DAYS UNTIL WAVE: 56
Kaori kissed him awake. She was smiling as he opened his eyes.
"I beat you this time."
HE chuckled.
"Vixen has the same ability as us, and came for a little show."
Kaori smiled.
"Her punishment?"
Tyler gave Malico her own kiss as he replied.
"Oh, just a subtle nod that she's left the door open for spiritual screwing."
They all laughed as they dressed and went for a morning bath. Tyler paying an extra few silvers for Kaori's hair. Tyler sitting in the bath relaxing with his back to the ladies section. As he rested, Wulf came in and joined him. The elven ranger smiling widely.
"So?"
Tyler smiled widely as well.
"Beds still intact, Malico learned a new use for her tail with Kaori, and my rod is skinned. Fun night."
Wulf just burst out laughing as he pictured it.
"Lucky bastard."
"Oh, and we gave Malico the ability as well."
He chuckled.
"They like her?"
"They have a new pet cat. Sylvia was lost in her melons, and Sallie nearly got me killed by teasing kaori's genes."
HE burst out laughing again,
"Sounds like a perilous situation."
"Oh, and we had a visitor last night looking for a show."
He gulped,
"You know who?"
"Vixen wanted a show. So, a show she got. According to Sylvia, some elf got curious, but remembered the door he was about to open. Smart lad."
Wulf chuckled.
"Vixen? Somehow I don't think you mind as much."
"Her? Nah. Gonna tease her though. For a show of THAT quality, ya need to pay something!"
The two men laughed.
Kaori was getting her hair done as Malico gave her tail a VERY thorough cleaning. The girls laughing at their play the night prior. Then Vixen walked in, and both ladies looked at her knowingly. The beautiful pale skinned beauty was a little nervous by the looks.
"Am I injured?"
Malico flicked water at her.
"Enjoy the show?"
She blushed a deep crimson as she saw she'd been ratted out.
"I did."
Kaori was heard laughing.
"Just so you know, the doors open now."
Malico came and rested her head on the now scared beauty's massive breasts.
"And we, me, kaori, and Tyler, FULLY intend to walk right though. Don't worry, we'll be gentle."
The cat dragged her tongue across the top of the pale beauty's breasts, getting a shiver.
"Well, I will be at least."
Tyler was sitting at the table fitting the new news crystal he'd bought of a passing runner for the guild he'd spotted. Wulf was cleaning his dagger. The Outcast sat back against the wall as he looked it over.
"This Morning in Vernillion. Ladies and gentlemen, we have a new Queen of the Elves. That said, let us start at the beginning of this tale. As you are aware, we reported on a potential day off for the Legendary Outcast party. We now know this was far from correct. Tyler the Outcast and his party arrived at the elven capital of Cragspire yesterday, at just before noon after killing five. That's right. FIVE goblin camps to the last creature. It would seem that the Outcast has a particularly vicious hatred for the vile creatures, as it would seem a party raided his camp as the things were chasing a small family with a wagon. Once the camps were located, the father of the family, one Yorlund, said he could see the flames and hear the creatures screaming from the road. Out of the five camps, were rescued 15 poor captives, including one poor lady whose eyes had been popped by the creatures. The lady's sight was restored by the Outcast's power, and is now hailed as a great beauty. Upon escorting the freed captives and wagon to the city, Tyler and the party were met by an honor guard of elven Guard's finest. Yorlund then told us Tyler took two aside to gave them news of their daughters demise at the hands of Warriors. And, according to Yorlund, Tyler the Outcast is now besieged with a rage that is simply terrifying to behold. It is reassuring to hear of a Warrior with a heart that can bleed for another. Even if that Warrior stills scares this writer. Once the sad deed was completed, the procession continued. They were given a Hero's welcome from the city and her People. Tyler was seen to love the adoration of the people, showing off his flames at times to all and sundry. That is, until our fair city's ugliness was made apparent to the Warrior. A small girl of 90 years was shoved into a puddle in full view of the Warrior, who is said to have a brotherly fondness for girls of her age and stature."
"Way to make me sound like a guy with a little sister fetish, guys."
"The Warrior stopped the procession to pick the girl out of the puddle, heal her, and demand the man who had pushed her to apologize. Alas, reader, that poor girl was a slave. Our city has struggled with Slavery centuries now. This writer was present and watching the procession on the street, and let me tell you, readers of Lectis, the feelings on that street went from a festively jovial experience, to cold dread as the Warrior sought the truth of our city from a native of our city in his party. The man was dragged screaming into the street by the enraged Warrior, as it would seem Slavery of ANY form is NOT tolerable. Once he learned the sad truth, hen killed that owner himself, as the poor girl became afflicted with a slave keeping spell that prevented a bad word against her owners. Reader, when that poor child screams of pain reached his ears, his eyes were filled with such rage, and his normally brown eyes were seen to glow green as he gathered all his rage at this tragedy, as if to unleash some devastating power. The only reason our city still stands this morn, is nothing short of a miracle. As the Queen herself was seen groveling before the enraged Warrior. It would seem this Warrior will hold EVERYONE accountable to what is right, for he took Queen Tatiana to task for allowing such festering evil as slavery to take root PERIOD in our city. Any reasons or excuses the queen tried to put to the Warrior were met with scathingly harsh criticisms, uncompromising solutions, and, truth be told, a most fatherly disapproval. The results of this chastisement was the seeking out, and subsequent execution of every slave owner in the city. The Queen herself joined the purge, and now our city stands free of chains. But, he did NOT stop there. For, when Tatiana introduced the Warrior to her dragon guardian, Glacious the crystal dragon, Tyler saw right away it was a fake dragon. How, this writer cannot say. But, truth it is nonetheless. It was then revealed that the imposter was a doppelganger demon. And the thing then took Tyler's OWN form, getting a complete copy of both his stats and his abilities. Any normal person would go white with fear at the idea of fighting one's mirror image. Tyler, however laughed, saying you can take his image and abilities, but to truly BE him, you need to see his memories and gain his mind. But, if you'd seen HIS memories, you'd still be an easy kill, as you'd be too busy screaming from them to raise a sword. That is, if the torture chamber that is his mind didn't kill you itself. The Outcast then proceeded to kill his doppelganger and thus free the captive dragon. Yet, he was STILL not done. For, it would seem the sister to the Queen Tatiana, Lady Willow Hammershot, had become suspicious of our City's council and had requested Tyler to investigate it the only way he could. For, once again in his words, an Outcast can get his hands dirty doing work others just can't. A most wise sentiment, and one that this writer whole heartedly agree with. So, investigate it he did, and it was brought to light that the entire council had procured spells of a vile nature to both manipulate and take advantage of poor Tatiana the Queen of a truly horrific extend. This was the last straw for the Queen, as she had found herself utterly ill-equipped for the demands of rule. So, ladies and gentlemen, she passed the rule of the elves to Willow herself. And, in my own personal opinion? We could not have asked for a better queen, as Willow is as fierce as a barbarian brawler, and as tough as a winter raised white bear. The council was dissolved and thrown out by the Outcast himself, many flying a record distance, slavery outlawed period, and a host of other things put to rights. So, in short? The Outcasts ride into the Capital, and in the space of a single day, utterly reform the entire city from the gutters to the Palace. The Outcast has also been granted the title of Warrior's Council. A title that can only be EARNED by facing two Monarchs, and chastising them for their failures. WITHOUT a SINGLE word of lie or false truth. And hold true to ones own beliefs. It seems that Tyler HAS a code. A VERY rigid code, and will not hesitate to call you out on your failures to meet his standards. We are in desperate need of more like him. With the first wave drawing closer, we need more like him then ever before. In other news, another airship saw fit to defy the dragon's rules, and was taken down by Furiosa this time. The Forest dragon then granted a reporter a few words in regards to the Outcast.
