Heroes of the Arks

ESKK: Well the 21st Chapter let's get started.

(Start Ghost Ship)

Jun's hub glared at Glass as she and Glass glared at each other. From what she saw she couldn't get a clear ID of her level just like with the Dragon Zombie before which was not a good sign for her. "Why are you waiting to attack Hero Jun, why not try sending those servants impersonating you and Hero Taiyo at me first?" Glass asked as she looked to Jun.

"Servants what the hell?!" Ren asked as he glared at Glass.

"You just called us fakers?!" Motoyasu yelled as he glared at Glass showing he was angry now.

"Screw you!" Motoyasu and Ren called out and in turn their parties as well as members of Itsuki's former party surrounded Glass much to Jun's shock.

"No don't she's too strong for you!" Jun called out as she glared at them.

"All of you get out of the fight!" Tsubaki called out and thus she saw the only one who listened was this meek looking one.

In turn Ren and Motoyasu got their next attack ready and in turn went for it once they had it charged up. "Meteor Slash!" Ren called out and went for the attack.

"Meteor Thrust!" Motoyasu followed up as they went for the attack against Glass.

The two attacks hit Glass full on but as Jun had shielded her eyes she saw much to her shock that Glass came out unscathed from it. "Is that all you got?" Glass taunted as she looked to the groups.

"Those idiots." Jun said as she knew what was coming next.

In turn Glass spread her fans out while opening them preparing her next attack. "Zero Stance Rondo Reverse Four Seasons." Glass invoked and in turn sent her own attack out getting the parties and the two fake heroes out of the fight in a single move. As they crashed Shiro and Tsubaki both realized they were in some deep shit now, Shiro was still recovering, Taiyo was sore from the bite still, and Tsubaki only just got her Cardinal Bow and her Dogma Drive. Jun was literally the only one who can fight this battle now. "As I said before impersonators of the true heroes." Glass taunted as she looked down on the two fake heroes.

"Guess I can't afford to hold back." Jun said as she then reached for her cloak knowing how it weighed her down. Her Cloak was her defensive tool and also weighed her down as well once she removed it her speed took a huge boost for it.

"Boss be careful this broad means business." Demonicon said as he glared at Glass.

"Careful master." Pete said as he stood with Jun on this one.

Once Jun had the clips for her cloak undone she charged at Glass and then swung her cloak off. Glass seeing this was confused only to suddenly find Jun behind the cloak swinging her sword at Glass. Glass easily blocked the attack in response. The two then went for a flash battle of speed as Jun spun and slashed at Glass who blocked the attacks with her fans much to Jun's chagrin. "Impressive so that Cloak of yours was heavier then it truly looked thus added a defensive lair for you while weighing you down, remove it and your speed takes a drastic increase giving you free reign of combat prowess." Glass said as then Jun jumped back from Glass.

"That's not all, KURO!" Glass called out and then Kuro flew in and lit ablaze before flying at Glass attacking her like a speeding comet. Glass of course blocked them all with ease and thus smirked to the Black Knights Pactmaker.

"Eight attacks in a second most impressive a fine trained Phoenix you possess." Glass said as she smirked at her foes. "But I'm afraid it's not enough." Glass said and thus Pete came in next.

Pete then proceeded to send punch after punch torts Glass who met them with her fans blow to blow. "A brute with a heart of gold, your fists have power but you hold them back a fatal mistake." Glass said just before pushing Pete back and then sending him flying by jamming her fan into his torso.

"Pete!" Jun cried out as she saw what happened to Pete.

Demonicon then came in and swung his Halberd down upon Glass with a roar against her. But then to his shock Glass stopped it without even looking at him. "Not even worthy of mention." Glass said before she broke Demonicons favorite halberd before preparing her next attack.

"Pete Demonicon move now!" Jun called out and thus Glass got to her attack when the two Mercs ran for it.

In turn Glass sent her attack out at the trio. "Zero Stance Rondo Reverse Four Seasons." She invoked and thus Jun began to swing her sword and dagger at blinding speed to block the attacks. But alas some of it got through and began leaving gashes on her body with each pass on her. Once the attack ended Jun charged in and thus once more they began their duel wield battle against each other.

It went on for a moment before they clashed with their weapons grinding against each other. Eventually they managed to push each other back as Jun saw that Glass was powerful. "I must confess even without a Cardinal Weapon its impressive how you're still standing after all that." Glass said as she looked at Jun who glared at Glass.

"Now than when exactly are you going to summon that Knight of yours?" Glass asked as she looked to Jun. Jun glared at Glass for a second thinking it over while taking a defensive stance.

'She knows about my Knight, but she doesn't seem aware of my Dogma Drive so that might actually be my advantage there.' Jun thought to herself while considering her plans carefully. 'But if I lose control of my Dogma Drive even for a second I just may end up harming my allies before it can do any harm to this woman and even if it's not entirely the case she has information on Kizuna.' Jun thought to herself while trying to come up with a strategy to take this fan user down.

But it was clear Jun was running out of options so thus she had to use it and hope air superiority was on her side here. "Alright but remember you asked for it!" Jun called out and thus got ready to summon her Black Knight. She then raised her hand focusing on the Black Knights ark to summon it for what came next. "O Dinivas, deliverer of Dark and Dread; Ruler of the Ancient Shadows. Grant me you Power!" Jun invoked as she summoned forth her Knight's Ark. She then grabbed the Sword like Arks hilt and spun it before catching it by the sheath. "Verto!" She invoked and in turn power formed upon the Knights ark before it opened up with the sound of a phoenix to accompany it and the crest flashing to life.

From there the transformation began as below Jun's feet the runic circle appeared around her. As it formed it then transformed as it summoned forth her Knight. The Black Knight rose up behind her with its wings stretched out mimicking all of her movements as they proceeded to merge into one. Jun's body began to vanish into light before her Knight brought the light into itself with the wings wrapped around its form. The knight's eyes flashed to life before Jun spread its wings once more and pulled out its rapier ready for combat.

"Ah there it is the infamous Black Knight Ebonwings." Glass said as she saw the Black Knight Towering before her.

