Tale of the Outcast Warrior: Battleprep for the Wave.

DAYS UNTIL WAVE: 5

Tyler opened his eyes to see Kaori sleeping beside him. I FINALLY married Kaori! Holy shit I really did! He looked down to see Sallie and Sylvia cuddled together between them. Cute. He kissed Kaori awake and she smiled.

"Good morning, my husband."

He smiled.

"Good morning my wife."

The girls giggled.

"Good morning, mommy and daddy."

They hugged hard before getting a good bath. Tyler sighed and switched gears from bliss to war party leader. Okay. Next 4 days we do hard battle prep. Arrows, spears, potions, spells the lot. Day three is the wave. He went to the dining hall ate a hearty breakfast as the rest of the party filtered in. Wulf came over and clapped him on the shoulder,

"Congratulations. That was a helluva surprise wedding."

Tyler clasped the elven ranger's hand.

"I don't believe in good enough, remember? How was the rest of the ball?"

Wulf chuckled as he sat next to him.

"Boring by comparison. Most of the other Warriors got drunk and started fights that carried out into the street. We were more or less ignored since even Lily's stronger then their strongest Warrior."

"She git her due?"

Wulf smiled.

"Lily walked up to each of the three as we were leaving and hit them each in gems with her hammer so hard they lifted off their feet!"

"I'll hug the hell outta her."

Lily came in next and hopped up to sit beside him. She sighed as she looked at him.

"Okay, Tyler. That was an awesome wedding."

He hugged her hard.

"Still love you too, Lily."

She smiled as she hugged him back.

"Yay."

He patted her,

"I heard ya did a spot of nutcrackin after the show."

She smiled widely.

"I ruined their gems."

"That's me favorite Shield elf!"

She laughed as Wulf shook his head.

"Nicely put."

The rest of the party came in and took seats, Kaori to his right. Tyler nodded.

"We got two days to fill any and all gaps in our gear and equipment. The order of the day is battle prep. Eri, Erica, Lyrica. This is the first wave. What are we walking into?"

The wave veterans nodded, and Eri played spokesmen.

"Mostly plains monsters. Hill giants, plains giants, twisted creatures native to the wave, a few demons, the wave boss, orcs, goblins, and the like."

"Numbers a base?"

"bare in mind the numbers will be higher. That said? Several hundred thousand at least."

Tyler wrote the numbers on a piece of paper.

"We'll get a new arrow and spear crystal. Best guess for the battlefield?"

"Most likely the flat plains you fought the two lich kings. That or a large flat plain."

"Not liking this already. Okay, we're looking at a war of attrition right out the gate."

He wrote the info done and nodded.

"So we're looking to kill upwards of half a million creatures on flat ground with 20 people. Sounds like fun."

They smiled.

"How much stronger are they usually?"

Lyrica answered now.

"About two fold. But that got bumped to six fold. So a mere goblin is as strong as an ogre."

"Sweet Minus I am loving these odds. I might use the roar again. Only question is IF."

He sat back in his chair before looking at Lyrica.

"What about spell scrolls? Can I, a white path cast a black spell that way?"

She shook her blood haired head.

"Sadly not. A good idea though. Scrolls ARE a viable option, but not to that extreme."

"We'll load up on healing scrolls. We have gold. Let's make it work. This is going to be a defensive battle in it's entirety. Erica, Lycan and myself will raise walls of water and ice to funnel the creatures to us. I can raise walls 75 feet high at this point. Erica? Lycan?"

The queen answered first.

"My best is 55 feet."

Lycan sighed.

"Alas, Alpha, my height be a mere 45 feet."

Tyler nodded.

"Then you're our designated flattener. You have water fall?"

"I do Pack master."

"Our survival depends on our walls. Until I find the wave boss and kill it that is how we'll survive. Malico."

She perked up.

"Need me?"

"Love you too. You once told me green handles earthen wall spells. Right?"

She smiled.

"They do. I do not have the Licenses yet."

"All green paths load up on wall spells. If they have a flattener follow up get that too. Ashy, Wulf."

"Yeah?"

"I want the two of you to handle the arrows and thrown spear numbers for the party. We're going to see Burlock for more dragon scale arrows and spears. We got the scales. Let's put em to use. Wink, Lyrica."

