The Demon's Princess: Riding to War with extra steps.

THE KNIGHTS ARE BACK ON THE ROAD.

DAY 56

THURSDAY.

GOLD: 159,180.

BLOODOATH GOLD: 106,159,943

Tyler woke the next morning to the sound of heavy thunder and pounding rain outside his tent. He opened his eyes, however, to see Rias' sleeping face beside him in his bedroll and he smiled as he kissed her awake.

"I love you too, Tyler."

Her eyes were sparkling as she opened them and he kissed her deeper.

"we'll have some fun at some point, Rias."

"I have a silent sphere!"

"Sexy and we'll invite Seria."

"She gave it to me!"

"I love her. I really do."

The pair got dressed and Tyler went to the command table they'd set up under a large tent and Asuna frowned as he walked in. her red hair looking like rust from her own soaking.

"No good. We try to go ANYWHERE, Tyler it is just ASKING for an accident. Plus the lighting is hitting the ground."

Strand nodded.

"The river is safe. No risk of flooding. The ROAD however is a mudpit. Horses break legs in storms like this every day and we can't risk losing our mounts."

Tyler nodded.

"Alright. Rainy day. Strand are there creatures that ONLY come out during thunderstorms?"

She nodded.

"MAny and more. Toads, frogs, slimes, Rain drakes, even a tyrant breed that lives in the mud."

"That's today's plan. Rain grinding. Everyone take squads and see what you can hunt up."

Erwin looked outside.

"The storm doesn't SEEM that intense, Tyler. Can we really afford the wasted time?"

Strand chuckled.

"It only LOOKS weak, Erwin. Macedonia storms are LEGENDARY for their intensity. And remember. We'd be riding along flatland."

"Ah. NOW that makes sense."

Tyler chuckled.

"PLUs the storm is effecting the mountains too. It'll probably 4 to 5 times more powerful up there. They're stuck too."

TYler then looked to Shizu the Samurai...and she blinked.

"what can I do?"

"YOU I want to gather a group of plant experts and do some foraging for herbs. Today is a storm grind slash crafting hunt."

She nodded with a relieved smile.

"I'll get right on it."

Tyler looked at Erwin .

"Erwin, Tanya, Wales, and Satuski take squads of up to ten on raids in the forest. Prey is any monsters you have not seen yet or can come across. Once you return, swap out for Rias, Strand, Akeno, and Asuna's crew. we'll do a rotating meatgrinder. I'll be bouncing around too."

He nodded and the Berserker smiled.

"Alright. We'll have fun. Break."

Thye split and the news broke. Tyler went to his tent where he shouldered his custom hunting pack and went to the sizzling bonfire and placed a hand on the wood.

"Firebolt."

The flames got a booster shot and he looked to Mina.

"YOU keep the fire going as it keeps insects out."

She nodded with a smile.

"Will do."

Tyler headed to where a larger portion of the army was gathered for task splitting and he looked around.

"Alright. I'll take Lily, Akyama, Ryu, Mikasa, annnnd, Bell."

The named nodded and Bell came up with a smile as he flexed an arm.

"what's the job?"

"Storm hunting. Frogs, toads, slimes, you get the idea. Plus anything else useful."

"Gotchya. I hit level 20....and stopped."

"We'll find ya something big."

The white haired guy chuckled at that as Lily the animalgirl from his world came over with her massive backpack that was half the size of Tyler. Her chirpy voice was full of snarkiness as she did.

"I'm STILL tiny."

Ty;er chuckled as he patted her.

"I'll teach ya how to be a dangerous shortstack soon enough, lily."

"I know who you sleep with, MAster Tyler. DO NOT piss me off."

"Sure thing Lil fox."

"NO!"

Bell laughed at her new horror.

"I'm giving that to Asia."

Lily had a new look of horror and Ryu came over in her green tunic with her staff.

"MAster Tyler."

"Hey Ryu. You get your answers on the Draken?"

She nodded.

"I did. You did not lie."

"Alright. Strand give you any pointers on the elves here?"

"I am a member of the Forest Elf race here. I am also undergoing Strand's Ranger training to fill in the holes in my own."

"waiiit. YOU'RE a RANGER?"

Ryu smiled wryly.

"I am. You did not know?"

Tyler smiled.

"Always suspected....buuut felt it was too much of a stereoptype for one of the ONLY elves WORTH a damn in his stroy that is ALSO a powerful adventurer to also be an elven Ranger. Good. We need more Rangers to be honest. We only have two."

Bell chuckled.

"Dryft isn't as intense as I thought she would be."

"She IS surprisingly mellow all things considered. But hey. How it goes. warm and mellow most a the time, freakin psychoctic wildcat when you piss em off."

Akyama came over with her usual stars in her eyes at being near him and he noted her weapon was a spear. He smiled as she came up

"Sup Akyama? Ready for a hike?"

"YES SIR!"

"Atta girl."

Bell smiled and leaned in his ear.

"So you're aware? A LOOOOOOT of the new girls in the force have a SERIOUS crush on Gasper of all people.....and he's RUNNING with it."

Tyler whistled at THAT bit a news.

"Is he really?"

"He's got four at the last count for a snugglefest tonight. HIS brag. NOT mine."

"damn dude. Play on. Hey yo Rias!"

The redhead came over with a smile....only to burst out laughing as she heard of her shiest servent's escapade.

"Way to go GASPY! I'll barge in and say hi."

