金瓶梅第2部

Lulu wanted to remain in Brume for a few nights, citing that she hadn't had a taste of mortal flesh in moons.

Tycondrius rejected her wish.

She clarified that she was referring to copulation-- not cannibalization.

While somewhat thankful for the clarification, Tycon again rejected Lulu's wish and quietly led Guild Invictus out of town. He would not risk waiting for Priest Villiers to change his mind and gather an angry mob.

As they hiked, Sasha stuck worryingly close to Lulu, asking questions in broken Common, often falling back into Parseltongue. Lulu was fluent in the snake language, a trait that did not surprise Tycon, in the least. The curly-haired demoness answered the chocolate elf patiently, as her vibrant, coquettish nature demanded.

Tycon sighed, rubbing his temples. How was he supposed to convince his daughter that Lulu was a horrible role model? Lulu wasn't doing anything wrong-- and it was overall healthy for Sasha to have a conversational partner than wasn't himself.

Other than dreading the effects Lulu's influence would have on Sasha, Tycon was troubled by the recent actions of Wolfbanger. The wolf-dog-boy chose to openly offend Priest Villiers without any sense of decency. Worse, he risked the mission when he prioritized petty theft over fighting literal demons.

Unlike Lulu, the boy was wrong. The boy's selfishness was a needless risk, and should it continue, it would invite an Invictus injury or casualty.

Tycon had difficulties approaching Wolfbanger compared to other members of Invictus. Pale, Lone, Tarquin Wroe, and to some extent, Dragan would be beaten or otherwise punished for their mistakes. He even commanded little Sasha to run or do squats when she repeated an error.

(Both were especially difficult for her. Though she could stand and walk, balancing remained difficult for her in her human form.)

Tycon wondered if Wolfbanger's issues had something to do with his bloodline... It was easy to associate positive traits to their forms. Tiger Weretouched were known for being arrogant, effective hunters. Badger Weretouched were known for being fearless, reckless, and stubborn... Levi Wolfrider was... a canine-fellow... and seemed to share more traits with a shy rat or mouse.

Weretouched individuals were far-reaching descendants of their Lycanthrope-affected ancestors. Depending on their type, many were capable of minor transformation-- lengthened cat claws, powerful bursts of strength in their raptor legs, hardened beaver tails. Tycon hadn't seen Wolfbanger do anything of the sort. Perhaps his bloodline ability was weak?

At any rate, it would be foolish and short-sighted of Tycon, if he were to actually judge Wolfbanger as a weretouched instead of as a person.

As unhappy as Levi tended to act, and as caustic as he was to his peers, the boy did not wish to dissolve the contract with Guild Invictus. Unless the boy knew he was in the wrong and the reason for his punishment, Tycon doubted the boy would actually learn from it.

Tycon cupped a hand over the side of his mouth to magnify his voice, "Mister Levi! --a moment, if you please."

The white-furred weretouched boy walked leisurely over to Tycon, "What's up, Boss?"

Tycon took a deep breath and sighed. He was beginning to miss working with the Sea Wolves. Each of their men and women operated with at least a subtle sense of urgency, "I wanted to talk to you about the events in the temple."

The boy's eyes immediately grew suspicious, "What? I'm not gonna apologize if that's what you're looking for."

It was not what Tycon was looking for, in particular, but it would have greatly alleviated his annoyance. He was sorely tempted to murder the boy where he stood for the lack of respect... but again, the fact that the boy rejected the contract's dissolution weighed heavily on his mind. The boy was a solid combatant... As a leader, Tycon had to learn how to motivate him.

"I was wondering what your motivation was?" Tycon forced a smile.

"Uh, what do you mean?" Wolfbanger tilted his head, allowing a dog ear to flop over.

Ugh. Any answer would do. Why was he making this so difficult?

Tycon took a moment to calm his nerves before continuing, "For anything, young man. What motivates you to pick up the blade in the morning? To journey with Guild Invictus?"

The weretouched boy shrugged, "I dunno. I just do."

Tycon took great care not to gnash his teeth in frustration. It was no wonder the boy did as he pleased. He was an aimless wanderer, taking events as they came.

"Perhaps a calling? To be part of something greater? It's much easier to leave a lasting legacy in an adventuring company than alone... especially one with Invictus' achievements," Tycon offered.

Wolfbanger shrugged again, "Nah. I don't really care about all that."

Tycon again resisted the urge to throttle the boy, "What... do you care about, Mister Levi?"

"I dunno, Boss."

How... how did Levi Wolfrider get recruited into Sol Invictus? Tycon found it inconceivable.

Tycon tilted his chin up in thought, "Well... anyroad... let's work hard. Follow my commands and we'll survive whatever comes next."

The boy frowned shyly, "I... I still dunno why you're so nice to me, Boss."

Tycon frowned inwardly. He would beat the boy within ilms of death if he thought it would improve anything besides granting him the satisfaction, "Why do you say that?"

"I... I used to get picked on a lot, for my... sexual preferences."

Tycon narrowed his eyes, "Mister Levi, why would I... care?"

The boy's eyes shot open in surprise, "Y-you don't?"

Tycon groaned in annoyance, "Of course, I don't. I'm glad you can express yourself as you see fit-- but your sexual orientation or choice of sexual partner has absolutely no bearing on your ability as a combatant.

"--Just don't do anything illegal." Tycon scowled.

Because of their new shared secret, Tycon hoped that the boy would be more receptive to his battle commands.

...Hope, however, was the first step on the road to disappointment.

Tycon judged Levi Wolfrider by his actions, not by his speech. Regardless of the boy's tragic, self-piteous past, he had proved to be a liability over several occasions. The interaction had proved to be fruitful, though Tycon still wouldn't trust the boy more than he did Lone.

...Empty. Night. Tycon realized that in the current party, the only person he trusted was Lone.

Wolfrider was a moody, wishy-washy teenager. Sasha was a child. Lulu was a walking disaster.

Tycon held his head in frustration, stopping in the middle of the road. He had come to miss the big-boned buffoon, Dragan, and the idiotic smile of Wroe.

"Boss? Is there something wrong?" Wolfrider asked.

"Yes. But it is none of your concern, young man." Tycon sighed and waved the boy away, "Please scout ahead, as you were doing prior."

The weretouched boy grimaced, "Sure thing, Boss."

"And take Lone with you," Tycon added. He recalled that Lone had learned many skills from Kimura Tamaki, notably a few scouting techniques. Wolfrider's Class was Warden, a combat warrior related to the Druid Class. Though Lone hadn't yet gained a worthwhile class, honing his scouting and survival skills in the wild was a worthy pursuit.

Tycon sighed again, too many times in too short a period. Guild Invictus wouldn't find that Magic Tower soon enough.