Heroes of the Arks

ESKK: Well a new chapter let's begin.

(Start Tsubaki Dreamscape)

It was a full moon night as many were asleep save for guards on night duty or bars servicing said guards. In one particular inn Tsubaki and Conan were sound asleep as the two were resting for the next day of adventuring. As they rested Tsubaki's dreams were not what she expected but premonitions of events to come.

In her dream like vision Tsubaki was before a church of some sort. As she stood there she began to grow concerned as to what brought her here. In turn she saw what looked to be the symbol of the Church of Three Heroes and on it she saw two dark flames on it. On those flames it seems to connect to both the Spear and Bow Heroes suggesting something dark was afoot. But the one to note was the dark flame around the Spear Heroes aspect suggesting Motoyasu was involved somehow.

Soon the image changed as Tsubaki felt the world around her shift to show her another part of this vision she needed to see. Following it she found herself in a fog and with it the sounds of battle played around her. Swords met swords as arrows and magic spells flew around her before the fog began to clear. She in turn saw two paths before her opting her to investigate both of them. The first one she investigated had Tsubaki glaring at Malty or Myne but what made her angry was the fact Tsubaki was in chains and had a slave crest on her chest added to the fact her vision self was wearing what seemed to be a wedding dress as the chains wrapped around her neck, wrists, and ankles. At the paths end she saw a dark figure atop a throne as she swore she had seen this figure somewhere before.

Tsubaki stepped away from this path and went to investigate the other one. There she found an angry Malty turned scared Malty as in the visions she saw what looked to be the Moon Maiden or a shadow of her at least. But her form had changed making her hard to make out through some sort of fog of power. But the area around them was of destruction suggesting the Moon Maiden had more power than it had been showing her of late. Whatever it was Tsubaki knew it was dangerous somehow and thus she had to exercise caution when dealing with it. Just then a young man walked out from behind her looking to the scene before these final words were spoken to Tsubaki.

"I who is about to awaken."

And with that the Moon Maiden like Knight blasted forth her power causing Tsubaki to cry out and shield herself from the Knights attack.

(Waking World)

Tsubaki woke up with a start as she gasped in panic over what she just saw. She didn't know why she had that vision but it suggested there were two ways it was going to end. One leading to destruction and one leading to enslavement neither of which Tsubaki was fond of but both paths made it clear she had to be careful. The future was always changing after all and visions of future events simply showed only possible futures nothing set in stone. As Tsubaki rubbed her eyes she noted it was still night out but somehow she had a feeling she wasn't going to be getting much sleep tonight.

(Scene Break the next day Adventures Guild)

Tsubaki walked into the Guild with a yawn as her prediction of not getting much sleep was spot on. As she walked in she headed to one of the tables to grab herself something to drink. She raised her hand to get one of the bar wenches attention. "Do you have something to give a tired person a proper pick me up?" Tsubaki asked as she could use something to drink right now. As wench nodded Conan looked to Tsubaki with great concern for her.

"Tsubaki are you ok?" Conan asked worried for Tsubaki.

"Yeah it's just I didn't sleep too well last night." Tsubaki asked omitting the part about her vision not wanting to worry Conan after the last one.

"Was it a bad dream?" Conan asked worried for Tsubaki.

"Something like that." Tsubaki confessed as she looked to Conan. Not to long after Tsubaki's requested drink arrived and in turns she happily took it so she can start her day properly. As she drank though she couldn't help but feel something was going to happen and she could not put her finger on it.

(Meanwhile Castle Melromarc)

Malty was not a happy girl in fact the exact opposite she was furious. Everything she had been trying to work torts was being torn down by Jun left and right. She started small so Malty hadn't noticed at the time that was her first mistake. Every job they took that was supposed to be easy and get them a good amount of money was being taken over by a 'Trio of Mercenaries,' who were 'in the area at the time.' It was clear Jun was responsible for it as she was when asked the description given matched Jun and her little group of hired swords. Jun even went as far as to make it so the only jobs that paid well were the ones Malty would actually have to actively work on if she wanted to keep both herself and the Spear Hero in her father's good graces.

