Heroes of the Arks
ESKK: Well this was not intended we ended up having to split the chapter in two to keep it below my regular word count. Well Regardless I hope you all enjoy it so let's begin.
(Start Taiyo the Next Morning)
Taiyo felt the sun hitting his face as he began to stir awake. Once he opened his eyes he yawned and began to rise up from his spot while rubbing the sleep from his eyes. When Taiyo lowered his hand though instead of scales he felt something soft and fleshy making him go wide eyed to this. "Um... what?" Taiyo asked as he followed his gaze to the source. "What?" Taiyo asked as his eyes fell upon a very naked pale white girl with crimson locks.
The girl in turn began to get up as Taiyo was wide eyed to this. "Morning Taiyo." Rino began as she then saw the naked girl there and went wide eyed. As the girl got up they also noted she had dragon like horns sticking out of her hair. "Um what where did that where is?" Rino gasped as she tried to make sense of this. In turn Taiyo did the only thing he could think of in this situation.
(With Shiro)
Shiro, Raphtalia, and Filo were at another village selling their goods when all of a sudden a loud scream was heard. The trio jumped in shock as did some of the nearby villagers when they heard this. Whispers were being shared as Shiro looked to Raphtalia. "That sounds like Taiyo." Shiro said surprised by this.
"Is he in trouble?" Raphtalia asked with concern.
"No I think I know what this is, let's just say he and lolicons don't mix well." Shiro said knowing of Taiyo's intense fear of Lolicons and being one of them.
(Later back with Taiyo's Party)
"Ah, good morning master," the girls said as she looked at Taiyo as he panicked and said, "What the hell? I don't remember owning a slave, let alone a little girl! Who are you?"
Taiyo soon realizing who was missing from their group as he knew the client was sleeping in his wagon, as he didn't see his dragon anywhere as he soon said, "And where the heck is Ryuko?!"
"Ah, here master," the little girl said as both Rino and Taiyo looked at her as she suddenly sprouted wings that look very similar to Ryuko's wings as she went on saying, "Is something wrong?"
"Wait… your saying… your Ryuko… the dragon I raise?" Taiyo asked with the little girl nodded with Rino asked, "I don't understand this. This is Ryuko?"
Before anyone could say anything else, a growling sound was heard from her, while Ryuko rub her belly, she asked, "Can I get something to eat master?"
(Later)
Ryuko was eat some fish while a wearing the clothing that Rino had picked up from the Erhard shop from the last they were there, as the magic caster had heard the commotion and saw Ryuko wondering who she was with both adventurers explain things to him as he was getting the idea as he said, "I think I know what the problem is, Your dragon is an emperor or in this case an Empress."
"An Empress?" Taiyo asked as he was both confused and a bit excited to hear that with Rino asked, "I'm sorry, but could you do me a favor and explain to us more about this Dragon Emperor and Empress stuff? This is all still quite new for me as well."
"Oh where do I begin? Well I guess I can say is that with many creatures you can say there are those born special, some are smarter, stronger, or more powerful than their own race strongest, with that they are the apex of their entire race and hold the power to change their appearance that could blend in with their own, and among humans well, and are given titles such that similar to Nobility titles such as Baron and duchess, King and Queens, Emperor and empress. Your dragon that you have hatch wasn't just a 1 in a million, but 1 in a billion," The magic caster said as Taiyo was shock by this as he soon ask, "H-how powerful can you say an emperor or an empress dragon can be?"
"Hmm, that would be hard to explain as there are few stories told of them… but I do know of maybe one story. But it's hard to say if its accurate or not, but they say that there was a full grown Emperor dragon that fought against a monster that was as big as a mountain, they fought fearsomely, but it was the dragon who won as the dragon emperor destroy the monster with a mighty blast of its flames leaving nothing left of the creature or the very land the two fought in," the magic caster said as Rino just seem very worry about this as she wonder how could they take care of such a creature that could destroy an entire mountain, but Taiyo was different.
With stars in his eyes as he brought over Ryuko into his lap as he rub her head genially and give her a small tickle as she laugh to this while Taiyo said, "Who's daddy's little powerful dragon empress girl? Who's my little empress girl?"
"Hahaha! Me-me!" Ryuko said as she laugh still with Rino sweat drop to this, as she should have figure this could happen but didn't as she sort of forgot how Taiyo is at times, with a heart like his it's strange to say as the magic caster give a healthy laugh to this sight as he said, "My seem like they are like father and daughter."
"And that's what I'm worry about," Rino said as the man laugh again as he said, "Well you shouldn't well someone like him and you raising this one, I'm sure this one can be keep under controlled, as if she learns from you and him, no doubt she will be one of your greatest strengths."