"Atta boy Gaspy. Just make sure it don't turn into an orgy before he gets the PROPER instruction."

"Absolutely."

She walked off with an extra hipsway and Tyler chuckled.

"You think she knows she looks like a lopsided swan with that swagger?"

Only for AISA'S sweetly voiced giggle to make the redhead turn and smile.

"asia."

"What? You do!"

"Oooooh I am going t get you!"

"eep! Help! I pissed off Rias! Oh yeah that's right. HE told me to say it!"

"Huh?"

Tyler's sudden noise and mildly curious expression sent a fair few that had been eavesdropping to the ground. Asia smiled sweetly.

"YOU told me to say that!"

He just looked at this adorably CONNIVING blonde while considering stabbing her in the heart os using a holy spell to check for a doppleganger. Rias just sighed.

"Asia has learned WAY too much."

"Yup."

Asia giggled and ran off to her own squad. Tyler shrugged and looked over as a slender girl wit shoulder length black hair and slate gry eyes approached. She was a head shorter then him with a VERY hard muscled, slender frame and modest bust on her chest. Her attire was a tight fitting tanktop and pants of leather with a brighr red scarf around her neck. er eyes were almond shaped while her skin was pale. On her cheek was a small scar Tyler knew was from an old battle and on her hips were a pair of twin longswords. She spoke in a soft, yet cold breath.

"Mikasa Ackerman reporting."

"Alright we got our circus. We're on a monster/resource hunt. Since I'M in the mix, odds are we'll find something weird."

Bell sighed as they headed into the forest.

"I will add that we usually DO find somethin weird."

Tyler chuckled as he looked around at the trees as they walked when movement to his left got hus eye...and his hand darted out.

"Gotchya!"

He pulled a full grown rattlesnake from the ground and Lily sighed as she passed him a milking jar.

"I was about to step on it...and he saves me by magic."

"You just got here, Lily. Give yourself a chance."

She smirked at that as he milked the snake of it's potent venom.

"YOU'LL teach me?"

"You're a shapeshifter, right?"

"The spell needs work. I can only form my ears and tail now."

"Alright. It's a start."

Ryu was collecting some Dadly Nightshade bulbs while Bell kept watch. Mikasa kept glancing over her shoulder as if nervous and Bell noticed.

"You forget something, Mikasa?"

She pulled her scarf over her nose as she answered without looking at him.

"I can't see him. It makes me nervous."

"Who?"

"Eren."

"Oh. He's tough. He'll be fine. I think he went with Kirito's squad."

Tyler chuckled.

"OH DAMN."

Bell looked at his mildly intrigued voice.

"They won't click?"

"Oh there's a chance those two'll be brothers by the end a the day. Eren is one INTENSE mothufucka when you piss him off and Kirito's Kirito. 100 gold they get into a pissing contest."

"HA! 150 on Kirito kicks his ass."

"Oh now that wouldn't be a fight man. Eren's never fought anyone like Kirito before. MY fight to see? That blonde haired chick with the ice eyes take on Koneko. Both are bareknuckle brawlers."

"Yikes. Satuski got challanged by Ryuko again. We got popcorn."

"Ha. Oh it's a mess going forward Bell. We got a LOOOOOT a REEEALLLY intense and fiery personalities in the crew now."

The pair chucled at that truth and Tyler tossed the spent snake aside as they got moving. Ryu cleaned her hands off with some water and Mikasa sighed as she followed. Albiet relunctantly. Tyler had his eyes on the ground when Lily made a noise.

"Huh?"

"See something?"

"Yeah. I just saw Gaspy over there by that tree waving at me....shirtless."

Tyler lookd at the indicated spot and sure enough, a shirtless Gasper poked hsi head out to wave with an inviting smile.

"Ha. wow, Lily. Looks like YOU got a crush."

Her face turned beat red and she spoke in a sullen tone now.

"I do NOT. what's he doing?"

"It's a Forest Ghost."

".....dammit."

She slumped as she remembered what a Forest Ghost's lure was and he patted her resurringly.

"He's a devil. we'll have a chat, and he'll figure something out."

"He's got like 30 girls chasing em."

"Yeeeah that's not surprising. still. He's a devil. Their culture has.....a few perks."

"What is it and why am I nervous?"

"welll. As Rias what the biggest perk of being a devil is. trust me."

"If it's something dirty I will set you on fire."

"Deal."

Tyler looked at the image of Gasper and smirked.

"Akyama."

"HUH?"

"I'll it up, you run it through the heart."

"It's GASPER!"

"Trust me."

She gulped but nodded with huge eyes as the pair walked over. The apparition merely smiled as they approached and Tyler took the lead.

"Gaspy put a shirt on."

The creature waited until was in reach...and lunged in the form of an undead child.

"Now."

He sidestepped and Akyama was there with her spear to thrust it into the heart of the creature. it screamed and shattered into dust leaving a white shirt on her spearhaft.

"Good kill Akyama!"

she smiled at the praise.

"Thanks Tyler."

"We'll make a warrior outta you yet!"

She beamed as Lily handled the shirt with gloves. Then the ground shook from something big hitting it and Mikasa was pale.

"Titan."

"Nah. Something else. Come on I'll show ya."

She looked at him incredolusly as they walked towards the sound.

"I'd know that feeling anywhere, Tyler."

"There's lots a things here, Mikasa that make the ground shake. MOST of em are harmless provided ya don't get stepped on."

