Tyler and his team rode along at a decent clip, as the road became now hilly and rocky. Tyler had his bow out as he used his perception to scan the road for Silisks and more bandits. The party rumbled along, making great time by the time they stopped fro lunch. Making a meal of bread, berries and peanut butter washed down with water. As they ate, a shadow passed overhead. They looked up, expecting an airship, Nope.
"By the gods. A high dragon."
Tyler was awestruck by the sight. The beast was easily 200 feet long, with a 400 foot wingspan. The things scales were a deep blue, and reminded Tyler of Saphira from a movie he saw once. The thing's claws were 6 feet long, and a single tooth the size of Sera herself! Tyler and his party were stricken with awe at the sight. Tyler then used Longsight to get a closeup of it's head. The thing having a more T-rex head then the more crocodile jaw of the lisk they'd killed. And it's eyes were deep blue as well with a long black slit. As Tyler looked, the eye moved to look him in the eye, and Tyler tilted his head, as if to say, what? The dragon then tilted on it's wingspan to turn. Wulf gulped.
"Tyler, what'd you do?"
"The hell makes you think I did something?"
The dragon glided towards them, as Wulf got up to run, Tyler grabbing his ankle.
"Dude, it's not out to kill us."
The elven ranger looked at him.
"What can you be so sure?"
"it was, we'd be dead by now."
Wulf went white as he realized he was right.
"What we do?"
"Sit down, and hope it's just curious. Not even I can even scratch that thing, and demon's wrath is used up for today."
The elf gulped again, but sat back down as then massive creature neared. It's wing beats sounding like thunder with each clap.
"Kaori, keep the horses from bolting."
"I'll try."
The blonde went to calm the now nervous animals as the dragon landed by their spot with a earthshaking thud. Tyler reached into a pouch, and placed a pile of sapphires on the ground between them and the blue dragon as a means of offering. Tyler then backed away as the beast fixed him with a gaze only a dragon possessed. It's breathing like a deep rumble of thunder then a mere animal.
"What is the meaning of the stones?"
The thing spoke in a voice that reminded Tyler of a roiling ocean waves. Tyler replied in a firm polite tone.
"An offering, as we do not wish to die this day. Unless I am mistaken, do dragons not like precious stones?"
The dragon leaned closer, fixing Tyler with an eye 5 feet across.
"You are very wise to offer this to me. I sense the blue path within you. It is of a power I have not seen in many centuries."
Tyler held his ground, as the beast placed the stones with a long forked tongue into a pouch under it's belly. The dragon noted this as well.
"I would not recommend it, boy."
"Wasn't gonna. Was curious if you would eat them or had another spot."
The dragon tilted it's own massive head.
"A Warrior. I see."
Tyler then found himself staring into the beast's eye again.
"I can also sense the sword on your back."
"I'd ask you to keep it a secret, please. We're not really ready to play that card."
The dragon snorted with amusement, and it was like a hurricane force gust.
"Wise indeed. I am not interested in the woes of men, have no fear young one."
"THAT's a relief. So dragonkin can ID this thing at a glance. Somehow I think that'll come back to haunt us, but not the issue right now."
"What is the issue then?"
"Why'd you bother with us? We can't scratch you, if that belly is an indicator, you're recently fed, and you didn't seem bored up there. So why bother with ants?"
The dragon laughed, and it sounded like rocks falling of a cliff.
"A very interesting boy with a familiar sword, a gaze that even intimidates me, was resting on the side of the road with a pair of princesses, a cat, a pair of elves, a mouse, and that haloed thing. Plus, as I am a blue dragon, I could sense the Blue within you."
"Hmm, did the paths come from dragons?"
The dragon blinked, surprised.
"A very astute question. Very surprising coming from a mere human, Warrior or not. They did indeed come from my kind. As a gift to the world in the long forgotten past. It was freely given as a sign of good faith."
"And look what happened."
The dragon laughed again.
"Indeed look what happened. Humans have nearly ruined the world more times then the rest of the races combined."
"Should see our world. Kinda planet wide sport."
"Humans ruin everything they touch."
"testify dragon brother."
Tyler's friends were just gaping at him bantering with a high dragon. The dragon laughed again.
"Boy, you are a most interesting lad. Where are you headed?"
"To see the elf queen. We found a set of banned spells and are headed to warn her."
"I see. Which ones?"
"Malico."
The cat gulped, and timidly came forward with the ring as Tyler explained.
"I'm also of the White. As such, I can't touch these without getting burned, as they're of the evil side of black. And that still sounds more racist then I'd like."
The dragon snorted as Malico showed the magnificent beast the group's collection. The dragon blinked at some of them.
"I see the church of humans lied to us all."
Tyler patted the scared cat reassuringly.
"Everyone hates them. Though, just for the sake of clarity, I'd like to make a point."
The dragon's eye lit with a fire.
"That is?"
Tyler glared at the dragon with his entire force.
"The pope will die BY MY HAND. I will be the one THAT TEARS HIS WORLD APRT OUT FROM UNDER HIM. HIS HEAD IS MINE TO TAKE."
His friends watched as the dragon shuddered under the force of the boy's gaze, and Wulf went pale.
"He just made a high blue dragon shudder with a single look. Gods help us all."
The dragon recovered, and laughed approvingly.
"THAT'S how it SHOULD be! A Warrior with a damn spine NOT made of jelly! Well done lad, you just scared a high dragon with a mere look! I have not felt such fear in a thousand years."
Tyler smiled.
"I just scared a dragon shitless? Peaked."
The dragon had his head up as he roared with laughter at this most strange human. Tyler just smiling as well, loving his first conversation with a legendary dragon. The beast got his mirth under control to look at Tyler, a look of approval in the beast's eyes.
"At last this world might be fun again. Now, I see a question in your eyes."
"Just wondering, that since I'm blue and white, and white makes other blues useless against me, if your breath attack falls under that category."
The dragon laughed again as his friends went pale.
"An interesting question. I see you're already planning on challenging me."
"What proper Warrior WOULDN'T leap at the chance to challenge a dragon? But, we'll wait until it's a proper fight, and NOT just an execution."
The dragon bared his teeth in what appeared to be a smile.
"I have not seen fire like this in a thousand years. You're going to shake this world to it's core, lad."
"Or burn it to the ground to roast a steak. Depends how I feel in the morning."
The dragon laughed again.
"Oh I like this one. Okay boy, open your HUD. I'll grant you a boon, in honor of the first Warrior in a thousand years to scare a dragon, and earn his respect. And, since I can see the question in your eyes, yes, I'll grant it to your friends as well."
"Coolio."
Tyler brought up his HUD, and the Dragon flicked a bit of blue fire onto it. As it touched it, a new title appeared: Dragon Friend. Boosts all stats by 50, reduces fire damage by 75% and grants a new ability, Dragon's Roar. A skill that allows one to roar their path color in a breath attack, relies on magic, and Path power. Tyler's eyes lit up.
"Oh I gotta try it."
The blue grinned again.
"Show me."
Tyler closed his HUD, looked in a different direction, and drew in a breath as he charged the shot.
"BLUE DEMON DRAGON ROARRRRRRR!"
He let out a massive burst of blue flames ten feet wide that was swelteringly hot. The blast hit a tall rock pillar, and melted it on contact into lava. Tyler was grinning like a kid with his dad's gun as he looked at the dragon.
"Oh I LIKE this!"
