Heroes of the Arks

ESKK: Well here we go the newest chapter I hope you all enjoy it.

(Start the Next Day Throne Room)

Once more the Four Heroes plus three were in the Throne Room filled with Nobles as standing before them were a large group of Adventurers. There were 12 in all and were undoubtedly the Adventurers who would be aiding the Heroes on their quest. "We have gathered the greatest warriors in the land. These brave souls will fight at your side during the Waves' incursion." Aultcray said as he introduced the adventurers as they were all ready. "Now then, our future champions, it is time to begin your journey!" the King declared to the Heroes, before he turned to the adventurers, "Brave adventurers, go and select the Cardinal Hero you wish to join!"

As ordered, the twelve march forward to the Cardinal Heroes. Not being able to choose their new comrades came as a surprise for Shiro and his friends, while Ren, Motoyasu, and Itsuki remained calm for some odd reason. Probably better this way since they won't have to force someone to join them against their will. As the adventurers approached the group quickly realized a huge problem going on.

"Ok tell me if my math is wrong but by my count Itsuki has three for him, Ren has five, and Motoyasu has four." Taiyo said aloud as Tsubaki was also shocked to see this.

"No Taiyo I see it too." Tsubaki said as she realized a huge problem with this.

"I am loathed to admit it, but even I did not expect this." Aultcray answered, wearing a concerned expression but Jun noted the tone of Apathy hidden in there while Taiyo saw he almost hoped it would happen. Both of them agreed that this was bullshit from the get go as is.

"No Volunteers he has Zero Charisma." The Prime Minister said as he looked to this scene.

Jun, Tsubaki, and Taiyo all looked to each other ready to jump in to provide aid for Shiro on his party. Meanwhile, another man whispered something briskly into the King's ear. One moment later, the man stood back to the side, allowing Aultcray to speak grimly, "I've been made aware of an unsettling rumor."

"Has something happened sir?" Motoyasu asked as he looked to the king when he heard this.

"Hopefully, it isn't as serious as we think, but rumors are spreading quickly around the castle and town that the Shield Hero is ignorant of this world." Aultcray replied to which got the warning lights blaring

"What?" Shiro asked surprised to hear this.

"Legend has is it that all the Heroes, save for the Shield, already have a firm grasp of our lands. Because of those rumors, the adventurers here must think he might not be that criteria, in addition to being the weakest of the four." Aultcry said to which Shiro and his friends knew that something was going on here.

"Someone might have been listening in on our conversation last night." Motoyasu whispered to Shiro who wasn't worried since he already had his party.

"You think?!" Shiro asked almost scolding Motoyasu for the clearly obvious comment just now. But it was worse because he feared whoever was listening in might have learned of the Knights as well assuming the Arks worked in such a way as they did in the game. 'Still this is unsettling but why do I feel fowl play was also a factor in this?' Shiro asked as he looked to the other heroes knowing they had more than enough to spare. But he didn't exactly know them so Shiro didn't exactly want to work with them either unless he had to.

"Pardon me your majesty!" Tsubaki called out raising her hand and thus all eyes fell to her, Taiyo, and Jun. "If it's not too much trouble maybe, Jun, Taiyo, and I can join Shiro's party?" Tsubaki offered surprising the group when she said this.

"Pardon me but have you three even adventurers?" The Prime Minister asked when he saw the three.

"No in fact this will be are debut as Adventurers if it's agreed." Taiyo said as if it's the most obvious answer in the world. "But even if we're total noobs at this Shiro is still our friend he's like a brother and I'll have his back no matter what." Taiyo said crossing his arms and grinning while he spoke.

"Yeah even if we were at the wrong place at the wrong time it doesn't mean we won't stand by his side through this." Tsubaki said as she smiled as well. Jun meanwhile made a small smile and nodded while leaning on the wall a bit showing she was also willing to do this.

"Very well I shall allow this." Aultcray said as he saw how some of the people were moved by the loyalty these three youths displayed for their friend.

Just then a hand raised to the sky from Motoyasu's group as the owner then spoke up. "Sir Hero." The female said getting everyone's attention. Then from the crowd a red haired young woman walked out as June and Taiyo saw her. Instantly Jun didn't like her as she saw the girl was covered in shadows. The Shadows took the form of something that Jun was very familiar with and needless to say she did not enjoy the reminder of her past like that. Taiyo meanwhile was on edge around her as he saw she was hiding something and whatever it was he was worried for Shiro. "Would you kindly allow me to switch parties and join the Shield Hero?" The girl asked as she looked between Motoyasu and Shiro.