"What's our role?"

"We're raiding your shops first. Wink, put those Spritely charms to work in the markets for the best rare spells and scrolls you can find."

She laughed as she kissed him.

"I'll need a filling at some point today."

Tyler smiled.

"I think I know a few ladies that can feed you Wink. I've kinda got a lot to do today. Minus? Vulpix?"

Wink blinked out of sight as the two goddesses kidnapped her for a good round in the sheets. Tyler looked at Vixen next.

"I want you to assist Lyrica with the spells Vixen."

She nodded.

"I will."

Tyler next looked to Serafina.

"I want you to team up with Lillia and find as many weapon poisons as you can. Mostly for arrows. I want every arrow fired to be a death shot even if it merely scratches a creature."

They nodded and he looked at Lucy.

"You and Thistle see about some good pikes and long spears for a spear wall. Afterwards seek out sword and axe skills."

"Aye lad. A wily plan."

Tyler looked at Eri.

"You join Wink on the market run. Erica will join once she's loaded up on more blue defense spells"

She smiled.

"Agreed. You?"

He looked at Lily.

"Me an Lily will head for Burlock's shop for our mass arrow and spear order, then bounce between members and tasks. Kaori is with Lucy and Thistle on skill hunting. Plus I want you to keep a close eye on the horses. Sera help Wulf and Ashy on the arrows."

All heads nodded. He looked to Lupa next.

"You stay close to Lillia. Sasha to sera."

the wolf and husky nodded as Tyler placed bags on 500 gold in front of each member.

"You need more whistle. Annnd….BREAK!"

The party went to their tasks with a will as Tyler took Lily to see Burlock. The small elven girl would also look over field smithing skills for mid fight repairs. They found the burly man in his shop as another customer walked out. He laughed as he saw Tyler walk in.

"Congratulations Tyler! Ya landed yerself a fine lass an no mistake!"

The scarred man clasped hands with Burlock as Lily went right fort he skills.

"Kaori's the best Burlock. Best part? Absolute surprise to her."

He chuckled.

"That was a ball that will go down in the books as a legend maker. Now, what brings you into me shop this morning after?"

"Okay, first off? Nice one. Second, I'm keeping that one."

The smith laughed.

"And third?"

"Arrows and throwing spears. We got two days battle prep. So, I want as many arrows and spears as we can get in that time frame."

Burlock nodded.

"A wise strategy. I suppose the material be dragon scale?"

"Yup. We've got close to 750 scales now. Plus enough storage for close to 500,000 shafts and hafts."

Burlock took out some paper.

"How many you thinking?"

"Arrows? 250,000. Spears? 150,000."

Burlock laughed.

"Of course you are. Okay, that be ready in 5 hours if I use a few skills this time. For that many I'd need 50 scales of good quality."

Tyler placed a hundred of various colors. Burlock nodded.

"Agreed. Now, the cost be 150 gold."

Tyler paid and Burlock smiled.

"I'll throw in a crystal that holds 500,000 shafts and hafts."

Tyler nodded as Lily came over.

"I got a few field smithing skills that decrease worktime."

He nodded again.

"Good. I'm expecting a protracted battle here Lily. If that boss spawns LAST we're looking at a helluva fight. Least with that many creatures we can make walls with their bodies."

That got a laugh from the older smith.

"A wily move an no mistake. Okay, Tyler. I'll get to work."

"As will we."

Tyler and Lily left the shop and Lily smiled at his attire.

"I love the black coat on you, Tyler. Makes you look like a black knight or something."

He smiled as he walked.

"Thanks Lily. I loved the way this looked in a show I saw once. Dude wearing it was a badass with a far too kind heart for the dark work he had to do."

She smiled.

"Sounds like another version of you. It on that?"

"It is. We'll check it out sometime."

"Yay."

The next stop was Lyrica's magic shop. The busty succubus was looking at various spells and scrolls with Vixen as he walked in. He smiled at the small stack on the counter thus far.

"You're looking good ladies."

They smiled as Lyrica gestured to the pile.

