Heroes of the Arks

ESKK: Well its time a new chapter at long last. Now its time a new chapter at long last. also taking part in this major heist. lacked a mouth.

ill helped that they were . pointthen let's get this party started.

(Start Taiyo roadside evening)

Off the side of the road was a wagon was a wagon that seemed to have parked for the evening. They had just crossed the border between Faubley and Melromarc earlier that day so Taiyo and his party were camping for the rest of the trip. Ryuko and Rino were with Takaya who was being used as an improve pillow while Taiyo laid on his back nearby. Looking at the stars above Taiyo stared as he wondered to himself. Ever since Yshrennia made itself known they had been quick on the uptake. Right now travel between countries have become a bit of a strain due to war time.

Yshrennia was working hard to claim more territory from its neighbors as they moved inward in that regard. According to the rumor mill Miyuki and Shiba were leading the charge as they took more and more territory. Word also had it that Faubley had taken a major blow when they tried to hit Yshrennia directly and from what Taiyo gathered from the survivors Yshrennia had fired off a super weapon that wiped out enough of the Faubley Army to force them to retreat. If Taiyo had to guess it was most likely the Wrath of God which decimated Faubley's forces at the time. Despite this Taiyo was not worried about that, no what he was worried about was Rino and Ryuko and their impending meeting the Pig King of Faubley.

Taiyo was not the brightest bulb of the bunch he knew that. He also knew that like Rino often said about him he acted like an overgrown child but even he knew if he did anything against the King it would cause an international incident one which they could not afford in these trying times.

He then lifted up the Cardinal Spear as he saw how it glistened off of the moon. "EXP for your company?" Taiyo joked and got Zero response from the spear. "Yeah, I figured as much." Taiyo said as he then turned to his side and gained a slightly sad look. He cared for Ryuko and Rino, but he knew once the Waves were over then he may have to say goodbye to them. Rino was his baby girl his daughter in all, but blood and Taiyo could not stand the thought of leaving her like that. Still will he have a choice in the matter, or more so would he even remember them or be able to bring them back to his world? So many questions and for Taiyo well he was still in college and by the looks of it he had embraced being Ryuko's papa like a fish to water. But he was terrified that somehow, he'll screw it all up and in turn hurt Ryuko in the worse way possible. Sure, she had Rino who Ryuko called, mama, but Ryuko is getting curious about such things and soon will ask question he feared neither himself nor Rino can answer. Opting to sleep Taiyo knew they had a long day tomorrow and thus let the world of dreams carry him off to rest.

(Scene Break the Next Day)

The party was back on the road as Ryuko and Rino were in the back as Takaya was pulling the wagon this time. Taiyo held Takaya's reigns while Ryuko was being read a story by Rino. "So the Hero and the Princess banished the Demon Lord to a realm of emptiness and rode off into the sunset. Years would go by before either would be seen again but when they were the two had married and started a family and lived the rest of their days happily ever after." Rino said as she closed the book as Ryuko smiled to it.

"I love that story!" Ryuko called out as the story had a hero with a spear riding a dragon with a princess on the cover.

"I thought you would." Rino smiled as she looked to Ryuko. At first, she never expected she would become Ryuko's mother in all but blood, but she welcomed the role openly. Her only regret was that Ryuko may have to grow in a world that would see much war. She did not want to expose Ryuko to war and was ready to shield her and Filo from Malty and Aultcray's executions if that had happened. Still Ryuko was her pride and joy but lately Rino grew worried for Ryuko's view on them. Despite calling Rino mama and Taiyo her papa Rino wondered what she and Taiyo were to each other and how that would affect Ryuko.

"The Hero and Princess are just like you and papa!" Ryuko spoke getting Rino's attention as the woman blushed at this.

"W-wait what?!" Rino asked shocked that Ryuko would say that.

"Yeah, you and Papa are just like these two!" Ryuko said showign the image of the Hero and Princess getting married. "Your married right?" Ryuko asked as she looked to Rino expecting a confirmation from her.

"Well Ryuko it's complicated." Rino said as she tried to find the correct words to tell Ryuko that she and Taiyo were not married at the moment.

"Complicated?" Ryuko asked as she tilted her head in an adorable sort of way.

"Yes see um..." Rino began but it seems Taiyo was her savior in this one.

"Hey girls we're here!" Taiyo called out as he peaked his head through the tarp to the girl.

Ryuko and Rino headed to the front and low and behold standing before them was the gates to Faubley as just as Jun suspected the place was clearly in an industrial revolution stage. Suggesting this Takt may have had a role in all of it. So, as they rode on to the gate, they waited for the guards to approach them. Eventually the guard got to them after ensuring the people in front weren't Yshrennian spies or carrying illegal goods.

"Identifications please." The guard said as Taiyo was so tempted to do a Star Wars joke... but if he did then there would be trouble for all of them.

"Um will this suffice?" Taiyo asked as he presented the Spear and thus to their shock it transformed into a different spear. "I also have travelling papers if they are needed." Taiyo offered and thus the Faubley guards quickly opted to get word out.

"Open the gate the Cardinal Spear Hero has arrived!" A guard called out and next thing Taiyo knew the gates began to open. "Sir Hero we will call in for a personal escort for you and your party." The guard said as Rino and Ryuko saw this.

"No thanks I'm actually here to speak to the King about something... is he available?" Taiyo asked as he was worried about this meeting and was actually hoping he was not free at the moment.

"Of course, we'll send word to him posthaste, but we must insist on an escort during these trying times we fear Yshrennia will target the Heroes." The guard said and thus Taiyo nodded to this with a sigh.

"Alright I get it." Taiyo said and thus as the gate opened the wagon made its way in to await Taiyo's personal guard.

(Scene Break Faubley Castle)

When the guards got Taiyo an escort, he did NOT expect an entire battalion of soldiers to be guarding him. Of, course as they made their way through the city word of Taiyo's arrival as the Spear Hero spread around quickly. Next thing Taiyo, Rino, and Ryuko knew people were cheering for him as it almost felt like a parade. Heck Taiyo even gave a small wave to a group of girls who giggled and at this before running off which got a scowl from Rino. Taiyo was clearly not use to this sort of attention and due to this he wanted to actually hide in the wagon until they arrived.

So now here they were in a sitting area as they awaited, for their meeting with the King. "Ok Rino make sure Ryuko behaves herself in there and don't look this guy in the eye." Taiyo said as he looked to Rino.

"Yeah from the stories I heard I'll try." Rino said as Ryuko was confused. "Ryuko sweetie listen the man we're about to meet is very important but well he's not very nice." Rino said as she crouched to look Ryuko in the eye. "But even if he is not a nice man don't attack or say anything insulting to him if you can do that for me, we'll go out for your favorite treats." Rino bribed as she knew this was one of those things were good behavior needs to be rewarded.

"Ok!" Rino said with her hand raised to confirm she will do what Rino had told her to do.