Rino didn't know what to take of this, but if the man believe Taiyo can keep Ryuko calm and help her learn not to destroy things… it may take some time getting use to but she'll have faith in him, with the magic caster said, "Well I think we should head out now if we want to arrive at my village before noon."
"Alright, let's get traveling again Ryuko," Taiyo said as Ryuko smile and said, "Alright."
*Poof!
"AHH" Taiyo suddenly yells as a 2 ton dragon was now suddenly on him as he tap on Ryuko and said to her, "Ryuko please get off of me, I can't breathe!"
"Oh boy," Rino said this as now she was worry again, and what's worst she saw the torn fabric of the clothing Ryuko was wearing in her human form, now destroy.
(Later)
They group was traveling down the road once more with Ryuko pulling the wagon, as she didn't mind this with Taiyo holding the reins with Rino started to say, "We need a solution for clothing for Ryuko, otherwise we may have a problem."
"Can't we just sow her clothes back together or something?" Taiyo asked with Rino held up the fabric of the torn clothing and said, "If they always turn out like this, then no. We cannot sew her clothes back together in this state, and we can't have her strip every time before she transforms, she may do that before we tell her."
"Why not get some clothing made from magical thread for her?" the magic caster said as he heard what the pair were currently talking about here as Taiyo asked, "Magic threat clothing? What's that?"
"Some special clothes that are magic from magic threat, when are woven made from a type of magic stone that drawn mana from the person that's the clothing are being made for, as it will react to said person every time that could change into powerful magical armor or something else depending on how it's made," the man said with Rino said, "So the clothing can shrink or enlarge to the person as well?"
"That's the idea," the man said with Rino thought, "Sound like a good idea, but that must cost so much, could we afford such a thing for her?"
"Well hard to say, but I think I can help you if you like, if you wish you can gather some magic stones yourself, as some does sell for plenty of silver, as well you can also find the magic threat gem stone as well as I believe we can find some within the cave, that is if you can get pass the guardian beast," the man said as Taiyo said, "I can do it, I could hold back the beast myself while you two could gather the magic stones to use."
"Can you?" the magic caster said as Rino sighed a bit as she knew what he is meaning as he is referring to his Dragon knight armor, as it was powerful enough to fight off hordes of Gigas during the wave, should be easy for him to hold off a might beast, whatever it could be as Rino said, "He can, he hold a special power that you could say match those of the cardinal heroes."
"So the stories are true then, the shield hero and his band of warrior hold a power that said could bring forth might giants that would fight for them?" the man said as Taiyo corrected him, "I giant suit of the dragon knight! Oh man, I should I realize this, we should call ourselves the 'Team D'."
"Team D?" Rino question as Taiyo said, "Yea, its short for team Dragon because of my suit of armor, Ryuko being a dragon empress, and you are as fearsome as a dragon I heard someone said about you, why we wouldn't call ourselves "Team dragon"?"
Rino punch him over his head for that last part about her as she said, "How about we keep that part to ourselves?"
"Fine," Taiyo said as he rub the sore spot on his head now before he held the rein out and said, "Now Ryuko put the dragon talon to the metal! Full speed ahead!"
"You got it master!" Ryuko said as she ran as fast as she did yesterday as Rino held on for dear life with the magic caster seem to be enjoying the ride as they rush up the road.
(Later)
After a long and extreme wagon riding, the group arrived with Rino was on the ground, breath heavily as she said with a crying tone, "Damn it Taiyo, why do you do this?"
"So we have the best chances of getting here on time!" Taiyo called out as he grinned more than ready to do battle.
"While I can't deny your enthusiasm remember that not everyone is as quick to jump into the fray as you are." The Magic Caster said and in turn the four looked at the Cave before them. "Now then." He began until he suddenly stopped when he looked to the ground. He kneeled to the ground and got everyone's attention.
"Hey what's wrong?" Rino asked as Ryuko came in and investigated as well with Taiyo.
"Someone got here before us." He said with a tone suggesting that was NOT a good thing.
"That sounds bad. Why is that bad?" Taiyo asked as he was most concerned as to why that was a bad thing.
"More often than not those who came to this cave either don't know what they are walking into or are actively trying to harm the beast inside." The man said and in turn the duo turned trio were now worried. "We best hurry less our guests do something they will come to regret." The man said and in turn they were all ready to move.
Changing gears Taiyo then looked to his party taking command. "Let's go." Taiyo said with a serious tone in his voice as this caused Rino to blush. Another thing to know about Taiyo is that despite acting like an idiot more often than not he knew when to stop playing around and get serious.
