The Demon's Princess: OW.

OW.

DAY 18.

WEDNSDAY.

GOLD: 10,193.

Tyler slept for two solid days and when he woke up he saw Seria was gone and had been replaced with Asia. That made him blink as the sweet and VERY warm blonde was literally asleep in her exact spot on his chest and he smiled as he realized. AND felt just how SORE his body was. OW. He patted the sleepinh blonde and she woke with a cat like yawn and stretch.

"Morning! Seria flagged me down from the tent when you didn't wake up yesterday and I told her you were just that done. She laughed and asked me to keep an eye on you."

He smiled.

"Thanks Asia."

"Sure! She's sweet!"

"That she is. Anything interesting happen while I was out?"

She thought for a moment and he noted she was naked as they cuddled.

"Hmm, the Queen's reinforcements arrived and have the village secured. The giant was butchered and the stuff will be collected by an airship as it weighs that much after we leave, Issei was beaten with a club for getting caught outside the bath house window, and Asuna has him tied to the wagon, and yeah i think that's about it."

He hugged her.

"Thanks for the company."

"sure!"

"Hot blonde recharge."

"Yup!"

She glowed at the praise.

"Glowball."

"fuck you."

"Cute."

She giggled and they got dressed. Only for Tyler to smile as he found his coat had been repaired with bright blue material matching Seria's hair. Asia smiled as she noticed.

"She used a spell and that's her own hair. Don't worry. It's a transmute spell used in seamstress shops."

"Phew. I love her hair."

"Me too! I think I'll get blue highlights or something. Dunno."

"Like Xenovia?"

"Yup! I LOVE HER HAIR too!"

He patted her as he got dressed.

"Stay sweet Asia."

"Stay badass, Tyler."

"Always."

They left the tent and Tyler spotted Asuna nearly instantly getting a report from some of the Company by their repaired wagon. The redhead resplendant in her usual armor and she smiled as Tyler walked over.

"Oh good. You're back with the living."

"Not sure if that's a good thing or not. How we looking?"

She passed him a clipboard.

"The giant's been secured, it's grove was claimed by the village as a source of VERY good wood, and we got the supplies set."

"Any new levels?"

"None. We've been busy on rest and recover for the last two days. That said? We can ride out by noon."

"I'm at less then half strength for the time being as I HURT like HELL. We'll take it easy on the ride."

"we're also low on potions and healing supplies. I have Yoshkia and Strand leading a foraging party in the forest. Herbs, useful plants, and ingridents are the targets."

"Good. They'll have plenty when they get back. What's this about Issei getting caught?"

She sighed.

"He's been caught peeping outside the ladies' bath house. And was BEATEN by Bjorn and Ingot for an hour before I had him tied to the roof of the wagon."

"Alright. That's his LAST WARNING. he pulls that again, castrate him."

A yell of horror was heard fromt he roof and Asuna smiled wickedly.

"Kirito nearly killed him. I was going in. We'll keep that one in mind."

"YOU don't I WILL."

"Ha. Noted. If we hold our previous pace we'll reach Dunkrick in a mere three days."

"We'll say four. We're in NO CONDITION to rush right now."

"Agreed. That's all I got."

"Alright. 15 dead right?"

"20 actually. five died of their wounds before we could save them."

"Damn. Alright. We WILL get stronger."

"Oh we will. AND expand our bags of tricks."

Tyler smiled at that determination before he was reminded of something by his rumbling gut. Asuna chuckled.

"Breakfast is ready in the hall. Be warned. Belfast was on duty."

"HA. Thanks Asuna."

The still tired warrior went into the hall where he spotted Belfast's silver hair in the cafeteria style kitchen and waved. she smiled warmly as he took a seat and came over with a meal for the pair.

"I am relieved you are awake, Tyler."

He smiled as they ate together.

"I guess I was DONE then I thought."

She nodded with a fond smile.

"That was the most harrowing encounter I have had. Even Unicorn took wounds during the skirmish."

"She okay?"

"Fine with a few new scars on her legs she is VERY proud of. She looks adorable though."

"She's Unicorn. In your show that was her gimmick. PURRRRE cute and aww."

Belfast smiled at this revelation before she refocused.

"The Princess?"

"was scared, but had faith in me."

"That was a VERY close call for you. You know what I want to say."

"Place more value on my own life."

"Indeed. I WANT TO SAY THAT, but then I remembered the plan you had laid. Self-sacrifice IS honorable and noble. So long as there is a PURPOSE behind the sacrifice."