It didn't help that Jun was like her leaving Malty at a disadvantage. But that Blacked Winged Harpy was ruining everything for her. What made it increasingly infuriating was that already Motoyasu had taken some of those quests at Malty's advice to keep him from suspecting anything and had gained a huge amount of EXP for it. Luckily they weren't too difficult but the danger for it was very much real. But still it didn't make sense Jun was one step ahead of her this whole time and Malty could hardly predict her next move. Jun was anticipating everything Malty did with a fine comb. If Malty didn't do something soon she feared that even an idiot like Motoyasu was going to notice something.

"It's not fair… It's not fair! It's not FAIR!" Malty shouted, knocking over her dresser clearly throwing a tantrum.

"Malty, calm down!" A worried Aultcray said seeing as he was concerned for his eldest daughter's wellbeing. After all seeing as she hadn't calmed herself after the recent job request being retracted due to the supposed actions of Jun and her fellow Mercenaries made Aultcray thing she was starting to lose it. It seems all her problems Malty had tried to put the blame on either Jun or the shield Hero. The Black Knight more so then the Shield Hero surprisingly enough.

"Don't tell me to calm down! Those damned Shadows ruined everything!" Malty snapped at her father no doubt throwing a temper tantrum.

"I know, but getting upset won't change what happened." Aultcray said trying to calm Malty down.

"Than what are we supposed to do about that wretched Black Winged Bitch!" Malty yelled as she glared at Aultcray.

"We can't do much against her or the other three until the Doctor finishes working on our Knights." Aultcray said as he tried to defuse the situation. "From what he informed me he's already made great progress thanks to the Black Knights last battle." Aultcray said and in turn that got Malty to calm down some.

Malty took a deep breath and grinned. "Huh… You're right. She and the others who side with the Shield will learn their lesson either way." Malty said as she smiled a bit. Besides if they don't she would come up with other plans to crush those wretched Knights, no matter what.

"Exactly. And, all you need to do is focus on supporting Motoyasu-dono through his endeavors. With your help, I'm certain he'll become the greatest of the Cardinal Heroes." Aultcray smiled, glad to see his precious daughter feeling better, but there was one thing still left him curious. "Speaking of whom, how is Motoyasu-dono?" Aultcray asked as he had noticed Motoyasu was currently missing.

"Ever since his duel with the Black Knight he's been in a slump, whining about those bimbos with the Shield, Jun and Tsubaki." Malty said as it wasn't like Motoyasu as of late. The Spear Hero constantly chattering about those girls and the targets their Knights put on them was irritating to say the least, but a minor on if she could raise his reputation enough that he would be considered an heir to the throne. Then all she had to do was take care of the obstacles, marry Motoyasu, and she will have everything she deserved as the first born. "Not to worry. I'll get him to concentrate on the Waves and his adventures." Malty assured her father knowing how he favored the Spear Hero above the others.

"I see. I'll leave it to you then." The King said and in turn Malty nodded to Aultcray before he took his leave. In turn Malty went to leave herself knowing full well Motoyasu would be at the Guild soon enough. Unknown to any of them the Queen's Shadows and a dark bird was watching the entire exchange. The Bird took flight and left intend to report its findings to its mistress and her allies.

(Scene Break Later That day Adventurers Guild)

Tsubaki, and Conan had spent a good part of the day doing quests. They took a few hard ones but opted to keep it slow today needing a bit of a break after the Wave and Jun nearly losing it during the duel. They had spent most of the morning doing jobs and basically helping the little guys. It was more or less a slow day for her and in turn she opted to keep her feet on the ground. Already she had been making progress with the Guild as many had started welcoming her when she and Conan walked in. It all seemed well and good but that vision had really struck a nerve on her.

The duo had just come back from another Quest and a run to Erhards shop to repair their gear when they came across a crowd of Adventurers gathering around the request sign. "Huh?" Tsubaki asked as she walked forward to see what it was about. As she walked forward she got one of the Drink wenches attention to get information.

"Hey what's going on here?" Tsubaki asked as she looked to the woman.

"Oh a Dungeon Raid Request had come in that is the rarest of the rare for Adventurers and Mercenaries alike." The woman said as this got Tsubaki's attention.

