The Demon's Princess: Back on the road.

ON THE ROAD AGAIN.

DAY 11

WEDENSDAY.

GOLD: 9,050.

Tyler woke to the sight of Seria asleep on his chest with her blue haired head under his chin and her arms around his neck. His arms were around her narrow waist while her long blue hair covered them both like a blanket of cobalt while her incredible body heat warmed him to his core. He leaned in her ear.

"I love you, Seria."

She woke with a shiver and smiled proudly as she tightened her hug.

"I love you too, Tyler. Good morning."

"Good morning my WIFE."

She giggled at that before they got out of bed. She gave a long stretched that saw her bust bounce that quickly turned into a giggle as he ran a finger down her spine.

"Hey! that felt REALLY weird!"

He did it again and she shivered from the odd feeling.

"Hey! Stop screwing with me!"

"But it's FUN to screw with you."

"I learned from Akeno that if you make me mad i can make you sleep on the couch."

"Uh-oh. What ELSE have you learned from her?"

Seria tilted her head at this question as the warrior went about his morning warmups.

"Hmm, I learned how to wear a bikini, that how you say it? They're cute. She taught me what creams and lotions do down there and how to make my boobs grow. And feel better."

"Anything weird?"

"hmm, well she DID give me this slingshot looking thing she called a thong. It's supposed to be sexy underwear but just looks painful. Oh! She also taught me how to tie a person up for better fun. That was weird."

"Dammit Akeno. Hilarious but come on."

Seria looked at him curiously for the goodnatured grumble.

"Is it bad?"

"No. Akeno's into kinky shit."

"Kinky?"

"She likes tying her lovers up and playing with them."

"OOOOH. Weird."

"Very. She's a good person though."

"She's super sweet!"

"Asia?"

Seria sighed at the name.

"SHE I LOVE! That girl is just SOOO SWEET! I want her for my maid!"

Tyler patted her with a smile.

"I'll be sure to let her know you wanna see her."

Seria smiled at the affection before they cleaned up in the pool and Jerial brought their breakfast in. Tyler fed well with his princess before he hugged her tightly.

"I'll see you soon Seria."

She smiled and passed him a Spell Card.

"Longing Night. It'll summon me to you for a night's snuggle."

"I'll be sure to use it alot."

"Yay! It's a marriage spell and is only given when the union is set. Since it is, here!"

He held her tightly.

"I love you so much."

She held him tighter.

"I love you too. now go be a legend."

He chuckled at that order.

"You go be beautiful."

"Sure!"

He walked her to her throne and carried her up to the thing as her mother smiled.

"Seria, dear, we will have words."

"Kay! Last night was fun!"

He chuckled.

"Best night thus far."

"Hey when you get back can you do that thing to me again?"

"Oh sure. I can do it a lot."

"Yay! I felt SOOOOO good after!"

He chuckled at her looks of intensity on the faces of the ladies and Mylissia.

"I'll make you feel better."

"Uh-oh."

"Ha. I'll be back soon, Seria."

She smiled.

"I'll be waiting."

He smirked knowingly at the queen and she cracked her knuckles tellingly at the nudge.

"I will be interviewing my daughter MOST exactingly Tyler."

"HAve fun."

He headed out as Seria was encased in the sphere with her smirking mother. The warrior was met by Rias and Belfast at the door and the redhead had her light back in her eyes as she smirked at him.

"MAssage?"

"Oh my god she loved it."

"Ha. And....I want to talk to you. Okay?"

"Sure Rias."

She smiled in minor relief as they got trotting to the coliseium.

"I was a LITTLE worried."

"Like I said. that first one SUCKS."

"Later. I...need to say something."

He smiled warmly at her before he looked at Belfast.

"Soooo I need a favor."

The maid smiled.

"What can I do to help?"

"Looking to surprise her. Think you can have Unicorn say hi?"

"easily my dear. Though I fear we would lose her."

"Seria loves her sweethearted little sisters."

Rias smirked.

"Asia too?"

"Yup."

"Okay. YOU'RE trying to stage a kidnapping. We'll do it."

He smiled and slid Belfast a thin notebook when they turned a corner. She smiled at the misdirection.

"Appreciate it Belfast."

"You are most welcome dear."

Rias smiled wistfully at the plot and he patted her fondly.

"we'll chat."

The friends arrived at the coliseum where they had their usual duels and magical practice. Then Victoria appeared in a new set of black armor that denoted her new alleigance and tyler smiled as she tipped her head to him.

"I appreciate the opportunity for redemption sire. i will not disappoint."

"Good mindset. So what's this about a dungeon?"

She smirked and switched to trainer.

"You MAggots will ride for Dunkrick and train n the Great Cocus Dungeon. One of about 10 or so thus far discovered constructs in the world. These are places of monsters, fame, fortune, and power. The ride to Dunkrick will take a week one way. YOU will need navigate the way WITHOUT the aid of the Knights. We will be traveling with you, but only to aid you in the dungeon."

Tyler nodded at this and looked to where Asuna was.

"We'll plan it out before we head out, Asuna."

She nodded as she came over.

"Absolutely. A week's ride. we'll need food, supplies, and gold."

"we'll take today for funds gathering and supply building. Belfast, pick a crew and see to the supplies. I'd like you to be Quartermaster."

"You can depend on me."

Tyler looked at Kirito.

"You gather some strong fighters and do soem grinding in the colsieum. we need funds for the trip."

"NOW you remind me of Heathcliff. But the good way. On it."

The warrior then looked at Rias.

"You gather a crew and do once overs for the equipment. A lot can go wrong on a week trip. MAke sure we're set."

"Sure thing BOSS."

"Ha. Any questions?"

