Tale of the Outcast: Cleaning up the Port.

Ahem."

The two lovers looked to see Sera taping her foot.

"Seriously?"

Tyler smiled and gave a subtle nod to Kaori's hair.

"I remembered something, Sera."

The black haired princess then noticed the light bule ribbon in Kaori's hair and squealed.

"Kaori that ribbon looks soooo pretty!"

That made the blonde blush as Tyler took his leave.

"I bought it for her back in term before we left, and forgot to give it to her."

Sera smiled as he walked out, guessing his ploy.

"It looks beautiful in her hair. And close the door ya barn raised peasant."

"At once Milady."

"Prick."

He shut the double doors as a yawning Malico came walking out of Lymir's room with a sticky tail and matted fur. Tyler smiled as he saw her.

"Hey, Malico. Thanks for them. Oh, and Kaori's in there with Sera, think ya can help her out/"

The catgirl was instantly awake and alert as Tyler walked away.

"Yer welcome!"

"Love you kittycat!"

The busty cat snuck in and shut the door quietly to see what the talk was about, even though she'd guessed. Tyler rejoined the group and Lillica looked at him.

"Sera?"

"Getting her interview."

That got him a hug.

"Thanks for looking after her."

He smiled as he rubbed Lillica's black hair.

"She's my sister too, ya know."

That got a warm glow from the party. Then he looked to Wulf.

"Where are we with the search?"

"Clear. We just wrapped up the last room."

"Anything of note?"

Vixen chuckled.

"A few rings for summons in the basement, some hidden record crystals, and just more keepsakes."

"The crystals were found?"

"Headboards mostly. I found one on a bed post though. It was disguised as an ornament though."

"Okay, nifty idea. I'll cast the spells then. We'll use the mansion as a base of operations while in Yalik. And, Ashy, close the door. We got an update."

The dirty blonde closed it and leaned on is as Tyler took the documents he'd taken from the desk out and passed it around. Once the group had seen it he hid them back in his pouch.

"We now have evidence to incriminate the pope. That said. Lillica, your father's days are numbered now."

She gasped.

"How can you be so sure?"

"Because this is another trope from our world. We finally get a weapon to use against our enemy, only for our greatest ally in the place he lives in to die. Thus, we lose the ONE leg we have to stand on."

Lillica sighed now.

"I see. So, what do I do?"

"My advice? Make peace with it. I'll tell Sera this myself. Now, we-actually. I wonder. Be right back."

The room looked at him as He left. Then Wulf chuckled.

"I bet he's looking to see if Lymir has a similar spell to contact the king."

Tyler walked to Lymir's bedroom door and tapped a knuckle. He got a slight hmmm? So he opened it slightly and saw Lymir sitting at her desk brushing her long blue hair. HE saw lily was still sound asleep, and was swathed in blankets and pillows. He smiled as he walked over to the mermaid.

"You wouldn't have a spell to contact Ishtar directly, would you?"

She blinked in surprise.

"I do. It's for emergencies only."

"It like Seline's?"

"Yes."

"Come on then. We need to give an update."

She nodded and got up. Tyler walked over to check on Lily. The little mountain elf was sound asleep with her sword arm in a sling and from the lack of sleeves was naked underneath the blankets. She had a flush on her dark skin and her hair was sweaty. He gave her a soft, loving pat before casting his three defense spells.

"Thank you."

Lily opened her red eyes to smile at him as he finished casting. HE smiled as he sat beside her.

"Sorry to wake you, Lily."

He patted her head as she chuckled weakly.

"doting care and loving attention. No less then I would expect from my future husband."

"Love you too, lily. Go back to sleep."

She took his hand and squeezed it faintly.

"We'll still cuddle right?"

"You are NOT leaving that bed until you can wack me again. So yes, we'll cuddle."

"Yay. Her bed is really comfy."

He gave her a light hug before she laid back and passed out again. He placed the blanket higher up her small body before leaving with a glowing Lymir.

"She means a lot to you."

He closed the door and smiled as they walked down the hall.

"She does, Lymir. She may want to be my wife, and to be honest, in a few years, who knows. But, right now? I love that wildcat every bit as fiercely as Sallie or Sylvia or Sera."

That got a smile.

"Lily is a very fierce girl. Plus is just sweet."

They collected the group and knocked on the office door.