"Rare? How?" Tsubaki asked and thus Conan spoke up.

"Well that's because the people who put the request up are very specific on what and who they are looking for in a client." Conan said as he cut in on the request information. "They want success so they don't go looking for amateurs." Conan added to which Tsubaki was interested. "Sometimes they will even send a request for those specific people to take tackle this quest." Conan said and in turn Tsubaki was now very interested in this quest.

"Ms. Tsubaki maybe you should apply for this quest?" The Drink Lass offered as she knew Tsubaki was perfect for it.

"W-what me no I mean my party is just build of me and Conan." Tsubaki said knowing they were too understaffed for this job request. But Tsubaki won't lie that she wasn't at the very least interested in it. In fact it reminded her of a raid event some games have that happen at random. But Tsubaki tend to be cautious about such things and in turn rather not take a risk if it can be avoided.

"You sure? I know many adventures would always jump for this chance, even those without a party would do it solo, so it wouldn't be much different if it's you and your friend," the drink lass said as Tsubaki still wasn't convents as the drink lass suddenly remembers something else as she said, "Oh I just remember hearing this, the spear hero would also would be applying to it as well, so maybe if you stick with them you could also make it through the dungeon."

"Wait, the spear hero?" Tsubaki said as she knew something is weird as she knew the spear hero isn't always that smart to do things on his own and it's that princess that usually lead him around like a dog on a leash, with the drink lass said, "Yeah, it's a bit of a surprise, but not as surprising that at least one of the cardinal heroes would be doing this. Some people say that this time the Dungeon Raid could be finally conquered with the hero competing."

Tsubaki didn't like the sound of it, no doubt it's something that the princess is going to use to bring fame to the spear hero which include her as well sense she's a part of his party, and there no telling what could be the prize of that Dungeon anyways whether be great wealth that could be used to buy the best gear, hire people that would attack Shiro and anyone of them, and maybe bride people in telling lies about them, or maybe untold power that could be anything that could stand equal to the knights themselves.

The pactmaker to the Moon Maiden soon said, "Maybe we should give it a try."

"Wait, really?" The drink lass said as surprise she was to hear that with Conan also, as he soon ask her, "Are you sure about that Miss Tsubaki?"

"Well I mean… it could be fun to try and you know what they say "nothing ventured, nothing gained" right?" Tsubaki said as the drink lass said, "That great then. Should I put you on the list then?"

"Sure," Tsubaki said as the drink lass soon went on her way leaving them alone now as Conan soon ask in a low tone, "So why are really doing the raid?"

"You know every sense me and my friends gotten here, there always seem to be something against us, the king, his daughter, some or if not most of the people of this kingdom, and I'm guessing the other 3 heroes don't like us. But for the people is obvious, the 3 heroes are morons, and I think there is something else at play here but I don't know what though," Tsubaki started to explain as Conan listen as she went on saying, "Whatever could be in that dungeon could be something very dangerous, not only to any adventures, but maybe to the heroes, and maybe to me and my friends."

"But are you four extremely powerful? I mean you have those giant knights that could fight against giant monsters and beasts, and could even overpower the other 3 heroes," Conan said as Tsubaki nodded and said, "We are but there are other forces that could be stronger than us, as I know for certain, there is one power that stronger than any of us."

"Is it about that mask that you and the others are looking for?" Conan asked, with Tsubaki thought The sun king maybe a powerful knight in itself, but she wasn't worry about that, it was each knight held together as she just said to Conan, "Something like that, but Conan you must understand, some things are better left forgotten."

(Later that same even)

After what happen, Conan left to get ready for the raid with Tsubaki is left with her own thought while she think if she is doing the right thing or not as suddenly she hears, "Looks like your still thinking of something you are regretting."

"Hu?" Tsubaki went as she look and saw a familiar face as she saw her best friend Jun as she said, "Hey Jun, good to see you. What are you doing in here and where are your companions?"

"Oh just finish up another bounty and came by to get a drink, and the other two are collecting the bounty right now so it's just me at the moment," Jun said as she taking a seat across from Tsubaki as she soon ask, "So what did you do?"