He got crickets.

"Good. BREAK."

Victoria smirked.

"We set out TOMORROW?"

"Yup. Sorry. OUR safety is more important then a schedule."

"Good answer. we will be here in the morning."

Tyler went to the coliseum board as the heroes' brigade split to their tasks. The warrior looked at the offerings for the board when he saw one that made him tilt his head.

"A Bandit Company?"

The attendant chuckled.

"A large party of bandits versus you, Lord Berserker. About 25 men."

"The reward is 15,000. That'll do for a warmup."

He took the bill and walked into the arena. Kirito and his group of maybe 15 all had their own bills as well. Teh gate dropped behind the warrior as the announcer spoke.

"Lords and LAdies the Berserker is BACK in the Arena! And today he wants a FIGHT! He has elected to challange the Bandit Company! 25 men, ONE Berserker, who will stand? Place your bets people!"

Tyler drew his greatsword with a slow, exacting method as a long smile spread across his face.

"For Seria, my beloved Princess."

The princess was in her box as usual to watch her beloved champion ply his craft and she waved enthusisatically as the warrio waved his greatsword at her. The 25 men rose from cages fully equipped for the fight to come and Tyler cracked his neck as he refocused. the men formed up in lines with a practiced ease as the fight started and Tyler charged the melee fighters with the azurite greatsword at the ready. The first set of five were heavily armored with steel plate and wielding greatshields. Tyler however smirked.

"Firebolt!"

"Magical Rebuff!"

A mage in the backranks cast an antimagic field and the fire spell fizzeled out. Tyler frowned hard at this as he saw a gaping hole in his arsenal and his friends' arsenals. He shrugged as the azurite sword slammed into the greatshield of his first target. the enchanted metal sliced clean through the steel shield with ease and deep into the man's side. he dropped to the irt dead as a doornail as the warrior flung a dagger at the second bandit. The man deflected it with his shield and that in turn opened him up for a vicious impalement from the greatsword. he dropped and the remaining greatshielders slammed forward with their shields to try and hem the warrior in between them. Tyler threw the dead bandit at them instead and the result was the trio getting taken to the dirt as the mages finished chanting spells.

"FIRESTORM!"

"THUNDERFIELD!"

"FROZEN HELLSCAPE!"

Tyler gritted his teeth as he saw a MASSIVE hole in his arsenal as he now had to dance around the mages' powerful area of effect spells and he started to grow angry at his state of helplessness and his eyes started turning red.

"okay you wanna piss me off so damn badly, FINE. I'm PISSED."

He planted his feet as his eyes went blood red and he charged the lines of bandits with his rage boosted strength. The sword howled as he sliced three clean in half with a single lunge before he leapt high into the air.

"HITEN MYTSRUGI STYLE: RYUTSUITSAN!"

The sword impacted on the barrier of one of gthe four mages and split the magical barrier clean in half. The mage screamed in despair as the sword split him too like a log. Barrier dropped and the berserker spun a circle with the sword clutched low. the men jumped back at the razor sharp weapon and the warrior was off with another powerful strike at the second mage and he died in two pieces as well. The bandits surrounded him then and Tyler smirked as he hefted the sword.

"DARK SACRALANT!"

He swung the sword in a wide arc that send the Soul Killer attack outward like a fireball. Ten men dropped on contact with the attack and the remaining 6 were on the verge of fleeing entirely in the face of Tyler's overwheleming power. They charged again but Tyler smiled as his eyes returned to their usual brown hue. he lunged with a frightening speed with the greatsword howling. The first, second and third men dropped in two pieces before the last three tried to run only for flung daggers to take them in the spine. He rose without a scratch and victorious and waved his stained sword to the cheering crowds.

"there is a REASON I'm their leader!"

Seria clapped with an excited smile as he won again and he swept the sword into a deep bow before her, making the princess blush and the ladies clap happily for her romance. The warrior then looked at the dead men.

"Sooo I CAN loot them right?"

The announcer chuckled.

"You can Lord Berserker."

He went right for the mages and found their Status Plates easily enough before he looted their spells.

"Firestorm, Magical Rebuff, Thunderfield, Frozen Hellscape. Not a bad spread idiots. Alright. Now i just need more spells and some potions."

He looted an extra 600 gold off their bodies and headed out. Kirito high fived him as he exited the Arena.

"I sent word to Rias we need more spells and tricks."

"Good call. I'll put her in charge of our mages. You watch your ass in there."

"YOU too."

The Black Swordsmen and his grinder party went in next as Tyler collected his payout of 15,000 gold. He then looked at the board before spotting one that made him smirk.

"A Triceratops. A FULLY GROWN tric no less. 40 feet long, 10 feet tall, two 7 foot horns over the eyebrows, one 5 footer on the nose. Basically a bulldozer and it don't like you. Payout is...20,000. On it."

He took it and the Attendant chuckled.

"It'll be a bit, Lord Berserker. The Black Swordsmen and his company picked the Merc band. 50 men, about 15 of them. Yeah they'll be a while."

Tyler chuckled as he looked at her.

"It'll be over in five minutes."

She smirked.

"wanna make a bet?"

"Where's the window?"

"There."

He walked over to the booth in question and the man at it smirked.

"well, well. Lord Berserker. What be your poison?"

"24,000 on the Black Swordsmen winning in five minutes or less without a scratch."

"24 ya say? Ha. the odds there are immense. if ya WIN it be a 10 to 1 payout."

"240,000 right?"

"exactly."

Tyler smiled as he slid the gold over.

"Kirito's a legend. And one of MY icons pal Let that sink in."

"Oh damn."

Tyler went to Seria's box and smiled as he found her still there. She smiled happily as he hugged her.