"Beware that boy's rage. He carries the guilt of two lives cut short by Warriors. He has earned the title of Holy Muse, yet the roiling rage within him was enough to scare me half to death with it's sheer fury and destructiveness. If we are not careful, and his rage is set off, then not even we sky lords could stop the resulting rampage."
Holy Muse. A most tragic and heartbreaking title to be bestowed upon one so young. We here at the guilds raise our mugs in tribute to those poor souls that now haunt our hero's steps. May the gods have pity upon you boy, for we all do. Now we move to the city of Term, where the town guard had to be mobilized to contain a riot started by the Warriors feeling cooped up within the only city still open to them in a two day ride. Which, is far too much work for them now adays. Damage was in the thousands as they sought a royal decree to FORCE the cities to allow them access. However, King Ishtar, who has had a new fire of late, firmly made his OWN royal decree.
"If a Warrior wishes access to a city with gates closed, they must first PROVE themselves worthy to the leader of said city BEFORE they get to set foot within the walls. As my Warrior Council, Tyler the Outcast would say, you will either step up, or get stepped over. Don't like it? Doors over there."
Even King Ishtar seeks the wisdom of the Outcast. It is truly a spectacular story, ladies and gentlemen. From mere wrongly condemned murderer, to one with dragons, kings and Queens alike now looking for an audience with him. In the space of a mere month no less. We are only beginning here. Let us see what he does today."
Tyler chuckled as he closed the HUD.
"My plans for today? Get really, REALLY wrecked."
Wulf tilted his head at the strange boy.
"You talking to the girls?"
Tyler smiled as he knew both were sitting on his legs,
"More commenting on the news."
The ranger just sighed.
"Still an odd one."
Tyler smiled as he saw a now nervous Vixen, accompanied by a smugly grinning Malico and Kaori exit the bathhouse to join the table.
"So, did my hot goth fox enjoy her show?"
She gulped.
"I did."
"Next time, just knock and we'll make it a pile."
She blushed as Kaori and Malico both hugged her, pressing their faces into her bosom.
"Only, YOU will be the filling of the sandwich."
"Course, we all know Tyler will be the true winner here."
He chuckled as Wulf sighed.
"Lucky. Bastard."
Tyler then patted Vixen on her ample rear.
"Don't worry, Vixen, you'll enjoy yourself."
They all chuckled as the rest of the party came to join them. Lily marching over to sit on Tyler's open leg. Unaware she was sitting between Sallie and Sylvia on the thing. Tyler patted her dark hair.
"Morning Lily. Sleep well?"
She was drinking her coffee, so only gave him a shrug for an answer. The party then ate breakfast, as a runner came in.
"Pardon, I seek the one known as Outcast."
Tyler lifted his head.
"Aye Lad, I be Outcast!"
The boy came over with a letter.
"I've two things sirrah. A letter from the Lady Seline. And the Guild wishes you to present your Bestiary."
Tyler took the letter,
"Thankee lad."
He gave the runner 20 silver, and he sped off. Tyler looked to Wulf.
"Present my Bestiary?"
The elf chuckled.
"It's how they monitor monster numbers, and decide on promotions."
"Ah yeah. I forgot I'm still a wood rank. Well, since we're all one party, we can all join up."
The ranger had a thought.
"I think Sera and Lillia shouldn't join the guild. At least until they can handle themselves, and Lily is still too young."
"Even if she's fiercer then most of them."
Lily moved over to rest her head on his chest.
"Least you know."
Tyler opened the letter.
"Outcast. I am aware you intend to visit before moving to Yalik. I only ask you hurry, as I have need of your help. We've been getting poked by an unusually persistent group of bandits trying to breach our walls. And with our guard needed to keep out the Warriors, I'm afraid I must ask for your aid."
Seline.
Tyler sighed.
"Seline just sent for our aid."
They all sighed as he passed the letter around. Sera looked at Lily and both girls nodded.
"When do we leave?"
"We need to help Melly!"
Tyler hugged both girls tightly as he looked to his party.
"We'll talk to Willow. Looks like we're going to miss the party."
They all chuckled. Then Wulf tossed him the letter.
"We can always party. Right now our friends need us."
They all nodded, and their eyes were shining. Tyler rose.
"We need to see the Queen."
The party nodded, and off they went to her palace. The group were brought straight to the office Willow and Tatiana were in. Tyler placed the letter on the desk.
"We need to go."
Willow and Tatiana read it, and chuckled.
"Aye, lad. That you do."
"If Seline has sent for you, then it must be serious."
Tyler rubbed his head ruefully.
"Sorry for bailing on the party."
Willow snorted.
"Boy, we can always throw another party. Now, you need to get to TopLeaf as well."
Tyler nodded.
"Kaori needs to look over their horse feed."
The newly crowned queen chuckled.
"Lad, we have an airship requesting a search to get off the ground."
"I like where this is going."
Willow looked to a map.
"They intend to stop in TopLeaf before heading for Raylik. All they need is a trusted White path search."
"Ship's name?"
"The Paladin. She's an elven patrol/merchant vessel. Think Nidhogg but green."
Tyler smiled widely.
"So, are you letting us hitch a ride on an airship?"
Willow smiled as well.
"That specializes in transporting horses as well."
Kaori huffed.
"I'LL be the judge of that!"
They all laughed affectionately. The leader of the party looked at the map.
"Okay, length of the flight?"
"All told? 9 hours."
