Heroes of the Arks

ESKK: New chapter let's begin.

(Start Foreign Kingdom)

A group of maids were seen helping a woman with violet hair prepare for the day as she was dressed in clothing of a royal origin. As she was being dressed for the event to come she seemed to be talking to someone as she held a striking resemblance to Malty. "Is that what the King has been up to" She asked as she looked to the window.

"He has apparently I'm sure princess Malty must have talked him into it." A masked woman said as gave her report.

"How is the Shield Hero holding up?" She asked showing a hint of concern for him.

"He procured a slave recently but it seems that through his ordeals he has not seem much of what one would expect. I suspect his allies are responsible for this." The shadows reported knowing things in the home front were getting a bit sketchy.

"That's good to hear. At least he isn't alone." The Queen said knowing that though particularly difficult, contacting the slave trader in Melromarc was well worth the effort, even if he presumably had his own agenda for agreeing to sell Shiro a slave. "However news of Melromarc summoning of the Four Cardinal Heroes is making no small impact in our kingdom as well as others." The queen spoke as she knew why this was happening. "We must make sure we prevent our neighbors from meddling in our affairs no matter what it may take." she said knowing what could very well happen to Melromarc if they don't approach this was caution. "And what of this mysterious researcher my husband had employed." The queen asked to which the Shadow had the answer or lack thereof.

"I've done a thorough background check on him and no one has ever heard of him before he appeared." The Shadows said as she then went on. "I have reason to believe he's aware of the Shadows and thus has taken precautions to make sure we cannot spy on him." The Shadow reported and thus the Queen was now concerned. "I have reason to believe that he actually has complete knowledge of the Knights and is simply using these 'prototypes,' to cover his tracks with the King and further more ensure he is give all the resources he needs to further them." The Shadow said and thus the Queen understood.

"Continue as you were and make sure to gather as much information as you can." The Queen said as she feared for her people being caught in an unneeded war.

"Never fear milady we'll continue to keep a watchful eye on events in the capitol." The masked hooded woman said as she finished up her report.

"I'm counting on you." The Queen said dismissing her eyes and ears within her home country while looking out to the kingdom outside showing it was in the industrial age of sorts judging by the sound of gears and factories outside. As she looked she soon saw a familiar eagle looking down upon her observing until it spread its mighty wings and flew off to parts unknown.

(Scene Break Melromarc Castle)

The Four Heroes were all seen standing before the King with most of their parties standing off to the side. "As the reward for his efforts during the wave and fulfilling my request Master Motoyasu will receive 2,000 silvers. Half of the original 4,000 shall be given to the Shield Hero's party." The King said as a servant gave the sack of silver to Motoyasu. "And young masters Itsuki and Ren will receive 3,800 silvers." The King said Ren and Itsuki looked wavered as they took the coins. "Finally I've set aside 2500 Silvers for the Shield Hero." Aultcray said as Shiro was patient with the others. But before Shiro can take his reward the King spoke further. "However since it's been offset by the expenses of Master Motoyasu's healing as well as damaged done to the arena he will not receive any funds at this time." The King said but before he could continue Itsuki spoke up.

"Wait a second that's not gonna fly." Itsuki said as he looked to the King. "Jun won that duel fair and square and further more I can be argued that you and your daughter stooped to Jun's level when you both interfered by giving Motoyasu an edge that failed him." Itsuki said as he looked to the monarch of Melromarc. "Though I can't condone the brutality of it Jun won the duel fair and square." Itsuki said before Ren spoke up.

"Right," Ren said as Motoyasu was speechless as he was about to say something but Ren cut him off saying, "As If you'd followed the rules, the Jun clearly won when the king interfered with the duel itself while giving you an edge, and you could have save yourself by surrendering, but instead you just ran around like a moron."

"You clearly mistaken, my father was trying to balance out the strength and power by given him that knight," Malty said to them with Itsuki speaking up to her as she said, "That is where you are wrong as it was equal enough, Jun may have been empowered, but 10 level below Motoyasu shouldn't have made a different, it was a matter of action, also Jun never summon her black knight until the king brought forth that red knight to aid Motoyasu, and beside you also cheated by firing a magic spell at her."

"Beside that when the wave hit, it was Shiro and his party who defended that village in the knights' stead," Ren said as he bring up a good point as what deeds like that go unpaid as Ren went on saying, "I believe he must be compensated in some way."

Malty grit her head at this as she could not believe the other heroes were going against them, with the king playing it cool as he said, "Very well. I shall afford him the minimum agreed amount with 2,000 silvers."

The bag of money was handed to Shiro as he took it without much fuss with the king said to him, "You have it, so be gone already!"

Shiro did say anything to him as he turn around and said, "Well this should tie us over for a bit, right?"

"Yes it should," Raphtalia said as Taiyo said, "Hey lets celebrity a bit, Shiro treat?"

"Nice try, but no Taiyo," Shiro said as Rino said to him, "He's right, and beside there are other thing to do thank get food."

"If we're getting food, you're paying for it anyways because of that," Tsubaki said with Conan following behind her as Taiyo yell out, "Oh come oh, don't do that to me!"

Jun stay quite through this as she with her party members follow behind closely while they all left the throne room.

(Later at a tavern)

With everyone getting breakfast as Taiyo pay for it as he give a slight cry as it seem mostly everyone order a pricy meals as everyone was going on their normal thing but Jun as she play with her food a bit before saying, "Hey listen there something want to say."

Everyone stop what they were doing as they look towards Jun with Taiyo asking, "Is something wrong Jun?"

