Heroes of the Arks
ESKK: Well here we go a Tsubaki centered chapter let's get started.
(Start Northern Kingdom Throne Room)
Everything was in chaos as the throne was covered with guards as the current King sat on his throne knowing full well the doors won't hold for long. This was the last line of defense before these rebels came in to kick him off his throne and reestablish the original ruler as the monarch. Roars and such were heard as the King gripped his seat knowing full well that at any moment the throne room will be breached. Dammit why didn't he escape when he had the chance? Oh wait of course the reason was clear his own pride and arrogance blinded him.
The rumbling of the doors continued on as the Guards looked ready to run for the hills if able. Eventually the doors were blasted open and from it a smokescreen covered the area. Eventually from the smoke the Moon Maiden charged out as the green gem was seen on her massive bow showing her pactmaker was in fact the Bow Heroin. The guards all charged in at the giant only for Tsubaki's party members and Itsuki's former party members to counter and charge in as well.
As the two sides clashed the Moon Maiden made her way through the battle as attacks both physical and magical went off but none affected the Moon Maiden. As she got closer the king looked ready to soil himself as she then drew her bow and notched an arrow up before aiming it directly at the King who yelped at seeing a glowing arrow in his face. "Do you give up?" Tsubaki asked as she glared at the usurper King.
"You can't do this to me." He gasped as it was clear he was not expecting this to go down.
"Well news flash I did." Tsubaki said as it was clear she was controlling her temper. "I didn't want to go the overthrow route but you forced my hand and now we can put the rightful ruler back in control." Tsubaki said before she saw the knights being bested by the heroes and extras. "Isn't that right, milady?" Tsubaki asked as she looked and saw a young woman approach dressed in armor and wielding a sword in her hand.
"Y-you survived?!" He asked in shock over what he saw.
"Thankfully I escaped the False Bow Heroes purge of my family if by pure dumb luck." She said showing Itsuki would not be welcomed in her domain ever again. "And thanks to your actions this country has been met with ruin. For all of this I should cut you down where you stand." She said pointing her sword at the false King. "But alas that would be the easy way out." She said and thus with a snap of her fingers her loyalists moved in to apprehend the false King. "Take him away he will stand trial for his crimes." She said and thus the King was forced down while struggling to get free.
"No she'll drain us dry of our gold don't you see! She's just like her father kill her! Kill Her!" He cried out but was ignored and thus Tsubaki reverted to her human form.
"Thank you, Lady Hero I owe you a great debt that I can never hope to repay." the princess and soon to be crowned queen said bowing to Tsubaki.
"It wasn't a problem, Mira I just can't stand what Itsuki started." Tsubaki said to Princess Mira and thus Rishia began to approach Tsubaki.
"Lady Tsubaki the wagons with the Shield Heroes Super Seeds are ready." Rishia said and in turn Tsubaki looked to Rishia with a nod.
"Good take those seeds and ensure they are distributed to the farmers in the area." Tsubaki said before looking over to Conan. "Conan you and Aile will go help with rescue and recovery we need to make sure the people are well and will be provided for." Tsubaki said and in turn they all got to work.
"What about us, Lady Hero?" Came Mald as he looked to Tsubaki who gave him a bored look.
"Try and deal with any stragglers we can't let a third rebellion begin." Tsubaki said and thus Mald growled but got to work none the less. Clearly, he did not enjoy being put on clean up duty here.
"Well, he's as arrogant and unpleasant as I remember." Mira said as she glared as Mald walked away knowing he took part in the overthrow and death of her father which later lead to her people suffering. "Now for your reward." Mira began but Tsubaki raised her hand to stop her.
"No use that money for your people they need it more than I do." Tsubaki insisted to which Mira sighed to this.
"I suppose there is no convincing you?" She asked and thus Tsubaki smirked with her arms crossed. "Very well thank you Lady Hero." Mira said and in turn they all got to work. Burying the dead, repairing homes and repairing lives.
(Scene Break the next day)
Thanks to Shiro and his super seed he was able to make a variant of it that should in theory work for these people. It took a lot of trial and error on his part, but the Northern Kingdom should be on the path of recovery soon. The new crops were a double use. One part is to produce food and the other using the monster seed as a bases was to defend the kingdom from the Monsters in the hills up North. All in all repairs were well underway as supplies were being brought in from Melromarc and neighbors to help repair the village. The crops were well underway in producing produce for the people to sell as well as feed themselves. In the center of the town was a large pot of food to help the people as well as canteens of water for those who were thirsty.
Tsubaki was directing the people on where to go with the supplies they currently had. As she did this it looked like Tsubaki was a bit of a volunteer missionary seeking to aid those who were in trouble. As Tsubaki gave orders all was peaceful at least until a familiar pain in her ass was heard. "What do you mean there's no reward!?" Mald was heard and in turn Tsubaki sighed knowing Mald found out about her declining the reward money.
"Conan can you take over?" Tsubaki asked as she looked over to Conan.
"No problem." Conan said and thus took over for Tsubaki.
Tsubaki in turn walked over to where she heard Mald and saw him harassing Rishia over this fact. "What did you do now you useless little!?" Mald yelled only for Tsubaki to clear her throat causing all attention to come to her.
"Would you mind explaining to me WHAT you are doing Mald?" Tsubaki asked as she glared at Mald.