"That quick?"
"We're sending you to them, plus Paladin's the fastest ship in the air."
Tyler looked at his team.
"Okay, Raylik has anything we could need to supply. How soon to load in?"
Kaori tilted her head.
"We'll spilt in two. YOU go clear the crew and captain with Vixen and Thistle, I'll take the rest to get the horses ready."
"Nice to see your brain again, Shadow."
He looked back to Willow.
"Time frame?"
"That ship does not get off that dirt until you give the nod. They will also differ to YOUR orders."
Tyler looked at the map again.
"Well. Alright then. Break!"
Tyler and his crew went to their tasks with a will, as Willow chuckled as she looked at her sister.
"That boy. Rides into town, flips it onto it's head, then leaves the next morning because of a letter."
Tatiana was also smiling.
"And without hesitating, abandons his hero party as well."
Willow had an idea.
"Hey, Tatiana, you said you had a reward for him."
Tyler, Vixen, and Thistle went to the air hangar to conduct the inspection, as the others readied the horses. The airship was a beautiful deep green with twin balloon that reminded Tyler of a set of blimps over a ship's hull. As they approached, there was a commotion at the base of the scaffolding to board the vessel. A group of elves were arguing with a group of men, and Tyler recognized the white capped man leading the men.
"Ahoy! Cap'n Greg!"
The yelling stopped as Tyler and his accompanying friends reached them. The captain of the Nidhogg broke out into a relieved smile as Tyler appeared.
"Well met lad. Thank the gods you've appeared."
Tyler chuckled as he and the burly captain clasped hands.
"Davey get a little too friendly with a cannon again?"
The man in question was amongst the group.
"It was ONE time!"
"That's how it starts. But, at least SOMETHING wants to be friendly widcha!"
The jovial crew laughed as Davey just flipped his hands at him.
"Ah shove it ya arrogant prick!"
Tyler chuckled as he looked to the captain.
"So, what's yer issue?"
Greg sighed.
"These idiots are prepping to launch without an inspection. We're trying to stall them, as the last thing this world needs is an issue between the Dragons and us ground folk."
"The dragons need to SHARE that sky. We have every right to it as well."
"NO you DON'T."
Tyler looked the elf that had spoke right in the eye.
"Do you have wings on your back?"
The elf glared at him.
"We MADE-"
"Do. You. Have. Wings. On your back? Yes or no."
The incensed elf was gritting his teeth.
"No."
"Then you have NO claim to the sky. Cancel your flight. You WILL relearn this lesson."
The elf laughed at him.
"Launch the ship when ready!"
Tyler pulled his bow, and fitted three arrows,
"Ahoy, Greg, best place for these?"
The captain knew where he was going.
"Allow us to get back first."
"Of course."
"Thankee. Oh, and just pop the balloons."
Tyler placed a few enhancements on his shafts as the ship tried to lift off without an inspection. Tyler lifted his bow, as the now frantic elves rushed him, only for Thistle to cut them down as Tyler fired Piercing shot, ChainShot and Piercing Teardrop into the balloon nearest him. It popped like a carnival balloon, and the ship came back down with a creaking and cracking of ships timbers. Tyler and his two friends then boarded the vessel as Greg explained the situation to a panicked elven guard. Tyler went straight for the captain's quarters, and tore the door off the hinges, only to get a crossbow bolt bouncing off his chainmail. The elf that had fired it was glowering at the Warrior as Tyler dragged him off the crippled vessel and threw him into the dirt. Willow came running as soon as she'd been made aware of the forced liftoff. Vixen was looking through the captain's Licenses as Tyler and Thistle examined the crew. Tyler took one look into their eyes and sighed.
"Slaves, they're all a bunch of slaves."
"Got four here."
"Atta a fox. We'll had em to the pile later."
Willow came forward then.
"I got the story from Greg."
Tyler sighed.
"I think I need to have a word with Tempesta or Furiosa. We're being FAR too lenient here. For it would seem that they've forgotten who TRULY rules that sky."
Willow nodded as Greg came over with the rest of the Outcasts. The air captain was chuckling.
"Lad, the Nidhogg would be honored to carry you and your companions. And yes, we can transport horses."
"HOW DARE YOU? My airship!"
A large bellied elf man dressed in silks and furs came storming over to stand before the new Queen.
"YOU need to learn who REALLY rules this land! The outlining cites will starve now, as I will NOT-"
"Hey, Willow, was Tatiana ever good with business?"
Willow slung her hammer on her shoulder as she considered the odd question.
"As a matter of fact, she always WAS a very good businesswoman. Why do you ask lad?"
Tyler chuckled.
"Well, since defying the Queen in the manner he has just done, is punishable by seizure of all he owns, correct?"
She smiled widely as she got it then.
"That mind is a truly devious weapon lad, an no mistake."
She looked at the still glowering man.
"As penance for your misjudgment, all you own, hold and claim are stripped from you, and transferred to my sister."
The man laughed insolently.
"You haven't the authority to do this, as you'd need the Council to agree."
"Dude. Read the damned news. Council got thrown out the city gates yesterday."
"I'm sorry, but do hush lad. This is a proper discussion."
Willow slammed her hammer in to the man's stomach, lifting him off his feet with a heavy whoosh of air, as all of it was driven from his lungs. Tyler sighed.
"Dammit, I wanted lily to preform another deballing."
The small girl flexed her leg.
"I mean I CAN if you really want me to."
"Not on me please."
"Ugh, FINE. Uncle wolf then."
"HUH?!"
Wulf had been watching Willow lay down the law quietly, but now hearing Lily use his name like that made him nervous. He then saw Lily flexing her leg, and grinning wickedly at him. HE then saw Tyler breathing a sigh of relief.
"If she gets me, you sonuvabitch, YOU will open the door this time."
"Fair."
Tyler then looked back as the man was hauled away in chains as Willow slung her hammer on her shoulders.
"I will NOT repeat myself."
Tyler sighed.
"The crew are all slaves."
"I see. Very well. Lad, I can handle this one."
Tyler looked at her.
"You sure?"
The mother to Lily tapped her hammer head.
"I ain't no weakling, and I ain't daft. YOU just make me girl happy."
Tyler gave Lily a hug.
"Well, if you're sure. Captain Greg."
He looked from his inspection of the damage to the green ship.
"Aye lad?"
"How soon can we be underway?"
He replied with a twinkle in his blue eyes.
"Soon as the miss is satisfied with the horses accommodations."
Tyler looked to his crew.
"Load up!"
The next hour was spent loading the ship with the horses, who were given a spell to both help them relax, and not panic in the air. Tyler was in the captains quarters with Wulf and Greg to chart the course.