She drew her swords but followed as Tyler walked towards the sound of thunderous footsteps and snapping branches. HE smiled as they reached the edge of the forest.

"I thought so."

The group outside Bell gasped at the sight of the herd of Brachiosaurus feeding on the tops of the trees. The 55 meter tall animals shaking the ground from their immense steps and Mikasa was openly gaping the sight.

"Wow. They're almost bigger then the Walls!"

Tyler took a photo for Seria and put his hands together.

"watch this."

She looked at him curiously as he blew a long and melodious note to the gentle giants. Nearly instantly they replied in their own whale-like calls that had them smiling from the beauty int he sound. Tyler chuckled as he waved at the immense herbavores and they continued their singing for the tiny people. Then the warrior looked at te rest of his awestruck companions.

"Come on. We're not equipped to bring one of em down."

Ryu nodded with a smile as they walked back into the forest.

"No we are not. If we HAD been?"

"We'd need half the army to bring a strong one down. And the ENTIRE army to butcher it. And we don't have the means to transport such massive animals. if we pissed the herd off, and they stampeded? They'd FLATTEN this entire forest."

They whistled at that and Ryu nodded at the points as the friends kept moving. Bell looked over at Lily to say something...when a shadow darted across a gape in the underbrush.

"Raptors."

"On it. Lily in the middle. NOW."

The nerbous girl gulped as Tyler pulled his sword. Mikasa looked at him as she pulled her swords.

"Raptors?"

"Meaner verisons of wolves that are lizards. Hunt in packs and you'll see why we hate them so much. Things are everywhere."

A rumbling rattle was heard in the trees and Tyler smirked as he lifted his sword.

"Frozen Wastes."

The forest floor was encased in ice as a sound of metalic screeching filled the air and the pack attacked. Tyler smirked as the predators slipped as they landed ont he ice and it opened them uo for easy kills.

"These things are irritating."

Mikasa had never seen creatures quite like Velociraptors before. Tyler chuckled as she looked at the 6 foot tall dinosaurs in awe.

"You get used to em, Mikasa. Plus you killed a bunch in the arena."

"I don't really REMEMBER what I did in there, Tyler. I was THAT out of my mind with that rally speech of yours."

The 30 dinos were butchered to the bone as Metalica popped her head ut with a smile.

"They're ready Tyler."

He smiled widely at this news.

"Thanks Metalica. Hang em on that peg by the vault please."

"The most secure place in your soul. will do."

Ryu looked over with a smile at hus new excitement.

"So the puzzle is her wedding?"

"She does not know a THING. KEEP it that way."

"Absolutely."

"But it is."

Bell chuckled.

"he's been planning it and prepping for it for TWO months now!"

"She DID ask me to overdo it."

They chuckled at that point as they filled Lily's pack and the strong girl smiled.

"I'm okay."

"You're tougher then you know."

She smirked.

"Oh? How tough am I then?"

"Tough enough to grow up in SOMA'S familia...and STILL be a good person."

She sighed at that as they got moving.

"You DO know I used to screw over adventurers...right?"

"really? Huh. And here I thought you were just a clever fox."

"Hey! ENOUGH with the FOX THING! I have FENNC ears! And the TAIL of a bushy puppy!"

"You look like a fox to me though, Lily. It means you're smart and VERY clever."

"Ooooooh."

He chuckled as it clicked.

"Seriously. Have you NEVER heard of the wily fox? Or been warned of sly vixens?"

"Uuuuh. No?"

"Okay. That makes sense. It's a complement. Not JUST on your looks but your brainpower."

Lily smiled at that with a slight blush.

"well, thanks. I...think."

Bell patted her sympathetically.

"You DON'T really get used to it, Lily."

"Gee. NOT a good confidence booster."

They chuckled as Akyama came up beside him all smiles and with her stars in her eyes and he chuckled.

"Got somethin on your chest, Akyama?"

She blushed now.

"Umm. You know tanks?"

He smirked.

"Panzor vor!"

"YES! i knew IT! i knew YOU KNEW tanks!"

And off she went on her love for all thinhs tankery and Tyler patted the enthuasist affectionately.

"Simmer down, there Guderion, you'll pull a gasket otherwise."

She blushed and smiled sheepishly.

"Sorry."

"I get it. Oh. Hey i got one for ya."

She was paying rapt attention now!

"Shoot."

He smiled.

"Did you know that the Tiger 1, one of the world's most LEGENDARY tanks and the most mythologicalized tank of the war...was ALSO one of the world's WORST WEAPONS ever made?"

She blinked at this.

"Umm."

"Underpowered engine, it's wheels locked up FAAR too easily, it's engine was fuel greedy, it was too heavy for most bridges in Germany during the war, and it was slow. It was EXTREMELY costly to produce and the logistics of getting it to a battlefield were a nightmare."

"Huh. You're right, and huh. We get nervous when we encounter a tiger in our matches."

"In a MODERN DAY game."

"Ah. I guess that makes sense. Favorite tank?"

He smiled.

"The four. Panzor IV. It's just such a freakin alrounder you can kit it to your heart's content."

Akyama smiled fondly as the memories returned.

"I miss them now"

"I'll see what I can do."

She looked at him sharply and the Berserker smirked.

"what? Metalica has access to ALL OF MY MEMORIES, Akyama. And she can create EXACTING copies of everything in there. so. Since I was the weird kid with a fondness for encyclopedias, ALL the needed information to replicate senshadoe, is inside my head."