The dragon just burst out laughing.
"Oh, I felt the heat form here! Now THAT'S what a Warrior SHOULD be! Wielding the power of dragons with a grin on his face! Ha!"
Tyler was smiling as well.
"I am sooooo setting the next batch of bandits on fire!"
kaori groaned.
"great. He's gone full pyro on us."
The dragon rubbed his eyes.
"Draw that dragonkiller you have."
Tyler drew his Magicite sword Gleipnir, and stabbed it into the ground. The blue looked at him.
"This is YOU'RE boon."
"Understood."
The dragon's eyes glowed, and Gleipnir rose from the ground glowing. Then it dropped into Tyler's waiting arms. The Warrior tilted his head.
"Mythril?"
The blue chuckled.
"Indeed. The stories say it must be mined and requires immense labor to work it. This is a falsehood, as TRUE Mythril is only obtained through a gift by a high dragon. The same with that vest you wear."
Tyler hefted the blade.
"Wow, weighs as much as Oblivion. Thank you."
The dragon laughed.
"Your other blades were hit as well."
Tyler sheathed his broadsword to draw Oblivion and Oathkeeper. Sure enough, both blades were now made of the metal. Oblivion was now even more black, and Oathkeeper blood red. Tyler twirled the blades.
"Weird. I know I'm holding them, but it feels like my hands are empty. Again, thank you."
Tyler sheathed his blades, as the dragon spread his wings.
"My name is Tempesta. Go, build your strength, that the next we meet, we may do battle like days of old."
"Tempesta the Blue dragon. I am Tyler the Outcast. I'll get stronger, that I may take your head with your own gifts!"
The dragon bellowed out a roar that made the very ground shake. Tyler smiled as he raised the swords in a salute as the beast flew off.
"Farewell Warrior. When next we meet, let be as equals!"
"As equal as a human can be with a dragon!"
"Well said!"
Tempesta flew off into the sky as Tyler sheathed his blades and went to sit back down with his friends. Only they were looking at him with white faces of absolute shock. Even Kaori. Tyler tilted his head.
"What? Am I hurt?"
Sera blinked.
"See? He IS a hero!"
That broke the tension, and their color returned as Tyler sat next to kaori.
"Well, that was fun."
Kaori sighed.
"Idiot. We nearly had a heart attack like ten different times during that, and yet you just take it in stride."
Tyler smiled as he grabbed a drink. Wulf looked at him.
"You've just been granted a title that hasn't been seen in three hundred years. We got the bonus, but NOT the title or the breath attack."
"Kinda figured. Least you got SOMETHING."
Kaori groaned.
"Did you seriously have to rip off Fairytail with that though?"
"Kinda. Seemed right."
"Ugh. Weeb."
"Whatever barbie."
Vixen was shaking.
"A dragon has acknowledged you as a friend. Even WITH your stance and heart."
"Vixen, Tyler's what we call the Anti-hero. Basically, he's an asshole that sometimes likes to pretend otherwise."
The mage sighed, before looking at him.
"I see now. You're a very hard person, but, you do have SOME good in you. Very well. You've earned my respect and loyalty."
Charlotte looked at Tyler next.
"You're not the student I once knew. You're now the man we all must cower behind."
"YOU? 50/50."
Charlotte sighed.
"Not really. I am headed in a different direction after TopLeaf."
"keep our secrets."
"I will."
Tyler then looked at his party.
"The Mythril is out of the bag now. No need to hide it."
He lifted his shirt to show his vest. Wulf chuckled.
"I was wondering why arrows just stopped on impact."
Tyler smiled as he lowered his shirt.
"Yup."
lily came over to look at him.
"I just saw a dragon."
Tyler hugged her.
"Ya got a story to tell now, Lily."
She smiled.
"Even IF not a soul will believe me."
"We'll back you."
That made her glow, as Wulf tilted his head.
"Hey, Lily, open your HUD a sec. Now that I think of it, Tempesta the blue dragon is rather legendary for his kindness towards children. Particularly those that suffered."
The small girl pulled her own small HUD up, and she had the title of Dragon's Tear. Wulf smiled.
"Dragon's tear. It's a title ONLY granted by Tempesta the Blue. It grants relief at night from nightmares, terrors, and undead. In essence, Lily was basically gifted the gift of sleep."
Sera opened her HUD, and smiled.
"I got the same thing! Lillia you too!"
The sister opened her HUD, and sure enough. Same thing. Tyler smiled.
"I guess Tempesta was more interested in the kids then me. I just surprised him a little."
lily smiled with pride.
"I got a title from a dragon himself!"
That got a smile, as Tyler went to look at the pillar he'd melted. The thing had been twenty feet tall, and ten feet thick. Now it was just a mound of rapidly cooling stone four feet high. Tyler smiled as he used prospect, finding nothing useful in the ruined pillar.
"Eh, worth a shot."
That got a chuckle as everyone mounted up to resume their journey to the elven homeland. Leaving behind a melted pillar, and massive tracks as an indicator that a dragon had touched down.
Tyler and his crew were moving at the same easy canter they had been, as the road became more treacherous to traverse. Kaori noted this.
"Slow it down, everyone. I don't like this road for the horses."
"You heard the lady."
The group slowed to a leisurely walk as they went. Tyler with his bow out, watching for Silisks, bandits, and other surprises, Kaori rubbing her wakizashi on a whetstone, Sera humming as she and Lillia were still within the center of the group, Vixen sharpening her single-bladed one-handed axe on a stone, Wulf playing with Lily, Malico cleaning her bow, and Charlotte watching the rear. The terrain was now dotted with large outcrops of stone, and Tyler found he did not like this development.
"Hey, Wulf. We in Silisk territory?"
The elven ranger had Lily giggling as he tickled her.
"We are. I think we're safe though. Tempesta looked full."
"Them things good eating for dragons?"
"I heard they are. Plus, when a dragon of that size passes through an area, even mice dig into the ground."
"Can see that. It takes a lot of fuel to keep a creature of that size moving. They ever attack airships?"
The elf smiled.
"Amazingly, no. Airship companies have an agreement with the dragons, as we're only guests in their sky."
"As it should be. So, what's the terms?"
"The local dragon gets a share of the companies profits, in exchange, they leave the easy targets alone."
"I wonder how war comes into play."
"If a war breaks out, and airships are used, the company MUST get the permission of their local dragon in order to use warships PERIOD. If the dragon refuses, the ships are grounded, even if the enemy dragon gives the okay. If they defy the dragon, ALL their ships are destroyed, and the company behind it torched by the dragon itself."
"Kinda sounds like a war between humans is just dragons having an argument."
Wulf laughed.
"Funny thing? You're not wrong. There's tales of wars breaking out between two lands, for the sake of example, we'll use my homeland and the human. My homeland's high Dragon is a green called Furiosa, whereas the humans is a red called Ignatia. Well, if they two have a disagreement, they can't directly attack each other as they're of equal power, and such a thing would cause a dragon war. Or a battle of dragon equals. These battles can lay waste to an entire country. As such, they use the other races as pawns in a game of chess to settle their argument."
"I've heard this story before. Only difference was it was actual gods playing the game. Who's dragon is Tempesta?"
"Him? He's more nomad. He'll settle in a place for a while, get bored, and move on."
"Like the ocean, restless and free. I get it."
Wulf smiled proudly.
"I see now why he was so interested in you. You sometimes think like a dragon."
