Tale of the Outcast Warrior: Regrets, Squirrels, and Kaori.

"Och, Laddee."

He smiled as Lucy's 7 foot tall frame came into view.

"Hiya Lucy. Ya make the men piss themselves?"

She sat on the bale next to him with a grunt and a clang of metal.

"They be throwing back mugs and meat toasting her health and victory."

Tyler snorted.

"Great. A bunch of drunken idiots with a legit excuse to get wrecked."

She chuckled as she saw him looking over the horn.

"What's yer plan fer that thing?"

"I got a dwarf friend in Raylik that made those two's weapons and armor. Was wondering what he could do with this."

Lucy took the horn and looked it over. The item was solid black and a foot long. Even though it had been severed, it still felt warm to the touch and four inches thick.

"A good dwarf smith could make something spectacular with is much demon's horn."

Tyler placed it back in his pouch.

"We'll most likely pass through Raylik again at some point. As it stands, we don't really NEED any new gear."

Lucy watched as Lillia scored a moving bullseye on her one foot target.

"The lasses are coming along nicely."

"That they are. Sera and Lillia got quite a few orcs and goblins between them now. Not bad for a bunch of palace pets."

That got a snort as an arrow slammed into his once again concealed Mythril vest and bounced off.

"I heard that you bastard."

Lillia was glaring at him as Sera laughed.

"Love you too Lillia!"

She blushed, and shot him again.

"Oi! Yer targets behind ya lassie!"

Lillia was on the verge of killing him as Sera laughed behind her,

"Wow, Sis. Crush much?"

Lillia jumped and rounded on Sera she scored another bullseye. The older sister was red in the face as Sera just looked at her.

"What?"

Wulf was smiling.

"Not a good idea to infuriate someone with a loaded bow in their hands."

Tyler laid back on the hay and looked at the sky.

"So. In the space of 19 days, I've killed over a hundred men, killed a wyvern, became a wanted murderer with an entire city out for my blood and screams, killed a Knight commander, started a rebellion, saved a catgirl's prized tail, merged my spilt, killed a drakolisk, wear and wield Mythril weapons and armor, am friends with a dragon, a nature spirit, led an army to defend their homes, and killed a lesser rage Demon. Plus that greater Lich the other day. Yeah. What the hell is next?"

Lucy smiled at this young Warrior.

"Doing all that in a lifetime would get your name sung of for generations to come. Yet your legend hasn't even BEGUN yet."

Tyler chuckled.

"For now though we got a victory party to prep for."

That got an eager chuckle from the barbarian.

"Aye, that we do."

Tyler smiled s he sat up and grabbed Gleipnir.

"I think I'll go get an update from the guild. Not used to having this type of down time."

The warrior lady smiled as she understood. Tyler walked along the main road of the town. Just drinking in the sight and sounds of a true elven city. The town was large, and the buildings made of a curious red sandstone that would shit colors depending on what kind of light hit it. The buildings were all three story cottage, as the wall as either level with the roofs or taller. Tyler would get hailed on sight by people whose names he did not know.

"Hail! Outcast!"

"Hail!"

He'd give the reply nearly on pure reflex. Once I couldn't even get a spare glance. Now I got people I've never met all greeting me on sight like a damn celebrity. Kinda missing the road right now."

Tyler passed a small group of elven children as they were gathered around a tree. Curious, Tyler walked over.

"Hey, find something?"

They looked and jumped a little that Tyler the Outcast was walking over to them. Then a small girl with eyes the color of rubies spoke in a nervous tone.

"It's Rylie. She's stuck."

Tyler looked up to see another elven girl clinging to the trunk for dear life. Tyler looked to the base of the tree, then to where she'd gotten stuck. A good fifteen feet.

"Wow. She climb up there?"

The girl nodded.

"She said she saw something shiny up there, and wanted to get it."

"We told her to just get you to do it, but she said she wanted to get it for you."

Tyler looked at the boy that spoke.

"Well, I'll get her and it."

Tyler jumped up to grab the branch and swing up to sit beside her.

"Hiya, Rylie. Odd place to hang out, wouldn't you agree?"

She looked at him, a little shyly.

"Sorry for the trouble sir."

Tyler snorted.

"A pisspoor Warrior I'd be if I can't help a brave girl out of a tree. Now, what'd those keen eyes see up here?"

She gulped as she pointed to a higher branch.

"I'm not exactly sure what it was. Look."

Tyler was smiling as he looked up. Only for his smile to die.

"Rylie."

Tyler reached up to pull a small crystal from the branch. At his now serious tone, she started shaking.

"Yes sir?"

"Has anyone else been near this tree recently? Like an odd traveler or someone that normally doesn't spend a lot of time in trees?"

She was still shaking as she replied.

"I saw a man in a cloak drop from the tree maybe a week ago. I just thought he was after those berries there. As there a local treat."

Tyler spotted the dark blue fruit, and sighed.

"Well done Rylie. You just spotted something nasty. Work on that razor vision of yours. Come on. I need to see the mayor."

Tyler put the thing in his pocket and lifted the girl up to drop to the ground. She was blushing a little as he set her on her feet.

"Not a word to anyone Rylie."

"Sir."

Tyler went right to Lorgain's Mayor office. The Warrior was hailed at the front desk by the lady.

"Sirrah, do you need to see the mayor?"

"I do Miss. We got a problem."

She waved him along, now concerned. Tyler knocked on his door.

"Enter."

The mayor's office was in the process of cataloging all the banned spells that had ben found before Tyler was to oversee their destruction. Logrian looked up to see Tyler enter with a serious expression on his face.

"Not another one so soon?"

Tyler placed the crystal on his desk. Soon as he saw it he sighed.

"Where'd you find this?"

"That little elven girl. Rylie, spotted it as she and her friends were playing. That's a spy crystal. Isn't it?"

He nodded as he crossed his arms.

"Indeed it is. A human spy crystal."

Tyler rubbed his eyes.

"I'm willing to bet that demon was summoned for a purpose."

Logrian sighed as he pulled the queen's crystal over.

"Mayor Logrian to speak with Queen Tatiana. Update on the Demon."

The crystal lit up, and she appeared.

"What did you find?"

Tyler held out the spy crystal.

"I'm willing to bet gold that demon was sent here to conquer this town. Or, failing that, give an accurate gauge of the Elven defenses at a moment's notice."

She sighed.

"I see your reasoning. You think this was the pope's doing?"

"He wants to start a march. A SUCCESSFUL March. It explains the sheer numbers of banned spells as well."

"Since the church has been selling them."

"The beasts had a direct pipeline to the very best supply. My main concern is this is NOT the only one in town."

Logrian looked at him.

"If we tell the people their privacy was violated like this without there knowing, it could ruin the party."

"This point the party is a lesser concern. We need to scrub this city from the rooftops to basements."

Tatiana was in agreement.

"I agree with the Outcast. Peace of mind going forward is far more important than a single nights peace."

"Plus if we wait until AFTER the party, and then go forward with a search, any memories made that night would be ruined beyond repair."

Logrian nodded now.

"I see now. Very well. We'll get the search underway."

"Lady Tatiana."

"Outcast?"

"I would discretely begin calling muster. If that bastard is at the spy stage, we have months before the first offensive begins. I will have a procedure ready on how to also handle the search in other towns along your borders. My suggestion is to have every city searched."