Upon hearing this Jun proceeded to focused on her hub on Glass and to her shock she still couldn't a proper read on her Level. 'Just how strong is she?' Jun asked as she looked to Glass with worry over what she may be facing. "Eat this Phoenix Hellfire!" Jun invoked as her Knights Rapier lit ablaze and in turn she brought it down upon Glass who was then covered in the fire. The Black Knight then spread its wings and flew back to see the damage from afar.

But to Jun's utter shock Glass stood in the fire completely unscathed by it. "You can do better than that Black Knight event he fire of a Phoenix as black as ash is to cold." Glass taunted as Jun knew she was in trouble now. Glass then summoned forth a blade of energy from her left fan and aimed it at the Black Knight. "Rupture Stance Rondo Tortoise Shell Cracker!" Glass invoked and thus sent the attack at the Black Knights shoulder and in turn hit the wing causing Jun to cry out from the pain and in turn fall and crash into the ship.

The Black Knight began to get back on its feet as Jun glared at her foe from within her Knight. "Interesting it seems that magic is a sure fire way to harm the Knight but its strength also depends on its pactmaker." Glass said as it seems she did her homework. "I've heard of the things you've done both in this world and in your old one the title of Black Knight truly worthy of one whose soul is pitch black." Glass said as she taunted Jun. "You try to pretend you can change that you are worthy of redemption but one soul forgiving you is nothing in the face of the many whom had yet to do so." Glass said as she fueled Jun's anger with her words. "Regardless besting you like this won't give me any satisfaction I know you have an ace up your sleeve you always have a hidden ace I want to see it." Glass said as she looked to Jun who was doing her best to hold it back but her hand was being forced on this.

"Fine if you want to see it so badly then I'll show it to you and when I do you'll be begging to tell me everything you know about Kizuna!" Jun yelled and thus stood tall with her Black Knight. "Begin Dogma Invocation!" Jun called out and thus her Black Knights armor released a burst of power that drew the attention of everyone watching.

"Jun don't!" Shiro called out as he remembered what happened last time she used it.

But alas Jun didn't listen and went ahead anyway in using this power. "I who is about to awaken." Jun began as inside the aura her Knight vanished into a Portal only to reappear changed in certain parts. "I am the Ebony Black Wings who rules the ancient shadows of hell." She invoked as her voice was a mixture of her own, Dragias, Kara, and Shappur. "My Darkness consumes the infinite and my dread corrupts the dream." Jun continued as another dark portal appeared and with each phase her armor began to look more like the Black Usurper with each shift. "I shall awaken into the Black Usurper and banish you in to the deepest darkness!" She continued as the final portal formed and from it Jun's armor's transformation was now complete. "Dogma Drive!" She roared out and in turn the Black Knight had become the Black Usurper once more.

In turn the Black Usurper drew its twin swords and flew at Glass and began attacking her with such power even Glass found it amusing. "Most impressive so this is what you were hiding!" Glass called out and thus jumped away to avoid the next volley of attacks. The Black Usurper flew back and thus sent the two fists of its other half the Chaos Tyrant to attack Glass. Glass blocked the attacks for a moment before she was forced to retreat. "Now you're making me break a sweat." Glass said as she then jumped atop the mass and looked down upon the Black Usurper.

"I'll break more than that for you!" Jun roared and thus charged at Glass and began doing a cross cut on her only for Glass to avoid it. In doing so she lost sight of Jun and then went wide eyed when the Black Usurper reappeared with its Tyrant Blade drawn upon Glass. Glass was thus forced to dodge the attack and in turn landed on the boat. "I'm not done yet!" Jun was heard and thus she spun her massive weapon above her before it began to glow. "Eat this!" Jun roared and thus proceeded to use her Coup de grace. Realizing what it was Glass looked around and saw the remains of one of the two Soul Eaters seemingly forgotten during the conflict and thus sparked an idea.

"Eat this Dogma Oblivion Strike!" Jun roared out and thus with her weapon sliced open a rift in reality itself and thus unknowingly fell into Glass trap. In turn the Black Usurper entered the realm of the Dogma Rift to deliver its final blow.

(Dogma Rift)

In the realm of the Black Usurper its target fell into the attack as Glass looked shocked at what she saw as the Black Usurper rejoined its greater half becoming whole once more. As the Knight was ready it pointed down with its massive sword causing chains to appear and wrap around Glass restraining her. In turn the massive body of this winged devil without a head began to punch Glass in a full rush that increased in speed and power with each strike. The strikes also carried an explosive power and when it got to the finale of it all the Knight atop snapped its fingers and thus caused a massive explosion within its realm.

(Real World)

The Portal opened once more and from it the Black Usurper flew out as Glass hit the ground seemingly defeated. Jun began to catch her breath from the attack only to hear laughter from behind the upper mass of the ship.

"Most Impressive Black Knight." Glass said as she came down and thus to Jun's shock showed she was without injury. "Thankfully I suspected that attack would do me harm so I had a decoy take the blow for me." Glass said and thus Jun looked and saw the fake Glass transform into the dead Soul Eater now even more brutalized then it was before. "But if that attack had hit me I would not even be here to comment on it." Glass said showing despite her intense hatred for Jun she could acknowledge that Jun was a formidable opponent in her own right.

'Damn I can't muster up enough mana for a second try and even if I could she might be able to avoid it again.' Jun thought as she realized Glass was strong, skilled, and cunning. 'Is there really no way to take her down?' Jun thought as the information on Kizuna her where about and safety was being dangled before on a string and she can't reach it without it being pulled away from her.

Over by Shiro as he was on edge as this fight against glass mighty take them out if they don't do something soon, but then to his surprise as he saw a countdown to the side of his status screen, then the ship started to fall down as its tilt putting Glass off her footing for a moment as well as Jun in her knight form, as Glass said, "The time limited? I didn't expect it to hit this quickly.

After that, Shiro has an idea as he lean over to Raphtalia and whisper to her as he said, "Hey when I give the word, use light magic to blind her."

Tsubaki heard what Shiro said understand what he is planning as she quickly told Conan in a low tone, "Conan use your own light magic as well help out Raphtalia."