"Tomorrow?"

"We got another night."

"Yay!"

He sat beside her as the 50 man merc company walked out. Seria saw this and smiled.

"So, come to watch?"

"Kirito's a badass. Watch this. i got money riding on this one too."

"If YOU look up to HIM why are YOU the leader?"

"I'm more extreme then he is."

"Ah."

The battle started and ended in a mere thirty seconds as Kirito and his company used their formidible skills and exprience to take them down. The crowd went wild at this easy victory and Tyler chuckled as a grumbling hawker brought him his payout.

"Damned Berserker. NO more bets ya greedy bastid."

"Pleasure doing business with you."

"ugh."

Seria giggled into her hand as Tyler took his weighted bag.

"Oh dear. Do I have cause to worry?"

"Nah. I never gamble without a loaded deck."

"Hilarious. And the payout?"

"hmm, 240k."

"Oh my."

"Yeah i know who to back. Oh. MY turn."

She smiled as he vaulted the railing of the balcony to swing on his gauntlets to the sandy floor.

"I love that idiot."

"I heard that."

"EEP!"

"Still cute."

Tyler landed in the middle of the arena as the announcer gave the spiel on his next opponent. There was aloud snorting trumpet from a steel portcullis and as the steel thing rose a solid blue shape came hurtling from inside it. The triceratops was covered in old scars and healed wounds from many a fight in it's day. Tyler smirked as the beast charged,

"FROZEN HELLSCAPE!"

The sand under his feet turned to solid ice and the tric merely slammed it's feet into the ice with authority. Tyler blinked at this ingenius counter and used his grapples to dodge the freight train barreling towards him.

"Ooookay. So it's a SMART lizard. Alright."

He smirked as he used the grapples to swing around the lowing in anger tric until he had the angle right and darted across the top of it's back in a spin that saw the sword slicing clean through the back of it's neck. the beast dropped with a slam and Tyler landed on it's back with the sword in an easy grip beside him as he looked at his princess.

"for you."

She smiled at the nonstop tributes and reminders as the crowd applauded the unorthodox victory. The warrior hopped off the back of the triceratops and went to collect his payment. The attendant chuckled as he got his 20,000.

"Make it look too easy why don'tchya?"

"Sure."

"Ugh. The animal is added to your bank."

"Thanks a lot!"

Kirito came over with a smile.

"We're making progress. 50k thus far."

"I want a hundred for the company."

"Asuna said the same damn thing. we're heading back in."

"Place bets on yourself."

"Oh we are doing that now. YOU going back in?"

He looked at the board.

"Absolutely."

He took a bill for another tyrant down and Kirito smirked.....when he took a SECOND down.

"Umm, Tyler?"

He chuckled as he took the THIRD.

"I'm proving a point here."

"Oh damn."

The Attendant smiled widely as he placed the three bills before her.

"The Party Killer, Forest Bane, and The Tyrant King in ONE FIGHT? This is going a match to see! If ya WIN the payout is 100,000 even. if you LOSE they'll NEVER find all a you."

"My kinda fight."

He walked into the area as the Announcer chuckled.

"Ladies and Gentlemen, we have a LEGENDARY bout for you here today! The Berserker, versus the three most dangerous tyrants this side of the black mountains. That's right folks. The PArty Killer, Forest Bane, and the Tyrant King, are all in action this fight. How will Lord Berserker survive this one? Or has he finally bitten off more then he could chew?"

Tyler chuckled as he waved at Seria and she smiled back. Across from him the three cages containing the immense tyrannosaurs rose into view. Tyler cracked his neck as the beasts appeared and all were sporting old wounds and scars. The doors dropped and the three beasts rushed him as a unit. Tyler merely used his swings to dodge the car sized jaws of the dinosaurs to soar high in the air...and DART across the backs of their necks with the greatsword in a swinging arc. the result was two dropping from severed spinal cords and the warrior landed on the largest as it tried to pivot to reach him...and he stabbed it in the center of the skull plate. the rex died and dropped to the ground with a slam. The crowd was dead silent at this display of raw power and tyler lifted his sword onto his shoulder as he faced the crowd.

"Let this be a warning: DO NOT FUCK WITH MY PRINCESS. Are we clear?"

A nervous gulp went through the crowd and the city at the warning. Seria smiled sweetly.

"That's MY hero!"

"I love you too, Seria."

"I love you too, Tyler."

The warrior hopped off the backs of the dinos and the attendant chuckled as she slid the coin over.

"Okay. YOU'RE a hero. We get it."

Tyler chuckled as Kirito came over with a wide smile.

"We just made a fortune of that one, Tyler. 500k."

"Good. Keep at it."

"Oh we will."

Tyler then looked at the attendant.

"So where's the magic and ability shop?"

She smiled.

"The magic shop is by the palace. look for a blue building with pink smoke. The ability shop is the same place."

He headed off with a cheery whistle as if he HADN'T killed four dinaosaurs and 25 men in a matter of fifteen minutes.

He pulled his Status Plate out after a few minutes walk and smiled as he saw he'd leveled uop AGAIN to level 4. And was a quarter of the way to level 5.

"Not bad for a few hours grind. okay."

He had 35 points to place this time. So he pulled his numbers up. 60 Strength, 200 Defense, 250 Stamina, 300 Vitality, 20 Dexterity, 20 Agility, 500 Intelligence, 20 Mana, 20 Magic, 20 Magic defense. The wily warrior put an extra five points into Strength, Dexterity, Agility, Mana, Magic, and Magical defense. So he had 65 Strength, 25 Dexterity, 25 Agility, 25 Mana, 25 Magic, 25 Magical defense. He slapped the last five points into Strength for an even 70. Happy with the way his build was coming he closed his Status Plate to walked into the shop in clean view of the Royal Palace. The place was built like a circular library with three floors mixed with a trading card shop. Tyler looked at the differing spells on offer as a lady's voice was heard from the counter.