"What do you mean?" Tsubaki asked as Jun said, "I know that look, that same look that you make that you think you did something you think it was a bad idea. You didn't think I know you that well did you?"

"Right, I forgot that at times," Tsubaki said as she thought back when she and the others had first meet Jun, being the new girl in town, as out of all of them it was Tsubaki that went up to her and befriended her and they been good friends ever sense even if it was a rough ride to say, as Jun soon ask her, "So what happen?"

"Well, it's like this," Tsubaki said as she started to explain about the whole dungeon raid quest she sigh up for, that never been beaten, and many adventures are doing, with Jun thought it wasn't that bad and doing something new, then Tsubaki soon explain about the Spear hero and his party are going to be doing it as well as that where Jun nodded to it as that would explain why Tsubaki would join as Jun said, "Well that does explain that, but I thought you would be joining it because of the rumors."

"Rumors?" Tsubaki asked with concern over this.

"I've been doing some digging about this supposed raid and the guy who tends to fund it." Jun began as she looked to her fellow pactmaker. "Truth is Noble himself has been trying to get an event like this going for some time and only recently after the waves did he manage to get it through." Jun explained as she then looked to an image of Melromarc Castle. "This guy is among the Kings inner circle and that alone raises red flags considering a particular spear moron is his favorite." Jun said as Tsubaki heard this.

"Yeah but what about the rumors?" Tsubaki asked as she needed details.

"The short of it, the guy has a ledger of things that people say. Most of them involving those under his employ and what ends up happening to them." Jun said before she paused for a moment. "Most times they vanish and on rare occasions their bodies turn up in a ditch or on the river banks." Jun said and thus this made Tsubaki nervous when she heard this.

"Ok so bad." Tsubaki said seeing the problem with just that particular rumor.

"Just be careful this might be a ploy by the King to weaken Shiro or at least turn public opinion against him." Jun said as Tsubaki nodded to her.

"Got it." Tsubaki said but she could not help but feel like there was more going on then she would like. Jun seeing Tsubaki got what she needed paid for their drinks and proceeded to take their leave.

"Just be careful sometimes you're worst enemies are those whom are misguided." Jun said as she took her leave.

"Yeah the same to you." Tsubaki said and thus the two Pactmakers parted ways to complete their own missions. But as Jun took her leave she looked back to Tsubaki and knew something was bothering her. She opted to do two thinks, keep an eye and ear out for her, and make sure a certain idiot of theirs was taking part as well.

(Scene Break the Next Day)

It was early morning when Tsubaki and Conan got up. The two had prepared for the day and leading them was of course Tsubaki. Tsubaki was lucky Conan was an early riser because she felt tired this morning. She in turn yawned as they made their way to the Guild to which Conan took notice.

"You ok Tsubaki?" Conan asked as he looked over to Tsubaki.

"Yeah Conan just didn't sleep to well last night." Tsubaki said as she looked to Conan. Her vision still concerned her and from there she began to worry if there was a greater ploy at work here the job required them to visit the Guild first for any final equipment checks before heading out. They would all head out at the same time and thus coordinate with each other to finish this dungeon. But as she made her way to the Guild she soon noticed a welcoming familiar face there.

"Tsubaki!" Came the voice of Taiyo to which Tsubaki took notice.

"Taiyo/Sir Taiyo!" Tsubaki and Conan called out and thus met him at the Adventurers Guild entrance.

"What are you and Rino doing here?" Tsubaki asked as she looked to the two.

"We're here for the Dungeon raid of course." Taiyo said as he grinned to which Rino nodded while the little dragon girl, Ryuko was chowing down on a snack Rino got for her.

"What about you two?" Rino asked as she looked to the duo.

"The same I'm actually surprised you came to this quest." Tsubaki said but Taiyo smirked a bit.

"Well it paid a lot and we were actually nominated for it." Taiyo admitted as that was surprising for the two.

"No way." Tsubaki said happy she'd have some back up in dealing with the Spear Idiot. She and Conan then noticed Ryuko and in turn Tsubaki had to ask. "So one of you have candy stuck to your asses or did you have a kid behind everyone's backs?" Tsubaki asked as she looked to the duo and to Ryuko.