The iron sprite appeared on his shoulder with a smile.

"It'd be easy. Hell. I could crank those things out ALONE in my forge. ALL OF EM. But not until the war is over."

Akyama smiled.

"Tell Miho."

"NO. This'll be a surprise. Here Miho, happy birthday."

"I love that idea!"

They returned to camp and Tyler chuckled at the lines moving from the wagons like clockwork.

"NOW we got ourselves a company."

Tyler and his raiders got in line and were handled by Aiko. The petite lady smiled as Tyler walked up.

"Deposit or withdrawal?"

"Wow. Neat trick Belfast. Deposit."

"Hey. This one was MY idea."

"Oh. Neat trick Aiko."

She sighed at that and they unloaded their harvest. Then Aiko looked at him with a smile.

"There is a meeting at the command tent Tyler."

"Thanks Aiko. Try not to work it TOO hard okay?"

She went RED in the FACE at the insinuations.

"wh-wha-what do you mean?"

"wow. cute flipout."

He walked away as the poor lady was giving off steam in a minor emotional tantrum as the Berserker laughed fondly.

"Jesus she is even MORE ditzy IRL! I'mma have some fun fuckin with her."

"I CAN hear you!"

"Have fun Aiko!"

He left her fuming and walked into the tent to ser Asuna with the captains looking at the map. The redhead sighed as he walked in.

"Bad news. Road up ahead is washed out."

Tyler looked at her.

"Okay? We have ice spells.....and earth spells."

Strand smiled.

"I thought of that myself. Problem is it's a bridge. 50 yards of it's span in the center is gone."

Tyler frowned at that and looked at the bridge in question on the map.

"THAT'S not how bridges collapse. Not unless something hit it like that."

Rias sighed.

"We're debating sending a scouting party. You're right on how odd it is."

"Hmmm. I'll go. I'll take Kirito, Bell, an Levi. Asuna, lockdown."

"On it."

Erwin smirked.

"The squad that takes the most risks of the entire force."

"The highest levels in the party.....and the ones most used to bullshit."

The three warriors gathered and Tyler tapped the bridge.

"Scout op. we need to check this bridge and see WHY it collapsed."

They nodded and Levi smirked.

"So THAT'S the secret of YOUR squad. ANY unknowns....and you hit it with a hammer."

"And if the problem remains...we get a bigger hammer. Come on."

The four took off into the trees as the bridge was a half hour up the road. Tyler was in the lead with Kirito and Bell flanking him and Levi in the rear. Tyler looked at Kirito.

"So how'd it go with your crew?"

He sighed.

"well."

"Yeesh. Which one?"

"One of Hajime's crew. Suzu? She's....affectionate.....with the girls."

"Ha. Yeah that's her in a nutshell. She go overboard?"

"Kinda. She pounced on Unicorn for a hug....and it spooked her. Unicorn nearly killed her with her backhand annnnd now they both feel like crap. I got em on a makeout snuggle."

"I'll be sure to have Belfast join them."

"She volunteered."

"Good. Suzu is a good person. Just....a LITTLE overexuberant. Levi?"

The man in the green cloak shrugged.

"Tanya's a hardass. We'll get along just fine."

"She;s a reincarnated middle manager. basically she died....and was born again."

"Ugh. My head."

"In her world she was locked in a pissing contest with god cause she's a staunch athiest...and her god is an egomaniacial asshole."

"UGH. I got enough tea for this back at camp."

Tyler chuckled as they neared the bridge.

"You say that now....and then we get attacked by a tree."

Bell smirked.

"Or THIS guy gets stabbed by a toddler."

"Hey. It was ONE time bro!"

"All it takes in one time! YOUR words!"

Levi smirked.

"I gotta here this."

Kirito chuckled.

"Tyler likes to put on shows for the masses when we arrive in new cities. well, we arrive in Sardona on the coast and we're doing our parade when this girl falls off her balcony. Tyler catches her and as he's making sure she's okay...she stabs him in the neck with a knife. She was a member of a race called halfings. about the same size as Lily yet full grown."

"So he rescued her...and she tried to kill him. Why is that so fitting?"

"Yeah. Turned out she was a deep plant for the Drakens in the city."

Levi sighed.

"NOW I don't trust kids anymore."

Tyler chuckled at that as they came to the bridge outside the forest. The span had once been made entirely of stone with arch supports spanning close to 100 yards of roiling river. But 50 yards of the bridge's center had been washed away and Tyler walked to the edge to look at the break closer. soon as he did he frowned.

"Okay. The break came from the RIGHT."

He looked down the river and saw a large mass of the bridge stuck on the river bed.

"Something coming down the river hit the bridge...and it broke. Huh."

Bell frowned at this theory as he came over.

"How can ya tell, Tyler? I just see a broken bridge?"

Tyler pointed to the dangling pieces of stone.

"Okay. see how those pieces are pointing downriver?"

"I do?"

"That indicates force. Picture the bridge in your head."

"I am."

"Something hits it from above, the pieces that DON'T get taken with it, point downward as the puncture came from above."

"Huh. So what hit it?"

TYler looked at the pieces of the bridge in the river now causing a minor blockage.

"Something big...I wonder."

He led the warriors to the edge of the river by the pieces and noted something on the stone.