"Understood," Conan said softly as Glass spoken up saying to the group, "The battle of the wave shall end in our victory. there can be no other outcome, I have nothing against you but it is what it is, but other than you black knight as you had fought well against me but your quest to find Kizuna will come to an end here."

Jun grit her teeth to her as it seem she was mocking her, and about to attack again until Shiro step up and said, "Alright Now!"

"Alright. Fast light!" Raphtalia said with Conan taken a similar pose to Raphtalia and cast the same spell, "Fast light!"

With the two combine light magic's Shiro quickly cast out to Pete, "Fast heal!"

Pete glow for a moment as he soon recover after that hit from glass as he stood up once again as Shiro said, "Everyone take a potion and summon your armor to escape with your parties! You as well Jun, you can't fight her like this anymore. Change back quickly!"

Everyone pull out their potion that Shiro gave them before the wave began and drank it with Taiyo also taking his emergency pain resistant potion and down both as they glowed a bit before throwing the bottles down as they brought forth their ark and called out ,"Verto!"

Soon enough the moon maiden and dragon knight came forth as they gather up their party, with Tsubaki gotten some of Itsuki's former party with Taiyo gotten the rest with Rino as well, with Ryuko in her dragon form just jump up on to the Dragon Knight's shoulder and rode on him as the two knights flew off to a safe zone quickly.

With Jun being the last one didn't want to at first but she saw she was nearly reaching her limits anyways and won't have enough time to take a potion to regain some energy to change again as she reverted back to her normal black knight form she grab both Pete and Demonicon with Kuro flew with her as they quickly took off with Shiro soon following behind on filo with Raphtalia behind him as they jump off the ship and run as fast as they could, with the light magic spells soon faded with Glass saw everyone had escape, but sees them well enough to pull off a few more attacks, and she will aim them at one person she hated.

Glass head to the back of the ship and aimed for Jun as she launch her attacks at her, as she was still flying in the air, Kuro sense the attack coming as the phoenix give a cry to signal if his master said attack, with Jun notice it and avoided them with her flying maneuvers, with Shiro saw this he knew Jun was in trouble as he took a mana potion himself before casting out, "Air strike shield!"

The green shield appeared behind Jun stopping any further attacks as she saw Shiro had help her again, but the attacks didn't stop there as glass soon focus on one more spell as she then proceeded to point her fan with a magic bolt out and fire it off like a bow, sending a massive bolt of energy straight at Jun hoping it would finish her but to her annoyance someone gotten in her way again as Shiro called out, "Filo! Jump as high as you can!"

"Alright!" Filo said as she did so half way of where Jun flew at, before Shiro leapt off as he said, "Just enough for a moment. Verto!"

Shiro summon forth the white knight once more while still in the air, as the white knight came forth as the knight raise its shield and stop the attack from hitting Jun before swatting it away creating an explosion in the side of the valley they were in.

With Glass looking into the distant looking at the black knight flying away, and the white knight that stood there looking at the ship glass was on as it seem they were eye each other and knew this wasn't the end of their battle as Glass said, "Well done shield hero the white knight, it seem I can't defeat any of you at this time. I shall leave this time, but our next encounter shall be different."

Glass soon jump into the air and vanish through the waves above while she said, "Just remember we shall be the one to triumphant from the waves." after that she was gone in a flash of light.

(Shiro)

The white knight stood there as he watch Glass vanish into the sky, as Filo and Raphtalia came back to him, with the wave itself soon ended as the vortex's in the sky vanishes and the red sky turns blue again with Filo said, "Is it all over?"

Soon enough Shiro reverted back to his human form with the floating ship soon crash down to give the sigh that the wave was over as Shiro said, "Yea... it's over."

Shiro soon kneel down exhausted as Raphtalia quickly rush over to him as she "Shiro, are you alright?"

"Yea I am, I just over did it using my knight twice in a row and stopping that last attack... that woman was powerful," Shiro said as he could not believe there was someone other than Madoras to be stronger than them, as Raphtalia said, "I don't get it why did she why did she allow us to get away?"

Shiro didn't have an answer to that as with this new enemy, the rules has change once more and didn't know what to do.

(Scene break)

The heroes and packmaker has return back to the village to recover a bit and help out with any repairs, with the four friends were sitting together once again to discuss what happen during the wave.

Jun was currently by her lonesome while Tsubaki aided in tending to the sick and injured. After what had happened it was clear they still had a lot of ground to cover before they were ready to take on anymore major threats. "Well that was a thing." Taiyo said as he and Shiro were currently off to the side as Shiro looked upon his recently acquired Soul Eater Shield.

"No kidding." Shiro said grateful Jun managed to salvage parts from the Soul Eaters so to give his shield and Tsubaki's bow a new form. Shiro always figured he may need to keep some monster parts so he put some to the side and it was a good thing he did so after acquiring the ice shield to keep said parts cool from any rot. After applying said parts to her bow Tsubaki quickly learned that Itsuki had utilized a different method of making his Cardinal Bow Stronger. One she had learned of thanks to her Bows help menu and opted to share with Shiro.

While Shiro can agree rare items tend to have great uses they also suffer from not being worth the effort at times. So in turn Shiro added that method to his arsenal so to make his Shield and in turn his Knight stronger. "Yeah Tsubaki got her Cardinal Bow and now we all have our Dogma Drives." Taiyo said but Shiro wasn't convinced.

"I don't think that is the case." Shiro said as he looked at his Shield for a moment. "I mean for starters my Dogma Drive I don't know it felt incomplete no chant just rage and power." Shiro said as he looked upon his Cardinal Shield. "If felt like a wild animal snapping at everything and anything in its way." Shiro said and in turn he had one comparison for this beast.

"Doomsday?" Taiyo asked as the DC Comics biggest killer in the galaxy still gave him the creeps.

"Kind of yeah." Shiro said but he had more to give on this subject. "More then that I thought the Waves were Doomsday bringing events so who the Heck was Glass. And while we're on the subject what rolls do our Knights even play in all of this?" Shiro asked as Taiyo nodded as he had similar questions clouding his thoughts.

"Well can't help you there bro, but I'm curious about it also." Taiyo said as he agreed with Shiro on his thought process.

