Tale of the Outcast Warrior: Parties, Goddesses, and Kaori.

Tyler hugged Kaori as he looked at Vixen.

"Sorry for the memory lane walk."

She laughed.

"Not at all. I made my peace with my past years ago. I will admit to being surprised by the Queen's resemblance to Vulpine though."

"Sisters?"

Vixen shrugged.

"Probably."

Tyler smiled as he hugged her again.

"No biggee."

She hugged him back.

"Right?"

HE looked to Seline.

"We'll go convert a few coins, and head to the inn for a bit."

The foxlady smiled at him.

"Of course."

Kaori licked her lips.

"I will go find Verilica."

"Make sure you two make up for the lost time."

"Oh we WILL."

The group all left Seline on her couch as they went to their after battle tasks. Seline for her part sighing now, as she looked at her legs.

"Damn it, I want another go!"

Tyler kissed the blonde good bye as they went off, her to finish the Imp off as he would go make some room in the coin pouches. He had Sera and Lily with him as Lillia went with Vixen and Malico to Relax a bit. Wulf going with him to help with the conversion. They walked into the bank and went to Girplik the head Gnome they had dealt with previously. The small man smiling as he saw them approach.

"Ahh, the lisk slayers. How may I assist you today?"

Tyler smiled.

"Got another mass conversion."

"I see. Well, follow me please."

They went with the little creature to the small room and Tyler removed the pouches. Girplik shook his head as he saw them.

"Another trove?"

"Yup. An even bigger one."

"Lucky ones indeed."

Tyler smiled as he emptied the coppers in first. Getting them 158 silver and 22 copper. Girplik tilted his head.

" 32 sound fair?"

"Indeed. Fractions suck."

That got a laugh, as Tyler added the silver to the pouch before pouring them into the next chamber. Getting them 164 gold and 51 silver. Girplik smiled.

"33."

"Sure."

Tyler smiled as he looked at their new totals. 19777 gold, 51 silver, 22 copper. Tyler looked at Girplik.

"A question."

The gnome smiled as well.

"How can I help?"

"You wouldn't sell those mass coin pouches would you?"

HE chuckled.

"I see you looking to save space. I assume placing that coin in a bank is not a viable option?"

"Sadly not. We've made some rather nasty enemies in some high places. Plus it makes great bait for bandits."

That got a laugh.

"Okay, Sirrah, fair enough. We have 50,000 coin pouches, 100,000 and 1,000,000 coin pouches. All the same size as that 5000 coin pouch.

"We'll take a 100. Perfect middle ground for us."

"Very well, that will be 30 gold."

They smiled as he took the thing.

"Okay, we can leave the other pouches empty, as a means to bait thieves."

Wulf laughed.

"With the REAL treasure well-hidden and protected. A wise strategy."

They left the bank and headed to the Inn, Tyler pausing only to grab a fresh crystal off a passing runner.

"I'll go see Tolic real quick for a job well done."

They chuckled as he split off. Tyler was enjoying the peace after a hard fought battle, we went from having to survive entirely off what we found in the wilds, to walking around with enough coin to but a small city. My name gets roared as a symbol of courage and bravery as well as hope. Strange times indeed. He walked in to Tolic's shop to see the dwarf looking at some papers. He looked up and smiled as he saw Tyler walking up to the counter.

"Me boy, that was a fine fight an no mistake."

Tyler laughed.

"That it were. Those vests were splendid."

HE slid an extra fifty on the counter, and Tolic smiled.

"I see you remembered."

"Indeed. Not a good idea to make the dwarf that made my blade and armor angry."

"Wise lad. Find anything useful in that thing's trove?"

Tyler crossed his arms.

"An Additite shield."

Tolic blinked hard.

"Is it possible to see such a treasure?"

"Sure, Wulf has it."

Tyler blew on the signal, and the mountain elf came in a moment later, still carrying the shield on his back.

"Something wrong?"

"Tolic wanted to see the shield."

Wulf chuckled as he placed it on the counter. Tolic's eyes lit up and shook his head.

"Aye lad, Additite it be. A truly precious treasure an no mistake."

Tyler smiled ruefully.

"We don't have a shielder on the team, so for now we're holding it."

Tolic laughed.

"An odd spot for sure. You have an unbreakable shield, yet no one to use it to the fullest. A priceless treasure indeed, yet next to worthless to you."

"Odd it be. But at least we HAVE a shield. Better than not."

Tolic thought for a second.

"I wonder if that elf lass, Lily, could make use of it? She wields a one handed short sword if I recall."

Tyler's eyes lit up.

"I can teach her how to wield it Spartan style!"

Wulf and Tolic looked at him.

"Spartan?"

"A race of warriors from my worlds distant past. Wielded short swords with four foot shields while wearing a single breast plate. They are regarded as the very best soldiers of their time. 300 of them held off an invading army of more than a million for three days and nights before a betrayal did for them."

Wulf and Tolic looked at each other and smiled.

"Lily will be a fearsome shielder now."

"Yup. Plus, the size fits her perfectly."

Tyler took the shield and smiled,

"I'll go give our girl her second weapon."

They left the dwarf's shop and went to the Inn. There they found Lily and the rest of the party drinking ale and relaxing.

"Hey, Lily, c'mere a sec."

The small elf girl looked over curiously as Tyler held the shield out.

"Put this on your free arm."

She drew her short sword and put the shield on her left.

"How's it feel?"

Lily tilted her head as she stroke different poses.

"Feels….comfortable. I kinda like it."

"Alright then. Shields yours, and I'll teach you how to use it right."

She smiled as she slung it over her shoulder.

"An unbreakable shield with a short sword. A nasty combo."

"Plus with the way to use that thing the right way, yeah, you a brick wall."

That got a laugh as he hugged the small girl. They took a seat at the table as he rolled the map out again.

"Okay, we got a supply refresh. I donated a good 75% of that lisk meat to the town for the party, since we still have like half that other one to go through."

Wulf chuckled.

"And so you can give Melly a taste."

"Yup."

Malico chuckled.

"You spoil that girl, you know that?"

He shrugged as the girl in question came over with a refill of drinks, her new daggers out of sight.

"She's Sera's sister."

That got a laugh from them all. Then he pointed to Yalik.

"we head out in the morning after the hangovers pass."

Another chuckle. Tyler tapped the town.

"I am expecting some serious problems in the town. Everything from corruption, kidnappings, banned goods to attacks from the church. Along the way, we need to bait bandits, find any surviving Oricah camps, and other things to get Lily, Sera and Lillia more practice and strength."

The girls nodded. Wulf crossed his arms.

"That army probably cleaned the area out of nearby small fry."

"Anything bigger?"

"Hill giants, some ogres, maybe a troll or two."

"Trolls hate fire?"

He smiled.

"Indeed. It's a weakness of theirs."

"Okay, we'll hunt giants and the others as well. We need to get serious now. We have 55 DAYS and I want Sera, Lily and Lillia to be at least Lucy's level."

The barbarian lady tilted her head.

"I'm the standard because?"

"Because you had an entire guild hall batshit scared. Kinda impressive."

She laughed.

"I see your point."

Tyler looked at Wulf,

"We'll look over the job board in the morning to see what's left over."

"Good idea. The local guild is always a good way to gauge the monster variety of an area."

Tyler rubbed his eyes.

"That hatred took more outta me an I thought. Okay, I'll head up for a bit. Look at the news crystal I got, and power down for an hour or so."