"Are you sure?" Motoyasu asked as he looked to the girl.

"I am." The girl responded with a smile on her face. "I was actually quiet moved by how those three would stand by their friend's side despite their situations." The girl said showing she found it inspiring to inspire such loyalty between close friends.

"Are there any others who'd be willing to join Sir Shirogane on his quest?" Aultcray asked as he looked among the gathered Adventurers. When no one answered the answer was evident. "Ah well so be it then." The King said as he saw that James already has a full party as is. "Every month we shall provide each hero with the funds they require but this one time Master Shirogane's payment shall be higher than the others." Aultcray said but kept his reason for it to himself. In turn four servants walked out each holding a pouch in their hands. "Please accept these initial War Chest, accept them with our thanks." The King said as each hero was given a pouch of coins.

"Shield Hero receives 800 Silver Coin while the rest of you each receive 600 silver." The Prime Minister said and thus James was already thinking on how to use this money.

"Procure all necessary equipment and go forth." Aultcray said and thus the four were ready to move out.

"Sir!" They all said and thus they were off.

(Later outside)

As the groups were leaving the castle they bid farewell to Ren, Itsuki, and Motoyasu knowing the next time they meet might be during the Wave if not on the road. Shiro and his friends already had a plan on how to use these coins and have enough left over for lodgings. As they climbed the steps to head to the castle gates James saw how heavy the pouch was and knew how to split it up between the sides. Now equipment and supplies were both equally important so he would need to split the coins between the two.

"See you guys later. And take good care of her," Motoyasu said as the group turn to the other 3 heroes as Itsuki soon said to them, "Well I wish we could do more to also help you guys out but I wish you luck on your journey."

"Until next time," Ren said as Shiro nodded to them as he said, "Thank you, and good luck on yours as well."

Soon enough as all four Cardinal Heroes went their ways as the redhead girl soon came up to Shiro as she said, "Excuse me sir Hero, let me introduce myself, my name is Myne Sophia, it's an honor to fight with you."

"I'm Shirogane Takeru these are my friends Tsubaki Kaguya, Taiyo Ryusenshi, and Jun Kagemaru." Shiro said and thus Taiyo put his hand up to shake her hand.

"It's nice to meet you." Taiyo said with a smile.

"My pleasure." Myne said and when their hands touched Taiyo went wide eyed. A shiver went up his spine as Taiyo saw images flash before his eyes all of them involving Myne and things she had been involved in and things she planned to do. Taiyo took his hand away from hers calmly as Tsubaki noticed his look.

"Taiyo? You ok?" Tsubaki asked and in turn Taiyo fixed himself and smiled.

"Yeah I'm fine." Taiyo stuttered and in turn the group knew Taiyo saw something and whatever it was they needed to be careful around Myne.

"Let's go." Jun said as she began to walk off. "We need supplies, armor, and weapons." Jun said as she began to walk off.

"Hey wait up!" Taiyo called out as he gave chase.

"Then hurry up!" Jun called back as Tsubaki sighed to this.

"Sorry she's not so bad once you get to know her." Tsubaki said and thus she gave chase after Jun.

"Well I suppose now would be a good time to start the tour of the village." Myne said with a smile as she went after the group with Shiro.

(Later in the Village)

The group of five were seen exploring the village as Jun took notice to certain people with animal ears. From the way they dressed and acted she knew that there was a huge gap between them and the normal humans. "Wow we got a glimpse of this place from the castle but look at it up close!" Taiyo called out looking like a tourist taking pictures with his camera.

"Your right seeing it up close really drives home how different this world is." Tsubaki said as Jun heard what Tsubaki said as she saw the shadows move. She was almost afraid to find out just HOW DIFFERENT their world was from this one.

"Well sir hero what shall we do next?" Myne asked as she looked to Shiro.

"What Jun said get some weapons and armor." Shiro said as Myne looked and saw Jun walking around with her hands in her pockets.

"That makes sense. Myne said as she then stood in front of Shiro. "With all that Silver I bet you can buy some nice stuff." Myne said as Jun heard this. "I'll take you to a shop I trust they should have everything you need." Myne said as Shiro nodded to this.