"Well I do know one thing." Shiro said and thus Taiyo looked to his best friend on this subject. "We have to get stronger to face the Waves and to do that... we need to get you and Jun's Cardinal Weapons back." Shiro said as Taiyo nodded to this.

"Well if the Knight Matches up to the weapon that means I need to snag my spear and Jun has to steal back her sword." Taiyo said as he looked to Shiro as they all agreed they were limited on what they can do at the moment. "Don't worry man once we get our Class Upgrades we'll think of some way to take back the Spear and Sword." Taiyo said as Shiro smirked to his friend on this.

"Shouldn't I be telling you that?" Shiro joked while smirking at his optimistic friend. They shared a small laugh with each other until they took notice to a new voice

"Pardon me sir hero." Came the voice of the young Knight as Shiro looked and saw the young man and the arrogant Knight from before.\

"You are ordered to report to the royal castle at once." The head Knight said looking down upon Shiro who was surprised by this.

Shiro of course didn't show his shock as he gave the Knight a calm look before sighing to this. "Ok." Shiro said knowing it was better to comply then get into a situation and thus in response to him Taiyo was wide eyed.

"Wait what?!" Taiyo asked in shock over all of this and the fact Shiro agreed so easily.

(Scene Break Dogma Rift)

Madoras sat upon his throne he erected in the rift as Shiba kneeled before him. It would have been shocking to see Shiba had in fact survived the Iron Maiden fiasco if it wasn't for Madoras and the fact Shiba was a wraith. "So... not only does the Moon Maiden's pactmaker possess a Dogma Drive but she also reclaimed what I took from her." Madoras said in a calm tone as he sat upon his throne.

"Look my Emperor I fucked up I know but I couldn't have predicted this shit from happening and." Shiba began but Madoras cut him off.

"No need to fear... at this point they cannot stop my arrival." Madoras said as he sat upon his throne. "So let them reclaim their weapons if they so choose it matters not I have already won." Madoras said as Shiba had more to say.

"And what of the Shields Demon Knight form?" Shiba asked causing Madoras to go wide eyed in shock.

"Excuse me?" Madoras asked as he looked to Shiba.

"Yeah Shield boy accessed the Demon Knight during the Wave." Shiba said as he looked to Madoras who tried to make sense of this.

"But that is impossible only I as creator of the Knights and my Imperial power can cause such a dramatic transformation as the Demon Knight." Madoras said as he tried to figure out how that even happened. "That cannot possibly be the work of Mureas." Madoras said and in turn it gave him a thought. "Shiba once I complete your evolution you are to return to that world and coordinate with Miyuki and Lezarg set the ground work for Valgander's rise and with it the domain of the Yshrenian Empire." Madoras ordered and thus Shiba nodded.

"Got it but what about you milord?" Shiba asked and thus Madoras gained a serious look as he interlocked his hands together.

"I have research to do on the Shield and his history." Madoras said as he had a hunch and if it was correct it would explain how he could access the Demon Knight.

(Scene Break Castle Melromarc Throne Room)

After some time of traveling the heroes had arrived back at Melromarc with Shiro meeting with the King. Before him Shiro saw the scene of himself in the Demon Knight using the Iron Maiden against Shiba. Aultcray then cleared his throat before looking to Shiro who stood alone while his friends were probably outside the room. "I saw what happened through the crystal ball." Aultcray said as Shiro looked to the king with a small glare. "You did well to quell the Wave, as much as I hate to admit it." Aultcray said as Shiro saw how the King said that with venom in his voice.

"I have a question for you, hero." Aultcray began as he glared at Shiro in contempt. "I want to know exactly how you obtained such incredible strength." Aultcray said as Shiro looked to the King with his own glare. "You possess powers unbecoming of the Shield Hero it's your duty to reveal the secret behind it." Aultcray said as Shiro saw what Aultcray was trying to get out of him instantly. "It's time to spit it out and don't you even think about lying to me." Aultcray said and thus Shiro had to think it over for a bit.

Shiro give a heavy sigh to this as he said to the king, "Are you serious, you called me back all the way here from the village I was just in defending the wave from just to ask of how I gotten so powerful and just tell you?"

The king gotten angry at this with the knights around were surprise by Shiro answer as he went on saying, "You demand something from me without saying anything of like please, I ask of you, or I beg of you of something but non you just use your power as king and order something from me to do when you cannot even give something back for it."

"You demand something of me?" the king said as Shiro said to him, "You think I want something from you like extra coins after each waves, great treasure or great art, people that would join my party willingly without the use of force or blackmail, or a noble position from you? IF you can't tell from my tone of voice then let me tell you, the answer is I don't want anything of those things."

"Then what do you want?" The king said as Shiro points at the king and said to him, "Something that you refused to give me sense ME and my friends came to this world… respect, if you cannot give as something as that and mean it then I would consider tell you, but sense you don't I won't tell you a thing, and on top of that you gave me no reason you trust you at all so calling me here is nothing but a waste of time of yours and mine, so don't bother asking me anything else."

Soon enough Shiro turn around and started to walk out of the throne room as the king said to him, "How dare you walk away from me!"

Soon enough as knights surround Shiro as he stop and tells them, "You think any of you guys can stop me from walking out of here when all of you are basic mid-level 20s when I am a little over level 40, even with my limited sword play, I have at least nearly 100 shield configuration with at least 20 of them that could just knock you out, and another 30 that could kill you instantly. Do you guys really want to face me as you are?"

The knights that surround Shiro soon faultier as they lower their sword, with Shiro turn to the king for a moment to say, "I'm willing to cooperate with you until the Waves have been eliminated, and then my friends and I can go our own ways away from you and you don't have to see me anymore."

"I am the king I forbid you to disrespect me this way shield." Aultcray said but Shiro opted to let him be for now as he continued walking. When Aultcray saw Shiro wouldn't budge he opted for another tactic. "I know what I'll do those slaves of yours will pay for your crimes." He spoke causing Shiro to go wide eyed and grit his teeth with primal rage building inside him. "Don't think you can get out of this that easily!" Aultcray called out only for Shiro to turn at him with a glare of true rage as he currently had the White Knight Ark equipped and the dagger ready to enter the gauntlet.