"Tere's blue blood on the bridge. I can very easily see massive creatures using the river as transport. Say a giant or something using the river to help move it's bulk."

Levi frowned at that.

"A giant? Like that hill giant?"

"Possibly. Giants have many breeds. This one might be a river giant. Seems like something they'd have."

Kirito perked up now.

"Hey there's something in the water!"

The warriors backed up as a large shape rose from the water. it stood 35 feet tall and looked like the forest giant but made from driftwood. The thing was neon blue and when it roared at them it sounded like a mass of tubas. Tyler had his sword out.

"RIVER TITAN! Bring it down!"

The thing roard at them again as the warriors scattered. Kirito and Bell went to flank it as Levy's first reaction was to fire grapples from his hip canisters...only to remember he didn't HAVE them at the moment.

"DAmmit!"

"I got em."

Tyler fired his grapple gauntlet and the giant caugh the red hook on it's arm. Then it's gouged out face smirked as Tyler was whipped through the air on the end of the cable like a ball on a string.

"THIS IS AWEESSSSOOOOME!"

Annnd he was loving the HIGHLY unorthodox thrillride as his friends sighed. Then the giant whipped Tyler high into the air and he retracted his grapple to soar like a bird. The Berserker smirked as he used the vantage with his crystal for a SWEEPING panoramic of the surrounding area before he lifted his sword.

"MAGICAL HIJACK!"

a lightning bolt impacted his sword and he aimed at the giant as the other three kept it occupied.

"MAGICAL REDIRECT!"

Ad he sent a bolt of neon blue lightning onto the wooden creature. The flashing blues lights were een as far away as the palace and Seria smiled sweetly as she saw them from her balcony.

"I'll be SURE to ask you what the hell you did!"

The giant roared in pain as Tyler dropped from the sky, fired a grapple and landed on the ground without a scratch.

"Levi ready a spike!"

"Iced wall."

"Kirito, Bell, hook it!"

The grapples fired and Tyler planted his feet as the four took hold.

"FROZEN WASTES! PULL IT DOWN!"

The giant slipped on the ice and fell chest first on Levi's frozen spike....it acting like a nail to pierce the thing's heart. There eas another minor earthquake as the giant died on impact. Levi got a mass of experience points as the Berserker retracted his hook.

"we good?"

BEll and Kirito shrugged.

"eh."

"Nothing too crazy."

Levi nodded as Asuna came thundering up with a mass of knights. Tyler waved at her and she sighed.

"River giant?"

"river giant."

"Ugh. OOOOF course."

He chuckled at her irritation before the group got to work gathering the monster's wooden body. Tyler and his scouts returned to the command tent and he sighed as he tapped the bridge.

"We'll need a new route. I got tossed pretty high and didn't see anywhere close enough for us to cross safely."

Strand smiled.

"There's another bridge a few hours down the river. We'll follow it."

"Alright Strand. Anything else of concern?"

Asuna smirked.

"Yeah. Justa, what the hell was that giant blue lightning bolt?"

He explained what happened and she sighed.

"Of course."

He shrugged.

"Oddly enouh it was the same as those really freakin weird rides at the carnival. The rides the lift you up and spin you around? Yeah those. Anyway. I'mma go crash for the time being."

They nodded and Tyler headed back to his tent. There he used a fire spell to dry off as he walked under the tarp over his tent's entrance. he walked inside....only to find Miho snuggled up with his blanket clearly comfy. The orange haired cutie was dozing in a very cute ball and he smiled as he took a photo....and she went red in the face at getting caught.

"Sorry!"

"it's fine. Asia does it all the time."

"Phew."

Tyler chuckled as he laid flat beside the relieved cutie.

"So what's up?"

She smiled nervously.

"I like being around you?"

"I'm engaged, Miho."

"I know. More like I have a big brother...and he's Hercules."

"Ha. Okay I'll take that."

She smiled at that and settled back down.

"Plus I feel better around you."

"Scared?"

The girl nodded wordlessly and he pressed her head onto his chest. She blushed but smiled as she gt comfy.

"I talked to Yoshikia. She said she was just like me befpre Sakamoto picked her up. She said to give myself a chance and trust my friends and you. I'll be fine."

She shivered and he stroked her soft hair soothingly.

"But then I remember the video of the village and I get scared. I don't want to end like that. Or see Saori or Mako or Hana or Akyama like that either."

He smiled.

"I'll let you in on a secret."

She leaned over his mouth.

"That was an illusion spell."

She gasped and looked at him in surprise.

"That...DIDN'T happen?"

"It did but with a bandit company. The village defends itself with illusions."

She rested her head back on his chest with a smile.

"Are they nice?"

"Leader's Akeno's sister."

"Oh. So REALLY nice!"

"Ha. Should meet her, you'd love her. Her name's Melody."

"Wow. Still."

"Nerves of steel don't appear over night, Miho. NOR does the strength to face the nightmares. I won't lie to you. it will NOT be easy. But. Keep training, keep practicing, listen to the pros, and you'll be fine. Okay?"

She looked at him with huge eyes.

"Is it REALLY that simple?"

He smiled.

"Yes, miho. it is. All strength is? is the wish to NOT be so weak anymore....and ACTING on that wish. Look at Gasper. He's one of my elites. He's strong, fearless, and appareantly a chickmagnet."

She giggled.

"He's CUTE!"

"And a vampire."

"Is he really?"

"Well halfblooded vampire."