"Welcome to my shop Lord Berserker. How may i assist?"

He looked over and was faced with a VERY pale skinned lady. She was his height with pale skin that had a soft luminscent effect to it while her hair was a dark maroon in color. Her frame was slender and her eyes were a piercing shade of blue he kinda liked. Her bust was massive in her robes of purple and her lips had a coating of purple lipstick on them as he approached.

"Are you a vampire by chance?"

The lady chuckled at the notion.

"I am indeed, Lord Berserker. A pure blooded vampire."

"cool."

She smiled and a pair of elongated fangs were seen in her mouth.

"Is that INTEREST I detect?"

"Ha. Never met a vampire before."

"I see. My name is Sabrina. How may I assist?"

He smiled.

"Looking for some new abilities and spells."

"I see. anything in particular?"

"Hmm. Spells I'm looking for a healing spell, disease curer and poison purger."

She nodded.

"I have those in stock. Healing Touch closes a gash 6 inches long and 3 deep, Purify cleanes the body of illness and can even break curses if your affinity is high enough, and Snake Purge flushes the body of toxins. The total for the three is 15,000."

"YIKES. Okay."

He paid her the amount and added the cards to his Plate.

"Next up is a ward that alerts me to anything I deem hostile entering the perimeter."

"HAllowed Ground. And if it be undead or demon it burns them based on your own Magic skill. 10,000."

"Next up is an ice spell. preferably one that raises a wall of ice."

"Iced Wall is the one you seek. 10,000."

He added the spell and looked at his arsenal.

"firebolt, Firestorm, Thunderfield, Iced Wall, Hallowed Ground, Healing Tough, MAgical Rebuff, Snake Purge, Purify, Frozen Wastes, hm. You have any holy spells?"

"I have a few. One is called Sunburn. Burns a target with Holy power like a bad sunburn. More effective against undead. Next is Divine Slicer. A weapon enhancement that adds holy magic to a hit, and last is Sacred Smite. does the same as Slicer but a hammer specific ability."

"Hm. I'll take Slicer and Sunburn."

"25,000."

He added them and then switched to abilities.

"Now abilities. One that enchances a swordstroke?"

"Mighty Blow. Doubles the power of a single Greatsword Stroke. 2,500."

"One that highlights a targets vitals in my vision?"

She smirked at that.

"An Assassin skill. Called Target. 5,000."

"And a sense presence?"

"It's just called Sense Presence. A skill of the Hunter Proficency. 1,500."

He added the Ability cards before looking at other options in his arsenal. Then he remembered his bow.

"A skill that shatteres an arrow into mulitple shafts."

"Shatter Shaft. An Archer skill. 1,000."

"Now a skill that adds a phantom slash to my Greatsword."

"Oooh those are rare but I have one. It's called Ghost Cut. 50,000."

He added them and looked at his arsenal.

"Ghost cut, Dark Sacralant, Shatter Shaft, mighty Blow, Sense Presence, hmm. One that doubles the speed of a swing?"

"Tempest. the Dancer ability. Works on greatswords and can be stacked on other abilities. 5,000."

"Alright. I think that rounds out my immiedate needs....OH. One that enhances defense in a pinch?"

Sabrina smirked.

"I have three. Steel Skin. Adds 50 to defense for ten minutes. Diamond Skin, adds 100 to defense for five minutes, and Adamantium Skin. Adds 250 to defense for 2 minutes."

"Adamantium Skin."

"150,000. It's the Ability of the Vanguard Proficency."

He added the ability and smiled at his revamped arsenal.

"Alright. I have firebolt, Firestorm, Thunderfield, Iced Wall, Hallowed Ground, Healing Tough, MAgical Rebuff, Snake Purge, Purify, Frozen Wastes, Divine Slicer, and Sunburn for spells. Ghost cut, Dark Sacralant, Shatter Shaft, mighty Blow, Sense Presence, and Adamantium Skin for abilities. I have a trick for nearly any situation now. Thanks Sabrina."

"Do visit me again."

He walked out to find Asuna walking in. The redheaded second in command smiled.

"How's her selection?"

"Decent. and watch it. I just blew 200k in there."

"I figured magic was expensive. We're ahead of schedule for supplies and abilities. All we need now is plan the trip."

"We'll talk it over the dining table."

"Agreed. here."

She passed him a black whistle.

"It's a rally Spell. That one is the leader rally. Makes a noise only those with another whistle can hear."

"Smart. Any issues?"

"Just Issei and his group of idiots. they've been nothing but useless since we got here."

"Alright. HAve you done anything?"

"Not yet. felt it best to get the nod from the Party Leader BEFORE i bust out my whip."

"Use a meat hammer. And get those idiots working."

"On it."

Tyler nodded and they went to their tasks. though Tyler spotted a jewelery store not long after and smiled as he thought of Seria. he walked in and the elven lady running the place smiled warmly as he did.

"Lord Berserker? I see the Princess has a lovely gift in her future!"

He chuckled as he went to the counter of rings.

"I'll be gone for a while so i might as wel make sure she knows. Oh?"

He stopped at one ring of gold topped by a spiraling sapphire. the blue gem matching Seria's eyes to perfection while the top of the thing had a small webbing of jet as if the dark stone was protecting the precious blue. The elf smiled as she saw it.

"The Dark Protector ring. It is actually part of a set! The Dark Guard set of a ring, Necklace, and Locket. All crafted from high quality gold, sapphires, and jet. There is even an enchantment upon them of unremoval by any but the one gifted the items. The set is worth 110,000 gold."