"We've got a few good defensive green spells, some ice wall scrolls, a rather potent holy care scroll, and a few more spell books. Is it worth adding a adding staffs to the pile?"

Tyler crossed his arms.

"I'd say for you and Vixen. I've got a new staff for Eri I've been meaning to give to her. Since you two rarely draw your other weapons a staff works best."

They smiled at that and added a pair of high quality red and black staffs to the pile. Tyler poked the black staff outta curiosity and got a mild burn.

"Huh. Nifty."

Lily sighed.

"Startin to think ya might be a masochist."

He laughed.

"I've wondered that myself a time or two. Okay, next up is the market."

Lily smiled.

"I'll keep an eye out."

The duo headed for the black market and he brought Lily RIGHT to Kirya's stall. The busty Leezard smiled as he walked in with the now gaping in admiration Lily.

"Tyler! You came to visit! And you brought me a pretty elf too?"

He kissed her lovingly.

"That's Lily. She's looking to get you and the coin."

Lily hugged him as Kirya took the small elven girl into her home.

"Love you too, Lily."

Tyler looked at the HUD as Lily got in Kirya.

"This Morning in Vernillion. Ladies. The Outcast has married Kaori. You read that right. The lovers tied the knot last night at none other then the Warrior's ball! Tyler hijacked the lavish occasion for his wedding to the beautiful blonde as a surprise birthday gift! HE even had a dress made for her and a black coat for him ready made! Tyler's wedding will be sung of for centuries for many reasons, from the utter surprise of the ceremony, to his dance with kaori as they wielded gem weaponry alight with their paths. The entire spectacle was recorded for the ages and if you are not moved to tears by Tyler's impassioned love speech, the dance of lights from their weapons, or the sheer joy on their faces, then reader? You're dead inside. Even the dragons paid tribute with roars and flames for the union! But, that was not all that took place that night, for King Ishtar crowned Tyler the Outcast Prince! That's correct reader, Tyler was named Second prince of Vernillion! Tyler just took it with his usual grumble as the gilded cage of kingship is NOT in his cards. Tyler was crowned a prince, and he crowned Kaori his Outcast princess. Name a better love story, reader I dare you. From mere wanted murderers, to Outcast prince and princess husband and wife! A few attendees were NOT happy with then proceedings, namely Kazuma the Honorless and Craig the pancake."

"Ha! I am hugging Ruby the next time I see her!"

"Criag the Pancake made the fatal mistake of insulting the newlywedded Outcast's family in earshot. His response? He threw him from the ballroom balcony. The remains of the man had to be washed under the force of a water wizard! Kazuma was blinded by his selfish jealousy for everything Tyler is, and by the fact he's now married to the woman Kazuma only WISHES he could talk to, and tried to stab the dancing couple as they shared their first dance together. The idiot was so blinded by fury he didn't notice the ancient spell in place keeping his weapon from the still happily dancing couple. Kazuma then started whining after Craig met the wrath of a husband defending his family crying. The Honorless complaining that Tyler just killed a man and got no punishment. Yet if it were HIM, he'd get another round in the cage! Well, Ishtar in his wisdom, and occasional hilarity, ruled the killing as fair play due to Tyler's defending of his family's honor. Kazuma didn't get the hint and is now spending another stint in the cage. Tyler and kaori entertained their wedding guests for a while longer before retiring to their bedchambers. Good for them. Queen Willow made a statement regarding the wedding.

"Looks like me girl lost that fight. Well, I'm happy for you two. Just keep me girl happy too."

The Outcasts are running around the city with a grocery list, and it would seem that full battle prep is the order of the day in the Outcast camp."

Tyler closed the HUD as Lily came out with a happily satisfied Kirya. Lily smiled as she hugged him.

"I love you too."

He kissed the Leezard and she laughed.

"She LOVES them. I'd be happy to spend more time with the pretty elf."

"Oh she'll be back Kirya. I'd have joined you, but she's a little TOO small for proper fun."

She nodded.

"A most wise and kind choice. She's got her own coin now. Take care in the wave."

He kissed her again.

"You take care of those scales."

She smiled as he walked off with Lily. The elven smith smiled.

"So. Kirya eh?"

He chuckled.

"She's nice ain't she?"

Lily nodded.