"Alright sounds good." Shiro said and Myne smiled in response.

"Oh good follow me!" Myne called out and thus ran on ahead.

"Hey don't run off ahead!" Tsubaki called out and gave chase.

In turn Shiro sighed and smiled before walking after the girl as Taiyo and Jun regrouped. "Jun." Taiyo said and thus Jun nodded.

"I know... keep a close eye on her." Jun said as she glared at Myne before they went to catch up to their friends and Myne.

(Later)

The group arrived at the weapon shop and saw it was more or less empty but had equipment on display. "This place gets my recommendation." Myne said as she presented the shop to the group.

"Wow a real life weapon shop!" Taiyo called out as he saw the weapons lining the walls.

"Dude I know." Shiro said as he saw the product the shop was selling.

Just then a man walked out as he was clearly the blacksmith and shop owner here. "Welcome good folks." The man said as Jun saw that he had scars on his head. "First time in a weapon shop is it?" He asked noticing that a he had never seen them before and B they looked quiet new as well. "Well you already know how to pick the best one." The man said to which Shiro nodded to him.

"Thanks but actually she brought me here." Shiro said as he looked to the man.

The man then looked closely at Myne as something about her struck a memory for him. "Hmm you do look familiar miss have we met?" The man asked as he looked to Myne.

"Sure I've been in here before." Myne said moving up onto Shiro grabbing his arm. "You're shop is rather renowned after all." Myne said as Shiro blushed a bit but Jun noticed how Myne stood behind Shiro. It reminded the dark haired girl to much of another who did something similar.

"Ah sweet of you to say. Now who are your companions here with the odd outfits?" The man asked to which Shiro went on to answer the man.

"Well this is Shiro he's the Shield Hero." Taiyo said with a brotherly arm around his friend's shoulders.

"Huh the shield hero the one they call the dud?" The man asked and thus Jun sighed to this as she noted how fast the rumors about Shiro had spread.

"I'm Shiro the Shield hero nice to meet you." Shiro greeted as he looked to the blacksmith. "I was hoping you can provide me with equipment." Shiro said and thus the Blacksmith smiled to this.

"Well if you become a regular sure I can." He said and thus Jun spoke up.

"Right now we all need equipment so we'll take some equipment that are good for new Adventurers." Jun said as she took command on their purchasing needs.

"I think I might have what you're looking for." The Blacksmith said and in turn he went to the back to get what he needed.

(Later in the Changing Room the Girls)

Once they were given the armor to try on Tsubaki and Jun entered the changing room together. Since they were girls they had nothing to hide. Tsubaki was removing her jacket while Jun removed her hoodie. "Tsubaki we need to talk about Myne." Jun said as she then went for her shirt and proceeded to remove it.

"Wait Myne? Why Jun what's wrong?" Tsubaki asked with concern for Myne after removing her own shirt leaving her in her pants, shoes, and bra much like Jun.

"Do you remember in White Knight Chronicles when Caesar found out Kara was General Dragias as well as the Black Knights pactmaker?" Jun asked as she unfastened her own pants and pulled them down before stepping out of them.

"Yeah?" Tsubaki said as more of a question after she removed her own pants.

"How did he find out?" Jun asked as she undid her bra and thus Tsubaki had to think on it.

"He... touched her... hand..." Tsubaki trailed off and in turn she went wide eyed to this stopping mid-way with her bra. "Are you saying Taiyo?" Tsubaki began once she got her bra off leaving her chest bear with Jun's.

"Yes." Jun said while she stepped out of her panties so they can put on the newly acquired clothing and armor. "Taiyo is keeping an eye on her, the minute she tries something we'll nab her." Jun said as she knew how girls like Myne think... she knew it all too well.

(Later)

Shiro was now dressed in what appeared to be the Assault Armor from White Knight Chronicles 2. IT came as a shock to him when he had found the armor in question but what came was what came after. First was Taiyo as he came out wearing the Grappler Armor set looking ever happy about it until he was followed by Jun in the stylish acting calm and collected over the evident existence of this armor in this world. The Round it all up was Tsubaki who came out wearing the Mage Robes. All of these armors were good for starting out and they were cheap to boot. Jun was wielding a sword at her side while Taiyo and Tsubaki had a spear and bow strapped to their backs.

"Dude what are you doing?" Taiyo asked as he saw Shiro giving the swords lined up in front of him an intensive stare.