"If you even consider going through with that... there will be nothing that will stop my Knight from slaughtering you and everything you hold dear." Shiro snarled as he glared at Aultcray as it was a well-known fact that only extremely powerful forms of magic can harm the Knights... well that or using another Knight of equal power. "So go ahead use any dirty underhanded trick you have just know I won't hesitate to use my Knight if need be." Shiro said as he glared at Aultcray promising him nothing but suffering should he go through with his threat.

Everything was quiet and still for but a moment but a moment was all that was needed for Shiro to see his threat hit home. Thus knowing he won Shiro turned away with his cape billowing a bit and thus proceeded to take his leave to meet up with Raphtalia and Filo. As Shiro left it was clear Aultcray underestimated Shiro and knew that despite the rumors of him showing upmost kindness he knew that kindness is a powerful tool to hide the beast lurking inside.

But as Shiro left Aultcray refused to let Shiro have the final word in this and thus lost his temper. "ACCURSED SHIELD!" Aultcray yelled and thus Shiro was out of the throne room.

(Later with the Avengers)

After Shiro took his leave he began to climb down the steps hoping to leave the Castle as soon as possible. He already passed by Itsuki and Tsubaki who were the next to enter the Throne Room after Shiro left. But as Shiro and his party were leaving they were soon seen crossing the path of what appeared to be a noble lady. "You did well this time I dare say White Warrior. I dare say." The woman said as he looked to the group.

"Huh?" Shiro asked as he looked to the noble woman in question.

"Your efforts have become, shall we say, somewhat impossible for anyone to reasonably ignore any longer including certain powers who, to put it mildly, aren't taking too kindly to your interference." The woman said as she then help up a necklace causing them to look to it with concern. It belonged to the Three Heroes Church and for some reason Shiro felt that it was important to take note of. "Virtues on the surface conniving and conspiring behind the scenes you should all exercise the upmost caution going forward I dare say, understood." The woman warned him before she proceeded to take her leave.

As she left Shiro was left lost as he looked to the woman in pure confusion. "Dare say?" Shiro asked as he already lost count of how many times she had said that.

(Meanwhile with Tsubaki and Itsuki)

Still in a bad mood from before Aultcray replayed the image of Tsubaki stopping Itsuki from firing upon Shiro and the part when the Moon Maiden's Ark and the Legendary Bow collided for but a moment. "I had been informed that Sir Itsuki had lost the Legendary Bow to you Ms. Tsubaki." Aultcray said as he looked to the girl.

"Yes my friends and I came upon some disturbing information that someone may have disrupted the ritual to summon the heroes using a powerful and obscure form of magic." Tsubaki said as she looked to the group. "Apparently the ritual was meant to summon false heroes and equip them with the weapons to further expand the damage of the wave to your world." Tsubaki said as she had sent a glare at Itsuki when she mentioned damage.

"And Sir Itsuki." Aultcray began as he looked to the disheveled young man truly looking lost and defeated. No doubt losing the bow and the reason for it had hit him hard.

"The Bow... when it came into contact with Tsubaki rejected me..." Itsuki said as he sounded emotionless showing just how defeated he felt. "It called me a false hero and... switched over to her and..." Itsuki said and thus Tsubaki showed the Cardinal Bow now attached to her.

"I see." Aultcray said before sighing a bit to this. "This is most troubling your stories match up and to think that someone had managed to do the impossible." Aultcray said as he realized what would come of this if mishandled. "Sir Itsuki you are free to stay in the castle for as long as you need to recover from your ordeals." Aultcray said and thus Itsuki nodded and took his leave with a servant guiding him.

Once he was gone Aultcray directed his attention to Tsubaki who was ready for anything that may occur. "Now Lady Tsubaki please accept my humblest of apologies for my courts prior transgressions against you." Aultcray said as Tsubaki was surprised by this response.

'An apology... no wait he called me Lady Tsubaki.' Tsubaki thought to herself as she knew something was up now.

"If I or the church had knew of these incidents prior I assure you we would have done all we could to return the Bow stolen from you, Lady Bow Hero." Aultcray said and thus Tsubaki saw exactly what Aultcray was doing here.

'No I see now he's trying to save face, politics as always.' Tsubaki thought to herself realizing she had to play this smart and get out unscathed. "Let's get to the chase, I have two months' worth of work to catch up on and considering what Itsuki has done up North prior to the Wave I literally have a lot of work to do." Tsubaki said as she glared at Aultcray. "But seeing as he is in no position to stand trial at the moment I ask you give him some counseling he looks like he'll be needing it." Tsubaki said as she looked to Aultcray.

"It shall be done." Aultcray said hoping to salvage what he can.

"But I have a few demands none negotiable ones in fact." Tsubaki said as she glared at Aultcray. "First and foremost I ask that you stop the restrictions on Shiro all of them." Tsubaki said and thus Aultcray was wide eyed to this.

"WHAT?!" Aultcray demanded but Tsubaki cut him off there.

"We're supposed to be the FOUR Cardinal Heroes not the Three Cardinal Heroes or the One Cardinal Hero the very fact you the King is favoring Motoyasu is dividing the heroes more than ever." Tsubaki said as she looked to Aultcray.

"Be that as it may Lady Tsubaki while you are willing to work with the Shield I fear Sir Ren and Sir Motoyasu will not be as complying." Aultcray said and in turn Tsubaki got to her next demand.

"Which brings me to my second demand, if my summoning was tampered with what's to say the other two weren't tampered with either." Tsubaki said as she glared at Aultcray. "I want both Motoyasu and Ren brought here to be tested against Taiyo and Jun to see if they too are false heroes." Tsubaki said as she looked to Aultcray. "And as I said those are nonnegotiable." Tsubaki said as Aultcray was shocked by this.

"Lady Tsubaki be reasonable if what you say is true then by all means this could cause an international incident." Aultcray said until Tsubaki glared at him.

"That's funny since you weren't supposed to have the summoning ritual performed anyway." Tsubaki said making Aultcray go wide eyed to this.