"I agree completely. As for muster. Are you certain that's a wise move?"

"Rather have an army ready for a war that never comes, then have a war come for an unready army."

Tatiana smiled.

"A very wise sentiment. Worst case I can justify it by saying that Goblin army made me nervous."

"Eh, just blame me for it. Say I pulled the bow card."

"Outcast to the end, eh?"

"Hey, I can get dirty so you don't have to."

That got looks of admiration from both queen and mayor. Then Tyler took the crystal.

"I'll call my team together and get em briefed."

Logrian nodded.

"I'll call the guard."

Tatiana sighed.

"My elven guard should be landing in two hours. They'll assist you if you haven't finished already."

"head elf?"

"Funny. A LADY NAMED Thistle. She's a Blood elf."

"I like her already. What she look like?"

Tatiana smiled.

"Think Nightshade, but with red skin, a large bust, flaming hair, and wields a battle axe."

"Yeah, I really wanna meet this elf."

"Oh she is going to LOVE you."

"She a berserker?"

This time the queen smiled darkly.

"More blood dancer. More blood she gets on her skin faster and deadlier she becomes."

"I don't even know this chick, and I love her!"

That got a laugh from both elves. Tyler palmed the spy crystal.

"I'll get to it."

The Outcast walked out and stood in the center of a large open area. He then put his fingers to his lips and blew a loud, piercing whistle that echoed throughout the town. He got a responding whistle from each member of his party. And within minutes they came running. Tyler held out the spy crystal.

"We're searching the town for these. Pope's the one that rigged the Demon attack, and bugged the town."

Wulf looked at him.

"Okay. Just one question."

"Why the whistle?"

"That, and how'd you know we'd know?"

"I hoped you would. We kinda needed a means for muster. Oh, and the Queen's calling muster under the table."

Wulf blinked, shocked.

"Why'd you advise that? That's a little extreme don't you think?"

"Wulf, if that bastard's at the spy stage, the first assault is coming. Sooner rather than later."

Wulf sighed as he saw his reasoning.

"Better to have Elven Guard ready for it than not."

"My thoughts exactly. We have a detachment of Elven guard arriving in two hours under my command."

Wulf tilted his head.

"Leader?"

"A blood elf named Thistle."

"Oh dear gods."

Wulf went bone white at the name. Tyler looked at him.

"Issue?"

"She's EXACTLY like you. Only her paths are Red and Black. Seriously. I've met this elf, and she scares me. To death. Even her teeth were filed to points."

"Like I told the Queen, I cannot WAIT to meet this elf."

Wulf groaned as he looked to kaori.

"Watch him around her. Lady has a reputation for a man killer."

Kaori snorted.

"Like Tyler would bed just ANY one."

"Kaori gets it first."

Tyler looked at the sky.

"We got maybe 5 hours till dark. Break!"

Tyler's party scattered with a will. Next thing was he gave the town guard the update and a look at the thing they were lookin fer. Once done he went to the guild. His plan to try and convince them to aid him again. Though, he got quite the reception when he walked in.

"Hail! Demonslayer!"

Tyler had scarcely opened the door before every voice roared at him en mass. Tyler blinked as he replied.

"Hail!"

That got a chuckle as the hulking elf came over.

"Need us fer something?"

"Those bastards set up spy crystals in the city. Me, my crew and the town are flipping the place over looking for them. Could use extra eyes."

The elf chuckled.

"Aye lad, what are we searching fer?"

Once the crystal was examined by all, they went to it with a will. Leaving Tyler and the tall elf alone in the now empty hall. Tyler just laughed.

"Wow, I guess killin a demon like I did made-"

A massive greatsword smashed into his shoulder. Only to bounce off his Mythril vest hidden beneath his shirt. Tyler looked at the angry elf quizzically.

"I'm curious, why didn't ya go fer me head?"

The hulking elf readied fer another swing.

"Lord Skyr has a thousand gold for your head. Can't damage it or I get nothing."

Tyler smiled widely.

"I see now. An elf puppet. How cute. Hey, how's it feel with the pope's hand in yer ass?"

Kaori and Lucy were talking with a pair of adventurers, dividing the work to be more manageable.

"Okay. We'll take the west garden, and can you handle the east?"

The men nodded.

"Alright. Break."

The two men headed off as Kaori and Lucy looked at a map of town.

"We're set here and here."

"I got word they found eight here-MOVE!"

The hulking barbarian had been raised in a far more hostile environment then most, and such had a similar set of skills to Tyler detecting danger. As such, Lucy had felt the swing of the sword and shoved Kaori away as it carved a line across Lucy's broad back. The blonde leapt back and drew her katana as Lucy dropped to the ground bleeding as kaori blew a hard whistle on her lips. Before her were a set of five men with dripping weapons. She also felt the presence of five more behind her. The blonde beauty sighed. Explains his earlier restlessness Lucy told me about. Kaori could tell the wound on the barbarian's back wasn't serious, but she'd been hit with a paralytic poison, thus rendering her helpless. Kaori smirked.

"Well boys, shall we?"

An arrow came whistling out of nowhere to pass harmlessly over Kaori's head as she crouched with her blade still ready.

"If ya don't want yer friend to die, throw yer weapon down blondie."

Kaori looked to see a man holding a knife to Lucy's neck as the Barbarian lay helpless. Kaori looked at Lucy.

"Sorry about him. They have all of five seconds to live."

The man snorted.

"We got a barrier up. Not even yer boy can get through, even WITH dragon flame."

"What about Demon's wrath?"

Lucy's eyes went wide as the men looked at each other. The blonde having absolute faith in her friend.

"Yeah, didn't think so. You idiots have NO idea what that boy can do when enraged."

The man spat at her.

"Last chance girlie. Throw yer weapons down and surrender peace like or she dies."

Kaori laughed, like hard.

"try it, little bitch."

The man glared at her and went to pull on the blade.

"Heads up!"

The horrifically mangled body of the hulking elf came flying through the air to land on the ground minus a head. Kaori knew that knife work, and sheathed her blade. Then the barrier was heard shattering like glass as a voice was heard.

"Demon's Wrath!"

The men holding Lucy just turned to a fine mist as Tyler unleashed his secret weapon. Knowing the men were handled, kaori hurried to the fallen woman's side with a potion.

"Thanks fer that Lucy. Sorry for the taunts."

The Barbarian laughed as her affliction and wound was healed.

"tis I that should be thanking you missy. Playing fer time while yer boy came fer the rescue."

Lucy got up, just in time to see the rest of their team to come running. They saw the carnage and Wulf instantly pulled a long flute-like whistle from his vest. He blew three long blasts that echoed around the town, and within mere seconds the area was swarming with guards. In the midst of the chaos, Kaori leaned to whisper in Lucy's ear.

"That ability is NOT to be spoken of outside of our group. Okay?"

Lucy nodded.

"A very-well hidden ace. I understand. I hope you'll explain it in detail later."

"We have a few things to bring you and the others up on. Just not now."

kaori helped the hulking lady up as Tyler looked to Nightshade. The boy resting on his sword as the lone survivor groveled.

"To be clear, Nightshade, this is a Warrior Prisoner. I hope you understand."

The elven Scout nodded.

"Indeed I do Lord. Your orders?"

"Search the corpses for Licenses and bounties. I need to have a little chat with this one. Lucy, you good?"