"Yea, as the problem is clear as day... of what happen last night," Jun said as she and everyone else cannot forget it, as Jun lost control of herself in that duel, and almost killed Motoyasu before her friends stop her as Tsubaki said, "Listen Jun, we know what happen, but you're not entirely to be blame about it, we could get caught up in the heat of a fight."

"Maybe, but that not the problem... what the matter was when I change into my knight," Jun said as she remembers that time when she fought Motoyasu when he was given that red knight as Jun said, "I remember how it feel still from that time... and I was overwhelm with strength and power, it felt like I could have taken on a hundred of prototype Incorruptus."

"Because you were near all of us and held a connection being a party," Shiro said as it seem he knew right away what Jun is talking about as Jun nodded to this with Tsubaki asked, "How do you know that?"

"because you guys left while I was defending the village, more Gigas show up in great force, the odds were against me 20 to 1 yet I was able to fight all of them off and come out on top literally, I was standing on their body as if they were just a hill, and during that fight, I felt something powerful coming forth from me, as if the white knight itself was empowered by something."

"Why didn't you say anything then?" Taiyo asked with Shiro looking at him saying, "Because I knew what it was... it's the connection between all of us together, as we stand and fight as one, we are stronger than anything or anyone."

"Why would that be a problem?" Demonicon asked as he is new to the whole knight stuff despite how long they travel with Jun with Shiro went on saying, "I almost lost control of myself, but I stay focus on the fight itself, as if I didn't, I might have destroy that village if I did lose myself in that battle."

Raphtalia was surprise by this as was everyone else as Shiro soon said, "I think I know what Jun is wanting to say. Right Jun?"

"Right... we should split up again," she said with everyone is surprise by this, but they understand the situation with Taiyo said, "If that the case... then let's have us one last hurrah, shall we?"

"Why not?" Shiro said raise his mug with everyone else as well as Shiro soon said to them, "The first wave is over and we all have survived it, but this is only the beginning, things are going to get tougher and harder for all of us, but that won't slow us down. As I said this before, and with our new friends I want to say, "Separated we will do from here, but united, we will be again."

"Through thick or thin we will stand beside you," Taiyo said remember the pack with Tsubaki speaking up next as she remember her part of the pack, "To be stronger than we were before."

"Better we are along, but the greatest when we stand by each other on the battle field," Jun said with Shiro finishing say the pack while adding to it, "So lets us go forth and make our own chronicles that no one will forget once again. To us."

"To us," everyone said at the same time as they all clank jugs together before they drank their drinks.

(Later)

With everyone outside the capital, Shiro was handing out a bag to each of his friends as he said, "I did the math and split it up the best I could, we each get a little over 600 silver coins, I hope this will do well on your guys journey."

"Thank Shiro, we'll try to make good use of this," Tsubaki said as Taiyo said, "Yea, getting some good gear and maybe a horse or something."

"So I think I will hand onto this then," Rino said as she took the pouch of coins as Taiyo said, "Oh come on Rino, I'm not going to spend all of it."

Shiro handed the last one to Jun and her merc friends as he said to them, "And I wish you guys luck on your journey, you guys may have not been in the spot your guys in because of me."

"Hey don't sweat it, if anything it just make things more interesting and beside that punk was asking for it," Demonicon said as Pete nodded agreeing with his friend with Jun said to him, "Don't worry Shiro… I made my choice, and I will gladly hold the title of the black winged devil… so that way no one will mess with us at all."

Jun seem happy with that title for some reason, maybe it something that does represent her well, with her life problem in the past and in the present she knew she cannot run from it, so she will try and embrace it and make something out of it.

"Well still, good luck to you guys," Shiro said as they nodded before they were the first to headed out, as on Shiro party list, their names were removed without him doing much, with Jun stop for a moment as she said, "Hey Shiro, make sure you get more allies to help you out, no tell what will happen later on.

"I'll try," Shiro said before Jun went on walking with the other two mercs, as Taiyo step up with his hand raise with Shiro doing the same thing and grab at each other hand as Taiyo said, "See ya later soul brother."

"Catch you on the flip side," Shiro said before Taiyo and Rino were the next one to leave with his and Rino name soon vanish off the party list as well with lastly as Tsubaki came up to him and give him a hug before she said to him, "Be safe will you?"

"I'll do my best," Shiro said to her with Tsubaki turn to Raphtalia as she said to her, "And I hope you can watch over him while we're gone. Can you?"

"I will, I am his sword after all," Raphtalia said as Tsubaki nodded before stepping back as Conan came up and said, "IT was nice meeting you shield Hero, a real honor it is to have fight alone side you and everyone else."

"Thank Conan, I have no doubt you'll become strong yourself," Shiro said as Conan nodded with Raphtalia said to him, "Take care of yourself Conan."

"Thank you Raphtalia, and good luck to you both," he said before rejoin by Tsubaki side before they headed off on their own with her and Conan's names were remove from the party list as well leaving just him and Raphtalia on their own as Shiro said, "Lets head back to the capital, there something I need to do before we head out."

"Right," Raphtalia said before she and Shiro headed back to the capital where they can set up before heading out themselves.

(Slaver tent)

Shiro went back to the slaver place and see if he can get Raphtalia's crest removed so she won't be a slave to him anymore but a normal companion which surprise Raphtalia, as the guy said to him, "Well, it will cost you at least 5000 silver to get the crest remove."

"Really, that much, why is it so expensive to get the crest remove?" Shiro asked as het price of it was like asking to throw away 4 to 5 gold coins with Beloukas said to him, "The cost so little for a slave crest to be put on s slave because it easy to do, but to remove it require a crest removal potion which aren't cheap to get, the ingredients for them cost over 3000 silver total each, and have it brew just right takes time to do and doing so waste money as I need to do business."