"That's my brilliantly smart dragon girl." Rino said hugging Ryuko close to her chest causing the Dragon girl to giggle in response to the praise.

Just then the door to the room opened and from it a servant walked in. "His majesty is ready to see you now." The man said and thus Taiyo knew it was time for the meeting he had been dreading for the entire trip here.

(Throne Room Later)

The doors opened and from them Taiyo walked in with Rino and Ryuko behind him. Now some may be wondering if descriptions were worse than the actual thing... sometimes it is. But this was not one of those times because when Taiyo laid eyes on the being before him, he honestly wanted to get the Hell out of there and make sure Rino and Ryuko were as far away from this man as possible. The descriptions of him undershot it big time and it took all of Taiyo's will power not to voice everything he wanted to say about this man. He was fat, ugly, and honestly Taiyo even suspected he was pig monster of some sort.

If this man was actually Aultcray's elder brother... then Taiyo knew where the looks went to in the family tree. "Ah Sir Spear Hero I had not expected you to come all the way here during these trying times." The King greeted as Taiyo nodded to the man.

"It's a pleasure your majesty." Taiyo said as he tried not to look while being respectful, but he could not look away. "I hope we did not interfere with any important business you may have had." Taiyo said as he looked to the King before him.

"Ah worry not to entertain the Cardinal Spear hero is worth changing your schedule around." He said as Taiyo really wish it was not worth it.

'Dammit Jun I'm going to kill you.' Taiyo mentally swore as he wanted out of this. "You majesty as much as I'd like to socialize I'm actually here on business." Taiyo said as he looked to the ugly pig king.

"Then speak." He said and thus Taiyo got to the big part.

"I'm actually hoping to speak with the Vassal Whip Hero named Takt if he is available." Taiyo said as he looked to the man. "I need to be sure I can rely on his help for the Waves since the Cardinal Heroes are supposed to be aided by the Vassal Heroes." Taiyo said as the King of Faubley grew silent for a moment.

"Ah yes Takt our Kingdoms pride and joy." The King said as Taiyo looked to the man. "It was a surprise that he became a Vassal Hero as his genius had pushed our Kingdom to become the strongest of them all... until Yshrennia showed up." The King scowled a bit at the last part no doubt bitter over Yshrennia's Wrath of God Weapon.

"Yeah, I heard about that, your country suffered a major blow for it." Taiyo said as he truly felt sympathy over such a tragedy. But that sympathy Taiyo felt was for the men who lost their lives in that battle.

"Yes, well sacrifices need to be made for victory after all." The King said as Taiyo really wanted to murder this guy but knew if he did shit would get worse. "Anyway, I was under the assumption that Melromarc would not be allowed to possess any Vassal Heroes since they already have the Cardinal Heroes." The King said and thus Taiyo sighed to this.

"Yes, well thing is we're trying to build some good relations with the other countries so we can face both the Waves and Yshrennia." Taiyo said as he was making it, so it seems that they were trying to build peaceful relations. But the truth was Taiyo needed to know who Takt was and to see if he was a threat to them. Whatever Jun found out about Takt to make Taiyo come all the way here well needless to say Taiyo wanted answers.

"Well, Takt was preparing to head off to the front lines to help strengthen our boarders and." The King began only for the doors to opened signaling some new arrivals. "Oh speak of the devil." The Pig looking King said as from it Taiyo saw an odd site enter the throne room. Leading the party was a young man with a well-built face gold hair and blue eyes. For Taiyo he looked like a stereotypical westerner and for some reason reminded Taiyo of Motoyasu back when they first met... red flag was already raised for Taiyo with that one. His clothing consisted of a rough jacket and pants combo which Taiyo found odd considering this, worlds culture and finally on his head was a bandana.

Behind Takt was a large group of girls of varying forms which Taiyo figured was his harem/party. The party itself was the second red flag for Taiyo that this guy was probably bad news all around. From his scan of the guy thanks to Taiyo's appraisal magic he saw the guy had a whopping level of 300. But if Taiyo learned one thing in this world is that Levels mean shit in battle but until he can get a look at his stats Taiyo would hold his off judgment of this guy.

"I'm guessing your Takt." Taiyo greeted as he looked to the young man before him. "I've heard a lot about you those were your airships out their right?" Taiyo asked he met with the guy.

"Oh those? Yeah, it wasn't that hard to make if you know what you're doing, though making the fuel for is another matter." Takt said as he sounded pleasant enough but something about this guy really rubbed him the wrong way. Plus from a glance over to Rino and Ryuko these two felt the same.

"Well I'm Taiyo the Spear Hero and the Dragon Knights Pactmaker." Taiyo said as he looked to the Vassal Hero before him.

"Pleasure to meet you Taiyo." Takt responded as offered his hand to Taiyo.

"Likewise." Taiyo said and thus when their hands met Taiyo saw images flash through his mind. It was a car crash and then the cries of a newborn. 'So he is a reincarnation.' Taiyo thought but found it odd that the images ended with those ones. His Empath abilities must only work on major memories tied to strong enough emotions particularly trauma and the like. "So have you heard about what happened during Faubley's first attack on Yshrennia?" Taiyo asked as he looked to the guy while freeing his hand from Takt's.

"Yeah, that bastard Madoras to think he was hiding a weapon like that." Takt said as he sounded angry about it but for some reason Taiyo didn't think it was for the correct reasons. It was then Takt's attention went over to Ryuko, and Rino as Taiyo suspected he saw them from the beginning. "Well, who might these lovely ladies be?" Takt asked as he looked to Rino and Ryuko.

Ryuko of course hid close to Rino as she no doubt sensed that Takt was bad news. "Rino... and this is Ryuko Taiyo and I's adoptive daughter." Rino said as she made sure Ryuko stayed close to her. This guy was giving her a lot of bad signals and it reminded her of Motoyasu which right now was not a good thing.

"Is she a magical beast?" Takt asked as he smiled kindly to Ryuko who hid closer to Rino. "Well believe it or not I'm raising two magical beasts of my own." Takt said as he gestured to the two young girls near him as one had a pair of wings similar to Filo, who was currently with Shiro back at Melromarc, while the other had a tail much like Ryuko did.

But as attention went to the two Taiyo saw that they were glaring at them for some reason. Whatever the reason for that was Taiyo was ready just in case things went south on them. 'A Dragon Empress?' Taiyo asked himself as he saw the dragon girl with Takt. 'If that's the case then... why isn't she bearing the mark Ryuko has as a possible successor? Did Bahamut miss her or was she rejected?' Taiyo wondered as he looked to the girl on Takt's Party.

"Well then I say this meeting is off to a grand start so why not we adjourn I'll have a banquet made in your honor!" The King of Faubley said as he looked to the two groups.