"Right." Rino said with Ryuko nodding in response.
(Meanwhile inside the Cave)
Itsuki and his party were making their way through the Cave as they were all on guard. Making sure to keep their guard up the group made their way through seeking out their target. They were tracking their target via the tracks it left behind as they recalled the job requested of them a while back. A monster had been terrorizing a nearby village taking their food and the like basically enslaving it and already a few people had died because of this. Itsuki and his party were requested to hunt down this monster and deal with it posthaste so the village wouldn't have to be terrorized any longer.
"These tracks are fresh." One of his party members announced as Itsuki looked to them.
"The monster must come through here regularly these tracks go in and out from this way." Itsuki said as he looked to his party. "From the looks of it if we act fast we can surprise it at its nest and make quick work of it." Itsuki said and in turn his party agreed.
"Of course Sir Itsuki." The Party member said and in turn they got moving. In Itsuki's mind he could all but picture the people worshiping him grateful for saving them. As they moved they were unaware of the chaos they were about to bring to these people.
(Meanwhile back with Taiyo's party)
Ryuko remained in her dragon form as the group made their way through the cave. As they walked the Magic Caster guided them as Taiyo held a lit torch in his hand. "You said this was a short cut right?" Taiyo asked as the Magic Caster nodded to them.
"Yes our village knows these caves better than any other and we know quick ways to get to the Guardian's nest." The Magic Caster said as they continued to move hoping to beat these people to guests to their destination. Taiyo and Rino both had tools ready to mine the magic stones for this man so he may build his daughters focus and hopefully get Ryuko the thread to make her clothing. They continued on their way through the cave until they came across a light at the end of the tunnel.
"Look!" Rino called out as she looked and saw the end of their path.
The group continued on until they were met with a bright flash of light after arriving at their destination. When they got there they were wide eyed and smiling at what they saw. It was an entire cavern filled with Magic Stones that all glowed and gave off a beauty one could not deny.
"It's beautiful." Ryuko said as she saw the area before her.
"Amazing." Taiyo said and thus the Magic Caster chuckled.
"Now come we must make haste." He began and in turn they got moving to a nearby spire with magic caster holding a hammer. He quickly got to work being extra careful to not cause damage or draw attention to them. As he worked Taiyo kept watch with Ryuko who looked ready for anything that could happen. What happened next was not something they would expect as they heard an odd sound.
It sounded like an attempt at a roar that came out unintimidating to anyone. Opting to check it out Taiyo went to look for it and in turn saw it came from a small group of magic crystals. Ryuko followed and when she took notice Rino joined them as well. Once the party arrived they were all wide eyed and gasping at what they saw. It was a nest surrounded by Magic Crystals and in said nest were tiger like creatures with crystals sticking out of their bodies. Though what should clearly be more spike, like were nubs in comparison as the nub crystals were glowing much like the magic crystals in the cave.
"Ahhhh." Rino gushed as she saw the cubs. "They're adorable." Rino said and in turn the Magic Caster was finished with is task.
"What is it" He asked and in turn saw what the group saw. "So that's why it's been taking more." The man said as he saw the cubs in the nest. "It was feeding its young." He said realizing that this also explains why it became more volatile lately. Most if not all animals monster or otherwise will become extra volatile to protect their young its basic maternal instinct. "We might just be looking at our villages future protectors." The man added just before they heard an angry snarl coming behind them.
The four turned around wide eyed when they heard this and knew they were in trouble now. Behind them was a clearly the fully grown version of the monster as it was clear it was not happy with them. "Yeah time to go." Taiyo said knowing full well they had to get out of here... at least until Ryuko noticed something.
"Wait look!" Ryuko called out as she pointed with one of her frontal claws. The group looked and saw arrows sticking out of the monster and with it blood dripping from it.
"It's hurt." Taiyo said and in turn realized the blood must have left a trail to follow. "Guys back away from the nest now." Taiyo said as the group did as told. Taiyo was the first to start raising his hands in a non-threatening manner while stepping away from the monster. Mimicking what he was doing the rest of the group raised their hands and putting distance between them and the nest. The Monster noticing this kept growling and glaring but not attacking as the group of four stepped away from the nest and the cubs. The Cubs meanwhile gave the party a curious look before they saw the state their mother was in.
Once they stepped away the monster made its way to its nest to try and heal its wounds. Alas that would not be the case as more arrows came in and hit the monster causing it to roar in pain. The Party was wide eyed and looked to see it was Itsuki and his party who did it. "Oh great the stooges why am I not surprised." Taiyo said showing he was frustrated with these idiots as is.