"Rishia has been informing me we won't be receiving the reward for this job." Mald said as he stood up straight in a vain attempt to look attractive or intimidating to Tsubaki.
"Ok and?" Tsubaki asked with a raised brow.
"I assumed she may have done something to." Mald began but Tsubaki cut him off.
"Rishia didn't say anything I turned down the reward because right now these people needed it more than we do." Tsubaki said as she glared at Mald.
"But after all that trouble!" He began but Tsubaki cut him off again.
"Mald need I remind you that you and the others are only temps in my party right now. The only reason you all are even a part of my party is because you all been here before, I told you I'd consider making it permanent but that all depended on how you acted around me and my previous party members." Tsubaki said as she glared at Mald daring him to try something. "So, Sir Mald I suggest you either apologize or walk away." Tsubaki offered and in turn Mald glared before snarling and storming off.
"Thank you... Lady Tsubaki." Rishia said as she looked to Tsubaki who nodded.
"Are you ok Rishia?" Tsubaki asked as she looked to Rishia with concern for her wellbeing.
"I'll be fine." Rishia said as she smiled happy that Tsubaki and Aile had both shown such concern and worry for her wellbeing since she joined the party.
"Well, if you need to talk, you know I'll listen." Tsubaki said and in turn Rishia smiled and nodded in appreciation to this.
(Meanwhile with Mald)
Mald and the others with him were not in the best of moods. After the incident with the Church and following it up the rise of Yshrennia his reputation has gone from bad to worse. Damn those Knights if it weren't for them Mald would be receiving the recognition he deserves he was a noble for God's sake. Ever since that brat Itsuki lost the Bow to that bitch Tsubaki he had been blocked at every chance. When Tsubaki had asked for their aid in retaking this country he suspected she was coming around to his charm.
But it was for not as now here he was with the other sulking no reward and now recognition for their efforts. Tsubaki's excuse was that they knew this place so she needed them as guides for this invasion. Now here he was forced to help these lesser and work not with but UNDER a demihuman and that little idiot Rishia. The fact remained Rishia, Conan, and Aile were outshining them all and if Mald did not do something he'd have to return home in disgrace. Thankfully he had the perfect plan to win his way into Tsubaki's good graces and remove that damn demi from his path.
(Scene Break later that day)
Tsubaki was reading a book on magic while she was on her break. Right now they were waiting on the supplies to arrive to help with the rebuilding process. Ever since they arrived she had been studying magic nonstop and now that she had become the bow hero her efforts to learn and master magic had increased. Despite this Tsubaki was well versed in magic that learning was not hard for her as one would expect. It was a gift from the Moon Maiden allowing her an easier time in learning magic since the Moon Maiden was the magic user of the Knights. So far she was trying to learn some magic to combo with her bows so to be able to counter whatever the Yshrennian's could dish out.
Plus as a bonus thanks to the bows Itsuki had prior Tsubaki had been able to gain them and start using them. But the problem with them was that Itsuki was only focused on getting rare bows to use which caused Tsubaki to have to work hard to fix that. Thankfully by feeding the bow Tsubaki was able to gain the bow variants of most of Shiro's abilities including an ability called Bow Prison. With all these new abilities Tsubaki had been able to catch up quiet quickly to maser her bow but she felt it still had abilities yet known to her.
Just then Tsubaki turned the page before her enhanced sense of smell went off. One of the newest abilities she had was enhanced scent detection which came from the Cardinal Bow so to alert her of possible foes nearby. She looked and smiled when she sensed and in turn saw it was Conan. "Lady Tsubaki!" Conan called out as he walked on over to Tsubaki.
"Oh hello Conan." Tsubaki greeted when she saw Conan arrive. She closed the book before standing up to go greet the Demihuman boy of her party. "What can I do for you?" Tsubaki asked and thus Conan got to why he came out here.
"The supplies have just arrived Queen Mirellia hired a Filolial Breeder to deliver them." Conan said and in turn surprised Tsubaki with this information.
"A Filolial Breeder?" Tsubaki asked as she was confused by this information.
(Later in the Village)
Tsubaki arrived with Conan to see a great number of Filolials pulling wagons filled with building supplies and food for the people here. As Tsubaki looked to it all she began to make her way through them all to locate the Filolial Breeder in question. She then found the man in question and in turn made her way over to him.
"Pardon me are you the one the Queen sent for?" Tsubaki asked as she looked to the Breeder who nodded enthusiastically.
"Yes I am, and you must be the Bow Heroin. It's an honor to meet one of the legendary heroes," the breeder said as he give a bow to her but she held up her hand as she said, "Please don't do that, I get enough of that at my village. Anyways is this all the supplies you brought?"
"Not quite, but this is a good portion of it, I still have much to give around the northern kingdom," The breeder said as Tsubaki give a nod to him as she said, "And I thank you for your help, as well to help thing along, I am hope paying you will suffice of helping this kingdom even faster."
Tsubaki help up a small bag of gold coins that she saved up as she offer to the man as he took it and was shock by it as he said, "This is too much to give, I can't really accept this."
"Please, it will be for your hard work for helping and knowing I will have peace of mind that everyone will get what's needed for them and their families," Tsubaki said as the breeder nodded as he said, "Very well, but I can't take this without giving something in return."