They all nodded and he went up.

"If Kaori needs me, tell I crashed for a bit."

He headed up to the room he shared with the blonde and laid on the bed.

"You okay?"

Sylvia and Sallie climbed up to lay beside him. He smiled as he patted the two spirits.

"I'm fine, just a little drained is all. Seriously, I had a mermaid, Seline like 4 times in a row, those assassins, and the battle. Then the Hatred, yeah, full day."

The two spirits giggled.

"Seline was fun to watch!"

Tyler smiled as he opened his HUD. HE saw he had a new title. Flawless Tactician. Granted for winning two large scale battles to victory without losing a single man. This added to the boosts to Mental Fortitude, Perception and Willpower. He then opened the News tab.

"Today in Vernillion. The tale of the Outcast continues to grow. This time, leading the defense of Raylik as an army of 1230 strong of Oricah, giants and ogres led by a stray frost giant and black greater drakolisk sought to attack. Tyler discovered the army while looking over his map, which updates magically every time it is opened, for his next trip, only to discover a disturbing similarity to TopLeaf. As soon as he became suspicious, rode out with his elven ranger friend to scout the things. Only to be proven right as the army of creatures was indeed on the march. Tyler then made the extremely brave and noble choice to stall the army as his elf friend raised the alarm and gave a head count. What the boy did to stall that army for the hours he did, I am afraid I do not know. At a point in the stall, Tempesta the blue lord appeared to both give an update on the army, and watch the fight himself. For in his words,

"We an the lad made an agreement he has surprised me by honoring. So I'm curious to see what else he's got."

The blue lord settled down to indeed watch the battle unfold. The Outcast came back a short while later, unharmed and smiling. I witnessed first hand that boy's evil genius first hand, as every few yards, he'd stop and rig up some nasty trap or surprise hindrance. And readers of Lectis? Some were just downright EVIL. One such trap was a large amount of extremely springy branches pulled back and tied to a trip line, and when a giant hit the line, got a vicious shot to the unmentionables. All we would see is a tree move, hear a smacking noise and see a hill giant drop as it screamed in pain and flatten other creatures nearby. One poor bastard got hit twice! Back to back! Like who the hell thinks of that? Tyler was up on the battlements flat on his back laughing as the thing unfolded. Even Tempesta found it humorous. That was ONE such trap the Outcast set up. An interesting detail was before the battle even started. As Tyler and Tempesta were witnessed bantering like father and son before the Outcast cracked a joke, and got flicked laughing into a tree. The idiot was then heard STILL teasing the sky lord, who stopped him in his tracks with a cutting line.

"Keep talking and I'll have a word with that elven girl with the hammer."

"Understood."

They then burst out laughing again. That elven girl in question is indeed a fierce one indeed. His royal majesty King Ishtar observed the battle via message crystal, and was impressed with the boy's strategic prowess. Even if it is all the cunning of a madman. As for the battle? Tyler's traps, combined with his combo spells, plus his stealth assault on the enemy leaders, resulted in another bloodless victory for the outcast. Not a single man fell in battle. I myself witnessed the slaying of the drakolisk single handedly with a single stab. Along with the frost giant's demise as well. The army was hired by Warriors to FORCE the gates open to them once more. But, that was not the only attempt today. For the lady Seline had an attempt upon her life by an assassin's guild as well. Only issue was the Outcast in bed with her at the time of the attempt. It would seem the Outcast is as much of a lady slayer as he is a monster slayer. For no sooner then the assassins were dealt with and sent down on her lift to the ground floor with a neat DO NOT DISTURB sign, then he and her were back in bed. The Warriors having paid the assassins to kill Seline to get the gates open. This was the last straw for Ishtar, for after the news was broken about the attempt on his dear friend, and the battle the result of the Warriors as well, he sought Tyler's Warrior's Council. The plan the boy put forth is both fair and just.

"Institute a new tax. Everyday the Warriors do nothing of worth, they pay a gold coin. If they can't, they get thrown out the gates of Term until they can. Things of worth include killing monsters, helping people, clearing bandits, actual WORK. If they refuse or fight back, they get stripped of everything they own down to a single sword, bow, quiver of arrows, their horse, a single outfit, basic camping gear and 5 gold coins before getting thrown out on their face. Like how me and Kaori were. Myself, Kaori and Kazuma are exempt from this new rule since we work for our beer money. Kinda sorta."

This is an extremely fair and just proposition the Outcast has put forth. Ishtar has since implemented the new rule, and the riots are once again underway. As of this article, several dozen have already been thrown out the gate. Ishtar was also heard making a scathing statement.

"I have seen the Outcast's strength with my own eyes. HE is the strongest we have. I am half tempted to just let you all be, as you WILL die in the first wave. As far as I am concerned, we have 3 survivors of the first wave. And Max. I say this to you now. You suck. If five giants are your best day, and you are the strongest these Warriors have, then you are a truly pathetic soul. Five giants for Tyler is not even his morning warmup."

Max, the de facto leader of the Warriors in Term was heard laughing at this ridiculous claim.

"That punching bag? Yeah right. Only thing that fuckin retard was ever any good for was a good kicking. Shame Kaori fell for him, must be because he's the only dick around. Well, she'll remember who the true man is in the waves, since, ya know, he's a useless coward."

Dear reader, I am most looking forward to seeing the reaction when Tyler strides into the wave with his crew. In other news, it would seem the monster known as the Elf Rapist was finally killed this morning, by none other then the Outcast himself. Elven ladies sleep easy now. The pope has also commented on the king's treatment of the Warriors.

"It is simply appalling to impose such an unusual and unfair levy upon those that are here to defend us. This Outcast, if he claims to be such a man of the people, then he should need to be holden to this tax as well."

The king's reply was priceless.

"Tyler? A man of the people? Not even close Skyr. Even if I WANTED to make him pay, all we'd get is our knights and tax collectors in a box. Plus, he wouldn't HAVE to pay, since he works daily. He doesn't take a day off. Even now, as he's reading this, he's probably finished looking over that map of his, and is thinking of just what to do next. His party may rest, be he does not. Feel bad for his enemies."

The pope has tried to open the countries churches as sanctuaries, but the King shot it down.

"You'll have to pay on their behalf. And, since the church CAN pay, it'll be a hundred gold. Per head, per day."

The Warriors are outraged, and no one really cares. Their easy lifestyle of rape, torture and debauchery has come to an end. Either they put their balls on, as the Outcast would say, or get used to sleeping outside. Another story of note is Lymir, lady of Yalik, is eagerly awaiting the imminent arrival of the Outcasts.

"I am looking forward to putting faces to the legends and stories."

There you have it, good reader. The Outcasts are leading this land into the waves, the bedroom, and us ladies are all EVERY grateful."

Tyler and the two spirits were laughing hard at that last bit. Tyler had to wipe a tear away as he closed his HUD.

"Okay, I need to visit Verilica next."

That got a chuckle as Sylvia and Sallie snuggled into his arms as he hugged them. HE sighed as he relaxed and closed his eyes.

He opened his eyes next to see Kaori's face next to his own. HE blinked, and saw her satisfied flush on her sleeping cheek. He smiled as he kissed her awake. She opened her green eyes, and smiled at him.

"Hi. Sleep well?"

He kissed her again,

"I did. Did you have fun?"

She sighed happily.

"Verilica is a wonderful bed mate."

"I'll have to try her then."

She giggled,

"Oh she WANTS you. Like BAAAAD."