"Hu? Why are you here and… is that a dragon?" Itsuki asked as he saw Taiyo and his party as well Ryuko who stood out as Taiyo said to him, "Yeah, and she's mine, as well I should be asking you that question, why the hell are you here Mister Bow hero?"
"I'm on a quest here to slay this beast, the stories goes it's been terrorizing the nearby village, and I was hired by one of its people to take care of it, so I have come to end its life," Itsuki said as the magic caster said, "This cannot be true, you have been lie to Hero. This beast hasn't threaten the village at all."
"You dare talk to the mighty bow hero, Itsuki like that? I'll have your head," the big guy in Itsuki's party said to the man as Rino said to him, "I think there a misunderstanding here, this beast here isn't a vicious creature, it live peacefully with the village."
"Sir Itsuki, they are clearly lying no doubt they want to steal the reward. We need to deal with them right away," the big guy said as Itsuki didn't hesitate to agree with him as he said, "You're probably right Mald. And no doubt being the shield hero's ally he would try and take the reward for him."
"And here I thought you were smarter than this, but clearly your head is pretty much up your own ass," Taiyo said as Itsuki said to his as he drew his bow for another arrow, "You cannot fool me Taiyo, as if you get in my way then I will serve justice to you as well."
When he drew back the arrow, with the sound of the string being pulled, the guardian beast took notice of this believe it was aiming for its young, it roar out greatly while Itsuki was surprise by this, as he fire his bow clearly off target as it was coming at the nest were the cubs were at, with everyone panic with Ryuko somehow rush in just in time to stop the arrow with her body, and cry out in pain with a roar.
"Ryuko!" Taiyo said as he went over to Ryuko to check on the damage, as he saw the arrow had make it in-between the scales but it did not pierce as deep, no doubt he scale on Ryuko body was hard and the arrow just skid across them and ended up between instead as he pull out with little blood showing as Taiyo quickly pull out an ointment as he started to rub some on this wound itself as he said, "Don't worry Ryuko, it was shallow hit. You asshole you shot my dragon, I'm going to kick your ass!"
"You will not dare lay a finger on Master Itsuki!" one of the tall female party member said as soon she pull out her own bow and aim it at him until Rino came up and stop her by swing her sword with the flat end to knock away the aim of the bow as Rino said, "Stop this, we should not be-
"Fireball!" the magic caster of Itsuki's party attacked her as he fire a fire ball at her, as she dodge it quickly with the small girl of the group came up with her own weapon and attack her, slower than anything, Rino block the attack with her own sword as she said, "Will you stop it attacking me. We should not be doing this."
"Hold her still Rishia. We shall finish this one in one shot," the magic caster said as he summon forth a big magic circle no doubt a powerful attack of sort that could not only hurt Rino, but his party member as well with Rino eyes widen to this as the caster was about to cast the fire spell, until a burst of water stop him, soaking the mage as everyone turn to see where the attack came from as it came from the Taiyo's and Rino's client as he said, "That far enough, you were about to cast a high tear fire spell upon them, no doubt that could kill both of them, what in the world were you thinking?"
"You should have not interfered old man, if you aren't with us, your against us," the mage said as suddenly a fight has broken out as the mage cast out a spell and fire it at the man as he held up his staff and summon forth a barrier that protected him as he magic caster said to the mage, "You gotta do better than that."
"I'm not done yet," the mage said as he cast out more magic and fire it at the older magic caster while over with Rino, the archer girl aim her bow at her and fire a few arrows, with Rino block one arrow with her sword while dodge the other as even she knew she can't stop all the arrows as she said, "Why are you doing this? We're we friends before?"
"Not anymore, as you join the spear hero party, you didn't follow me when I said we should have follow the bow Hero together, but you choose him over our friendship, and when you join an ally of the shield Hero, you also broke our friendship, siding with that scum," the archer girl said as she fire another arrow at her as Rino slash the arrow away as Rino didn't like this, but it seem she has no choice as she said, "I didn't break out friendship, but if this is how you're going to be? Fine then."
Rino and the archer went at each other as the archer girl pulled out a dagger. Meanwhile Itsuki and Mald were attacking Taiyo at the same time, as the big guy came at him first, swinging his sword upon him as he block it with his spear weapon, kicking him away and cast out, "Fire lance!"
Sent a spear of fire at Itsuki to throw him off balance so he didn't get a chance to aim properly as Taiyo rush him and swing his spear down at Itsuki, while the bow hero block it with his bow as Taiyo said to him, "I don't know what the hell your malfunction is, but clearly your sense of justice is just a sense of getting attention for yourself."