"That make sense I suppose," Shiro said as hearing that, no wonder it was 5000 silver, he was better off keeping Raphtalia as a slave, much to his dislike of it still with Raphtalia said, "It's not a problem Sir Shiro, I would like to think the crest is a symbol of our bond, I wouldn't have it any other way."

"Alright." Shiro said with a sigh as he scratched the back of his head. "Well at least I have something to save up for." Shiro said knowing he now had something to gun for. Shiro then took one of the Slave User items and silently fed it to his Shield and saw it activated a new Shield for him. Not like he would use it mind you but... the gamer in him wanted 100% completion it's an OCD compulsion of his.

"Anyway so um... how does it look?" Raphtalia asked as Shiro was looking over the Slave Shield abilities.

"Sorry you say something?" Shiro asked completely oblivious to what Raphtalia said.

"Never mind nothing at all." Raphtalia said until Beloukas spoke up.

"I'm amazed you helped the scrawny bag of bones grow so much in such a short span of time. You can get 20 for her if she was a virgin." Beloukas said with a grin on his face.

"But I am a virgin!" Raphtalia spoke up but Beloukas continued factoring this information in.

"35 Gold Pieces!" He added and thus Shiro sighed in frustration.

"Not happening!" Shiro defended as he wouldn't sell Raphtalia even if he had his nuts cut off... ok going a bit far but his point still stands. That was until he noticed something nearby that caught his interest. "Huh?" Shiro asked as he looked over to a tray filled with Eggs. "What's this?" Shiro asked as he looked to the table.

"This is a Monster Egg lottery." Beloukas began as he gestured to the case. "For 100 Silvers I can guarantee at least a Filolial. You'll win a monster chick that will double in value if you take care of it properly." Beloukas said as Shiro heard this.

"A Filolial…?" Shiro asked as he was confused

"Certainly." Raphtalia began as she looked to Shiro. "They're those gigantic birds that pull peoples carriages around town." Raphtalia explained and thus Shiro knew what they were talking about now.

"Oh you mean those Chocobo looking things in town!" Shiro said with a fist in his hand showing he knew what Beloukas was talking about.

"What's more if you hit the jackpot you'll win a dragon! And my I remind you that beast is worth 20 gold pieces!" The man said trying to get Shiro to buy one. "So would you like to give it a shot?" Beloukas offered as he looked to Shiro.

Shiro was silent for a moment until he pulled out his coin pouch and held it out truly ashamed of himself now. "Shut up and take my money." Shiro said and thus Raphtalia wanted to face fault when she heard this.

(Later)

"If you ask me you shouldn't waste money like that, sir Shiro." Raphtalia said as she and Shiro walked through town.

"I'm sorry... he made a compelling argument." Shiro said but it was obviously a lie... he was obsessed with Gacha Games that he use to blow his allowance on it back when he was younger. It was a guilty pleasure he thought he outgrew until this day. "But think about it this way now you won't have to fight on your own and this way you can have a monster to fight by your side if the White Knight is ever unavailable." Shiro said as he knew how many levels it went up so no telling what may happen later.

"I fight just fine all by myself." Raphtalia said but Shiro begged to differ.

"Well regardless I'm getting my money's worth on this little guy." Shiro said as he looked to the egg in question.

"Well either way you better stop loosening your purse strings so much." Raphtalia said as she and Shiro arrived at the drug store.

"Yeah I get it mom." Shiro countered as they arrived at the door of the drug store.

(In the Drug store)

"Some relatives of mine in lute village asked me to help you guys out," The old man behind the counter place a book before Shiro and Raphtalia as they were the one up front as they were selling some medicine and trading for medical instruments and other tools.

"Was it someone we save from the village?" Raphtalia asked in a whisper while looking to Shiro.

"Has to be." Shiro said knowing it was the only logical answer to this.

"This Grimoire has recipes for finer medicines than the ones you bring to me. Use it, It's yours," the man said as Shiro took the book and began to read or at least he tried to.

"Thanks but I can't read this language." Shiro confessed as he looked to the old man.

"Oh by the way the old woman at the magic shop wants to see you as well. It's for a similar reason" the man said with the duo were surprise by this and wonder how many people did they saved that are relatives to shops owners, as the man behind the counter said, "She said you helped save her grandkids and gotten them out to safety."

"And before you leave be sure to send those friends of yours my way I want to reward them also." the old man said and thus the group was off.

(Magic shop)

"You have a rare affinity for healing and support magic Shield Hero." The old woman said as she looked through her crystal ball. "And the young lady has an affinities for light and dark magic. She's half Raccoon after all make sure she learns illusion magic." The old woman said as Shiro heard this and thought about Jun when it came to Dark Magic and Tsubaki when it came to magic in general. "Now that being the case." The old woman said as she reached under her desk and took out a magic Grimoire.

"A Magic grimoire isn't that sort of expensive?" Shiro asked as he saw this. "I don't think I can even afford it at this time." Shiro said realizing that was way out of his budget range.

"It's a gift as thanks for helping my grandchild." The old woman began before looking to the side. "I would have preferred to have given you a crystal ball instead of it." She added as the duo looked to the Crystal ball in question.

"Huh?" Shiro asked clearly unaware of this.

"Oh you mean you didn't know? If you use a Crystal Ball you can learn one of the magic sealed within it." The woman said as the White knights pactmaker heard this and began to wonder.

"First time I've ever heard of that." Shiro said and in turn he knew the King was no doubt responsible for this.

"But I heard the royal court ordered a bunch of them to give to all the heroes." The old woman said as she looked to the Pactmaker and the demihuman girl.

"Yeah they probably did toe very hero but the Shield Hero that is." Shiro said wondering how the others were holding up right now.

