Tale of the Outcast Warrior: Spirits, Dragons, and bad jokes.

DAYS UNTIL WAVE: 58

Tyler opened his eyes to see the top of the tent. He felt the weight of two extra heads on his chest, and he smiled.

"Sleep well, Sallie, Sylvia."

HE heard a very faint hmm-hmm. He sighed as he looked to see Kaori looking at him with a smile of her own.

"Good morning, my lover."

She shuddered.

"Good morning, my Lover. And good night, girls. Sleep well, Sallie, Sylvia."

The two rose and left the tent to find Wulf going about his daily rite. Tyler placed a hand on the locket, and smiled as he felt the roiling rage inside him go dormant, and he new all he'd have to do is throw a decent match and ka-boom. Tyler relit the fire as kaori laid out food. As he did, Wulf, now having finished his daily rite looked to his HUD. He then smiled widely before walking over to show Tyler his new ability: Stone Muse. It granted him the same ability Tyler had.

"Thank you. I get to see her again."

Tyler placed a hand on the elf's shoulder.

"We're like brothers Wulf. You don't owe anything."

He patted his back.

"Now, we got work to do."

The ranger smiled widely as he helped out with the morning chores. Once breakfast was ready, Tyler walked over to where Furiosa had laid. The dip in the ground was easily ten feet deep, and 200 feet long. He walked to where her claws had pushed into the ground to take off, and saw they had cut into the ground, rather than push into it. HE shook his head as he looked around the dip, feeling it was quite warm underfoot. He then spotted a glittering thing in the dip itself. He walked over, only to find a two foot scale had come off her body in the night. His eyes lit up at the item. A real dragon scale! He looked around, and found five more scales of varying size. After, he walked into camp and placed them on the ground. Wulf took one look and gasped in shock.

"Where'd you get those?"

Tyler gestured to the dip.

"I guess they fell off her body last night."

Wulf laughed an unpleasant laugh.

"Dragon scales do NOT fall off like that. They need to be removed by her or knocked off."

"Maybe they came loose when she fell down laughing?"

Wulf chuckled.

"No. That's NOT anywhere NEAR enough force to knock THOSE scales loose. Those are under her throat, that one her side, that's a back scale, and THAT'S from her wing. She's gifted you her scales, Tyler. Use them wisely."

"Yeah, no pressure there."

Tyler looked at the precious pile.

"Next smith I show these to is going to freakin LOSE it."

Lily came walking out that instant yawning.

"Morning everyone-what the hell?"

She saw the pile of glittering scales, and just looked at Tyler.

"What the hell did you DO?"

Tyler snorted.

"I checked the spot she slept at. These were laying in it."

Lily walked over and tapped a knuckle on a scale, resulting in a sound like she'd tapped steel.

"Yeesh. The Forest Queen has seen fit to gift her scales to you. What will you do with them?"

"For now? Nothing. No clue where to begin with high dragon scales. So, shelved until I get a clue."

Lily smiled as she hugged him.

"Like that'll ever happen."

Tyler patted the fierce girl as Malico and Vixen came out next. The black mage smiled at Tyler.

"I sense the spirit world was kind to you."

Tyler smiled as he touched the locket beneath his Mythril.

"More, a pair of dear, dear friends were waiting for me."

The pale beauty smiled as she sat beside the fire.

"I see. I hope you got the solace you were looking for."

"I did indeed. The rage has gone dormant. Alls I need to do now is throw a well lit match and boom."

That got a laugh from all as he set out the map. He smiled as he sensed the presence of two unseen girls as they looked at the map beside him. HE then noticed they weren't more an a days ride from the capital. He tilted his head.

"Hey, Wulf, we're nearly to the elven capital."

The ranger sat across from him.

"Indeed we are."

"The hell can we expect?"

HE snorted.

"Knowing my sister, a full parade of honors, blaring trumpets, a Hero's welcome basically."

"Middle of the parade or not, we see Sylvia's parents, we stop, and give them the locket. Do you agree?"

Wulf nodded.

"I do. And thank you."

Tyler smiled as he looked to the map.

"So, we can ALSO expect another attempt from the agents of the church to try for our bounties."

Wulf tilted his head.

"In my SISTER'S city? Doubtful."

"There are a lot of holes in a city for rats to hide in Wulf. Even more for snakes as well. NEVER let your guard down. For as soon as you do, that's when the dagger gets you."

Wulf sighed.

"I understand when you put it like that."

"Only time we can TRULY relax is when my spells are up."

HE smiled fondly.

"By We, you mean US, while YOU stand guard."

"Sure."

Tyler was smiling as Thistle, Sera, Lillia and Lucy came out. He smiled as he pulled up his HUD to see the morning news of the guild.

"This Morning in Vernillion. We have received a verified report of the Elven Dragon Queen, was seen meeting with a group of Warriors near the Capital of Cragspire early last night. As the Forest Dragon is a most intimidating force of nature to behold, the passing airship hovered in the area by need of sheer curiosity. The following words are as true as the fact that the sun rises in the morning and sets in the night. The Warrior party met by Furiosa, was none other then the Outcasts party. The Leader of the party, Tyler the Outcast, was witnessed speaking with the dragon Queen. From the reports, Furiosa was witnessed backing away from the boy. Furiosa is amongst the number of dragon kings. As such, is one of the most powerful beings of our world. And Tyler the Outcast made her back down. But, reader, that is NOT all. As the meeting progressed, the Queen of the Forest bestowed her own Dragon friendship upon Tyler. If the green flames he breathed to demonstrate his power were an indicator. The meeting then progressed before Tyler was witnessed giving voice to a very impassioned, and enraged cry. The on lookers were moved to flee, while Furiosa jumped back her entire body length into the dragon's defense posture. That's right. The Outcast had Scared Furiosa into a defensive posture. Then she was witnessed laying beside the campsite, offering the party her protection for one night's peace. Sadly, the airship had a schedule to keep, and as such could not stay to watch the scene unfold. It would seem, that the leader of the Outcasts is either of a special kind of force, or is a god amongst us mere mortals. He has been granted the friendship of TWO dragon kings. One of whom is Tempesta himself. When the waves come, this humble writer will be cowering behind Tyler the Outcast's banner. As anything that can scare a high dragon without drawing steel is worthy of both the utmost respect, and utter terror. In other news, it would seem that Tempesta has taken an interest in the port town of Yalik, as he has settled into a nearby hillside as his temporary home. This writer merely thinks he wants to breathe some sea air. Another story we're following is the taking of a sky shark from the dragons. It would seem these Warriors are the very height of foolish, for ANOTHER has been taken from the skies."

"Jesus Christ in a hand basket."

Tyler sighed as he looked to his friends.

"Those dumb fucks took ANOTHER shark."

That got a collective groan from the party. Tyler looked to Wulf.

"Where they hell do they live?"

Wulf sighed as he pointed to a floating island.

"They live at the same altitude as those islands. The magic that keeps the islands aloft also keeps the sharks aloft as well. Look, there's one now."

Tyler looked up to see a hundred foot shark swimming through the sky like it was underwater. His jaw dropped.

"Okay. No way in HELL are they doing that without an airship"

The majestic beast cruised along as it went to wherever it was headed as Wulf replied.

"Indeed. Which makes it all the more disturbing. If an airship crew was willing to do this, then we have a very serious issue for trade as a whole. Airships are currently the single safest and fastest way to get goods place to place period. If the dragons are angered, and they revoke access to the skies, there are places that will straight up starve without the airships food deliveries."

Tyler sighed.

"Okay. If we see one of those on the ground, we examine it for what killed it. AND guard it from any that would take it until a dragon comes to collect it. We agreed?"

The party nodded. Then Lily looked at him.

"Will the dragon listen?"

"I've been cleared by BOTH Tempesta and Furiosa. If that's not enough to have earned me AT LEAST a demand for an explanation, then the hell?"

Wulf smiled.

"So, you'll put your faith in the titles weight and the dragons behind it."

"I've been proven honest twice by them. That means SOMETHING."

Another round of nods. Tyler looked up again, and spotted another sky shark as it went by.

"Kinda wanna get a look at that things teeth though. Eh, I'm sure I'll get the chance."

Kaori shook her head.

"Sharks always were your favorite sea creature."

"It's like you know or something. Gotta say though, feels a special kind of weird to look up to see hundred foot sharks just swimming along."

Wulf chuckled as he drank some coffee.

"It screws with you head something fierce, don't it?"

"It does! Like, I feel like right now, I'm at the bottom of the ocean looking at the surface, when I KNOW I'm hundreds of miles from salt water! Ugh, makin my head friggin hurt!"