Tyler chuckled as he looked to see Sallie and Sylvia in each other's arms asleep between their two bodies.

"They look so cute like that."

The blonde stroked Sallie's soft green hair.

"Yeah, they do."

"And they're our girls."

She shivered as he said that. She kissed him this time as she smiled.

"They are. And we love them, every much."

"And WE love our to-be parents!"

The two girls started giggling as they rolled to look at them. Tyler and Kaori looked at each other, and smiled.

"Sneaky."

"I think they need to learn a lesson."

"I agree."

The lovers fell upon the two spirits, who squealed as the tickle torture began. Tyler pinning Sallie as Sylvia was at Kaori's mercy. The two girls squealing and laughing as they got their due. Then they all burst out laughing before getting out of the bed. Tyler stretched his back, getting a line of pops and cracks going up his spine. Then he looked to the blonde.

"Where is everyone?"

She smiled as she pulled her boots on.

"Lily and Sera are playing with Melly, Lucy went with Thistle to look at skills, Wulf is at the general store, Vixen and Serafina went to see Aqua to look at spells, Malico went to play with Seline, Lillia is with Mia in the kitchen."

He kissed her.

"We got time?"

She sighed and stripped.

"Always."

He laughed as he stripped as well to mount her. The blonde getting ridden hard as they made love yet again. After a two hour session, Tyler chuckled.

"I'll go get a bath now. And, Kaori?"

She was laying on her back with a happy flush.

"Yeah?"

HE kissed her warmly.

"I love you. And still the favorite."

She giggled as they dressed as well to go clean up. They found Sera and Melly comparing daggers as Lily cleaned hers at the table. Tyler chuckled.

"Careful with that Melly. It's sharper then you realize."

The freckled girl giggled.

"I will!"

Tyler smiled at her affectionately as he and Kaori went to the bathhouse down the way. Tyler flipping the lady a few silver for Kaori's hair as he took a took soak himself. HE sighed as he felt the day's grime get washed away.

"I needed this."

His scars were still there, including the ones from the first drakolisk he. Kaori and Malico had killed together. Sallie and Sylvia were either side of him in the water, and their bodies even left small holes in the water as it they WERE alive. He chuckled.

"Kinda wanna see the reaction of someone that CAN'T see you two."

They giggled as he cleaned up. HE walked out to see Kaori walking out as well. Her blonde hair shining like gold as the late day sun hit it. HE took her hand.

"Wanna go look at storm gear?"

She smiled.

"Sure. The horses are all set as well. New reins and a new saddle for mine."

"Did you mug me in my sleep?"

She leaned in to his ear.

"I only blew you in your sleep."

"Thanks for opening THAT door."

She smiled as they went to the general goods store.

"I used some leftover gold I had on me."

"I see. Well, the blow explains my dream."

"Who was it?"

"Well, you with Yoko on my face."

She laughed.

"Oh, that will happen, never you worry."

They went in to see Wulf looking at different rope. The ranger smiled as they came in.

"Oh, good. You here to look at storm gear too?"

"Great minds. Anything useful?"

He held up two bits of rope.

"Right now I'm caught between woven fiber, and this."

Tyler and Kaori took each bit. Tyler chuckled.

"I kinda wish we had a sailor here. No one knows rope like a salt water drifter."

They all chuckled as kaori placed the woven one aside to take the more solid one.

"This one kinda reminds me off paracord in our world."

Tyler looked at the dark grey material.

"Yeah, now I look at it, you're right."

"What's paracord?"

"Extremely strong cord used in parachutes. Big cloth like things people strap on their backs to jump off things the Dragon tower's height and higher to safely drop to the ground. Here, I can show you, since it's a similar thing to how some tree seeds fall to the ground."

Tyler took out a small piece of cloth from their material pouch, cut four holes in it, used some of their own lines for fishing, and tied his dagger to it. Then he wrapped it up and tossed it lightly into the air. The result was the thing gently drifting downward to land on the floor. Wulf watched the demonstration and tilted his head.

"Ya know sumthin? I wonder if airship crews have those aboard ships in case of abandon ship?"

Tyler put the small-scale example away.

"I don't think so. If an issue forces it necessary to abandon ship in the air, the crew is usually already dead anyway."

Wulf thought about it, and nodded in agreement.

"You're not wrong, since those kinds of problems involve fire or explosion or a popped balloon. Too late for any reactions or to even scream."

"Not a bad thought though. I can show you a rather nifty idea with a piece of wood, a blanket, and a fire in a grated can."

Kaori's eyes lit up.

"A kotatsu?"

"Yup. We ever wind up in a colder region, I'll set it up."

Wulf put the pieces together in his head and smiled.

"That does sound nice. Any other things like that?"

Tyler looked at Kaori.

"Not sure. You?"

She looked around the store.

"I think it'll be a more in the moment thing."

Tyler went back to the cord.

"In our world, Wulf, Paracord is a very tough resource, and is used in our militaries. Only thing we'd need here is a stress test."

Tyler looked to where the shop keeper was watching with curiosity.

"It okay if we stress test this one?"

The man chuckled.

"Aye lad, most don't bother to check what their buying these days. Nice to see some genuine know-how."

Tyler smiled as he took the cord and wrapped it securely around his hands. Then he pulled it tight and steadily increased the pressure as Wulf and Kaori watched carefully. Tyler looked as well as he applied more tension.

"How's it looking?"

Kaori tilted her head.

"Force?"

"I'd say about the amount it took me to shatter a goblin's skull. So, 50 to 60 pounds?"

"Okay, still seems fine."

"No fraying or tearing yet on my end."

He increased it again, and Kaori brush her ponytail back.

"Now?"

"We're at ninety. Not bad for a centimeter thick."

"right? Paracord woulda snapped by now."

Tyler kept adding pressure until it did snap with a loud crack.

"Okay, it gave at 150 pounds of straight force. Not bad at all."

Wulf looked at a sign.

"It says here good to at least 80 pounds."

"That's nearly twice the strength. Okay, verdict?"

Kaori nodded as well as Wulf.

"We'll take it reinforce of tent and for lashings."

"Yeah, plus says here water proof as well."

They placed the two foot thick wheel of it on the counter as the man laughed.

"You lads and lass know what yer doing! No wonder you're as strong as yer are. Anything else?"

"we'll keep looking."

"Hey, found some head covers for the horses."

"See?"

He laughed as Tyler looked at the covers.

"Okay, we'll get a set. These keep the animal calm in a storm right?"

"They helped on the ranch. Dad said they make the horse feel like it's head was protected."

"Nifty."

"Got some good cloaks here."

Tyler and the blonde walked to try the heavy wool things on, and Tyler laughed as he pulled the hood up.

"With my build, and my eyes in this thing, I can make some poor bastard shit himself."

They all laughed as they added to the pile. They found more magic lanterns, and they were ready for storms in the wilds. The Outcast paid the 3 gold and they headed to the sword shop to look at night skills.

"Hold up a moment."

The trio looked to see a tall lady in black armour approach them. Tyler tilted his head.

"What can we do for you miss."

The lady looked at them with a knowing smile.

"I am a goddess of balance."

"Oh shit."

Tyler took a step between the other two in case of attack. The lady laughed.

"You have not broken any rules. Let me assure you. I am here to give this to you."

She handed them a thick scroll.

"It has a list of things that have no place in our world."

Tyler was curious.

"This due to my example of a parachute?"

