it."
"Elven? Description, please."
"Hmm, She's got your complexion, dark hair red eyes, pale skin, her ears are rather pointy though, same angular features. Alright. The girls the priority. We secure her, kill them all. Wulf, you okay?""
The elven ranger sighed.
"I'm pissed. But I'll kill the bandits first."
"Leader's mine."
"Deal."
Vixen smiled.
"What's my role to play?"
"You have illusions right?"
"A few."
"Scare em shitless. We'll mop."
She nodded.
"Alright, break."
The party moved in like shadows. Tyler using his sight to take out the lookouts without a sound. They reached the wooden wall, and Wulf led them around to another hidden tunnel. Tyler still had his bow out, and now he swapped it for his dagger. The Warrior right behind Wulf as the Mountain elf led their war group through the crack. Tyler with an eye on Wulf. I am willing to bet gold that poor elf is his cousin. Let's hope he don't lose it. The reached the exit, as a man with a large bow came strolling by. Tyler smiled as he ghosted out behind the unsuspecting man, locked off his windpipe, and stabbed him twice in the heart before the kidney with all the sound of a shadow. This time, however, Tyler dragged the corpse into the crack, leaving not even a drag mark in the dirt. Then the hunt was on. Tyler dropped the man by the lookout tower, as they moved along the outskirts of the camp, laying the ones alone or on the edge low. Tyler dropped the number in camp by ten, and then it went to shit. As a loud squeal was heard, followed by the sight of the elven girl being dragged to a large tent by a tall man with a mace on his belt.
"Nu-uh. Go."
Tyler and his team were NOT letting that poor girl get raped. Tyler drew Oblivion and Oathkeeper and surged to slice the man's legs out from under him, only to impale his head under the chin.
"Form four square around the girl!"
The elven girl went wide eyed with shock at the sight of the Warrior party that just magically appeared. Then Wulf appeared.
"Uncle Wolf!"
Tyler and Kaori groaned internally. Not THAT one too! Wulf hugged the small bundle, as she was barely taller then Tyler's thigh. Tyler sighed as they got surrounded.
"I got this. Kaori. I'll introduce them to the Demon."
Kaori smiled widely.
"Vixen. Wulf. You're in our party now. Pay close attention, as Tyler's going to show you his TRUE ace."
The elf and black mage looked on curiously as Tyler smiled darkly.
"Demon's Wrath."
Tyler just vanished from sight, and the first ten men became a mere mist. Wulf's eyes went as wide as saucers at the sight. Vixen was in no better shape. All they could see, was a mere blur as Tyler left bodies in pieces as his secret weapon was unleashed in full.
"What the hell did he do?"
Kaori was smiling as the bandits screamed in terror as Tyler moved among them like a wolf in the hen house.
"That's his special ability: Demon's Wrath. When active, all his stats get boosted by a hundred, spells cost nothing, do not require a chant, and are twice as powerful. It's only good for ten minutes though, and after it runs out, he'll flop on his back and be useless for a few minutes."
Wulf looked at her.
"Is that the only trick I have yet to hear of?"
"Well, not really. You thumped his back. You know that chainmail?"
Wulf watched as Tyler made another group turn into paste.
"I do, what of it?"
"Mythril."
Both just looked at her.
"I'll need to see it myself."
"As will I."
"We also found Vernillionia's body. We got his ring, crown and last will in the same pouch as the Licenses."
This time the looks of shock and disbelief were so extreme, Kaori laughed. Wulf then looked to where Tyler was slicing the head off the last man.
"He holds the power to become king at will."
"He does. But he doesn't want it."
Vixen was taken aback.
"But just think of the good he could do on the throne!"
Kaori smiled as she hugged the elven girl.
"He doesn't care. I am his priority, he's said this multiple times. He wants no part in ruling. All he wants, is to keep me safe, and live life."
Vixen's jaw stiffened.
"He found the King's body! He's obligated to help, specially since he's as strong as he is!"
"No I'm not."
Tyler was standing beside her. Every bandit dead on the ground. Tyler smiled as he fell onto his back panting.
"I…am…NOT…..obligated to do ANYTHING. But fight the waves."
Tyler drank a potion, and was back to normal, even if he looked like he took a bloodbath.