"Kaori? It safe?"

"Yup."

They walked in to see Sera safely snuggled into Malico's soft hug. Tyler took a spot against Lymir's desk as he gave the reason.

"We're contacting Ishtar."

Sera smiled as Lymir cast the spell. The cloud appeared and the king was seen. Tyler looked at him.

"What is our pass code?"

The king blinked, and sensed it was serious.

"It is better to be feared then loved, if one cannot be both."

"Clear."

Tyler held up the documents.

"Yalik was a mess, Ishtar. Still is."

The king looked at Lymir and then to Tyler.

"How bad?"

"Only t 250 people in this city had NOT been replaced with a doppelganger. Lymir herself here was one of them."

The king gasped in horror.

"Ohh, Lymi, IO am so sorry."

"My party was very nearly captured and enslaved this time Ishtar. Thank the gods for Sera, Lillica and Lily."

Tyler retold the story of the party's near capture, rape, and enslavement. The king had a single tear fall.

"So. Let it be known that the Outcasts were nearly wiped out. And only the strength of Sera, Lillica and Lily saved them before myself and Wulf got back."

Ishtar sighed deeply.

"It seems even YOU are not invulnerable to mistakes."

"Never said I was. But, then again. I never make the same mistake twice."

That got an approving nod.

"I will forgive the endangerment of my daughters due to your arrogance. On the grounds that you have never lied to me nor them, and the fact you have given me good council."

Tyler shrugged.

"On the bright side? I have nothing more to teach them. All they need now is strength and experience wielding it."

That got a beam of pride now.

"They have grown so much and gotten so strong. Thank you."

"This will NOT happen again Ishtar. I swear that to you."

"Indeed. I will hold you to this oath. Now, how bad is the damage?"

"Still taking a tally. We have a new rule for the seas as well."

"I see. What is this new rule?"

"Any ship seeking to dock has a holy sanctity cast upon her and her crew. At this time that is our most plausible theory on just how so many of the damned things got into the city. Any refuse either get a faceful of cannons or just turned away."

Ishtar rubbed his beard.

"I like this rule. However, the reality is most white paths haven't the power to cast such a spell."

Tyler frowned now.

"I see. Then we have a major problem here. If it happened once, it can happen again."

"And if not in Yalik then somewhere else."

"Exactly."

Vixen stepped forward.

"A suggestion my lord."

The king smiled at the black mage.

"Of course miss."

"If Holy Sanctity is not an option, what about Holy Dome? It has a similar effect yet is not as widespread in it's dome."

Ishtar thought about it as Tyler himself weighed the idea.

"That is a most acceptable compromise, Miss. I am familiar with holy Dome, as it was a favorite spell of ole Gru back in the year. As I recall, the White path of Purity's brothers are easily capable of casting Holy Dome. Holy Sanctity is just a little too hardcore."

Tyler chuckled.

"I need to remember not everyone is a powerhouse."

Ishtar chuckled as well.

"It is never a bad thing to have faith in the abilities of others. Just try to NOT put too much faith in them."

"Fair. So, the rule?"

"I shall make a decree. On the grounds of what you have told me."

"Spare no detail. The girls can handle themselves now."

Sera and Lillica gasped.

"Are you sure?"

"You really want to go public with having us in your party?"

Tyler smiled at them.

"If you can throw off a mind subjugation necklace in thirty seconds, and kill a 25 foot giant single handedly, you're ready. You'll still be getting lessons and practice, but so won't we all."

Sera was now smiling with pride as Lillica still seemed nervous.

"It seems risky."

"Trust yourself, Lillica. We all believe in you. So, try to as well."

She nodded as Ishtar smiled was proudly.

"It seems you are a truly great teacher, Tyler the Outcast."

"I had the best students."

Kaori smiled as well, knowing she was amongst them. Then tyler sighed.

"We had another reason for this council Ishtar."

The king became serious.

"What is it?"

Tyler held up the documents.

"These outline the Pope's step-by-step instructions on how to fool me and my party, how to enslave us, and the orders to do so."

Ishtar's eyes flashed.

"You mean."

"we have an arrow pointing directly at him now."

"So, what do you propose we do with this evidence?"

Tyler smiled darkly.

"If I were to give it to you, can you arrange it to be 'found' by Kazuma by way of oh say, a rogue courier?"

Ishtar burst out laughing.