"I cannot do this less I bring calamity to my people." Aultcray said as Tsubaki glared at the King for this. "At the very least I can offer you Sir Itsuki's former Party as." Aultcray began but Tsubaki cut him off.

"I already removed all but one of them from my party." Tsubaki said as she looked at Aultcray. "If you had been more aware you would have seen the damages Itsuki, Motoyasu, and Ren have caused not only to your people but in the case of Itsuki to one of his own party members." Tsubaki said as she knew the one she kept was a victim of Itsuki's pride.

"But you." Aultcray began until Tsubaki cut him off again.

"I already had two party members and I trust them with my life accepting an entire party like that would ruin our teamwork and coordination." Tsubaki said as she glared at Aultcray. "It's why I kept the one also I was taking a chance on her." Tsubaki said as she glared at Aultcray who saw Tsubaki was ahead of him on this. "Since its clear my demands won't be met we're done here." Tsubaki said as she began to take her leave. "And after everything my party and I had to deal with we are leaving the country for another's Dragon Hourglass I don't trust you guys not to interfere with any Class Upgrades I try for." Tsubaki said much to Aultcrays shock and horror. "And who knows depending on how they treat me I may just stay there." Tsubaki said making Aultcray go wide eyed.

"You can't do this our country needs the heroes to fight off the Waves!" Aultcray cried out as he shot from his seat.

"You still have Motoyasu and Ren I'm sure you can survive with just them assuming they are in fact the chosen heroes." Tsubaki said and thus Aultcray was forced to take his seat again. "I'll be taking my leave I still need to prepare for the journey." Tsubaki said and thus Aultcray put his hand to his face no doubt seeing how bad this would be.

Aultcray knew that if Taiyo and Jun were in fact the other Heroes then they would in turn risk losing all Four Cardinal Heroes to the other countries. Jun's contract withstanding after everything they had been through in Melromarc Aultcray holds know hope they will stay out of the goodness of their hearts in a country that had constantly sought to break them down. Once she was gone Aultcray roared and slammed his fist into his throne shocking many who were there at the moment.

As he sat on his throne after a while being alone Aultcray was seen rubbing his eyes clearly a bit tired and weary until he heard the doors open again and saw someone walk in. "Melty what can I do you for?" Aultcray asked as he saw his youngest enter the throne room. But his smile then turned a bit sour when he took note of Jun, Pete, and Demonicon accompanying them with the skull themed mercenary wielding a new Halberd.

Once Melty got close enough she started speaking her piece. "I was told you and both the Shield Hero and the True Bow Heroin had a conversation just now is that right, father?" Melty asked as she looked to Aultcray. Aultcray looked surprised at how quickly Melty came to hear this but all things considered it shouldn't be surprising. "And I was also told that the conversation ended in a very hostile manner." Melty asked causing Aultcray to slump on his throne. "Father if you remain at odds with the Shield Hero we may lose our only means of fighting the Waves which threatens the safety of our entire country as well as chasing off the other Heroes if rumors are to be trusted." Melty explained as she knew that the Shield Hero has proven time and time again they are the most suitable to face the Waves with or without the other three. "Please try to reconcile with them." Melty said only for Aultcray to slam his fist on his thrones armrest.

"RECONCILE WITH THAT SWINE!" The king of Melromarc yelled causing Melty to flinch and yelp in surprise. Realizing he let his temper loose Aultcray fixed himself fast. "Oh don't worry my dear I'm not angry with you." Aultcray said trying to keep things civil with his family.

"I just don't understand father why do you hate the Shield Hero so much?" Melty asked with concern for her father letting a vendetta threaten the safety of their kingdom.

"It's just that... if he and his demihumans do as they please I'll lose my family again." Aultcray said looking to the side fearing the loss of his family like he did in the past.

"Father, I um." Melty began as she wondered what had happened in the past to make her father this way.

But before Melty could ask the doors were heard opening again and from it a familiar voice was heard from there. "Your defiance is an affront." Came the voice of Malty as she entered the throne room getting Melty's attention. "With the Queen away the king's word is final and not even we princesses can go against it." Malty said as Melty heard this.

"Sister I." Melty began but was in turn cut off by Malty.

Malty continued as she walked to her father and stood by his side with her hand resting on the Queen's throne. "Our father is the King whether you understand his decision or not they all have the betterment of our country at heart." Malty said but she wasn't done just yet. "I understand your still at an age where you want him to baby you of course I was once small like you too but you should really learn to hold back a little, dear Melty." Malty said with her eyes closed for a moment before opening them again. "Just a word of advice from your big sister." Melty said as the way she spoke was condescending and belittling with a hint of jealousy that her sister would inherit the throne and not her.

"That's rich considering you still have him babying you." Jun countered and thus Malty glared at Jun in contempt.

"Jun please let me." Melty said as she then looked back over to her elder sister with a smile. "I appreciate your concern and I'm grateful but you see big sister this is really none of your business." Melty said smiling as she used a similar tone to Malty causing her to go wide eyed to this. "Just like our mother and father I only want what's best for our subjects and our country." Melty said as it was clear she verbally hit Malty where it hurt. "So as you can see it is my job as crown princess to see that everything is put right." Melty said as it was clear Malty did not like the way Melty said those words.

"Melty you little..." Malty began but held her tongue as best she could. Her anger grow when she saw Jun smirking as no doubt Melty just burned Malty with that last one.

"I'll take my leave now father." Melty said and thus proceeded to exit the throne room leaving Aultcray stuck in the middle of this sibling squabble. "Come now." Melty said to her bodyguards who then followed after her with a nod.

"Melty please I." Aultcray began but was cut off by Malty. When Aultcray looked to Melty he saw her glaring venom tipped daggers at Melty.

As they left Jun stuck to her friends and then had a whisper to them. "We have her scent... get ready for Operation Masquerade." Jun said and thus the two nodded.

"Got it boss." Demonicon whispered knowing full well that Jun was going to be deep undercover soon but the question was as who.

(Scene Break Erhards Shop)

"I can't believe you two went spoiling for a fight with the king." Erhard said as he looked to Shiro and Tsubaki.