"Oh right, this is the first time and the first one to see her. This is Ryuko, and she sort of our child," Taiyo said as Rino nudge him and said, "Stop saying that to people!"

Rino turn to Tsubaki and try to explain it the best she could as she started out saying, "She's not really our child, she's is a dragon Taiyo hatch from an Egg and has the ability to change her forms."

"Hatch from an egg? Are you talking about those monster lottery eggs?" Tsubaki asked, clearly she knew about them, as did she wonder where people would get Filolial all well and tamed and knew well enough that people don't try to tame wild ones anyways according to what Fitoria had told her before they parted ways.

"Pretty much, Taiyo use his knights power to tell which one was a dragon egg and well it turn out it was more than an average dragon mount it seems," Rino said as she started to explain about the whole royalty system to Tsubaki saying they are more powerful than their entire race, even the one that build up strength over time to become stronger, with royalty naturally becomes stronger over time as Tsubaki said, "Well that is interesting."

"I know right, and she is the most precious things I have ever known, she my little dragon princess," Taiyo said as he rub Ryuko head a bit while she was enjoying it with Rino sighed a bit as she said, "Well at least he's happy."

"Hm?" Tsubaki went as she noticed what Rino said as then she asked the blonde woman, "Did something happen with Taiyo recently?"

Rino is surprise by this and realize what she just said a moment a bit as it seems that Taiyo wasn't paying to much attention to what his friend were saying. Rino began walking over to Tsubaki and whispers into her ear, so softly, no one else is able to tell what she is saying, with Tsubaki eyes widen a bit to this as she said, "Oh… I guess that happen again."

"Again?" Rino said as she is surprise Tsubaki said that as the moon maiden pactmaker nodded as she said low as she told Rino, "I saw it happen once or twice before, but we have to stop him before he goes too far, before he may regret something. And I guess he had?"

Rino nodded as Tsubaki look towards Taiyo and Ryuko as it seem they are like father and daughter… in a way and he is happy right now with her as she said, "I guess he lucky to have both of you."

That did surprise Rino a bit when Tsubaki said that as she went on saying, "He can be a hand full but thank you for taking care of him thus far, just please keep doing so."

"I'll try my best with him," Rino said as Tsubaki nodded before she went over to her friend and said, "Come on Taiyo, we got to get to the raid before it starts."

"Right, let's get going Ryuko," Taiyo said as Ryuko said, "Alright."

"Let's move Conan," Tsubaki said as he nodded and soon enough both party walk together to the where the raid is taking place, as no doubt they could be in for a surprise.

(Later)

Arriving at the location which was at a valley area with many tents and camp area was set up with many Adventures there already preparing for the dungeon raid. When the group of five arrived Ryuko was all starry eyed as it was still early morning for many here. It seems some tents were empty as the entire area was no doubt set up by the client. The morning fog was heavy in the area as everyone was gathered around. Just then Taiyo began to speak as he noticed all the groups around them ranging between the 3 to 4 members per a party.

"Huh would you look at that?" Taiyo asked as he looked to the group. "All these parties the client must be loaded with coin." Taiyo said as Rino sighed a bit.

"Yeah I can see it's a lot of adventurers competition seems tough." Rino said with a small smirk on her face.

"Still we're going to come out on top I just know it." Taiyo said with a grin on his face.

"Yeap and once we're done we can go eat!" Ryuko called out thinking with her stomach more than her head.

"Ryuko." Rino scolded the girl as Tsubaki saw this.

It was hard to tell every time she sees Taiyo's group if Rino was his partner or his mother. Now adding Ryuko to the mix if Taiyo was basically her dad that made Rino the mom of the group of three. "So anyone know the plan here?" Tsubaki asked and thus Taiyo shrugged.

"Not sure I mean we even have a few mercenaries here if you look closely." Taiyo said as he pointed out the mentioned mercs.

"If that was the case... I figured Jun would be among them." Tsubaki said wondering if Jun was also invited to this event.

"Maybe she refused because Motoyasu was here." Conan said and speak of the devil a familiar voice was heard.

"Tsubaki! Rino!" Came the voice of Motoyasu causing the two parties to sigh in frustration causing Ryuko to look confused.