"That's so cool. Huh I wonder what it's like when he drinks blood?"

"Ha. ask him. He'd love to show you."

Miho blushed and he chuckled.

"We're gonna need to talk to him about that."

"Um. Me?"

"YOU go to Belfast. Or. Aiko. OR...hm. Rias."

"Aiko? The lady that everyone calls a fertility goddess?"

"It's a running gag from her world. She's a grown woman."

"Oh. Oh she's just short. Weird."

"She's nice IF a bit of an airheaded idealist."

Miho smiled.

"I'll go see them then. And....thanks."

"Sure thing, Miho. I always got time to help out my favorite cutie in a tank."

"eep!"

"Cute."

She smiled and her shaken heart started feeling better in the face of the Berserker's calm strength and utter confidence in her. Miho settled back on his chest and in a mere few seconds fell asleep. Tyler smiled as he continued stroking her hair.

"You'll be fine, Miho. I believe in you."

She smiled in her sleep and went in deeper as Saori, Miho's outgoing redheaded friend knocked.

"Miporin!"

"Hey Saori."

She poked her head in and gasped at the sight of Miho asleep on Tyler's chest.

"Awwwww! How CUTE! where's my crystal....that's adorable Miporin!"

She got her photo and Tyler chuckled.

"You good?"

Saori smiled.

"Miho's on cooking duty with me and Mako."

"Ah. Hey, commander carrot."

Miho woke with a yawning squeak.

"Wow. YOU'RE comfy."

"Miporin,"

She squeaked at Saori's giggling callout.

"Saori! er...."

"Wow, Miporin. Is that a triangle?"

"No!"

Tyler chuckled at that one.

"You're on dinner duty, miho. So try not to poison everyone."

"Hey! Mean!"

She left with her now grilling her friend and Tyler smiled as he settled.

"Oh my god Miho. You'll be fine."

He dozed for a bit before Rias poked her head in.

"Dinner's ready."

"I'm coming. And you REALLY need to see Gaspy."

"Yeah. Kirito got em."

"Alright."

He smiled as they walked to the line.

"Verdict?"

"A LOT of girls that find him cute....and he is LOVING the attention. So much so...Belfast has his tent between HERS and WALES."

"Good. Miho's....interested ina talk."

"we'll see to her."

"Thanks Rias."

She chuckled before they got in line and Zerotwo, the horned girl with the pink hair was ahead of them. Tyler smiled as he saw her.

"Oh hey Zerotwo. How ya been?"

The pink haired warrior smiled as she looked at him. Her voice still a warm yet hard purr.

"I'm fine. This place is WEIRD."

"You get used to it. You're a level 19 right?"

"Yup! No one's scared of me here!"

"You're too good looking for people to be scared of, Zerotwo."

She smirked at that and her teal eyes ad a new teasing light appear in their gleaming depths.

"I'll be sure to tell Seria that."

"Whaddya want?"

She hugged him.

"everyone talks about how good this feels. Huh."

He just shrugged as Rias laughed.

"eh. It's Zerotwo. GO with it."

Zerotwo smiled as she let go.

"wow. that DID feel nice."

He patted her and she blushed slightly.

"Um. That feels nicer."

"Ha. You're fine."

She smiled as she took her turn int he meal line. Rias chuckled.

"You LIKE her."

"Yeah. I feel bad for her."

"Oh?"

"Out of her entire world? She was alone. Liek UTTERLY alone."

"Oh. Wow. That sucks."

He nodded/

"I already warned Seria."

"Smart."

He got his meal and returned to his tent as he noted the storm had lost a decent amount of it's force. We'll be back on the road in der morning. Once fed he cleaned up and smiled as he looked at the blanket.

"Night's longing."

Seria rose from the ground all smiles inj a night robe and he hugged her tightly.

"I was wonderign when you'd get around to it!"

"Love you too, seria."

"Okay. WHAT the hell was that blue thunderbolt earlier?"

"Ha."

He told the tale and she giggled.

"Of course. And I see new hairs. explain."

"Miho was feeling scared and decided to play an Asia."

"Okay."

"Relax. She said it herself. Big brother that's a godhero."

"Awww! That's so cute! and GOOD."

He chuckled as he laid on the bedroll. Seria snuggled right up beside him. She smiled.

"And Mother has the city in a frenzy preparing for SOMETHING. what that something IS, NO ONE will tell me. Jerial is under a SPELL! I asked her as the princess and a QUEEN'S SPELL OF SILENCE activated."

She looked at him with a smirk.

"What did you DO?"

"Ha. I found one the last two pieces I needed."

"Huh?"

"Tell Mylissia when you head i only need one more piece."

"Ummmm. Okay. What the hell are you planning?"

He kissed her.

"Trust me."

She beamed.

"Okay!"

He chuckled at her easy fold before he hugged her tightly. The princess smiled as they settled down for the night and he kissed her lovingly.

"Good night, Seria. I love you."

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

ALRIGHT BACK AT IT.

DAY 57.

FRIDAY.

GOLD: 159,180.

BLOODOATH GOLD: 106,159,943.

Tyler woke to find another girl snuggled into his arms. Her waist wasn't as narrow as Seria's, her breathing was wrong, and her hair wasn't as soft. he opened his eyes to see Shiro, Sora's sister, had snuck into their tent and Seria had snuggled the girl to him like ther daughter. Tyler chuckled at this little breakin and Seria smirked as well.