Tyler grabbed his head as his friends all laughed as his mind struggle to process just what he was seeing. HE laid on his back and looked at the sky, as his mind got over the weirdness of the flying sharks.

"The hell do those things eat?"

"I've heard it said they eat birds. No one really knows just WHAT they eat."

"Maybe dragons? Like dragon young?"

"Could be. It would make sense why young dragons are so rare."

"Huh, if I see Tempesta again, and I remember I'll ask him."

Wulf chuckled.

"Only you would even consider it."

"Odds are we'll run into him again, as word is he's settled by Yalik for the time being."

Wulf chuckled again.

"I see he heard the call of the ocean."

"Yeah. From my own count, the waves are under two months away. How long from Cragspire to Yalik?"

"Four days?"

"And from Yalik to Term?"

"Three tops?"

"Okay, we got a full month to blow before we need to pretend to care. Whaddya wanna do after Yalik?"

Tyler sat up as they all looked at the map of Lectis. They all went Silent as they thought, when Sera squealed.

"Visit Melly!"

That got a laugh. Tyler smiled as well.

"That's a splendid idea. Hell, we could also go drop in on Juniper and the Lady of the Forest!"

Malico smiled happily.

"Can we please?"

Tyler smiled as he patted her cat ears.

"Sure Kittycat."

Wulf chuckled.

"I wonder. Do you just want to visit friends, or to lay with the Lady of the Forest."

Tyler looked right at Kaori.

"Not really my choice there, is it?"

The pretty blonde smiled widely.

"We'll see how I feel when we get there."

"Hotspring?"

Kaori smiled again, this time knowingly.

"Perhaps."

"Well all right then. Break camp. I'd rather be gone before curious idiots come looking to see where Furiosa spent the night."

There was a collective nod as Tyler took down the tent, Lily doused the fire, Kaori, Lillia, and Sera readied the horses as the rest loaded up their weapons and equipment. Afterwards, they mounted up, and rode off down the road. Tyler was in the lead, as always, and he could feel an extra pair of hands holding his waist as they rode on. Welcome to your true adventure. Sallie. Sylvia. We'll make it a good one.

They rode along at a decent clip, not really in a hurry, but in a hurry. The terrain was slightly inclined, so Kaori had set the pace, with large rocky hills scattered here and there. In the sky, Tyler could now make out sky sharks cruising along. But he had to force himself NOT to look at them while riding, lest the mind boggling sight make him lose it and he fall off. But DAMN do those things hurt my head! Seriously! I've heard of acid trips that don't fuck with your head like those damned thing! The HELL!

He shook his head, trying to force the things from it, getting a look of concern from Kaori beside him.

"You good?"

"Just those damned sharks. That's just not FAIR!"

That made them laugh, as Wulf spoke up from the rear.

"Just go with it, Tyler! It'll drive you insane if you keep thinking about it!"

He groaned as they went.

"I hate those things. Dragons can keep'em for all I care!"

They all chuckled fondly as they watched their leader nearly lose his mind over a native curiosity. The party was in good spirits, both emotionally and literally, as they rode along the road to the capital. Tyler could feel the arms of the two spirit girls had shifted places, and one had sat in front of him and the other still behind him. He smiled.

"You better share the front you two."

Kaori looked at him curiously.

"Now I'm worried you're losing it."

"Just letting the girls know to share."

She smiled as she understood then. Kaori looked again, and could even faintly see the outlines of two small girls, one sitting in front of him with her arms out and hair flowing in the breeze and the other with her arms around his waist with her face resting on his back, as he went along. Those two girls will have the adventure they DESERVED now.

The long winding road was empty and dusty, as the sun reached directly overhead. So, they pulled into the shelter of a hill to both give the horses a breather and eat lunch. Tyler sat against a rock where he could see the road, as Lucy laid out food this time. Tyler was sharpening his Sgian Dao he used for interrogations when a shadow passed overhead and they all saw another dragon passing overhead. This being red. Tyler sighed.

"Great. Another interrogation or we're all dead."

The party was relaxed. As Wulf chuckled.

"Not EVERY dragon we see cares enough to speak to humans. Some just blatantly ignore us altogether."

Tyler watched as the beast tilted his wings to turn around.

"THAT one does. Great, another headache."

He sighed as he placed half their ruby collection on the ground, and stepped backward as the beast landed. Unlike Tempesta and Furiosa, this dragon had a more square head and eyes that were literally on fire. The beast looked at the stones then to Tyler looking at him.

"Be ya Tyler the Outcast?"

His voice sounded like a rumble of rocks on rocks. Tyler nodded.

"Aye. I be Tyler the Outcast."

The dragon leaned forward to take the stones.

"It would seem Furiosa and Tempesta's judgement is as sound as ever."

"Thank you, I think?"

The dragon fixed him with his eye as he lowed his head.

"I sense a weariness in your heart boy."

Tyler shrugged.

"Just wondering if you're here to see if we took the shark."

"Did you?"

"No. They make my head hurt just by looking at them, but we did NOT take your sharks."

The dragon tilted his head.

"They make your head hurt? Explain."

Tyler rubbed his head in frustration.

"I look up and see hundred foot sharks swimming above me like we're at the bottom of the ocean! Yet I KNOW we're hundred of miles form saltwater! Aghh, it's screwing with my head!"

The dragon blinked, before laughing.

"Humans and their small minds."

"Agreed."

Then the dragon blinked again.

"The sharks were NOT the reason for my seeking you out."

"Please don't tell me you wish to challenge us."

The 5 foot iris started to burn with an intense fire.

"And If I do wish to test my might against yours?"

Tyler sighed.

"Then we'll at least make you work for it. Even if we'd die in the first breath attack. We're no match for dragons yet, so we'd prefer to just leave you be."

The dragon chuckled.

"Most would flee at the idea of a dragon's challenge. Yet you would not."

"Why waste our energy running from a foe that could set the path ahead ablaze?"

"A wise thought, but rest easy, as a challenge is also NOT what I be after."

Tyler smiled darkly.

"Were the culprits found?"

He now had an evil glint of murderous eagerness, that made the dragon back a step away.

"Again no."

"Gods dammit, I got EXCITED!"

Wulf was heard sighing as well.

"As did I."

"Give it time Wulf, odds are WE'LL find em first!"

The dragon chuckled.

"The reason I've sought you out, is a request from our kind."

"Huh?!"

Every voice of the party replied at once at the COMPLETELY unexpected turn of events. The dragon burst out laughing at the looks of utter shock upon their faces.

"I take it you didn't see THAT one coming, eh lad?"

"Nope. What the hell could the Lords of the Sky possibly need OUR help with?"

The dragon looked at him again.

"As it is, the humans have forgotten who TRULY rules the skies. Before we step in and REMIND them of this, for the sake of fairness, and to say later we offered them a chance, we wish to extend the titles of Dragon Ambassador to you, Tyler the Outcast, and those of your party."

Tyler sighed deeply.

"So THAT'S that bastard's game?"

The dragon tilted his head.

"Speak, lad. What do you know?"

Tyler looked at the dragon.

"That bastard pope is using the Warriors gifted enslaved airship crews to take the sky sharks, enrage your kind, and use the fallowing mess to discredit the crown and usurp the throne and start a march."

The dragon lifted his head, taken aback by the boy's suggestion. While his friends all looked at each other. The Wulf sighed.

"it makes sense how a crew of an airship would WILLINGLY aid the taking of a sky shark PERIOD. Those men and women know EXACTLY what would happen if they played such a dangerous game."

"Malico, show him."

"On it."

Tyler looked at the dragon.

"You were lied to."

The dragon fixed him with a piercing gaze.

"Explain."

Malico held up their two rings of banned blacks as Tyler explained.

"Recently we smashed an army of goblins, giants. orcs and a demon. I interrogated one myself, and it said, with terror in it's eyes and no lie with in them either, that the human church has been selling them to any creatures it can find. While at the same time, possibly importing them from elsewhere via Yalik's shipping lanes. As it is, the pope is also conducting research into the banned spells, plus, and I will stake my titles of Dragon Friends on the veracity of this, created a way to tamper with the Warrior teleport to the Waves battlefield. The purpose of the rigged teleport was to both kidnap and rape my friend the blonde. It was destroyed by her brother Kazuma."

The dragon sighed deeply.

"It would seem the humans' folly runs deeper then we feared. In your own words, what is the pope's reasoning for such idiocy?"