"Shut up, my sense of justice is natural for a hero like me, if I take you out here and now, then no doubt people will cheer out for me taking down a lingering terror over the people in this world," Itsuki said as Taiyo said to him, "Do you even hear yourself, you think this is a game still? Wake up and smell the roses."
Taiyo push back before leaping away from Mald who came up behind him and about to strike at him, but misses as Taiyo saw that guy coming a mile away as those guys just keep on fighting each other.
With the girl from before as she wasn't fighting anyone, she look to the beast that was still hurt from the arrows Itsuki show into it, as she believe this is her chance to make her party leader proud so she came at it to try and kill it. But suddenly she was meet with a very pissed off Ryuko as she was looking down at Rishia before letting out a breath of fire. Rishia quickly dodge it while yelling in a panic as Ryuko soon started to chase her around while breathing fire at her as she just jump up to avoid it like a running gag of a cartoon.
Back to the real fight, everyone seem to be holding themselves well against the other but the battle were going nowhere anytime soon with Rino fighting against her former friend, the old mage defending himself well as with every strike that came at him he'll a spell back just as strong keeping the young mage guy at bay.
Lastly with Taiyo against Mald and Itsuki, he was keeping up well with a cardinal hero and one of his party members, with Itsuki not using any major attack due to not wanting to collapse the cave they are in as he call out, "Wind arrow!"
A gust of wind shot forth from his bow, as the shot came fast as Taiyo, he acted fast as he called out, "Crosswind!"
Summon forth his own wind attack which clash and cancel out Itsuki's attack, as the bow hero was getting annoyed by this as his target was right there and Taiyo was getting in the way, with Mald giving his best effort to attack as he clash with the dragon knight pactmaker.
He parry against the big guy well enough, sense the guy just relay on his size and strength than any skills which give him an edge, as Mald came in with a big swing, Taiyo duck under it using Mald own momentum to make him trip cover him and came at Itsuki as they clash with Itsuki using his bow to block Taiyo's strike as he said to the bow hero, "You know this isn't going to end well, just stop fighting, leave with your party and we can forget this even happened."
"I will not, I came here for a quest to slay that beast, so he won't threaten the village ever again," Itsuki said as Taiyo said to him, "Dude does everything we say go through one ear and out the other? That beast isn't the threat here, you are."
The beast manage to get up despite its wounds it has, but it wasn't going to give up anytime soon, with all the fighting against it want to protect its cubs no matter what, with Itsuki saw the beast has stood up once more, making it an easy target but he needed a moment to take it as it seem he has to rely on his party members, as Mald has recover from that trick Taiyo pulled on him as Itsuki said, "Mald, help push this one away while I finish it."
"You got it, Sir Hero!" Mald said as he charged at Taiyo as he said, "Oh you got to be kidding me?"
He push off of Itsuki and turn around to block a strike from Mald, while unexpected Itsuki called out, "Rojeel attack the spearman!"
"Understood!" the mage user said as he turn his attention to Taiyo as he fought against Mald, as he call forth another spell as he said while firing his spell, "Ember Bolt!"
A fire spell that took shape as fire shard of sort as it launch itself at Taiyo, as he saw it coming and said, "Oh shit!"
He let off his strike on Mald to dodge the incoming attack as it did miss him as it hit the ground, but cause a good size explosion that blow him off his feet, enough time for Itsuki as he aim his bow at the beast once more as he call forth an attack as a magic circle appeared before him as he called out, "Chaos arrow!"
He let it rip as the arrow flew towards the beast, as it saw the attack coming, turn its body enough to block the attack from hitting its young, exploded upon contact with it while it cry out in pain with blood spewed from it body and the crystal on tis back were shatter only leaving a, shard on its back.
"No!" the old mage said as he saw his people Guardian get shot at by the bow hero, with Taiyo recover from the fire bolt as he saw the tiger guardian beast was hit with a shock expression came over his face, with everyone else stop what they were doing and saw what happen with Rino said, "Oh no."
Ryuko stop chasing Rishia and saw what happen to her shock as well, the archer girl and young mage saw that their hero has succeed in dealing a devastated blow that no doubt die from that wound.
The Old man cast out an ice spell out, hitting against the young mage, sending him against the wall and trap by the frozen shell covering most of his body, keeping the mage in place as he struggle to break free, with the old man rushes to the beast side and said, "What have you done?"
"I slay the beast, and with that the threat to the village is over," Itsuki said without sounding worry of what he just did, as Mald laugh to this as he said, "Great work Sir Itsuki, now we have to just deal with these thieves and be on our way."
