The Demon's Princess: Ow but stuck in fog.

OKAY. LESS OW AND FOG. STILL SOME OW THOUGH.

DAY 20.

FRIDAY.

GOLD: 11,185.

Tyler woke to see Seria asleep in his arms and he kissed the back of her neck to wake her. She woke with a moan and she smiled at him as she rolled over.

"Ooooh don't do that again. I feel all tingly!"

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

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

The pair snuggled deeper into the bedroll and he smiled.

"I can't give you stuff while here can I?"

Her blue eyes were shining as she replied.

"You can. And they'd return with me."

He slid the raptor claw to her.

"THAT one nearly got me."

She clutched it tightly.

"I'll put it with the Tyrant teeth, my love."

"I love you too Seria."

She smiled and he held her as the sun filtered through the tent and she faded as it touched her. He sighed as she vanished before refocusing. He slid her crystal into a hidden pocket in his pack and headed out. The fog had nearly disapated entirely with enough left to make caution nessecary. Asuna was at the table with the rest of the leaders as the warrior approached.

"Morning. We have an issue."

He looked at her.

"Issei was captured last night trying to steal from the party's safe. When confronted, he tried to stab her. Barkhorn caught him.

"OUCH."

"She BEAT the idiot nearly to death. Victoria got him to confess to attempted to rob us in the dark and leave. his plan was to just take off and POSSIBLY defect. idiot hadn't thought that far out. We looked and nothing was taken and he was under no influence but his own."

Tyler nodded.

"Where IS the safe kept, asuna?"

"In a cupboard under the wagon bed."

"I'll store it in my tent now."

Mina smiled.

"We had intially thought of that, too. But I suggested the wagon as your tent was a little TOO obvious."

"Smart. We'll figure it out. But for now we need to decide what to do with Issei."

Mina nodded as she looked at him.

"He would have suffered a firing squad in my world with this betrayal."

Asuna nodded gravely and Tyler looked at Rias and Akeno. Rias sighed deeply.

"I'm good. And DONE."

Akeno nodded.

"What she said."

Tyler sighed.

"Half a me wants to kill him for this, the other DOESN'T because of the door it opens."

Victoria nodded gravely.

"If you decide to put him to death for his crime, Tyler, there is no going back. The choice is yours."

He smiled.

"I know what to do."

He set the scry ball on the table and the knight captain smiled approvingly.

"Well chosen."

Mylissia appeared with a smile.

"What now?"

"We have an issue I think you'd need to be aware of."

"Shall I shut the door?"

"That might be a good idea."

The queen went to her study and once the door was shut she smirked.

"What is the new crisis?"

The charges were listed and Mylissia let out a visible sigh of relief as it was revealed Tyler had turned to her for judgement.

"Oh thank gods. Words cannot describe how VASTLY relieved I am such power holds NO allure for you, Tyler The Berserker."

He chuckled.

"I want no part of being king. If you were not reachable, I WOULD have killed him for this."

"In that instance, that is perfectly reasonable. However, I will decide his fate."

The queen sat in a chair.

"Present me the prisoner."

Asuna looked to where Erza and Barkhorn were waiting and the pair dragged the badly beaten and silently glaring Issei forward. Tyler smiled as he saw this.

"Hey, Erza, Barkhorn, I think yuo two well as enforcers for the Company."

Mina smiled widely.

"Those that ensure codes of conduct and respect are followed. We'll discuss this one after."

They nodded with a smile and Tyler looked at Mylissia.

"This one is all yours."

Mylissia nodded as she gazed imperiously down her nose at the sullenly glaring Issei.

"Issei Hyuta. Let it be known this morning you stand accused of attempted robbery, murder, and desertion of your fellow heroes. The evidence against you is condemning. HOW do you respond to such charges?"

Issei snorted through a swollen jaw.

"I respond by saying they OWE me an extra payout since I'm still level 1. THEY'RE all level 2 and up. Since NO ONE WILL HELP ME, and I've never done anything like this, I need an extra hand."

Tyler held his own hand up to silence the outraged people around the and they held their tongues to let the queen handle it. MYlissia did.

"You have been in our world for 20 days."

Tyler blinked and looked at Rias.

"Has it ALREADY been that long?"

She chuckled at that one.

"I know. I felt the same when I realized that myself."

"Weird. Sorry."

MYlissia chuckled at the intrusion.

"I completely understand. Now."

She refocused.

"You have been in our world for 20 days, Issei. And have been afforded the EXACT SAME OPPORTUNITES for wealth and power the rest of the heroes were gifted."