"I don't need to do anything besides fight waves. And protect kaori. Try to play that card Vixen, and since you now know a party secret, I won't ditch you, I'll just kill you and loot your corpse."
Wulf sighed.
"I see now. Kazuma."
"Bingo. Plus leverage with the court."
Vixen blinked.
"You mean to say, that in the event of a potential royal degree, you'll use it to force your way?"
"Yup. And set up Kaori's brother high king."
Vixen looked at him.
"You indeed to replace a puppet with your own."
"Sure. Only thing we want, is to just do our own thing. We'll bail them out during the waves. After we kill the last monster, get paid, we take the fuck off to go wherever the fuck we will."
Vixen gazed into his eyes.
"I see now what kind of man you are. You turn your back on those that need you most to play adventurer-"
"Okay, I'mma stop you there."
Kaori was sighing.
"Vixen. WE need him the most. It is NOT our job to babysit the kingdom. They brought us here against our will, and expect us to die for them? Just like that? No. Just no. We'll fight for them, but only the bare minimum required. You've agreed to join our party, keep trying to force it, and I'll LET him kill you."
Vixen hung her head.
"I see the stories of the Warriors being forces for good were all false. Even Tyler, who's being hailed a Rogue Hero, is no hero. Just a boy with a selfish attitude."
"You act shocked, Vixen. But, haven't we been TELLING you this? Like since you tried to join?"
She sighed, her voice full of melancholy.
"I have no choice. I can't leave your party for fear of death or worse. And if I try to spread the word that we have a true king with the means, I die. Now I regret joining your party."
Tyler smiled.
"You'll get over it."
She snapped at him.
"What gives you the right to turn your back on the people of this kingdom? They NEED YOU!"
"Okay. Sit down, shut up. And listen."
The group relayed their story of their summoning, betrayal, escape, and Dragul. Afterward, Vixen sighed.
"I understand better. Very well. I'll let this lay for now."
"It comes up again, your heads on the ground."
She glared at him.
"At least let me confirm what you are with my own eyes before condemning me!"
Tyler and his two friends laughed.
"Sure. I mean I been tellin you."
"She'll learn."
"If not, well, she knows."
Tyler smiled now.
"Alright. Let's get to work."
Tyler and Wulf looked to the elven girl, as a disgruntled Vixen and kaori began looting. Tyler sat in the dirt as the girl gaped at him, while Wulf sat beside him.
"Uncle Wolf?"
The elf smiled.
"Hey there, Lily. Are you okay?"
She gulped.
"They….had me. Before you got here."
Tyler sighed, as Wulf hugged the small girl.
"Well, they're dead now."
Wulf was hugging the small bundle tightly, feeling her own wounds and lines.
"Heal her."
"C'mere sweetie."
The girl looked at the Warrior reaching towards her. She screamed in fear.
"Uncle Wolf! Don't let that Warrior touch me please!"
She buried her face in the ranger's chest, sobbing hard. Wulf hugged her.
"It's okay, Lily. You can trust this one. Kinda."
She looked at him with massive red eyes.
"Kinda?"
"He's a prick. But okay. I trust him."
"Thanks I think?"
"Shove it."
Lily sniffed, and looked to Tyler.
"I won't hurt you, miss. I do your scary uncle will shove an arrow up my ass."
That got a giggle.
"See? I'm a white pather and a blue pather."
She gasped.
"A white and blue?"
"He is, Flower."
Lily gulped, but trusted her uncle as Tyler sat her in his lap.
"prepare for a tickle. Holy Relief."
The elven girl was bathed in a blue and white light as her wounds and injuries were healed, and the mild infection she had as well. She was giggling the whole time like she was being tickled by the magic. After, she hugged Tyler.
"Thank you for rescuing me."
Tyler hugged her back.
"Like I'd leave a pretty elf with these losers."
She giggled again as Wulf poked her.
"Lily, can you tell me how you got here?"
She turned around and sat in Tyler's lap.
"When the Warrior party came through, I was walking home when a tall man called Max grabbed me and dragged me to an alley. He took my first, and threw me on a horse with his friends, Zack and Justin. They all had their way with me until three days ago, when they sold me to this camp."
She was dry-eyed as she relayed the horrors to the pair. Tyler hugged her.
"Wulf. Remember the third thing I suggested?"
The elf was furious.
"I do. And agree."