"Indeed. As it exists in nature, it is allowed. This merely a fair warning, as you mortals put it."

"I see. Well, this helps. I was actually wondering just what the rules did and did not cover, but wasn't sure just who to ask."

She laughed.

"A most intriguing mortal indeed. I see why Death itself granted the Life walk to those souls, pitied or not. We, as in the gods and goddesses of balance, have faith in your judgment as you have shown exemplary in its execution, thus the scroll."

"Kinda odd hearing a deity telling one that they have faith in them. Seems a little backwards, but appreciated nonetheless."

She laughed again, this time merrily.

"More intriguing is that mind. It scares a few of us as well."

Tyler smiled now.

"We humbly thank you, Goddess, as knowing me? I'd walk face first into something nasty before really knowing just what the hell just happened."

She smiled again with a knowing undertone.

"Hence the scroll. Use it well, Mortal. And, try NOT to let it fall into the wrong hands."

"Understood."

She waved as she went to walk away.

"Farewell Mortal. We are watching this world most intently now."

She walked along the road and blinked out of existence. Tyler and Kaori looked at each other.

"Well THAT'S not ominous or anything."

"We just got a two way gift here."

"Yup. A VERY clear limit, and a warning to NOT fuck with it."

Wulf sighed.

"I know that Goddess. Minus. Goddess of The Scale. She governs fairness and justice. She is also a very fair and just deity as well, so if she came to see you herself to give you that, then you earned it."

Tyler placed the scroll into a pouch.

"We need to look this over VERY carefully. Let's head for the inn."

They nodded and five minutes later were sitting around the table. Tyler opened the thing and a list of prohibited items were seen.

"Okay, guns. Given, grenades, bombs, most any weapon from our world is outright banned. Okay, chemicals, acids, and other compounds as well. Okay, fair. Kinda funny haw no food or drinks are on here."

Kaori snorted.

"We should try and brew some moonshine."

"Yeeeah not a good idea, barbie. They explode, remember?"

Wulf blinked at that one.

"Moonshine?"

"175 proof alcohol. And higher."

The elf gulped, intimidated.

"By the gods, that is a little intense."

"I've heard it goes up to what, 250?"

"The really hardcore? Yeah."

Wulf just shook his head.

"Not even a dwarven drinker could handle that. Even the drinks in your world are scary."

"Right?"

Tyler was looking over the list.

"Well, the kotatsu is safe."

"YAY!"

"I guess it has more to do with dangerous things, as it seems quality of life things are fine."

"We might be able to use lightning spells to-"

"Ooop, spoke too soon, says electrical devices and commodities are prohibited as they don't exist here. Makes sense since they got magic."

"Well that sucks."

"Yeah, we can't make vibrators for the women here."

Ohhhh, she smacked him HARD for that one. Like so hard, Melly across the room heard and felt it,

"Wow, that was a good one."

Kaori was irately laughing as Wulf was just confused as Tyler now had a large handprint on his face as he laughed. The ranger sighed.

"Do I even WANT to know?"

Kaori took it upon herself to explain.

"It's a toy for lonely women in our world, it vibrates like when a thousand horses ride by and shake a house."

HE got it then.

"Okay, and just to put it out there, but they have a version."

"Of course they do."

"Lonely women. Never underestimate them."

Kaori sighed,

"Can we move on?"

"Sure, I mean we should get one for Seline as a gag gift, but sure."

That got a snort.

"We need to now!"

"I'mma just gonna stay outta this one."

Tyler smiled as he went back to the list.

"Okay, electronics are all banned, gunpowder is as well. Makes sense since we got fire powder. Yeah, looks like that's really it."

He passed it to Wulf as Tyler sat back.

"I was expecting it to be worse, but I guess fairness is a bigger deal an I thought. Nifty."

Wulf looked at the scroll.

"What'll we do with it?"

"we'll store it with the other things."

"Sounds good. Okay, night skills right?"

They left the Inn and each gave a giggling Melly a fond pat as they passed the small girl. They walked in and Tyler went to the Certificates as the other two poked around. Tyler found what he was looking for rather quickly.

"Gottem guys. Night Sight. Uses perception to see at night."

The party all got one and he paid the 4 silver. Tyler then looked to Wulf.

"Let's go see the job board."

Kaori smiled as well.

"I'll go have a word with Aqua."

"Please her well."

She smiled wider.

"With lust."

They split and Wulf as shaking his head.

"She gets nearly more action then you do."

"Hard to believe there was a time she was scared to touch another girl."

He chuckled.

"That from how she was raised?"

"Yeah. Malico went RIGHT after her when they met. And Kaori was then fighting a war between what she'd been taught and what felt good."

The ranger just shook his head.

"And YOU'RE part in it?"

"Me? Just sat back and watched. Back then, I still had my spilt, so wasn't as bold as I am now. Plus to that point, Kaori had been the ONLY girl to even look at me without disgust, so it was still all new to me."

Wulf patted the Warrior on the back.

"More fun now though."

"Damn straight!"

The two men laughed as they went into the hall. Soon as they did a red dagger came flying out of the crowd at Tyler's face. Only for him to flick it up, and catch it by the tip and flick it back.

"Nice try Whisper."

He then pivoted on a foot to pin the hidden in the shadows girl under his arm against the wall and shove his tongue in her mouth. Wulf just blinked at this sudden turn of events, and sighed as Tyler pulled the dark haired lady off the wall, and let her go with spin. Whisper had long dark blue hair, fair skin, a small scar on her left cheek, glowing yellow eyes, and a very firm bust that as just slightly bigger then Kaori. Her outfit was skin tight leathers, low top boots, and the whole ensemble a deep black and red. The lady licked her lips as she went for her coin pouch, finding it still there this time.

"Hiya, looking fer this?"

She looked up to see him holding her belt with her daggers on a finger. She laughed as he flicked it back to her.

"I see you are a roguish one indeed. Stealing a lady's belt. Whatever next?"

"Wanna get fancy, I bet I can get that top off the next time you try me."

A twinkle came into her yellow eyes.

"I'd like to see you try. But, next time."

"Sure, toots. Oh, and question."

She tilted her head as he came closer to lean into her ear.

"You wouldn't happen to be a Were of some kind, would you?"

She blinked, and smiled.

"Indeed I am. How'd you tell?"

"Just a feeling I got when I looked in those eyes of yours."

"Well, let me fill in the blank. Were Tiger."

"Well, well, your fur white?"

She smiled again.

"Indeed it is."

"Well, Whisper, a most intriguing surprise."

"But a most welcome one, right?"

"That it is. Oh, and so your aware?"

"What?"

He stepped back laughing.

"I think you lost something."

She blinked, looked down, and saw her top leather had indeed disappeared, leaving her in a chainmail breast covering. She looked up to see Tyler twirling her top on a finger with a wide smile.

"See? Told you I could."

The guild hall was applauding as he gave the lady her shirt back. Tyler high fived Wulf as they went to leave.

"I will DEFINETLY be coming for what's MINE, Outcast!"

"I'll be waiting, whisper."

Wulf just sighed.

"Seriously? How the hell did you do that?"

Tyler chuckled.

"That scar on her cheek told me everything I needed. Her outfit is made for easy removal. Kinda important for quick shifts, plus, when I had her pinned, I noticed a small groove on her back."

He got it then.

"Scary how that Perception works."

They went to the job board, finding it just as full as earlier.

"Odd, I'd have expected the number of jobs to decrease due to so many monsters getting killed."