She was using the same gently patronizing tone one used to explain 1+1=2 to an idiot toddler with a temper problem. The queen looked at Tyler.

"TYler the Berserker, state your level and wealth."

"I'm level 6. Just BARELY passed level 6 mind you. Wealth is 11,185."

She nodded.

"You don't have much for wealth."

"Most of it went into my spells and abilities."

"At the last figure, how much did you spend? That one trip to Sabrina's shop?"

"About 200k? With an extra 110k on Seria's wedding ring set? Yeah that sounds right."

Mylissia looked at Issei now down her nose.

"Tyler, in 20 days, had amassed enough wealth and power to both secure the hand of the princess as his bride, AND purchase those simply LOVELY engagement gifts for her. WHY couldn't YOU do the same?"

Issei had utter jealousy in his voice as he answered.

"THAT guy is a Slayer. I'm just a pleasurer. HIS ability lets him fight and it's EASY for him."

Mylissia chuckled.

"Oh no it is not easy to KILL and FIGHT. His abilities can be BOUGHT at a STORE. So in the face of a disadvantage, where one of TRUE HEART would merely work the harder to make up for the lack, YOU whine and moan and do nothing. What is YOUR wealth Issei?"

"I'm broke."

"Where did your gold go? I gave you 3,000 at this point."

Issei sighed and didn't answer as the queen looked at him.

"Issei. Answer me."

"I...lost it."

Mylissia chuckled.

"I'll answer FOR YOU then. YOU spent all your gold, on DOVES at the local temples. To the POINT you missed out on valuable training. I got their reports on your....efforts as well. As it is the QUEEN'S duty to protect the queendom's workers. No matter WHAT they profess in."

Issei had looked away from the queen's condemning gaze now and the blue haired ruler smiled.

"I have recieved the reports of all 45 of them. And they all report the same GLARING flaws. A tiny member, HIDEOUS STAMINA, HORRID acts they needed to be purified for preforming, pain too. Seems you have no idea what you are doing and FORCE it to the point it hurts. And a feeling of utter REGRET when the finish comes. They get their payment, and YOU are kicked out. No wonder no dove would have you twice. NO woman with self-respect would even CONSIDER lowering herself to entertain YOU as a lover!"

"Hey."

Rias' mild offense made Tyler chuckle.

"There were ISSUES there Rias."

"Oh yeah that's right. Sorry."

Mylissia chuckled at that one.

"She;s still a goddess."

"Still not into women, Mylissia."

"Still BOO. I'd LOVE to worship YOU for a night sweetie!"

Rias blushed HARD at the geninue words and seductive purr in the queen's voice and she looked away.

"I'll...keep that in mind."

Akeno patted her on the back reasurringly and Tyler looked at the queen.

"GOOD choice."

"Yeah not my game, not my table."

The ladies in attendance chuckled at that one as Issei had a flush at the thought of Rias as a lesbian with the queen. Mylissia saw this.

"The women you had hired all report a tiny, miserable, disgusting soul who can't even go for five minutes. You are WORTHLESS. This was BEFORE your latest crimes against your comrades."

Issei had a look of indignation at the critcsim and the queen continued.

"For the crimes of attempted robbery, murder and desertion, Issei hyuta, you are found guilty before the Queendom. Your PUNISHEMENT is a BRANDING, the sealing and loss of your levels, and you are BANISHED from the Heroes' Company AND the Queendom as a WHOLE. Until the day you prove WORTHY of such an honor again."

Tyler looked at her.

"Soooo HOW are we gonna do this?"

Mylissia smiled.

"Press the orb into his back."

Issei was pinned to the ground as he screamed and tried to fight only for the stronger Erza and Barkhorn to overpower him in seconds. The loser's shirt was pulled up and Tyler pressed the orb into his skin. Instantly a hissing sound was heard along with a series of burning lines engraving themselves in his back, chest, hands and on his forehead. Issei was incoherent with his screams of pain as Rias and her devils stepped away to avoid a mess. The brand was a large X shape over a ray of bands while his Status Plate shattered. Mylissia explained as the orb was removed.

"He may never grow any stronger as a person so long as the brand remains. It's the ultimate punishment for a hero as they're reduced to a normal human in our world as even their hero's boon is sealed. His brand will be visible no matter what he wears and when people look at him with a Status Plate the words Hero's exile will be seen. Now, give him his horse and supplies for two days then send him on his way."

Tyler smiled.

"We're moving out anyway."