"Aye lad. They hit me with a Paralyzed blade. But the lady cured it."

"All accounted for?"

Lillia and Sera came forward with Vixen, Lily, Wulf, Malico, Kaori, and Lucy. Tyler looked at each one.

"Sera. What did we do on the ride to Raylik?"

She giggled.

"You played with my hair!"

"Correct."

He looked to Lillia.

"What was the last thing you said in the wagon before?"

"I said you were a Warrior and so obligated to help us."

"Correct."

He looked to Vixen.

"What did I do to you?"

She shuddered.

"You read my soul like a damned book."

"Correct."

He looked to Lily.

"What did Momma raise?"

The fierce girl flipped her dagger.

"She didn't raise a fool!"

"Damn right she didn't."

Wulf.

"What was the silent jab I hit you with the first night you were with my crew?"

Wulf frowned.

"You pointed out I didn't have a girl sitting beside me you infuriating prick."

"Correct."

HE looked at Malico.

"What was the first thing you said when I came to?"

She smiled proudly.

"My tail is your tail."

"Correct, and still well played."

Tyler looked to Lucy.

"What was the advice you gave me on the wall?"

She smiled.

"Can't have them see you lose it."

"Correct."

Last was kaori.

"What was Kazuma's nickname for me?"

"T-rex."

"Correct. Alright. No imposters."

"What's a T-rex?"

Tyler smiled at Sera.

"A dragon-like creature that used to live in my world, Sera. We get time I'll draw a picture for you."

"Kay!"

Tyler looked to his crew.

"The church has put a price on my head separate from the usual bounties, as those need the authentication of the office of bounties."

Lucy sighed.

"How much?"

"1000 gold for my head."

The number stunned them. Wulf just groaned.

"With that, you could buy a mansion the size of the inn in Raylik."

"Or be set for life."

Vixen rubbed her temples.

"Who will come after us is most concerning."

"I'd be willing to bet only agents of the church, or any Warriors they can pay off."

Kaori sighed.

"Is there a price on me?"

"2000 gold alive and unharmed. You have to be delivered to the pope himself to receive payment."

The group all sat down as Tyler looked to the cowering agent of the church.

"You. You're going to tell us about EVERY member of the church you know of."

The man pulled a hidden needle and tried to stab himself with it. Only it vanished from his hand and he ended up punching himself in the neck. He was so confused he looked at his hand like he expected it to be there.

"hey, buddy. Over here."

He looked up to see Tyler balancing it on a finger.

"Neat trick, I must admit. Hey, Vixen, you're our poison expert right?"

The busty black mage smiled.

"I know a few toxins."

"Here. Have a look."

She took the needle, and licked it. She smacked her lips as she tasted the thing.

"Hmmm, oh, how interesting."

She smiled as she looked at the man.

"Loving strangle. A banned poison that is nearly impossible to detect. The only giveaway is in the after-death exam by one looking fer it. Symptoms include gagging, severe choking, closing of the windpipe, and a slow death. Antidote is Remedy, an upgraded holy Relief, an antidote potion, or Esunge."

She doused the needle in her acid as Tyler looked at her.

"You okay?"

She smiled fondly.

"In my training to become a black mage, I was required to build an immunity to most poisons and venoms. As I was considered on par with my previous master, I am immune to a good 99% of existing poisons. I am still vulnerable to a paralyze poison though."

"We ALL get at least some form of antidote potion, spell or Remedy. It's a white, but with the exception of Vixen, we can all cast it."

Lucy tilted her head.

"It might prove difficult fer me, as I be a grey/brown pather."

"A grey/brown? Huh, that's different. We'll get you it regardless. Better have it and fight with it and save a life then not have the option period."

The Barbarian nodded.

"Aye lad. A most wise attitude."

Tyler looked at the now cowering man as he pulled his Sgian Dao out.

"Well. Let's get started."

Tyler was happily whistling as he stabbed the man in his knee. Nightshade having emptied the area after being told this was a Warrior matter now. The man screamed so hard the whites of his eyes nearly popped.

"Alright. Let's start off easy. Yalik."

"I'll die before I saaaaaay!"

Tyler just twisted his blade in his knee, sending agony through the man's body. Lucy was having the hardest time listening to the screams, when kaori nudged her.

"When he gave you the rule for us having to do dark work, what he meant was watch HIM do the work WE can't."

Lucy stopped squirming.

"I understand. And like I do not, even I must recognize that having one that is not afraid to stain their hands to do what must be done is both a boon and a tragedy."

Wulf smiled.

"I said much the same when I first saw it myself. We don't see eye to eye sometimes, but I know I can rely on him to watch my back when I need it."

kaori smiled fondly as Tyler interrogated the man.

"He relies on you quite a bit Wulf. Malico as well. We all have a role to paly in our camp. We have the experienced elven ranger that both knows the land and its ways, a sexy cat with the knowledge of a native, Sera and Lillia and their own specialized knowledge, me and my hunting skills, Vixen and her black magic, Lucy and her skills, which I am not exactly sure just what they are yet, and Tyler. He does the dark work and leads our charge into whatever dares stand there."

Wulf cringed as the man lost a tooth.

"That time with Tempesta had me on edge for like three hours after."

Lucy looked at him.

"The blue dragon lord?"

Wulf smiled.

"Hey Tyler."

The boy in question looked up from his questions.

"What up?"

"We clear to talk about the dragon?"

"Sure. My mythril's an open secret now. I think the town will keep the secret. Just don't go broad casting I got it."

"Sure."

The elf looked to a stunned Lucy.

"So, we stopped by the King's road to both rest the horses and have lunch when the Blue Dragon himself flies overhead going on his way. Tyler was awestruck and sued his Farsight o get a better look. Next thing we knew the Blue Lord had flipped on his wing to land before us."

Sera nodded.

"That was scary. He was big."

Lucy just looked at Tyler.

"Pray tell how you lived to tell the tale!"

"Very first thing Tyler did was offer him half our amount of sapphires. So, a good 200 stones. The Blue dragon tilted his head, asked what the purpose was of the stones, to which Tyler said that we didn't wish to die that day. And don't dragons like precious stones?"

"A wise move. Sapphires are a known favorite of the Ocean Dragon."

"He had no clue, and came up with that on his own. We all were on edge as he watched the dragon store them in his belly pouch."

"What'd the lord of blue do?"

"Told him now to try it. Tyler's reply was priceless."

"What was it?"

"Was wondering if you'd eat them or had another spot. Nifty."

Lucy shook her head.

"He's either extremely brave or incredibly foolish to speak to Tempesta like that."

"He also spent a good ten minutes just bantering with the dragonlord."

"Is he daft?"

"He was having fun with his first dragon talk. I myself caught him looking over his shoulder at us as he jabbed a thumb at Tempesta as if to say, Look! A real dragon!"

"Ha!"

"He scared the hell outta us though when he asked about his breath attack."

"He did not."

"I swear by my ears he did. Tempesta loved his fire. He even granted him the title of dragon friend, the Mythril in his blades and that breath attack he used in the battle."

Lucy just looked on as Tyler drew Oblivion and cut the man's head off.

"Well, I got what I needed. He's got a ten gold bounty for his head, that elf 200, and I'll check the others."

"Nightshade already did."

"Verdict?"

"Low levels. Like 2 to 5 gold a piece."