"Speak of the devil." Taiyo said and thus they looked to see Motoyasu approaching them.

"I'm surprised to see you two come all this way." Motoyasu said as he looked to the two girls while ignoring Conan and Taiyo.

"Yes well since Taiyo was personally requested for this job we felt it was dumb to turn it down." Rino said calmly not even bothering to give Motoyasu a moment of her time.

Nearby Malty was seen looking quiet annoyed by their appearance here as just then Motoyasu noted Ryuko. "Well who is this little cutie?" Motoyasu said as Ryuko quickly realized she was in the conversation.

"This is Ryuko." Taiyo said stepping in a bit having a bad feeling about this. In fact Rino shared his sentiments on this even if she didn't know why.

"Ryuko-chan." Motoyasu greeted as he then took Ryuko by the hand and kneeled to her. "What's a little girl like you doing all the way out here?" Motoyasu asked and in that brief moment Ryuko decided... she did NOT like Motoyasu.

"I'm adventuring with papa and Rino." She said gesturing to Taiyo and Rino.

"Papa?" Motoyasu asked and thus looked to Taiyo who looked to be waiting for Motoyasu to make the wrong move.

"So can you let go of my hand otherwise papa and I are going to hurt you." Ryuko said and smiled with a smile that would give anyone diabetes with how sweet she looked despite the casual threat she made.

"Jeez she's just like Yuvon from Hellworld." Motoyasu said as Taiyo was all but counting down to when he causes harm to Motoyasu. "Wait a second." Motoyasu said and in turn got to the wrong conclusion. "YOU FIEND!" He yelled attacking Taiyo who in turn blocked with his own spear.

"Why did I see that coming?" Taiyo asked as he then pushed Motoyasu back.

"How dare you make the adorable Ryuko your slave?!" Motoyasu yelled as he pointed his spear accusingly at Taiyo.

"Hey wow guys hold up." Tsubaki said but was ignored.

"My slave!? I'd sooner kill everyone here then myself if so much as a scratch appeared on her!" Taiyo defended as unlike Motoyasu Taiyo's love for Ryuko was fatherly. Motoyasu love for her was just plain or sick and disgusting. Plus the way he hid Ryuko behind his spear defensively showed he'd protect her more than actually fight.

"A likely story I should expect as much from a friend of that bastard Shiro!" Motoyasu yelled pointing his spear at Taiyo.

"Says the dumb blond SIMP who's too stupid to realize he's still being played by that red haired harpy!" Taiyo retorted pointing his own spear at Motoyasu in a similar manner unaware that Ryuko was walking off.

"Papa look what I found!" Ryuko called out and thus the group looked and saw Ryuko had somehow gotten to Motoyasu's dragon mount who was sniffing her for some odd reason.

Switching gears Motoyasu acted fast. "Why yes Ryuko-chan that's my dragon." Motoyasu said as he smiled and walked over to her. "Would you like a ride?" He offered but to his shock his own Dragon snarled at Motoyasu protecting Ryuko. "What the?!" Motoyasu asked in shock to this as Ryuko looked to the Dragon.

"He likes me." She smiled and thus Rino saw this.

'Wait are Dragons without broods submissive to Dragon Empresses?' Rino wandered as Motoyasu's dragon was clearly turning on Motoyasu in favor for Ryuko.

"Ryuko!" Motoyasu cried out but Taiyo then stepped up.

"Come on Ryuko we need to get ready!" Rino called out and thus Ryuko heard her.

"Ok Rino!" She called out and thus went to rejoin the duo but Motoyasu's dragon was following Ryuko like a lost puppy.

"Hey wait where are, you going?!" Motoyasu asked and grabbed his dragon's reigns causing it to snarl when it was forcibly being pulled away from Ryuko. It then snapped at Motoyasu attempting to actually bite him if not cause harm making him go wide eyed. "Why you ungrateful!" He yelled and went at it with his spear causing it to roar in pain.

Ryuko heard this and grew dark. When Motoyasu went for a second attack Ryuko was on the dragons back and grabbed Motoyasu's spear. "Don't hurt him." Ryuko said as Taiyo saw this and began to grin.