"Trying to pick." Shiro responded as they were lined up by pricing. Shiro honestly didn't need anything fancy at the moment so the magic iron, magic steel, and silver iron weren't needed at the moment. "I'll take the Iron Sword." Shiro finally decided after much contemplation.

"Finally." Jun said getting annoyed with Shiro needed to be sure of everything.

As Shiro took the sword in his free hand he then felt a slight pain in his hand as the sword hilt released a current. It lasted for a moment until it died down and in turn Shiro was met with an alert. "The White Knights Pactmaker is granted the passive ability of Sword Mastery: This ability grants the pactmaker use of any sword so long as it was designed for combat." Shiro read to himself before another alert popped up. "Due to the heroes position as the Shield Hero his Sword mastery suffers a penalty." Shiro read to himself and in turn put the pieces together. 'In other words I won't be able to master the sword as fast as Ren or Jun would.' Shiro thought to himself realizing this would leave him at a disadvantage.

"You ok?" The Shopkeeper asked as he looked to Shiro.

"Yeah just a slight sting was all." Shiro said and then chuckled. "Sorry I never got your name." Shiro said as he looked to the Shopkeeper.

"Oh sorry my name is Erhard." Erhard introduced and thus Shiro nodded in response.

"Now how much you want for it?" Jun asked as she looked to Erhard.

"Tell you what all together 120 silver heroes discount." Erhard said as he looked to the group.

"What about the buyback price?" Tsubaki asked as Shiro heard this.

"We'd rather not hull armor around if we don't need it anymore you know." Shiro said and thus Erhard understood.

"Well if it's mostly in good condition I'll offer 100 silver." Erhard said and in turn Myne saw these guys were smarter then they appear.

"Then we will take it." Taiyo said showing he was all in for it.

"Great I'll even throw in some under armor as thanks." Erhard said with a smile on his face.

"Thank you very much." Jun said as she and Tsubaki needed support in certain places after all.

Once all of their purchases were done they Shiro held a sack over his shoulder ready to head out. "So where shall we head to next?" Myne asked while holding the bag of coin only for Jun to snatch it from Myne's hand.

"Well the next thing on our planner is to head out and train." Shiro said as he knew full well they needed to level up and get their skills up to par.

"Alright time to LEVEL UP!" Taiyo called out using the tone of the Gamer Driver from Kamen Rider Ex-Aid when the shows riders leveled up.

(Scene Break out in the Fields)

The group walk outside of the capital to an open field, with the grass high enough that could reach someone's knees, with Shiro had his party set up in the Statues system as he knew the only way to form a party with someone is getting it set up first and had added in all of his friends and Myne and found out that share Exp.

That wasn't a main concern right now, but what is with Shiro sword ability weaken it would take some time to get his melee skills up, as he thankful he has it but still going to take some time to get it up, as he step out into the field alone where Myne said there would be plenty of low level monster would be at for new adventurers can get started at which was good for everyone.

Looking back to see his friend behind him as some of them cheer him on with Jun just give a way, and Myne just stood behind a tree smiling as she give a wave herself, as Shiro smile to this and keep on going, and soon enough something appeared in his site. Now with most games there was a red arrow in the field of grass to doubt telling him there was a monster. No doubt the monster in the grass was aggressive, then two more show up with Shiro drew his sword and ran to get a clear angle of them.

The three monster hidden in the grass follow him at least to an area where he could fight them, and soon enough they pop out and to his surprise to see, they were some sort of balloon monster, as he transfer his shield to his left arm and hold the sword in his right.

The little balloon monsters were pretty fast as Shiro had to knock one away and slash at another one which pop after one hit as he saw he gotten 1xp from one, but he didn't realize there were more of them as many balloon monster pop out from their hiding spot and jump Shiro, biting down on his arms and legs as he cringe a bit that he was about to be overrun by this monster… until he realize it did not hurt.

Looking at himself he saw himself glowing with a friendly motivation pop up telling him with the shield increase his natural defense and pain resistant. The Shield also increase more to his defense abilities, as he sees they weren't hurting him at all.

Smiling to this as he knock all of them off of him and soon slash, stab, and cut at them, while also blocking a few to not only level up his combat skill but his shield levels as well getting plenty of EXP to soon he level up.

Soon enough the other join in as well fighting the balloon monster with their EXP were being shared with other and it was stacking well as everyone was getting 4xp to 5xp sense they were working together as they level up as well.