"We're to stop in TopLeaf, as Kaori got word of a bad feed shipment for the horses. Once she's happy, our true destination is Raylik, as Seline says she needs our help."
Greg pulled a map of air currents used by Airship crews.
"Okay, TopLeaf to Raylik. Some nasty crosswinds there laddee. But nothing we can't handle."
Tyler smiled.
"Seems fitting in a weird way."
Wulf and Greg looked at him.
"What you mean lad?"
"What surfaced now?"
Tyler touched Oblivion's hilt.
"My first Airship flight is aboard the first one I saw upon entering this world, bearing the blade of the one that saved us first."
Greg chuckled, understanding.
"Aye lad. Fitting it be."
Tyler smiled as there was a knock on the door.
"Cap'n Queen willow has something for the Outcast."
"Thankee Picard."
Tyler went out curiously, as he saw Willow with a long bundle wrapped in cloth with a complement of ribbon wearing Elven Guard. Tyler stood before the Queen as she laid the long object on her hands.
"For your service to the elven kingdom and her people, I bestow the Title of Champion of the Elves upon you."
She tore open the wrapped cloth, revealing another hand-and-a-half broadsword of Gleipnir's length. Tyler's eyes lit up as he beheld the weapon. Willow continued.
"This is a Magicite blade. As of yet, it has no name. So, lad, what will you name it?"
Tyler smiled.
"Fafner."
Willow burst out laughing.
"Then Name of the Reaper that rides Gleipnir himself."
Tyler placed his hand upon the hilt, and it glowed brightly as his twin paths lit up the blade. HE replaced the other broadsword he had sticking over his shoulder with Fafner. Then Glacious appeared from the sky. The crystal dragon poked his forehead again.
"I bestow my Dragon Friendship upon you as well. Plus my breath. Use it well."
Tyler opened his HUD and she dropped a bit of multicolored fire onto it, and he smiled as he saw the new color breath, though, his stats were only boosted by 25, not the full fifty. As was his way, he breathed the flames in tribute to the dragon, getting a rousing cheer. Then he bid farewell as he boarded the Nidhogg. The airship launched without issue, and off they went. Tyler standing at the prow as he felt the wind on his face, as a series of loud blasts were heard below. Looking down at the city, they were treated to mages casting fireballs in a tributary fireworks display at the Warrior's departure. Tyler breathed his flames as they went, careful NOT to hit anything. Then they were clear of the city and Tyler looked to see his crew all loving the feel of the deck beneath their feet, even Lily. The small elven girl looking over the edge of the deck at the ground going by.
"Sera, Lily, watch yourselves near the edge."
The two girls both point to tethers tied to their waist attached to rings on the edge of the ship. Tyler chuckled.
"Right, need to remember that not EVERYONE is an idiot."
That got a laugh from the crew as they worked. Tyler strode the deck as the men all went about the tasks a crew did to make an airship fly. He found Kaori resting on a railing wedged between the stairs and rail where she could look over at the clouds and sky. Tyler smiled as sat in a spot beside her.
"Now we're sky rovers."
She smiled as she snuggled into his arm.
"Feels wrong for some odd reason."
He hugged her.
"we'll thunder along the road again soon. We're just in a hurry right now."
She had a relieved smile.
"This is fun, don't get me wrong, just flying's never really been my thing."
"I forgot about that. Your cousin died in a plane crash, right?"
The pretty blonde hugged him.
"Yeah. Always makes me nervous, leaving the ground."
"Odd that an angel is afraid to fly."
She blushed as she kissed him.
"Smooth. But thanks."
"Sure, Kaori."
The blonde settled against him, as they watched the clouds go by. Tyler picking out sky sharks here and there as they went.
"It weird I kinda wanna see a dragon kill one?"
Kaori watched as a 150 foot specimen that was merely a larger great white shark drifted up beside the ship close enough Tyler and Kaori could make the indentations in its skin. Tyler held the now trembling Kaori as the beast waved its ten foot tall tail back and forth to move through the air.
"It's okay, kaori. Long as we leave it alone, it'll ignore us."
She clung to him as the beast did indeed ignore them.
"Still not used to seeing a shark that size right next to me."
He stroked her long blonde ponytail as he hugged her.
"Sharks always did scare you. Thank Jaws for that one."
She smiled, as Greg came over to look at the beast alongside his ship.
"Magnificent, aren't they?"
Tyler chuckled.
"Even if seeing flying sharks still goes against the grain."
Greg laughed.
"Sailors say that all the time. And to be fair? Can't really blame them."
Tyler smiled,
"No you cannot."
The Skyshark drifted off on it's way as the Nidhogg went on its own. Tyler kissed kaori, just cause it felt right as Greg chuckled.
"We'll be in TopLeaf in two hours."
Tyler smiled.
"Aye aye Cap'n."
The airman walked off laughing as The Warriors watched the world go by. They both felt the presences of both Sallie and Sylvia sitting between them as they got to experience an airship for the first time. Tyler looked around at the deck, as the tasks were completed. Sera and Lily had sat by the prow of the ship to watch as they flew, Malico was laying by a cannon in a patch of sunlight, Lucy was sharpening her axe, Vixen was getting admiring gazes as she sat on a set of steps, Lillia was doing practice swings with her blade, Wulf was talking with a lookout, and Thistle was up in the crows nest with another lookout. Tyler rubbed Kaori's arm as he happened to glance into the distance. HE then spotted a familiar shade of green amongst the white and blue of the sky.
"Heads up! Furiosa is headed in our direction!"
the crew gave a collective gulp, as Greg came to stand beside the calmly watching duo.
"Yup, that's the Forest Queen alright. Hope she's in a good mood."
Tyler smiled as he stood.
"She's probably looking for me. This point, it's a kinda running gag that every dragon we see wants a word with us. Though, for once, I'd like a word meself."
Tyler pulled out his gem pouch, and waited for the bulk of Furiosa to position itself alongside the craft. Tyler smiled as he looked into her eye.
"Morning Furiosa. Gems?"
She laughed.
"Not today Warrior. I understand you sought council?"
HE smiled again.
"I did indeed. I had a word with an airship seeking clearance for liftoff. Their attitudes were what made me think informing you was the best course."
The green dragon looked at him curiously.
"I see. Very well, what was their disposition?"
HE rubbed his temples as he explained.
"They claimed that you, the dragons, NEED to SHARE that sky. Claiming they had a right to it as you do."
Furiosa blinked. Twice.
"Your response?"
"I asked the idiot if he had wings on his back. After flat out TELLING them they have NO right up here."