"Every little bit. Hey, I know. We'll claim the heads, and donate the small amounts to the local recovery effort for the last bunch of idiots."

The group loved the idea. So, Tyler hefted the heads, and went for Thunder. As he walked, he spotted Rylie and her friends playing nearby.

"Hey, Rylie!"

The elf girl looked at her name,

"C'mere a sec."

She gulped as she came over to the Warrior's party. Tyler reached into his pouch and placed 20 silver in her hands.

"Well done, Rylie. Those eyes may have just saved your homeland."

Her eyes went wide at the coins and her mouth a wide O. She looked up and got a fond pat.

"Nice to know this town is well-defended."

She blushed, and it only got worse as every member of the party also patted her, while Sera and Lily hugged her too. Then Tyler looked to Lily.

"So, where am I bringing these?"

She gave a disgusted, exasperated sigh.

"idiot. Took you THAT long to realize you had no clue where you were going?"

"Well, Lily, if I was smart, you'd be outta a job."

She tilted her small head.

"Okay, that's a fair point. It's in the mayor's office to the direct right of the door."

"See? Someone needs to have the brains here."

That got him an approving smile as they found the stables with Thunder. After retrieving his head and mace, the party headed for the bounty booth. Tyler smiled as he found the place, and the Mermaid sitting behind the caged booth.

"Greetings Outcast. How may I serve you?"

"Got a few for you."

She extended the tray.

"Okay, we got Rilke, Mackie, Wallio the defiler and his mace, Gailk, and a bunch of small fry."

He set the heads on the tray and the mace on the rack. The Mermaid was different then the one in Raylik. As her skin was a more vibrant blue-green then the deep blue of the other. And her fins had claw-like protrusions on her hands, her rack was smaller, and her skin a lighter green. Tyler smiled at her.

"Excuse me miss, but, you are a mermaid, right?"

She smiled, and he noted her teeth were more akin to shark's teeth.

"I am indeed, Sirrah. I am a Deep Ocean Mermaid."

"I see. I am still learning this world."

She had a laughing like boiling water.

"It is quite alright, Sirrah. You're more polite then most with your curiosity."

"Well, when the bar's on the floor, kinda hard to do worse."

She laughed as she got the nod.

"Okay. Your total today is 450 gold."

"Thank you."

They then went to the mayor's office, where they found him in discussion with the Queen. The political elf smiling as he and his party entered.

"Another issue?"

Tyler smiled as he placed the bag of gold on the counter.

"I understand a group of Warriors came through out to long ago and made a mess."

HE sighed as he leaned on the table.

"They caused several hundred gold in damage, and left two hundred in the hospital."

"Here's 400 gold."

Tatiana and Logrian looked at him.

"Why?"

"Indeed?"

Tyler shrugged.

"We're travelers. Less places that hates us the better."

Tatiana threw her head back laughing as her and Logrian understood his gesture. The town mayor smiled widely.

"I will lay all credit for this gift at your feet."

Tyler smiled as Tatiana regained herself.

"You are a most unusual human. You ply both the whip and the carrot at nearly the same time. You claim to be an asshole, yet you prove to have a heart of gold."

"I'm more looking to spread my bad name to places I have yet to visit. That way when I DO wind up there I don't have to really worry."

"A most wise strategy."

Tyler looked to Logrian.

"How bad was the spy crap?"

"We cleared the city ten minutes ago."

Tyler pulled a scroll and passed it to Logrian.

"have this get taught to the guard for the event of another search. Oh, that reminds me."

He looked to Tatiana.

"I understand Seline gave you a copy of my License search procedure right?"

"She did and it has been implemented, as I told you."

"Was curious how many cities is was implemented in."

"ALL of them."

"Good. Okay, the Elven Guard is due any minute. I'll go see Greg. See now Nidhogg fared. That coin was the only thing I had for now."

And with that they excused themselves. Once the door shut, Logrian looked to the image of the Queen.

"Milady. That boy has not stopped working since he got here."

Tatiana smiled.

"As one would expect of a Warrior. And my new Champion."

The friends found the crew of the Nidhogg doing repairs and post battle maintiance. Greg the captain was on the ground overseeing the hoisting of a new cannon as Tyler and his party walked up.

"Ahoy Cap'n."

The Outcast took a spot beside the man as they watched the 600 pound cannon get lifted.

"That was quite the rousing battle, lad. Watch that cannon!"

"It was. You take any hits up there?"

Greg chuckled as he wiped sweat off his brow.

"Nay, lad. Was more target practice fer us."

Tyler smiled as he looked at the ropes and chains lifting the massive thing. Soon as he did, he frowned.

"That ropes about to go, Greg."

The experienced captain looked and saw it as well.

"Belay! Belay! Rope Snap!"

Sure enough, the tortured, frayed rope couldn't handle the strain anymore and snapped with a crack. The sky sailors dove, but one lad wasn't lucky enough to move in time. He looked up at the snap, only to see the palettized cannon come down like a large flattener. He screamed as a loud crash and a grunt was heard.

"You good?"

Tyler had moved like lightning as soon as Greg yelled the first time. Tyler had caught the 600 plus pound cannon on his back, and was holding it above his head as he waited for the stunned man to both move and regain his marbles. Greg was speechless by the feat of strength he had just witnessed. Tyler's friends were surprised as well.

"I mean, he picked up a full grown stone giant. Why am I so surprised?"

Wulf was shaking his head at the sight of Tyler holding the cannon above his head.

"Soo, what am I doing with this thing?"

The question broke the crew out of it's stupor. Greg shook his head before issuing more orders.

"Get a set of chains this time! Lad, how yer faring?"

"I'm good. Yer man okay?"

The man in question was indeed.

"I am Sirrah. I cannot thank you enough."

"No biggee. Just be glad I showed when I did."

The man nodded before going back to his duties. Tyler was happily whistling as a set of chains was hooked to the eyelets and the thing lifted.

"I'll stay here in case of snap. Though at that point, get a different cannon! She don't like that one!"

That got a roar of laughter from the airship crew. Tyler stayed put as he watched the cannon get safely settled aboard ships.

"Clear?"

"All clear! Many thanks Sirrah!"

"Aye!"

Tyler walked over to Greg. The man was a tall, lanky fellow with wrinkled skin, razor sharp blue eyes, white hair and beard clad in blue overalls and spiked boots.

"That was too close."

The captain smiled as he tipped his white captain's hat to him.

"Thank the gods you came to visit when ya did. Or poor Davie would be a smear right now."

"That rope shouldn't have cleared inspection. How'd it get through?"

Greg sighed sadly.

"That be the nature of sky sailing kid. Some days ya get warm winds and kind breezes. Then it turns on you in a blink and your fighting a gale for dear life."

"Worlds a fickle place."

"That it be lad. That it be. Appreciate you coming to check on me crew and ship."

"Yours was the first ship I saw upon my summoning. Hell, Gruven himself told me about it as we watched it go by the Dragon Tower."

Greg looked at the blue ship fondly.