Soon enough the other heroes has come and started to train as well, with Shiro seeing Ren rain and he saw him how graceful he was with his sword weapon, better than him but it understandable with everyone coming up to him, with Taiyo patted his shoulder giving him a look that says 'You'll get there too.'

Shiro just smile as they all continue to train throughout the day, with the sun soon started to set as the sky turn orange, Shiro putting in the skins of the balloon monster into his shield as it not only act like a shield but an item holder as well, when he put in the orange skin as Myne said, "Wow there's no limit of how much it can store."

Soon enough a new screen pops up as it seem to be a skill tree, a bit different from White knight chronicles but it soon show why as one skill that was unlock show "Orange Small Shield" and it could give him a defense 2 bones as Myne said, "That must be part of the legendary power."

"Yeah, it also give me pain resistant so I hardly felt any pain when those things bite me," Shiro said as Jun said in her normal flat tone, "Lucky you, too bad it doesn't apply to us when we are getting bitten as well."

"Yeah, those thing keep biting at my ass, it hurts and it still hurting," Taiyo said with Tsubaki, "That because you have one still on your ass, idiot."

"What- HEY! Get off of me you son of a Condom!" Taiyo yell as he shake it off as the balloon monster let off and soon bounce away to live another day.

Taiyo was rubbing his butt and said, "Who knew these low level monster were just pricks. Does this world have healing magic to use?"

"There are variation of heal spells that I know of but I don't know any," Myne said as Jun looks at her, as she saw the shadow around Myne had grown a bit no doubt whatever she maybe planning is drawing near as Shiro said, "Well I guess we still got work to do, and I need more monster remains to make any sort of upgrade to my shield, by the way Myne are these skin sellable and make money off of them?"

"Yes, but at most they will only fetch one copper coin each," Myne said as she puts the skins in his hands as Taiyo said, "Well good thing we save our share then."

Everyone soon held out a small stack of monster balloon skins, and with the amount they had, they should make a pretty penny at the level they were at as Shiro said, "Alright, let's find a vender and sell these things, this way we can have a steady money flow."

"It won't be much of a flow unless we fight stronger monster," Jun pointed out as it was common in almost every game as the stronger the monster the better loot or better the remain be as Tsubaki said, "Well we started at beginning, if level up smoothly enough, fight enough and high enough, and we use our money wisely we could last before we really run out."

"Alright we got a plan, group up!" Taiyo said as soon enough as everyone knew what that mean other than Myne as they all stood together with Taiyo held his camera backwards and took a group selfie with Myne no included in it as she soon asked, "What was that about?"

"Oh nothing much, just something to keep memories of moments we share," Shiro said as he face the road that lead to the capital as he said, "Let's get going before the sun fully set and we're left out in the dark."

Traveling down the road to the capital for whatever will happen next will determine the fate of them all.

(Scene break)

The group arrived back at Erhard's shop as he saw the returning group. "Gear for the party?" Erhard asked as Shiro nodded to this. "You guys will certainly be much stronger decked out with some good equipment." Erhard said as he looked to them.

"Right." Myne agreed as she grabbed a sword with a red gem on the pommel.

"We'd rather keep this from getting expensive, so let's see what you're selling and then let's haggle." Jun said as Shiro sighed to this.

"What she said." Shiro said with a smile as Jun glared a bit but let it be.

"Well seems we have some hagglers." Erhard said and thus Taiyo smiled.

"Yeah blame the Flee Market for that." Taiyo said as it was clear they had to do it to get some hard to find collectables. "So what do you got to sell?" Taiyo asked until Myne put a set of armor on the table making the group looked to her.

"This is going to be a while." Jun said rubbing her eyes in frustration to this.

"Myne can you downgrade a bit we still need coins for lodgings." Shiro said as he looked to Myne who smiled to Shiro.

"Oh we'll be fine sir hero the stronger we are the more loot we can collect from monsters, right?" Myne said using a flirting tone as Shiro gave her a confused look. She took his arm and rubbed up to him with her hand on his body making Shiro wary of this. "This will keep us going." She said as Shiro looked uncomfortable being near her like that.

"Still need to factor in other expenses." Shiro said taking charge as he was stalwart on this.

"Thank you." Jun said with raised hands as Erhard decided to step in as Myne didn't seem too happy about that.