"Learning magic from a Grimoire is certainly hard but if you keep at it and do the work you can learn as many spells as you want. You can do it." She said showing she had her upmost faith in both Shiro and Raphtalia.

"Thank you we won't let you down." Shiro said and thus went wide eyed for a moment. 'That's the first time I ever said thank you to someone I just met since I got here.' Shiro thought realizing he had almost forgotten that feeling.

(Scene Break Lute Village)

Shiro and Raphtalia were sitting outside of Lute Village under a tree as the sun had begun to set. "I really can't read it." Shiro said as he was trying to read the book. "I wish there was some kind of spell that can translate it for me or at least an item for it." Shiro said as she looked to the book failing to read it.

"Then let's learn it together." Raphtalia asked as she smiled to Shiro.

"The Language and the magic?" Shiro asked as he looked over to Raphtalia.

Smiling Raphtalia stood up and then went to Shiro. "Well yes actually." She began before standing in front of Shiro. "But the key Word there is together." Raphtalia said with a smile on her face.

"Well since the Wave isn't due for another month that's the plan." Shiro said as he stood up ready to go. He then walked torts where he had the perfect view of the village they had saved. "Let's spend the night down the night in Lute village and then tomorrow after breakfast we can head out for some level grinding." Shiro said and thus Raphtalia nodded.

"Sure thing." Raphtalia said with a smile and a nod.

(Scene Break Early Morning Lute's Inn)

The duo had spent the entire night studying the Grimoires and had fallen asleep at some point. The sun had barley risen over the horizon as Raphtalia was seen sleeping with the open book by her side. She would have slept more if not for one thing. "Hey Raphtalia!" Shiro called out in a hushed yell.

Waking up Raphtalia got up and looked to where Shiro was. Before Shiro the egg was seen now sporting cracks across its form. Clearly since Shiro knew those cracks weren't there last night it only meant it was hatching. In turn a piece fell out and under it they saw what looked like pink feathers underneath. Shiro was almost anxious about this until the entire egg shattered and from it they group yelped when a Pink Filolial hatchling surprised them.

It then jumped over and landed on Shiro's head as Raphtalia smiled at what she saw. "It's so cute, Sir Shiro!" Raphtalia gushed over the little guy. "It must think you're its mother." Raphtalia added as she saw the creature in question.

"That must be what imprinting is like." Shiro said a bit embarrassed to be 'mommy,' to the Filolial.

"We need to think of a good name for it." Raphtalia said as she looked to the Filolial.

"I'll... think of something." Shiro said and started to make a mental list for the small tyke and among the names he had Kara, Yulie, and Cisna for possible names.

(Start Montage)

Shiro and Raphtalia were at a dining area of the Inn as they were eating and having fun as they ate, with Shiro feeding his Filolial some food with the bird eating happily. The people there seemed to find the scene adorable and endearing as Shiro fed his newly hatched Filolial.

Soon going over to the stables with Shiro checking something on his shield, while the hatchling seemed to just enjoy being nearby.

Outside Raphtalia and Shiro was training outside, slaying monsters for EXP and for materials to sell. All the while Filo was on Shiro's left shoulder watching it all play out but with a look suggesting she wanted to fight to.

Later on coming back from the market place getting good, the Filolial was still on Shiro's head and it seem to have grown in size as it was bigger than it was before. Before now the Filolial was only the size of a baseball but now the little guy had grown to the size of a basketball. All the while Shiro was trying his best to keep the creature balanced on his head no doubt getting to big to carry around like this.

Back at the Inn as they were having dinner, to everyone surprise as the Filolial was getting bigger and it was also eating more food as it had 5 bowls of stew. Clearly this Filolial was growing up fast but the question remained if they can keep doing this without their wallets suffering for it.

The next day came around and at long last the Filolial had grown enough to ride. Shiro was seen climbing onto the Filolial's back ready to have her first test run. In that moment, the bird cry out and soon took off fast with Shiro hanging on tightly, kicking up the dirt as it went into Raphtalia's face. Shiro of course had to hang on for dear life as he grabbed the Filolial's feathers attempt to hang on as best he could. Eventually day made way for the afternoon as Raphtalia waited for them to return through it all.

(End Montage)

The next day at the stables, the duo had gotten the Filolial in a pen so she wouldn't be able to escape. "I can't believe she grew so much in just two days!" Raphtalia said truly amazed at what had happened.

"My growth boost skill probably helped a little." Shiro boasted as he was scanning their new Filolial who was now level 12 with a name assigned to her. "Right Filo?" Shiro asked as he looked to their Filolial.

"You named her Filo as in Filolial?" Raphtalia asked as she looked to Shiro surprised by this. "Um don't you think that's a little bit obvious?" Raphtalia asked as she looked to Shiro.

"Yeah I know but it just feels right for her you know." Shiro said but had more to add. "Plus it's not like she's complaining." Shiro said and in turn Filo made her joy for her name known.

That was when they noticed a commotion going on outside to which they opted to check it out. "Hey look at that." One of the Villagers said as the group saw this.

"Why are the Knights here?" Another asked and in turn the group decided to go investigate.

(Later outside)

Malty stood above the village as she was with the Knights and Motoyasu. "In light of his exploits during the last wave the spear hero, Sir Motoyasu, has been appointed ruling lord of this region." Malty said as Motoyasu was as smug as ever about it. "To help with the rebuilding efforts we decided to levy a toll. This toll will be 50 silvers to enter the village and 50 to exit." Mayne said as the duo of Shiro and Raphtalia had arrived and heard everything while the village was wide eyed to this.

"But that will ruin us." A villager said wide eyed to this.

"We won't have anything left to buy food tomorrow." Another said as it was clear Malty was just trying to feed her expensive tastes.