"I see your plan you wily bastard! Have Kazuma expose the corruption in the church and set himself up as a hero."

"All the while the pope knows both EXACTLY where they came from, who found them, and HOW Kazuma got them."

"And he won't be able to do a thing."

"And give Kazuma more brownie points with he people."

"Thus solidifying my continued wisdom in adopting him before the court while at the same time undermining the church. Brilliantly devious. Now, before we proceed."

Tyler looked at him.

"You have a request."

"I do. The Warrior's ball."

"I think I'm gonna like where this is going."

"I want to see my daughters."

"Oh. Okay. Just show up to the ball."

The king blinked.

"The hells didn't I think of that? I'm THROWING the damned thing."

Tyler smiled ruefully.

"Too easy?"

Ishtar was right there with him.

"I guess so."

"Well, by that point, they'll be even stronger. Oh. And. A two part warning."

"go ahead."

"I want you to be on your guard now. Once I give you these papers, until Kazuma accomplishes the task, you're very life will be in danger and so will his."

"I see. I have picked my sword back up, secretly of course, and as such my strength has returned."

"I am glad I CAN pick it back up again after me and Kaori. Later. So, anything missing?"

Kaori was glowing hard now, and the other ladies were as well. Ishtar smiled.

"Nothing is missing. I just look older. So, on the front of a sneak or direct attack, I'll go to battle once more. Now, the second?"

"Don't you DARE die before you get to hug them again. ESPECIALLY after telling them to their faces you wanted to see them at that ball. Since we'll be there."

The king was taken aback by the sheer force in Tyler's voice now, and by the sheer fury in his eyes. Sera and Lillica both looked at kaori for an explanation. She shrugged with a smile.

"He hates false hope with a burning passion."

"Ah."

"Makes sense."

Ishtar smiled now.

"I am not as weak as you might think lad. But, fairly warned and fairly heeded."

"All alright then. Now how am I getting these to you?"

The cloud form of the king just held out his hand and Tyler shrugged as he gave them to him. Soon as he had them, Ishtar looked them over and nodded.

"I see. Okay, this is exactly the thing to pop the church open like a gourd. Kazuma will have these within the hour."

"A last warning."

"Speak."

Tyler fixed the king with his Demon's Glare, with everything he had in it.

"Do not let that fall into the wrong hands. Do NOT think of a double cross. And DO NOT THINK OF A SCREW JOB."

Ishtar was shaking now, and so was everyone in the room, including kaori and even the two spirits. Tyler spoke another line, and it had all the coldness of a midnight storm in the frozen north.

"AND DO NOT MESS THIS UP."

Tyler glared at the trembling king as kaori recovered first.

"He's put his faith in you for this Ishtar."

The king understood then.

"I will not fail."

"Coolio."

Just like that the tension was gone, and Tyler was his usual cheerful self. Ishtar chuckled.

"Scary mood swing. Now, I have a question."

"Sure."

"You used the point that Sera and Lillica can kill a giant 25 feet tall, did you not?"

"I did."

"Soo, they've faced such a creature?"

"In single combat with their swords. Bows were not allowed for this exam."

Ishtar blinked.

"And you were?"

"Observing from a rock. With the entire party as well."

"Soo, let me get this straight, you pit Sera, alone, against a 25 foot tall hill giant. With that sword in her hand."

"Yup."

Ishtar was somewhere between a father's anger and sheer awe.

"How'd they do?"

"Lillica sliced her giant's ankle away until it dropped ot a knee, then she leapt up it's back to stab it in the base of the neck. Sera used a dagger to climb up the back on the beast where it couldn't reach her to do the same."

"I am both horrified you pit them against such stacked odds, and at the same time impressed by the fact they accomplished this feat."

"Makes you feel better, ya remember that elven girl, Lily? The one with the hammer?"

"I do."

"She's done it. Twice."

Ishtar just slumped in his chair.

"You're insane."

"Yup."

Sera giggled.

"We're awesome!"

Ishtar smiled on reflex.

"Is your training usually this harsh?"

"When we get serious? Yes. Their next challenge is to kill a tomb guardian with Vixen, WITHOUT me present."

the girls gulped.

"Okay."

"We'll do our best."

Ishtar gaped at him.

"but they could face anything from a mere draugr to a grand Lich!"