"Look tell you guys what I'll give you a 70% discount for the whole thing." Erhard said and in turn Shiro nodded to this.

"Ok let's do that." Shiro said as he nodded to his friends to take their pick. "By the way." Shiro said as he then put his bag on the table. "Know anyone willing to buy these monster fragments off us?" Shiro asked holding one of the mentioned fragments.

"There are shops in town that specializes in Monster Goods." Erhard said and in turn Tsubaki nodded to this.

"Thank you Erhard." Tsubaki thanked happy to have some aid in selling their unwanted items.

"No problem." Erhard said happy to be of help to the heroes.

(Later that Evening)

The Group were seen at an inn as they were all enjoying some expensive food curtesy of the pub they were staying at. "Ok I'll admit the food at the castle was good but it's a Pub where you really enjoy otherworld food." Taiyo said as he dug into the food. Taiyo was current dressed in some red armor that seemed to be medium in terms of general stats. They were pretty basic with a small coat bit to it.

Myne was already dressed in her newly acquired armor as she smiled to Taiyo. "I have to agree with Balloon butt here." Shiro joked and thus Taiyo glared. Shiro was still dressed in his emerald armor since he wanted to save on Coins for the time being.

"Hey not cool man!" Taiyo argued but Tsubaki giggled.

"I don't know Balloon Butt seems to suit you." Tsubaki laughed a bit as Jun chuckled a bit. Tsubaki was dressed in more archer like robes as it had gloves that reached her upper forearms, small armored heels, and leather armor on both her right shoulder and armor on her left arm.

"I'm glad you all are enjoying your food." Myne said with a smile on her face.

Just then Jun took out a map from her person and put it on the table. "Ok if my mapping skills are good we were around this area today." Jun said pointed to the field on the map. Jun was dressed in all black armor as it was easily used for rookie adventurers with her sword sheathed to her side.

"That's right and tomorrow we will be heading to Lafon Village which lies beyond this map." Myne said and in turn Shiro gave the map a look. "And pass Lafan Village we'll find a dungeon that's perfect for rookie adventurers." Myne said as the group heard this.

"No way!" Taiyo called out as he was both excited and worried about going to this dungeon.

"We won't make very much money there but it's an excellent spot for you to work on leveling up." Myne said and in turn Jun took a mental note of this.

"Now that I have new equipment and you defending the party it should be a walk in the park." Myne said excited to go to this particular Dungeon.

"Thank you Myne you've been a wealth of Information." Tsubaki thanked as Taiyo nodded to this.

"Yeah." Taiyo said as Jun was very much on edge now.

"No problem." Myne said and in turn Jun got ready to act. "Oh by the way Sir Hero." Myne began as she picked up a glass of wine. "We have all this wine here aren't you going to drink some?" She offered and in turn Shiro smiled a bit.

"Nope." Shiro said as he then stood up. "In fact I'm going to turn in early so we can be up early." Shiro said as he got up.

"Agreed." Jun said as she had her eyes closed while standing up.

"Yeah I wanna see if I can go over the photos I took today but that can wait." Taiyo said as he stretched a bit.

"It is late so we should head off to bed." Tsubaki said as she was also ready to get some much needed shut eye.

"Oh ok." Myne said calmly as she looked to Shiro. "I'll be up to bed after I finish your wine." Myne said as Shiro got ready for bed.

"Don't stay up too late we need you up and early." Jun said sounding like she was finally warming up to Myne.

"Of course, Jun." Myne said with a smile taking note of Jun's new tone here.

As they climbed the steps Taiyo and Jun looked to each other before they shared a nod knowing if Myne was going to act... it was going to be tonight.

(Later that Night Taiyo)

That same night Taiyo set off to climb on the top of the inn making sure to keep a close eye on Myne. He had his camera out ready to take pictures and also record video evidence of what was happening. His camera had an attachment for recording videos which he was grateful for.

He kneeled down to hear Myne leave the inn's front door no longer wearing a friendly demeanor. Rather, a snarky and devious expression covered her face.

Myne walked to the alley next to the inn unware that she was being spied on. Taiyo slowly followed her as she met with a knight from the castle. The two seemed to know one another. Taiyo decided to eavesdrop on their conversation to get some better evidence.

"I only have one concern with the Shield Hero..." Myne said sternly even though she maintained a smile.