"You'd think, right?"

HE looked to see the mail clad Chain come walking over.

"Oh, hey Chain. There a reason for it?"

She smiled as Wulf had another internal explosion. I'm here TOO DAMMIT! The blue haired lady just smirked.

"I see your elf friend has a lady issue."

"It's bad. Tempted to give him some gold to say he GOT something."

"I am going to stab you to death you sonuvabitch, I swear to gods."

She laughed as the hall lost it. Then she looked at the board.

"There are more monsters then we'd like to think."

Tyler chuckled.

"That's fine. We need the practice. Mostly looking for the roads to Yalik."

"That was to the northwest, right?"

"Yup. We're looking for moderate to challenging."

The mail clad lady nodded.

"I see the training is getting serious now."

"That wave is in 55 DAYS So we need to get the reps in."

"I see. Well, we have been getting reports of a large hill giant camp in the small group of mountains here."

Tyler and Wulf looked at the bill.

"Okay, wanted. Killing of a hill giant camp near Mount Yale. Not bad, so far. Reward is 2 gold for all creatures dead."

Wulf looked at the spot in question on their map.

"If it's the spot I think, it shouldn't be TOO trying on us."

"More workout?"

"Yes, but more pain in the ass to get to. We'd need to climb a little."

"Should we bother with climbing gear?"

He thought for a moment.

"In all honesty? It might be better having it. Like if you see a cave high on a cliff face you for some freakin reason want to poke around in."

"Nice to see you're using my insanity as a basis for reasoning. Okay, we'll get some as well."

They took the bill, and looked around some more. Chain laughing.

"Normally, this is where a more experienced adventurer would come over to tell you not to bite off more then you can chew."

"Too bad the only decent thing I want to eat around here is you, Chain."

She laughed again as the other men grumbled.

"Silver-tongued bastard. With HIM around, there goes all the good-lookin ladies for the rest of us."

"Should work on that face then. Course, we know that personality scares em more!"

the rowdy group laughed as Tyler pulled down another bill.

"hey, got one for a hobgoblin camp near the road."

Wulf came over.

"Wanted, killing of a hobgoblin camp near the Yale river. I know that spot as well. It's a pretty decent campsite as well."

"Yale mountain, Yale river, people aren't very imaginative are they?"

"That's the truth. Hey, got another hill giant camp."

Tyler smiled.

"It close to the other?"

"Maybe, two hours ride from the road, a full day out?"

"Nice. Okay, these plus the bandits, okay, we got our targets."

The men left to go get a better idea of just WHAT they were walking into. Tyler laid out the map on the table in Melly's inn as Sera, Lillia and Lily sat around them. Tyler looked to the first spot, the close by hill giant camp.

"Okay, right off the bat. Lillia, me, Wulf, Sera, and Malico. We'll hit this camp. The hobs will be me, Lily, Serafina, Wulf, and Lucy. Last camp will be me, Lily, Sera, Lillia, Wulf, Thistle, Kaori and Vixen."

The heads nodded as lily tilted her head.

"Bandits?"

"We'll rotate as we go. Also depends on their spot."

"Fair."

Tyler and Wulf looked at the spots.

"That first camp is a small hollow like the ones from earlier."

"How many can we expect in a camp?"

"20, a large camp can hold 45 creatures."

"Good. This point, we need these kinds of fights."

Lillia seemed nervous at the prospect.

"Are you sure we're ready for this kind of thing?"

Tyler smiled at her.

"I trust you, Lillia. Have faith in yourself, okay? We'll be right there with you as we go."

She gulped but nodded as Sera patted her sister.

"Trust yourself! We all believe in you sis!"

She hugged her sister.

"Thanks Sera."

Tyler smiled as Wulf looked at the hob campsite.

"This one is a semi-circle of rocks upon a heavy slab. Easy in or out."

"So, an easy victory."

"Should be, even though a decent camp holds 30 creatures as well."

"Sizes?"

The Ranger looked at a post.

"Maybe, nine feet tall?"

"Decent arrow bait. That last spot?"

Wulf crossed his arms.

"A nasty place. Near a cliff face with one way in or out."

"Yeah, not liking it already. Hazards?"

"A three hundred foot drop at the back, a stone wall on one side, and the fact it's up on the mountains."

"So, we'll use it as a final exam for our girls here. They do good there, they just need experience at that point."

Wulf nodded.

"A very harsh final exam, but one should they pass will set them up at the level you want them at."

The girls were now a little nervous, even lily seemed on edge.

"Seems a little sudden, don't you think?"

Tyler smiled at her.

"Not really, Lily. The way we teach you is how to THINK in a fight. Like how Sera and Lillie had that stone giant in the cave, or you with that bandit on the road. You are already thinking on just what you can do in a battle. Alls you really needed after that was the skills, know-how and practice doing it."

She understood then.

"I get it. We've been watching how you all do things, and seeing where WE fit in the group."

"And now you have your roles. Sera and Lillia are archers with decent sword skills, and you have decent blade work with an unbreakable shield here, I'll show you a decent trick when using a short sword and shield."

The pair got up and he pulled Oblivion.

"Okay, place your feet like this, lower your shoulder into the shield, raise the sword tip to here and lean on those legs."

Result was her sword hidden behind her shield with her posture also well-concealed by the shield. Tyler smiled as he took a stance a few steps away.

"Okay, Lily, I ma going to ask a rather stupid sounding question now."

"Okay?"

"What is the point of a shield?"

They ALL blinked, as Lily replied a little confused.

"It's to block attacks."

"Wrong."

She tilted her head.

"OKaaay? Care to explain?"

"Sure. A shield is best used to DEFLECT an attack, NOT block outright. As a deflection merely take a tilted wrist or lowering of a leg. Observe, when I try to hit you with Oblivion, tilt the shield to the side."

"Okay?"

Tyler swung his blade, and Lily tilted the edge of her buckler to the side, resulting in his blade sliding harmlessly off, and providing a very wide open hole for her now free short sword. She understood what he meant as she was still ready for an attack as he was wide open. Tyler stepped back smiling.

"See how easy it was to create the hole?"

She smiled now.

"I get it. Use minimal effort to get maximum results."

"A good shielder is able to manipulate an enemy's attacks while promoting their own. Plus a shield is a very effective weapon."

It clicked for Wulf then.

"And since Lily is so small, and the shield is unbreakable,"

"She's essentially the perfect shielder, since EVERYONE will underestimate her and think her a mere lost child on the field. And such an easy kill."

Lily laughed.

"Momma didn't raise no meek prey!"

Tyler smiled now.

"Okay, Lily, I'll see the shield for this one."

He placed it on his arm,

"Okay, try to hit me."

Lily lunged to try and pivot around the buckler, only for Tyler to nudge her as she pivoted with the center boss, knocking her over with his blade on her throat.

"How did I do that?"

She got up as she reran her attack in her mind.

"You waited for me to shift my body weight, and nudged when it was most unbalanced."

"Exactly. To counter a shielder, look at where their feet are pointing. See how I'm standing."

HE took a stance leaning forward, identical to the one Lily had taken.

"Okay, Lily, how will I move?"

She looked at his feet, and saw hie toes pointed towards her.

"You'll deflect my blade again and lunge at me."

"Okay, try it."

She did, and as she swung, she noticed how his stance rocked to the side, and she sidestepped to the opposite side as he tried to flick her with the shield, and jabbed him in the vest over his ribs.