"She snuck in after we went to sleep...and woke me up with her hug. She's cute so I let it go."

"Ha. We'll get our revenge."

"We will, absolutely."

Shiro woek with a yawn and smiled sweetly up at the smirking warrior.

"Morning!"

"Morning Shiro."

"Oh don't act like you're not loving this."

"Wow. I'll be sure to tell Asia you volunteered to be her snuggler for the week."

"Win-win!"

He chuckled at that point as Seria ran her hand through Shiro's soft silver hair like she was a cat and Shiro shivered. Tyler smiled at the cute yet erotic scene before the Berserker kissed his fiance.

"I'll see you soon, Seria."

"I'm waiting my love."

"I love you."

"I love you too."

She faded out and Shiro smiled.

"I wanted to do that to you for a while now."

"Ha."

They geared up and Tyler walked out to see bright blue skies and a refreshing breeze in the air. Asuna smirked as he walked in.

"So I walked by your tent this morning...and saw TWO sets a hair in there."

He chuckled.

"Shiro snuck in last night."

Rias smirked.

"Oh she's got some balls. Seria visited last night, right?"

"Yup."

"HA! Nice one."

Shiro smiled sweetly.

"Meow."

Wales, the blonde friend to Belfast, smiled.

"Oh my. She is QUITE the lady."

"Watch her Wales. She's also a skilled tease."

"Oh dear."

"Hey."

They chuckled at her mild irritation and Tyler looked at the map.

"Alright. we'll break camp after breakfast and head for the second bridge."

They nodded and Tyler looked to the enxt leg.

"Aftet that we'll be int eh foothills of the mountains. watch yourselves, Newbies. Them mountains are mean."

They chuckled and the friends got to work on breakfast and breaking camp. The force formed up and headed out for the second bridge. As they rode, the orb they used to contact the queen flared up in Tyler's pocket and he took it out curiously to see Mylissia on the other end.

"The puzzle or something else?"

She sighed.

"I have your next task....AFTER you win this next battle, Tyler."

He blinked.

"Um. we;re on the trail. can this briefing wait till we make camp? we JUST left."

"It can. Contact me when you are secure to do so."

Tyler nodded and she smirked.

"The PUZZLE just needs one more piece huh?"

"I gave you the designs for the instruments...right?"

"Ah. I see. NOW we just need proper music."

"Metalica's digging it up as we speak."

"Oh dear. Very well."

The orb went out and TYler sighed.

"Great. This is gonna be a long one."

Asuna nodded.

"Yup. YOUR gut?"

"we're going sailing."

"Wow. So UTTERLY random...I believe you."

"Yup. Thankfully, I know how to sail a ship. Probably one a their ports got blockaded."

Erwin rode up now as they reached the village.

"An immediate redeploy into the second campaign?"

Tyler nodded.

"Yup. Problem is....well. My GUT says we'll be setting sail."

"I see. we'll need to discuss this properly. I have never been aboard a ship."

"MOST of us haven't. That's not really an issue as there is NOTHING, and I mean NOTHING like setting sail on the ocean in a good ship with a good crew. You feel free in a way nothing else can compare aside from flying."

Wales smiled at that as they approached the first incline of the Roof Mountains.

"I completely agree, Tyler. And now I miss it."

"You still have access to your ship, Wales?"

"Unfortunately, not sir."

"Ahh that'd be too easy."

The landscape turned into conifer forests with steep drops as the force rode along the 3 wagons wide road. The veterans on the outside of the column to prevent an accident as Tyler kept watch on the path ahead. A few hours later they came across a large hole in the mountain side again burned into being by dragonflame and they used it for their camp. Camp was pitched and the bonfire lit before Tyler went to the command tent and unrolled his map. The leaders gathered and he placed the orb on the table. Mylissia appeared and she sighed.

"After your current campaign, Tyler, I need you to return to Sardona and join Brutalia aboard her Ship of the line, Seabreaker, and assist in sinking a few pirate ships."

"really?"

She blinked at his sudden excitement and chuckled.

"Of course going pirate hunting would be appealing to you. Yes. Right now with the war we're a little strained for good fighters we can depend on. So, since you're a free unit, I can send you nearly anywhere. We have a serious pirate problem and it HAS to be dealt with."

"Alright. Simple enough. This is something I actually KNOW how to do. But that's not all is it?"

She shook her head.

"No. There is a secondary task beneath the destruction of the pirates."

She tapped a port further down the coastline of Macedona....inside the enemy country.

"The REAL objective...is to get YOU and your company behind enemy lines. YOU next goal...is to destroy three garrisons along the border between Macedona and Illia. THAT will be the door we use to attack the Illitian Pennisula. Once we have control of the pennisula, we can expand our sea trade AND gain access to their incredibly rich farmland."

Tyler nodded as he looked at rhe tasks laid out before them.

"I hope you know we CAN'T win this war FOR you, Mylissia. Not alone."

"Oh hell no. No. I don't epxect you to. I DO expect you, however, to do the MOST DAMAGE in the SHORTEST amount of time. My armies are nearly ready. When you reacht eh Pennisula, they WILL be."

"BAckup plan if it goes sideways?"

She sighed.

"If you get cut off, Tyler? You have my full permission to do whatever yoiu have to to return to Macedona. I DO NOT care what that is. So long as you return."

"Hm."

He looked at the penisula...and Tanya perked up.