"I know that day well, Lad. We were returning from killing a skypirate ship and passed by the tower. Our lookouts spotted ole Gruven in a window with this lad that the lookout said had a rather intense feel about him, and said ol Gru was lookin at him like a son or something. Well, we land and were in a tavern called Adventurer's respite, and hear tell Gru was murdered by a Warrior in cold blood and his blade Stolen. We all thought it odd, as the Warriors had been summoned only hours earlier, and Gruven a highly experienced and very powerful former Warrior himself. We stayed the night and spent all of that day resting from a hard voyage, as is our way. Well, that night, two young ones half dead from exhaustion and want of food comes in and sits in a corner. One with a bow and small blade, another with Gruven's sword hilt on his back. Even covered by cloth, those that had traveled with the man know his beloved blade well. Well, we all were deciding on how to handle this new find, when Burlock, another old friend, gets cheated at cards. The knives were drawn and bets placed. Me an me crew were getting ready to enjoy a bit of entertainment, when the lad in the corner coms waltzing over, interrupts the near fight to call out a poisoned weapon! Old Burlock was saved by Gruven's killer, and the laddee didn't even hesitate to stick his neck out fer him either. Then we sit back to see how it would all play out. From what our listener said, alls ya wanted was a bit o silver and information. Though that discount at his shop was a shrewd move. He even said the boy's reason fer the killin was Gruven had been given a bad order, and since the man was a loyal bastard, threw the fight to save the lad's lass from the pope. We all then decided to wait to ask you ourselves what happened if we got the chance."

Tyler smiled as he watched the crew work.

"Explains why you forked over your Licenses so easily."

"Aye lad. The Princesses backing you was a nice touch. Once you told the tale, and I could see no deceit in your burning eyes, I realized we'd been lied to."

Tyler smiled as he looked at the ram of the craft.

"Like they say. A good air captain is worth more then his weight in gold. I mean it's sea captain, but you get the point."

Greg patted his back, feeling his mail and scars.

"Good lad!"

Tyler smiled as a shadow passed overhead. He looked up to see a bright green airship moving towards the other hangar. He smiled.

"I got some elves to greet. Fair winds Cap'n."

Greg threw his head back laughing as Tyler and his crew headed off to greet the new arrivals.

"Ahhh, Gru. I see why ya gave him that blade what you saved Erica with. That lady is the spitting image of her. I wonder, Gru, he wouldn't happen to be that son you said you left behind, would he?"

Tyler was in the lead as they approached the larger craft. This ship was easily 60 feet long, 70 feet tall, with 100 foot balloons to keep her aloft. The hull was a deep forest green, and bristled with cannons. On the prow was the bleached skull of a massive sea beast.

"Hey, Wulf, what's the skull?"

The elven ranger smile.

"A Skyshark. They're a species of shark that live among the floating lands above the clouds."

"They mean?"

The elf snorted.

"Nasty. They can get upwards of 100 feet long and 60 feet wide. High dragons eat them as a main food source."

"Okay, not interested in them then. Pissing off nobility is one thing, but spitting in the face of a high dragon is another thing entirely."

That got a chuckle as Tyler noted a set of propellers at the rear of the ship, along with pipes as well. As he noticed this, a long plank extended from the top of the hull to connect to a set of scaffolding. Once secure, a bank of Elves in green leaf-scale plate mail marched out along the gangway. Tyler looked to Wulf.

"Kinda feel bad we stole the fun."

That got a chuckle.

"I think they'll understand once they meet you."

"More interested to meet this Thistle elf."

Kaori snorted as she rested a hand on her katana handle.

"Typical weeb. Looking to add to his elf collection."

Tyler turned around to look at her, offended.

"Bitch, weebs like catgirls. Elves, belong to the fantasy freaks. And let's not forget YOUR preference for vampires."

Malico purred, as Wulf and Lily looked at each other as Kaori blushed.

"I do NOT like vampires!"

"Riiight, and yet you plastered your room with shirtless posters of that one that sparkled like a disco ball in sunlight."

Kaori was red in the face as Vixen patted her back.

"I don't hold another's tastes against them, but, from personal experience with the creatures, not a good idea to spread those legs to them."

Kaori just went quiet and looked down as she lost the match. Tyler was curious now.

"What are the vampires like here, Vixen?"

The black mage shuddered.

"They're vile creatures like to plunder their prey before feeding. Repeatedly."

"What they look like?"

"Depends on the human or other they were turned from. And before you ask, yes, you can buy cures for a vampire bite at shops."

"Okay, they strong?"

She tilted a hand back and forth.

"So so. More hard to kill. You need to pierce the heart."

"Will anything work?"

"A test my mentor gave me was to kill a thrall with a stick. So, yes anything will work."

Tyler nodded as the bank of elves halted before him.

"Hail, Outcast."

They banged spear butts on the ground as they roared his name.

"Hail!"

Tyler tilted his head.

"So. Who's this Thistle that everyone's so intimidated by?"

Out of nowhere a feral elf lady came out swinging a massive twin headed battle axe in Tyler's direction. She was a ferally beautiful elf, with skin the color of blood, red the color of flame, eyes the color of sapphires and pointed teeth. Her armor was a smaller version of Lucy's bust armor. Only her rack was larger, and the metal solid green, and her pants more a pair of short shorts while bare foot. The elf swung the axe at Tyler who moved out of the way of the fast swing, only as the head was aimed at him, the blood elf planted her feet to jab out with her axe's speartip to try and impale the man. Tyler rotated along the thing, grabbed her by the throat, and pinned her to the ground backwards on her knee joints. HE was still smiling at her as he looked her in the blazing eye.

"Hiya! You Thistle?"

The elf growled at him, and responded in a most surprising manner: Leg locking him as she tore her throat free to lip lock him as well, and pull him top of her. The rest of his party were caught by surprise, especially kaori. Then Malico nudged her as Tyler gave the wild elf the fierceness she loved right back.

"I think we got a new party member, AND new tent friend."

Kaori gulped at the feral elf digging long nails into Tyler's skull as he kissed her breathless.

"Damn, Malico, she's intense!"

Tyler had shoved his tongue into the elf's mouth, and loved how she tasted of fire and passion. Then he pulled back and she gasped deep for breath. HE was still smiling at her.

"So, are you?"

She just laughed at him.

"Aye, lad. I be Thistle."

Tyler sat back on his haunches as he looked her over.

"Huh, so you're a blood elf. Nice."

He stood, and lifted the blood dancer toh er feet as he flicked her axe to her with a foot.

"So, I heard you killed a Lesser rage Demon single handedly."

"Yup. Got this to prove it."

Tyler flipped the horn into view before storing it away. Thistle grinned a feral grin.

"I aim to join your party."

"Nice to have another axe wielder. I got rules though."

Her eyes lit up with a wild fire.

"Speak."

"1. As the strongest person in the party, I hold the coin. 2: No work no food. You pull your weight in my camp."

"Seriously, he's a dick about it too."

"Still mean!"

"3: In towns and cities we share a room to save coin. Unspoken are simpler, keep our secrets, don't get on a high horse, and follow my orders. We also do dark work from time to time but the others will fill you in as we go. We got a deal?"

The blood elf pulled a dagger, cut her hand, and held it out. Tyler smiled as he mirrored the blood oath. They clasped and Thistle grinned.

"This is going to be FUN."

The ritual completed, Tyler looked to the patiently waiting Elven Guard.

"As you heard, we slew the Goblin army to last creature. That said, this may happen again."

Thistle looked at him.

"Their orders?"

"Defend this town. Queen Tatiana believes there is something greater at play here then a stray rage demon. As me and my party cannot stay to defend this town ourselves, the task has fallen to the Elven Guard."

The elves stomped their feet and banged spears.