She chuckled as she saw his reasoning.
"I take it they forced the issue?"
"I shot that thing out of the sky myself. Reason for this council, is if they are possessed of THAT type of arrogance, then I think the sky needs to fall. Just to drive the point home, that NO they have NO claim to the blue. With the SOLE exceptions of this vessel I am currently in, and any I deem worthy."
Furiosa considered this as Tyler rubbed his head as a mounting headache throbbed behind his eyes.
"Be ya ill lad?"
HE just smiled at the green dragon.
"Not at all. Just I have always found this kind of idiocy particularly draining."
She sighed in sympathy.
"Believe me lad, I feel the same way. What of the ships that have complied?"
"Willingly?"
"Indeed. A few crews rejoice when we visit them. And they have all been willing to meet our rules."
"Me thinks they just want a close look at a high dragon, and really? Who can blame them? If they've complied willingly, then they may keep their sky pass."
Furiosa laughed.
"I can see your reasoning for seeking council, as arrogance of that kind is always a bad sign."
"Scary part? An elf gave me that line, and the crew of the ship were slaves as well."
Furiosa then looked at him.
"I understand you had a hand in the recent ascension."
"I did."
She looked deeply into his soul.
"I could feel you charging the Roar."
Tyler tilted his head.
"Okay?"
She was still looking at him.
"Are you deliberately torturing yourself to fuel it?"
"I am."
Kaori sighed as she smacked him. Furiosa looked at her.
"He's done this before?"
Kaori looked at the dragon.
"He has, Sky Lady. Back when he had his split personality, The Monster as it was called, he'd deliberately torture himself mentally to feed the thing to keep it from escaping. It was a vile creature made of all the pain he had suffered, so he could still be him."
Kaori smacked him again as he looked at her.
"Plus, he does that nearly subconsciously. He says his mind is a torture chamber, for it is. And he'll lock himself within it in order to chastise himself of some mistake or regret. Justified or not."
Furiosa looked to Tyler now.
"You seek to add to its power."
Tyler sighed.
"I do. With the force I can pack into it right this second, two square miles would be a crater a hundred feet deep, with only myself and my friends walking away."
He looked at her.
"For, sometimes, the only thing to do is wipe the broad."
Furiosa lowered her head in pity.
"You're willing to sacrifice yourself, mind, body and soul to protect them. A truly noble thought, yet, the strain."
He chuckled.
"Nothing compared to when the Monster was locked within me."
Kaori sighed again.
"He wouldn't tell even if it was."
The dragon sighed as well.
"Those spirits feel the rage and pain themselves, you know."
Kaori rounded on Tyler.
"Did you know?"
HE clenched his fists.
"Sylvia told me yesterday."
The blonde's voice was full of razors.
"And you're STILL doing that? TO THEM?"
Tyler sighed.
"I can't give up this ace, Kaori. With it, even if the entire world comes at us, we'd still win."
She glared at him.
"And all it will cost is the continued torture of those two girls."
Tyler glared at her himself now.
"Sylvia asked that exact question, kaori."
She looked at him.
"What question?"
"If I had to choose, between them, or you, who would I pick?"
She was trembling now.
"What did you say?"
"I told Sylvia and Sallie to their faces, that if it ever came done to them or you. I'd choose YOU. Without hesitating."
His voice was firm and resolute, and Kaori hung her head as she sniffed.
"You are willing to go that far, for me?"
"I am."
He looked to Furiosa.
"If I understood the explanation of the power correctly, whatever feelings I pack into the blast will leave me."
The dragon sighed again.
"Indeed they will. Think of a dammed river that flooded a valley, once that dam breaks, the water rushes out, and the valley is emptied again."
"And if the dam is put back?"
"It would refill."
Tyler looked at Kaori.
"I will do whatever I deem necessary to keep you alive. With a smile on my face."
She hugged him.
"But, do you HAVE to make those girls suffer more just to protect me?"
He sighed.
"Right now, that power is my ultimate trump card. Even more than the other one. As much as I hate this, yes. I do."
Kaori choked up at that, when she felt a poke from then presences of Sallie and Sylvia. Tyler smiled.
"Go have a word with the girls. Take a seat, close your eyes and focus on their presences. That will be enough."
She nodded and sat under the stairs as Tyler looked to Furiosa.
"So, is there an issue with the new queen?"
Furiosa sighed, knowing he had made up his mind.
"No. She is a great choice. Just, beware that torture chamber, lest you go into it and never come back out."
He smiled as he saw Kaori wrap her arms around two unseen shapes.
"That DOES look weird from this angle. But, I will try."
She then blew a little smoke out of her nostrils.
"I see you still carry my gifts."
"Thank you for those. Even though I have ZERO idea just what the hell I'm gonna do with them."
She laughed.
"Most could think of a million uses for good dragon scale."
"I got uses, problem is we just got new gear. I believe in if it's not broke don't fix it. We got like four demon horns cause of it, and things are too valuable to sell."
She chuckled.
"If it's not broke don't fix it? It seems your world has many wise sayings."
"Even if they ignore the wisdom within them."
Furiosa bared her teeth in her version of a smile.
"I'll pass along your ruling on the airships."
"Thank you. Oh, and before I forget again. I got a question."
She fixed him with an intense eye.
"Speak."
"Just what the hell do those skysharks eat up here?"
She blinked, twice, before bursting out laughing so hard she nearly fell from the sky. Greg and his crew were shaking their heads, as the captain sighed.
"That boy reminds me more an more of ole Gru it's not even funny."
Furiosa got her mirth under control to speak again.
"Can I ask why you're curious about their diet?"
"Just a mild curiosity."
She laughed again.
"You are a very strange boy, seeking answers to questions no other human bothers to get an answer to, or dare. So, to answer your question? They feed off small creatures in the air similar to the whales of the sea and their food."
Tyler rubbed his head,
"Yet they have all the features of active hunters."
"They feed upon each other as well."
"Ah, there it is."
He let his head go as the head ache receded.
"Have anymore sharks been taken?"
She sighed again.
"Indeed lad. We also located those murderers of the Spirit girl, Sylvia."
"Last we heard, they holed up in Term."
"Indeed. That was where Ignatia tracked them to. Oh, and thanks a lot for giving that arrogant flame spitter an ego boost."
Tyler smiled at her clear exasperation.
"Which one is he using?"
"Ugh! Both!"
He smiled as he shook his head.
"I can try one out for you as well."
She smiled again.
"Do so."
"Alright, let's see. Oh! How about Nature Dragon Queen?"
Furiosa tilted her head.
"Furiosa the Nature Dragon Queen. That has a mighty fine ring to it."