Tyler smiled as he paid for the set.

"Worth every gold. Thanks miss."

The elf chuckled as she slid the boxes over.

"Not at all lord Berserker."

Tyler took the gifts to the palace where Seria was seated on her throne with her mother. the princess smiled widely as he walked up.

"Tyler! You killed three tyrants in one fight! I love you!"

"I love you too, Seria. Now close your eyes and hold still."

Like that the ENTIRE throne room was dead silent and watching the pair with an eagle's intensity. Mylissia most of all as Seria complied with a nervous smile. The warrior smiled as he took her hand.

"Seria, I love you with everything I could ever hope to be. You are the reason i lift my sword and my Soul. I love you, and wish to spend the entirety of our lives together."

He presented the sapphire and jet ring and instantly the ladies of the court were stricken with envy at the clashing colors. Tyler smiled as he looked at the trembling princess.

"Will you marry me?"

She repiled instantly.

"Yes I will!"

He slid the ring on her finger and she squeaked happily.

"HOLD ON. I'm not done."

"Oh damn. yay!"

He chuckled as he took the locket now and Mylissia herself had a look of envy.

"No matter how far I go from your side, Seria, no matter what i am doing, or who stands before me, I WILL find a way to return to your side. No matter what happens, you will have these to remind yourself, that I am coming for you, my wife."

He clasped the necklace and the locket around her neck and she had tears of utter joy falling down her still closed eyes and he smiled.

"And now you can look."

She did and her eyes nearly BUGGED out of her head at the glimmering jewelery.

"I love them."

Her voice a mere whisper of joy and he hugged her tightly.

"I love you too. And sadly this is the absolute bare minimum I can do to show you just how much you mean to me."

She smiled proudly as she nearly strangled him with her hug.

"It's enough. I love you too. My husband."

"For you, seria? it's NEVER enough. I will keep doing everything I can think of to make you smile."

"Me too."

Mylissia wiped a tear from HER eye now at the romance of the moment.

"The proposal is accepted. And the wedding is already being prepared per HIS exacting specifications."

Tyler smiled as he rose to his full height and Seria had a proud smile ion her face. Then the warrior looked to the tearing up court.

"Seria is MY fiance. Do NOT make her mad. for now there WON'T be a warning. Just a swing. we clear?"

They nodded and Seria looked at her mother and she smiled.

"We'll talk Sweetie. You, shoo."

"Yes MOTHER IN LAW."

"Oooh don't you dare start with that."

He chuckled as he looked at his fiance and she smiled.

"I'll be here, My love."

He kissed her hand and she shivered from the moment as he walked out. seria looked at her hand and squealed.

"I got my Hero! YAAAY!"

Tyler smiled as he shut the door and let out a HUGE sigh of relief.

"I have my Princess. And I DIDN'T fuck it up in there. Thank gods. Okay next step."

Rias stepped out from the wall now with a smirk.

"You romantic sonuvabitch. I nearly burst into tears from that!"

He chuckled as they headed for the coliseum.

"Best part? She NEVER saw it coming."

"No she did not. and the wedding?"

"THAT'S not gonna be for a bit. Kinda need a lotta material."

She blinked and looked at him in shock.

"Sooo the tyrants and the OTHER STUFF?"

He chuckled knowingly.

"I know how to over do it."

"Oh for fuck's sake. I want an invite!"

"Invite? Bitch please. you're a maid of honor."

"Oh. Thank you."

"Ha. THAT is the LAST we will ever speak of it. SHE doesn't know. DO NOT say a thing."

Rias nodded so vehemently her hair AND bust bounced.

"I will NOT."

"Alright."

He smiled as they returned to the rest of the heroes.

"I'm marrying the Princess, Rias."

She smiled at the near euphoric joy in his voice.

"Rein it in jackass. Gush LATER."

He chuckled at that dry demand as he did indeed make the switch from euphoric joy to party leader on a dime. Kirito came over then and fistbumped him.

"Dude I was there. Damn."

"Yeah I wanted it to be an ABSOLUTE surprise to EVERYONE."

"Ha. Ya did that much. How long you ben practicing that speech up there?"

"bout a week."

"Nicely done. And the next step?"

"Planning and building."

He nodded sagely at this nonanswer as Asuna came up with an unreadable expression.

"I'm jealous."

"Well you ARE in a new world."

The pair blinked at this VERY solid point and Kirito smiled widely.

"I love the way you think."

"Kirito."

Asuna's soft voice made him smile.

"You will NOT KNOW A THING."

"Okay."

They hugged and Rias sighed with a smile at the tender moment. Tyler patted her fondly and she smiled warmly.

"We still need to talk."

"Sure thing Rias."

He and the group returned to the main force of heroes and Belfast came over with a list.

"we are properly supplied for a long journey Tyler. And I am happy for you."

"Thanks Belfast. Unicorn?"

"She adores her new big sister. And it seems Lady Seria has taken her on as her newest Little Sister."

"Alright. Rias?"

"Asia was kidnapped by Seria. Haven't seen her since."

The blonde in question poked her head out from behind Belfast all smiles.

"I'm over here Rias!"

"Good. You're still MY bishop, Asia."

"Yay!"

Tyler chuckled at that before he looked at Asuna.

"Alright. Where are we?"

She nodded and led him to a table with a map on it.

"We're set for the trip tor Dunkrick. There are three routes to get there."

The map of MAcedonia was laid out and the redhead tapped Berun and ran her finger along a road to the desert city of Dunkrick.

"It's a week trip. And through some rough terrain too. I had Mina look into monster and animal reports for the region and there's everything from dragons and tyrants to bandits and goblins in those mountains. And some VERY big dinosaurs too."