"You don't have too," Tsubaki try to refuse as the breeder said, "Please, you have done a lot yourself bow heroin I think I have just the thing right here."
The man said as he reach over to a basket in the back and held it out showing what was inside as he said, "I sold my last cargo just some time ago, but some of my Filolial were delayed of laying some of their eggs and now I have 3 extras, please take them. Maybe you can get much used out of these guys once you raise them well that is."
Tsubaki was surprise that the man was offering her Filolial eggs to her, as she was trying to refuse but the thought of having some extra help around could be a good thing, and the group have been traveling around the use of wagon and she is resorted of using her moon maiden a lot for traveling places that were long distant as she said, "Very well, I'll take these as a gift, thank you."
Once she took the eggs off the breeders hands as he said, "No thank you, and I best be on my way, good luck my fair lady."
Tsubaki soon went on her way with her new gift as she look down at the basket eggs and said, "I wonder how you three will look when your hatch and all grown up, Filolials, or maybe dragons? Will you guys be boys or girls, or a mix? Oh boy I need to start thinking of names now too… is this now Shiro and Taiyo felt when they got their eggs?"
Thoughts ran through her head of this as she went on her way to place the eggs somewhere for later as there was much work that still needed to be done.
(Later)
AS the sun began to set on the horizon, Tsubaki was leaving the camp site of workers that was helping rebuilding the kingdom as she make sure they had enough food to go around as she said, "Well that went well, I just hope Shiro super seed does the trick as we're starting to get low of food now."
"Lady Tsubaki," Conan voice was heard as he called out to her, as the moon maiden user turn to him and ask, "Conan, good to see you back. How did things go?"
"Pretty well, I helped treated anyone that was wounded or sick… and bury their dead," Conan said as he said that last part disappointed in himself as Tsubaki understood what he meant as she put a hand on his shoulder and said, "You did all you could Conan. You can't blame you of what happen to those who had past, you did what you could for those who are still alive and that all we can hope for."
"Thank you… my lady," Conan said as he keep his head bow to her and went on saying, "I wish those creeps you had join us be more respectful."
"Why, what happen?" Tsubaki said as she didn't like the sound of what this was leading as Conan said, "That Mald guy, he keep being rude of the people we're trying to help, and one of the other always glaring at me for some reason, I even heard them mumble, 'You'll get yours' or something like that."
Tsubaki deadpan at this as she thought to herself, 'Of course they will be sour of not getting a reward, but they should have realize this when their former party leader dethrone a king and brought ruin to their lands. I need to keep a close eye on Mald and the others or else thing may get hairy.'
"Well that is something you don't have to be concern about for now Conan, I'll take care of it, and if anything does happen with any of them I'll be sure to remind them of their place on this team," Tsubaki said as Conan nodded to this and said, "Thank you lady Tsubaki."
"No problem." Tsubaki nodded and thus Conan looked to the Eggs Tsubaki was given. "So what do you plan to do with those eggs once they hatch?" Conan asked as he looked to Tsubaki.
"Well I have this one bow I've been meaning to try out, the Beast Master Bow." Tsubaki said as it was one of the many bows she got after becoming the Bow Hero. From what she understood it allows her the ability to tame wild beasts and use them in battle. But unlike the Slave Owner Bow the Beast Master Bow focuses on monster-based creatures such as Dire Wolves and even Filolials. "I've been hoping to turn them into hunting Filolials with a side of Wagon Pulling." Tsubaki said as Conan heard this.
"Well, you do have the Summoning Bow and the Hunting Pack Summons." Conan said as he remembered that particular Bow. She copied it from an archer whom they helped out a while back as payment. Since he didn't lose a single coin, he was more than happy with donating his bow to have copied onto the Bow Heroine's Weapon.
"Yeah, and that too." Tsubaki said as all they had to do was wait for the eggs to hatch and see what sort of Filolials were inside them. If she played her cards right, then Tsubaki might just have a pack of hunting birds similar to the Velociraptors seen in Jurassic World. Even if it was not an exact match it would still help her being the Bow Heroin after all. Besides Artemis had her hunters and hunting wolves who's to say Tsubaki can't have her hunting birds?
(Scene Break the Next Morning)
Conan, Rishia, and Ail were asleep still as it was the early morning for the party. Mald and the others had taken another spot nearby while Tsubaki kept her tent as the dividing point between the two sides. Reason being was that Tsubaki had already dealt with several problems from Mald and the others that caused the need for the two sides. Looking at Mald and the rest of Itsuki's former party Tsubaki began to suspect that Mald and the others were enabling Itsuki's behavior prior to losing the bow. From what she gathered Itsuki was basically seen to fire the arrow at the last possible second to appear as a hero when able. But his sense of justice was skewed and thus was enabled by Mald and the others instead of corrected. Considering Mald and possibly the others were nobles Tsubaki added another mark against Aultcray for hiring nobles to party up with the heroes instead of actual adventurers.
Strangely enough Itsuki acted a lot like her own younger brother back home with their parents enabling him. It eventually fell to Tsubaki to correct it and in turn after much trial and error got her brother to become a somewhat functioning young man ready to move out. This of course made Tsubaki home sick to think about. But this gave her the resolve that she would return home and reunite with her brother. But perhaps in the meantime while she was here currently here Tsubaki could try and get Itsuki to see the error of his ways... assuming she can find him that is.