Tyler smiled ruefully.
"Forests are kinda hard to make a decent ringing title for a dragon out of. But, glad I got one."
She chuckled,
"And it is a mighty fine one at that. I must take my leave now, as I must pass along the word of the arrogance."
"If I need to seek you out again?"
"Merely say my name, or any of the Dragon's you've been granted the title by, and they will hear and come."
"Kinda wanna find a demon somewhere and sic Tempesta on it."
Furiosa roared laughter as the others all groaned.
"By the scales lad, if you ever do so, please tell me how it play's out."
"Will do. Take care."
She tilted on her wings and drifted away as a few large green scales were dropped on deck. By the departing dragon. Tyler added em to his poach as he chuckled.
"Well, NOW what will I do with these?"
He then looked to the crew.
"Appreciate it if you don't go spreading the specifics about that."
They all laughed, as Greg spoke for them.
"Aye lad. That was a sight to behold."
"Thanks. Kinda thought you would, but hearing the words is better than assuming. Oh, and feel free to throw it in the other crew's faces ya got an up-close look at Furiosa."
That made them all laugh as Kaori came over and hugged him tightly. The blonde pressing her head into his shoulder.
"They said it doesn't hurt as badly as I thought it did. Sylvia said that since she told you, you walled them off from the pain. They can still feel it, but they're not in pain as I thought. They're just sad you ARE in pain."
HE wrapped his arms around her.
"I try Kaori. I promise you I do."
She smiled.
"I just wish you didn't have to carry it alone."
"And YOU know I'd never share the weight."
"Selfish bastard."
"I love you, Kaori."
She smiled and kissed him.
"And I love you, Tyler."
He smiled as they both felt the two spirits hug them between them.
"And we love our girls, Sallie and Sylvia."
"Very much."
They looked over the rail of the ship, as Greg was heard clearing his throat.
"If ya quite finished making the rest of us mighty jealous, we'll land in TopLeaf in five minutes."
Tyler and Kaori looked at the men, smiled, and kissed again even more passionately, getting a rousing cheer from the rowdy ship's crew. Then the STILL burning pile of goblin corpses was seen, which mildly surprised Tyler.
"Wow, that thing is STILL burning?"
That got a chuckle, as a crew member explained.
"Indeed, word is the town's been relighting it as a warning to all that dare try it. I heard they intend to make a festival out of it as well. As on the day of the victory, they make a pile of wood, and light it aflame in honor of the Warrior party that saved their town."
"I got a festival in me honor? Ha! Moving up in the world!"
The crew all laughed, as Tyler went to stand by Wulf as they descended.
"We still going to the Rock?"
The ranger chuckled, looking to where the two spirits stood.
"No need really. As I can see her at night if I wish."
Tyler smiled,
"I'll still leave another walnut for that guide though. Seems right."
The ship landed in the hangar, and the Outcasts disembarked to go visit some friends and go to their tasks as the ship's crew looked over the thing. Tyler and Kaori went straight for the Horse stables, where upon getting spotted were shown right to the grain, apples, and other feeds giving to horses. Tyler leaned against a gate as his competent friend did her work.
"She's something, ain't she?"
Tyler looked over as the Ferrier that had stabled their horses the last time came over to watch.
"That she is. Gods know she's a hell of a girl, and an even better partner."
The lad chuckled as he watched the industrious blonde shove her hands deep into the piles to check for dampness.
"I admit to some jealousy, sirrah, having a girl like that on your arm."
Tyler chuckled as well.
"Aye, sometimes even I have a hard time believing she's mine. But, as they say, truth is stranger then tale."
"That be wisdom, sirrah."
Tyler looked at him.
"Pray tell, what's become fo the horse taken off the Coward?"
HE chuckled affectionately.
"Ole Atlas? She's me niece's horse now. Girl loves her dearly, and treats her like royalty."
"Glad to hear she's doing better."
Kaori stood upright then.
"If you two boys are done discussing me like I wasn't here, feeds clean."
The Ferrier chuckled.
"We replaced it as soon as we got word."
Tyler had a thought.
"Where'd it come from?"
"That shipment? From what I was told it came from a border town to the west named Trost. Logrian used a spell to let them know the grain had gone bad, and it was found out a group of Warriors had used the grain depot as a latrine."
Tyler sighed.
"And they STILL tried to sell it?"
"It would seem so. Now the mayor of Trost is being brought up on charges of intentional horse poisoning, which in Vernillion is a hanging offense, as any idiot will tell you a good horse is worth more then it's weight in gold."
"Damn straight."
Kaori dusted her hands off.
"I'd like to see the horses now."
"Right this way Horse Mistress."
Tyler smiled as they walked after the lad.
"Don't even THINK of teasing me with that."
"As the Lady of Horses says."
"Damn. You really DO have a talent for titles."
"And flattering the pretty ones as well."
She hugged him as they reached the town stables. Tyler looking over his stats as Kaori did her thing. The Ferrier having work to do. Tyler smiled as he saw he had an extra 50 points to throw. I guess they're either a level cap for the first wave, or we're getting really high in the levels now. Or, goblins and those church idiots give really low Exp. I'm think it's that one, as goblins on their own are not much of a challenge. HE looked at his build, and put 25 into agility, and 25 into physical defense. Then he saw an icon in the top right for titles. He opened it, and saw he'd earned the title Wandering Healer. It boosts healing spells and white path power as well. Way he got it was traveling around to different places and healing citizens while ALSO refusing payment. He closed it as kaori finished up.
"Verdict Doc?"
She pointed out three.
"Those three need healing."
"Anyone else?"
"No, surprisingly. That one needs a good brushing, but nothing too bad."
Tyler smiled as he cast his brown spell upon the three indicated.
"Alright Shadow. That's done. I'll go drop a walnut off for our friend, and we can roll out."
She took his arm as they walked along the small stone path to the Guide's Rock. Kaori looked at the inn they'd stayed in the night of their first.
"It's tingling."
HE looked at her.
"We got the time if you wanna."
She blushed as she looked down.
"I wanna. But let's see Melly first."
He kissed her deeply as she sighed happily.
"But this is nice as well."
He smiled at her.
"I love you, Kaori."
She shivered.
"I love you too."
They came to the rock then, and with their skill, could faintly see the outline of the two girls hugging the three foot tall squirrel. Tyler placed a small handful of large walnuts for the Guide.
"Thanks friend. We get to hold Sallie and Sylvia thanks to you."
They heard the chatter as well as the giggling of the girls. Kaori smiled as well.
"Thanks for looking after her for us. Sallie, Sylvia, give him an extra warm hug!"