"Do you dare to defy your lord's orders?" Malty asked and in turn it was Shiro who spoke up.

"Yeap you bet!" Shiro cried out as this caused the crowd to erupt with varying gasps.

Even Myne was shocked to hear this as she looked torts the source and in turn saw the owner of said voice. "The Shield Hero what are you still doing here?!" She demanded as she saw Shiro was here with Raphtalia and a Filolial. "This is Sir Motoyasu's domain now you have no right to question him." She said to which Shiro was steadfast on this. But for a brief moment Shiro saw Motoyasu panic a bit no doubt worried if Jun was nearby. Shiro knew well enough Jun had left lasting damage on the spear Hero making Shiro warry of how it had affected him mentally. "Actually leave this instant you miserable criminal." Malty began but Shiro growled to this.

"I have no problem leaving but after what I just heard from you, it's clear the villagers will have a problem." Shiro said knowing he could not leave things like this if people are going to suffer for it. "Hey Motoyasu do you have any idea how much it costs to spend a night at the Inn here?" Shiro asked as he began to prove a point.

"Actually I um." Motoyasu began and in turn Shiro went on.

"One Silver with food included." Shiro said as he raised one finger up for this. "You're charging the equivalent of 100 nights just to enter and exit the village. Do you realize that?" Shiro asked as he looked to which it began a domino effect with the villagers.

When the people heard these facts they started to backtalk on this decision. "Yeah their right!" A Villager called out as the duo of Shiro and Raphtalia saw the people standing up for themselves.

"And you can't just show up here and call yourself our lord." A Villager called out the crowd quickly turned on Motoyasu.

"And it was the Shield Hero, and his party who defended this whole village when the Wave of Catastrophe hit." Another spoke out as Malty glared at them.

"You dare complain about a royal decree!" Malty yelled out and with a wave of her hand the Knights pointed spears at the villages.

"That's it you asked for it!" Shiro called out opting to use the White Knight to end this quickly. He already had his gauntlet and dagger out for it but just then in a blink of an eye dark cloak figure with mask came forth and by the look of them they were women. Shiro, Raphtalia, and about everyone else in the village were confused as to who they were other than Malty judging by the look on her face alone. The dark cloak woman in the middle said that seem to be aimed at Hawkeye without even looking at him, "There won't be a need for such action as we have come to settle this matter."

"You are," Malty began to say as she was shock to see them as the same dark cloak woman looked up at Malty and said to her, "I trust you know who we represent Princess Malty."

"But why are you people here?" Malty asked confusedly as she had no idea why they were there in the first place until the dark cloak woman said as she handed to Malty a scroll, "For you."

"Who are they, Shiro?" Rahptalia asked Shiro, while he was looking at them, it was strange to say as he had no clue on who these women but their outfit seem like stealth force of warrior that protect, assassinate, or spy on people, with Shiro said to her, "No idea, but they must be important if they gotten the redhead princess attention."

"How could this be?" Malty said angrily as it seem her royal decree was now trash, false words now as she cannot make a move on it, but she wasn't going to give us so easily as she went to the only thing that would settle the matter as she said while pointing a finger at Shiro and call him out as she said, "Shield Hero! Fight us for the right to rule this village!"

"Say what?" Shiro said by that as he was confused as heck

(Moments later)

Shiro gotten the basic run down on what's happening as he ask the "shadows", as that what Shiro is calling them, to tell him what going on, as it seem the Queen has given the rights of ruler/protector of the village to Shiro sense he has protected during the wave and fought off over 40 giant creatures with his knight, which surprise him that they knew that.

And he was confuse with the while new decree that the Queen had granted him to be the ruler of lute village, as he thought that power was only given by the king, but the 'Shadows' also told him it was the Queen who is the true ruler of the kingdom of Melromarc, while the king is just a stand in until the Queen can return from her diplomatic mission from the other kingdom, which to him make sense as he remember the king was sitting on the slightly smaller throne next to the big one.

With Shiro knew the show of power of monarchies shown not only by their crown but the throne they sit upon, as Shiro wonder why she is on a diplomatic mission for, as it seem after the first wave hit the other kingdom panic with the Queen went out to them and calm them down and do peace talks.

Anything else they won't say why, but pretty much the Queen has been watching him and his friends through the 'Shadows', which got him thinking maybe they could help them somehow of looking for the sun king ark, but before he could, they inform him of the challenge Malty presented him with, being a race around the village.

In short he is the true ruler, but if he doesn't accept the challenge, he'll forfeit the rights of lute village to the spear moron and the redhead bitch as he said, "Man as if I didn't have problems already."

"Please help us shield hero. As the current lord, even I cannot accept further taxation at this time!" the village noble said to him as Shiro scratch his head a bit as he said, "I like the help, I do, but to racing against a dragon, I don't know if Filo can handle that, if she could."

Unknown to him Filo had lay eyes on the Motoyasu's mount which is a dragon mount as she walk up towards it with Shiro said, "Even more so, I can't garneted I could win the race."

Suddenly he heard a growl of sort as he, Raphtalia, and the villagers look to see Filo was staring down the dragon. The Filolial seemed angry at the Dragon for some reason as the village lord said, "It looks like your Filolial seem to be up for it."

Shiro was confuse of why Filo was acting like that as he asked, "What is going on with Filo right now?"

"So it's true that Filolials and dragons don't get along," Raphtalia said as Shiro soon thought, 'Is it because of the eggs they are hatch from or something?'

"We beg of you, We promise you a reward for winning!" the village lord said while he and other bow to Shiro, with the position he is in and how Filo is acting, he really has no room to say anything other than, "Alright… I'll race the spear Hero, and get this right of ruling this village dropped, I don't want it to be like I am doing this because I want to, but I need to help you guys."