"Hmm. watches will need to be on point."

"Oh they will be. EVERYONE picked up new skills, spells, and abilities. Your brawl with the bandits opened a few eyes a few HUGE gaps in our defenses. We plugged them best we could."

Tyler nodded as he looked at Belfast.

"Supplies?"

She nodded.

"We are fully supplied on food, drink and material, Tyler. We purchased a wagon for the company."

"Hmm. Asuna?"

"I looked it over myself. four wheel pioneer style. two horse draft with space for two. I know what you're thinking but the benefits of the wagon outweigh the easy prey."

"You've a point there. Defenses?"

"Center of the pocket."

"Good."

Belfast frowned.

"Did i make a mistake Tyler?"

He smiled.

"Not really. Wagons are legendary bandit bait."

"Ah."

"Yeah we'll do some grinding on the way. I'm level 4 people."

The group blinked at that one and Asuna chuckled.

"So you're the highest level in the entire party. Okay. Level quotas are in play."

"Or at least experience quotas are."

"exactly. This is route one."

She then tapped a second road leading out of the captial.

"Route 2 takes a sweeping arc to Dunkrick through mostly forests and flatland. it'll add two full days ride to the trip, but will pass through a few smaller villages. we'd get plenty of rest, chances fro grinding, and an opportunity to meet more people. Option three."

She pointed to an offshoot road a little further down route one.

"We take this side pass here. It'll take us into the mountains to the east and curve around to the north. we'd reach Dunkrick in a week still but there are a few mountain villages along the way that would benefit from a wandering healer band as EVERYONE has a healing spell now."

Tyler crossed his arms.

"anyway ya look at it we got a lotta riding ahead."

A well cut girl with back length copper colored hair approached the table now. She was a head shorter then tyler with fair skin and bright orange eyes set into a tear drop shaped face. Her frame was slender and well cut from her active lifestyle and her bust was large in her green tunic that was covered by chainmail. She had tight fitting black pants with strips of steel for defense embedded in the fabric while on her feet were a pair of combat boots. On her hip was a slender katana and her voice a hard yet warm bark.

"Mina Lindebran reporting Lord Berserker."

Tyler smiled at her.

"At ease Mina. I'm a fan of the Strike Witches."

She smiled at that.

"Appreicated. Are you from our world?"

"Nah. Another entirely. Still, the witches are a famous unit even to us."

"I feel flattered. Favorite Witch?"

"Sanya."

"really? Tell her that should you meet. She needs the confidence boost."

"Sure thing Mina. Okay so what's up?"

She nodded and tapped the map.

"I just recieved a runner. A village along route 3 has sent a call for Healers. Seems they were attacked by a clan of Forest Wolve with many hurt and some killed. Captain Victoria has left the choice to You Tyler."

He nodded as he looked at the route.

"Where's the report from the runner?"

"Here."

He laid it on the table and sighed.

"Oh those poor bastards got attacked by Velociraptors.....wait."

He frowned now and looked at the report closely.

"That doesn't make any sense. Raptors are pack hunters this is true, but they're supposed to be highly intelligent. And ANY intelligent predator NEVER attacks prey in it's den. ESPECIALLY if the prey can fight back. the risk to the body just isn't worth the meal unless they are starving."

Asuna frowned hard now.

"Okay that IS odd. Um."

Tyler looked at the details of the attack itself.

"Okay they attacked just before dawn? And they DIDN'T EAT THE PREY? Victoria."

The captain came right over with a smirk.

"Yes SIRE?"

"I need a report from the Ranger detachement in that area."

She blinked at the odd request but nodded.

"Very well. Details of the report?"

"The State of the forest Wolf populations and the status of the Rangers of the forest. I got a bad hunch on this raptor pack."

"I will contact their branch leader immedatiely."

She took off and Rias looked at him.

"What do you think?"

"right now an unnatural attack. There is NO REASON a raptor does NOT eat it's kill. Not when a single pack can hold up to thirty claws. All of them extremely lethal and active predators. I'm leaning more towards some idiot with a power fetish trying to seize the village. But the same time?"

He drew a circle around the village.

"LOOK where that village sits."

Mina took one look.

"it sits on a mountain pass. The ONLY pass for what looks like a hundred miles!"

"Which means it's a trade hub. If that village were to disappear, prices woudl skyrocket and some places would starve."

Belfast frowned.

"You should inform the Queen of your suspicions Tyler. I am afraid this might be out of our hands."

"Hmm."

The warrior frowned as he considered the idea and Asuna saw it.

"You smell an opportunity."

"A few actually. Depending oin if Victoria can raise the rangers on the horn or not is the clincher."

The captain came over now with a grim expression.

"How bad?"

"The Ranger Station is unreachable. We used their scry Spell and got nothing. there is NO REASON a Ranger Station does not respond to a Royal Scry. No GOOD reason at least."

"I thought so. Where's Strand?"

The elven ranger appeared from a shadow nearby.

"I am here."

"What have you heard from the Northwest?"

She came to the side of the table.

"There have been whispers in the wood of trouble in the Northwest, Tyler. The trees have been uneasy in that direction as well."

"You're coming too. Victoria. We'll head out today. That village is crucial to the supplyines for the southern region. It gets severed, a good number of people are going to get hurt."

She nodded gravely.

"Understood Sire. I'll call muster immediately."

"Don't. A group of 25 veteran knights. And Strand. This'll be the Heroes' proving."

She smiled approvingly at the decision.

"You think like a leader already. Good. YOU report to the queen however."

He rolled the map.