"Now I can roar like one too."
That made them all chuckle as they went on. Tyler was looking at the sky, and the lengthening shadows.
"I don't like the idea of traveling this area in the evening. Especially with those shadows."
Wulf had a grim face.
"I agree. Plus, there's more then Silisks in these hills."
"Like what?"
"Broken Ones. Some reason there's a lot of them here. Plus we have bird-like creatures called harpies. Massive vulture like things that attack around dusk."
"Does my defense spells have any effect?"
"Protective Warning will. It's a dome spell, not just a ground one. Tranquil waters not so much. Holy Purge keeps undead at bay, so not really useful against beasts."
"They valuable?"
"A harpy? Their feathers make good flights, but the meat is nasty, their beaks worthless, and talons useless."
"Nests?"
Here he got a twinkle in his eye.
"If you can find a harpy nest, then you are guaranteed at least several hundred gems, coin, and some other kind of shiny thing as you put it."
"What they look like?"
"They borrow into the sides of rock faces, hills and mountains. They disguise them extremely well, most you'd see is a large bush or rock slab."
"They big?"
Wulf looked around for a reference.
"Maybe, three Thunders long, with two of those trees worth wingspan."
"So fifteen feet long with a thirty foot wingspan. Not a bad size."
"They're rare though, as their nests are so sought after, they've been placed on a limited hunting list."
"you know what that means."
Wulf chuckled.
"you wanna kill one, just to spit in the nobility's face."
"Yup. How're their eggs?"
"Delicious. A good nest has maybe ten."
Tyler smiled.
"I'll keep an eye out."
The group laughed as they went on. Tyler then had a though.
"Are Broken Ones considered undead?"
Wulf looked to Vixen.
"I think you're the expert here."
The busty black mage smile, and responded in her warm voice.
"They're more classified as semi-dead. Not fully undead, not fully alive either. That said, my necromancy affects them like regular undead, and so does your white."
"They move in numbers?"
"Sometimes yes. But the largest gathering of Brokens ever recorded was ten."
"They eat people?"
"Yes. Alive."
"And the only way to kill them is smash their heads in?"
"Indeed."
"So if they hit my holy purge?"
"It'll kill them outright. On contact."
"Well that's a relief."
That got a chuckle. The party rode along for a few more hours, until the shadows were touching the road.
"Wulf, there a decent spot for camp nearby?"
The mountain elf looked around to get his bearings.
"Another hour ride ahead, there's a small hollow at the base of a rockface I've used. It's hard to see from the road, sky, and has a small cave in the back."
"I'll clear the cave, but nice."
They arrived at the spot like Wulf had said, and Tyler drew his short swords as he went to clear the cave with Wulf. The spot was a large crater in the ground with a massive rock overhead, surrounded by smaller rock outcrops as well. The cave itself was smaller then Tyler thought. The elf had the magic lantern, as Tyler and he searched for both animal and monster. Tyler using his detection skills, Wulf his other senses.
"Wulf, back of the cave, something feels hollow."
Tyler moved in first towards a seemingly solid rock. He looked at Wulf, who nodded. The Warrior then used his extreme strength to move the slab aside. Within was a small chamber set deeper in the stone. Maybe ten feet by ten feet. What got the men's attention was the slab with the writing on it, in a flowing script that made Wulf gasp.
"What'd we find, Wulf?"
The elf knelt before the thing.
"We found the burial site of an elven ruler. One Named Wasiak. The legends say he was the one that founded my home country millennia ago."
"Okay. Your call. Loot or leave."
Wulf looked at him, then to the tomb.
"Loot. The story goes that one ever finds his tomb may claim the treasure within it as their own."
"Let's warn the girls first. This smells of a guardian."
"Understood."
Tyler and Wulf informed the girls of the find, and Vixen volunteered again.
"Undead are my specialty."
"Good. Rest of you, high alert. Kaori, this reeks of Indiana Jones. So heads up."
"Got it."
The trio headed inside to raid the tomb. Tyler would throw open the lid, Wulf would fill with arrows, as Vixen tried to use her spells to either make it self-destruct, or weaken it for the kill. Tyler placed his hands on the lid.
"Ready?"
"ready."
"I got a spell ready as well."
Tyler gripped the stone and tore it aside like it weighed nothing. There was a rush of air, then the tomb lit up with white light as writing along the walls appeared. Wulf was able to read it.
"It says, the ones that opens this crypt must prove their mettle against the former ruler."
"It say what we're fighting?"
Tyler got his answer, as the skeleton within the coffin sent a fist into his chest, launching him into the wall with a heavy thud and grunt.
"Never mind."
Tyler was up with his blades ready, unharmed due to his Mythril vest. Tyler didn't wait for the thing to rise,
"Do it!"
Vixen launched her acid spell as Tyler surged with his blades as the thing tried to rise. It was a skeleton clad in ancient armor wielding a long sword in a bony hand. As Vixen got a good look, she groaned.
"What're we dealing with Vixen?"
Tyler was hacking at the thing's bones as it rose.
"A greater Lich. We need to smash it's skull."
"Wulf! Piercing shots! Vixen! Same."
"Tyler swapped his short swords for Gliepnir.
"Thread between strokes."
The Lich screamed, and Tyler felt a weight on his mind that froze Wulf and Vixen in their tracks. Tyler laughed.
"Holy relief!"
The mental attack had no effect on him whatsoever, and as his spell hit his two companions, they got the same. Tyler swung his Mythril enhanced blade at the thing's legs, only for it to block with it's own sword. Tyler was quick, and flipped the blade to lock it in place,
"Got it!"
The Lich was then hit in the head with Wulf's best shots, Power shaft, Iron Piercer, and ChainShot, as Vixen sent a blast of acid onto it's head. The thing screamed again, this time in pain, and staggered back. Tyler tore his blade up to smash it in the head with all his strength. He then activated his own sword skill: One handed smash. As Gleipnir was a hand-and-a-half bastard sword, it was able to use one handed skills. Tyler swung the weapon in an upwards arc, splitting the thing's skull clean in half. The skull looked at him, before falling into a rattling pile of bones as a black mass rose from it to dissipate screaming into nothingness. Tyler looked to his friends.
"We clear?"
Vixen held up her hand, and a black glow as seen.
"It's dead. Again."
"Wulf?"
"Still in one piece."
"well alright."
Tyler and his friends looked at the sword as the words appeared again, and Wulf read the message.
"It says our Mettle is indeed worthy of his legend. That sword can only be wielded by an elf though, and the rest of the items in this room are ours for the taking."
"Guess you got a new blade Wulf. Vixen, the bones worth anything?"
Wulf lifted the longsword as Vixen looked at Tyler.
"No. greater Lichs worth comes from the treasure they guard. Their bodies are both useless and worthless."
"Well, that sucks."
Tyler looked into the now empty sarcophagus. He smiled.
"We got coins, gems and what looks like an axe."
The party left the chamber 500 gold coins, 600 silver coins, 300 copper coins richer, an additional 100 diamonds, 200 sapphires, and another opal. The axe was Magicite, and a one handed thing with a rounded blade.
"Vixen, looks like you got an upgrade."
The black mage smiled, and placed the thing under her robes. They resealed the tomb, and headed back outside to find camp had been set up already. Kaori was waiting with her bow loaded with four shafts as they returned.
"How'd we do?"