Speaking of Tsubaki she was with her party as she began to shake them awake. "Aile, Rishia, Conan look at this." Tsubaki said as she shook her teammates awake.
"What happened?" Aile asked while Conan yawned with Rishia rubbing the sleep from her eyes.
"Look." Tsubaki said and in turn they walked over to the Eggs the breeder had gifted to Tsubaki. One by one they each began to crack as the cracks webbed out across the eggs.
As the four began to gather around the eggs they eventually all hatched one by one revealing small Filolials inside. Pink feathers adorned their bodies as they were recently hatched. They all looked to Tsubaki and hardly five second later they all jumped over to Tsubaki and huddled up to her. One was atop her head almost like she owned it while the other two were on either of Tsubaki's shoulders. The one on Tsubaki's left shoulder seemed to be gushing at all the attention she was being given no doubt soaking it in. The one on Tsubaki's right shoulder to her hunch was curious about his surroundings almost innocent like this.
The one on top of her head seemed to also carry a sense of dignity about being at the top. No doubt to Tsubaki this one may be of a purer pedigree unlike her new siblings.
"They're so cute!" Rishia gushed as she saw the three Filolials as Conan also saw them.
"They much thing you are their mother." Conan said as Tsubaki smirked to this while having the Beast Master Bow active.
"Well, Lady Tsubaki, they will need names assuming they don't grow into Queens or Kings." Aile said and thus Tsubaki smirked to this.
"Well with me being a Hero it's a given fact they will, hence why we need to get them trained ASAP." Tsubaki said she crossed her arms knowing it had to be done. Tsubaki knew she had her work cut out for her, but it needed to be done and if it all goes well than, by the time they gain human forms they will be ready to fight and hunt.
(Later Filolial Training Ground Tsubaki)
Later in the day once everyone was fed and given their tasks Tsubaki got to work on training her Filolials. As they were running around, she saw one of the females lazing about as the sole male was exploring his surroundings grabbing anything and everything he could nab his beak on. Thankfully Tsubaki had chosen this spot since it was safe for them and second because it provided them just enough tools and toys to exercise as well even if the tools were makeshift made with logs and fallen trees. "Hey Sakura front and center girl." Tsubaki ordered to Sakura he began to come to and saw what was going on. "Kou focus I know it's all new but we have a job to do." Tsubaki said as she looked to the two who seemed to be the problems here.
But surprisingly enough the final one saw this and when she noticed the snacks began to put the pieces together. With a snap to her siblings the unknown female got them both to pay attention and to Tsubaki's shock the three stood side by side with the last one in the lead. "Wow way to go Yuki." Tsubaki said as she passed a snack over to Yuki who grabbed it with ease. Clearly Yuki was the leader of this flock and thus answered directly to Tsubaki who still had the Beast Master Bow active. Sakura and Kou both saw their sister get the snack and thus saw Tsubaki was the food giver here.
From what Tsubaki saw Sakura and Kou were a bit slow and thus it made sense for Yuki to be in charge since she caught on fast. With this in mind Tsubaki had to change her training involving Yuki as to hone her alpha nature among her brother and sister. "Ok everyone let's get to work starting with some drills." Tsubaki said knowing if her math was right then Tsubaki only had 3 days to get them set up for herself and her party.
(Start Montage)
The rest of the day was spent training the Filolials which as Tsubaki saw Yuki was quick to take charge. Sakura and Kou both followed Yuki's lead and thanks to the Beast Master Bow Tsubaki could cut the training time with continued use. This also gave her proficiency with the bow in question as it became a sense of everyone wins.
When the first day came to an end Tsubaki fed them as she made them wait for their food. Once all of their food was served Tsubaki let them dig in making it clear they all ate together. So even if the Filolial's food came up first they were not to start eating until everyone else had their food served as well.
The second day was spent grinding against the Monsters up at the Northern Hills that came down to attack. Tsubaki had sent Mald and the others to send the smaller monsters her way so she can get the three Filolial's some experience. The balloons proved to be perfect for this as they hardly did any damage and thus did not risk any serious injury. By the days end the three Filolials had doubled in size and thus Tsubaki had to start getting high in the tree. This would help them recognized Tsubaki as their food giver and their alpha which would be useful on the third day.
(End Montage)
When the Third Day began Tsubaki took the Filolials out to a larger training ground where she stood atop a tree to command them. It was good as Tsubaki had gotten them hunting a larger prey to hone their hunting instincts. Another bonus she had was to make them able to switch on and off their instincts so when at home they were regular Filolial's but in the field they were her hunting birds. A pig was seen running away as Yuki lead the trio of herself, Sakura, and Kou after it. It squealed and ran in fear as the three Filolials chased after the piece of bacon. This pig was borrowed from the nearby farm which Tsubaki promised to return in one piece. The farmer was of course there to bring the pig home when its use was done. Tsubaki had also had another bow to help calm it down once its task was done. Conan was also there to provide aid as he made sure to mark the spots the hunting area had its boarders at. The pig soon got to the boarder where it smelled its owner and in turn Tsubaki stepped in.