"Asuna, Mina, Rias, and Belfast. ready the company for an immediate departure at speed. We'll be in the village in four days or less."

They nodded and he headed to the palace. Mylissia was seated on her throne with Seria beside her. The queen had a grim expression as he walked up.

"I recieved the same report from the runner, Tyler. Have you a decision?"

"There is more to this then we think. The Heroes Company is looking into it with Strand and a few knights. Then we're heading to Dunkrick as planned."

"Understood. You have the full support of the crown to figure out what is going on in that village."

She passed him a small clear orb.

"A Royal Scry. it allows you to contact me for matters of import. I will want an update when you have one."

"Understood. Seria."

The princess smiled as he approached her.

"I am fine. I expected this to be perfectly honest. Some crisis arises and you ride out to meet it."

He hugged her tightly.

"I'll be back my Princess."

"I know you will. I love you, Tyler."

"I love you too, Seria."

She smiled and leaned in his ear.

"I want to hear your bragging on others when you return."

"We've been over this."

"I know."

She giggled.

"It's fun for me to hear!"

"Oh you're adorable."

She beamed at this and he kissed her hand lovingly.

"Be well, My princess."

"Be Safe my Hero."

He smiled and headed out then and Seria looked at her mother.

"I'm lonely again."

"We'll cuddle dear."

"Yay!"

Tyler smiled as he mounted Shadow at the bottom of the palace steps.

"We got a job big guy. Let's see your grr face."

The horse screamed and reared with angrily flailing hooves before he slammed back down with authority and Tyler chuckled as they got moving.

"That's mah boy. Loud and PROUD."

The horse nickered at that one as they met up with the Company at the front gate. Victoria was in her jet black mail with a company of black armored knights alongside the Heroes' Company. The captain nodded to them.

"25 of the Capital's best. All are level 25 or higher."

"Good. Strand."

"Here."

The elven ranger appeared from behind Asuna astride a FREAKIN WOLF THE SIZE OF SHADOW! The immense beast was jet black from nose to tail and he whistled.

"Damn Strand. YOUR friend is FENRIR?"

The wolf looked at him in mild shock and he patted her fondly.

"Wolves are MY favorite animal. Fenrir is my favorite legend."

The wolf tilted her head curiously and he smiled.

"Fenrir is the goddess of wolves in the Nordic faith. Well. The KING fo the gods, Oden, was prophecied to be killed by her fangs. So, to prevent this fate from passing he imprisoned Fenrir in unbrekable Golden and Silver chains for eternity. fenrir was a fierce wolf however, and struggled endlessly. Well, during the end of the Gods, Ragnorok, she slips her bounds and kills Oden with her fangs. Moral of the story? Fenrir was enslaved for years. Then she breaks her chains and KILLS the one that put her there."

The black wolf let out an approving howl that echoed across the city and Shadow huffed at the sound. Then Fenrir nudged Tyler's leg and Strand smiled.

"She likes you, Tyler. And she IS Fenrir. the Wolf Spirit as we know her. She has been my friend for many adventures."

"lucky. Asuna."

The redheaded second smiled.

"We're set. All supplies and secured, all IDIOTS accounted for."

"The piss us off, tie em to the wagon and DRAG them."

"OOOOH I like it."

"Alright. HEROES MOVE OUT!"

The company broke out into a gallop to thunder out of the city. Tyler in the lead with Strand and Victoria flanking him, Asuna directly behind him with Belfast, Rias, Mina, and Kirito flanking and trailing her and the wagon of their supplies at the middle. Tyler's black coat flapped in the wind as they tore down the trail and Strand was keeping easy pace with her loping wolf.

"We'll make this trip in four days."

They nodded and Victoria smiled as she passed him a scroll.

"The report from the runner. Plus the name of the village and chief."

"Good. Strand, what can you tell me of the Station up there?"

"There are led by a fierce Dwarven Ranger by the name of Ingot Bearbreaker. He's a legendary bear hunter in them parts. The bear up there are mean and MASSIVE. Easily pushing 2,500 pounds per bear. The area is harsh and unforgiving due to the proximity to the Black Mountains."

"How many Rangers to his Station?"

"A full Brigade. 50 Rangers in all."

"Hmm. That doesn't bode well. if not a SINGLE Ranger can answer the call we're looking at something a lot bigger then we think."

He focused on the road ahead of him as he considered various possibilites and scenarios.

"Ingot. Is he the type that can be bought?"

Strand shook her head.

"Absolutely not. I know the dwarf. he was exiled from his homeland for the drunken murder of his wife. He turned to the rangers for reform and redemption. This was 300 years ago. And he now tends his own region of the Forest with his own band of Rangers. The second largest Brigade in the country. He outranks ME in the Ranger Patrol."

"And he's a Dwarf. By default they're supposed to be loyal to a fault to an oath. Okay. I'll look the details of the village over later."

Asuna spoke up from her spot.

"It could just be as simple as a trade war. That village sits on a very important route through the mountains after all."

"That's what I'm thinking too Asuna. The pieces fit, but I still feel uneasy. Like that's just a single piece of the puzzle."

Strand looked at him.

"focus on the rod in your hand. NOT the fish you are trying to catch."

He chuckled at that.

"Thanks Strand. Okay. we'll table this until we get there."

The thundering force rode on until the sun started to set and Tyler looked at the road for a suitable campsite as they went. The area they were in was mostly flat grassland broken up in places by small streams and rivers surrounded by copses of trees. Tyler smiled as he spotted one.

"Right wheel tree copse. We'll hole up there for the night."