"greater Lich. We're 500 gold, 600 silver, and 300 copper richer. Plus another mass of gems. Wulf got a new sword and Vixen an axe to grind."
That got a chuckle. Tyler walked to the center of camp, and cast Protective Warning, Tranquil waters, and Holy Purge. Once those were set, did the camp relax. Malico stripped naked, and laid by the fire flat on her back.
"Ohhh that feels sooo good!"
Tyler smiled as Charlotte looked at her in horror.
"There are children present!"
"Well, cover your eyes then spider."
That made them chuckle. Tyler looked at the sky.
"We got maybe 4 hours of daylight left. Wulf, anything edible in this area in terms of plants?"
"There's a small stream nearby that has decent rockfish. We also have some decent animals as well, deer, rabbit, moose,"
"Predators?"
"A few bears, lions, worst we need to worry about are the harpies, Silisks, and the occasional lesser drak. The lowest member of dragonkin in the family. Think that lisk, but the size of Gloss."
"It like the shiny?"
"It has a small pouch just under it's stomach like what Tempesta had. No fire breath, wings, and is rather tasty. Just a tiny Lisk."
Tyler nodded.
"No one goes anywhere alone. Groups of two at the least. Sera and lily don't go ANYWHERE without four. Charlotte does NOT count."
The teacher glared at him as he took a seat near the flickering fire.
"I am NOT useless!"
"Prove it then. I WILL NOT put their lives in YOUR hands."
There was a mass of nods. Kaori was heard chuckling.
"I know I wouldn't want her watching my back in a fight."
"She'd get us all killed."
Yet again all heads looked to Sera, as the small princess was rubbing her sword on a whetstone. Then they laughed as the small girl was right. Tyler pulled the map, and opened it. Kaori took a seat beside him as Charlotte looked like she was about to cry.
"How it looking commander?"
Tyler smiled as he saw their progress.
"we're ahead of schedule. Surprising with all that went on today."
Wulf snorted.
"A bandit raid, meeting a dragon of legends, and killing a greater Lich. A normal human would take YEARS to accomplish TWO of those."
"yet we did it for fun in a day."
That made them chuckle. Tyler looked at the remaining distance.
"Wulf said it's a week to his capital. And we've been at it for what? Four days?"
"Sounds right. It's a full plus day's ride from TopLeaf to Cragspire."
"Sounds fitting for a mountain elf capital."
That made both he and Lily smile. Tyler crossed his arms as he looked at the route.
"Okay. I am not liking the incline there."
Wulf took a seat to look at the map.
"It's not as bad as you'd think. We'll just have to be careful with the horses."
"Kaori sets the pace."
"Agreed."
"Thank you."
Tyler hugged her.
"We gotchya fer a reason Shadow."
She smiled as she hugged him back. Then back to the map.
"Okay, we're about the halfway point. Not bad for the first leg. Tomorrow we'll go easy on the horses, and try to make some decent progress. All goes well, we'll hit TopLeaf in two days."
there was a set of nods.
"Who long will we stay in TopLeaf?"
"I'd like to throw my White around a bit. We'll spend the day we get there healing, the night, and leave the next day. Sound good?"
"Can we make it two days? I'd like to see my sister."
"Of course Wulf. Two days it is. Be kinda cool to hang in an elf village."
The ranger smiled gratefully as Tyler rolled up the map.
"I'll check my HUD for guild updates and see if my trick got upgraded. Rest of you, find something to amuse yerselves. Malico, that kind of amusement will need to wait until the tent."
The lusty cat had looked at him with a leer,
"Ahhh boo."
they all laughed at the catgirl. Kaori smiled.
"I've been feeling….lonely, Malico. We can play later."
"I will NOT fall asleep this time dammit."
Another round of laughter as Charlotte buried her head in her hands, appalled. Dear god Kaori! You've become a whore! You went from my most proper, respectful, well-behaved student, to a foul mouthed, vile, slutty, tramp of a girl! I will need to speak with your father to straighten you back out young lady!"
"I wouldn't go there Charlotte."
She jumped hard at Tyler's voice. Kaori looked at him.
"What's her play?"
"She's appalled by how you've grown from prim and proper lady, to wild hearted badass. She HATES this new you, as she feels you've lowered yourself. So, she was planning to speak to your father to straighten you back out."
Charlotte was backing away from the boy that had just read her mind. Kaori just smiled at her.
"Go ahead, Charlotte. Tell him. See how far you get."
"Kinda find it funny she's so concerned about your change, when her other students are raping little girls on the regular. Go play loving teacher to them. We don't need nor want your help. Once we get to TopLeaf, we part ways. I'd rather have Sera and Lillia join us as raw princesses again then you. At least they were willing to LEARN this world, and not hide behind past ideals once they were proven wrong."
Sera and Lillia smiled with pride.
"Momma didn't raise no fools."
"We may be new to this, but dammit we gon learn!"
"Atta girl, Sera!"
The camp was smiling at the princesses resolve. Charlotte slumped. That boy can read my mind like a damn book. I can't leave either, as I'd never make to TopLeaf alive. The teacher was crushed by how far her most prized student had fallen. But, there was not a thing she could do with Tyler in the vicinity. So, she just laid her own sword beside her and did as she was told.
Tyler was resting against a rock near the fire as he pulled his HUD up. He smiled as he saw Demonic wrath had been upgraded to level two. Adding an extra 25 points to his boost, increasing the duration by 2 minutes, an decreasing the strain on his body. He had an extra 50 point to throw, so he added 20 to agility, and thirty to stamina. Bringing the totals to 200 for agility, and stamina to 305 He then looked to the guild update window.
"Today in Vernillion. A group of Warriors are held responsible for the burning of a Hospital in the dwarven township of Rockworth. As of this article, the fire is out, and recovery underway. A small group of Warriors were sighted fleeing a building in Term this morning, and upon investigation, found a small family had been raped and murdered by the Warriors. News as reached the guilds ears of a airship being downed by yet another group of Warriors and sacked. It would seem this generation of Warriors are nothing but heartless monsters undeserving of their strength. That said, there dots of hope. The Warrior known as Kazuma, has once again proven the King's faith in him. The man has slain yet another bandit party and camp, laid waste to a Orc raid party, and put to rest a number of the Broken. The man has also restored the vile city of Dragul to a place worthy of respect. And is now Tailed city. We eagerly await the next deeds of this fine man. Next from the city of Raylik. It would seem a party of Warriors, now calling themselves the Outcasts, led by one Tyler the Outcast, has also been making waves in the realm. The man in question has succeeded in taking down such vile predators such as the torturer, kidnapper, rapist, and others. He has also instigated a fresh wave of inspections of goods in or out of Raylik due to the discovery of vile goods we cannot report here, and, if rumor is to be believed, travels with the royal Princesses as well."
"fuck."
All heads looked in his direction at his sudden outburst. Tyler rubbed his eyes.
"Heads up. Someone spoke up about how we got the princesses with us. And these idiots broadcasted it throughout their message board. We'll need to be extra vigilant now."
There was a collective groan. Vixen sighed.
"You can ask at the next hall who their source was."
"My plan was to bribe them to spread a false counter rumor. Seriously, we cannot broadcast we got the girls with us."
"That works too."
Tyler went back to reading.