"Hold!" Tsubaki ordered as she then smirked when Yuki was the first to stop followed by Sakura and Kou. Looking around for her Tsubaki saw they recognized her voice now which was good progress. The Filolials now had grown to look like the ones Tsubaki saw Fitoria commanded. "Hey!" Tsubaki called out and thus got their attention. Using a clicker, she had crafted Tsubaki got the Filolials to look at her. "Eyes on me!" Tsubaki ordered after clicking the clicker as Yuki the pure white Filolial with matching silver eyes, paid attention with Sakura and Kou doing the same.
When the three Filolials eyes were on her Tsubaki smiled at what she saw. "Good job guys good job. Now... we're moving." Tsubaki ordered and thus guided the Filolials to the bucket she had Conan set up filled with snacks for the Filolials. Once she got there she smiled when they had yet to turn their attention away from her even when they knew the snacks were within Tsubaki's reach.
"Good job everyone." She praised and thus took out one of the snacks and threw it over to Kou. Kou the yellow colored Filolial who reminded Tsubaki of a Chocobo with his appearance even with his azure blue eyes caught it and was smiling at his reward which was a jerky Tsubaki knew he liked. "See good behavior and a good job equals a yummy reward." Tsubaki said as she smiled to Kou who enjoyed his snack with smiles. "Sakura your up." Tsubaki said as she had another snack in hand. Once the piece of Jerky was ready she threw it down to Sakura, a pink Filolial with matching pink eyes, who caught it and ate it clearly enjoying it judging from her smile that reminded Tsubaki of Filo. "Yuki." Tsubaki spoke holding a different snack a muffin for Yuki. "This one is for you the best for last." She said and thus threw it to Yuki who ate the snack and enjoyed it.
"Good, good!" Tsubaki praised as she saw the three were doing good. "Eyes up!" Tsubaki went on as all eyes went to Tsubaki. "Wait for it. Wait for it." She ordered as the Filolials were ready to move. "And... we're done!" She let them off and thus they went to do some relaxation as now that they were given the signal hunting time was over and Filolial fun time had begun.
"Lady Tsubaki!" Conan called out as he ran over to Tsubaki. "That was amazing." He gasped never seeing such methods used.
"It's all about trust Conan and mutual respect." Tsubaki said as she then smiled a bit. "And maybe a little love here and there doesn't hurt either." Tsubaki added to which Conan had to agree that Tsubaki's method works.
"I can see that." Conan said as he had to ask. "So will they be ready for actual combat?" Conan asked as he looked to Tsubaki with curiosity over her Filolials.
"Who knows we have to wait and see." Tsubaki said as she walked with Conan back to the village. Of course, before leaving Tsubaki called out to the three Filolials with a whistle. In turn the three Filolials gathered around them and thus Tsubaki began to guide them back to the stables.
(Later back at the village)
One the three Filolials were in their stables Tsubaki smiled at her hard work paying off. "Well rest up you three tomorrow we move on to bigger prey." Tsubaki said as she smiled at her three success stories here. On the way here Tsubaki had saw that Shiro's Super Seeds were well under way of bearing produce that would in turn be used as trade and to feed the people. All in all, Tsubaki had felt that her time here had been a good time and soon she would be able to leave knowing the Kingdom was in good hands.
"Amazing." A new voice called out getting Tsubaki's and Conan's attention. They looked and saw a young bow in what seemed to be a dress outfit sitting there looking like a young noble or maybe a young butler. "Oops sorry I didn't mean to startle you." The black-haired boy said as he seemed to have a small cape over his shoulders similar to feathers.
"Little boy are you lost?" Conan asked but Tsubaki felt there was more to it.
"Huh don't you two recognize me?" The boy asked tilting his head in confusion and a bit of hurt. "I mean I know I went through a change but I don't look that different, do I?" The boy asked as Tsubaki was confused by this. "But then again Pete and Demonicon said the heroes and their friends would be surprised to see me." The boy said and thus Tsubaki went wide eyed to this.
"Ok Kuro that's enough." Jun was heard as she and Conan looked and saw Jun hiding in the shadows nearby.
"Jun!" Tsubaki gasped when she saw Jun there.
"Hey Tsubaki." Jun greeted as she approached her.
"Lady Jun what are you doing here?" Conan asked as he looked to the Sword Hero/Black Knights Pactmaker.
"Business mainly." Jun said as she approached the duo. "I was actually heading for a job nearby when the Queen had asked me to deliver this message for her." Jun said as she scratched her head a bit.
"Ok what is the message?" Tsubaki asked as she looked to Jun.
"The Queen's crews will be here to aid in the rebuilding process and provide protection for these people." Jun began as she looked to Tsubaki. "She wants all the Heroes to head to Melromarc to discuss something of importance." Jun relayed as she looked to Tsubaki. "Before you ask on the reasons or what it is all she told me was that it would help us level up fast, but it also involved Yshrennia as well." Jun added and in turn Tsubaki nodded knowing that was her next question.
"Ok well we're almost done here so we should be ready to leave soon enough." Tsubaki said and thus Jun nodded to this. "By the way..." Tsubaki trailed off as she looked to Kuro who smiled and waved to the Bow Heroin/Pactmaker of the Moon Maiden. "What happened to Kuro?" Tsubaki asked as she didn't expect to see Kuro like this.
"It's a weird story but all I can say... he was a late bloomer I believe." Jun said as she remembered that day clearly due to how recent it was. Seeing the look Tsubaki gave her Jun sighed and thus began to tell Tsubaki what happened that had Kuro looking like this.