"I'm not gonna kill myself like that Belfast."

She smiled.

"no. I do not believe you will. INTENTIONALLY that is."

"fair enough. So what's the big sitch?"

She leaned in his ear.

"Lady Rias has been MOST depressed these last two days. I would suggest you speak to her."

"As a friend."

"Indeed. She is by the rim of the road."

"Sure thing, Belfast."

She smiled and they finished up. Tyler walked out with his lance as a walking stick when Ingot appeared from another hall and laughed as he spotted the warrior.

"Mornin young un! Hurts somethin FIERCE don't it?"

"Ha. That it does, Ingot."

The pair clasped arms and Ingot chuckled goodnaturedly.

"LAdde that was a fine battle an no mistake. YOU be a right crazy bastard too!"

"It's why it worked."

"Ha. The be truth. And your swords fixed. Don't say it rookie."

"Sure thing, Ingot."

Tyler hung the repaired azurite greatsword on his back and smiled with a minor relief.

"MUCH BETTER."

Ingot slapped him on the back with a surprising strength.

"Ya got FIRE rookie. Yer gonna go far kid."

The fiery dwarf wandered off and Tyler headed to find Rias with a dwarven handprint on his back. NOW I'm wondering if they hammer metal with their bare hands! The sore warrior walked to the village gate where he spotted Rias' unmistakable blood red hair by an open section of trees that let her look out over the landscape. She sighed as he walked up.

"Alright. Who ratted me out?"

He smiled at her mildly exasperated voice as he sat down.

"Three guesses."

"Belfast?"

"First attempt."

She sighed with a smile and Tyler noted she had tear trails on her face and she saw he saw.

"Don't worry about it."

She wiped her eyes and he patted her on the back. The redhead glared at him.

"Are we friends or not?"

"We are."

"So care to explain why you've been AVOIDING ME the last five days?"

He blinked at this accusation.

"Avoiding you?"

She had fire in her eyes at his confusion.

"Yes. AVOIDING ME. his is the first time we've had a talk without you snapping at me in four days. What the hell is your problem?"

"Okay. One. I was NOT avoiding you. We were busy dealing with unknown armies in the fuckin forest. OUT of YOUR wheelhouse."

"Yet you took Akeno?"

"HEr thunder is more useful in tight spaces then YOUR powerful flames. YOU need open space to cast or you'll kill somebody you don't want to. YOU have more experience then she does. She SHE needs the PRACTICE. YOU I CAN TRUST TO LEAD in a PINCH. SHE is better as BACKUP."

Rias hugged herself at this VERY justified reasons.

"And the snaps?"

"Unintentional except for before the fight. I get intense in case you haven't noticed. And we will not air out our dirty laundry before a fight like that."

She shivered at that reminder and he patted her.

"We're best friends Rias. I promise you that."

"You haven't forgotten me?"

"Oh gods no."

She smiled in utter relief at this and he smiled at her.

"Now what is this REALLY about?"

The redhead sighed and rested her head on his shoulder and he stroked her long blood red hair.

"I guess I was just lonely. I still want you and yet that means nothing to you."

"It DOES mean something. Seriously. I have RIAS GREMORY trying to be my girlfriend. I STILL have a hard time believing that."

She chuckled at that geninue confession.

"And you're still gonna fight me on the harem?"

"Yup."

"Ugh. you're exhausting."

"HA. So. WHAT is the REAL problem here, Rias?"

"Can we spend some time together? LIke we did in the palace before you chose the princess?"

"Sure thing. Hey."

She looked at him curiously and he pulled an enchanted chessboard out from his pack. Rias smiled sheepishly at this proof.

"You never forgot."

"I could never forget YOU Rias."

She smiled as he put the board back.

"We'll play later. And...try not to have that happen again, okay?"

"I'll try to. But we all know how that goes."

She hugged him at that and he held her warmly for a moment.

"Sorry."

"You're fine."

She smiled at this layered reassurence before she smirked at the petting.

"So THIS is what it feels like?"

"We're having a moment. DON'T ruin it."

"Hey. NO stealing my lines!"

"Ugh."

"fuckin hell this is a weird role reversal!"

Tyler chuckled at her irritation before they seperated and the warrior looked out over the valley with her. The view being of a wall of forests on the next mountain and Rias smiled.

"Thanks."

"every time."

She looked at the scene with a warm smile.

"Remember, it's Demonic Chariot."