"Plus bigger then Malico. I loved them."

The pair walked into wink's shop to see the woozy sprite fluttering about with Erica and Eri looking at spells. Tyler smiled as he saw the blonde mother.

"Eri, c'mere a sec."

She walked over curious.

"What's up?"

He pulled her new staff out and she gasped.

"That's a high staff of flame! It boosts red path AND the white!"

He gave it to her smiling.

"How's THAT do ye?"

She kissed him warmly.

"Thanks. I've been looking for a good dual staff. No luck though."

He patted her as he looked around.

"So, anything good? Besides you Vixen?"

The busty black mage smiled.

"A few defense spells, some spell books, and a rather large pile of scrolls."

"Keep at it ladies. Wink, c'mere a sec."

The sex woozy sprite came fluttering over, only to get a warm kiss.

"Love you too, Wink. Sorry I don't have the time to feed you today."

She smiled as she hugged him.

"I get it. Just feed me soon."

He stroked her soft wings.

"I will. Once the wave passes we're back on the road headed south. Plenty of time to feed you."

She smiled.

"I'll be sure to be nice and hungry."

Tyler kissed her again before heading off to check of Wulf and the two girls at the archery shop. Lily staying behind with Eri and the others to help look for spells and skills in the markets. Tyler walked in to see Ashy looking at an arrow crystal with Wulf.

"How's it looking?"

She passed him the thing.

"Holds 150,000 shafts. We can fill it half way from our pouches alone. Wondering if it's worth getting."

He looked at the grey prism.

"More arrows we have the better."

Sera came over with a few skills.

"These are all multi shots."

"Good find Sera. More arrows in the air at once the better."

She smiled as Tyler looked at Wulf.

"I got Burlock making our new batch. I'm off to see Lucy next."

"We'll keep at it."

The Outcast headed to the nearby sword shop. He smiled as he saw the small stack of skills on the counter as he spotted Lucy looking at the large box of certificates.

"Find anything decent?"

The hulking barbarian smiled.

"Aye lad, a few more slashers, more speed attacks for your wife. Well played that."

"Thank you. Any that effect a wide area?"

Thistle spoke from another box.

"I've got one for that demon sword."

He walked over to the blood skinned blood dancer. She passed him the certificate.

"Great smash? Uses strength and when the blade is slammed into the ground, causes an earthquake based on the welders strength. Allies are unaffected. Yikes. That's a nasty one. I love it."

She grinned as she passed him another.

"This adds force to each impact."

"Radial Splatter? Oh I love that image. Uses strength to make enemies splatter on impact or when combined with another AOE skill. Yikes Thistle. I can easily clear a camp of giants out with that combo alone. Anything else?"

She smiled.

"Still looking. We'll let you know."

He nodded and that was how the day was spent. Every member of the party looking at everything they had for holes, gaps, and how to reinforce their existing strategies. That night they sat in the dining hal;l going over the battle plan thus far. Tyler was using his map as he pointed out the likely area.

"We're going to have to build fortifications with magic and whatever the ground gives us. My plan right from the get go is make a mass funnel to make getting at us harder. Best case? We have their forces split between OUR party and the other idiots. As soon as our feet touch dirt we mount up and break from the pack. We stay near the other Warriors we die."

Eri nodded.

"They're hopelessly under leveled for a fight like this."

Tyler looked at Kaori.

"Keep an eye on the horses Kaori. Especially after the teleport."

She smiled.

"I got this."

"Just wanted you to brag Love."

She smiled with pride now as he looked at Sera.

"You and Lily are at a massive disadvantage here3 Sera. Mostly due to size and strength, so. I want you behind the walls period with that bow. We have plenty of arrows for you to show off with. Lily."

She looked up.

"I want you in the shadow of say Erica or myself. We're attacking in staggered patterns. Serafina, Malico, you two dagger ladies try NOT to get pinned against a wall."

They smiled at that as Tyler nodded.

"Alright. Tomorrow's a rundown on our skills. Pick a partner and do some sparring."

The party nodded again.

"Alright. That's all I got tonight. Kaori. Shall we?"

She laughed and they played hard that night before sleeping deeply. Kaori wrapped up hard in his arms.