"Once he gets the throne, he aims to start a holy march. My best guess based off what I know of the man and my world's own past Marches, is to 1: Unify the land in an attempt to force his religion down the world's throats in an attempt to end the waves permanently, as the story I was told states they started from the world's lack of faith. 2: He's a power mad old man looking to dominate the world. Or 3: both."

The dragon rested his head on the ground, as if in exasperation.

"The waves didn't start from a lack of faith. The waves started from a stunt like THIS."

Tyler tilted his head.

"Seriously? Wait, why the hell am I so surprised? It friggin makes sense."

Tyler just groaned as he held his head.

"Why is it always the church? Seriously, in my world, religion is the number one cause of 99% strife between peoples, and entire cultures have wiped out because of it."

The dragon had a tired look in his 5 foot eye.

"I cannot agree with you more. Humans and their religions."

"That elf there is religious, and has not ONCE tried to force it upon the rest of us. Yet, put a human in that mix, and we'd probably have killed him from his non-stop preaching."

The dragon blinked.

"it would seem the world has forgotten who TRULY rules this land."

"A request."

"Speak."

Tyler now felt the rage reignite within him as he roared.

"THAT POPE'S HEAD IS MINE TO TAKE FOR WHAT HE TRIED TO DO TO KAORI!"

The dragon jumped backward, just like Furiosa did, and assumed a defensive posture. Only his was more attack focused. Tail over his back, wings high, jaws parted slightly with a bit of fire within them, and in a low-slung stance. Tyler took a deep breath in, and let it out slowly.

"Not the time. Not the place."

He looked to the now reapproaching dragon.

"We got issues, me and that bastard."

The dragon burst out laughing again.

"Aye lad. Issues indeed. Will it be a slow death?"

Tyler grinning wickedly.

"HE will scream until I get bored. Since, I can heal nearly fatal wounds, yeah, it'll be a long one."

The dragon shuddered hard at the evil grin on the boy's face. Then he looked at him.

"Boy, you remind me of a human Tempesta. You wander where you will, as he does, you live by your own code, as he also does, yet as soon as someone you truly care for is threatened or your strength is needed, you unleash hell itself, as is his way. He embodies the oceans to the fullest."

"Restless and free. But, disrespect the waves, and there is not a force on this planet that is as powerful or as cruel as an angry ocean."

The dragon had respect in his eye.

"I am wondering if Tempesta has a son now."

"For all I know of my father, it's a solid maybe. Gods know my mother's big enough to survive a dragon mount."

"Ahh COME ON! Don't put that image in my head!"

"Sorry kaori! You know I'm right though!"

"You are, but it don't make it better!"

The dragon snorted.

"Well, lad. You've been granted the titles of Dragon Ambassador, along with your party, and MY dragon friendship as well."

"Curious, but what IS a Dragon Ambassador?"

The dragon gave Tyler a full look into his eye.

"it means we've, as in ALL the high dragons of the land, have recognized YOU and your party as worthy to speak on OUR behalf in human meetings. It will also grant you the right to dragon council should you have need."

"Wow. We're honored. What of the poaching?"

"The dragons will discuss just what to do."

"have it be known, that if my party finds a fallen shark, we'll stand watch until a dragon comes to collect the thing. We'll also do an exam to see just HOW exactly they killed it."

"Aye lad. It will be made known. Open your HUDs. All of you. Even you two spirits."

Tyler looked at him.

"You can see them?"

The dragon bared it's teeth in a smile.

"Indeed. As clearly as I see you."

"Is that a dragon thing, or an ability?"

The dragon peered into his soul then.

"It is an ability, lad. I can sense a burning desire, and a regret you do NOT deserve."

"They didn't deserve their fate. Especially the elf, as it was MY family that did the deed."

The dragon sighed.

"You cannot bring the dead back, lad."

"No. No I cannot."

HE sighed.

"But I CAN at least make their adventure worthwhile."

"I see. And understand, but beware of spending so much time amongst the dead, that you forget the living."

Tyler sighed.

"I will try to remember that."

Kaori came over and hugged him.

"We'll see them any night we wish. Take heart in that."

He hugged her back.

"Until we kill those bastards, it will still bother me."

The dragon sighed deeply.

"It would seem that there is still a human with a working heart left. Sad it is, that only ONE remains."

Tyler looked to the dragon.

"And to think it be Warriors that did the deed, when they're supposed to protect them."

"The world is in a sorry state indeed."

Tyler let the thought of seeing the girls in daylight go, before looking to the dragon.

"So. I'm another Dragon Friend."

The dragon chuckled.

"Indeed boy. I be Ignatia."

"Ignatia. The red dragon king. Damn that's a metal name."

The dragon tilted his head.

"Red dragon King? I like it."

"You like that one? Try this one. Fire Dragon King."

Ignatia bared his fangs again.

"Ignatia, the Fire Dragon King. THAT, me boy, is a title."

Tyler shrugged his shoulders with a grin.

"What can I say? I'm good at what I do."

The dragon laughed as Tyler pulled his HUD up. He got his new titles and so did his friends. Tyler smiled as he also saw he got a new breath attack.

"Oh I been WAITIN for this one!"

Ignatia looked at him.

"Show me."

Tyler drew a breath as he aimed for the sky.

"FIRE DRAGON KING ROARRRRRRR!"

The flames were volcanic red, and shot up a hundred feet in the air. Ignatia was nodding approvingly.

"Now THAT'S how a Warrior SHOULD be!"

Tyler was laughing.

"Igneel's got NOTHING on me!"

Ignatia looked at the boy.

"That name boy."

Tyler tilted his head.

"It's the name of a dragon king from a story in my world."

Ignatia blinked.

"Igneel was the name of my father."

"Ah. No disrespect, Ignatia. I was not aware."

Tyler's smile and joy had died at that, and Ignatia saw this. He chuckled.

"I can see no ill-intent in your words. Although, it is rather flattering to see you seem to admire Igneel at all."

Tyler smiled.

"That story he's in is one of my favorites. Hell, if I get the right ability, say one that allows me to show memories in my mind onto say a rock or something, I'd be happy to show you."

Ignatia burst out laughing again.

"Lad, no such ability exists. That said, I appreciate the genuine offer."

"Sure."

"I will take my leave now. We BOTH have work to do."

"Of course. What of the airships?"

The dragon sighed.

"Again, we must discuss it amongst dragons."

"A suggestion."

"Speak."

"If an airship wishes to get off the ground, ALL hands must submit to a search by a appointed white path. If in this situation a company refuses, well, that ship is no longer protected from a dragon attack and is ruled fair game. In the event of myself being present in such a city during a launch, I'll assist as I can. In the event of a ship crew being slaves, that crew is grounded until it is crewed by those worthy of her decks."

The dragon had a thoughtful look in it's eye.

"A most interesting strategy. What of in the event of a shark still getting taken?"

Tyler sighed.

"Then we have a far bigger issue here. If they are going to THAT extreme to spit in YOUR faces, then I'm afraid the only solution would be an open season on airships."

Ignatia was nodding his massive head.

"I find this suggestion a very just one."

"A further thought."

"Go on."

"If an airship crew complies willingly and truthfully on a regular basis, they get the benefit of the doubt until they prove otherwise. Plus, random drop in searches in the sky can also be used as a deterrent."

Ignatia rumbled like thunder.

"We made the correct choice to come to you, lad. I shall put your proposal to the Ruler's of the Sky Meeting."

"Oh, and just a heads up, there is also the chance that meetings a trap."

Ignatia froze, before looking at him with a new gaze of intensity.

"Explain your thoughts."

"Sure. If you think about it, it kinda fits. Taking of sky sharks, blatantly spitting in your faces. Plus that story of that fallen black mage that enslaved the dragons the last time. How'd he get that many under it's command?"

Ignatia was shaking with an unknown emotion.

"By the scales. When you say it out loud, this is EXACTLY like what happened then. Cover your ears, young ones. I must give voice to a warning."

Everyone covered their ears as best they could, as the dragon lowered it's head and took in a massive breath, and let out a roar that made the very ground shake. In Term, the glass of the windows were rattling, a good 500 miles away. Burlock Metalbreaker was looking at some papers when the loud echoing thunder was heard, and the glass in his shop was rattling.

"Och, it would seem the dragons have a problem."

Tyler was watching the horses, worried they would bolt or worse, only they seemed utterly unaffected by the noise of Ignatia's bellow, which was similar to a t-rex roar but thousands of times more powerful. Then Ignatia closed his jaws with a massive snap before looking at the still covering there ears party. HE looked at Tyler again, and he took the hint and let his unharmed ears go. Ignatia was looking at him with a strange intensity.

"Lad. When the black one enslaved our kind, he did so by using a dragon meeting to subjugate the kings of the time. We were taken advantage of by a Dragon Ambassador."