The redhead chuckled as he rose.

"I'll remember next time."

"See ya later Rias. we're riding out at noon."

She smiled...and he patted her like he did Asia.

"I am going to hurt you."

He left her good and pissed but feeling better.

Tyler returned to the village where Asuna was talking with Strand by the wagon. The elven RAnger smiled as he approached.

"I am glad you are feeling better Tyler."

"Thanks Strand. What's the word?"

She smiled and Asuna answered.

"They returned to one of the Ranger's hideyholes for healing supplies. We've bee gifted a full complment for aiding them."

Tyler smiled.

"Thanks Strand."

She smiled warmly at him.

"Not at all Lord Berserker. And I have news."

"Sure."

"I have decided to stay on with the Heroes Company as your Ranger. I find traveling with you most exciting and my skills would only be a benefit."

Tyler smiled widely at this news.

"We'll be happy to have you Strand. Welcome to the mess."

She clasped arms with the leader.

"A most WELCOME mess indeed."

Asuna sighed.

"That BETTER NOT become a thing for us."

"Better an me calling it a shitshow."

"UGH."

They chuckled and Tyler went over to where the mountain that was Bjorn was speaking with Erza about something. The village chieftain smiled as Tyler approached.

"Lord Berserker. My village is safe. All thanks to your Company."

"we'll be leaving at noon."

"I see. We will reinforce our home and the queen has already made good on her oath for added defenses. The men sent to aid you in battle are now stationed here as defenders. Ingot has also pledged to aid in the construction of our fortifications."

"Alright. I think that's everything."

Erza looked at him.

"Are you fit to ride?"

"At full gallop? Not really. Can I handle a day's trip? I should be able to."

"Just be careful not to overdo it."

"THAT is a WEIRD LINE coming from YOU Tatiana."

"Ha."

Tyler looked around at the ready for mounting Horses and Heroes also ready to mount up.

"Alright people. Let's get moving."

The friends smiled as they mounted up. Tyler swung up onto Shadow and the massive morbol nickered and he patted him.

"I know. You're bored."

Asuna came up with a smiling Rias, Belfast, Victoria, Strand, Sora and Shiro, and Mina for the leader's council.

"We're ready. All supplies accounted for and all heads too."

"Alright. Heroes Company, MOVE OUT."

They left the village to a mass of cheers from the newly stationed garrison and villagers at the heroes' departure. Tyler opened the map as they rode along the level and straight path. Strand pointed the road ahead on the thing.

"Here we take this right and it's a straight shot to Dunkrick."

"We'll cross the mountains?"

"We will. And for a day it will get mighty cold up here. I remember your tales. You might shiver."

"Ha. four days to Dunkrick. And the forest will be VERY quiet after that battle and fire."

Strand nodded as she looked at him.

"The predators will be on edge and the prey will flee. We will be able to travel in peace."

"I HOPE so. I don't really have the strength for another giant right now."

They chuckled at that one as Asuna looked at him.

"You didn't get a title or a perk?"

He frowned and looked at the Status Plate where Strand pointed to an arrow icon.

"There."

He scrolled to the next screen and he smiled.

"I have two perks."

Rias smirked.

"Read em off tough guy."

"One is Enraged PAsson. A buff ability that is for my rages. When i go into a rage fueled by my desire to return to Seria, my stats are boosted by 25 while the rage lasts. when it ends, I'm more tired then usual. Then I have the perk of Stupidly Tough. Literally what it says. It's a permanment boost of 35 to my defense. I have 235 defense. And Asuna? THIS one is awarded for making a suicidal plan SUCCEED AND LIVE TO TELL THE TALE."

"OOOH kmy ACHING head. teh FIRST?"

"Ehh self-explainitory. I got it for using my will to see Seria again to fuel my rage."

Strand smiled.

"This is the perk screen. The next is the title."

He scrolled and sighed.

"Empty. I would have thought killing the giant would have given me the Giantslayer title."

The brown haired Ranger chuckled as she explained.

"You have to kill ten Giants for that one. ONE dragon for dragonslayer."

"Makes sense."

They chuckled at that one as they rode along a straight yet flat road. Tyler noting they were approaching one of the peaks headon and Strand pointed out another slender line looping up the mountain.

"That's the road."

"Great. ANOTHER snakeback."

"THise road is quite fond of them."