"Lillica's already killed a grand Lich. So, now she just has to do it alone."

"I'm sorry, what?"

"Ladies! Bragging time!"

Sera went first and showed her bestiary to her father. He went white when he saw the thing.

"A Minotaur balor? How?"

"Her and lily baited the thing into a blind rage. It charged lily, who has an Additite shield, and Sera popped up with those dragon scale arrows to pierce it's heart in a tag team attack."

The king glared at him.

"Where the hell were you?"

"Three feet to the right. Lily's learned the fine art of getting under another's skin. Seriously, thing drops, spits a single line, Lily pissed it off, and Sera popped it. Total time? Less an 5 minutes. Hell, they caught ME off guard on that one. Well played though."

Ishtar looked at the sweetly smiling Sera.

"Your mother is going to LOSE it when she learns her little girl killed a monster stronger then HER best kill."

Sera was glowing like a light now.

"I did better then Mommy?"

"You did sweetie. Your mother has only killed a lesser demon of War. And, has NEVER faced a balor. So, well done."

"Best part is she's NOT done. Not until she can kill a lisk alone. WITHOUT aid of ANY kind."

sera giggled.

"I'll make HIM piss himself!"

"Atta girl!"

She hugged him as Lillica showed hers next. Ishtar gaped as well.

"You really DID kill a grand Lich. Well done Lillica."

"That was a triple threat attack with me locking the beast in place against it's coffin. Her, Sera, and lily faced that thing in perfect sync. Right now their teamwork is flawless. It's just their solo work that needs work."

"He's a very harsh and unforgiving teacher Father. But fair. If he thinks we're ready for a challenge we have not faced yet, he'll sit there on watch as we complete it. If we get into trouble, he'll help us and teach us better so we CAN handle it the next time."

"I see."

Tyler chuckled.

"My lessons include first watching to see how everyone works together and seeing where they fit the best. Next, is to find a way to make the most of whatever skills and abilities they already have to their best. My way is to THINK in a fight on HOW to win the fight. Once you have the mindset down, it's onto the practical skills, like bow or sword. You learn from those in the party that have the best skills and most experience with your chosen weapons. Once you can swing a sword with confidence, it's on to the blood. I started them off on goblins and orcs in the battle of TopLeaf. AFTER they proved their mindset with the stone giant. Then I brought them individually on camp raids. And it gradually increased from there."

Ishtar was nodding along as tyler laid out his training regiment.

"A very firm yet effective strategy. See where they fit best and have them maximize their skills there. Before this mess, my knights were trained in a similar fashion, only not as harsh."

"The tougher the test the more fulfilling it is when you succeed."

"Agreed. May I ask how they're outdoorsmanship is coming?"

"Sera can drop a running hare with a single shot to the eye at 60 yards first shaft. Lillica, 75."

"Damn girls. You're better shots then your mother!"

They were glowing hard at that one. Tyler chuckled.

"They got a long way to go though."

Their glow of pride died as they sighed.

"He doesn't let our successes go to our head."

"Nope."

Ishtar was a little shocked.

"You're growing up splendidly."

"Wait till the ball. Ya not gonna recognize em."

That got a proud smile.

"I can't wait to see how far they've come. So you know, the documents are already en route to Kazuma."

"Understood. We're going to go aid the clean up."

"I trust you saw the last article."

"The robberies?"

"Indeed. Plus I also understand you've taken a new Warrior into your camp."

"Ashy."

The dirty blonde walked forward and bowed.

"Your Majesty, a pleasure to meet you."

Ishtar smiled happily.

"A Warrior with proper manners. Refreshing."

"Ashy here is a kind hearted girl with a spine."

"You trust her?"

"I do. She's proven herself thus far."

"Then if she'd like, I can reinstate her weekly ten gold."

"Thank you sir. But, I'm afraid it really wouldn't be fair."

"Actually, hold on Ashy. You told me you only returned to term the once, right?"

She was confused.

"Yeah. I got my ten gold coins and just left town once my gear was set. Why bring that up?"

"Because the other Warriors besides me and Kaori all got the same amount each week."

She looked at him.

"They….did?"

"See? Ashy had NO clue just what was going on in the world."

Ishtar smiled now, understanding exactly where he was going. Ashy was now a little sad.

"You mean I missed out on the gold? That would have made it so much easier to get places it's not even funny."