"Thank you shield hero!" the village lord said as soon enough with the challenge accepted and get things set up for it.

(Little later)

After thing were set up, Shiro was preparing Filo for the race, with Motoyasu suddenly came walking up to the two as he said, "So lame. And it's a bird, not a dragon."

Filo eye twitch to that as it seem Motoyasu has insulted Filo by saying that as she take her pride of what she is, and never want to be compared to a dragon as the spear moron didn't keep his mouth shut after this as he went on saying, "How are you gonna race my dragon with this?"

*Smack-Clank!

Filo suddenly kick Motoyasu right between his legs and send him flying in the air, with his dragon mount freak out to this sight, with Motoyasu look to be smiling but on the inside he was crying like a bitch, as he soon came back down in a pile of hay near Malty and her guards as they all turn when they heard Motoyasu landing near them, Malty cry out, "Sir Motoyasu!"

Motoyasu's face turn blue while he curled up in a ball while in pain as Malty came up to him calling out before turning to her guards and said, "Healing magic! Hurry!"

Myne then glared at Shiro who was grinning at the scene before him with Filo. "You cheater!" Myne accused as she glared at the Pactmaker.

"Not my fault he got my Filolial Angry." Shiro taunted as he and Filo began to laugh together at Motoyasu's misery. "Even Taiyo would have been smart enough not to do that." Shiro added as he was clearly making fun of Motoyasu.

(Later)

Soon enough everyone was ready as James and Motoyasu were at the starting line as the noble of the village came up to start the race. The noble of the village soon explain how the race would go as he said to everyone, "The course will be three laps around the outskirts of this village. Whoever reaches this fate first will be declared the winner!"

"Good luck Sir Motoyasu!" Malty called out playing the role she made herself perfectly.

"You can do it Shiro!" Raphtalia called out as she had faith Shiro would win this race.

In turn it was time to race as Motoyasu was ready to cream Shiro once and for all. "On your marks..." The noble began while everyone waited as Motoyasu smile to this as was thinking his dragon was fast to give him the advantage in the race, with the noble throw is hand down as he yells out, "START!"

And thus they were off as they began to race on their respected mounts. Shiro was of course in the lead as Filo kicked up some dirt into the spear hero's face with Shiro smiling to this as he said, "Piece of cake."

Filo even cheered in agreement as they ran of unaware to either the White Knight's power began to stir while on Filo's back. The duo left Motoyasu and his dragon mount in the dust as more dust was being kick up in his face, as both of them were coming up on the turn with Malty's guard stood by ready their plan as a guard started to chant, "As source of thy power, I order thee. Decipher the laws of nature and create a pit in front of me."

Shiro keep on going as he look ahead being aware of any trap that may appeared, as the guard called out, "Earth Hole!" Suddenly a hole appeared on the track where Shiro was heading to. When Shiro saw this he was forced to act fast and attempt to avoid it causing the two to tumble and fall.

"DAMMIT!" Shiro cursed when this happened as he knew fowl play was afoot.

"Oh no the Shield Hero!" A villager cried out in panic when he saw this while Myne smirked at this. No Jun this time to even the playing field as while Jun wasn't above under handed tactics the same can't be said for the rest of the Shield Heroes party.

Seeing this Raphtalia grew concerned for Shiro and Filo when this happened. "Poor Filo." Raphtalia cried out when she saw this happen.

"Sir Motoyasu." Malty called out smiling to Motoyasu who then winked at her as he passed by. "Keep it up your doing great." Myne praised while Motoyasu ran off. She then heard movement and glared to see Shiro and Filo were catching up again no doubt intent on winning. As they passed by cheering was heard as Shiro was not going to give up so easily unknown to him the White Knights power was awakening now that a requirement was met with this race.

When Myne saw that Shiro and Filo were passing by Motoyasu and taking back the lead she looked to her guard and give him the signal to go with the next step of the plan.

As the two heroes were coming up to the next part with Malty guard was chanting a spell, "As source of thy power. I order thee decipher the laws of nature and slow my target. Speed Down!" When the spell was ready the Knight launched it at Shiro and Filo who then glowed purple before they began to slow down.

Shiro taking note of this went wide eyed as this happened and grit his teeth in frustration and anger. When Motoyasu and his Dragon began to pass by the two the Dragon whipped Filo in the face with his tail making Shiro go wide eyed in shock to this. "Filo!" Shiro cried out when he saw this and thus the two had enough.

The Knights Ark then appeared over Shiro's left arm and thus an alert appeared on his screen. When he saw this he sped read through it and in turn smirked at this. A Blue Aura proceeded to cover the two and in turn Filo's eyes flashed an azure blue and in turn a transformation began.

(With Motoyasu)

As Motoyasu was in the lead he soon heard an explosion go off behind him and from the dust cloud he saw a pair of eyes flash in an azure blue color. "He didn't?!" Motoyasu gasped hoping Shiro didn't bust his Knight out to win. But when the two began to exit the dust cloud Filo was transformed into an armored bird as her ivory white armor was sleek and built for speed with vent in her wings and around her body no doubt similar to boosters. The vents were exhausting an azure blue energy as they chased after Motoyasu.

"What the heck!? Go faster you stupid dragon do it like your life depended on it!" Motoyasu ordered as he try to make his dragon to go faster. But it proved useless as Shiro was catching up to him before he then pass him at great speeds, while crossing the line and kicking up dust in Malty's face. When this happened Shiro smiled to this as while he didn't intend for this to happen he was glad it did happen.

Malty cough up and wipe the dust out of her eyes as she tries to see, with Raphtalia was amazed by Filo new gear, and smile to this as with this she knew they could win as she call out, "Filo! One last lap!"