(Later that Evening)

The party began as the Spear Hero/Pactmaker of the Dragon Knight was holding a glass of wine in his hand. The banquet was clearly the Kings way to try and convince Taiyo to stay in Faubley but Taiyo honestly had no intention of staying in this country. Still the meal was good if Rino was not trying to keep him from acting out. Speaking of Rino she was with Ryuko as she had a plate of food smiling as she ate it.

So far things have been somewhat calm ever since they arrived, but Taiyo could not help but shake that this was just the calm before the storm. It was the main reason he wasn't stuffing his face at the moment since by all intent and purposes they may be in enemy territory. He didn't know after all the shit he had to put up with he had felt a bit paranoid as of late. Maybe he could do for a nap to rest up after everything thus far to calm his nerves. Still Taiyo could not help but be wary of Takt because he was getting Motoyasu vibes off the guy and if worse comes to worse... well international incident be damned.

"Ah Taiyo, Rino, and little Ryuko." Takt greeted as he approached the trio.

"Oh, hello Takt." Taiyo greeted as he looked to the Vassal Whip Hero. "What can I do for you?" Taiyo asked as he moved as he saw the two girls of Takt's party from before glaring at them.

"Ah no need for business this is a party after all." Takt tried to urge but Taiyo had to disagree.

"No offense but let's just say things from before had made me a bit skeptical." Taiyo said as he looked to Takt who nodded in understanding.

"So, I've heard." Takt said nodding in understanding to Taiyo. "Ah little Ryuko." Takt began as Ryuko hid close to Rino as he kneeled down to her. "I mentioned earlier I was raising a few monsters of my own, well here they are." Takt said gesturing to the two girls with him. "Meet Reldia." He began gesturing to the dragon girl. "And Ashil." He finished gesturing to the wing girl.

"Wait is she a Filolial?" Taiyo asked as he was now a bit worried.

"No, she's a Griffin." Takt said as Taiyo was surprised by this when he heard it.

'Wait so does that mean all monsters are able to take a human form at some point?' Taiyo wondered when he heard what Takt just said as he then remembered Jun's pet Phoenix Kuro. 'Wait does Kuro have a human form?!' Taiyo wondered as he needed to ask Jun when he saw her next. He then focused on the conversation at hand as Ryuko hid deeper to Rino.

"Well isn't she the shy one?" Takt asked in a somewhat teasing tone as Reldia glared at Ryuko taking her 'shyness,' as weakness.

"No." Ryuko said as she then left her spot and gave Takt a cold look. "You just remind me of that stupid blond guy back home." Ryuko said and thus Rino was wide eyed as was Taiyo. "He was a real jerk too papa and I didn't like him close to me and you rub me the same way he did." Ryuko said making it clear she did NOT like Takt.

"You little..." Reldia began as she gritted her teeth clearly seething right now. "YOU TAKE THAT BACK!" Reldia began as Ashil was with Reldia on this. "Takt is a great and noble hero how dare you even compare him to a fake hero, he's the greatest hero this world as ever seen even greater than the spear hero you little gekko!" She yelled as Ryuko glared at Reldia for that. Reldia had just ignited a Dragon's pride and from that pride came the need to dominate this fellow dragon to show her who the alpha of the brood was.

Ashila jumped in as she glared at Ryuko for that. "Yeah, Takt is nothing like that!" Ashil argued as Ryuko glared at the dragon girl before her.

"But he's acting just like him why should I say something if it's not true." Ryuko fired back as for the Dragon Queen in the making it was clear she did not like Takt in the slightest.

"Ryuko." Rino began but was then met with Reldia snarling and going for Ryuko.

In response Ryuko acted as she side stepped from Reldia. The two glared at each other as Reldia snarled a bit while Ryuko growled as her eyes went to slits showing the dragon inside was coming out. "Ryuko that's enough!" Taiyo yelled as he got Ryuko's attention causing her eyes to return to normal. "Ryuko that was very naughty of you we don't say mean stuff like that to people we just met unless they really are an enemy." Taiyo said as he looked to Ryuko.

"I know but..." Ryuko spoke as Takt just rubbed her the wrong way.

"Jeez you should probably do a better job at controlling her, she could have started a scene." Takt said but Taiyo begged to differ on this.

"I'll admit Ryuko saying what she did had started it." Taiyo began as he would his share of the blame here. "But it was your girls who chose to react like that." Taiyo scolded as he looked to Takt as while he may agree with Ryuko he wasn't overt about it.

"What?" Take asked shocked that Taiyo was blaming him for this when he had nothing to do with it. "Your girl started it." Takt defended but Taiyo knew that.

"Yeah, but your girls reacted if the situation was the other way around I'd be scolding Ryuko just the same." Taiyo said as he glared at Takt with a stern look. For Rino Taiyo actually looked like a father scolding his daughter when it came to Ryuko while doing the same to Takt who clearly was not accepting his part in this. "Rino, take Ryuko to the room I'll meet you both there." Taiyo said as Rino understood.

"Right." Rino said as she then felt a pull for a moment. She looked to her hand and felt it pulse and for a moment she gave it an odd look. That was until a whip appeared in her hand as a phantom causing her to yelp a bit in shock.

"Rino?" Taiyo asked when he heard Rino yelp.

When Rino regained herself, she saw the whip was gone again opting for her to calm down some. "Sorry just stumbled a bit." Rino assured before she began to guide Ryuko back to their given room. Once Takt and Taiyo were alone with the party Taiyo saw all eyes were on them making Taiyo realize what happened. "I'm really sorry for that scene ladies, and gentleman." Taiyo began with an apology for the guests here. "I guess my party and I are a still tired from the journey so we will retire to our rooms." Taiyo said with a small bow before her took his leave. But before leaving he gave Takt a stern look before heading out of the ballroom to meet up with Rino and Ryuko. During this Takt glared at Taiyo for a moment before the Pactmaker took his leave of the place.

(Later that evening Taiyo's room)

Taiyo was given a room with two beds as Ryuko and Rino were currently sleeping in one of them. It was late as Taiyo was looking out the window dressed in only a pair of pants. His spear was on his back as he found it difficult to sleep with it active. Thankfully Erhard made a collapsible Spear for the Pactmaker to use. Of course, Taiyo paid for it and once he did, he copied it and now had his spear on his leg where it waited to be used. He glanced over at Rino who was dressed in a night gown as she held Ryuko close as the girl was sprawled out a bit snoring a tad.

Taiyo smiled to this as he then looked back out the window before he sighed a bit. "How long are you going to hide?" Taiyo asked as he then saw a Shadow appear.

"My apologies Sir Hero but the Queen ordered me to follow you on your journey here." The Shadow said as she looked to Taiyo.

"Its fine just be glad you didn't try sneaking up on me." Taiyo said as he saw down on the chair near his bed. "So what's up?" Taiyo asked as he looked to the Shadow.

"The Queen asked me to request you to return to Melromarc posthaste once you finish with your business in Faubley." The Shadow requested as she looked to Taiyo.