"It is nothing more then rumor at this time however. His party has been credited with the recovery efforts in Raylik after the drunken riot of his fellow Warriors. The leader of the party, Tyler himself, has been granted a royal pardon for his hand in Commander Gruven's death, and seems to be making the most of it. The lad and three of his companions have joined our guild, and according to the trusted member that preformed his screening, he is easily the strongest man in the country. Easily out stripping his closest second, Max, by more then ten times at the least. We cannot wait to see what other deeds of legend this party will add to their name. In other news, the Dragon Tempesta has taken wing again as is his way. He was last sighted landing by the north eastern section of the king's road on the way to the elven city of TopLeaf. All reports say a party of Warriors caught his eye. The results of the meeting are unknown, as the sighting was by viewing glass aboard a passing airship. But, indicators point to Tyler The Outcast's party. If that is the case, then this party is indeed the stuff of legends. The port town of Yalik is expecting a heavy storm within the week, and the first wave is in two months. Let us pray these Warriors come through when it counts. But, in this writer's own personal opinion? May the gods help us all."
Tyler smiled as he closed the window.
"Guess we got spotted."
Wulf looked at him from his spot by the fire.
"TopLeaf is either going to be fun for you, or a nightmare."
"Let's say bit of both."
Tyler then looked around the camp. Sera was resting on a rock next to the fire, Lillia was swinging her sword, Lily was adding more twigs to the fire, Charlotte was polishing her sword, Malico was warming her feet, kaori was looking at her Licenses, Wulf had his knife out and was sharpening it, and Vixen was polishing her new axe. The man smiled as he checked his spells, and saw they were still active and clear. Tyler got up and grabbed his bow.
"I'm gonna see if I can score a deer or something."
The camp grunted, as he was the only one that didn't need any protection. Tyler smiled as he fitted an arrow to bow and headed off. Once his footsteps were gone, Charlotte looked to Kaori.
"Can we chat?"
The camp laughed at her.
"Sure. We're still going with him. But sure."
Charlotte glared at those around her, as Kaori sat beside her.
"What?"
her voice flat and cold. Charlotte looked at her like she had in school, down her nose with a disapproving air.
"Your behavior is inappropriate for a young lady like yourself! Same with you, Sera, Lillia! You're princesses! You have an example to set."
Sera sighed.
"you sound just like those preaching nuns I hated."
Lillia smiled.
"I see why Tyler got bullied so much."
Kaori looked at her.
"Right? He lives by his own rules. He's never needed anyone, and not a soul scares or intimidates him."
The camp chuckled, then Charlotte rounded on Wulf.
"He called you Ambassador, did he not?"
The elf smiled as Lily came over to lay her small head on his chest.
"I am Ambassador to the human kingdom of Vernillion per request of my sister the queen."
Charlotte was a little taken aback by that bit.
"yet you support these ladies behavior? It's vulgar and obscene! They're young ladies!"
Wulf smiled.
"And now they need to fight for their lives in the wilds. In Tyler's words, you either step the fuck up, or get fucked up."
"I can HEAR him saying that."
"Guy's an ass, but he does throw out pearls of dark wisdom from time to time."
"Hey, Malico, wanna screw with him tonight?"
"My nipples just got hard!"
"I'll soften them up later."
Wulf just shook his head.
"I am SOOOOO happy I joined this nuthouse."
"YOU need to get a girl to play with. Must suck getting left out all the time."
That got a snort and a laugh from the gathered ladies. Except for Charlotte.
"You will NOT perform such an act in front of children!"
"Guess you sleepin outside then."
"Guess so. Hey, Vixen, you wouldn't happen to have a spell to make her sleep, would you?"
The sexy black mage had removed her robe to lay in a cloth bra and panties by the fire, and the fire played along her smooth, pale skin.
"Sadly not. That's a green spell, and I do not have the License."
"Well, that sucks."
Kaori smiled at the beauty laid out by the fire.
"Tyler's gonna love your skin."
She smiled at her.
"Ya think? I hope so."
The blonde beauty laughed.
"He's always had a thing for the Pale Beauty. You looking like a big tiddy goth girl makes it that much better."
"Goth girl?"
"Dresses in black, pale skin, dark eyes. Usually a rebel. Or just edgy. That rack got his eye the moment he saw em."
That made them all chuckle. Then Vixen rolled onto her back with her head on her hands to look at the dark blue sky.
"Kinda odd, how the Opposing Colors work."
Kaori smiled.
"I'm a Red path, and he's a blue/white."
Vixen smiled.
"I'm a Black/red. So, according to the way it's explained, his perfect soulmate. Yet you hold the greatest piece of his heart in your hands."
Kaori smiled.
"We were good friends before coming here. Plus we've always been into each other, but due to how toxic our world is, we couldn't be together."
"Toxic has nothing to do with it! You were a proper young lady! Respectful, sweet, gentle, got good grades, was never late or missed an assignment! He was always in fights, dirty, barely made deadlines, or just miss them entirely. His grades were decent, and attendance good as well, but a very bad match for a lady of your caliber!"
kaori laughed at Charlotte's mini tirade.
"See? Our world was ruined by people like her. Only seeing what they wanted in order to get through the day to avoid having to do anything."
Lillia sighed as Sera hugged kaori.
"I see why he hates the crown so much."
"I get why he was so harsh to my father."
Charlotte jumped.
"He's had an audience with King Ishtar?"
the girls and Wulf laughed.
"He tore him a new one for his failings as a man, a king and a father."
Sera was smiling.
"He called him out for failing to protect us, and kicked him in the ass to get him off it too."
Lillia was smiling as well.
"He's the reason Kazuma got adopted period. Father had nearly given up entirely."
Wulf chuckled.
"Then this kid comes waltzing up with his girls behind him, calls him a puppet with a hand up his ass, and tells him to get his shit together."
Kaori laughed at the memory.
"Poor Seline didn't know WHAT the fuck to do."
The camp all laughed as Charlotte was appalled.
"My god. He did that to the one that's been supporting his adventure this whole time?"
kaori and the whole camp glared at her angrily.
"They HAVEN'T done a thing for us. We got the ten gold to begin with, after that, Tyler and I BUSTED OUR FUCKING ASSES TO GET WHAT WE HAVE. Malico as well, but not the point. Bitch, we WORKED for our wealth, and just WHAT THE FUCK HAVE YOU DONE? Huh? We've been fighting bandits, drakolisk, a Wyvern, enemy knights, living off 4 GOLD COINS, TYLER has been going from town to town, and in every place he visits, whether he wanted to or not, risked his life to aid the people there, heal those that needed it, and even teach a pair of royal princesses how to survive! What have YOU done Charlotte? Pull up your HUD, show me your Bestiary."
The now shocked teacher obeyed automatically. Kaori forced her scroll. Then she snorted in disgust.
"A black bear is the strongest thing you've killed? Says here you've been robbed twice. Yeah, THAT'S why he don't trust you."
Kaori just shoved the teacher away.
"You a spineless coward that is only going to die in the waves. Go join a temple, gods know only thing your any good for is preaching bullshit."
Charlotte just looked at her,
"How DARE you raise you voice to me young lady? I'm YOUR TEACHER!"
"Okay, Charlotte. Cut the shit."
Tyler came striding into camp with a 250lb buck over his shoulder. Tyler looked to Kaori and Sera.
"Kaori, mind teaching the princesses to clean a buck? You're better at it then me."
"Sure."
Wulf eyed the thing's pelt.
"Think you can craft a smock or poncho for Lily?"
"Sure. Was my plan actually. And I got these for leg warmers."