"W-what." Motoyasu gasped as he found Ryuko had a strong grip on his shield. She then jumped down glaring at Motoyasu with contempt clearly wanting to hurt him.

"Don't hurt him." She repeated and pushed Motoyasu back via his spear and forced him to release his grip on the Dragon.

"R-Ryuko." Motoyasu began and in turn Ryuko was gone in a puff of smoke. In her place was none other than Ryuko who was now in her dragon form. The young Dragon Girl was clearly angry as she glared down at Motoyasu surprising everyone. "I hate you spear meannie." She said and in turn proceeded to kick Motoyasu in the crotch sending him flying away in pain.

"Sir Motoyasu!" Malty cried out as Motoyasu landed on the ground.

As guards and healers came to help Motoyasu Taiyo looked to Ryuko and then hugged her. "That's my little girl!" Taiyo asked as Ryuko returned to her human form and laughed as Taiyo hugged and swung her side to side. The Dragon didn't attack because Taiyo wasn't a threat and could smell Ryuko's scent on him. Leaving them be Motoyasu saw that Ryuko was a dragon herself and had clearly taken his own into her brood.

Just then horses were heard and from there they all looked and saw a carriage approaching the area. It was clearly belonging to a noble as the horse drawn carriage arrived at the camp sight. Once it had arrived everyone began to gather to meet with their client about his request for them. After all they needed information on this job and this dungeon they would be entering into.

"AH good you have all gathered." The Noble said as he looked upon the many adventurer groups he hired for this quest. "Now as I'm sure you may summarized I am the one who requested you all to be here." The Noble began and in turn went into explanation. "Some time after the first Wave had hit a large dungeon had suddenly appeared over yonder." He began as he pointed to where the dungeon was located. "So far no one had been to see it but I fear of what may lying in wait within." He said and thus everyone paid attention. "The Dungeon itself is similar to some sort of ruins or even a tomb of some sort which is why I wanted to investigated and if need be dealt with." the noble said and thus they figured it must have appeared on his land for him to hire adventurers for this.

Of course there were points A to B before such a decision but the point of the matter was that this noble was asking and paying for their aid. "Question." Tsubaki said as she raised her hand getting everyone's attention. "No doubt there will be monsters and loot within, dealing with the monsters is straight forward kill them and move on, but what about the treasures inside?" Tsubaki asked as she was curious as to what the noble wants done with it.

"Do with it as you please." The noble said as he didn't seem to care for the money. "I assure you the difficulty of this may very well be worth the rewards you may come upon." The Noble said as Taiyo looked to the guy and both he and Ryuko were unnerved by him. "Now then this quest will no doubt be difficult and thus I ask you all to prepare and plan amongst yourselves on how to approach this. I leave it all to your discretion." The Noble said and in turn the Adventurers were all prepared to move out at a moment's notice. But first they needed to talk strategy and thus with his piece done the Noble began to take his leave of them for a moment. He had of course came with supplies for them should they need it thus would be here for a tad bit longer.

All the while Taiyo felt something off about the guy and in turn Ryuko felt it to. "I don't like him." Ryuko said as this got Taiyo and Rino's attention. "He makes me feel icky." Ryuko said and thus Taiyo knew one thing and that was to protect his baby girl.

(With the Noble)

The noble sat in his carriage as sitting before him were two familiar little girls. The Doctors two young assistants were here and the louder of the twins looked quiet impatient right now. "I hope you know how important this task is." the louder girl said as she crossed her arms wanting to be anywhere but here.

"I assure you milady all will go according to plans. Once they awaken it we simply need the Doctor to continue preparing his armies for when the Church foolishly summons him forth." The man said as it was clear he was in on the Doctors schemes.

"You better be right, he's powerful but his Knight is the symbol of his power and his sovereignty." The louder of the two said as the man nodded.

"Of course Princess Elizabeth Del Yshrennia and Princess Alexandria Del Yshrennia." The Noble began as he was far from done. "And your father his Excellency Emperor Madoras will most certainly reward me for my loyalty to him correct." The man said as the now identified Elizabeth and Alexandria grew quiet. In turn Elizabeth moved in and held the man by his throat choking the life out of him as he began to gag for air.