As Mald came over to Taiyo with his sword ready to strike him down, as Taiyo himself felt angry… no he was furious, a burning rage came forth from him, as his eyes turn a burning red as Mald attack was about to strike him, until Taiyo suddenly let out a brush of energy which didn't do anything, but it seem to given him a boost of some sort, as he give his own roar of anger while swing his spear around, knocking Mald's sword out of his hand, surprising the big guy as Taiyo suddenly jump on him and soon beat the shit out of him before he throw him over at Itsuki.
Once the Knight was thrown Itsuki had quickly avoided it but ended up quickly blindsided by Taiyo who punched the Bow Hero in the face hard. As Itsuki stumbled from it Taiyo glared at the Bow Hero in pure unbridled contempt. "DO HAVE ANY IDEA WHAT YOU'VE DONE?!" Taiyo yelled as he glared down at Itsuki. When Itsuki didn't answer this only served to anger Taiyo even further. "I asked do!" Taiyo began as he punched Itsuki again. "You!" He continued with another punch to emphasis his anger, "Have!" He continued and sent another punch at the Bow Heroes face before he could retort. "Any idea!" He said and punctuated it with a kick to his gullet. "What!" Taiyo went on slam Itsuki's face into his knee. "You've!" He went on and twisted his arm before he could notch a bow forcing Itsuki to his knees. "DONE!" Taiyo yelled and slammed Itsuki's face into the ground causing the boy to cry out in pain
"Sir Itsuki!" Mald called out only for Rino to stop him in his tracks with a sword at his throat.
"I suggest you stay put Mald." Rino growled as she had a dark look on her features.
"You've doomed us." The old man said as he glared at Itsuki.
"What I didn't do that I saved your people." Itsuki said as the cubs headed to their mother and were trying to get her to move but it was already too late for her. In response Taiyo pulled hard causing Itsuki to cry out in pain from the pressure.
"You think so?" Taiyo said his voice dripping with venom and sarcasm all in one bundle.
"Well Sir Hero if you truly that is truly the case." The old magic caster began as he walked over to the cubs trying his best to comfort them knowing they were just orphaned. "Let us see just how rewarded you and your party are Sir Hero." The man said his voice dripping with venom when calling Itsuki a 'hero,' just then.
(Scene Break at the Village)
The village was more or less peaceful if not full on prosperous. As they were all gathered in the village Taiyo saw how the people were gathering around the dead monsters corpse after Taiyo and his party loaded it up onto the carriage. Needless to say Itsuki was expecting words of praise from them.
"Who did this?" A random villager asked as they were all gathered around the village of the dead monster while Rino and the old magic caster held onto the cubs in their arms.
"I did." Itsuki said lucky to not be tied but had weapons and magic pointed his way the entire ride with his party having their weapons confiscated. Many people gasped to this shocked at what Itsuki just said and appalled at how callously he said this. "You free now you don't have to live in fear of this monster." Itsuki said ready to make Taiyo and his party eat their words.
But the next words that came out left Itsuki in a loop as it was not the words he was expecting. "What have you done you doomed us!?" A man called out and in turn that was the catalyst to this.
"W-what?!" Itsuki asked shocked to hear the man say such a thing.
"That monster was protecting our village we gave it offerings a small part of our crops and in exchange it warded off any invaders!" Another called out as Itsuki was left in a bind now.
"You killed out only means to protect ourselves from the Waves! You killed us all!" The man yelled accusingly at Itsuki as it was clear that Itsuki and his party were in trouble now and soon things were being thrown. Someone got a rock and threw it at Itsuki as it was followed by more aimed at his party. Rishia cried out from this as she tried to find cover from it while the party was shocked by this as was Itsuki.
Itsuki then glared at Taiyo who glared at him no doubt blaming him for this. "What did you do!?" Itsuki demanded as he clearly didn't see himself in the wrong here.
"I didn't do anything this was all you Itsuki." Taiyo said his voice dripping with venom over what Itsuki had done to these people in his own arrogance.
"I saved them, I'm the chosen hero you had to have done something to the story the coding to make it turn out this way!" Itsuki yelled clearly not accepting that he was in the wrong.
"You moron." Taiyo said as it was clear that the nice guy was taking a backseat so his inner anger can come out to tear Itsuki a new one. "You're so arrogant that you can't accept responsibility for your actions can you?" Taiyo asked as he glared down upon Itsuki. "This was all your fault Itsuki no one else's just because you're the 'Cardinal Hero,' doesn't mean you can do whatever you want, claim it's in the name of justice, and nothing can go wrong." Taiyo scolded as he glared at Itsuki with nothing but contempt for him.
"Heretics!" Came one villager who was all but spitting Itsuki's name.