Tyler pulled a pair of black rabbits from his belt. Wulf smiled as he saw them.
"Nice find. Rock hares have extremely soft fur."
Tyler smiled as Kaori instructed the girls in how to properly skin and clean a buck.
"Nice to see those two be able to help out. Hey, Wulf, think while we're in TopLeaf you can teach a few bow tricks? If you get the time that is."
The elf smiled fondly.
"Sure, I'd be happy to."
"Can't beat archery lessons from an elf."
Lily was in full agreement,
"This guy gets it."
They all chuckled. Then Tyler looked at a now trembling Charlotte.
"So. I leave to go get YOUR food for you, and you try to sow seeds of dissent in MY camp? No. You may sleep here this night. But. If we do not reach TopLeaf by day's end, you are NOT welcome by our fire again."
She opened her mouth to speak, but he raised a finger.
"Ah. No. Say another word, and I'll throw you out myself. You are NOT welcome in our tent as it is. Now. Unless you wish to test your mettle in a midnight ride, SIT DOWN. AND SHUT UP."
Tyler was using his Demon's glare on the woman, and she was shaking so bad she couldn't move. Tyler then ignored the lady and noticed Vixen by the fire in her underwear.
"Damn Vixen. You a fox."
She smiled at his play on her name.
"Like what you see?"
"Oh hell yeah. Love a hot goth."
She chuckled as he pulled the pelts off the rabbits.
"Ah, Tyler? You might wanna see this."
Tyler put his work down to see what had kaori sounding concerned. He walked over, and the blonde pointed with a stick to the things stomach contents.
"I was teaching Sera and Lillia about an animal's diet and what it could tell us."
"What this thing eat?"
She nudged a small, one inch spiked ball out of a pile of apples.
"Wulf, what is this thing?"
The elven ranger took one look, and groaned.
"Goblins."
Tyler and Kaori looked at each other.
"No one leaves camp."
"Period."
"On alert ladies, we got goblins in the area."
The girls all geared up as Tyler placed a hand on the ground, and both added to the power of the spells, and would give him an update. Only.
"We got inbound. Counting twenty small sets, two big sets. Gear up! Sera, Lillia, Lily! Cave now! We got two minutes!"
The camp exploded into motion as the girls raced to the cave as Tyler and Wulf loaded arrows. Charlotte tried to get ready, but couldn't even draw her sword, shaking so badly as she was. Tyler grabbed her by the collar and threw her into the cave.
"You come out PERIOD I'll kill you myself."
Tyler then drew his short swords, as a set of thudding foot steps were heard. Wulf groaned.
"Stone giants."
"I'll take em. Keep the creatures OUT of that cave."
Wulf readied his bow.
"Not a step past me."
Tyler smiled,
"That breath attack can be used. Repeatedly. So, ya know, ya hear me yell, get down."
That made them chuckle, as a head five feet across was seen over the crest of the hill. The thing had beady eyes, stone grey skin, and was easily thirty feet tall. Tyler fired his shafts, enhanced with piercing teardrop and ChainShot. The arrows were lisk scale, and so blew out the back of the beasts skull. It was dead before it hit the ground. Tyler smiled.
"Watch the top of the rock. Thing that size can handle the drop."
A series of shadows were seen, and the arrows were released. Squeals of pain and death were hard as the green skinned things crested the hill. Tyler cast his own spell.
"WATERWALL!"
A wall of water ten feet tall appeared around the perimeter of the camp. It was perfectly clear to those behind it, and allowed more arrows to be loosed through it as well. The goblins could not see through it, however, and several were transfixed by flying death. Tyler smiled.
"Good thing we put the horses in the cave."
"I told you that was a smart idea."
"Don't get smug, Malico."
The goblins then moved aside to allow another with a gleaming scepter and crown forward.
"Vixen! Think I found you a friend!"
The black mage smiled, and cast her own black magic first.
"Black Death."
The spell would poison a target with acid. Killing them outright. Tyler noted that she got a aroused flush as she released her magic.
"Nice to see my black mage likes to bring the boom boom."
The lady smiled as she made the Goblin sorcerer die screaming.
"I enjoy many things."
"I'll be sure to get an IN DEPTH analysis of your…enjoyment."
Tyler loosed another set of shafts as a loud thud was heard above them. The defenders looked up to see another giant dropping from the top of the rock. Tyler dropped his bow and pulled out Oblivion and Oathkeeper.
"WATERFALL!"
The ten foot wall of water flattened over half the remaining goblins beneath a ten ton mass of water. The giant hit the stone, and Tyler was slashing at it's legs as his friends dealt with the goblins. Inside the cave, Sera had an arrow on her string, and so did Lillia. Lily hiding in the tomb the group had cleared earlier, as Charlotte cowered behind her. The teacher could hear the sounds of the dying, all the while hiding behind the small legs of a girl not even half her years holding a dagger Sera had given her.
"This time, they want to take me, they need to beat me."
Charlotte just quivered as an elven girl barely older than a third grader showed that she was both braver, and stronger then she was.
Tyler was still carving the things legs to high hell.
"This is fun! One Handed smash!"
He black blade glowed as he spun a circle and slammed it into the thing's stone like shin. Getting an angry roar of pain as it kicked out at him, catching him in the vest, and launching him into a wall just above the entrance to the cave with a nasty thud. Tyler dropped to the ground twenty feet below with another sickening thud. Sera and Lillia looked at each other, as they'd seen the hit, and smiled.
"dear sister, are you thinking what I'm thinking?"
"That prick is SOOOO going to owe us."
The two royal girls drew on their strings, and took aim.
"That's gonna hurt in the mornin!"
Tyler was getting to his feet as the giant swung a long club at him. Tyler had no choice but to roll out of the way to avoid getting squished.
"Get ready."
"Give the word, sis."
In the tomb, Charlotte snapped out of her stupor. I HAVE to protect those girls!
Tyler was back on his feet as the giant kneeled to enter the small cave.
"Do it Sera."
"rig-hey!"
Charlotte had knocked their arrows down.
"Quick ladies! Run! The tombs safe!"
Their plan ruined, they watched as Tyler slit the things throat. Sera just started crying, hard, as her golden opportunity to aid her hero had been stolen from her. Lillia just punched Charlotte in the face with as much force as she could muster.
"Tyler is going to KILL you for taking that from her!"
Tyler was at that moment cleaning up the remains of the attack with the others. The last goblin fell, and Tyler looked around smiling.
"We good?"
The camp was littered with about fifty dead goblins, and two stone giants. They were everywhere, on the grass, the rock, one even got knocked in the fire. Wulf the ranger was dusting himself off after a goblin had tried a tackle onto his sword point.
"I'm good."
Malico stood among a pile of bodies.
"Same here!"
Kaori was rubbing her side.
"Bastard got a lucky hit with a hammer. I'm good though, I healed it."
Vixen flipped her axe.
"That was fun!"
"Let's go check on the girls!"
Tyler and the victorious defenders came striding into the cave to tell the tale, only Sera's heartbroken wailing sent them all running. There they found Sera with her bow with an arrow on the ground, next to Lillia's weapon, with the girl herself glaring at a broken-nosed Charlotte. Tyler saw the weapons, looked at the entrance, and pieced together the girls plan. He went and hugged Sera.
"Shh, it's okay. It would've worked. Shh,"
She hugged him tightly.
"I….I…Wanted to help you!"
He stroked her back soothingly,
"It's okay, you'll get another chance. Many chances."