Taiyo sighed and thus knew what this meant. "Alright but I can't make promises." Taiyo said and thus the Shadow nodded and departed. Just as Taiyo was about to head to bed a knock came to his door causing him to sigh. "Jeez one guest after the other." Taiyo said as the knock then came again. "Ok I'm coming." Taiyo said and thus went to answer the door. "Hello?" Taiyo asked after he opened the door and was in turn met with Takt. "Oh, it you Takt good evening." Taiyo said as he greeted the Vassal Whip Hero. "So, what brings you here this late?" Taiyo asked as he looked to Takt wondering what brought him here.

"Yeah, Taiyo sorry about this but I didn't get a chance to ask before that incident." Takt said as he looked to Taiyo.

"Well, if you have something to ask shoot." Taiyo said offering Takt the time.

"See before I had met with you in the throne room, I had heard that Yshrennia had taken another town recently and was hoping you can help me take it back, they only been there for a short moment of time so if we hurry, we should be able to take it back before Yshrennia came set their roots." Takt said as Taiyo heard this and looked to his girls who were asleep.

"Alright I can't make promises but if my party agrees we'll go." Taiyo said and thus Takt nodded to this in understanding. "I'll have my answer first thing in the morning." Taiyo said and thus Takt took his leave. Once he was alone Taiyo sighed and looked to his bed. "Now bed." Taiyo said and thus jumped into bed to get some rest for the morning. Unaware to Taiyo though Rino's eyes were wide opened as she turned her head over to Taiyo wondering to herself why Taiyo does not make a move.

(Scene Break the next morning)

Everyone was up and about as Taiyo was once more in his gear ready to out. Well at least at first since currently Taiyo was on the floor doing pushups with Ryuko sitting on his back. Rino saw the whole thing as she swore Taiyo did this every morning he wakes up. He gets up, stretches a bit, then falls forward and starts doing push-ups with Ryuko joining in by sitting on his back to act as a weight. "Ok seriously why do you do this every morning?" Rino asked as she looked to Taiyo.

"Trying to keep fit." Taiyo responded as he kept doing his push-ups. "Anyway, girls since your both awake and we got time, Takt swung by last night and asked us to join him in a counter offensive against Yshrennia." Taiyo said as he kept up his push-ups.

"Ok any particular reason why?" Rino asked as she was suspicious a bit.

"Not sure, but I intend to find out before we go back to Melromarc." Taiyo said showing he felt something very off about Takt and he wanted to learn the truth of it. "If you don't want to that's fine, we'll just head back to Melromarc then since the Queen wants us back once we finish up here." Taiyo said as he finished his last reps which Ryuko got the memo and got off.

Just then Rino surprised Taiyo with what she said next. "No." Rino said as Taiyo looked to his partner/party member in shock. "Your right something if very off about him, he reminds me of Motoyasu but not just that the way he glared at us when we told him he was wrong..." Rino trailed off as she had caught sight of it when Taiyo and Takt thought she was not looking. "It reminded me of Itsuki." Taiyo said and thus Taiyo knew what this meant.

"So basically, what I am hearing is that you want to make sure that Takt isn't like the stooges sounds reasonable." Taiyo summarized in which Rino confirmed with a nod. "Alright looks like we're going to the front lines against Yshrennia." Taiyo said as he knew this could very well turn bad for them if they were not careful with how they do it.

Just then a knock was heard from the door which then opened to reveal one of Takt's party members the one who was dressed as a maid. "Sir Spear Hero Lord Takt is waiting your response." She said as she looked to Taiyo.

"I talked with the girls, and they agreed so we'll be going to help you liberate that village." Taiyo said and thus the girl nodded.

"Good if you are ready, please follow me to Lord Takt's airship. He wishes to discuss a strategy aboard the airship." She said and thus the trio nodded and began to follow the girl since they were all set and ready to go.

(Scene Break Takt's Airship)

Needless to say, Taiyo was amazed to see an actual Airship when they arrived. In fact, even Rino was surprised by this as Ryuko followed after her pouting about the airship looking forward to the day, she can fly on her own. As they began to board the airship the maid continued to guide them to where Takt would be waiting for them. As they walk Taiyo wanted to take pictures but knew now was not the time to do so and thus had to hold himself back from it.

Eventually Taiyo and his two party members arrived where Takt was currently at as they found him sitting on a throne of sorts with his harem. "Oh good you guys made it." Takt said as he greeted the trio.

"Yeah so we going to talk strategy or what?" Taiyo asked as he looked to Takt wondering what he had for their plan of attack.

"Easy we just head in and force the Yshrennian's out and take care of anyone who sided with them." Takt said as Taiyo honestly wanted to say for Takt to shut up like he was one of the stooges but that would solve nothing.

"Yeah that might not be a smart move for us." Taiyo said as he knew that path would just screw them over. "Do we even know what sort of skills they have, how many troops, what equipment they have, or whose leading this battalion?" Taiyo asked as he looked to Takt who gave him a skeptical look.

"What's there to know, they're the villains so it's the hero's job to take them out." Takt said and in turn Taiyo knew this guy had some dangerous mindset.

"Look I'm all for blasting the bad guys as much as the next guy but we need to consider civilian life before we do that, otherwise we'll just end up as bad as the Empire." Taiyo said as Takt gave a small glare but let it be with a sigh.

"Alright then." Takt said seemingly agreeing with Taiyo for the time being. Taiyo was of course concern and in turn looked to Ryuko and Rino.

"Hey girls why don't you explore a bit it will be a bit before we arrive." Taiyo said and thus Rino and Ryuko nodded.

"Alright papa." Ryuko said with a smile and in turn Rino nodded and took Ryuko from the room.

"How about you girls do the same I'll see you in a bit." Takt said as they looked worried but nodded all the same.

Once the girls were all gone only Takt and Taiyo were left in the room. "Ok let's talk strategy." Taiyo said as he had a few ideas they can use all the while hoping he was wrong about Takt.

(Meanwhile with Ryuko and Rino)

The two girls were walking about as Ryuko was running about with her arms spread like wings. "We're flying! We're flying!" Ryuko cheered as she ran around with a smile on her face.

"Ryuko stay close and don't run around like that." Rino called as she looked to Ryuko.

"Of course, mama." Ryuko said as she slowed down her speed a bit and stayed close to Rino. "Mama you never answered me yesterday." Ryuko said as it has been bugging Ryuko for some time.

"Oh um what question?" Rino said feigning ignorance to this for Ryuko's sake.

"Are you and papa married?" Ryuko asked making Rino grow worried over hurting Ryuko's feelings.

"Well you see I we." Rino began as she tried to find the right words... at least something caught her attention. "Wait." Rino said as she listened in on a stray conversation. Rino took Ryuko and thus the two opted to hide behind the wall where they saw two of Takt's party members walking by.