Tyler patted her.

"She missed out on, what? 90 gold?"

Ishtar did a little math.

"Closer to…..50. As the first wave is in three and a half weeks."

"Wow. My math is a little rusty. Would that be more then fair?"

Ishtar smiled as he took a pouch, added a few coins to it and passed it to a stunned Ashy.

"Here miss. On behalf of the crown, we expect great things from you."

She was crying from the gift.

"Thank you sir, I promise I'll do my best!"

Tyler patted her back reassuringly as she gave the pouch to him. Ishtar raised an eyebrow.

"Either I just got hoodwinked or you hold the coin for your party."

"I'm the strongest in the party so I hold the coin."

"Ah. A wise strategy. I trust you're holding my daughter's coin as well."

"Yup."

Tyler pulled his shirt down to add the new coins and Ishtar saw he had the main pouch hidden under his mythril mail.

"Ah! I see now. Crafty to the extreme. I also assume those on your belt are empty?"

"And make the best kinda bait."

"Scary. I must get to work. Do you have any other news?"

"Just a request now."

"Oh shit."

"Nice to see we're starting to understand each other!"

"There goes my nights sleep. What is it?"

"I understand there is a skill for deciphering coded documents."

Ishtar raised an eyebrow again.

"There is. May I ask why you need such a skill?"

"As my perception is the highest in the party, and that packet I gave you was encoded, makes sense for me to have it."

"I see. Yet, the Elven ambassador next to you possesses the exact skill."

"As does the Wraith in the corner. TWO out of 11 is not a good ratio. Plus, I'm just better at finding hidden motives and other deceptions."

Ishtar just chuckled.

"I understand. I can bestow this skill, but you may not like now it's given."

"Let me guess. I have to become an official somehow?"

"Sadly yes. The skill is a bonus to the title of Human Ambassador."

Tyler's brown eyes flashed with inspiration.

"I do believe I smell an opportunity here."

"Oh shit here we go."

"Is it possible to add a special purpose to my title?"

The king's eyes narrowed now.

"Like what?"

"Wandering Ambassador. I go where the winds blows me with the authority to make deals and look into matters in towns such as Trost for example and see if anything is amiss."

"That mind is absolutely terrifying. As a matter of fact, there is a such a title. And it comes with that skill plus the one to encode a document as well. It's called Warrior's Runner. Basically, it means you're the very best at sending sensitive information through dangerous country. Now that I think of it, you basically already do that anyway. So, all of you, open your HUDs."

"Lily, you can come in now."

"Eep!"

The door opened and the small girl came in tiredly and yawning. Tyler walked over and picked the still exhausted girl up and carried her.

"Why are you up, Lily?"

She smiled tiredly.

"Momma didn't raise no weakling. I can help."

"She didn't raise a weakling, but even you have a limit, Lily."

She smiled as she opened her Hud as well.

"Just shut up and hold me."

He just shook his head.

"That's my favorite wildcat."

They all had their HUD's open as Ishtar plucked hairs from his beard and placed them in their HUDS, Though Sera squirmed.

"Ew."

"I see she's learned from you."

"In all the best and worst ways."

They got the title which boosted Willpower, mental fortitude and Perception. Afterwards Tyler looked at Ishtar as Lily fell back asleep in his arms.

"Thanks. That was it."

"I shall get to it then."

"I'll go put her back to bed."

The cloud dissipated and the others all looked at him.

"I'll go rest with Lily for a little while. She's FAR too weak to be left alone right now. Rest of you can rest or help the town. Sera and Lillica need to rest as well. They're about to drop."

"No I'm not!"

"I'm still good!"

"Ladies."

Sera and Lillica were guided by Kaori, Malico, Vixen and Serafina to a room for a group cuddle. Tyler looked to Lymir.

"We're gonna be in town for a while, so our play needs to wait until lily is back to normal."

She smiled fondly.

"Agreed."

Tyler carried Lily back to Lymir's bedroom and settled her back into the bed. The spells were up and active so he shut the door as Sylvia and Sallie spoke up.

"We'll keep watch."

"Yeah. So, relax."

"Love you two."

Tyler removed most of his gear and Sylvia sat on it as he placed it near the bed. He then climbed up next to lily in the bed and cradled the smaller girl against him as she slumbered. He pressed her face to his scarred chest as he drifted off himself.