"Doom bringer!" Another cried out as Itsuki was wide eyed to this while his bow began to produce a dark aura much like Motoyasu's did during the duel.
"Fake Hero!" A third one yelled as Itsuki was left wide eyed as that broke the camel's back it seems.
"No I'm the hero! I have to be I was chosen I saved you all!" Itsuki yelled back but it was clear the people didn't see it. This wasn't right as the insults and spitting kept coming his way clearly showing that Itsuki's world view was being shattered. As Itsuki stood there his eyes went over to Taiyo and in turn a new emotion came over him, anger. He was angry that his honor as a hero and sense of justice was being trampled upon by this bastard. As he glared in contempt at Taiyo he wanted to make the Pactmaker of the Dragon Knight suffer for turning these people against him for cheating and changing the story to make him out to be the villain instead.
In turn a villager ran up to Taiyo with concern. "You're a hero an adventurer right?" The man asked as he was clearly the village lord around here.
"Yeah I am." Taiyo said with a nod as he looked to the man.
"Please I beg you it won't be long till the bandits and invaders realize the monster is dead." The man said as he looked to Taiyo. "Please help us I beg you." The man said as it was clear he was willing to offer whatever Gold he could to get Taiyo to help them.
"Well I." Taiyo said as he was unaware that Itsuki had blocked everything out now in pure shock alone.
In Itsuki's mind he couldn't believe what was going on. It wasn't possible he was the hero he saved these people and now they're going to Taiyo instead of him for aid. It wasn't right he was the hero. He was the chosen hero chosen to be the Cardinal bow Hero it was his destiny. Taiyo... Taiyo took it from him made him into the villain made him hated it should be the other way around. He was the Hero not Taiyo him... HIM! Unknown to Itsuki the dark aura reached its form and thus like Motoyasu after Jun beat him before Itsuki unlocked a truly dark power.
"REQUIREMENTS MET CURSE SERIES: PRIDE UNLOCKED!"
Just then a bell was being rung making everyone go wide eyed to this. Looking to the nearby tower it was clear that Itsuki's actions did not go unnoticed. "Their coming!" A man in the tower called out and in turn they all realized that trouble was on the way.
"No." The Magic caster said and needless to say Taiyo was not in a negotiating mood.
"You were hired by them... to kill the monster that's been stopping them." Taiyo said putting the pieces together as it all made sense. Itsuki's party grew silent in response to this realizing they all screwed up big time. Seeing what was going to happen seeing how scared everyone was and his own anger at Itsuki congregated for Taiyo. He wasn't going to put these people through a prolonged battle and he was sure as hell not putting anyone else in danger.
With a sigh Taiyo began to walk off as he took out his Knights Ark. "Rino… keep an eye on Ryuko." Taiyo said as he began to walk off as his own anger was being held back. Rino noted how cold and angry Taiyo sounded as it was clear he was doing everything he could to keep the monster... no to keep the dragon locked up for a little while longer. "Ryuko stay put and do what your mom... do what Rino tells you." Taiyo said correcting himself at the end and thus Ryuko nodded as she felt the rage building in Taiyo as well.
AS Taiyo walked off he in turn began the incantation. He let go of the Ark and in turn it flew around him as he began the chant. "O Larvain Vermillion Drake Leveler of Ancient lands." He said as the belt began to wrap around his waist. "Grant me your power." He continued when the belt was secured and moved his hand to the dragons head. "Verto." He finished and in turn transformed. He didn't even make a show of it as in Taiyo's place after a flash of light the Dragon Knight stood tall and ready for battle. As the Dragon Knight spread its wing he flew to where the Bandits were intent on hunting them down and bringing them down.
(Scene Break with the Bandits)
"Hah I can't believe it was that easy!" One of the Bandits called out as they all shared a laugh with each other.
"That idiot was easier to read then a damn book." Another called out as it was clear they were celebrating early. It may seem premature but they were happy to not have to deal with that monster anymore. Now they were free to take what they wanted, money, booze, and more importantly woman.
"So boss any plans on how to split up the hull?" One of the bandits asked as the boss smirked.
"Well I was a bit partial to some of the small tykes." Another Bandit said as they all nervously chuckled to their leaders... unsavory tastes.
"Yeah um..." One of them said until they heard the sound of clanking armor. Of course they thought it was theirs until the bandits stopped and noted it came from above them. Following it they saw a shadows cast over their small army and with it a glint of the sun reflecting of something metal. They all looked up and saw the Dragon Knight coming at them with its eyes glowing an ominous violet as it came for them.