The friends kept a warm pace as they went while not in any hurry. Tyler would figet every now and then as his soreness made riding an ordeal but he kept quiet on his hurts. The snakeback was ascended without issue and the group made good time that day. They made camp in a small bowl cut into the forest that looked susipiciously like artillery fire from modern weaponry had created it and Tyler smiled as he pitched his tent by the entrance. All around them were sloping walls of moss the Company had investigated to make sure it WAS solid while topping the rim was the forest itself. Tyler chuckled as he remarked to Belfast while the pair built the Company's fire.

"This is either a crater from artillery or a metorite."

The silver haired lady had a smile as she laid the logs in the pyre.

"A very impressive artillery piece if it is war caused."

"Nifgty campsite though."

"Very."

The camp was situated and Tyler settled by his tent for some relaxing. Rias appeared like magic and smiled.

"The board."

He chuckled at that as he slid the thing from his pack.

"I think it's been too long."

"It has indeed."

They pressed their thumbs to the buttons to conjure their pieces and Tyler was the king on his side with Seria the queen. Rias was the right hand bishop beside the king and the rest of his pieces were their different friends. Rias smiled as she was the queen and he was her king. The sight made him smile warmly and she was quick.

"I know. It's my dream."

"Alright. I won't say anything."

She sighed with a minor relief at this and the game was on. Shiro appeared then and smirked as she saw the war being waged.

"I play winner."

Tyler smiled at this interesting development.

"Okay. Stakes."

Rias smirked as she took her turn.

"She's that good huh?"

"Yup. Always wondered what would happen if YOU TWO collided on the chessboard,"

Shiro smiled.

"Chess is no different, then simply playing tic-tak-toe."

Rias whistled at that one as pieces fell.

"Okay. THAT was intense."

Tyler wound up winning with a four way checkmate and Rias sighed with a smile as Shiro took her spot across from him now.

"I got her next."

Shiro pressed the button and HER king was Tyler and she was the queen while Sora was a mere pawn. A SINGLE pawn and Tyler patted her fondly.

"Hilarious Shiro."

She smiled sweetly.

"He knows his place."

"Ha."

His pieces were the same but with her as a rook on his right. That made her happy as the game was on. Rias watched as the war between Tyler and Shiro on the chessboard had a VERY intense aura as the pair moved pieces and took pieces. It ultimately ended in a tie between kings and Shiro slumped at this.

"You're not human."

He chuckled at her exhausted voice.

"You're not allowed to quit when you're ahead, Shiro."

She smiled.

"Niether are you."

"HA."

Rias smiled.

"MY turn Shiro."

"Tomorrow. He took a lot out of me."

"Hey. watch how you said that."

She looked at him curiously.

"It's true."

"Shiro I will set you on fire if you keep talking like that. DO NOT TEST ME."

His eyes and his voice were ICE COLD and BOTH ladies gulped at the VERY REAL death threat. Shiro was shaking like a leaf in a hurricane as she looked into his reddening eyes.

"Sorry! I won't say that again!"

"There will not be a third warning."

She nodded with HUGE eyes and Rias sighed.

"Seria."

"Will NOT be shamed because of something someone said."

Rias smiled at this as Shiro let out a huge breath of relaxing.

"PHEW. You're scary when pissed."

"ha."

She rested her head on his lap and got comfy. He looked at this intrusion and she smiled.

"Meow."

He smirked at the insane cuteness and Rias whistled.

"Damn Shiro. An here I thought ASIA was the queen of cute."

A faint,

"HEEEEEY!"

Was heard in their blonde friend's voice and Tyler chuckled as he patted the snuggling Shiro.

"Asia's a blonde. She wins by default."

"Thank you!"

They chuckled at Asia's far off smugness and Tyler sighed as he missed Seria again. Rias smiled as she saw it.

"Don't get clingy."

He chuckled at THAT dark warning.

"I'll try not to, Rias."

Shiro softly slumbered in his lap and had nothing more to offer then that. The comapny fed well on raptor meat and some pear cordial. Tyler was on first watch and when his time came he deposited the sleeping Shiro in his tent and took his place with hie greatsword in the Statue Of armor pose.

"Hallowed Ground."

His defense spell tpok effect and he smiled as he waited for his watch to pass. Kirito was his relief and the boy in black chuckled as Tyler looked at him.

"I've met gargoyles less freaky."

"Ha. That be the point."

The warrior returned to his tent where he found Shiro asleep with the blanket of the thing. He laid beside her and she snuggled RIGHT up against him and he chuckled at the warm and cuddly girl.

"Night Shiro."

"Night my King."

"Ha."