"Get your facts straight he started it." Shiro defended as Tsubaki nodded to this.

"Whatever. You guys can do all your shopping here since I got everything." Erhard said as the group was very much appreciative of his business. "But wait a second what about the Class Upgrade?" Erhard asked as he looked to the group as Tsubaki then sighed.

"We can't trust Melromarc for this I'm worried they might ambush us at the Hourglass or worse bump up the price greatly for it." Tsubaki said as she looked to the shop owner.

"Well I can't argue with that, but where will you guys go?" Erhard asked and thus James had the answer while Taiyo was busy looking at the new arrival as Ryuko and Filo was bugging the mentioned new arrival.

"I was thinking we should head to one of the other Kingdoms with a Dragon Hourglass either Siltvelt or Shieldfreeden." Shiro said he knew that a road trip was in order here.

"I always figured you'd go to those places someday." Erhard said as he then pulled out his map. "I recommend Shieldfreeden." Erhard suggested as he looked to Shiro and his friends.

"The Slave merchant mentioned the same thing he said even though it's ruled by Demihumans it's welcoming to humans." Shiro said as he looked at the map.

"Yeah over in Siltvelt they can get pretty extreme about demihuman supremacy." Erhard said as he had more to add. "If Shieldfreeden doesn't work I suggest Faubley next their pretty neutral what with the Church of the Four Heroes there." Erhard said as Shiro heard this and looked over to Tsubaki.

"I see what you mean." Shiro said as he was worried the Bow Hero would not be welcomed in Shieldfreeden.

"Ok before we talk more I need to ask." Taiyo said as he then turned around and pointed to the girl that Tsubaki brought in as she looked nervous. "Who the heck is she?" Taiyo asked as he gestured to Rishia.

"Oh sorry I almost forgot everyone." Tsubaki began as she headed over to the girl. "This is Rishia she's my newest party member after the Cardinal Bow passed over to me." Tsubaki said as she then did the introductions.

"Hello nice to meet everyone." Rishia said as clearly she was not very strong willed here as she even had a slight stutter.

"Wait passed over... are you saying she was part of Itsuki's party first?!" Taiyo asked as he was worried about a double cross.

"Yes she was and while I can't confirm it I can say we can trust her, after all I haven't gotten a warning from you or Jun yet, Taiyo." Tsubaki said as Taiyo looked to the side knowing Tsubaki had a point there.

"I think we can trust her." Ail said as he had faith Rishia can be trusted.

"Wait if she's here where is the rest of his former party members?" Shiro began but Tsubaki cut in on this.

"I kicked them out of my party." Tsubaki said as she looked to Shiro. "From what I understand they were mainly nobles trying to use Itsuki for political gain I didn't want that so I had them leave." Tsubaki said and thus Shiro understood what she meant.

"Well then if Tsubaki trusts you its good enough for me." Shiro said with a nod torts a surprised Rishia.

"Of, of course." Rishia nodded and thus Erhard smiled a bit to this.

"Anyway you guys go on with the meet and greet I'll go get our wagons loaded up for the journey." Taiyo said as he headed off but before he headed on with Erhard Taiyo stopped for a moment. "And yes I'm going to get Raphtalia a new sword and Rishia a new set of gear." Taiyo said and thus Shiro smirked as did Tsubaki.

"Jeez didn't even have to ask." Shiro said surprising Raphtalia with this information.

(Scene Break Later on the Road)

The three parties were now on the road again this time with two wagons. After it became clear a while back that if they travelled together they would not all be able to fit on the wagon with their varying belongings. Thus Taiyo got a Wagon though he intended it as a present for Ryuko since she did like pulling Filo's wagon and this time they wouldn't have to worry about trading off much. Taiyo was holding Ryuko's reigns while Rino rode on Takaya the former dragon of Motoyasu. In Taiyo's wagon they had some of their belongings in it but mainly Tsubaki and her party rode in it.

"Erhard is always so fast and organized isn't he?" Raphtalia asked as she rode in Shiro's wagon with their luggage. "We wouldn't have been able to leave so quickly otherwise." She said as Rino rode besides them.

"That much is true." Rino said as she smiled to the group.

"Yeap." Shiro said as he then began to rummage through the bag and in turn found a note inside it. "Huh?" Shiro asked as he pulled it out and began to read it.

(Start Montage)

"Just thought Taiyo and I would put in a few gifts for the road for you all. Use them if you like they may prove useful on your journey." Shiro began to read as they all pictured it was Erhard saying it. "For Shiro a Shield Accessory it can analyze any shield besides doing tones of other useful stuff." Shiro said and then stopped to pull out the accessory in question. He attached it to his Shield and saw it was a perfect fit as it also hid the gem on it a bit. "For the little missy a brand new sword it's the same make as her other one." Shiro continued to read as Raphtalia pulled out the sword in question. "Nothing beats a trusty old friend, right? Plus it pays to have a spare on hand just in case. I also put in another one for her to a Mana Sword." The White Knight's Pactmaker read as they then pulled out the mentioned Mana Sword and saw it was a hilt and sheath but with no blade in it. "For enemies with no physical body." James continued to read and thus the letter went on.

"Taiyo also suited Rishia with an entire set of armor out of Tsubaki's coin purse, that girl knows how to save some cash." Shiro read as Rishia in Taiyo's wagon was seen wearing the new armor and seemed to actually like it. "Keep an eye on her I don't think Itsuki was very kind to her as Tsubaki probably figured." Shiro read and thus got worried at how this was mentioned. "For Conan I decided to give him a new pair of swords and his own Mana Sword kid is a great twin blade user but this mana sword might be a learning curve for him." Shiro read as it seems Taiyo's wagon had a similar bag and note.

"For our new Bow Lass I got her an accessor it should help her analyze new bows easier as well as increase her range and accuracy." Erhard said as Tsubaki put on what looked like a magical scope on her Cardinal Bow. "For Ail the magic kid I got him some armor, while I don't often handle magic casters I do have armor for them so they can be better protected without a fighter to cover them." Erhard said knowing magic casters were not great at physical combat. "Taiyo also got his lovely missus a brand new sword made it himself he calls it Greede Sword of Freedom." The note read as Rino looked at her sword and saw Taiyo put a lot of work into it. Shiro laughed as he saw the sword was named after the Free City of Greede from White Knight Chronicles.