The outline showed the squirrel nearly get throttled by hug death as Tyler chuckled.
"Hug death is a truly terrifying thing to behold, isn't?"
The duo laughed, as Tyler sighed.
"Okay, ladies. We need to get back to the Hog."
The outlines split, and they all said farewell to their friend the squirrel guide. The offered nuts disappearing as the spirit squirrel chattered at the Warriors and their spirits.
Tyler and Kaori returned to Nidhogg to find Greg waiting for them.
"Problem?"
Greg rubbed his eyes.
"More issue. It would seem the Raylik has drawn the ire of a lord of bandits. As such, we need a royal's permission to enter the area."
"Sera! Lillia!"
Greg laughed.
"Oh right, I forgot."
"We good?"
"The Nidhogg will aid the defense of the city."
"Lets unleash hell."
They all loaded in and the ship was off. Greg bringing Tyler, Wulf and Thistle to his captain's quarters to use a crystal to contact Seline. The foxy lady was quick to answer.
"This is Seline, leader of Raylik."
"Hiya me fox. Heard you needed some Outcasts."
Her tails drooped with utter relief.
"Oh thank the gods. When will you get here?"
Greg chuckled.
"We'll be in the sky in four hours."
Her relief was so extreme, she was crying. Tyler sighed.
"What are we flying into Seline?"
She braced herself against an unseen table.
"A group of bandit camps have all banded together to assault me city. We're holding them off, but we need aid, and the king has his hands full dealing with the Warriors."
"Is Melly and our friends safe?"
"yes. All of them. We can hold them off for now, but we're in dire straits."
"Hold the Walls, Seline. Once we get there, those idiots will burn by dragon flame."
Greg chuckled.
"I'll sound the horn. We'll get there in TWO hours or we have no business in the sky."
Tyler scratched his head.
"I thought Willow said it'd take the Paladin 9 and she was the fastest craft in the sky?"
Greg just chuckled again.
"Boy, Nidhogg's a fierce tiger. She uses skystone. Think Magicite for your sword, but a fuel for our ship. We can go from Term to Cragspire in 6 hours flat if need be. That said, once used, the stone needs to recharge for a period of two days on the ground."
"get us there, and you and your crew will get a full week."
Seline laughed.
"I WON'T tell Melly her heroes came to rescue her."
"Oh, and tell Yoko to brush that tail, but DON'T tell her why."
The sexy fox flicked her tails at him.
"Oh, I'll be sure to. So you are aware, she's been very...feisty of late."
"I'll calm her once the fireworks die down. Should be fun."
That got a laugh from the other men, as Greg hit a patch on the wall.
"All hands, ready the stone! The city's in trouble, and the Outcast's eager to pet a raccoon."
Kaori was playing with Sera when she heard that last bit.
"Great. I left the door open, so now he'll go play."
Sera giggled as she gave the exasperated blonde a hug.
"Yet we ALL know your still the favorite!"
Kaori tickled the black haired girl.
"And YOU'RE still a cutie!"
Tyler then looked to the patch.
"Outcasts, we're flying into a battle, ready bows and ranged spells. Greg and his crew will touch down in the city so we can get the horses off the ship as fast as we can, then they will take up over watch above the walls as we lay waste to the bandit lord. Wulf and I will take the prow, all others, BREAK!"
Greg just watched as Tyler pulled his map of Raylik out to get a fresh look at the city and it's defenses.
"That lad is a full general."
Tyler spent less an thirty seconds looking at it before smiling.
"Seline has 8 hours tops before the walls are breached. We'll be on the ground in two. All dead in one."
He closed the map and pulled his bow.
"I'll take the prow, since my eyes see further then any lookout."
Wulf was right beside him as Greg saw to his own crew. Tyler climbed onto the long spike of the ram of Nidhogg as he looked at the ground and into the distance. An arrow nocked upon his bow, with Wulf just behind him, as he didn't have either the strength or the balls to stand beyond the railing like Tyler was. Tyler had pushed his Farsight to the max as he sought to see the Spear and Raylik sooner.
"Wow, you're even more intense then when the goblin army marched on TopLeaf."
Tyler smiled.
"It's MY turn to be worried, Wulf. MY friends are in that city. And Sera's sister."
The ranger got it then.
"You don't want to see her cry."
"Not if I can force a say in it."
"Dragon off the starboard bow!"
Tyler looked to see a large blue shape headed towards them. He smiled.
"Hold to the course! It's Tempesta! Full ahead!"
"Aye aye!"
Tyler held his spot as the Lord of blue drifted up beside him on the prow. Tyler was smiling as he waved.
"Hey Big Blue! I'd give ya some stones, but we're kinda in a hurry!"
Tempesta laughed approvingly.
"Good to see that fire hasn't gone out!"
Tyler let loose a breath of blue, just to show off.
"Wow, that was hotter an the last one, Wulf!"
Tempesta trumpeted in approval of his Warrior Spirit.
"That's the way young one! Now, what's got ya in such a hurry?"
"A friend o mine, and sister to that cutie there lives in the city of Raylik. Well, some idiot bandit lord's come knocking, an the Lady Seline, place's mayor, wants me an my crew to answer!"
Tempesta laughed.
"So you intend to unleash flame?"
Tyler smiled widely.
"It IS my favorite trick. Shoulda seen the face of that rage demon I barbequed with it. I swear to you the thing shit itself!"
Tempesta looked at him.
"Ahhh, I sense the Demonslayer, and Demon's bane titles in you."
"I got a rage, pride and whatever that third thing was. Oh, and a doppelganger."
"Doppelganger? I seek to here this tale."
"Check it. Thing snuck into the Cragspire palace, borrowed Tatiana's form to imprison her dragon friend Glacious-"
"GLACIOUS THE CRYSTAL?!"
Tempesta bellowed with rage then, and the vessel shook from the force, as he glared at Tyler with a blazing eye.
"IS. SHE. SAFE?"
"She is indeed. And unharmed. She gave me her Dragon Friendship and her breath."
Tempesta's breath of relief was like a massive gust of wind, as Tyler breathed the crystal flame.
"I am relieved she is safe. Continue the tale, lad."
"Sure. Thing imprisoned her to steal her own form. I saw through it the moment my titles of dragon friends and Ambassador had no great effect on a dragon of her size, that and the error in judgement to challenge my strength, as it was far greater than her own. Clincher was when I pinned the thing to the ground, and felt now brittle her scales were. Young dragon or small dragon, NO dragon scale feels like it were made of glass. So, I called it out, and the idiot had the audacity to take MY form to kill ME with it!"
Tempesta snorted.