Tyler sighed as he rubbed his eyes.

"THAT trick? Someone really needs to get them some new books."

He then looked at the dragon.

"I cannot be enslaved. I cannot be deceived. AND I CANNOT be lied to. Allow me to show you."

Tyler brought up hie Perception, Mental fortitude, and willpower and showed it to the dragon. Ignatia nodded.

"I see. You are indeed immune to such tricks. This will put our kin at ease."

"What's your next step?"

Ignatia sighed.

"All of the dragonkin will be on their guard. We were taken in by a human once. NEVER again. This warning probably just saved us all."

"Don't thank me until AFTER you're sure of it."

Ignatia bared fangs again.

"Indeed lad. I must go. Farewell."

Ignatia spread his wings, and took off to the skies he ruled alongside his brethren. As he went, Tyler noticed a set of small, glittering things in the dirt. So he walked over, and found no less then twenty different scales of different sizes and thicknesses. He poked one, and it was warm to the touch.

"Great. I had no idea just what the hell I was gonna do with the other scales. Now we got more."

He placed them all in the pouch before he turned to his friends.

"Well, looks like we may have just prevented a dragon war."

He walked over as his friends all looked at each other, before Wulf just sighed.

"Indeed. I got that feeling as well."

"We'll inform the queen. Any airships want off the ground, they need to be cleared by a trusted white path."

They all nodded before cleaning up and getting mounted. They then rode along, as they continued their travels. They made great time, as by the time the sun started to go down, a series of looming peaks were seen in the distance. Tyler was cleaning a knife as they slowed from a light gallop to an easy walk as they went. Wulf was looking at the peaks.

"We should reach the front gate by early morning if we keep riding at our current pace."

Tyler looked to the peak.

"Up to you. We can ride the night, or pull over and rest, then ride to the gate like we owned it."

The group all looked at each other.

"Let's rest. We can then ride up in style."

"Show off. Gotchya."

They all chuckled as went to a spot Wulf knew of off the main route. A small clearing set within a stretch of woodlands. The hills and mountains loomed over the party as they made camp. Tyler had just finished setting his spells when Kaori came over and hugged him.

"Tyler."

HE hugged her.

"Yes?"

She leaned in to whisper in her ear.

"Our OWN room the first night in a town."

He hugged her tightly.

"As my lover, wishes."

She shivered before kissing him and letting him get back to work. Tyler had a happy smile as he watched her go pounce on Malico by the fire and kiss her. The Warrior looked around, looking to see what needed to be done. The tent was set, the fire going, and food was cooking. He saw the horses had been seen to, and now everyone was just relaxing. He chuckled as he sat by the fire by Sera. The princess was cleaning her sword as he did.

"What's so funny?"

He smiled as he relaxed beside her.

"Just seeing how little I actually have to do around camp now. Besides setting my spells, don't really have to do much. I guess we've gotten kinda good at this adventuring thing."

That got a chuckle from the group as Tyler on his back to look at the sky.

"Kinda odd, we haven't had to fight today."

Sera smiled as she laid her head on his chest.

"Isn't it kinda nice?"

He patted her head.

"Kinda, yeah. But now I'm worried."

Kaori looked up from her blade.

"Calm before the storm?"

"Last night of peace before the shit hits the fan."

They all sighed.

"I feel it too."

Tyler looked up and watched as another Skyshark went by.

"Well, whatever it is, we either face it, or cut and run."

Lucy was rubbing a stone on her axe.

"Aye, lad. Sometimes it be better to just walk away."

"Indeed."

Tyler was rubbing Sera's hair as he kept looking at the sky.

"I'm wagering it's an assassination of the queen, and they set it up so WE'RE the culprits."

The camp went silent, except for the crackling of the fire. Then Wulf sighed.

"How the hell can you always think like that?"

Kaori sighed next.

"Because that's how stories like this always go in our world. We just barely got pardoned, yet our enemy still lives and is plotting against us. So, as the story would go, we'd meet with the other ruler we'd thus far built a good rep with, only to have something happen to ruin our reputation yet again."

Tyler sighed now as well.

"Ten gold says a traitor official close to the queen."

"That would fit the trope."

Tyler looked to Wulf.

"Tatiana have enemies?"

He sighed.

"A few. But they were all killed the last time they tried a coup."

"Her closest official she sees daily?"

He thought for a moment.

"Her personal hand maiden. They're frequent bed mates as well."

"For cuddles or?"

"Both. She's made it clear she and her maiden are part time lovers."

"Wow, Wulf, your sister gets more action then you do."

The camp laughed as Wulf threw a rock at him, it bounced off his Mythril before clacking off out of sight.

"You have not the slightest idea how much a wanna beat you with a hammer right now."

Lily was smiling as she reached into her tool pouch.

"Jokes are fine and all, Lily, but not actively seeking to hurt someone."

She squeaked before leaving her pouch alone, as the camp smiled at her. Tyler smiled and opened his HUD and headed to the news.

"Today in Vernillion. It would seem the dragons have an issue to be dealt with. As the Dragonic Warning was sounded by Ignatia himself. A Dragonic warning has not sounded in centuries, and is usually reserved for a crisis for dragon kind. Reports say the sound was heard all the way in the dwarven capital of Underhill. Some thousand miles away. The prevalent theory suggests this is in response to the poaching of the sharks from their skies. If that is indeed the case, then we may have something far darker in the mix. In other news, the port town of Yalik suffered a severe hurricane last night. The town suffered minor damage, and minor injuries as the town is well known for it's wild weather patterns. Though, reports say Tempesta was heard enjoying the storm, as his contented rumblings could be felt in the town proper. The Warriors are still pillaging the land at will. As a group passed through the town of Raylik, and the resulting riot has left dozens injured and buildings damaged."

"We ride for Raylik after we mete the queen."

The camp jumped, as Tyler now had a VERY angry rumble in his voice.

"Those motherfuckers made another mess in the city. If they've hurt Melly or her family,"

He glared at the camp.

"Then fuck the waves, we hunt them all down. AND KILL. THEM. ALL."

Every head nodded. He sighed and kept reading.

"From reports coming from the Leader Seline, her city has now closed it's gates to Warriors as a whole with the sole exceptions of the Outcasts and Kazuma. Any Warrior seeking to gain access to her fair city does so under the pain of death, as the entire guard would mobilize against them, along with every adventurer in the city at that time. Her reasoning for such a harsh stance was reported to us herself.

"There are only THREE Warriors in the land. Tyler the Outcast, Kaori of the Golden Halo, and Kazuma of the Steadfast shield. This was the last straw for me. This city houses those close to the Outcasts heart, thank the gods they were NOT INJURED, or the hunt would begin. Had they been harmed, then every. Single. Warrior with the sole exception of Kazuma would die by the hands of the Outcast party. As it is, they are safe and looking forward to his now inevitable visit."

"The lady Seline was then seen to smile fondly as she was pressed for her certainty.

"Tyler has a special soft spot for my fair city. Makes sense since his party was named the Outcasts in a still standing Inn. Plus, since I KNOW that boy will read this, even though I've assured him they're okay, he'll still come running as soon as his current business is concluded. And, just one more bit to make clear? ALL agents of the Church are banned from MY city. In his words? Got a problem with it? Doors over there."

"It would seem that the Lady Seline will NOT tolerate abuses of her citizens, and her fair city. The Fox of the Tailed city is amongst one of the most fierce of her kind, and as such is NOT to be trifled with. In this humble writer's own opinion? It is about time someone stepped up and said NO to the horrors these unworthy monsters bring wherever they go. We need more willing to plant their feet and tell these bullies NO. That their heinous actions DO in fact have consequences. So, to the ones known as Outcast. This writer sends a most heart felt plea. Scare these bullies and monsters the same way you scared Furiosa. We need someone for them to FEAR."

Tyler smiled as he closed the HUD. He looked to Lillia.

"Hey, Lillia, question."

She noted the dark glint in his eye.

"Ah, sure?"

"There's not, oh say, a grand ball or party for the Warriors before the wave teleport, is there?"

She tilted her head, a little confused by his sudden question.

"Ah, yeah. Once all the Warriors have gathered, the kingdom throws a lavish ball and as each Warrior enters the room, every title they've earned will be read-oh my gods."

It clicked then as she saw where he was going. She then smiled widely.

"You're going to scare them shitless."

Tyler's smile got darker.

"Is there a rule or spell that prevents Warriors from attacking each other during this ball?"

Lillia sighed.