(Flashback)
Jun was staying at an inn for the evening as she laid down on the couch in the room. Pete took to the corner nearby since due to his size any bed he slept on tended to break under his weight. Demonicon got the bed this evening as Jun had Kuro in his Phoenix form nearby. It had been a long day for all of them what with the trial and what not and Jun was looking forward to rest.
Kuro was currently rubbing up to his mistress as Jun sighed a bit. "Jeez is it just me or have you been acting strange?" Jun asked as she looked to her black Phoenix. Lately Kuro has been a bit picky and demanding as Jun wondered what had gotten into him. It felt at times Kuro refused to sleep unless he was near Jun which she actually found it funny. Sometimes Jun felt like Kuro was the only one who understood her and the inner workings of her mind.
After everything that Jun had endured it was a miracle, she hadn't receded into herself to protect her mind. "Really now, what can I even do with you?" Jun asked with a playful smile to Kuro rubbing the side of his head a bit. "You've become the weirdest monster I've met since I was summoned to this world. Jun went on as she looked to Kuro smiling at how he rubbed into her touch. "Even when we met, I swore that you were way too smart for a monster of your caliber. Are you sure you're not secretly like Filo and Ryuko?" Jun asked as she looked to Kuro who heard what Jun said.
Of course, it was a glare as the glare was directed at Jun almost like he was saying: So, you won't love me anymore if I'm not a human?
For some reason in response Jun laughed a bit and rubbed the back of the Phoenix head. "Come now. We still love you, even if you're a monster; it has been like that all the time, hasn't it?" Jun asked only to pause when she said this. 'Wait how was he able to understand him, anyway?' Jun thought as she was surprised by this. 'Is our stronger deeper than what I initially thought?' Jun wondered just as Kuro began to glow. The glow got Jun's attention as she was wide eyed over what Kuro was doing.
Even Pete and Demonicon were shocked as the light had awoken the duo. The crimson colored, light coming from Kuro got brighter and brighter, until it became a blinding aura covering his whole body, lighting up the whole room. Jun had to snap her eyes shut to prevent her eyes from being fried. When the light finally died down, she dared to crack open her eyes in vigilance, and in turn saw Kuro was gone.
To Jun's shock in Kuro's place was a young very nude boy with ebony black hair and black wings on his back the same ones Kuro had. The boy looked at himself surprised as he saw hands instead of wings and feet instead of talons. "I did it I'm human now!" He called out as Jun was left wide eyed, Demonicon was agape as his visible eyes were stark white and his hand raised pointed at the two. Pete just had that dull minded look as he then tilted his head and scratched it a bit.
(End Flashback)
"After asking around I found out Kuro was a late bloomer, he was supposed to have transformed long ago around the same time frame as Ryuko and Filo did." Jun finished her explanation as Tsubaki could see this.
"So that little boy is?" Tsubaki asked and thus Jun nodded.
"Yes, it's Kuro." Jun confirmed as she was still adjusting to all of this.
"I see." Tsubaki said and thus looked over to the three Filolials and wondered how long until they transformed as well.
"Anyway." Jun began while she started to make her way out of the stable. "I'm heading out my work here is done and I got places to be." Jun said with Kuro on her tail... at least until she stopped at the door. "By the way in case one of us runs into Shiro... I swung by Lute village their doing better now." Jun said and thus took her leave of the duo and the three Filolials.
When they were left alone Conan was the one to speak up. "Why does she always have to do that lone wolf bit?" Conan asked as Tsubaki shrugged to this.
"Honestly it's a quark of hers." Tsubaki said as she shrugged to Conan.
But just as things were about to go back to normal Aile ran to the door as he looked winded. "Lady Tsubaki, Conan come quick it's Rishia!" Aile cried out as he looked to the duo inside the barn.
(Later)
When Tsubaki and Conan arrived with Aile they saw the scene before them. Mald was glaring down at Rishia who was close to tears as Tsubaki glared at Mald for this. "Mald!" Tsubaki yelled as her tone showed she was NOT happy about what she saw since it was causing a scene.
"Oh, Lady Tsubaki thank goodness your here!" One of the magic casters of the group said as they saw Tsubaki had arrived.
"What is it?" Tsubaki asked as she wanted answers.
"It's this useless weakling." Mald began while sending a glare at Rishia. "Her clumsy antics had saw to the destruction of one of your accessories." Mald said as he held a broken amulet in his hand which Tsubaki recognized as the one that had gone missing.
"Huh last I checked that had gone missing." Tsubaki said as she looked to it. But Tsubaki also knew she didn't need it anymore and was either going to give it to one of her party members or sell it.
"And now we know why!" Mald said as Tsubaki began to put the pieces together. "This wretch broke it." Mald accused as Rishia was close to tears.
"I'm telling you I didn't do it!" Rishia tried to defend as she looked to Jun.
"And how are you certain it was her who did it?" Tsubaki asked as she detected a set up here. But she also wanted to get all the facts straight here.
"It was found with her belongings!" Mald yelled as Tsubaki glared a bit.
"Which you were looking through?" Tsubaki asked with a raised eyebrow.