"I can't believe that idiot had the gall to lecture Lord Takt earlier." Came one of them as she passed by the hall.

"If rumor holds true he's only been the Spear Hero for a brief amount of time and already he thinks himself worthy of lecturing Lord Takt." The other said as Rino and Ryuko overheard the two. "The nerve." She finished as the other chuckled a bit.

"Don't worry I'm sure Lord Takt will eventually have enough of that arrogant fool and strip him of his spear as he did with the other unworthy heroes." The other said and in turn Rino and Ryuko began to worry for Taiyo.

"But what of the girls with him?" The first said as Rino kept quiet.

"Probably brainwashed as Takt no doubt suspects once he frees them all will be right." She said and in turn Rino and Ryuko were wide eyed by the implication. As the two girls left they left the area Ryuko looked to Rino with concern as they both feared the worst for Taiyo.

"Mama." Ryuko said as Rino realized Taiyo was in danger... no they ALL were in danger here.

With this in mind Rino knew what do to next. "Come on we need to go, Ryuko." Rino said as the two began to go search for Taiyo and warn him about Takt and his true intentions.

(Back with Taiyo and Takt)

The two hero's strategy meeting was coming to an end as Taiyo looked to the Vassal Hero. "Alright so we're in agreement I'll move in provide a distraction while you and your party get the Civilians to safety." Taiyo said as he looked to Takt.

"Yeah but what's your plan for distractions?" Takt asked as Taiyo smirked a bit to the Vassal Hero.

"I got a few ideas." Taiyo said with a bit of a cocky tone to him as Takt chuckled a bit. "Anyway I better go find Rino and Ryuko to let them know what's going on." Taiyo said as he then took his leave.

"Yeah I'll clean up here and then meet up with my party." Takt said as he gained a dark look in his eyes showing he had other intentions here.

(Later with Taiyo)

As Taiyo was walking through the halls of the ship he was currently searching for Rino and Ryuko. As he did so he could not help but feel something amiss here. The entire time he was here Takt had been welcoming and a good guy but Taiyo felt this guy was not who he claims he is. He felt it through the Dragon Knight and Cardinal Spear and knew he had to exercise caution if he was to survive.

While Taiyo was walking around the airship, getting a feel for it as this is the first time of standing in a flying palace of sort, as he never gotten on a plane back in his old world, let alone a hot air balloon, but here he is, on a airship that almost like the ones in the white knight chronicle game but there were clear different between the two as the one in the game is like giant airplanes while the one he is in is almost like a zeppelin that been given an upgrade.

He also wonder about the place as he search for Rino and Ryuko he suddenly found himself near a door that had the word Armory up above it, as he knows for sure the air ship is a flying fortress if there an armory as he thought, "Hmm, I wonder what sort of weapon he keeps in there?'

Giving a thought as he look around to see if there was anyone nearby, but thankfully there wasn't as he slowly went to the door while still looking out for anyone that could come by as he push down on the lever handle of the door and push down slightly and found it… unlocked.

'Lucky break' he thought as he opens the door slightly to see if there was anyone in there but there wasn't a soul in sight, but what he saw inside did surprise him as instead of sword, axes, bows, and other assorted weapons he saw fire arms of all sorts.

Taiyo opens the door more and walk in while closing the door behind him quietly as he could as he look around the room and was in awe to the site he saw.

He saw Ak-47s, M-16s, shotguns that seem to from WW2, at least the model they are base off of no doubt the simple form of a shotgun, even saw some handguns on a wall by themselves as he walk up to one as he saw a revolver type of a smith and Wesson model 19, the most powerful handgun in the world of the dirty harry movie he once saw back in his old world.

"So cool, he has all of the famous guns in the world, he even make 1911s. This is just- wait what's that?" Taiyo said as he spotted something on a 1911 itself as he saw a stain of sort on the gun grip itself, something smeared on the wood grip as he reach out to it and to his shock once he touch it, he felt his empathy ability activated as he saw a vision.

He saw battle going on against bandit, small kingdoms, soldiers of Yshrennia in recent battles against them it seem, but the vision didn't end there as soon the vision itself took a turn for the worst.

Next thing Taiyo saw was people are screaming in fear, dropping dead after a loud Bang sound is heard, while the holder of said weapon was one of Takt party member as he remember seeing her within the group of Takt's party, and what shocked Taiyo greatly to see a row of innocent people kneeling down in a execution style, with a familiar face standing before them giving an order to those behind the people, as the 1911 itself was pointed at the head of a boy that looked no older than Ryuko does was crying as the gun itself was pint blank range to the kid's head and in a that moment the vision ended with a flash after the sound of the gun going off.

After that Taiyo back away from the gun breath heavily to what he saw as what he seen, it didn't look good, with his status system screen popping up telling something.

"Empath abilities evolve: Able to see past event of an object that was use that in a moment of strong emotional ties."

Taiyo was glad that his powers are getting stronger, but he didn't felt happy about it to what he saw wasn't something he wish to see at all, what he saw was just mass murder, seeing all those innocent people just getting killed for no reason as they weren't knights, they wasn't adventurers, knights, or even mercenaries, they were just normal people.

Taiyo fully knows what kind of person Takt is now as within the vision he just saw, the person who stood in front of the people who were being executed was Takt, as he was the one to give the kill order.

He almost didn't want to believe it, but what he saw prove that Takt is no saint, let alone a hero, but Taiyo keep his cool to this as he soon walks out of the armory swiftly as he could, and closing the door as quietly as he can as he soon walks away with an emotionless look on his face, as he walks away.

After a moment as Rino and Ryuko came into few as they came around the corner of the hall they were just in and saw Taiyo before them as Rino said, "Taiyo!"

He stops and look up changing his expression to a clueless look as the two girls came up to him as he said, "Hey, what up?"

"Thank goodness you're ok." Rino said as she looked to Taiyo after giving him a look over and confirming he still had his spear.

"Of, course I am why wouldn't I be?" Taiyo asked playing clueless for a bit.

"We need to get out of here now! That man Takt he's not a nice man!" Ryuko called out as she looked to Taiyo while Rino nodded.

"She's right, Takt is NOT our friend!" Rino spoke but Taiyo was oddly quiet about this.

"I know." Taiyo said as he surprised the two girls. "That gun there..." He began pointing to the gun in question. "It showed me everything." Taiyo said as his entire demeanor changed as he spoke of it. "The things I saw..." Taiyo said with wide eyed showing he was not ok with it. "All those people." He went on and in turn Rino realized that what Taiyo saw affected him.

"Taiyo." Rino said with concern over Taiyo but was cut off before she could continue.

"But I do know one thing..." Taiyo said as he began to grit his teeth a bit. "Takt is going down." Taiyo said as he knew for a fact Takt stole not just the Vassal Whip but also three other Vassal Weapons. And right, now he can hear them crying out to be freed from this usurper.