"Permission to speak freely sir?"

"Granted."

She looked at the map.

"Not yet. WIN the current battle, BEFORE starting to plan the next one. Stretch yourself too thin, and something's gonna give."

He smiled ruefully.

"You're right. Thanks Tanya."

She nodded and Tyler looked to the mountains now.

"Hmm. we'll need to wrap this up QUICK. And with NO loss of life on our side. The city, Mylissia?"

"Will be retaken as those mines are KINDA important. And I rather like the wood."

"we'll get ourselves a few trees...and poke the dragon. I STILL haven't up on my idea of pissing it off and aiming it at the enemy. A GOOD DRAGON attack would buy us some MUCH needed time. AND do extreme damage to their war machine."

Erwin nodded as he looked their options over again.

"Should we speed up our timetable, Tyler?"

"With as many warriors new to mountaineering as we have? No. It;s just worth the risk. if anything? we need to be MORE careful to preserve the lives we DO have. When's the next summon Mylissia?"

She sighed.

"2 months, Tyler. Another two months and we can get you more warriors."

"So we'll need to be very careful when and where we choose to risk our lives. Right now I'm half tempted to take my squad and head up for some good old fashioned knifework. we head up and cause problems as the rest of the army catches up."

Mina smiled.

"I see your reasoning. NOT WORTH THE RISK."

"Ha. Alright. we're gonna be busy for a while. But hey. Not like we didn;t expect it."

They chuckled at that truth and Tyler looked at Asuna.

"Only a question of tell them NOW or WAIT."

Tanya perked up now.

"MY suggestion?"

"Sure."

She looked at him.

"Tell them now. One of my biggest pet peeves in my last war was the utter lack of clear comminucation between brass and the frontline. we'd sometimes be given orders....and hear nothing else. even if the information was HILARIOUSLY outdated."

"Hmm you've a point. Plus the added trust factor. Same TIME I don't wanna give them reason to stress out more an they already are."

Erwin smiled.

"I agree with Tanya, Tyler. Look what secrets did to my war."

"THAT is a VERY good point. Alright. We'll give the headsup after. For now? Tomorrow's ride."

He tapped another gap in teh mountain road.

"We'll need to reach that by twilight tomorrow. NOWHERE else as enough room and splitting up the army is just not an option. We'll need to move at normal speed Asuna."

"Gotchya."

The Queen smiled.

"Sorry you have this yourself Tyler."

"Oh it's fine. Going pirate hunting'll be more fun then a pain in the ass. Specially with MY tricks."

"Oh damn. All i needed."

She winked out and Tyler walked to the wagons where he climbed up on top. The army gathered around curiously and he sighed.

"I just got off the orb with Mylissia. After this mess, we have our new orders."

Kirito blinked.

"Already?"

"Yup. we're looking at another long one."

"Oh damn. what's the job?"

Tyler smirked.

"After we push these idiots off the mountain? WE'RE going pirate hunting aboard Brutalia's ship."

A fair few blinked and Hajime frowned.

"Sailing or steam?"

"Sailing. cannons and blackpowder era."

"Ah. This'll be fun."

"Oh hell yeah. Oh. How much for my own Shlagen?"

"HA. WE'LL chat."

"Deal. BUT. The pirate hunting is only HALF the job."

They gulped and Tyler sighed.

"Our REAL GOAL, is a beach assault. we are charged with destroying three enemy garrisons along rhe border for Mylissia's invasion. OUR job is to open THEIR door for them."

A mass groan broke out and Tyler chuckled.

"Relax. This ain't for a while. Sardona port is on the other side of the country and we still got these idiots to deal with. Relax. Let US handle the worrying, and try not to fall off a cliff. It'll be a full month or so before we return to the capital."

They nodded and Tyler smiled.

"All I needed"

They went to their tasks and Tyler hopped from the wagon to be met by Belfast. The Quartermaster smiled.

"I am seeing to Miho."

"Thanks Belfast."

She smiled and he went to his tent as the army relaxed. There he sat on his bedroll with his greatsword out for cleaning and Jirbril, Sora's angel like floogal friend, came floating over. Tyler chuckled as she approached.

"what's up Jirbril?"

She smiled.

"Ohhhh, just being nosy."

"Cute. So, what;s eatin ya?"

She shrugged and sat beside him now with a sigh.

"I am not entitely sure. I just keep feeling DRAWN towards you for whatever reason. Now that I'm HERE, I feel very relaxed. You are not using a spell are you?"

He shook his head with a chuckle.

"Nope. everyone says the same."

"How strange. it feels nice, so I'll just accept it."

He chuckled at that one as Asia came bopping over all smiles and glow to lay on his bedroll beside him.

"Hi!"

She got a pat for her cuteness and Jibril chuckled.

"She is so cute."

"She's Asia."

Asia smiled as she lapped the attention up before Tyler was fingered for firat watch. He waved at Asuna and she nodded. Dinner was passed around and Tyler did his statue of armor impersonation for his watch. Satuski was hs relief and the tall girl had her hand on her katana hilt as she approached and he chuckled as she got close.

"Hey Satuski."

She smirked as he turned to look at her.

"Gomagore could learn from you."

"Ha. They come?"

"No they did not."

"Eh. Eventually."

She nodded and took her own stance as he walked away. Tyler returned to his tent and smiled as he found it empty. He laid inside and smiled as he got comfy.

"Good night, Seria. I love you."