"An old spell. It makes it so that even if you were to swing Gliepnir ion the throes of Demon's Wrath with all your enhancements upon the blade, it wouldn't even tickle."

"What about heat? Say if I were to breathe my fire around them and raise the temperature?"

Lillia shook her head.

"That mind is terrifying. The only way to bypass the rule is by way of a Warriors challenge."

"Sooo, if I were to piss em off. Ya know what? What about the waves?"

She smiled darkly now herself.

"In the actual wave, yes. Warriors are free to at will."

Tyler looked to Wulf.

"If we can piss em off enough, we can bypass this rule. If not, we play Assassin."

The ranger nodded.

"Agreed."

"But if we encounter them anywhere else, tell me BEFORE attacking. You can handle yourself just fine, but. Two things. We do this together, and NO suicidal death charges."

HE nodded again.

"I swear by my ears, and Sylvia's spirit, that as hard as it will be for me, I will seek you out before releasing my rage."

"It's only a matter of time before we kill them, Wulf."

"Only a matter of time."

Tyler placed another log on the fire.

"That ball's gonna be fun. FOR US, I mean. Will the Pope be in attendance?"

Lillia shrugged.

"Him? Toss up. Either he will or he won't."

"He shows his face, no matter what we have to do, even if it means an open war in the streets against the might of the guard, he DOES NOT live to see the next day. Are we agreed?"

They all looked at each other before nodding. Thistle spoke for them.

"We are. That bastard needs to die."

"The killing blow is mine."

"Agreed."

The Outcast laid back beside the fire. And Sera laid down him and rest her head on his side.

"We've got quite the mess these next few months."

They all laughed. Then they went to different activities. Wulf was looking over his arrows, Lucy her throwing spears, Thistle doing some pushups, Vixen laying on her robe in her cloth bra and panty set, Malico resting naked by the flames as it heated her fur, Lillia looking at something on her HUD, Kaori doing some form practice with her katana, Lily looking over her tools, Sera resting on Tyler's chest as he looked at the sky. HE was stroking the princess's belly when his spell, Tranquil Waters detected something.

"heads up. Tranquil Water's got something headed our way."

The camp reached for weapons and clothes. Tyler got to his feet and pulled his bow as he closed his eyes to feel the spell's vibrations better.

"Okay, we got horses, maybe two sets of feet, small ones at that, and….wheels?"

Tyler opened his eyes and pointed into the distance near the road.

"They're headed this way. Stand ready."

He sprang atop a rock near the direction the vibrations were coming from. There was still plenty of daylight out, as Tyler unleashed his detection skills and sight skills to see their visitors. He spotted them soon enough.

"We got a wagon headed our way, looks like a father, mother, and two little girls. Elves by the points of their ears. They'll see our fire in three minutes."

Wulf was standing by a tree looking in the direction.

"What's our play?"

Tyler looked at the camp. He smiled.

"If they're friendly, we got plenty of room."

The elven ranger smiled brightly.

"Indeed we do."

Tyler went back to looking at the family. HE zoomed in to see their faces, only for an arrow to slam into their wagon.

"GO! THEIR UNDER ATTACK!"

The camp exploded as Tyler launched off the rock, splitting it in two. He was also whistling loudly, and the elf on the seat heard the obvious call. He had his girls on the wagon as he saw a group of charging shadows pouring out of the campsite he'd been planning to use. HE went white as he feared he'd led his family into a trap, only for his daughter's friend to sigh with relief.

"I know that whistle! That's the Outcast!"

The man relaxed as he drove the horse drawn wagon towards the still whistling man as a group of creatures came howling after his cart. Tyler was moving with the speed of pure fury as he closed with the fleeing family.

"Wulf! Get them behind the rock and provide cover! Rest of you, we kill them!"

"On it!"

"right!"

tyler and his crew surged past he man on his wagon as the ranger guided them to the spot, as Tyelr swung Gleipnir with his furious strength into a pack of Goblins. The party had thirty members, but Tyler sliced 8 in half as he dove into the center of the party swinging the sword with a veil of red mist in his eyes as he sought to destroy the things to the last creature. He swung the Mythril Magicite blade faster then most could see, and harder than any could. His friends had made the wise decision to just let him have this one, as he was swinging his broadsword with pure rage. Malico shuddered as she watched the goblins just get massacred.

"This reminds me of the time the Monster was set loose."

Kaori sighed as well.

"He hates Goblins with a savage ferocity for what they did to Sallie. In the future, if we face goblins, I'd suggest backing way up."

Tyler had the last creature against a tree.

"Are you it?"

It nodded.

"We're a single tribe."

"No gathering this time?"

It nodded.

"No. We're too few in number now."

Tyler smiled darkly and the thing shuddered.

"Do you know WHERE these others are?"

"We made a map! He had it!"

Tyler marked the spot, and placed his hand on the things head.

"For Sallie."

He shattered the things head with his bare hand before throwing the thing away. He cleaned his hand with a spell of water before he retrieved the map from the thing. His friends looted them, before they piled the bodies by the road, and Tyler set them on fire. Once done, they headed to check on the family. They had brought their wagon over and parked it beside the tent, as they hitched their horse with the party's own. The father was standing with a small bow of his own with Wulf as the party returned. Tyler had used his water spells to get the blood off, and was clean as he entered the fire light. He recognized the farmer and his wife from the other day, as well, as one of the small elven girls. HE smiled widely as he spotted her.

"Rylie! Well, there goes the camp."

That got a chuckle as the farmer came to thank him.

"Once again, thankee kindly Tyler. You saved me family."

Tyler just shrugged.

"I hate goblins. But yer welcome."

The man offered his hand.

"I be Yorlund. A pleasure."

Tyler shook his hand warmly.

"Nice to put a name to the face. You headed to Cragspire?"

HE nodded as he looked to the ladies around the fire.

"Aye lad. Me wife, Vernessa, and me two daughters, Rylie and Kylie would be safer there."

Tyler chuckled as he checked his spells, all clear.

"Well, your safer here, so feel free to relax. I got spells up to give a notice if more visitors come calling."

He then looked at them.

"Just, don't tell anyone about what goes on in my camp. It's kinda a camp rule."

The four guests nodded.

"We understand."

"I mean, not like you won't enjoy yerselves, but ya know, fairness."

Sera snorted.

"Fairness my ass! He's MEAN!"

They all laughed as Malico ducked out of her clothes to lay by the fire as Vixen took her robe off to lay on it. Tyler laughed as he saw Yorlund get smacked by his wife for looking,

"They do that, Miss. Ya get used to it."

Tyler sat by the fire and pulled his maps out as Rylie came over to hug him.

"Thank you for saving me."

He smiled as he hugged her back.

"Anytime Rylie. Still a good hug."

She blushed as she was then pounced on by Sera for a hug. Tyler added the goblin map to his own, and smiled darkly.

"Hey, Wulf, Thistle, get a load o this."

The two elves came to look.

"Got something?"

"What he said?"

Tyler pointed to a few spots.

"These are goblin camps. Best thing is they're along our route. Wanna remove some trash from the gutters?"

They both looked at each other and smiled.

"Indeed we do."

"It looks like these are the ONLY tribes left in the area. Once they go, this road and area will be safe from them."

Tyler smiled as he looked to Yorlund. The elf was sitting comfortably with his wife by the fire.

"Hey, Yorlund, you said you're headed to Cragspire, right?"

HE looked over,

"Indeed I did."

"We are as well. We'd be happy to travel with you. Only thing is we're gonna wipe out the last tribes of goblin as we go."

His eyes lit up with joy at his offer.

"You are most kind, sirrah. We'd appreciate a safe trip."

"Cool. We'll have your wagon pull over when we go wipe out the goblins, and worst case? It takes fifteen minutes."

"of course sirrah. Again, thank you."

Tyler put his map away chuckling.

"No thanks needed. Like I said, I hate goblins. Plus, like I could let Rylie here down."

"Eep!"

"cute."

She had squeaked in surprise at the sudden call out, and was now just blushing hard at the camps fond laughs. Yorlund as well,

"It seems you've met my daughter before."

Tyler smiled as he patted her head.

"We met in TopLeaf. She spotted an enemy spy crystal in a tree, and got stuck trying to go for it. I happened to walk by at that point. So, I helped her out of her tree and got the crystal. Girl's got really sharp eyes."

Yorlund smiled proudly as his daughter was praised by the Outcast.

"She's always been sharp sighted. We're thinking of seeing if the Guard will take her as a scout."

Rylie gulped, and looked to Tyler, as if for help. Tyler hugged her.

"Well, Rylie? What do YOU wanna do?"

She looked at Wulf.