Malty finally recover from that cloud of dust as she growl out, "Accursed beast!"

Soon enough both heroes were taking the next turn as Malty's guards were pulling off another dirty trick as one of them started to chant, "Decipher the laws of nature and hasten my target. Fast speed!"

Suddenly Motoyasu's dragon gain a speed boost which lead him to catch up to Shiro and Filo. The two were soon head to head with each other, while also pushing Shiro to the side, no doubt he sees the hole on the track and try to lead him to it to win. Shiro knew someone was there, ready to made another hole but he wasn't going to let that happen as he called out, "It time to go full power Filo! Max speed!"

Filo cry out as she ran faster, while the thrusters at her sides became to flare up big time and made her take off like a jet passing Motoyasu once more as his eyes was wide eye to this as kick his dragon and said, "Go faster!"

The dragon roar out in pain a bit while it ran as fast as it could. Meanwhile the guard ahead saw Shiro was coming in fast he cast the spell, "Earth Hole!"

"Don't slow down, we going to get pass it… we're going to fly over it!" Shiro calms as Filo cry once more as she was prepared to speed up. Filo then kicked up her legs and let the boost of speed take its course and soon flew over the earth hole.

The guards were jaw drop to this as they never saw anything like this before and they cannot do anything to stop it as Shiro pass them, turning on the track as Filo tile his wings up and soon drop her feet back down and keep on running, with Malty surprise, while Raphtalia was happy to see Shiro was the first to come around the corner, as they both see this as Shiro was moving faster than ever. With the ribbon now raised up, two run through it, winning the race with the people of the village cheer out in glee!

Motoyasu was coming up next after a minute or so with his dragon look very much worn down before collapsing down after passing the finish line with Motoyasu falling off his mount looking in disbelief as he said, "This can't be happening."

"We did it," Shiro said while smiling to this win while getting off of Filo, with the armor vanishing from the bird, and walk over to the village lord as he said, "Brilliantly done! Now we can rest easy and focus on rebuilding the village."

Suddenly there was a flash of light that catch everyone off guard expect for Shiro as he has his eyes closed, with while he said while pasting Filo a bit, "If you want to thank someone, thank Filo here... huh?"

Shiro turn his head to Filo and to his surprise to see Filo had...transform into a huge bird, no longer in its chocobo like form, which shock him greatly by this as suddenly Malty called out, "You cheated!"

Hearing this everyone turn to the redhead princess as she went on saying, "You didn't tell us your Filolial was really this massive tub of lard!"

"But it only transformed after the race was over," the village lord said as he tries to calm the situation down with Shiro suddenly said to Malty, "If anyone cheated, it's you and your gang of knightly thugs! Making holes in the ground and using buff to help speed up the spear moron, and debuff speed on Filo!"

"Holes? Do you have any proof?" Malty said as if she did nothing wrong with the 'Shadows' coming in and sort out the situation as the head shadow said, "The shield hero is right."

Malty was surprise to see they were still there as the leader of the group of shadows went on saying, "We detected traces of magic on the course."

"I-it was that criminal, obviously! He must have made those holes, and he also use some sort of spell or magic on that bird of his!" Malty tries to defend herself as Shiro soon called her out on that as he said, "That armor isn't a spell, it's a passive ability from my White Knight that unlocks when in a serious situation, and with a race like this with all the spell cast during it, it activated on its own."

He won't say he accepted the activated on purpose with the option came up as Motoyasu came up with his dragon recover from the race as he said, "I call bullshit on that! How could something like that came from your knight!?"

Shiro thought of something quickly as it was suddenly a surprise for everyone with a major move with Filo's armor boosted form anyone could question it, but then he suddenly remembers as he walk over and said, "Let me prove it to you."

He came up to Motoyasu's dragon mount with Filo glaring at it. Shiro stop for a moment hearing her growl as he turn towards her and said, "Filo come down, this is only to show them I'm not a cheater."

Shiro then humped onto the Dragons Saddle and in turn raise his hand and grabbed on to the dragon's reigns. He then turn to one of the ladies and said, "Someone case a debuff spell on me, muscles weakness or slow speeds."

The head shadow look to over to another while giving a nod to her, as the shadow stood up and soon chant a spell, "As source of thy power. I order thee decipher the laws of nature and weaken my target. Fatigue."

Shiro suddenly glows as the spell was working as he felt a bit tired, but nothing major at least. But suddenly his white knight ark came forth without his calling for it. It soon activated on its own and suddenly Motoyasu's mount glow brightly and suddenly armor soon appeared on its body, similar to the armor Filo had during the race before he let off and the armor vanishes from the dragon mount.

This did surprise everyone to see that happen as the head shadow nodded and said, "The shield hero speak true, this isn't a spell, but a passive ability, as well the shield hero magic affinities that we detected from him are healing and support. His raccoon friends are light and dark. Completely different types than the magic we found."

Shiro was surprise that they know that much about him, and he barely knew what his magic affinities just a few days ago, and has not told anyone of this as he thought, 'When did they learn so much about us?'

"It's clear that the spear Hero's party cheated," the head shadow said as Malty could not defend herself this time as she said, "F-find! We shall leave for today!"

As Shiro smirked at this Malty went on. "But we'll be back you can count on that." Malty said before taking her leave of the village.

"Remember I let you win today." Motoyasu said as he glared at Shiro. "But it won't happen next time and you won't have that fat tub of." Motoyasu began but Shiro cut him off.

"Of course I won't I'm pretty sure my friend want to kick your crotch also." Shiro said but he wasn't done. "Jun already messed you up already hate to see what else she has cooking." Shiro said and thus Motoyasu froze up and backed up looking around.