The heads nodded and the caravan moved behind their leader as he led them in a clockwise circle around the 40 yards of forest to secure it before the tents were pitched. He had his jet black tent facing the road and draped a tarp of tyrant leather over the top as a dare and a sign that Lord Berserker was in there. Once that was done he joined the on duty company cooks for the night's meal. The sun had sank below the horizon before the company relaxed. Tyler had the map out with the information on the village before him as he looked them over.

"Okay. we have a company of 125 Heroes, 26 knights, 1 Ranger. Hmm. A full force of 151 fighters with 27 veterans of the world."

"Still at it?"

Rias sat down beside him and he chuckled.

"More reviewing what i already know. ya be amazed what is missed the first time."

She chuckled herself.

"NOW you remind me of me before a raiding game."

"Appreciate the complement."

She smiled at that one before sighing.

"I...needed to talk to you."

He smiled at her.

"Shall we go into the tent?"

"Yeah."

They went in and the redhead looked at him.

"I'm sorry for the way i was acting yesterday. I was just jealous and REALLY freakin lonely."

He smiled.

"Are you okay?"

She nodded.

"I am now. Seeing how you treated the princess and seeing the light in your eyes when you gush over her just....got to me. I wanted to feel that. If only once. I'm sorry i was begging for you to cheat on her like that."

"You forgiven."

She let out a massive breath of relief at this and he smiled.

"I didn't blame you to begin with Rias."

"I....needed to hear it said."

He patted her hand.

"You're my best friend in this world, Rias. And someone i look up to."

She smiled proudly at this and hugged him tightly.

"Thanks Tyler. I mean it."

He held her tightly.

"So what do you want now, Rias?"

"Well, I want you. I know that."

"Ugh. we've been over this."

She smiled sweetly.

"i know. But I'd like to try!"

He sighed at this stance and she clung to him like a limpet.

"Let me have this, please?"

Her nearly pleading voice made him sigh harder.

"it's cruel to me to let you pine after someone that's just not interested."

Rias smiled at this.

"I know."

He smiled warmly at her.

"You have no chance."

"funny. Rizen said that."

"YOU surrendered."

"Oh shit that's right. LOKI said that."

"YOU nearly died. FOUR TIMES in that one fight."

"Shit."

She sighed in irritation as she remembered he knew about her and Tyler hugged her warmly.

"Does this REALLY mean THAT much to you, Rias?"

She smiled.

"It does. Yeah."

"So long as YOU talk to Seria about this, fine. Just because of how much I admire you. Okay?"

Rias smiled with such relief he was MORE then a LITTLE concerned.

"Oh thank hell. I'll talk to her. When we get back."

"She gave me a spell."

"Of course she did."

He looked at the tent.

"Night's Longing."

Seria arose from the floor with a smile.

"I knew you'd use it!"

He hugged his dear fiance tightly and she noticed Rias.

"Tyler?"

"SHE has a favor to ask."

"Oh? This should be interesting. Silent Sphere."

He laid flat as the soundless sphere took effect and the ladies had their negotiations. Tyler dozed for an hour when the sphere lowered and Seria hugged the redhead.

"We'll fight fair, Rias."

"Yeah."

Tyler looked at them.

"HAve you two reached an agreement?"

Seria rested her head on his chest and he hugged her.

"She wants to try for her own hero. So, since I kinda kidnapped her little sister, I'll allow it."

"I love you, Seria."

"I love you too, Tyler."

"YOU already won."

She smiled.

"I know."

Rias rested her head on his chest on his other side and he sighed as she stole an arm cuddle.

"I'll win, Seria."

"He's MY fiance, Rias."

"I'm HIS icon."

"Ha. I'm HIS princess."

"I'm HIS Devil."

"I regret this already."

The girls giggled at that exasperated tone and Seria settled down.

"Harems are commonplace for those of power."

"I don't want one."

"Yeah i know. But those that have em USUALLY DON'T."

"Oh perfect."

He sighed and Rias smiled as she settled.

"And this is nice."

Seria closed her eyes with a warm smile.

"My favorite place to be."

"Oh. I can't call you EVERY night, can I Seria?"

"Sadly not. The spell only works every OTHER night. And Mother wants me to tell you every two. Since I DO have duties and such to tend to. And to prevent any issues."

"I hate waiting."

"ME too. But she's right."

"I guess."

Seria smiled and he smiled.

"Massage?"

"Um, can we do that in the palace?"

"Sure thing Seria."

Rias smiled at that as she drifted off to sleep. Seria then looked at Tyler.

"Let her have it, Tyler."

He sighed.

"Why?"

"Because it would mean a lot to me. AND her. She wants to find someone to love that is worth loving. So help her out."

He sighed tiredly at this.

"Alright, Seria. Alright. But she has no shot with me. Okay?"

"Right NOW she doesn't. Tyler. EVERYONE could feel the intensity you two have together. I know you love me and I love you. But what about that small piece of your heart that's in reserve? i know it's there."

He chuckled at that.

"I guess that one hasn't awoken yet."

"Idiot. I know who that spot belongs to. and I'm okay with it. I'm YOUR wife. And you're only allowed one wife in our culture anyway. One wife, many Lovers."

He smiled at her.

"Like i said. Alright."

"She has to work for it doesn't she?"

"Kinda. My world harems are looked down on. Soooo, it'll take a bit."

She chuckled and Rias smiled from her spot.

"Victory!"

Seria hugged her.

"I knew he'd agree!"

"THAT was pulling teeth."

"Ugh. This is going to SUUUCK."

The girls chuckled at that and he settled down for the night. Rias pulled the blanket up over them and Seria got an arm.

"Wow Rias. you're really warm."

"So are you."

Tyler held both girls to him with a tired smile.

"Good night, Seria, I love you."

"Good night, Tyler. I love you too."

"Night Rias."

"Night Tyler, Night Seria."