"Man the walls and set up a rotation. Coordinate with the Scouts. Their leader's called Nightshade. Not a single goblin or orc is allowed to live in a days ride of that gate. You will also assist the town as needed."

A plate clad elf stepped forward.

"Sirrah, permission to speak freely."

"Granted."

The elf looked at him.

"We're not idiots. We know how to defend our homes."

"Oh, right, I forgot. The elven Guard AREN'T brain dead puppets."

That got a chuckle.

"Well, I guess, get to it. Dismissed."

The armored elves dispersed to their tasks as Tyler looked to kaori.

"Well, that was more tense then it needed to be."

Kaori sighed.

"Not everyone needs to be told HOW to do something you know."

That got a chuckle. Tyler then looked to his new crew.

"Well, now what?"

Kaori looked at him.

"Well, the party is still on, we can go relax somewhere for now."

"And those spy crystals were cleaned up. Alright, ears up for my whistle."

His crew split, and Tyler was left alone in the hangar. He sighed as he looked at the gallant airship sitting on her moorings. Well, now I'm lost. We got ourselves a blood elf in the party, and a barbarian. All we need is a dwarf and we got the stereotypical party. Tyler shrugged and headed off to find a quiet place to rest.

"Oh yeah. I was gonna get an update from the guild."

So, he strode off to the guild hall. The hall was lively as ever as he walked through the door.

"Hail! Outcast!"

"Hail!"

Tyler smiled as he got hailed by every person in the hall. He spotted the booth he'd spotted Verilica in in Raylik. He walked up to the lady behind the booth. She being a mountain elf with longer hair.

"Greetings hero. How may I assist you?"

"Looking for the daily news from the realm."

She smiled as she passed him a crystal.

"Plug that into your HUD. It'll provide all the latest."

"Thank you. Now, I have a question and a request."

Her red eyes smiled at him.

"What do you require?"

"In the last report I read, there was a rumor about a few members of my Party."

"Indeed. I remember the rumor in question."

"I was wondering who the source was."

She smiled at him.

"A man that thought he'd recognized the faces at the gate to the city. He was since reprimanded by Lady Seline."

"Good. My request is a counter rumor be spread to combat that."

"There already is."

"Oh?"

She leaned forward, and Tyler smiled as he noticed her bust was large.

"It goes the royal princesses were seen in Raylik in your company. And that you've parted ways there as they were to be staying with their aunt Seline for a while."

"That works. I appreciate it."

He flipped her a few silvers and left the hall. He was happily whistling as he looked around for a place to rest and go over the news. He spotted a small pile of rocks in the sunlight and claimed that spot. He set Gleipnir beside him as he rested his back on the sun warmed stone. He sighed as he placed the broadsword where he could reach it with a mere arm movement. Now settled, he pulled up his HUD and pressed the white crystal into the interface. The thing rippled like water before a new update icon was seen on the guild news tab. He pressed it and it was a new page.

"Today in Vernillion. It seems the Warriors continue to disgrace themselves. We've got a report of a farmhouse along the western road to Marmalade, the storied homeland of the Dwarves, was sacked, with the mother and daughters raped and murdered by Warriors. A new report from Term points the finger at a group of Warriors for setting a poverty-stricken section alight with magical flames as a bit of sport. In the southern part of the country, the mining town of Valsask has ground to a halt following a trio of Warriors looting the valuable ore within the cave that is the men's and town's lifeblood. We also have unconfirmed reports of kidnappings with the captives sold to bandit camps throughout the region. If rumor is to be believed, the Pope is considering forcing a THIRD summoning of Warriors to Lectis. If this be true, then the waves will be three times stronger. Yet all would not be lost. The Warrior Kazuma has added a new title to his growing list. That of Wandering Hero. To gain such a high and mighty title, one must travel to four different towns with intent to render aid, and provide such in extreme amounts. This lad is indeed a very bright beacon of hope for us all. That said, our true hopes and prayers lay with the Outcast Warrior party. The following is the truth as it was relayed to the guild news network, and is verified by both the Queen of the elves, Her Elegance Queen Tatiana Wildbow."

"Wildbow? Seriously?"

Tyler snorted at the purely an elf name.

"Her Elegance Queen Tatiana Wildbow, Lady Nightshade of the Dragonbone rank of our guild, and hundreds of eye witness reports. The elven city of TopLeaf came under siege from a massive army of goblins, orcs, and giants native to the area. Numbers were reported to be 1200 strong, and the creatures were led by a Lesser Rage Demon. The vile thing sought to take the city by surprise, yet were foiled by an early sighting by the Warrior Tyler The Outcast. The lad then rode for the town and led the defense himself. From these verified reports, The one known as Outcast has been gifted the title of Dragon Friend by none other then Tempesta himself. It would seem the earlier reports of the Hero's Dragon, as the lord of blue is sometimes referred, meeting with the Outcast and his party were in fact correct. As he has not seen fit to grant his friendship to any in three hundred years. Nor, as the reports say, seen fit to bestow his own breath upon a human in over a thousand. That's correct reader, Tyler the Outcast has been gifted the power of Dragon Roar. And once again as the report's say, wields the power of the dragons like he was a dragon himself. Tyler wields the bow of Eilisef, an ancient elven Queen, wields Mythril weapons, and now it seems the power of dragons. Upon organizing the defenses himself, Tyler rallied the defending army of two hundred against the opposing army of 1200, and stood atop the battlements as he exploited a Rage demon's greatest weakness: It's pride. Tyler manipulated a Demon into issuing a Demon Challenge, the stakes of which are carried out by whoever hears the initial challenge. Tyler then cut the fell beast apart single-handedly. According to the hundreds of Eye witness reports, the Demon stood no chance, as Tyler used his extreme speed and the flames of the Demon-hating Tempesta to kill the thing in a manner all too easy for him. As per his victory over the Demon, Tyler's stipulation was the Demon's army kill itself. In short, the Outcast killed an enemy army of over a thousand nigh Single-handedly. I will place my reputation as a lifelong Guild recorder, that these words I have written are indeed true. We have a new Demonslayer walking amongst us mere mortals. One that wields power not seen since the Golden Age of Warriors centuries ago. The most astounding piece of news, was not a single man under the Outcast's command fell in the defense of the town. Thus, the Title Peerless Tactician was also bestowed upon him. In short, an army of 1200 orcs, goblins, and giants were led to assault the elven city of TopLeaf, only to be killed the last by Tyler the Outcast nigh single-handedly, without losing a single defender of a force of 200. As such, is a Hero of the kind we desperately need more of. As it is however, all our hopes and prayers rest upon the shoulders of a single party. May the gods have mercy upon those brave souls. In other news, the Warrior know as Charlotte has been condemned for the most extreme cowardice, as she abandoned a family of four, a father, a mother, and two little girls just passed their tenth birthday, after they granted her the warmth of their fire and the shelter of their tent the previous night to rape, torture and death by a party of ten goblins. The Coward, as she is now referred to as, watched the vile creatures torment that poor family from the shelter of a nearby bush, only fleeing when a daughter of the family, the exact same ones that had told her Warriors like her were her heroes, spotted her inn her hiding place. The Coward has received the Cowards brand upon her hands and back, along with the title of Horse Abuser for the state her poor mount had been in when she rode into TopLeaf in an attempt to flee from the approaching goblin army. All reports indicate she is a wretched woman utterly unworthy of the Warrior's Strength. May she find a shallow grave and a hungry family of coyotes. Tempesta was sighted yet again, winging his way now along the coast of Vernillion near the port town of Yalik. As is his way, he goes were the wind blows him, and as long as no one is stupid enough to challenge him, he will leave all in peace."