Kaori tilted her head.
"What was their plan?"
Tyler chuckled.
"These two had the perfect spot to take that thing's eyes. Or even kill it themselves if they timed it right. But, looks like someone stole it from them."
They all understood it then. Kaori looked at Charlotte. Hate in her eyes and voice.
"How could you take that from them? They HAD that thing!"
Charlotte's voice was strained.
"They're LADIES! Princesses at that! They CAN'T FIGHT!"
"Hey, Lillia, question."
The angry sister looked at Tyler.
"What?"
"Who broke the selfish bitch's nose?"
Lillia smiled as she cracked her knuckles.
"I may have had hand in it."
"Damn Lillia. I'mma teach you to throw hands then."
She smiled widely.
"That sounds like fun."
Sera had stopped crying, and went to hug kaori. Tyler just stood up, and walked towards Charlotte.
"You endangered my friends lives with your stupidity. You stole what would have been a beautiful moment for Sera from her. You even tried to force your own ways of thinking upon them."
The teacher was cowering.
"get away from me you monster! You've ruined those poor girls with your venom!"
Tyler grabbed her by the throat.
"Can I kill her?"
Kaori and Malico sighed.
"As much as I want you to, no."
"We'll saddle her horse."
"Just throw her out."
"The council of Hotties has Spoken."
Tyler dragged the lady out of the cave, with her screaming for help from the coldly staring group.
"Kaori! Sera! Help me! I'm a teacher! An adult! Listen to your elders!"
Tyler forced her eyes open and made her look at the carnage around the camp.
"THIS is where we live now! Get it through your fucking skull. NO ONE WILL HELP YOU. NO ONE WILL RESCUE YOU. EITHER YOU STAND OR YOU FALL."
He placed her on her horse.
"I dare you to come back again."
"if she does, you may kill her."
"See?"
Tyler slapped the ass of her horse, and it took off like a lightning bolt. Then he went back to give Sera another hug.
"We'll set you up another one."
She sniffed.
"It won't be the same."
"You don't know that. Maybe the next time, I REALLY DO need you to rescue me."
Sera giggled.
"well, I'll just have to be ready then."
"Atta girl."
He hugged her tightly. Then he looked at the fallen thing.
"Wonder if I can lift it?"
Tyler walked over, and lifted a leg.
"Yup. Okay, loot and clean."
The industrious crew got right to it. The giant in camp was lifted by Tyler, and now showing effort for once, was removed from the camp and spell range. Once done, he came back to see Malico looking at Licenses taken from the goblin mage.
"We got any?"
The cat's tail was flicking back and forth like a metronome.
"This whole thing is banned blacks."
"We have room on the ring?"
"Yeah, but this will fill it."
Tyler sighed, and looked to Vixen.
"Hey, Goth, you got an extra ring on you?"
She looked up from her search of a corpse.
"That my new nickname?"
"Like it?"
She smiled.
"I do. Both ways."
"Can we borrow it? Our banned ring's full."
Vixen tilted her head.
"Just curious, but what ARE you going to do with those?"
Tyler opened his mouth to answer, only to pause.
"Ya know something? I'm not entirely sure. We ARE going to destroy them, that's a fact and all, but not sure what to do in the meantime."
Wulf looked up from his own loot.
"Wanna let the queen decide that?"
Tyler thought for a moment.
"Might be best, Wulf. We need to destroy these, that much I do know, but somehow I don't think chucking them in the fire will cut it."
That got a chuckle as Vixen tossed another License ring, which was exactly like a key ring from Tyler's old world to Malico. She set the thing in her pouch, and the looting resumed. Once the bodies were cleared, fire rebuilt, and nerves calmed, they looked over their haul. All told. No coin. A foot tall pile of the metal balls, a few poisons, and nothing else useful. Tyler sighed.
"Makes sense that a goblin raiding party carries nothing of value."
Wulf threw another log on the fire.
"What will you use those spiked balls for?"
Tyler picked one up.
"Not entirely sure. I have ideas, but just not sure which way to play it."
Vixen had taken off her robe again and was laying on it.
"Care to share?"
"I was thinking of using these as arrow heads. I think it'd give the shaft a nasty impact."
Wulf took one of the balls and looked at it thoughtfully.
"I can see your reasoning there. Problems would be the arrow wouldn't be as reliable or accurate with this on it. I'd advise against it."
"I see your point. Hmm,"
"I wonder. Hey, Tyler, don't those remind you of the ammo for a shotgun?"
"You mean Fletchettes?"
"yeah. I saw those cannons. They have the materials for them."
Tyler sighed.
"I see where you're going with this."
Wulf tilted his head.
"Another weapon from your world?"
"Yup. Your world has all the pieces in it for me to make guns from our world. I've actually considered it myself."
Wulf shuddered.
"I remember our discussion. May I ask why you haven't dabbled yet?"
Tyler flipped the ball in his fingers.
"I'm not sure if it's a violation of the rules of the world or not. Our world has had guns for decades now. So, if any other Warriors came from there, it would stand to reason they made some. A gun isn't all that complex a machine to make. Long as you get the powder strength, barrel strength right, and the right materials they're easy to make. I know enough about guns I could make a decent one. It'd take me a few tries, but I could do it. I'm just not sure if that is outside the rules of this world."
Vixen nodded as he went.
"I see your concern. If you dabble in something you're not supposed to,"
"Or bring knowledge that has NO place in this world."
"You risk death or worse."
kaori had Sera and Lillia back at the deer.
"I see now. Was more curious why Tyler hadn't dabbled yet. If anyone can make a fully functional weapon in a fantasy world, HE could."
"I know I'm a mad scientist. Love you though."
She smiled as the pelt was removed. Tyler tilted his head as he looked at the spiked balls.
"There's a thought. I can use field smelting to recycle these for reforging into something useful."
Wulf's eyes lit up.
"That's a brilliant idea. Those are black iron, which is just as hard and good as regular steel."
"That's an odd mismatch: an elf taking about good steel."
"Shove it."
Tyler pulled the miscellaneous pouch and added the balls as Lily passed him the rabbits.
"Can you make me the leg things please? I'm kinda cold."
Tyler got right to it as Lily got wrapped up in his shirt. She giggled as he draped it over her. He smiled at her.
"Here, let's see if they fit those pretty legs of yours."
She watched as he slid them on her. He'd used the crafting skill to make them cling to her small legs like stockings, and not move as she ran. She giggled like he was tickling her the whole time, then they were in place.
"How they feel?"
She stood up and looked at her new garment. The pair of rabbit leg warmers fit her small legs like tights, and were solid black. The had a small hole over her knee to allow bending, and styed put when she moved. She smiled.
"they're warm and soft. Thank you."
She hugged him, and he hugged her back.
"Glad you like em."
She smiled, and her stomach rumbled.
"Yes ma'am."
That got a laugh.
"How's the deer coming ladies?"
"Got the first strips ready."
"That pelt ready?"
"Yup."
"Atta girls!"
They giggled as Tyler went to pull the meat over, when Wulf beat em to it.
"Deer is kinda my specialty."
"By all means then. I'll make Lily a new outfit."
Tyler pulled the hide over, and looked at Lily.
"Anything in particular?"
She smiled.
"Hmmm, warm! And tight."
"Sure."