"Hmm? Does he know?" the soldier asked with his eyebrow perked up.

"No, no; that's not the problem. I'm afraid with his part members, he will still make a fool out of us. I need to take more drastic measures." she said with a smile confusing the man some more.

"How will you do that, princess?" The Knight asked and in turn Taiyo saw where this was going.

"I will simply tell a more appealing story." Myne said as Taiyo recorded the entire scene for evidence.

Once he got everything he needed he quietly went over to their inn room and tapped on the glass with a smirk. "Right on the money." Taiyo said as he knew full well how this will end. Too bad for Myne it won't be how she intended for it after all how can, one catch someone who isn't there.

Taiyo then jumped down and in turn re-entered the Inn to drop off their Room Key. He didn't give details only that he should be ready for a loud wake up in the morning. Jun would meet up with them at the Castle where Jun predicted it would all go down.

(Later Taiyo's room)

As Myne proceeded to enter the room she noted it was dark and quiet. That alone was perfect for her as it allowed her to move in without worry. But a she went to the storage location of the room she expected to find Taiyo and his party member's belongings. But all she found was an empty spot where there gear should be located. But before she could question it the candles in the room were lit and in turn Myne was wide eyed and turning to find that the Beds had dummies in them and Jun was sitting on a chair with one leg over the other and her arms crossed while glaring at Myne.

"Oh um lady Jun I thought you'd be." Myne began only for Jun to cut her off.

"How stupid do you think we are?" Jun asked while glaring at Myne in contempt.

"What... whatever do you mean Lady Jun?" Myne asked only for Jun to cut her off.

"Cut the crap I know what's happening here." Jun said as she recognized one of her old plays from back in the day. "You're trying to steal everything Shiro and the rest of us own then try to demonize him to the people, am I right or am I wrong?" Jun asked as Myne looked nervous but let it be. "I dare say you probably were the one responsible for the rumors as well." Jun said and in turn Myne was acting calm about this.

"I don't know what you mean lady Jun." Myne said but Jun had enough of her lying.

"Sorry but I can see the darkness and deception oozing off you like a flood." Jun said as she then stood up and caused Myne to jump. "Let me see if I got this right you were pretending to be our friend so you can use our naiveté to make us lower our guard around you." Jun said as she walked around Myne keep her eyes on her while holding a candle stick in her hands. "Once that was done you were going to steal all of our stuff and run over to the nearest hero who would listen and your father to boot all the while crying rape." Jun said as Myne was now getting nervous. "Once that was done Shiro would be seen as a rapists and have either Taiyo look like one himself or make us all look like victims of Shiro." Jun said as Myne was left in shock at how Jun deconstructed her lie so easily.

"You would use the excuse that Shiro was drunk when he hadn't even touched his wine but that lie debunked itself because by the time he would have come to Shiro would have had a hangover from being drunk." Jun said as she kept circling Myne like a shark ready to feed. "And your reasoning for this I can figure that one out easily." Jun said as she then glared directly at Myne in the eye. "Reason 1 now that you know he's a liability to you and will no doubt make you work you don't want to be around him anymore even more so now that your expensive tastes have been satisfied." Jun said and in turn had the second reason. "Reason 2 because you find it enjoyable to cause suffering to others of lower standing then you, tell me if I'm wrong." Jun said as she glared at Myne who was wide eyed at this.

"I'll be honest it sounded like something I would do back in the day." Jun confessed showing exactly how she figured out Myne making her go wide eyed. "If you hadn't shook hands with Taiyo by the time we figured it out it would have been too late." Jun said and in turn Myne was facing someone who was her equal to her fun.

"Then I suppose there's no point then." Myne said as she then took a seat in Jun's former chair. "So you did something like this before, how fun was it?" Myne asked as she smirked at Jun. Jun didn't even dine Myne with an answer for this. "If we're going to be working together now we might as well be on a first name basis." Myne said and in turn Jun heard this.

"Working together?" Jun asked when she heard this.

"Of course you must have had so much fun when you did this sort of thing watching them all squirm around when you had your fun with them." Myne said as her tone was that of a true snake. "Surely we can share in the fun right? You can give me pointers and we can exchange notes." Myne said as Jun clenched her fist clearly angry at the implications. "I already know who you are Jun Kagemaru so allow me to introduce myself properly, I am the first Princess Malty S Melromarc." Myne or Malty introduced herself.