(Later with Takt and his Harem/Party)

Takt's harem were once more gathered as they continued their journey to where the Yshrenian incident was going on. As they travelled the door to the room soon opened and from it Taiyo walked in with Rino and Ryuko by his side. "Ah sir Taiyo, Little Ryuko, Ms. Rino what can I do for your?" Takt asked as he looked to the Spear Hero and his party.

"Oh, nothing much just something I've been meaning to talk to you about." Taiyo said as he wanted details on how Takt viewed himself. "Some of the story's I've been told has you and your party liberating a village from a cruel noble's control. Is that true?" Taiyo asked as Takt then smiled to this a bit at Taiyo hearing of his exploits.

"Why yes, it was a terrible event the noble and his family had all these level girls brainwashed to serve their every whim such cruel men they were." Takt said as Taiyo was given a flash back to the girl from the vision.

"You don't say?" Taiyo asked as he thought of the girl Takt may have had gunned down.

"Yes of course I had to get rid of them otherwise those girls would never be free." Takt said as Taiyo had a brief flashback to that scene of execution.

"And the girls?" Taiyo asked as he looked out the window for a moment avoiding eye contact from Takt.

"What?" Takt asked confused by this.

"The girls you 'liberated,' what happened to them?" Taiyo asked and in turn Takt gained a sad look in his eyes.

"The magic was strong I had to counter it with my own to free them." Takt said and thus Taiyo had enough of Takt.

"You lying bastard." Taiyo said surprising the group when he said this. Taiyo turned around and began to stomp torts Takt clearly angry with him.

"W-what?" Takt asked as the girls glared at Taiyo for that comment.

"How dare you make such an accusation!?" Came the girl closes to Takt only for Taiyo to glare at her.

"Out of my way!" Taiyo yelled as he sent forth a blast of magic which forced the girl back and blew against Takt as well. "I know what you did Takt and what you've been doing!" Taiyo yelled as he then got close and glared directly at Takt with pure contempt. "That last village you 'liberated,' you took part in an execution you killed the men and took the woman, Takt!" Taiyo yelled as he glared directly at Takt.

"I had to those men were clearly in the wrong so had to be taught a lesson." Takt defended as he glared at Taiyo for this.

"Bull fucking crap!" Taiyo yelled as he glared at Takt. "Just like you Mr. Whip Hero or was it the Claw Hero." Taiyo began as he listed off two of the stolen Vassal Weapons Takt took. "But then again, I also heard you were the Projectile Hero, or was that the Axe Hero?" Taiyo asked as he looked to the surprised Takt when Taiyo got close. "So, which is it Takt, Whip, Claw, Axe, or Projectile?" Taiyo asked almost accusingly as he glared at the man before him.

"Why not all of them?" Takt asked and in turn Taiyo caught sight of Takt's whip changing to a claw. "VAZARIN CLAW!" Takt called out and send forth his attack which blasted Taiyo back much to his surprise.

"Taiyo!" Rino cried out only to find a gun pointed at her.

"Don't move bitch!" Came one of Takt's party members as Rino saw she was trapped or so it seems. Acting fast Rino acted and forced the weapon upward with her sword before performing a spin kick against the girl sending her stumbling back from it. Once that was done Ryuko had her greaves on and proceeded to attack only for the other Dragon girl and Griffon to stand in her way.

"You won't be going anywhere." The Dragon girl said as she glared at Ryuko. The two snarled at each other as customary for Dragons to do when one invades the others territory.

Nearby Taiyo was getting back up as he saw Takt approaching Taiyo with contempt in his eyes. "You know for a minute Taiyo I thought you had what it took to be a hero well not as great as me but close enough." Takt said as Taiyo glared at the man before him.

"A hero? You? Sorry but a hero who kills other heroes, takes their shit, and pass yourself off as them is no hero!" Taiyo called out as he pointed his Cardinal Spear accusingly at Takt. "The fact you abducted those girls and killed their family because they wouldn't join your harem is more than enough proof!" Taiyo yelled as he glared at Takt in contempt.

"It was for their own good!" Takt yelled and with a roar Taiyo charged in and swung his spear at Takt who blocked with his claw.

"Says, who? You?" Taiyo asked with that same accusation tone he had been using before. The two parted ways and thus Taiyo glared at Takt showing he was far from done here. "You're no Hero Takt and the guy you are... you'll never be a hero!" Taiyo called out and in turn Takt glared and got ready.

"Let's see how long that thought last fake spear!" Takt yelled and in turn he summoned his weapon theft power against Taiyo.

"Taiyo/papa!" Rino and Ryuko cried out as they saw the energy of the magic hit Taiyo who cried out in shock from it.

For Taiyo he felt like something was pulling against the Cardinal Spear as he held his grip on it as hard as he could. As this happened the Cardinal Hero saw alerts flashing on his hub warning him of what was going on. Eventually the energy came to an end and much to everyone's shock the Cardinal Spear was torn from Taiyo's hands.

Once the Cardinal Spear was in Takt's hand the false Hero began to laugh a bit as he held the Spear. "Not so tough now without this are you?" Takt asked only for Taiyo to start laughing a bit. "Wait what?" He asked as he noticed Taiyo was laughing. "Have you cracked what's so funny?" Takt asked as Taiyo then got up and smirked to the false Hero

"You." Taiyo said and in turn the Cardinal Spear flashed to life blinding Takt for a moment. As it dulled yet still shined Takt saw that in its place was the Dragon Knight's Ark. "Rule 1 you don't pick the weapon the weapon picks you." Taiyo said as he had a smirk on his face. "Rule 2 if you want to be a Knight pass the Ark's test." Taiyo went on and thus raised his hand upward where the Ark freed itself and flew to Taiyo's waiting hand. Once it got there it began to fly around him as Taiyo smirked at his foes. "And rule 3 never piss off a dragon." Taiyo said as the Ark then wrapped around his waist. "VERTO!" He called out and thus activating the Knights Ark. Once it was active the Dragon Knight stood tall as it glared down at the stunned Takt.

"Lord Takt!" Came the girls as they feared for their beloved Takt. Following it up was Takaya charging into the door and biting down on a girl causing her to cry out in pain and shock as dragon fangs sunk into her skin.

Takt was knocked out of his stupor as he saw this going on. "No!" Takt cried out as he saw this go on to which he tried to use his whip. Key word was try as suddenly he saw the Vassal Whip would not form.

"Looking for this?" Taiyo asked as his Knight swung the Vassal Whip in his hand a bit.

"You thief!" Takt yelled accusingly as the Dragon Knights pactmaker laughed at this.

"Your one to talk!" Taiyo taunted and thus with the claw at the ready Takt attacked. "Rino hot potato!" Taiyo called out and thus threw the whip which everyone began to jump for.