"N-No of course not she was retrieving something, and I had happened to catch a glimpse of it!" He defended but Tsubaki saw through Mald's deception. Aile and Conan were about to snap but Jun raised her hand to stop them both before glancing to Rishia.
"And you all agree that she, did it?" Tsubaki asked looking to the rest of the team as she saw Mald looking almost smug about it. They all nodded and in turn Tsubaki knew what to do now. "I see then in that case." Tsubaki began as Rishia began to grow worried for her future. "Mald you and the rest of Itsuki's former party members beat it." Tsubaki said as Mald smirked to this.
"You heard her wretch she said..." Mald began but then stopped as Tsubaki's words caught up to him. "Wait what?" Mald asked shocked over what he heard.
"You heard me take a hike all of you." Tsubaki said sternly as she crossed her arms.
"But she was the one." Mald began but Tsubaki cut him off there.
"Who you tried to frame." Tsubaki said as she glared at Mald. "I was actually going to give the Accessor away or at least sell it both of which won't be happening now since you all broke it and tried to pin it on Rishia." Tsubaki said as Rishia was shocked and happy over what she heard.
"But you can't do this!" Mald yelled as he glared at Tsubaki.
"I can, I will, and I did." Tsubaki said as she continued to glare at Mald with contempt.
"But you'd rather work with a damned demi, a worthless peasant, and a useless wretch!?" Mald yelled but Tsubaki had enough of him.
"Yes, because I trust them, more then I trusted you, now last chance leave!" Tsubaki yelled as she removed them from her party. Mald snarled and was about to draw his axe only for the Guards to draw their weapons as did Tsubaki and here party barred Rishia.
"I would suggest you leave now." Mira said as she glared at Mald. "Otherwise, things will not turn out as you hoped." Mira said and in turn Mald seeing he was in a pickle knew to step back.
"You... You'll regret this." Mald said as he and Itsuki's former party began to head out. "You'll regret this!" Mald yelled and thus he left with the former party members of Itsuki.
Once he was gone Tsubaki directed her attention over to Rishia. "Are you ok, Rishia?" Tsubaki asked with concern for the girl before her.
"Y-yes I'll be fine." Rishia said with a nod to Tsubaki who nodded to this.
"Well I am glad to be rid of that boar." Mira said glaring at where Mald had departed to.
"Thank you for stepping in, your highness." Tsubaki said with a nod to Mira.
"Of course, it's the least I can do for the saviors of my kingdom." Mira said and thus Tsubaki nodded to this.
"Well I have to leave earlier then I intended I've been summoned to Melromarc and." Tsubaki began but Mira cut her off there.
"Worry now with these crops and the arriving supplies our Kingdom will flourish once more." Mira said and thus Tsubaki nodded and smiled to Mira.
"Lead your people well then, Queen Mira." Tsubaki said smiling to the girl who would be queen soon. Even if she cannot stay for Mira's coronation Tsubaki could at least wish this rising queen the best of luck.
Just then a group of villagers arrived as they looked surprised by something. "Lady Hero your Filolials!" Came the man and thus going wide eyed Tsubaki ran off with Rishia, Conan, and Aile on her tail.
(Later at the Stables)
When they arrived Tsubaki was wide eyed to find her three Filolials have increased in mass causing her to go wide eyed to this. "Oh boy." Tsubaki said knowing that they had to head back to Melromarc ASAP for magic cloths for them. She then looked to one of the nearby villagers with a worried and blank look on her face. "Would you by chance have a wagon to donate?" Tsubaki asked as she looked to the man in question.
(Scene Break on the road)
Leaving the Northern Territory Tsubaki was on a wagon being pulled by Yuki with Rishia as her copilot on the wagon ride. While the girls rode the Wagon, Aile and Conan were on Sakura and Kou heading off as well as they made their way to Melromarc.
"Well, that happened." Tsubaki said with a sight after what she just saw.
"Tell me about it." Conan said as he agreed with Tsubaki on her assumption.
"Um... Lady Tsubaki." Rishia began as she looked oddly nervous now.
"Yeah, what is it Rishia?" Tsubaki asked as she looked over to Rishia.
"I um... I just wanted to say..." Rishia stuttered as she tried to fight the right words to say. "I just wanted to thank you for what you did against Mald." Rishia said bowing her head some to Tsubaki.
"It was no problem Rishia." Tsubaki said as she smiled to Rishia. "It's what I do." Tsubaki added as she then saw Rishia smile in response to her praise. Tsubaki of course smiled to the girl and saw she was starting to get over the clear bullying she had endured even if she won't say it. Just then Tsubaki took note that the sun was setting. "Well, we better pull over night will be on us soon." Tsubaki said and thus they were all in agreement.
(Later that evening)
Camp was set as the group all gathered around the campfire. As they had set up sleeping bags were unrolled and food was eaten. "Alright bedtime everyone we have a lot of ground to cover in the morning." Tsubaki said as luckily she had outfits for children stowed away in the carriage. People looked to her like she was a bit crazy when she had asked for them. But one never knows what to expect. But for Tsubaki the three Filolials gaining human forms was inevitable so all she can hope was that they were late bloomers like Kuro was.
"Well, they do seem happy to pull the wagon. But Sakura looked jealous Yuki got to pull it instead." Conan said from his sleeping roll suspecting Sakura was the most like Filo of the three.