The queen chuckled.

"He does not even deserve the use of your campsite YOU prepared."

"Ah."

Issei was put on his horse and the muddy brown steed was sent on a ride back to the village. Strand smiled.

"Ingot will know the brand on sight. AND will not attempt to help him. He may be an exile himself, but he did not WILLFULLY endanger anyone. And he has attoned for his sins."

"Where Issei just DOESN'T have that kinda heart."

"NO he does NOT."

Tyler looked at Mylissia and she smiled.

"If you encounter ANOTHER such issue Tyler, I'm afriad it's UTTERLY out of your hands to pass judgement yourself if I am reachable. Until the day you ascend the throne yourself, judgements and punishments are beyond your power."

"I completely understand. If I am called to judge? Say by a village with a corrupt leader?"

"Use the orb as I do so enjoy those."

"Sure. If the orb BREAKS?"

She sighed at this possibility.

"Just keep a shard. It's enchanted to regenerate over time."

"Thanks Mylissia."

"Certainly. Seria is busy at the temple."

"Tell her I love her."

"Will do."

The orb went out and Tyler looked at Asuna.

"The wagon?"

"We were able to fix it. with a proper look we realized the spokes had snapped. Those are easy to fabricate and same with the spare wheel. We can roll out anytime."

"Break camp and let's make tracks people."

They nodded and the camp was broken down in fifteen minutes before they were moving. Erza and Barkhorn were upfront with the leaders for their latest discussion and Tyler smiled as they followed the gently rising road.

"I think Erza and Barkhorn make better enforcers then mere footsoldiers everyone."

Asuna nodded as she manuvered her own unicorn.

"I agree. And we DO need a few more officers for the Company Tyler. The top is secure, now we just need to make sure the base is as well. We're a small band right now and so two Enforcers work just fine. Same with a Quartermaster."

"Belfast?"

The blue eyed Quartmaster smiled from her spot by the wagon.

"I am well able to handle the current workload, Tyler."

"Alright. You need a hand let us know."

"I will do so."

Tyler looked at Asuna.

"We lost two members there. 128 strong. We STARTED with 151. That's not good."

She sighed.

"We're at war Tyler. And it's 23 lost. ONE to betrayal. We're okay."

"I guess."

He sighed and Asuna smiled at this.

"KEEP THAT. The moment the men under you mean nothing, is the moment you turn into a monster."

"I'll keep that in mind."

Tyler looked ahead as he considered what else they needed.

"Oh. Yeah. We need a better name then the Heroes' Company."

They chuckled at that and Rias smirked.

"Choose wisely."

He chuckled as he considered the options. Then he smirked.

"Oh that works. We're the-"

"If you call us the Mess, we're ALL going to hit you."

"Jesus. I was GOING to say Beacons. We're the Beacons."

Mina chuckled.

"Inspiring and lame. You can do better."

"I WANT to call us the Outcasts."

They blinked at this and Asuna smiled.

"We ARE all Outcasts from somewhere."

Strand smiled.

"Indeed. And a band of Outcasts seeking to right the wrongs of the world is an admirable tale. IF a recipe for rumor."

Tyler smiled.

"I WOULD call us the Rangers, but that was already claimed."

The elf chuckled at that one as the warrior looked at the crew while they rode, seeking something that represented them BEST.

"Hmm. We're all from different worlds, all but ME are icons in my world, all extremely skilled warriors. Demons."

He smiled widely and looked at Mina.

"We're the Demons of Razgriz."

Rias whistled at the intimidating name.

"Damn dude. Razgriz in my world was a demon of retribution and revenge."

Tyler smiled.

"And find me a BETTER name for a group of Heroes led by a BERSERKER?"

Asuna smiled.

"We're the Knights of the Bloodoath, Tyler."

He looked at her and she explained.

"We were brought here BY a bloodoath, and are expected to be knights. And I want my title back."

The warrior smiled widely as the rest also smiled at the intense name.

"We're the Knights of the Bloodoath. Led by Lord Berserker. I LIKE it, Asuna. Asuna. The Lightning Flash. Once AGAIN second in command of the knights of the Bloodoath. We have our company name."

The heads nodded and Tyler smiled as he produced the orb.

"Let's make it official."

Mylissia appeared with a smirk/

"What now?"

"We decided on a party name and need it made official."

"Oh? THIS oughta be good."

"We're the Knights of the Bloodoath. YOU brought us here with blood, and we WADE through blood to defend your home. OUR home now."

Mylissia smiled widely.