Tyler sighed as he closed his HUD.

"My party has to carry the waves. Alone. Fuckin perfect."

A breeze blew through the small glade he sat in, and he could smell the aroma of cooking food as the elves readied their home for a victory party to celebrate their bloodless defense. Tyler crossed his arms and laid Gleipnir across his legs, and rested his head on the rock.

"Well, at least our lives won't be boring anymore."

He smiled as a three foot tall red squirrel came scampering over to look at him, tilting it's head as if to say, what the hell are you? Tyler pulled a large walnut from his pouch and placed it on the ground for the thing. It chattered at him before taking the offered nut and planting itself beside him as it gnawed on the offering. Tyler smiled ironically at the happy critter.

"Well, all else fails, I can at least make a nut-hungry squirrel happy."

He got another chatter in his direction.

"Agreed. We are so screwed. That bastard will summon another crop of Warriors that won't have enough time to build their levels to be of use, the waves will come, and it'll be me and the ones I love that will need to hold the line alone or we all die horribly."

Chatter.

"Wow, now I'm venting to a Squirrel. Not sure if I've fallen or am just really freakin tired."

Chatter, chatter.

"Tired then."

Chatter.

"Well, alright then. You're the boss."

Chattering snort.

Tyler placed Gliepnir in its sheath and settled against the rock before closing his eyes with the unusually large squirrel curling up beside him in a soft fur ball a good two feet across.

"Hey, Tyler, wake up."

Tyler opened his eyes to see Kaori looking at him with concern in her green eyes. The sky was getting a golden hue as he blinked awake.

"Hey, Kaori."

He stretched, and looked to where the Squirrel had been, finding a spot in the grass two feet across in a perfect circle had been matted down. He smiled as he looked over his gear.

"I musta been more tired an I thought."

kaori sat beside him, and laid her head on his shoulder as he found all his gear, weapons, coin, and other gear were all present.

"I had to shake you rather hard there."

HE chuckled as he now felt a lot better.

"Wow, Kaori. YOU managed to sneak up on me. Well done."

The blonde looked at him.

"Who was that girl?"

He looked at her.

"Girl?"

His evident confusion, plus the fact he never lied, prompted an explanation.

"When I came over here to check on you, there was a girl about yay high."

She placed a hand at the three foot mark off the ground.

"With long forest green hair, a ankle length white gown and bare foot curled up beside you with her head on you lap. I thought she was a local elf girl you'd been playing with, when I saw her ears weren't pointed. I was about to walk over to make sure you were okay, when she opened her eyes. And they were the most beautiful pair of blue eyes I have ever seen. It felt like I was staring into a pair of glowing Sapphires. Seriously, look! I got friggin goosebumps!"

Sure enough, the bumps were plain as day on her arms. Tyler looked at her.

"She say anything?"

Kaori shook her head.

"She smiled at me, before a bird's cry made me jump, I blinked, and she was gone like a light flipping it off and on. I came right over, and saw that matted spot, and you in such deep sleep, I had to shake you nearly like a ragdoll."

Tyler smiled as he looked to the deeper forest near the wall.

"I think this forest has a few stories in there. When I closed my eyes, I had a three foot tall red squirrel resting beside me after I gave it a walnut. Maybe this forest has a Spirit as well. And she watched over me as I slept. For, that was the best sleep I have had in years."

Kaori snuggled under his arm.

"I think, that you're right. Maybe she wanted to thank you for defending her home."

"And when she saw you coming, she saw her debt repaid, and me in good hands for her to leave me."

Tyler rubbed her arm as they looked into the forest, and Tyler smiled as he heard the chatter again.

"Thanks for the rest."

This time, a child's happy giggle was heard around the resting pair, followed by a squirrel's chatter. The pair looked in it's direction to see a small girl of Kaori's direction petting the squirrel that was the same size as her. The girl smiled as she waved at them, before winking out of existence. Tyler had a tear fall from his eye as she went.

"I'm sorry you died like that. But, may you find rest within this forest with your new friend, forever. Sallie."

There was another child's laugh, followed by the Squirrel's chatter, then a light breeze flowed through the area as Tyler hugged kaori tightly. The blonde now realizing what she had seen, and who that girl had been, hugged her lifelong friend as he mourned the passing of one that he had not been able to save. One that had returned to absolve him of guilt, show the slayer of the monsters that had killed her she was safe, and offer a moments peace to one that needed it so badly.

He let her go and kissed her deeply as he let the memory of the girl rest. Kaori kissed him back. Then he pulled back to look her in the eye.

"If we ever have a girl, we name her Sallie."

Kaori had tears in her eyes as he said this.

"And this time, she will have a true Warrior to be her hero."

The friends hugged again, never noticing the image of the small girl standing by the tree, joined now another girl, a tall lady, and a man, watching them with the light of the free in their ephemeral blue eyes, as their Squirrel guide chattered one last time to the Warriors before leading the family away.

Tyler had felt the chatter, and sat back against the rock as he looked at the sky. He smiled.

"We need to get moving again. We've done all we needed to do here."

Kaori smiled, as she too had felt the farewell chatter.

"We still have the party."

HE stroked her blonde hair.

"Lets agree that this one is OUR secret."

She glowed as she kissed him again.

"Sallie. A beautiful name."

Tyler sighed as he looked at the now non matted grass.

"for a sure to be beautiful child."

Kaori smiled and settled into his chest as they rested together.

"Oh THERE you are!"

The couple lifted their heads to look at a now making a beeline for them Lily and Sera. The fierce elf girl was tapping her foot in the grass.

"Seriously! We've been looking for you EVERYWHERE! And where do we find you? Curled up together on the Guide's Rock."

Tyler and Kaori looked at each other.

"Guide's Rock?"

Lily sighed as Sera got a hug.

"It's the rock all elven come to mourn those that mattered to them that fell away from home. According to the legend, if your heart is in enough turmoil over the loss, the Guide, a three foot tall red squirrel will appear and both grant you what you most desperately need at that moment, and allow you to see the fallen loved one in their spirit form as a means of closure. Course, they look their spirits forms, and if the legend is to be believed, green hair, blue eyes, and a white gown. Once the Squirrel has fulfilled this boon, it Guides the fallen to their place of rest."

Tyler smiled as he stood, brushing off the grass from his leathers.

"Somehow, Kaori, that does NOT surprise me."

The blonde smiled as well as she rose too.

"Not even a little. It seems it was bothering you even more then I thought."

Tyler gazed over to the tree where the girl had stood.

"It was bothering me, Kaori. But, not anymore. At least, they got their peace. Now, I have mine."

He reached into a pouch and pulled another walnut and placed it in his spot. Then he and his friends left the small glade, as the chattering was heard again, followed by a happy child's giggle.

"So, Lily, what's up?"

"Yeah, why you looking for us?"

Lily sighed.

"What was the deal with the walnut?"

Tyler and Kaori looked at each other.

"Just saying thanks to a friend."

"Wow, can you BE anymore vague?"

Tyler patted her head as Sera got a hug of Kaori.

"This one's me and kaori's secret."