"I'd like to be a ranger, like Wulf."

Tyler chuckled as he looked at Yorlund.

"Trust me on this, a good ranger is worth more than a hundred scouts."

Yorlund just smiled at his daughter.

"I see, if a Warrior has so much faith in the rangers, and she wants to be one, well, I'm sure the Ranger commander will find a place for her."

Tyler was smiling, as Wulf spoke up.

"I'm sure Rylie will make a fine ranger. I think I'll place her in TopLeaf though, as the area is both easy to learn, and gives a good base for her training."

Yorlund nearly fell over as he got a good look at Wulf's face.

"Ranger commander Wulf Farsight? My apologies sirrah, I had no idea!"

Tyler tilted his head.

"Somehow, that kinda fits."

Wulf laughed.

"A good ranger knows when to be seen and when NOT to be seen."

"Too bad the only good ranger here is Rylie."

Wulf chuckled as Tyler gave the startled girl a warm hug.

"In a few years she will be."

Yorlund just smiled with pride at his daughter, as she had earned the respect of both the Outcast and the Ranger. Then Kylie, Rylie's identical twin came over to get a hug as well. They were all laughing as Sera's stomach rumbled.

"Yes Ma'am."

The party laid out lisk meat and tea leaves as the guests watched in shock.

"Lisk meat and Royal Hemlock tea? Lord we are not worthy."

Tyler and his crew just laughed. Tyler looked at him with a smile.

"We're Outcasts for a reason. So, enjoy."

Yorlund shook his head,

"Thank the gods for this kindness. To think we merely came to this spot for a bit of rest, only to share a camp with the Outcast themselves, and get to eat like kings as well!"

Tyler chuckled as he made the Lisk burgers that was his specialty.

"All made with recipes from our world."

The group ate well, as Yorlund and his family got to experience lisk burger and Hemlock tea. After the meal, Tyler noticed a grimace on Vernessa's face.

"You okay miss?"

She smiled ruefully as she rubbed her belly.

"Just my condition acting up again."

Tyler tilted his head.

"Huh. I wonder if my White path can handle it? Eh, worth a shot."

She shook her head.

"Please, sir, I'd hate to impose upon your kindness further."

Tyler smiled.

"Like you can impose on a freely given thing. Plus, I get to practice my spells, so win/win."

She smiled kindly, and laid back as she lifted the front of her gown to expose her belly. Tyler took a seat next to her, and placed a gentle hand on her warm stomach.

"Holy Relief."

She glowed from head to toe as his spell flooded her body with his power. Tyler shook his head as he felt her illness get cured, and an infection also get cured as well. The glow died, and she sighed with relief as she sat up.

"I feel amazing. Thank you."

"Sure. Anyone else?"

Kylie came over with Rylie behind her.

"I get the same pain sometimes as well."

"Me too."

"Well, step right up ladies. The doc is in."

That got a laugh as he cured them as well as Yorlund came over next.

"I suffer from a similar affliction."

Tyler healed him as well. Then he dusted his hands and rejoined the party by the fire.

"THAT'S what a Warrior is SUPPOSED to do."

Rylie and her family all sat around the fire, feeling better then they had in years. Rylie was sitting next to Tyler, Kylie was petting Malico's fur, getting a happy purr from the sexy catgirl, as Yorlund and Vernessa sat together by the fire on their own. Tyler was patting Rylie when he remembered something.

"Oh yeah. Hey, Yorlund. Nearly forgot to warn ya."

HE looked over, a little concerned.

"Is there a problem?"

"Just a heads up. Tatiana is expecting our crew at some point tomorrow, so when we ride up, well, it'll be loud. So, ya know, brace."

Yorlund just laughed.

"So, we came expect a hero's welcome?"

"More or less."

That got a chuckle.

"me girls will have a story to tell for the rest of their days."

"And a fine one at that."

The party fell silent, as each just enjoyed the nights peace. Then Rylie yawned. Tyler smiled.

"That's the bell."

There was a mass agreement, as Sera grabbed Rylie and Kylie's hands.

"Let's sleep together!"

The girls looked to their parents, as Tyler shrugged with a smile.

"We got room, and yes they are welcome."

Yorlund and his wife smiled.

"Very well, have fun girls."

Tyler and his party went into the tent, and as he laid down, Kaori leaned in to whisper in his ear.

"We going to visit Sallie?"

He settled down, clutched the locket.

"Of course."

Kaori smiled as she placed a hand on the locket herself.

"Good night ladies and Wulf."

"I still hate you."

Tyler and Kaori both whispered their ability names.

"Holy Muse."

"Ember Muse."

DAYS UNTIL WAVE: 57.

Tyler and Kaori spent a very happy night playing with Sallie and Sylvia in the world of the spirits. Hugging them good day as the sun rose. They sighed as they returned to their bodies and opened their eyes. Kaori got her good morning kiss.

"Good morning, My dear Lover."

She smiled.

"Good morning, My dear Lover."

Tyler smiled as he saw Malico in kissing range.

"I kinda feel like she's getting left out."

Kaori smiled.

"Well, include her."

Tyler leaned in and kissed his favorite kittycat awake, getting a happy purr from the cat.

"I thought I got forgotten. Again."

Tyler pulled her close to kiss her deeper.

"We're sorry. We'll seek to include you more."

Malico smiled happily, as Tyler looked to Kaori.

"Should we introduce her to Sallie?"

Kaori smiled happily.

"She'd love her. Both ways!"

Malico was confused.

"Who's Sallie?"

Tyler patted her ears.

"A friend you'll meet tonight when we go to sleep. She's very precious to me and Kaori."

Malico was curious as they left the still slumbering tent to begin the day.

"hey, look."

Tyler had spotted Sera and her bed mates. Sera was sandwiched between Rylie and Kylie with both girls resting their heads on her chest, and her arms around them. Kaori and Malico felt a warm glow in their hearts at the scene. Tyler sighed.

"Times like this, I wish I had a camera."

The trio left the girls to their rest as they started the morning routine. Tyler saw relit the fire, as Kaori and Malico got food ready. Then, Tyler checked his spells and saw they were still active and clear. Satisfied the area was safe, he looked to Yorlund's wagon. It was ten feet tall, five feet wide, and rolled along on four steel shod wheels. The back of the wagon had a large white cloth supported by ribs of steel as well. Reminds me of a stereotypical frontier wagon. Tyler stretched his back, and getting a series of pops and cracks as he did so.

"Did you just break something?"

HE smiled as he looked at Malico.

"Nah. Just stretching my back."

The cat flicked her tail in exasperation.

"You are so odd sometimes."

He smiled as he sat against a rock to look at the morning news, as somewhere along the line, it'd become a routine.

"This Morning In Vernillion. It would seem the Dragons have made a decision regarding the poaching of their sharks. As they have explained it, any ship crew looking to get off the ground must be searched from tip to stern by a Dragon Appointed white path mage under armed guard. What they are searching for, we are as of yet uninformed. It would seem the only ones that are aware of what they search for, are the Appointed White path, the guard, The Dragons themselves, and The Outcast Warrior party, for it would seem the Dragons sought out the Council of Tyler the Outcast before reaching this decision. We have a new Dragon Ambassador, citizens of the world. One the Dragon's themselves have sought the council of. This party of Warriors are nothing short of gods and goddesses amongst us mortal beings, for if the dragons seek Tyler's council, then the Warrior is possessed of a most rare form of wisdom, foresight, and Perceptive ability."

"If only they knew."

Kaori and Malico looked at him curiously. He chuckled.

"They think that since I give council to dragons, I must have some super perception. Love to show off my stats sometime."

They snorted as they got it then.

"It has become rather obvious the Outcasts are the strongest party we have. We will NOT survive the waves without them. In other, more disturbing news, it would seem the pope has abandoned reason for madness, and forced a THIRD summoning of Warriors. That's right. We now have a further 22 Warrior loose in the land. Bringing the total to a terrifying 88 in all."

Tyler groaned as he looked at Kaori and Malico.

"HE summoned MORE Warriors."

They both hung their heads.

"What the hell."

"He really is insane."

Tyler just sighed.

"That first wave is going to be a massacre. We'll be fine, as we all know just what the hell we're doing. The others will be slaughtered like cattle in a house."

Kaori and Malico nodded.

"We're not helping them, are we?"

"Honestly, I'd prefer not to. We'll have our hands full as it is."

Tyler smiled.

"We'll set up shop in our own area, and lay waste to anything that dares challenge us."

They all nodded. Tyler went back to reading.