"Perfect! Neatly done, lily!"

He handed her shield back as she smiled widely.

"when Smithing, you need to use your eyes to see how the whole billet looks when seeking a to hammer it out right. Are you familiar with the phrase strike when the iron's hot?"

Tyler patted her head.

"Indeed I am. The same principles apply to killing a shielder that knows what they're doing."

Tyler then took another stance.

"Okay, next trick."

She took her stance again.

"I'll show you how to create an opening on a guarded opponent."

HE poked her in the shield with his blade a few times, only as he went for a fifth poke, Lily lunged into it, deflected the tip to the left as her right handed blade came to hit him in the ribs again. He laughed as he patted her again.

"You're a fast learner Lily."

She smiled.

"I keep looking at this like if I were YOU. So, since you're always trying to predict and anticipate what others are doing, I've been trying to do the same."

"And you're getting good at it. You have the basics down now. All that's left is just trial and error."

She hugged him as they put their gear up.

"Thanks for the lessons."

He hugged her tightly.

"Sure, Lily. You ever need a tip or pointer let me know."

They sat back down as Mia's voice was heard.

"So you are aware, I usually throw people out for drawing weapons in here period, but that was a special kind of entertaining, watching the Outcast himself training an apprentice."

Tyler laughed.

"Lily's the type of girl that doesn't need training. Just point her in the direction and get the fuck out of her way."

Mia chuckled.

"Aye lad, she's a sharp one an no mistake."

Lily was glowing under the praise as She drank her tea. Wulf patted his niece.

"Well done, Lily. See? You'll do just fine on the raids."

Sera tilted her head as she looked at Tyler.

"How come you haven't taught us bow or swordsmanship?"

"Because we had better people to teach then me. Like Wulf for archery. Or Kaori for the sword. I can teach Lily shielder crap since I've dabbled a little with a shield in my world. As sometimes a piece of wood or a trash can lid was handy in a fight."

The princess nodded as she understood.

"That's fair. Best for the best."

"See? She gets it!"

They all laughed as they all patted the girl. Mia came over with a refill.

"So you are aware, the hero party is in an hour."

"Nice to get to attend one for once. Thanks Mia."

She laughed as Melly came and sat by Tyler. The freckled girl smiling widely.

"Looking forward to the party?"

She nodded as she hugged him.

"Uh-huh! We'll get to have fun!"

That made them all laugh as Kaori came in with a flushed face.

"Make out okay with Aqua?"

The blonde laughed at his two way joke.

"Very well. She is a very satisfying lady."

She sat next to Lily and looked at the map.

"How's it looking commander?"

"We'll bring the party up to speed when they get here."

She nodded as Sera passed her the bills for the jobs.

"These will tell you more less where we are."

Kaori smiled as she looked at them.

"I see we're getting serious now."

"We kinda have to now. Thankfully these will be their last good push to get to our levels."

"Our levels are?"

"Being able to walk around without babysitters. Like how I didn't let you out of my sight at all in the beginning."

She got it then.

"And now I can go as I please."

"You're strong and experienced enough to NOT get taken by surprise now. Or, if you do get jumped, you're skilled enough to handle it yourself."

Kaori smiled at his show of faith in her.

"I see now. And thanks for the faith."

They all smiled as the rest of the party filed in. Tyler and Kaori noticing a happy flush on Malico's face.

"Well kittycat?"

The catgirl purred hard.

"Ohhh, she's amazing!"

"Yup."

"Can't wait to get her again."

Once they were all seated, Tyler pointed the camps out.

"Okay. Tonight we get wrecked. Tomorrow, we have three targets to hit as we head for Yalik. Two hill giant camps and a Hob. These are hard training runs for the girls, and that last one their final exam."

The heads all nodded, as Lucy looked at the last one.

"That one is going to be a fine test. How are we splitting?"

"This camp here is me, Sera, Lillia, Wulf, and Malico. The hobs are me, Wulf, Lily, Serafina, and Lucy. That mountain camp will be me, Sera, Lily, Lillia, Wulf, Vixen, Thistle, Kaori, and we'll add Malico."

Another round of nods. Wulf tapped the mountain camp.

"This will be a challenge as we'll be fighting the mountain as well. But we should be fine."

Tyler placed the scroll the Goddess had given them on the table.

"Hide that Malico."

She nodded as he explained.

"we had a visitor earlier. Minus. Goddess of the Scale."

They gasped.

"She said that was a fair warning on just what things from our world we can use here. Thankfully, we're set. That said, we can't lose it as it's a gift from a deity."

Vixen smiled.

"Indeed. Minus is a fair and just Goddess, but her gifts are NOT to be treated lightly. She say anything of note?"

"That the gods are a little scared of my mind. They are watching this world closely now, and they have faith in my judgment."

Vixen rubbed her head.

"If their watching closely now, then we may have a bigger problem then we knew."

"Maybe the number of demons running around has them on edge."

Serafina and Vixen looked at each other.

"You don't think that means?"

"If it does, we're all doomed."

Tyler looked at them.

"Explain."

Vixen did the talking.

"There has been an unusually high number of high level demons on our Plane as of late. We're worried it might be causing the gods and goddesses to think the barriers between the lower and upper planes are thinning again."

"And that would lead to?"

"The deities descending to the Mortal realm to confront the issue head on. Such a thing is called a Divine Intervention, and results in the deaths of hundreds of thousands."

"I see the Pope has another scheme here."

They looked at him.

"You can't mean he's deliberately summoning demons in large numbers to trick the gods, do you?"

"I do. If the barrier WAS thinning, you really think the dragons would be as calm as they are?"

They all looked at him, before sighing.

"I see your point. If the veils were thinning, the dragons would be going wild in an attempt to hunt down every demon they could."

"So, the pope is going after the very deities themselves now."

Tyler sighed as he rubbed his eyes.

"And I haven't the fucking foggiest how to warn them."

"We can help."

Tyler looked to see Sallie and Sylvia, sitting beside him on the bench. Sylvia got on the tabletop.

"Since we're spirits, we can communicate with the deities easily enough."

Wulf tilted his head.

"IS it dangerous?"

She tilted her hand.

"More, risky. If they hear us, they'll want to know why we're still here."

"And it would be a spit in Death's face."

Tyler crossed his arms.

"this might be a stretch, but is Death a deity?"

Sylvia nodded.

"He is, he's the god of death itself."

Wulf looked at him.

"Are you thinking of telling Death itself?"

"I HAVE dealt with him before, I mean, either him or Minus."

Wulf thought about it.

"I'd say Minus, as since she'll at least hear us out before making a decision."

Tyler looked at Malico.

"Can I see that scroll?"

The cat passed it to him as Kaori tilted her head.

"You thinking it's a means to contact her?"

"Can't hurt to double check at least."

He opened it to find the thing blank. As in the list of banned items gone. In its place was a single line.

"Why do you seek to speak to the gods directly, Mortal?"

"See? We need a quill or anything to use this?"

It had an amused tone now.

"Speaking is just fine."

"Nifty. Just a heads up the Pope of the human church is summoning demons in large numbers to try and fool you all into thinking the barriers are thinning."

There was a pause, as the scroll seemed to consider his words.

"I see our faith was well-placed. We were already aware of this ploy."

"I see now. The scroll and visit was to get us thinking of the whys and reasons as well as to hear what we would do with such knowledge as the rules."

The scroll glowed and then Minus was standing at the head of the table in her black armor.