"Whatever. You're still mine when I get there."

Tyler just laughed at the ferocious girl. The happy girls led Tyler hand in hand with kaori to a large outdoor patio where upon setting foot on the wood, a loud cheer was heard.

"All Hail! THE CHAMPION OF THE ELVES!"

Tyler smiled as music exploded from every corner, and braziers lit. The long tables and benches packed solid with those that had fought in the battle, with his party at the table of honor at the head. The tables themselves were loaded with meats, fruits, cakes, pies, salads, ale, beer, wine, and other such drinks. Tyler and kaori were toasted as the hero and heroine of the battle as they followed the now marching Lily and Sera to their spots at the head table. Tyler at the center chair, Kaori to his right, Sera his left, and Lily next to Wulf. Tyler got his mug filled, and raised high.

"To those poor souls that fell before we ended that army's life. Hail!"

"HAIL!"

The mugs were thrown back as they all honored those that army had killed before the Outcast got them. Then the feast and party was on for real. Tyler with kaori's hand in his as they fed each other different foods.

"Hey, Tyler, try this."

"Damn, Barbie. No clue what it is, but damn."

"Hey! Outcast! Breathe fire!"

Tyler flipped over the table.

"NOW it's a damn party! Blue demon dragon ROARRRR!"

He sent up a not-as-powerful-gut-still-powerful blast of blue fire to the rousing cheers of the victorious roaring like a waterfall. The music was also intense, as lutes, drums, flutes and various stringed instruments were playing in the background. Tyler was the Hero of the day, and his party the honored companions. Tyler was tapping his foot to the music, when he saw Kaori had both hands free.

"Hey, kaori! Wanna dance?"

She smiled widely as she took his hand and they danced together in the flickering fire light. That was a signal of sorts, as couples all over appeared and they twirled their partners around gracefully. Wulf had Nightshade in his arms as they spun, Malico was entertaining Logrian with her moves and looks, Sera and Lily danced together, Lucy with an elf that seemed WAY too scared to have been a willing partner, Thistle and Vixen were twirling around each other, as Lillia danced with a blushingly happy Rylie. And Tyler had Kaori spinning and flowing around him like water in a river. He having a wide smile as he pulled the girl of his dreams in to kiss her before throwing her out only to bring her right back in. Then he pulled her in close to hold her against him as they swayed to the now gentler music.

"Kaori."

She smiled they moved.

"Yeah?"

"I love you."

She pressed her head into his chest.

"I love you too."

She could feel the hammering of his heart under her ear, and he could feel her own through his body. She looked at him and kissed him softly, then leaned into his ear.

"Our OWN room tonight."

He hugged her tightly.

"Are you sure?"

She squeezed him hard.

"I am. I love you, Tyler."

HE smiled as she felt his heart skip a beat.

"Alright, kaori. I love you too."

The owner of the Inn they would be staying at was watching the exchange with a wide smile on his lips.

"I'll have the key sent along with discreteness, young ones. You've earned this much."

Tyler and kaori stepped back to return to the table.

"Outcast!"

They looked to see a burly man with a hunk of steel 5 inches thick.

"Show us!"

"Eh, sure."

Tyler picked the thing up, looked at kaori, smiled, and bent the thing into a heart-shaped frame he held over her face.

"This one's MINE fellas! Hands OFF!"

kaori smiled widely.

"Ladies? Well, I'm curious!"

That sent a wave of laughter and whistles through the gathered fighters. Then a cry went up.

"Speech! Speech!"

The gathered fighters fell silent as Tyler looked at them.

"From me or her?"

That got a laugh as Lily threw a fork at him.

"YOU ya jackass!"

He smiled as he flicked the fork back at her, it bounced twice before landing perfectly placed next to her plate like she hadn't touched it. Tyler leaned on a pole as he crossed his arms.

"Speech huh? Never thought I live to see the day ANYONE would give a damn what I had to say."

He smiled as he looked around the patio.

"To think, little under three weeks prior I was sitting in the Coward's classroom getting beaten half to death with books and other such sundries by anyone with a pulse. Only kaori was there to comfort me, and most times I just wanted her to walk away, as if she kept hanging around me, I was afraid they'd go after her too. Now I wield the weapons of legends, powers of dragons, have to fight off a VERY persistent elven girl,"

That got a few chuckles as Lily was heard muttering.

"You WILL be mine dammit."

"See? Kinda outmatched there."

Tyler sighed as he looked at his friends.

"Some call me Outcast. Others Hero. More Warrior. I read an article today saying how my party might be the only real defense we have against the waves. Since the others are all either weak or useless or both. The thing said that the hopes and prayers of the world rest on our, more namely MY shoulders. Ha, can't help wondering if they picked the wrong guy."

Tyler smiled again.

"But gods dammit I will TRY. If the waves want to lay waste to MY home."

He drew Gleipnir and planted it in the dirt to rest his hands on the pommel.

"If they want to get to you, they have to get. Past. ME!"

"OUTCAST!"

They banged the mugs on the table as Tyler then fixed them with the Demon Glare.

"Let it be known far and wide, that if need be, I'll fight the waves ALONE, NAKED AND BAREHANDED BEFORE THEY LAY A FINGER ON THE PEOPLE I LOVE!"

"OUTCAST! OUTCAST OUTCAST!"

Tyler smiled as he flipped the broadsword into his back scabbard. He then looked to the crew.

"So. Where's the beer?"

That sent them into an uproar of laughter as he drained another mug before looking at kaori. She smiled, and he smiled. As he went to take a seat beside her, a boy came running with a refill of ale, and slapped a key into his hand as he went. Tyler smiled as a silver was slipped into his pocket as he ran by again. Tyler poked Kaori with it, and she leaned close to him.

"Yes."

He smiled as he used all his stealth skills to make him and kaori disappear into the background, and ghost to their room. The small one bed room was near the back of the Inn, and had thick walls on all sides. Tyler locked the door as Kaori undressed. Then he did as well, and they smiled at their glory. Kaori led him to the bed, and laid on her back with her golden hair spread out around her. Tyler placed his sword on her scabbard, as she took his hands in hers.

"Be gentle, your my first."

He kissed her.

"I love you. Kaori."

She smiled up at him.

"I love you too. Tyler. Come to me."

HE slid inside her as she gasped at the feeling. Then they were moving against each other in slow, tentative strokes, as they loved each other with their bodies for the very first time. Tyler loved how Kaori felt and sounded, as he made love to the girl of his dreams like he had always longed to. As kaori loved the feel of him inside her and his feel as she finally got the boy she had longed for ever since that day in the hallway. The room was full of their monas and groans, followed by a simultaneous scream of passioned pleasure as they both came for each other.

"I love you, Kaori!"

"I love you Too, Tyler!"

Then they collapsed to the bed, him on top of her, both panting. Tyler regaining his strength to kiss her softly, and her smiling up at him as he slid to lay beside her.

"I loved it. I love you, Tyler."

HE kissed her gently.

"I loved it too. I love you too, Kaori."

She smiled as she rolled to look at him, a flush on her cheeks.

"Thanks for being kind."

He kissed er again.

"Thank you for being you."

She snuggled against him as they both closed their eyes, and drifted off to sleep. Never seeing the three foot tall squirrel watching them from the branch of a tree outside the window, or the small girl next to it smiling at them with all the happiness a child should smile with.