'Princess?' Jun thought as she looked to Malty.

"I must ask when are you planning to drop those three soon?" Malty asked as she smiled to Jun like she was talking to an old friend or a colleague. "I mean they dragged you here so it must be time by now." Malty said but Jun then glared at Malty.

"That's never going to happen." Jun said as Malty made a surprised sound when she heard this. "I left that part of me behind and buried it away deep." Jun said as the things she did she wasn't proud off and looking at Malty was like her past had come back to haunt her. What was worse she knew exactly what Malty was thinking now. She wanted to have all the fun to herself so the minute she no longer needed Jun she was going to drop her like a sack of shit.

"Oh don't be like that if I can't lie here you shouldn't need to lie either." Malty said but Jun remained quiet and in turn Malty began to put the pieces together. "Wait unless you actually mean it." Malty said as she was surprised at Jun for this. "Oh this is pathetic no wonder your like this now you gave up the one thing that excited you in the world." Malty said acting like she knew Jun better then she knew herself. "But let's face facts Jun-Jun the only person you're lying to is to yourself. Why deny yourself that fun when it's making you so bitter and grouchy like my hag of a mother." Malty said as Jun took note of that. "What's worse because your fun is spoiled you have to spoil my fun." Malty added as Jun was all but tempted to go Ape on Malty but held herself back.

"You may know me but it seems I know you now." Malty added and Jun proceeded to scoff in Malty's face.

"You don't know me at all." Jun said as she went to the door trying to buy the others some time. "There's no use arguing with a child at this point so the only thing that can be done is sending you to your room." Jun said as she then left the room and slammed the door shut before she Malty could even leave. Jun was fast as she then locked the door and dropped the key at the bottom of the door locking Malty inside. Jun smirked and began to head out as she needed to catch up to the others before Malty could cause a scene.

As Jun picked up her speed she could already hear Malty banging on the door causing her to smirk. "You're wrong about me Malty I did find something to excite me and that's tearing down people like you people similar to who I use to be." Jun said as she ran to find the others and catch up to them.

"Well Malty let the games begin!" Jun said to herself as she went to find her friends. Jun began to dig into Malty's mind by putting herself in her old shoes. If she was that girl with the resources of the Princess she'd probably have set up guards loyal to her to stop her friends if they had opted to roam about that night before Malty could pull off her plan. With that in mind Malty went off to find Shiro and the others knowing she needed to help them outwit Malty.

(Scene Break that Morning)

It seems Malty was ready for them in that they may try to escape by making sure the guards were keeping an eye out for them. THEY were currently up on a roof early morning after making their escape from the Inn. Guards were already scouring the town form them as Malty must have given them orders to try and stall them if they were seen roaming about. They found this out the hard way and thus had to rely on Jun getting them out of there.

"Well this is great." Taiyo scowled as he sat with his friends.

"Taiyo no plan survives the first contact." Tsubaki said as she sat on the roof making sure they were in cover so to not get discovered by the guards.

"Still that Bitch she's like the old you Jun... do'h." Taiyo said forgetting Jun hated to be reminded of that time in her life.

"No Taiyo keep going be my guest I want to hear it all." Jun said as she glared at her longtime friend with her threat evident to Taiyo.

"Guys!" Shiro called out as he knew they had the whole town looking for them.

"Sorry." Taiyo and Jun both said as Jun was having a hard time as well if not worse. Malty was like a mirror of who Jun used to be and honestly Jun didn't like it one bit. The only difference Jun could see was that Malty wasn't so keen on changing her ways for anyone not even if her life truly depended on it.

"We need a plan." Tsubaki said knowing full well they had to get to the Castle somehow to show the evidence.

"I might have a few." Jun said as she looked to the group. "But I won't like it." Jun said knowing full well there was a chance she would have to pull out more of what Taiyo had called either the Queen Bitch Bee or the Cheerleading Whore.

"Let me guess turn ourselves in and if you need to bring out the other Jun." Shiro said as he looked to Tsubaki.

"If it comes down to the later bit... yet." Jun said as they had to make sure Jun wouldn't have to do that.

"If she's needed let's hope she's not rusty." Taiyo said with hope that the other Jun still had steam to use if needed. As the group got ready to execute their plan they knew whatever was awaiting them was going to give them a lot of trouble in response. The best they could do is power on through and hope for the best outcome.

(TBC)