Taiyo savage roar was heard from the Knight as it came down roaring in pure fury. He spun around his trident and in turn the bandits were all wide eyed at what they saw and following it up... was nothing but a world of red. The only sound heard was the cries of the bandits the sounds of a one sided massacre, and the dragon like Roar of the Dragon Knight.
The sun began to set that same day and the only thing left was the Dragon Knight standing over a clearing filled with corpses and mangled remains. The few bandits who survived quickly ran for their lives but even they knew Taiyo let them lived to spread the word of what had occurred here. The Dragon Knight's hands and trident were all dripping freshly spilled blood as the feet was covered in the stuff. Clearly what Taiyo did would haunt him for many years to come but he had to do it. He had to make sure these people were safe. But let it be known that one should NEVER anger a Dragon in their lifetime. If you fail to heed this warning then may, God have mercy on your poor foolish soul.
"REQUIREMENTS MET DOGMA SERIES HAS BEEN UNLOCKED!"
(Scene Break That Same Afternoon)
As the sun set changing the colors of the sky the watchtower was oddly silent and felt isolated. Taiyo was sitting by his lonesome in the watchtower watching the smoke rise from the destruction he had caused prior. As Taiyo sat there his mind raced with the images he saw before as he lost control of himself back there. IT was an awful feeling and worst of all it was the fact he took some sort of sick twisted pleasure out of all of it. As he sat there by his lonesome he tried to forget what he saw and had done but nothing happened.
Itsuki and his party had left not long after Taiyo returned with his armor all but growling like an actual dragon. The orphaned cubs would be raised by the villagers at least until their old enough to survive on their own without them and after that show Taiyo put future invaders will think twice before coming here again. Their client of course had paid them and had offered to make them the magic threat and pay for Ryuko's new outfit after Taiyo went off to save the village from those bandits seeking to invade.
Still the act alone haunted Taiyo and the feeling he had was not a god one not one bit. He soon heard movement and looked to it and saw it was Rino standing there. As Rino entered she knew words weren't needed here not now. She didn't know exactly what Taiyo did but she knew that it wasn't an easy thing for him to do. So she walked over to Taiyo and sat next to him and in turn let him rest hug her close allowing his head to her chest for rest.
As she quietly sat there she caressed Taiyo's to comfort him. Even though Rino didn't know the full story she knew the battle took a heavy toll on Taiyo. It was then she understood why he smiled so much it was because he knew the world was dark and messy so he tries to smile through it all to remind himself and others there was a silver lining to it all. In a sense he was the heart of his friends group and what a mighty heart it was. It made her grateful in a way to have Taiyo in her life and in turn she knew that Ryuko was also grateful and vice-versa.
(Scene Break the Next Day Clothing Shop)
After Ryuko's mana was used to make the thread the group stood at the villagers clothing shop awaiting for Ryuko to show herself to them. Just then Ryuko came out of the curtain as the young girl was now wearing a dress that made her look like a little dragon Princess. Taiyo and Rino both gushed when they saw Ryuko come out as the seamstress laughed at the possible couple's reaction to their possible daughter.
"She's adorable!" Rino gushed as she looked to Ryuko.
"That's right little Ryuko is wearing my best work yet!" The woman called out as Ryuko did a small spin to show off her outfit. "I made the outfit special to show off her wings and adorable tail, and made sure to color code it so it all comes together in this splendid outfit!" She called out as Ryuko's outfit matched up to the Dragon Knights armor. "I used Red as the base color to match up to daddy, and even added a bit of violet for the ribbon to go with her eyes." "The woman said referring to the ribbon around Ryuko's neck area.
"Don't I look cute, daddy?" Ryuko asked making Taiyo and Rino blush to this.
"Um yeah adorable." Taiyo praised and in turn Ryuko cheered to this.
But when Ryuko cheered she transformed and in turn Rino glared. "Ryuko what did I say about transforming indoors!" Rino scolded the dragon girl but it seems Ryuko wasn't listening.
"Ah even on a monster it's adorable!" The seamstress of this village gushed as she looked to Ryuko's newly acquired dragon ribbon. "Isn't your daughter adorable?" She asked looking to both Taiyo and Rino.
"Um... yeah I guess..." Rino said before covering her mouth to this words. During the whole thing Ryuko was just smiling and soaking in the words of praise she was receiving. It seems Taiyo's group was growing and with it so was Shiro's party as a whole. But the question remained how long till darkness strikes back at them. Only the passage of time will make the answer known to the group as a whole.
(TBC)
ESKK: Well here you go a new chapter I hope you all enjoyed it and will join us next time for the follow up. Now the next Chapter will be Tsubaki focused so I hope you all keep reading my fics. Now then please be sure to review this chapter before leaving and as always folk's ja-ne.