"Don't assume your loyalty alone will be rewarded, father wants both loyalty AND useful results." Elizabeth said as she glared at the noble. "Just be aware loyalty means nothing if it's from failures." Elizabeth said but she was far from done. "Also don't say his name aloud or ours that Queens shadows see all with eyes everywhere and hear all with ears in the walls." Elizabeth said as she then let the man go to let him breath again.

The Noble began to cough shocked with the amount of strength this little girl had in her hands. Just then Alexandria approached as she looked concerned to the man. "Sorry but father gave us an important task and Elizabeth doesn't like making father upset." Alexandria said as she was clearly loyal to her father and at the same time frightened by him. They had both seen what their father does to failures regardless of loyalty and had even seen what he does to Medea's fragments. In fact when one of their father's wives had birthed a fragment of Medea the child and mother didn't live long after that.

When his servants argued Madoras simply told facts, if he was willing to use infants as batteries for his Knights and send them to battle with risk of death why would he give his own such mercies. That was before he killed them as well and used them as a message to others who spoke out like that. Growing up with their father had instilled harsh lessons to the girls and in turn they knew not to betray or fail their father less they incur his wrath upon themselves. Loyalty came with a harsh price especially from his own blood.

"Now make sure everything runs smoothly or your noble blood will end with you." Elizabeth said as she glared at the man before the twins joined hands and casted teleportation magic. They vanished from sight and in turn left the noble to play his role in this.

(Back over with Tsubaki)

Tsubaki was observing the tomb from a distance as she couldn't get a good view of it. Luckily she had taken the time to practice and learn magic and thanks to the Moon Maiden power she had the advantage in terms of magic power. "As Source of Thy Power, I ordain thee to decipher the laws of nature and reveal what is beyond my vision, falcon's sight!" Tsubaki invoked and thus her eyes glowed and became more falcon like. In turn she began to get a close up view of the target location and much to her shock it was not what she expected.

"The Dogma Rift?" Tsubaki asked shocked to see this.

(With Jun)

Jun was observing from afar after getting word of another bounty nearby. But when she opted to investigate the area she and her party were left dumbstruck at what they saw. Or in this case Jun was left dumbstruck to the image before her. "The Dogma Rift... if that's here... Oh no." Jun said as it began to click into place.

"What should we do boss?" Demonicon asked as he looked to Jun with concern.

Jun was left with a tough decision if she left it be then she ran the risk of the Sun King being discovered by less than savory hands or worse the King. If she intervened she ran risks of delivering the Black Knight to Madoras of all people... But there was one other option to exploit that she did not wish to use.

In turn she sighed and knew it may be the best course of action and if she was right it may also get Shiro aid against the King. "We need to speak to the Queen." Jun said as she then stood up and took her leave.

"Wait what but how she's out of the country right now!" Demonicon called out but Jun then smirked.

"Yes... but she has eyes and ears everywhere when viewing certain subjects of her land." Jun said as another ability she had as the Black Knights pactmaker. Shadows cannot hide those who hide within them. While she cannot detect them like Tsubaki and the Moon Maiden can she can see them if they are actively hiding in the shadows. A Useful ability and in turn will no doubt get her message to the Queen Faster. "After all Dinivas is the Ruler of Dark and Dread, I'm sure the Shadows of the Queens have been reporting all of Melromarcs events to their matriarch." Jun said and in turn turned around just as the three were met with one of the Queen's shadows.

"How long were you aware of us?" The Shadow asked and in turn Jun smirked.

"The whole time, you never attacked or got in our way so I didn't act." Jun said and in turn the Shadow nodded.

"So you wish to gain the aid of the Queen in dealing with her husband and eldest daughter and aiding the Shield Hero?" The Shadow asked and thus Jun gave her a look.

"Question is how much you want from me?" Jun asked as she was taking a huge gamble dealing with royalty. In turn the two began to strike a deal of sorts one Jun would be more than happy to do her part if it helps her friends.

(TBC)

ESKK: Hey sorry for the delay it was originally supposed to be longer but shit ended up happening and I had to split it in two. Anyways I hope you all enjoyed it and leave a review before leaving us. Now until next time we meet I will say ja=ne.