"Alright. Lily, we'll hunt these bastards into the ground."
She looked up and smiled.
"They sucked. No wonder momma likes women."
Tyler burst out laughing at this girl's words. Wulf just felt an immense pride from his brave cousin Tyler patted her hair.
"It's why I like girls too. Dudes suck. And you're a very brave girl, Lily. Nice to see that Wulf ain't the only one with a spine in the family."
The little elven girl snorted.
"He's got nuthin on me!"
"Atta girl! Hey, Wulf. Sera's gonna lose it when she meets her new friend."
The ranger smiled.
"That she will."
Tyler then looked at the girl's clothes.
"Yeah, we need to get you a better outfit. You cute an all, but save the goods."
She giggled, as her small dress was in tatters. Tyler had the small girl sit on his shoulder as kaori and Vixen came over to the grim-faced men. The blonde sighed.
"How bad?"
"The three stooges raped her repeatedly before selling her here."
"Jesus Christ. We ARE killing them, right?"
"Damn straight we are. Results?"
Kaori heled up a few Licenses.
"Four duplicates or those. Some other blacks, Vixen took em, 20 gold, 50 silver, and 100 copper."
"Plus that bastards head and mace. Okay. Kaori, you're pretty good with needle and thread, care to make Lily here half-way decent?"
"Hey! I look good! Men. No appreciation for pretty."
"I dunno, kaori's pretty, and I appreciate her."
Lily looked at Kaori with a very critical eye.
"Okay, you got me there. She's very pretty. Long as you know she's too good for you, we'll get along just barely."
Tyler and Kaori burst out laughing at the small girl's fiery spirit. Tyler then lifted her down to look into her eyes. Lily was confused.
"Why are you looking at me like that?"
"Just reading your eyes, Lily. Wow Kaori, she's fine."
Kaori smiled as Tyler explained his trick.
"I can read people's eyes like a book, lily. Not many girls can go through what you did without some form of pain, mental anguish or other trauma. Some up an kill themselves. I was just seeing if you're really okay."
She smiled.
"I was raised by Momma. She always told me that sometimes bad things happen, and we get hurt. Only thing to do is grit your teeth and bare it, as sooner or later even worse will befall those that do the evil. And look what happened. They hurt me, and a Demon came to visit. I'm safe and they died screaming. So, I won."
Tyler just hugged her,
"I can't wait to meet your Momma. Something tells me, we're gonna get along just okay."
Kaori smiled as they returned to their friends, their new travel mate riding Tyler's shoulder like a bird. Wulf was smiling as well at his little niece's strength.
"I see Willow raised you well, Lily."
Lily was giggling like mad as Tyler was tickling her feet.
"Momma don't take no shit from no one. Her daughter is just as fierce!"
"I'll be sure to hide my daggers."
"Keep spoiling me and you're safe."
Tyler just laughed.
"She raised an extortionist, Wulf. An a dangerous one at that!"
The group was laughing as they returned to the horses. Malico was showing Sera and Lillia how to throw daggers, as Charlotte watched. Tyler called out to them.
"Ladies, we got a passenger!"
They looked over, and saw the elven girl in the tattered dress. Sera squealed.
"She's sooo pretty!"
Tyler smiled as he set the elf on her feet, only for her to be nearly throttled by Sera's hug.
"I'm Sera!"
Lily hugged the taller girl.
"Lily. I can't breathe!"
Sera let her go, as Lily smiled at her.
"So, you're a princess?"
Sera hugged her again.
"Uh-huh! And an adventurer too!"
Tyler looked to the others.
"Four duplicates. Malico."
"On it."
"How bad was it for her?"
Tyler looked right at Charlotte.
"Max, Zack and Justin kidnapped her, raped her repeatedly, and sold her to that camp. They're on our hitlist now."
Malico hugged the smaller girl, getting a giggle.
"Your boobs are better then Mommas'!"
Tyler and his friends smiled as Malico purred.
"Aww, thank you!"
Tyler sighed.
"Alright, ladies and Wulf. Mount up. Lily, pick who you wanna ride with."
The small elven girl looked at Wulf. He smiled.
"Of course Flower."
Tyler tied the man's head and mace to Thunder as they all mounted. Then they were off along the road, with fifty corpses now left to rot as the first of the scavengers arrived.