"Um... Jun... She's not here is she?" He asked worried that his would be undertaker was stalking around in the shadows waiting to slit his throat.

"No... But I heard she might be swinging by." Shiro said and thus Motoyasu knew he had to high tail it.

"You... I'll get you yet!" Motoyasu called out and thus he sped walked away from them knowing if Jun was coming here he needed to put as much distance between them as possible.

Once they were gone the Village Lord continued with things as normal. "Sir Hero again the whole hero owes you and your party so very much. We don't know how to express our gratitude for everything you've done." The Village lord said as Shiro understood and nodded to this.

"I'm just doing what I feel is right is all." Shiro said blushing a bit while scratching his head. "Look lest just say you guys focus on rebuilding your village and I'll say we're square." James said but the Village Lord begged to differ on this.

"Sir Hero this time I must insist on a reward. You've done so much for us already that I cannot under good conscious let you leave without some sort of reward." The Village Lord said but Shiro was against this.

"I can't just take what little money you guys have left, that's going into rebuilding costs." Shiro said as he didn't want to do that to these people. In turn Shiro began to think on what to use as compensation that won't cause the village to suffer. Just then Filo tapped Shiro on the head to get the Pactmakers attention. "Huh?" Shiro asked as he looked to Filo in confusion before he noticed she was pointing at something with her beak. The trio in turn saw a Wagon as Shiro began to put the pieces together on this as did the Village Lord.

(Later that Day on the Road)

Later that day the sun was setting as the group were now riding down the road as Shiro held Filo's new reigns as the Filolial was enjoying the wagon big time. Just then Rahptalia was heard as she stuck her head from the wagon a bit. "Sorry Shiro can we stop for a little bit. Just for a second?" Rahptalia asked as she had motion sickness. In turn the Shiro pulled Filo and the Wagon to a stop and thus Rahptalia ran out of the carriage and threw up behind a tree.

Shiro then sighed and knew now was a good as time as any to set up camp. "Guess we're camping here for the night." Shiro said with a sigh in response to this.

(That evening)

The fire pit was set up as Shiro was setting Rahptalia down to rest from her motion sickness. "I'm sorry about this. To make you work after you let me rest all day." Rahptalia apologized as she looked to Shiro.

"Hey it's ok but we're gonna be traveling a lot by cart now. You need to find a way to get over your motion sickness." Shiro said as he looked to Raphtalia trying to help her out.

With a small nod Raphtalia continued to speak. "I'll try." She responded as she smiled up to Shiro.

"You're face looks a little red do you have a fever?" Shiro asked concerned for Rahptalia not wanting her to get sick.

"No I don't." Rahptalia confirmed before she looked over to Filo. "Filo looks happy now that she gets to pull a cart." Rahptalia said as she looked to Filo.

"She sure does." Shiro said as he was happy to see Filo doing something she likes to do. Filo even responded with a cry to let them know she enjoyed it. Shiro then took out a gold pass looked to the pass in his hand as he remembered how he got it in the first place.

(Flashback)

The group was prepared to ship out when Shiro was stopped by the Village Lord. "Are you interested in becoming a traveling trader sir hero?" The Lord asked as he looked to Shiro who was honestly interested in the concept.

"A trader?" Shiro asked as the idea sounded plausible.

"If you are this pass will come in handy. It exempts you from paying tolls across the country so you'll be free to travel the roads wherever you wish." The lord said as Shiro saw how this could be helpful for him.

(End Flashback)

"Now we can run a traveling business while fighting monsters and leveling up everyone wins." Shiro said knowing with the skins and such from the Monsters they'd be making a lot of coin for this.

"I'll do my best too." Rahptalia said as she looked to Shiro.

"Get some sleep for tonight I'm not tired so I'll keep watch." Shiro said to which Rahptalia nodded knowing Shiro was just worried for her is all.

"Oh alright." Rahptalia agreed and thus began to drift off to sleep. In turn Filo came in and laid down next to Shiro to allow some rest to take over causing Rahptalia to look at Filo. "Filo." Rahptalia scolded but alas it fell to deft ears before she smiled and fell asleep.

As Shiro sat there he sighed as he looked to the Filolial. "Jeez your feathers are stuffy as hell I hope you realize that." Shiro said as he looked to Filo before eventually sleep took him over as well.

But as Shiro drifted off to sleep a new voice called out from the darkness getting his attention. "Meanie." An unknown voice called out and thus all was quiet.

(Scene Break the Next Morning)

Eventually day came as Shiro was sleeping soundly. "Shiro! Shiro!" Raphtalia called out as Shiro began to wake up.

When Shiro woke up he took note to the shocked look Raphtalia had at him. "Oh sorry about this Raphtalia I must have fallen asleep." Shiro said as he saw it was morning and began to get up while rubbing the sleep from his eyes. But as he got up his hand touched something fleshy instead of feathery causing him to look. Resting next to Shiro was a blond haired nude Loli. In shock Shiro stepped back as he and Raphtalia both saw her.

"That... that girl is." Raphtalia began unable to find the words to express what she was seeing.

"Master hi good morning." She greeted with a smile as a pair of wings came out of her back.

"Who the heck is she!?" Raphtalia asked shocked to see the girl here.

Looking shocked Shiro had his answer as his mind was running 1,000 miles per hour right now. "How would I know?" Shiro asked in shock to all of this.

"Can I have something to eat?" The girl asked as she smiled to the duo no doubt unaware of the situation at hand with them.

(TBC)

ESKK: Well here we go a new chapter. I hope you all enjoyed it and will stay tuned for the next one. So until next time leave a review for me and once more as always I will say ja-ne.