"The waves will be three times stronger now. So, let us pray the Outcasts are up to the task by the time the first wave arrives. Now, Warrior news. The town of Raylik turned it's first party of Warriors away last night, slamming the gates closed as they sought the shelter of the walls. This resulted in a minor skirmish as the Warriors, rather then accept their banishment, were sent packing after an hour long siege, several thousand showerings of Arrows, spells, and rocks. Seline was then reported to be heard warning the Warriors.

"We are NOT toys for you to play with as you see fit. We offered you too many chances, so now my gates are shut to you. Period. There are only THREE Warriors that may pass my gates. Kazuma, and the Outcasts. Got a problem with it? Ha, bust yours asses like Tyler has been since he got here."

Tyler laughed at that one.

"I knew I liked Seline for a reason."

Kaori smiled as well.

"Her? Well, all I'll say, is have fun. Oh, and Yoko can get it as well."

Tyler looked at her.

"You sure you don't mind if I bed others?"

Kaori looked at Malico.

"Long as you bed HER before THEM."

Tyler laughed as he looked at Malico.

"Well, Malico. Kaori and I claimed the first night in town."

The sexy catgirl's tail was going wild with excitement.

"I'll claim the SECOND!"

Tyler chuckled.

"Two nights in Cragspire, then we ride for Raylik, as I need to see Melly."

HE unrolled the map.

"Okay, looks like Yalik is maybe…..two days from Raylik. Nice. We can explain it to Lymir we have friends in the city. Whereas, a straight ride from Cragspire to Yalik takes….four days."

He smiled again.

"If we head back to Raylik, we can both shave a day off the trip, make sure Melly is safe, I can pet a sexy raccoon, and we can head for the sea. Nice."

They all nodded at the plan. He returned to his status update.

"It would seem Seline has made her stand, and is holding her ground against the abuses against her people. And she is not the only one. Kazuma, the newly appointed Viscount of Dragul, has also sealed his city to other Warriors as well. Again, with the exception of the Outcasts. As, in his own words,

"If T-rex wants in to my city, it'd be like back home when my father tried to keep him from seeing Kaori when he locked her in the house: He'd climb the damned walls to find a way in. Guy is a special kind of determined. Plus, well, if I DIDN'T let my sister's hero into my city, she'd beat me half to death with a chair."

"Kazuma, I am going to smack you, you dumb sonuvabitch."

kaori looked at him.

"What'd he do?"

"He's still using that ultra-cringy nickname he gave me in middle school!"

Kaori just hung her head.

"I will join you in this smacking."

Tyler put that one on the to-be-smacked-for list.

"The Warriors are running out of havens and places to go for a rest. Term is still open to them, and it would seem the Warriors are NOT happy with the recent treatment. It is this writer's personal opinion, but who cares about what monsters think? Another Warrior that continues to disgrace herself is Charlotte the Coward. She was seen recently in the port town of Yalik begging for coin, and, if the reports are to be believed, selling her body as a means to make coin enough for food and shelter. It would seem the Coward is truly beyond hope. It is simply tragic that the Warrior's Boon was granted to such a craven hearted lady. May her replacement be of actual stock, and not a wasted life. In a rather strange turn of events, it would seem Furiosa, the Elven Forest Queen, has Joined Tempesta the Blue lord beside the town of Yalik. Perhaps, in this writer's own speculation, she's looking for the company that only a male dragon can provide. Or is just looking to spend some time by the sea. Perhaps the Dragon Ambassador would have a better understanding of the ways and whys of the Sky Lords."

Tyler snorted as he closed his HUD.

"Dragons don't HAVE a why or a way. They just ARE."

Wulf came out then, and went about his morning rite, as Lily came staggering out tiredly. Tyler smiled fondly at the fierce girl.

"Hey Lily. Sleep well?"

She took a deep drink of some coffee before replying.

"I did. So, we're reaching the Capital today."

Tyler patted her back affectionately.

"Yup. We'll also wipe out a few goblin camps as well."

She sidled alongside him and sat with her back against him.

"Can I tag along for a goblin camp?"

Tyler thought about it as he looked at the tent.

"I was planned to take Lillia on one. She needs the experience. As for you? I want to, but right now, you don't have many skills or spells to use in combat."

Lily was nodding.

"I understand. I don't like it, but I get it. It took, what? A solid week and a half's traveling with you before you allowed Sera to join a raid?"

He hugged her again.

"Indeed. I'd like for you to get at least that much training and practice before I throw you into a raid."

Lily nodded again in understanding.

"As much as I want to join my future husband in battle, I still need training."

Kaori looked over sharply at Lily's words, and she all but burst out laughing at Tyler's expression of helplessness. Have a high dragon land here, and he's braver than a lion. But an overly-aggressive elf girl has him completely overwhelmed!

"I can see that Kaori."

She squeaked in shock, then became a little hurt.

"Heeeey, I thought you said you wouldn't do that to me?"

Tyler tilted his head, confused.

"Huh? I meant I can see you brushing your hair. Yeah, like you're not aware my heart nearly just stopped."

Lily sighed.

"It did. I felt it."

Kaori went through like ten different emotions in ten seconds: Anger, joy, more anger, embarrassment, murderous rage, before just settling on blissful joy as she continued brushing her golden lockes.

"How's this?"

Tyler smiled as she did so. I didn't read her like she thought I did, which means she was teasing me in her mind. I still love how even now, I can still destroy her train of thought at a moments notice. He pulled the map out and was looking it over as Wulf and a newly emerged from the tent Thistle sat across from him.

"So. We're wiping out goblin camps as we ride to the capital."

Tyler nodded.

"We are. We have fixes on 5 camps. We're going to raze them to the ground. No survivors."

Thistle smiled, showing her pointed teeth.

"Who will join the raids?"

"I want to bring Lillia. Get her raid trained. She can handle goblins and other creatures just fine. It's just the killing of men we need to watch her for. This time, I'll have Thistle be our guide, that way we have one elf familiar with the area with both parties. We'll take Kaori and Malico. That cat hasn't had a chance to play in a while. That's the first raid. Second will be Sera, Lucy, Wulf, and Kaori. Third is Vixen, Thistle, Kaori, and….hmmm,"

He looked around the camp.

"We'll keep that slot open for volunteers. After that will be Kaori, and Wulf with two volunteers. Last raid will be Kaori, Malico and Wulf."

The Ranger smiled at that last one.

"The original Outcasts."

"Not really. The Original Outcasts are me and Kaori. More, first group, as me, Kaori and Malico were the first party. But I appreciate the sentiment."

Wulf smiled,

"We'll have fun on that last one."

"Got a dark question."

The elves looked at him.

"Do goblins hold on to captives for a while?"

The two experienced elves sighed.

"If they take a particular fancy. Yes. They do."

"So, part genocide, part rescue op. The fates of those rescued?"

Wulf had a sad look.

"Once their wounds are healed, it will depend on the person. Some are able to move past their horrors, while others and up taking their own lives as the nightmares are just too much."

"We'll had least give any we find a chance. I'll have a word with Yorlund. See if we can't borrow his cart in the event of a few captives."

They all nodded. The morning progressed, as Lucy, Rylie, Kylie, Sera, Lillia and Vixen all exited the tent, and Yorlund and Vernessa appeared as well. Tyler, and the other ladies, all noticed a slight flush to the mountain elf wife's face that morning, and hid smiles for the couple. Tyler caught Yorlund's eey and nodded toward the tent. Tyler met him for a quick word. The elf farmer seemed concerned by Tyler's grim face.

"Something happen?"

"Wulf and Thistle informed me that Goblins sometimes keep captives for a while. So, if we find any, I'd appreciate the use of your wagon for any we find."

Yorlund got a grim look as well.

"With pleasure Warrior. What will be my families role to play?"

"Leave the blood to us. We HATE these things. Alls you're required to do is listen to the one I put in charge as we head out."

HE nodded.

"Understood, lad. When do we head out?"

"We'll get fed, break camp, and roll out in the hour. Your wagon will be in the center of our group. Oh, and fair warning, odds are Sera will most likely impose upon a ride."

He smiled fondly as he looked at Rylie getting nearly throttled by the affectionate girl.

"Aye. Now, just to sate my curiosity. Her and that other girl wouldn't happen to be the royal girls?"

"For the safety of your family, Yorlund, let that one go. The wrong person gets wind of that, you'll not only get your family killed in a most horrific manner, but endanger the rest of us as well."

Yorlund nodded again, this time apologetically.

"they have a saying about curiosity and cats. I should remember it. My apologies lad."

"Like I said, camp rules for a reason. Lest Rylie and Kylie made a good friend here."

there was a happy squeal and they looked to see Kylie nearly get throttled. Both men chuckled affectionately.