"I'll reclaim your whip Lord Takt!" A girl of Takt's harem cried out and in turn it became a free for all. Takaya let go of the girl from earlier and went straight for Rino before she jumped on. Once that was done Takaya gave Rino a ride before the blond-haired adventurer jumped up and grabbed the Vassal Spear after Takaya plowed through the competition. When she grabbed it though Rino felt a pulse go through her body as the weapon seemed to make itself at home with her.

As Rino landed she went wide eyed as she saw Statues Magic began to form at the corner of her sight. "W-what?" Rino asked as she looked at the magic and the Vassal Weapon.

"Hand it over!" Came a girl as she blind-sided Rino and managed to take the whip. "Lord Takt I!" She began only for the weapon to glow and vanish from her hand. When that happened she looked and saw the Whip had returned to Rino.

"Wait what?" Taiyo asked and thus another girl the smarter one put the pieces together.

"Impossible her? She's the Vassal Whip Heroin?" Came a girl as Rino then smirked and cracked the weapon on the ground.

"I'm not sure but looks to me the thing has taken a liking to me." Rino said as she put the pieces together as well.

"Way to go mama!" Ryuko cheered clearly happy to Rino.

"You bitch!" Came the Dragon girl of Takt's harem as she and the Griffon girl roared before charging at Rino.

As they did they went up in smoke forcing Taiyo to come in and block the attack. "Rino!" Taiyo called out as soon the Dragon Knight was hit by the two. They rolled on the ground before the bashed through the wall destroying it. Once they bashed through Rino, Takaya, and Ryuko were left in the ship.

"Papa!" Ryuko cried out but Rino cut her off.

"Ryuko he'll be fine." Rino said as she then gestured to the foes around them. "Let's deal with these guys first." Rino said and thus Ryuko knew what to do while Takaya roared out ready for battle.

"Right!" Rino called out as she was ready to fight against these foes.

(Outside with Taiyo)

The Dragon Knight with a Dragon and Griffon flew outside the ship after busting a, hole large enough for them. Of course Taiyo was not going to have it and thus got to the major bit. "Ok that does it!" Taiyo roared out as he decided to use one of his spears other forms. "Thunder Spear!" Taiyo invoked as his spear entered a lightning form of sorts. "And follow it out "Thunder Strike!" He called out and thus the spear sent forth thunder which forced the Dragon and Griffon to let go. When this happened Taiyo was able to flex his Knights wings and start flying in the air.

The Dragon and Griffons glared at Taiyo who glared back at them showing both were ready to fight. "Don't like to hit little girls but I will if I have to." Taiyo said as he took a battle stance. The two roared out at Taiyo and in turn went for the attack against him. Taiyo in response flew away as he tried to avoid them as the attacks continued between the two. They fired off wind and fire based attacks forcing Taiyo to dodge and weave through them as best he could.

'Jeez is this what a dog fight feels like in the age of magic?' Taiyo thought to himself as he tried to avoid them. 'Ok let's try this!' Taiyo mentally announced as he turned his attention on his hub to a particular ability. "Airstrike Javelin!" Taiyo invoked and thus used the Airstrike Javelin as this forced the two girls in monster forms to avoid the attack. Taiyo then flew upward and once he had his trident again he dove down after them. Once he got close, he used the momentum to grab the Dragon Girl and slam her into the Griffon girl. This of course caused them a bit of daze but luckily managed to regain themselves.

They looked for Taiyo and in turn saw him flying back to the airship and thus glared at him. Giving chase they fired off more attacks which hit Taiyo causing him to spin a bit. But once he regained himself Taiyo began his next attack. "Spear Barrier!" Taiyo called out as a shield appeared in front of him made up of astral spears which blocked the attacks from the two monster girls. The attacks hit and bounced off the defensive move allowing Taiyo time to act. Leaving his shield Taiyo charged down at the two and flew pass them to grab their tails. Once that was done with a mighty roar Taiyo smashed them into each other before throwing them at the airship. The two the two beast hit the side of the airship causing it to shake.

(Back inside the ship)

Back inside Rino, Ryuko, and Takaya were fighting off Takt's harem party with Rino using some fancy footwork to kick and punch her way through them. Rino was quickly learning to use the Vassal Whip as she was clearly a quick study. "Bind Whip!" Rino invoked out of instinct and in turn the whip went forth like a snake and covered the girls in its reach. This gave Takaya and Ryuko the opening they needed to act as Ryuko came in with a powerful kick that sent the girls flying back for it.

"Ok I am LOVING this thing." Rino said as she looked to the whip wondering just what else it can give her. Takaya roared as he had another of Takt's harem pinned down as Ryuko slammed her fist into the face of another. Eventually only Takt and the Spear Heroes' party remained as they glared at Takt. "Give it up Takt!" Rino called out as she glared at Takt who was outnumbered. "Come quietly and once we get those weapons to their actual hero's we can argue leniency for you." Rino said as she tried to do what Taiyo would do give everyone a chance at redemption.

"Oh, is that the true Rino I, see?" Takt asked sounding almost hopeful only for Rino to scoff.

"Don't flatter yourself." Rino said as she glared at Takt. "After everything that you've done, I'm only offering it out of a curtesy." Rino defended as she glared at Takt with contemp.

"Come on Rino you and I both know you don't really mean it." Takt said only for Takaya to roar out at Takt causing to step back a bit.

Just then the whip cracked on the ground near Takt surprising him as Rino glared at the bastard. "Wanna bet?" Rino challenged as he glared at Takt who they now had cornered. But before anything else could be done the entire airship shook and from the nearby wall the Dragon and Griffon Girls flew through with the Dragon Knight grabbing them by the neck. The two ended up reverting to their humanoid forms as Takt was left in shock at what Taiyo and his Dragon Knight did. Letting go he glared at the two girls clearly tired from the fight with his heavy breathing being an indicator.

"Now stay down!" Taiyo ordered as he pointed at the two girls. Once that was done Taiyo glared over at Takt who was left cornered now that his party was defeated. "You've lost Takt! Give up and turn yourself in!" Taiyo yelled as he glared at the Ultimate Stooge before him. Ultimate Stooge that actually fit Takt's perfectly with all the damage he had caused since even the Stooges he knew had limits to their idiocy.

Seeing his party hurt Takt snarled and used the Vassal Claw once more to attack Taiyo only for the Dragon Knight to tank it causing Takt to look to it in shock. "W-what is going on?" Takt asked as he saw all the damage caused. "This, this can't be right I'm the ultimate hero." Takt said as he saw he was cornered. "You're levels are lower than mine how can you be winning! You're cheating you have to be cheating!" Takt yelled accusingly as he glared at the Spear Hero in the Dragon Knight.

"Oh stop being a sore loser and admit defeat Takt!" Taiyo yelled as he glared at the false Vassal Hero. "We won you lost get over it!" Taiyo added as he then saw Takt snarled at them. "No I refuse you hurt my party you have to be cheating it's that armor its giving you an unfair edge!" He yelled but Taiyo scoffed to him.