"I can tell." Tsubaki said as Rishia was making sure the Filolials were all fed. "Ok well I'll take first watch everyone." Tsubaki said as she stretched a bit.
"Understood/Ok." Aile and Rishia said as the moment she said that Yuki laid down behind Tsubaki just before she sat down. When she did so Tsubaki was surprised to feel feathers on her back. Following it up was Sakura and Kou as the two Filolials took spots on either side of Tsubaki.
"Sakura, Yuki: Kou." Conan said as he looked to the three Filolials but then sighed when it was clear they were far too comfortable to move now.
"Well, no choice now." Tsubaki said and thus with a yawn everyone began to drift to sleep. Tsubaki petted the three Filolials as best she could as they all grew comfortable around her. "Jeez your feathers are a bit prickly." Tsubaki said and thus began to drift off to sleep unaware of the transformation about to occur but very much expected.
(Scene Break Mald)
Mald was of course growling as he was also getting ready to sleep. He and the former party of the Bow Hero were all gathered in an inn as no doubt he was infuriated. "That little bitch!" Mald growled as he slammed his drink onto the table. He was angry very much so as the Bow Wench had disrespected him and disregarded him from the start. Always underestimating his ability and acting like he was just an annoyance. If he had his way things would have gone back to Itsuki at least he was easy to use.
As he growled the moving of a chair on his table got his attention and thus looked to see the face of Shiba the Dark Crossbow hero standing there. "Hey your Mald right?" Shiba asked as Mald had completely forgotten there were neutral town's nobles, and kingdoms in the conflict with Yshrennia.
"You!" Mald yelled as he saw the Dark Crossbow Hero standing there.
"Yo." Shiba greeted as he took his seat.
"What do you want?!" Mald growled as he glared at the Demon Lord whom he knew for a fact he stood no chance against.
"Oh nothing, you see Madoras wants us to start leveling up and I'm in the market for a party." Shiba said plopping his feet up on the table as the topic got Mald's attention. "Might you be interested?" Shiba asked as he smirked to Mald.
"And why would I be interested?!" Mald growled as he glared directly at Shiba.
"Revenge of course." Shiba said as revenge was something he was quite familiar with. "Revenge for the humiliation you suffered by the Bow Hero both of them." Shiba said as Mald was now interested. "Besides you've seen what Madoras can do, chances of beating him are slim to none and I'm sure a man of reputation is smart enough to join the winning side." Shiba said as he took a swing of a drink, he had ordered prior. "What do you say you interested in a little payback or what?" Shiba asked as Madoras had been specific with this order. Yes, while he did send them out to expand his reach Madoras still needed his Dark Heroes in top form hence why his expansions have been slow if not delayed. With this in mind Madoras was going to play the long game until the next Wave which would then be followed by something Madoras had anticipated... something about a turtle if Shiba remembers right.
Mald sat there glaring at his drink for a moment no doubt Shiba's words hitting him where it hurts. It was only a moment later did Mald make his decision and smirk over to Shiba with the Wraith easily telling what Mald wanted. Shiba in response smirked back and knew what to do here.
(Tsubaki the next morning)
"Lady Tsubaki!" Rishia cried out as she sounded frantic.
"Tsubaki wake up!" Conan added as his tone was also frantic Tsubaki began to come to with a yawn.
"What's up everyone?" Tsubaki asked and in turn found herself laying on the ground. "Huh?" She asked and thus as her mind woke up it also caught up to what happened before she slept. "It happened, didn't it?" Tsubaki asked and thus saw two girls one with ivory white hair and one with bubblegum pink hair, and one blond haired little boy were sleeping close around Tsubaki cuddling up to him. The most noted part of them was that they all had wings in the order of white, pink, and yellow. With a sigh Tsubaki signaled for Rishia to get the cloths knowing she had to make two stops once they got to Melromarc.
"Yuki, Sakura, Kou." Tsubaki called as she woke the three Filolials up.
In turn the three began to wake up and yawned with Kou rubbing his eyes. "Master... good morning." Yuki said and thus Tsubaki chuckled when she saw this. Tsubaki was of course thankful that she had seen this coming based on what Shiro and Taiyo told her about Filo and Ryuko and what she knew about Kuro now.
"Would you three like breakfast?" Tsubaki asked and thus Sakura smiled a big toothy grin when food was mentioned.
"Yes please/Ah-huh." Sakura and Kou both responded while Yuki simply nodded and thus Tsubaki knew it was time to eat. As things changed for the group so too did their size as now that Tsubaki had the three trained in their beast forms. Now that the three had gained human forms she can now train them in their human forms. But among training it would also include raising them as Tsubaki began to suspect that a visit from Fitoria was inevitable here since Tsubaki had three candidates for the Filolial monarch here... assuming a male can become Filolial King. Still win or lose Tsubaki would be there and in turn they would all stand together against the Waves no matter what it may bring against them. With this in mind they all got breakfast as Rishia brought out the outfits for the three Filolials to wear until they can get transforming outfits made for them. Regardless Tsubaki would protect them all as they fought by her side and hopefully when all is said and done return back to her own world with her friends in tow.
(TBC)
ESKK: Well here we are Chapter 32 I hope you all enjoyed it and will continue to stay with us even after the Hiatus. So until then be sure to leave a review and as I always say here ja-ne.