"Sorry about the near hug death. Things are friggin lethal."

That got a smile as they both returned to the fire for feeding. After the food eaten, party briefed, and weapons readied, they broke camp. Kaori went straight to Yorlund's draft horse, and began looking her over. Tyler smiled as he nudged the elf.

"Kaori's the best there is when it comes to horse care. Also the most merciless. Once saw her slap a girl Rylie's size for punching a horse on her ranch in our old world. She hit her so hard, I thought she killed her!"

Yorlund chuckled as he watched the blonde beauty ply her craft with all the skills and know-how of a true master.

"We've raised ole Bessie since birth. She's a good horse."

Tyler was smiling as he saw Kaori step back with a frown.

"Something wrong Doc?"

Kaori was holding her chin.

"I think, she's getting sick."

Yorlund and Tyler came over to talk to the horse expert. Kaori looked to Yorlund.

"She's very well cared for, but I think she's getting sick with something. It's just a feeling right now, but I just can't shake it."

Tyler looked at the brown animal.

"I can just go ahead and cast my spell, Kaori."

Kaori smiled.

"Would you? It's kinda bothering me."

Yorlund looked at him.

"I thought ye be White/Blue?"

Tyler shrugged.

"I picked up a few brown healing spells, since they overlap a lot, it works."

Yorlund just shook his head as Tyler placed his hand on the Draft horse's flank and cast his spell. As he did, he felt a disease get cured. HE chuckled.

"She had literally just gotten a tapeworm. Thing musta been inside her last solid meal."

Yorlund groaned.

"We got her feed from a shop in TopLeaf before we left. She ate her fill before we left."

Kaori looked at Tyler. He chuckled.

"We'll have Tatiana send word to Logrian he got a bad shipment of feed. And we'll pass through on the return trip, so you can check it yourself."

She hugged him,

"Thanks."

HE stroked her blonde hair.

"Like I said, best horse care giver in Lectis."

Yorlund just chuckled.

"Aye lad, that she be."

The group finished breaking camp, and Yorlund's wagon was surrounded by the Outcasts. Tyler was in the lead with Thistle as their guide as Wulf brought up the rear. The Outcast looked at his crew.

"Outcasts, move out."

They all set out on the trail at a Kaori dictated pace. The blonde wanting to observe how Yorlund's horse was as she worked. As the family's feed had been discarded and replaced with the party's own feed. They would not be baiting bandits today as the goblins were a greater evil, but if a group were to attack, well, open slaughter. Tyler was looking ahead as they went with his bow hanging by his hand. He smiled as he heard a happy squeal from the wagon, as Sera had forced herself onto the wagon to play with Rylie and Kylie.

"You better behave in there Sera!"

"I will!"

The group all laughed as Lillia asked a question, a little nervously.

"Are you sure about bringing me on a raid, Tyler?"

Tyler looked over to her, a smile on his lips.

"I am, Lillia. Have faith in yourself. I believe in you, they believe in you. Hell, even Lily believes in you."

The ferocious elven girl was heard laughing.

"She's got this."

Tyler jabbed a thumb in her direction.

"See? If you've got LILY's seal of approval, you're golden."

"Nice to hear my future husband knows how to flatter as well. Good."

Tyler just smiled as he strove to contain the nuclear bomb that went off behind his eyes. Lilla smiled bravely.

"You'll be right there, right?"

"Every step of the way."

She was relived as they went on. They had just passed a tall rock a solid hundred feet tall, when Thistle gave a low whistle,

"The first camps a ten minute walk from here."

The wagon was parked against the monolith, and Tyler and the raiders dismounted. He looked to Wulf.

"Your camp."

He nodded.

"I got em."

Tyler, Kaori, Lillia, Malico, and Thistle all moved into the trees. Tyler with Thistle to his left as Lillia was behind him with Kaori and Malico bringing up the rear. Tyler sighed internally as they heard the screams long before they saw the camp. I will see every last one of these vile creatures burn. For Sallie. HE forced his rage down, as they proned upon a rock to scout the camp. There were about fifty of the creatures all fighting, bickering, and torturing a set of three women on the ground as a taller creature watched. Tyler felt his rage start to boil, as Thistle pointed to the ground, he looked, only to see a wide open front gate between two rocks. He looked at the blood elf, and nodded to it, he then pointed to the ladies to stay there and fire arrows. They all nodded, as Tyler and Thistle moved into position. Tyler had Gliepnir out, as Thistle pulled Bloodsplitter, her own battle axe. Tyler's eyes were red with rage, as he readied his knock.

"for Sallie."

Thistle watched as he drew in a breath.

"Red dragon king roar."

He sent a breath of flames surging into the camp, which went straight towards the captives, and enveloped them in a protective flame as every single creature it touched burned alive. Tyler then strode into the camp with the blood elf.

"We will kill you all."

"For Sallie."

Kaori and her team fired arrows into the now panicking camp. She saw Tyler walk into the camp and slash every single thing that was not human to the ground as he marched to where the captives were safely enshrouded by his roiling flames. Thistle, on the other hand, had planted her feet by the gate, and was scything down anything that tried to leave. Kaori, Malico and Lillia sniped every thing that tried to flee another direction as a forty foot tall stone giant rose from the back of the camp to swing a fifteen foot club of stone into Tyler's body. Only, it broke over his body like glass as his Mythril was far more then any stone thing. Lillia was a little concerned.

"Is he using that?"

Kaori watched as Tyler dragged the now trying to run stone giant back to tear it's ten foot wide head clean off it's shoulders.

"No, Lillia. This is what happens when something ROYALLY pisses him off. He HATES these things so ferociously, that he's not even thinking anymore, as all he can see are the creatures that hurt Sallie. Plus, now through Holy Muse, he's met the girl, and seen just how sweet she was and just how loving she was, yeah, he's lost it."

Lillia watched as he was swinging his sword so fast she could barely see it.

"She means that much to him now?"

"the ability allows him to visit her in the spirit world every night, and he was able to grant the same to both me and Wulf, as we care for Tyler the exact same he cared for her. Malico, that's what he meant when he said a friend to meet tonight."

The cat girl just looked at the blonde.

"I see why you two have become so close now."

Kaori smiled with pride.

"We have a spirit daughter."

Malico looked at the massacre with new eyes.

"And not even the gods can protect monsters from a father's wrath."

Tyler crushed the last creature's skull with his bare hands before looking to the still terrified girls hanging on a set of racks. He swung the blood off his blade, and approached the women. They just sobbed.

"Please, no more pain, just kill me."

"Just kill me, please, it hurts,"

"I want my momma, please! Just let me go home!"

Tyler swung his blades and destroyed their vile restraints, catching each girl in turn and laying the naked ladies down. They just sobbed as they spread their legs, expecting another rape. Tyler lifted his palm.

"The Outcast has found you now. Holy Care."

They gasped with both relief and shock at his name.

"The Outcast came for me?"

"I'm safe?"

"Thank the gods."

Tyler then cast Holy Relief upon each one twice, until he was satisfied with their health. They were all young elves Lilla's size, and Mountain elves as well. They just broke down in tears as they hugged their rescuer. Tyler hugged them tightly, before giving one his shirt, and having Kaori pass a pair of fur blankets for the other two. Then he lifted his Mythril vest, showing them his scars, and they gasped in horror,

"How? You suffered even more then WE did!"

"My family didn't like me much. Were these the only things in this camp?"

A set of nods.

"Indeed. They didn't go out on raids until noon."

Tyler looked around,

"Search the place. I'll get them to the wagon, and their hug death."

The three ladies were all shaky on their feet, and held onto Tyler for support as they went back to the group. As they went, one girl had to ask.

"Hug death?"

"We got a girl that thinks nearly throttling a person is the best way to give a hug. TRUST me, their the most you have to fear now."

The girls gulped at the fearsome sounding girl. They came to the group, where Yorlund took one look at the poor girls, and helped them into the wagon himself.

"You poor souls, you're safe now."

Tyler settled them into the wagon, as Sera grabbed the first one she saw in a hug that nearly throttled her, before attacking each girl in kind. They understood then.

"Hug death indeed."

"Never been so scared of a hug before."

The last girl, clung to Sera like a drowning man to a rock, as she just let the tears flow. Tyler sighed.

"I'll go set the bodies on fire, and we'll head for the next one."

A freed captive looked at him.

"Next one sir?"

Tyler looked at her before heading off.

"I will kill them all. To the last creature."

With that he was off to the camp to erase the vile creatures from existence. Sera was nodding sagely.

"He's found a new hobby."