"Indeed Mortal. We were curious just how you would handle this sensitive knowledge. The scroll alone was an impressive show of just decision making, as you looked only to the needed items, by passing the weaponry entirely."

"Swords are more fun and fire powder gets me my boom boom fix."

She laughed.

"We were listening to your conversation, and were once again impressed. You hid the scroll in a well-protected place, and were able to ferret out the multiple meanings of our own discussion and the potential risks. You were even considering an option of involving Death itself as a middleman, something we ourselves did not anticipate on the grounds of a past dealing, and were even concerned that contacting us at ALL would both invalidate Death and endanger your two friends."

"ARE they in danger?"

Minus shook her head.

"No, Mortal. The Scales are so heavily tipped due to their undeserved and unearned deaths and suffering, that they could kill a god in cold blood and we'd call it a mere moving of the Scale."

The two spirits breathed a sigh of relief. Minus smiled at them as she looked to Tyler.

"We were NOT expecting you to figure out the Scrolls other function so soon. Again, impressing us with both your mind and it's workings."

Tyler smiled as he patted Sallie's hair.

"So, what's the play here?"

Minus smiled again.

"The deities were successful in defeating the deities of your world, and are free to act now."

"Bet it was a boring fight."

THAT got a frown.

"Indeed it was. They gave up with such little effort, no fun at all. We saw then why your world is a ruined place when they just up and left the field rather then apply effort."

"Sensing a pattern here."

The Goddess of the Scale snorted.

"These Warriors are pathetic. Such appallingly horrible humans. They've nearly broken my Scale in retributions headed their way."

"Well, they'll die in the wave. So, take comfort in that."

"Oh we are waiting for them."

"Tell em I said I told ya so."

She burst out laughing as his friends just sighed as he bantered with a goddess now. Minus recovered and had a fond smile on her face.

"Indeed we will. Repeatedly. So, your reward for confirming our faith."

She waved her hand to the two spirits, making them glow. When it died they now had physical forms, and everyone gasped. But before the rejoicing could begin, Tyler, ever alert for double-cross looked to Minus.

"What's the catch?"

She looked at him.

"Wise indeed. They are the reverse of Life Walk now. They are still spirits, and such must return to that form at least once a day, or they will be sent to the Void. This ability is called Spirit Shell. They may swap freely between forms at will now, and all their previous boons are intact as well. For example, those raids your planning, merely have them return to spirit form, and they cannot be harmed. They are still spirits and therefore still dead, so be aware. And, this one my own contribution, they are immune to ALL demon attacks, for as far as the Scale is concerned, they have felt enough pain."

"If they die in their physical forms?"

"The Void."

"Just getting the details. Okay, is there a cooldown when they return to spirit?"

"A wise question. They need to return to spirit once a day. The length of time to start is 12 hours. Once fully upgraded, 5 minutes will suffice. In essence? They have all the benefits of a spirit of the forest, without the forest, and a guaranteed rebirth with memoires intact."

Tyler looked at the Goddess.

"I still feel like I'm missing a nasty piece of this puzzle."

She laughed again.

"That perception can even see though a goddess. Very well, Mortal. They are still vulnerable to Shade attacks and other spirit beings. That, and their bodies are fully functional, and such need food, drink, and to be kept healthy."

Tyler nodded.

"There it is. Shades are no biggee. Are the other deities REALLY okay with these boons?"

She held up a Scale. The right side being all the way down to the point of falling over.

"This is THEIR scale. They are owed so much, that even with all the boons heaped upon them, including meeting you, it hasn't even begun to balance back out. As such an extreme unbalancing is rare in the extreme, the deities are all looking to tip the Scale to a balance. Alas, this is the last thing we can give them, as outright bringing them back to life fully is just not possible."

Tyler picked up Sallie and hugged her tightly.

"Ehh, close enough."

Wulf was hugging Sylvia as Minus put the scale down with a smile.

"I have accomplished my goal, Mortal. That scroll will serve as your guide to the rules of this world. Remember our agreement, and farewell."

She winked out of existence as the two girls burst out crying at their new forms. Tyler stroking Sallie's green hair soothingly as Kaori hugged the small girl between them.

"See? The adventure you deserved."

Sallie nearly throttled him with her next hug.

"Thank you!"

Sylvia came over to nearly kill him next.

"Yes! Thank you!"

"Hey, this time I didn't really do much. But, you're welcome."

Wulf was shaking his head.

"Warlund and Marlene are going to freakin LOSE it when they hear we nearly brought her back."

Tyler smiled.

"We'll have to set up a rotation that's easy to remember for now, Wulf."

The Ranger nodded.

"Agreed. Thoughts?"

"They go spirit when we go to bed tonight, and go human when we wake in the morning."

"Agreed. And until it's upgraded enough, we can't ride horses with them or travel with them in human form. Too risky."

"Agreed. But, hey, least we got em."

That got a happy laugh from the party. The two girls were now sitting happily on his lap, and he smiled.

"They still weigh nothing, so, it'll be kinda odd walking around town with them sitting on my shoulders like birds. Odd, but really nice."

Kaori smiled as she stroked the red hair of Sylvia.

"Let's get them cleaned up. We need to keep em healthy right?"

"Sure. We got a Hero's Party later, so we'll all need to clean up. Gotta at least PRETEND we're not a bunch of road worn tumbleweeds."

That got a laugh as the group all went to the bathhouse for the pre-party cleanup. Tyler with his back against the wall as Wulf just shook his head.

"To think, you found her body in the well, and now have nearly brought her back to life."

Tyler smiled as he could faintly hear the girls squeals as the lady he'd paid to help with their hair went in.

"And the best part? This one I WASN'T looking for."

The elf looked at the wall with a happy smile.

"And look what we found. They get to have their adventure, and we can give it to them in full."

"Yup. Now we have two more along for the ride. Hey, Seline is going to freakin LOSE it when Sylvia comes running over to get a hug."

The elf laughed hard.

"And it will be friggin priceless."

Tyler smiled as he felt a presence on the wall.

"Don't try it Sallie, or no lisk for you."

"Eep!"

Sallie had turned into her spirit form to try and sneak up on him through the wall. Tyler smiled as her arms receded.

"Your too sweet for scaring people Sallie."

She giggled ass he went back to her side. As Wulf jumped hard as Sylvia jumped on him from behind. Tyler just laughed.

"HER I did NOT see. Nice one Sylvia."

Wulf was now tickling the spirit girl as Sallie got a hug off Tyler.

"Hey, Sallie. If you sneak up behind Malico and stroke her tail, she squeaks SUPER cutely!"

Sallie giggled and vanished through the wall. Wulf just shook his head.

"You really are a bad influence on her."

"Eh, fair."

They both heard a low moaning squeak as Sallie got their tailed friend well and good. Then her tickled giggles were heard as the punishment began. Wulf just shook his head again.

"Nice knowing you."

They laughed as they cleaned up. Tyler was waiting outside the house with Sylvia and Wulf as the ladies came out. Sallie in Kaori's arms as She came over to Tyler.

"Okay, first off, funny as hell. Second, don't do it again."

Malico came over and kissed him.

"And third. TOUCH ME THERE YOURSELF NEXT TIME!"

He smiled at his favorite cat.

"Sure Malico."

She lashed her tail as he kissed her again before Sallie and Sylvia took their spots on his shoulders. Kaori tilted her head.

"That kinda reminds me of that one video game."

"Jak and Daxter? Yeah same here."