Tyler used his skill to make the girl another dress. He had her hand him the leftovers of her old gown, and as she sat directly behind him{which the other girls made happen}. The new gown was tan with bits of yellow in the deer fur. He passed it to her, and he listened to her dress. After she came to stand for inspection. It hung to her knees, had a string around the middle that tied in the front for easy removal, and had elbow length sleeves. Tyler smiled.
"Well?"
She spun.
"It's warm and soft. I love it!"
He hugged the now beaming girl.
"There's a pocket for a hidden dagger too."
She smiled as she slid a dirk Sera had given her into it.
"They want to take me again, they need to beat me first."
Tyler just patted her head as he shook his.
"You're going to be a wild one in a few years."
That made her glow as Wulf had the first of the meat ready.
"I used salt and basil on it. Should be tasty."
It was, and the camp was full of the sounds of happy eaters.
"Damn dude, this is good."
"Uncle Wolf makes good Venison."
"wow, Wulf, should have you on deer duty now."
"I second that."
After the food was eaten, the deer was stored for later use. Sera and lily had gone into the tent to sleep, and the group were sitting around the fire. Tyler sighed.
"hey, Wulf. That attack came from nearby, didn't it?"
The ranger nodded.
"It did. A group that large? With giants as well? Yeah, no way that's a random raid."
"What happens to captives of goblins?"
Wulf looked at him.
"Rape, torture, and death."
"Goblin slayer goblins then."
Both hand Kaori shuddered as he spoke.
"Okay. Tomorrow we kill every single one of those things."
They all nodded. Lillia looked at him.
"What's our play?"
"We'll find their hideout. They like caves?"
"No. Large clearings they build to their needs."
"Good. We not equipped for cave fighting. That's right up there with urban combat on places I do NOT want to fight in."
Wulf nodded.
"I agree. We'd need a few night sight skills to fight in a cave."
"We expect more giants?"
"They threw fifty at us, right? We can expect at least a hundred goblins, and maybe five more giants."
"My Demon's Wrath will be available tomorrow. We cannot leave those things to prey upon some other poor traveler. Okay. A group that size needs a leader."
"You're looking for either a hobgoblin, or bigger."
"Worse case?"
"Anything above a goblin king."
"If we kill the king FIRST?"
"The camp dissolves into infighting and chaos."
"Giants and goblins hate each other?"
"They hate everything."
"So, if we piss off the giants."
"They'd flatten the camp."
"And we mop up. Okay."
Tyler looked around the camp as he thought.
"Sera and Lily go NO WHERE NEAR the place. That said, we need myself, Kaori, Wulf, and Vixen to kill them to the last creature. At least. I just don't like leaving Malico to defend the girls alone."
Wulf had a thought.
"Have Sera and Lillia shoot arrows from horses away from the main fighting. Lily Can supply quivers."
"Do giants throw rocks?"
"Not stone giants. They prefer clubs of stone. And that's the only race of giant in this region. Other then moss giants. They're a peaceful race though."
"Okay. What's the absolute worst thing that can be leading those goblins, Wulf?"
He threw a log on the fire.
"A demon."
"They strong?"
He looked at him.
"Very."
"Tempesta strong?"
Wulf smiled an unpleasant smile.
"Yes. A high archdemon is as strong as Tempesta."
"I don't think the big guy would have just flown by if something of THAT caliber was in the area."
Wulf chuckled.
"Indeed. Tempesta HATES demonkind with a ferocity only a Dragon can possess. If such a creature were loose in this area, he'd hunt it down himself."
"Nice to know if we find one he missed, we can call in dragon support."
Wulf and the other all laughed.
"The way this guy's mind works. Only he would think of calling to a dragon to kill a demon."
Tyler smiled.
"Okay, so, we're looking at something that can bully stone giants and goblins in obeying."
"Could be a rogue frost giant or an iron ogre. More plausible."
"Okay, look at your HUDs. We got a heavy battle tomorrow."
They all nodded, and did just that. Tyler had an extra hundred points to blow, so he split them between his strength, speed, agility, and defense. Afterward he poured more power into the spells.
"Let's turn in. Tomorrow's gonna suck."
The fire was doused, and they went into the tent. Lily and Sera were curled up asleep. And Tyler smiled as he saw they really were too. He looked over to see Kaori and Malico laying down together. The two girls looked at him, and smiled.
"Wanna join us?"
Tyler went and laid between them. Kaori and Malico were naked, and smiled at the boy joining them.
"Okay, one rule."
"Oh?"
The girls took turns kissing him.
"No dick. Just mouth and hands."
"I can handle that."
Tyler then leaned in to kiss Kaori as Malico took her nipple in her mouth to suck on. The blonde smiling as Tyler slipped a hand to her button. She bucked,
"Acceptable."
Tyler slid a finger into her slit, and she moaned hard. Then he moved from her mouth to her untouched nipple, and she was gasping.
"Oh that feels so good. Don't stop please!"
Tyler did not stop, and neither did Malico. Kaori arched her back as Tyler kissed her into silence with Malico restraining her body. Then her climax ended and Tyler turned on Malico.
"I waited far too long to do this!"
Malico giggled as he latched onto her large nipple.
"Oh my, he suckles better then Kaori!"
Tyler loved her nipple. He then remembered something about her people, he reached around, liftin her onto him, and grasped her tail. The catgirl jumped as he grasped it. Then she kissed him.
"You remembered."
"I love you too, Malico."
She smiled as he started stroking her tail. Her moaning increased ten-fold, and he kissed her as she blew as well. Then she smiled as she looked at kaori.
"This one's dangerous."
The blonde had a satisfied blush on her face as Tyler laid down between them.
"That he is."
The girls then noticed the bulge below his belt.
"Shall we help him?"
"It's only FAIR!"
the girls giggled as they exposed his favorite sword.
"Wow, bigger than I thought."
"A 'proper' Warriors weapon an no mistake."
Kaori took the thing in her hand, and Tyler laughed.
"What?"
"I got kaori herself with a hand on my sword. You told me that a month ago I'd said you were delusional. I love you, Kaori."
She smiled as she moved her hand up and down his length,
"I love you too, Tyler."
"Should warn you, it's been a while."
Malico and Kaori looked at each other.
"We really don't wanna make a mess."
"No we do not. Wanna show me your world's play?"
kaori fit his sword into her mouth, and he bucked himself.
"Damn, Kaori. I love this new you! And your mouth."
She smiled as Malico watched as she bobbed for apples along his length. The sexy catgirl looked at the happy smile on his face,
"So, this is how you play in your world."
"We ain't even started yet, kittycat."
her tail flicked back and forth excitedly,
"Oh I cannot wait."
Tyler smiled as he felt himself get close.
"Locked and loaded."
All that got him was an increase in effort. He moaned quietly as Kaori swallowed her taste shot. Then he went limp, and she let him fall. She smiled as she kissed Malico.
"Well?"
the blonde smirked.
"I've waited FAR too long to do that to you."
"Same here."
She smiled again.
"I'll get the taste out of my mouth before we kiss again."
"Share it with Malico."
That got a smile on both girls, and they went to it as Tyler put his sword away. He then heard a subtle whistle. He looked to get a thumbs up from Wulf in in front of the flap. Tyler flipped him a thumb as well before Kaori laid on his chest.
"Okay, I'm tired."
Vixen was rubbing her own aching spot now as she took his left arm, and Malico his right.
"Good night ladies. And Wulf. Hope you enjoyed the show."
"I hate you, so much. But respect."