"An insanely honorable and inspiring name. I will have your company recognized as the Bloodoath in reports."

"Thanks Mylissia. All we needed."

The orb went out and the Bloodoath rode on. Tyler looked ahead with Strand as the road leveled out again and he found that even though they were pushing 9,000 feet it was still easy to breathe. Strand smiled as she looked at him.

"Our world is far larger then your own it seems. Even at the top of those peaks we are able to breath as easily as if we were at the base."

"That's kinda cool."

The Knights moved at a canter now until they were all on the level ground and Tyler noted the cliff to their right was still sheer and covered in moss. The drop was dizzying, even for him as he looked 9,000 feet straight down. Victoria chuckled as he moved away from the edge.

"People go over all the time from stunts like that, Tyler."

"Ha. Classic."

The friends made up for lost time as the fog burned away entirely and they could see clearly.

They made camp inside a horseshape dent in the forest on the left of the forest and Tyler was on first watch again. He smiled as he struck his statue of armor stance with his defense spell up for his shift. Asuna relieved him a d he returned to his tent. He was surprised to find Belfast waiting for him and she smiled warmly as he walked in.

"I found myself wishing a cuddle."

He chuckled at that as he laid down and she rested her head on his chest.

"Always nice having a cuddle mate, Belfast."

"Have you had a dream?"

"Mostly Seria. And differing things with her."

"No nightmares?"

"None."

"I am glad they faded."

"Me too. You okay?"

She smiled warmly.

"I am. My own fancy has passed. I have my own target in mind."

"Akeno?"

"NEVER speak of this."

"I promise."

"But indeed."

"Lucky the both a you. She's a wild one though."

"We have talked."

"Oh. Well. You know."

Belfast smiled knowingly as she got comfy.

"I do indeed know"

"Ask her to show you her feathers sometime."

She looked at him.

"Are you being uncouth?"

"Trust me."

"Oh dear that is TERRIFYING. I shall ask her tomorrow during our own cuddle."

"Lucky."

She chuckled as he wrapped an arm around her waist.

"Good night, Belfast."

"Good night, Dear."

STILL ON THE ROAD. KINDA GETTING TIRED OF IT.

DAY 21.

SATURDAY

GOLD: 11,185

Tyler woke to the sight of Belfast asleep beside him in his bedroll. He smiled at this and hugged her around the waist. she woke with a smile.

"Good morning Dear."

"Morning Belfast. Always warm."

"Always relaxing."

"THAT means a LOT coming from you."

She smiled knowingly at that as they left the tent.

"And know I WILL be asking her later."

"Tell me what you think after."

"I will, indeed. AND blame you."

He chuckled knowingly as he went to report at the Table. Asuna was there with Mina and the rest and the redhead smiled as he walked over.

"Morning Tyler. All quiet last night."

"We're about what? Two days out from Dunkrick?"

Mina looked at a map.

"About that. We'll be entering a colder region of the mountain now. We've bundled up with pelts and blankets for the next day."

"My coat will keep me warm. If we need to, pull over and I'll use a firestorm to warm us up."

Strand smiled.

"A wily idea and use it for our campsite, Tyler. Tonight is going to be miserable."

"That reminds me. How's our tents and equipment looking?"

They blinked at this and Asuna frowned.

"I will have that looked at Tyler. We're not in game and that stuff wears down."

"Where's Sora and shiro?"

Sora perked up from his spot.

"Over here. Nothing for me to so since this is trip planning annnnd nothing I know anything about. Shiro was last seen inside Asia's tent with that one girl....Unicorn? That how you say it?"

Tyler chuckled.

"The cute brigade. Alright. Asuna get a status on our equipment BEFORE we head into the cold. if we need to dip into our stored pelts to repair our blankets, do so."

"I'll get right on that."

She left and Tyler looked his own tent and equipment over. Only to find his tent had more then a few holes wearing in around the rope fastenings and the bedroll was fraying pretty badly. PLUS was worn flat and not really comfy.

"explains my back ache this morning."

He walked out to find Asuna reportng in.

"ALl bad. Dented pots, encrusted pans, fraying blankets and tents, yeah we need a reequip on most basic survival equipment."

Tyler nodded.

"We'll do a hard ride then. We can squeeze one rough night from our equipment before it becomes an issue. We need to be halfway to Dunkrick by tomorrow morning. Once in the city, resupply is the word a the day BEFORE we relax."

He looked at Victoria.

"OR get back into training."

She nodded approvingly.