"Like your one to talk Mr. Weapon thief!" Taiyo yelled as he then pointed his trident at Takt. "Enough of this we're returning you to Faubley to answer for your crimes!" Taiyo announced as he knew Takt would never admit to his own faults. Just then the entire airship shook as Taiyo and his party look around and to it.

(Outside)

From Taiyo's battle with the two monster girls the airships engines were hit. The damage was delayed but clear as part of it exploded causing the ship to shake. It was clear that the airship was on a crash course to the ground which meant that it was time to brace yourself or if you can fly abandon ship.

(Back with Taiyo)

Feeling the weight of the airship changing Taiyo and his party saw what was going on. "We're going to crash!" Taiyo called out as this got Rino and Ryuko to panic a bit. Takaya even roared with fear as he knew they were on a crash course. Taiyo realizing this pointed his Trident at the two girls he beat before. "Healing spear!" Taiyo called out as a medic spear was formed from the trident. "Fast Heal!" Taiyo followed up and thus the two girls were instantly healed and in turn began to come to. "We need to go now!" Taiyo called out kneeling down and grabbing his party.

"What about them?" Rino asked as she looked to Takt and his party with concern.

"We don't have time!" Taiyo called out and with a small nod Rino and Ryuko with Takaya got onto Taiyo's Dragon Knight. Once that was done he charged for the hole he had made prior during the battle and in turn proceeded to make their escape. Takt was of course left in shock as the only two fliers of his party began to come to as well thanks to Taiyo providing them with healing. But Takt had one thought in mind and that was for the next time he and Taiyo crossed paths.

"You bastard… I'll make you pay for this one day someway somehow." Takt said and thus began to make his own escape with his party from the airship about to make a crash landing on the ground.

(Scene Break with Taiyo)

Taiyo with his Knight landed on the ground and when they did he slid a bit before coming to a stop. Once that was done he let the girls and Takaya off his armor before he began to revert to his human form. They in turn looked to Takt's airship as it fell to the ground and crashed a bit of way away from them. When they saw this they began to take their leave of the area knowing it was not a good idea to stay here in case Takt came looking for them.

(Scene Break later that Night)

Thankfully their journey back to Faubley would be a short one since their stuff was still there. But the question was if they would manage to make it there before Takt did and try to spin a story that they were the villains to them. As they stood Taiyo was tending to the fire to keep it burning so they would have warmth this night.

It was then that Rino decided to say something as the awkward tension was killing her. "Taiyo um I've been meaning to bring this up with you for a good while now and…" Rino began as she sighed in frustration a bit trying to get the words out. "I know eventually the Waves will come to an end and when they do chances are we'll have to go our separate ways and knowing you, you might try to do something foolish or." Rino began until Taiyo cut her off suddenly.

"Rino I want you and Ryuko to come back with me to my world when the Waves are over!" Taiyo blurted out shocking the girl. "I've been thinking long and hard on it and I want you to come to my world when the Waves are over!" Taiyo announced as Rino was left in shock by the words Taiyo had just spoken to her here.

"W-what?" Rino stuttered as she saw how blunt Taiyo was.

"I've been thinking long and hard about this and I can't stand the thought of being separated from you and Ryuko once the waves are over." Taiyo said as he looked to Rino with hope for a shared future. "I don't know what we have for each other but I do know one thing, Ryuko is my daughter and if I left her here… it's going to destroy her." Taiyo said as Rino knew what Taiyo was talking about.

"She'd still have me." Rino mumbled a bit trying to wrap her head around what Taiyo was asking of her.

"I know! But… let's just say I know how much it hurts to lose a parent." Taiyo said as Rino saw there was some baggage there. "You don't have to agree but I just want us all to be together." Taiyo said unaware that Ryuko was listening in on the two.

"Taiyo you moron." Rino said as she began to tear up a bit over this heroes honest and heartfelt words. "I'll… think about it." Rino said but truth was she really wanted to take his hand and go to his world. Who knows if the cards were just right then they could become an actual family over in his world.

"So are you two married?" Ryuko suddenly asked as this got the groups attention on her.

"Ryuko well I." Rino began but Taiyo cut her off once more.

"We're not." Taiyo said bluntly which surprised Rino and Ryuko.

"W-what?!" Ryuko asked but Taiyo was far from done here.

"But just because Rino and I aren't married doesn't mean much since you are loved by us right, Ryuko?" Taiyo asked as Rino was confused.

"What do you meant?" She asked tilting her head cutely.

"Tell me does Rino love you, Ryuko?" Taiyo asked as he looked to Ryuko.

Ryuko then glanced over to Rino who smiled a bit opting Ryuko to answer. "Yes." Ryuko responded to which Taiyo nodded to her.

"Now do I love you, Ryuko?" Taiyo asked his baby girl who had the answer to that one already.

"Obviously!" She called out and thus Taiyo went further for her.

"And tell me do we make sure you're fed, clothed, and healthy?" Taiyo asked and thus Ryuko knew the answer to that one already.

"Of course you do!" She called out and thus Taiyo smiled to his baby girl here.

"There you have it just because Ryuko and I aren't hitched doesn't make us love you any less sweetheart." Taiyo said and thus Rino smiled to this and nodded.

"Right!" Ryuko called out and in turn Rino saw how gentle Taiyo was being with her.

"That a girl now off to bed we have an early day tomorrow." Taiyo said and thus Rino nodded and headed off to her cot.

"Wow you're so good with her." Rino said as she was surprised she had never noticed just how; good with kids Taiyo was at times.

"Well of course I'm her dad after all." Taiyo said and in turn Rino got to the biggest question as she looked back to where they had saw the Airship had crashed.

"So do you think we've seen the last of Takt?" Rino asked but Taiyo then gained a stern look upon his face.

"Honestly… I doubt it." Taiyo said as it was just a hunch but he knew that Takt would not take this lying down in the slightest. They then heard the sound of a wagon and looked to its source where they in turn saw a familiar Shadow approach with their wagon and belongings as they saw this it seems they can skip the return trip to Faubley now.

(Scene Break Takt crash site)

Takt and his party were seen digging themselves out of the wreckage of Takt's airship as he growled no doubt angry beyond belief. As he exited the crash he swore he would be the one to end Taiyo and the other Cardinal Heroes if need be. He'll use their weapons and prove once and for all that he was the ultimate hero by defeating the Waves and with it destroying Madoras and Yshrennia. As he and his party began to long trek back to Faubley he failed to notice a demon eye of sorts observing the entire event. A demon eye that bore the crest of Yshrennia and in turn its loyalty to the Yshrennian Emperor Madoras.

(TBC)

ESKK: well here we are a new chapter I hope you all enjoyed it and will join in next time for chapter 32. Anyway small heads up upon March my Shield Hero fics will be going on hiatus until Season 2 of Shield hero concludes. So until then be sure to leave a review before leaving and as always ja-ne.