"Wow, even I know that won't work. Only way to kill you is a, in your words, straight up shitfight."
"And most times I'll just stomp a mudhole through ya. Others, well,"
Tyler smiled evilly.
"If I don't get you, the Demon will. So, ya better hope yer first shot kills me."
Tempesta shuddered again.
"I am aware of the Demon in you. And no, I won't tell of it."
"So, now I'm curious."
Tempesta chuckled, guessing his question.
"Glacious is my young."
"Yours and Furiosa's?"
HE laughed.
"Indeed, lad. So, it seems I owe you a debt for rescuing her."
"Nah, I got my due with the Mythril, flames and just not dying that day."
Tempesta laughed again, when he noticed a pair of small spirits gaping at him next to Tyler's legs. He sighed sadly.
"I see. You've become a Holy Muse."
Tyler smiled.
"I did. The elf is Sylvia. The green haired cutie is Sallie."
Tempesta took another look at him.
"I sense…..a most violent rage within you now. And a regret so deep even I feel a tear. It would seem these too poor souls mean very much to you."
Tyler sighed.
"They do. And, I'd prefer to not have to fight off an explosion right now. So, I'd like to just let it lay."
Tempesta's eye was full of pity.
"Pain, rage, regret, and a ferocious helplessness, all wrapped in a father's wrath. It seems the time after my visit was not kind."
"It was. Problem was the other Warriors. And my own family. Those monsters got Sylvia, and did the exact same thing to her as they did me. Sallie was left to die by the Coward, and had to watch her hero turn her back on her pain. I too know that pain well."
HE sighed, as he looked down.
"They got screwed out of their lives and their adventure. So, we're trying to give them one now."
He reached up and clutched Sylvia's locket in a fist, as Tempesta looked to the small spirits.
"I see. So, you were granted that as well. You two spirits are very fortunate indeed, to both find the last True Warrior, AND have the Reaper take pity upon you to that extreme."
Tyler chuckled.
"Everyone loves those two. Seriously, show me a cuter, sweeter pair, and I'll show you a liar."
HE felt their happy giggle, as Tempesta chuckled with approval again.
"Lad, you are a most amazing human. And I still owe you a debt for saving my young one."
Tyler second broadsword glowed, and he felt it get lighter, restoring a balance he had not even notice had been off.
"Thank you, Tempesta, even if you owe me nothing."
The dragon snorted.
"Boy, there is a fine line between honorable and churlish."
"Okay, fair point."
Tyler smiled.
"Okay, I got one."
Tempesta looked at him curiously.
"Now I'm concerned."
Wulf chuckled.
"Lord, with HIS ideas, you should be terrified."
The dragon's eye went wide as it could go as he heard the spirits tell him of his idea for Malico's tail and Kaori. He looked at Tyler with a mixture of both admiration, fear, and a little nervousness at what the smiling boy could come up with for his debt. Tyler, for his part, had guessed EXACTLY what the spirits had told him.
"Believe me, they loved it. And so did I."
Tempesta just burst out laughing so hard, he nearly fell from the sky at this evil genius. The crew just sighed and went with it, as with Tyler, it was usually best to just smile and nod. Then Tempesta was back.
"You're insane."
"Well, thank heaven for that, cause otherwise this'd probably never work."
"By the scale, you scare me you know that?"
"Pff, I scare EVERYONE, what makes you special?"
Tempesta was laughing again, as Tyler laughed with him. Then Kaori nudged Malico.
"It me? Or they seem like father and son?"
The cat girl was smiling at the interaction between Tempesta and Tyler.
"I was getting the same feeling. Maybe the Lord of Blue has taken him under his wing?"
Tempesta sighed.
"Okay, lad. What's your idea?"
"Just some scales to round out my collection thus far, and a lift to the city with the spirits and Kaori to help the city."
The ENTIRE ship went silent at what he had just proposed Tempesta do. Wulf just backed away slowly from the now blinking in shock Tempesta. Tyler for his part was still smiling as he saw the nuclear bomb go off behind Tempesta's 5 foot eye. Then Kaori was heard to burst out laughing as she came to stand in Wulf's now vacant spot.
"How long you been planning THAT sales pitch?"
Tyler looked at her.
"Since I first saw him in the sky. I mean COME ON! A dragon! You really thought I wouldn't be looking for a chance to play Dragon Rider?"
The blonde laughed again, as Tempesta began to recover.
"You really ARE insane!"
"worth a shot right?"
Tempesta just burst out laughing again, and he even had bits of blue flame coming out of his nose as he snorted with humor.
"Boy, you ARE insane! What human in their right mind would seek to travel by dragonback?"
"Who WOULDN'T?"
Tempesta chuckled as he used his tail to place a three foot tall pile of 20 scales on the deck.
"These are a small price to pay. As for that other thing? Well, why NOT?"
Kaori went bone white as the dragon agreed to Tyler's ridiculous idea. Tyler was laughing as he placed the scales into the pouch.
"Wow, barbie, not gonna faint are you?"
She blinked,
"Tempesta is just as insane as you are. There goes my peaceful sleep."
"Well, Kaori, to be fair, Sallie and Sylvia are a lot to handle."
He felt both girls giggle as Kaori sighed.
"Ya know what? Fuck it. I die, I can say I flew on a dragon."
Tyler looked to Wulf's white face.
"Your crew."
HE nodded as Tyler swooped Kaori up into a princess cradle.
"Kinda wanted to carry like this for a while now, but the right opportunity never came."
Tempesta lowered a wing.
"This will be the stuff of legends, boy."
"I may not know a lot, but DAMN, if I don't know how to make a point!"
Tyler ran to the side of the boat, jumped up onto the rail, and leapt, with Kaori screaming in excitement in his arms, across a gap of sky with a thousand foot drop to the ground, to slide along Tempesta's wing like Tyler was sliding on ice to the six foot spikes along his back. Tyler then carried the flushed with excitement blonde to a spot just behind Tempesta's head, where they settled with a grip on his horns. The pair could feel Sallie and Sylvia's spirits sitting between Tyler's legs, as Tempesta chuckled.
"You kids sure you're ready for this?"
"I have DREAMT of this ever since I read of a dragon in a book!"
"I'm ready! This is gonna be great!"
Wulf watched as Tempesta drifted away from the Hog, Tyler and Kaori waving as he flapped his wings with a thunderclap.
"THAT is how Legends start."
The captain of the Nidhogg, Greg, came stand beside the elf.
"We just witnessed the birth of a pair of Legends that will be sung about for generations to come. A pair of Warriors riding Tempesta to the aid of a city that their friends live in? I was honored to be a part of such a legend."