"Agreed. The shops in Dunkrick are some of the best that side of the mountain for camping gear. And to be honest YOUR stuff is VERY low end quality."

Belfast came over with a clipboard.

"I have taken inventory on the upgrades, repairs, and replacements we need."

Tyler took the list and whistled.

"MOST of it is our tents and bedrolls. Okay. We have the fur and hide to do this right. Only a question of do it ourselves, or wait till the city and have a professional do it. If a PROFESSIONAL does it, it'll last that much longer."

The leaders frowned at this and Sora perked up.

"Have a professional do it. Since we need this stuff for long rides ANYWAY, durability over time is more important."

Tyler nodded.

"I agree there. We can suffer through a few bad nights. Since we're already used to it."

They smirked at that and Belfast left the clipboard with Asuna.

"I suggest we keep an eye on the tents. A few are the verge of RIPPING entirely."

Tyler nodded.

"We'll be on the other side of the cold by tonight. Let's Move Bloodoath."

Asuna smiled as the camp was broken down.

"You've been wanting to say that."

"Yup."

Once the Knights were formed up they tore off down the road at a light trot as that was the limit allowed by the treacherous roadway. Tyler looked up as the road climbed again and noted a distinct chill in the air that had his breath be seen.

"Strand, what lives up here?"

The Ranger smiled as she came up on her wolf.

"A lot actually. Dragons, mountain tyrants, larger Alpine bears, WHITE BEARS, and a few breeds of breakers but with fur."

"Huh. What are the dragons' like here?"

"They are many and more, Tyler. You'll see one soon enough."

Victoria rode up now with her own experience.

"Dragons here range from tyrant level's of strength, to godlike. And they are EXTREMELY common too."

He smiled.

"fair warning. We ARE going to kill a high dragon at SOME POINT."

They chuckled at that aspiration and Victoria nodded approvingly.

"Ya sounded like me when I said that. You'll need to get a LOT stronger though."

"We will. I'm already a level six."

Asuna smirked at the cockiness.

"Cocky idiot."

The friends chuckled at that as Rias came up then with her flame red Unicorn. Tyler smiled as she did.

"Whatever happened with Bell and Asia?"

"Oh they're good friends. Seems they spent some time together and felt they were better off as friends."

"Makes sense. Asia?"

"SHE was LOVING the attention. And seems to be playing the field a little."

"Good for her."

Rias chuckled at that.

"Very. And we're making sure she doesn't turn into-"

"Akeno?"

A minor thunderbolt hit him as the purple haired beauty's icy tone was heard from the group.

"I heard that you prick."

He chuckled and Shadow tossed his head in irritation at the jolt. Rias had a smile at the eletrocution.

"Asia's enjoying herself."

"Good for her. Where's Javelin?"

"Oh her? She's fallen in with Erza and Barkhorn. I guess she wants to be like them."

"Good for her."

Tyler looked ahead now as they went from dirt and rocks to a lightly snow encrusted path with the landscape becoming more sparsely forested as they went. The warrior frowned at the sudden shift to white and he closed his coat with a flick as behind him the Bloodoath all donned pelts and furs for warmth.

"Keep your wits about you people. Let's no one slip."

They nodded at this as they rode. Tyler looked into the distance as the sun reflected off the snow and he sighed at the chill.

"I do not miss this."

Mina shivered beside him.

"Me either. Karlsland's cold in the winter."

"Sanya must be laughing at this excuse for cold."

She chuckled at that as Sanya's soft voice was heard.

"It's nice. I kinda like it."

The friends smiled at that subtle brag as Strand pointed ahead.

"We take this right here."

They turned and Tyler spotted the shift to a downhill ride.

"Slow up and brace for ice!"

The Bloodoath slowed to a canter as they decended the mountain and Strand smiled as she led the way.

"We'll be out of the cold in 5 hours at this pace Tyler."

"That'll put us at twilight. Good. we'll then make another hard push for Dunkrick. I want to be in the city by noon tomorrow."

She nodded and they rode on. They left the cold behind four hours later and Tyler smiled as he unclasped his coat in relief while the pelts were put up as well. They made camp on a level slab of stone close to 50 yards wide. Tyler smiled as he helped Erza and Bakrhorn build their camp fire pyre that kept insects at bay while the tents were pitched. He wasn't on watch that night and so laid on his bedroll with a groan.

"Yup. Okay. This thing sucks now."

They had dinner of roast meat and some strawberry cordial before they powered down for the night. Tyler smiled as he settled.

"I'll see you tomorrow Seria."