"For the small Dragon Lass and the feathered lassies if god forbid they can't draw the wagons anymore these items will come in handy." Shiro read as they had stopped by a river while Shiro was holding a pair of gloves and a pair of boots. "If they put these on our feathered friend will get the strength of a 100 men and Miss Ryuko will get the speed of winds." Erhard said as he knew the two girls were different due to one being a Dragon and the other being a Filolial. "Heck even you can draw the wagon." Shiro read and in turn Filo was seen wearing the gloves while Ryuko had the boots and then the two friends laughed together at their new acquires.

(Scene Break Later that Day)

The Sky had changed color as day made way for night. The group was gathered at the side of the road enjoying a much needed snack before they hit the road again. "Man this is the like." Taiyo said as he relaxed a bit with his friends and allies.

"No kidding, no shackles out here just the road and freedom." Tsubaki agreed as she had a hot drink in her hand.

"Here-here." Shiro also agreed as he then looked to the sky and smiled as he saw a bird flying by. "Man almost nothing can ruin this." Shiro said at least until something came by.

Just then a new yet familiar voice was heard. "Found you." Melty was heard as the group looked and saw Melty in a wagon with an escort of Knights as well as Jun, Pete, and Demonicon.

"Hey it's Mel!" Filo called out as she and Pym smiled.

"Yay!" Ryuko cheered as soon both she and Filo stood up and began waving her over. "Hey Melty we're over here!" Ryuko called out as she wanted to play with her new friend.

Eventually Melty and her escort arrived allowing Melty to depart from it. Melty walked over to the group who then went to meet her half way. "Sir Shield Hero and Lady Bow Hero." Melty greeted as she looked to the two Cardinal Heroes/Pactmakers. "I have a request." Melty said and in turn they opted to hear her out even if they had a hunch over what it was about. "Please return to the capital and speak with King Aultcray again." Melty requested causing the group to look surprised by this.

"Sure just as soon as he meets my demands to retrial Shiro's case and summon the other two heroes to see if they are false heroes as well." Jun said as she was not going to take no for an answer on those. "If he won't meet them then not a chance." Tsubaki said as she had to hold her ground on those demands. If Aultcray won't meet them then he loses a hero to another Country.

Melty was of course surprised by this but she would not give up so easily. "I want you two to apologize for your conduct and reconcile." Melty said and thus Shiro stepped up for it.

"Forget it if that's going to happen he needs to swallow his pride first." Shiro said as he glared at Melty for that one showing he was not going to go groveling back to Aultcray.

This of course caused Melty to look annoyed if not angry but she held herself back. "We need your help sir and lady hero we just can't stop the waves without the both of you and you're Knights." Melty said and then went on. "Besides you both would be nowhere without the Kings financial help and let's not forget Lady Bow Hero only recently reclaimed her Cardinal Bow she is still two months behind on mastering its uses." Melty said but it seems both Shiro and Tsubaki had a counter for that.

"What Financial help I'm the one who's busting my ass working with you guys and also running a traveling trade business." Shiro said as it was clear any financial aid was of his own doing.

"And even then I already know it can copy other bows and more so most of the bows Itsuki had transferred over as well." Tsubaki said as it was clear Itsuki had done most of the work for her leaving her to fill in the blanks for it.

But it seemed that this was the final straw it seem as Melty began to shake for a bit unable to control her temper anymore. Thus it was inevitable for Mt Melty to explode. "Why do both you and my father have to be like this!? A hero and king can't be fighting like this! No absolutely not!" Melty yelled as she glared at Shiro much to Filo and Ryuko's shock.

"Um Mel." Filo began but Melty cut her off.

"You agree don't you Filo, Ryuko!" Melty asked as she brought Ryuko in on this.

"Wait what?" Ryuko asked as she was lost as to what was going on.

"See both Ryuko and Filo agrees with me!" Melty called out as this was getting a bit out of hand.

"They really didn't." Shiro said hoping this would end soon.

"Look just go apologize to father just this once! Otherwise, Mother will yell at him when she comes back!" Melty yelled as she looked at Shiro.

Nearby Jun saw the whole thing and sighed to herself a bit. 'Jeez she may seem sweet but when it comes to tantrums she is just like her dad.' Jun thought to herself and then sighed a bit. 'I guess the apple didn't fall far from the tree in that regard.' Jun thought until she noticed something amiss and sensed it as well. 'Wait a second.' Jun thought as she then moved her armored arm to move hair behind her ear and when she did she saw in its reflection that one of the Knights was holding a magic orb just like the one used in the throne room.

In turn she was filled with a sense of dread and then looked to Melty and for a moment she saw Kizuna in her place. She then moved her arm to pull at her cloak a bit and thus Tsubaki, Shiro, and Taiyo all saw it, a signal... no a warning to them. Jun saw that at this very moment the past was meeting the present and in turn if she didn't act now Melty will become another Kizuna. In turn as one of the Knight charged at them Jun acted and spun around pushing Melty torts Shiro while drawing her sword. The Knight had his sword drawn while Pete and Demonicon moved to intercept as for Jun time slowed down.

'No.' Jun mentally said as she moved to protect Melty. 'No.' Jun mentally repeated with a louder tone as Melty was now to her vision shifting between herself and Kizuna at a rapid paste. 'NO!' Jun yelled within and thus blocked the attack from the Knight as for her the sound of sword meeting sword was the exact same sound of the gunshot that began her life's downward spiral long ago.

Melty was shocked Shiro was glaring and Jun was angry. No she was beyond angry as she glared at the Knight before. "I won't let any of you bastards take her away again." Jun snarled as she held the Knight off with the promise to prevent them from escaping unscathed. But this was the beginning the butterfly has flapped its wings and in turn fate has played its hand. Now the only thing that can be done is to face it and hope to come out of it as the victor.

(TBC)

ESKK: Well here we are chapter 21. I hope you all enjoyed it and will stay for chapter 22 when it drops. So until that time comes leave a review and as always folks ja-ne.