Tyler took Kaori's hand as they walked to the place the party was being held. Beside the spear near the wall was a large park with a small bit of woodland, large grassy areas, a fenced in perimeter, plenty of decent sized boulders, and a rather peaceful atmosphere. The party walked along the clean dirt path as the sand crunched underfoot. Tyler was smiling when he had a thought.

"We'll have to get the girls shoes now. Bare footin it won't be safe anymore."

Sallie and Sylvia giggled.

"We're fine."

"Yeah, we can alter our outfits at will!"

"Oh. Well. Never mind, they got it."

They laughed as they came into the clearing in the center. Rows of long trestle tables were lined out with kegs, casks, and other barrels of drinks, carts rolling with food from kitchens the town over, and they filled the air with the smells of roasting lisk meat. Tyler and his party were hailed as soon as they were sighted.

"HAIL! OUTCASTS!"

"HAIIL!"

They went and sat at the head table, Tyler in the center chair, Kaori his right, Malico his left, with Sallie and Sylvia on his lap. The sight of the small girls getting laughing chuckles.

"Already lad? Be a bit young for fatherin!"

"An I'm already better at it an yours was!"

They laughed as Sallie giggled.

"HE spoils us!"

Sylvia crossed her arms and nodded sagely.

"Damn right he does."

Tyler shrugged as Kaori put Sylvia on her lap.

"Like I said, better at it."

Seline appeared then in a flowing red gown that tied around her neck that had no sleeves, back or shoulders.

"Sely!"

She looked over smiling to see the two girls with their new forms waving at her. Tyler winked at her.

"We'll tell ya later."

She just smiled.

"Sylvia, I BETTER get a hug, little missy."

That got a lot of ohhhhh's.

"Ya don't think?"

"Don't be daft! He only just came ere two months ago!"

Tyler shrugged.

"eh, she's awesome?"

That got a round of bawdy laughter as Seline flicked her twin fox tails at him.

"I DO wonder whos' bed you'll be in tonight."

"We'll see in the morning. Right Yoko?"

The Raccoon girl squeaked at being singled out so randomly but smiled as her tail flicked excitedly.

"I'll look forward to it."

Kaori was heard grumbling.

"Argh, FINE. I guess I'll go snuggle Aqua again."

Malico was next to chime in.

"Hey, Verilica, wanna barge into Seline's room?"

The Imp and Seline looked at each other.

"It HAS been a while, Seline."

"And YOU need to see her tail trick."

"Cough, I taught her that one, cough."

The ladies all laughed as Wulf groaned.

"And that's how the rest of us ugly bastards lost the ladies."

"We got gold, Wulf. Lonely?"

The crowd lost it as Wulf threw a knife at him.

"I am going to kill you on reflex one o these days."

Tyler the knife tip and it flew off to land point down by his hand, and stand there vibrating. HE just glared at him with THAT silent jab. As Kaori nudged Tyler.

"I got her two, and Aqua used magic to model them after yours."

"I love you, Kaori. You give em to her yet?"

"We did. She laughed, and said she has a belt for them for us."

"Wow. Have fun Malico."

She purred as Lily was heard grumbling.

"Can you stop flirting and get the food? I freakin hungry!"

"As the elven princess commands!"

"Eep! Bastard!"

They all laughed as the food was served and the party began. Tyler would show off his flames every now and then, along with his strength. He danced with Kaori again as the music played. Sallie and Sylvia danced together as well, getting hard awww's for the cuties. Tyler was drinking some ale when a cry went up.

"Speech!"

"Ah gods dammit not again. Oh, right, different town."

That got a collective snort as he leaned on a pole.

"Well, I suck at these. That said, it seems that in this world, drawing a line in the dirt and holding it like you say you will is cause for celebration. Seems odd to me, as that's how I live. I make a promise I keep it, I see someone that needs a hand, I try to help. See a pretty girl like Yoko there looking lonely, we get locked in a bedroom."

"Love you too!"

The crowd was chuckling as they all loved the beautiful raccoon girl. Tyler chuckled as well.

"Quality gal there and no mistake. It still feels strange to me, standing up here speaking to you all like what I have to say actually means something. Hell, once upon a time if I got hailed once on the street by anyone for anything it was a good day. Now I poke my face in the window I get hailed. Probably should have pants on, but whatever."

That got a round of laughs.

"All I originally set out to do in Lectis was keep Kaori alive and safe. No matter the dangers and costs to myself, I was going to keep her safe dammit. Now look at us. We got a damn good group of friends, Wulf for SOME friggin reason, the respect of the countries we roll through, and Lily to round out the good."

"I hate you."

"Love you too."

"See? She's a good'un!"

The crowd laughed as the feisty elven girl was seen nodding again.

"At last my plan is working. Kaori will lose this battle."

"Seems to be getting intense over there, Ladies. I'mma back the fuck up now."

That got a laugh as he relocated to a further away pole as Kaori was now left with that one. Tyler smiled again.

"We've come far. With even further to go. I'm still an Outcast, however. We're all Outcast from somewhere. Yet, we all came together to tear this land a new one. And we are going to do just that."

He drew Gleipnir.

"So, moral of me rambling?"

He lifted the blade high.

"Let this world throw whatever it wants at us, come hell or an angry Lily, WE'LL TAKE IT HEAD ON AND WALK OUT THE OTHER SIDE LIKE WE OWNED THE DAMNED PLACE!"

His party roared as the crowd banged mugs and chests. Tyler smiled as he picked up his mug.

"Now, we got a MAJOR problem here though."

The crowd went quiet as Yoko was heard speaking.

"You haven't bedded me tonight?"

"That. And why the hell me mug empty?"

They roared as he got a refill, looked at a nodding Kaori, and marched over to where Yoko was looking at him, lift her out of the bench and carry her off.

"See ya in the morning folks!"

They all laughed hard as he had her over his shoulder until they were out of sight when he placed her in a princess cradle.

"Ready my dear sexy raccoon?"

She wrapped her arms around his neck.

"And our audience is here as well. So, let's hurry!"

She was wearing a light gown, and sandals, so when they got to her house, stripping was quick and then they were at it again. She feeling even better the second time as he stroked her soft fur as Sallie and Sylvia, back in spirit form, watched from atop his gear,

"Wow. He really loves her feel."

Sallie was nodding as Tyelr pinned the girl under him to spear her inviting rear.

"He does enjoy her. Kaori may be his love, but he loves that raccoon fur."

Sylvia watched curiously as Yoko sat on her haunches as he fitted it into her from behind.

"It is soft and fluffy. I wonder if she'll drink it again?"

"Probably."

Sallie looked at Sylvia.

"It weird I'm kinda curious now?"

Sylvia shrugged at her spirit sister.

"This point Sallie, I am too. Not sure what to do with it, but it's there."

The two girls went back to the show as Yoko was finished and they laid together on the bed with satisfied smiles on their faces. Tyler kissed her softly as she regained her strength.

"Even better the second time."

She wrapped her tail around him.

"Same to you. I'll miss you when you go."

HE hugged her tightly.

"I'll miss you too, Yoko. We'll be back through sooner or later. If only for you."

She smiled as Sallie and Sylvia climbed up to get between them as he pulled the blanket up. Yoko giggling as Sallie and Sylvia cuddled her fluffy tail between them.

"Good night girls."

"Good night girls. I love you. You too, Yoko."

She gasped happily, and they kissed as they sandwiched the spirits between them as they all drifted off to sleep.