Heroes of the Arks

ESKK: Well, here we are almost at the end of Season 1 of this fic. I hope you all will continue to read on. Now let's begin this chapter shall we.

(Start Ship to Cal Mira)

"You heroes are some strange sorts." A man said as he led Shiro and his party to their cabins. After they had boarded the ship, they had set sail and were at the moment on the way to Cal Mira. "We had private rooms set up for you and everything I don't see why you wish to be place with the regular adventurers." The man said as Shiro had a good idea as to why. No one wanted the stooges to have private rooms and the more common the cabin the more likely they would catch them in whatever schemes they have.

Shiro knew Taiyo would give Motoyasu the benefit of the doubt, but Tsubaki and Jun weren't like that. As far as Tsubaki was concerned Itsuki should have been left to fend for himself after everything he and his party had caused with the Cardinal Bow. "But be that as it may." The sailor said as they got to a cabin. "You will be sharing a cabin with another if that will not be an inconvenience." He said to which Shiro was ok with it.

"No, it's fine." Shiro said as he Raphtalia, and Filo were led to the cabin.

The sailor then knocked on the door and in turn a voice was heard inside. "Come in." The voice said as Shiro saw it sounded familiar somehow. When they were lead inside Shiro then yelped in shock as he saw a familiar face looking to him. "Oh, hey there kiddo." The red-haired man L'arc greeted as Shiro was left in shock to this. "We meet again." He said as Shiro was surprised to cross paths with these people so soon.

"Yeah, we do." Shiro said as he greeted L'arc. "L'arc right?" Shiro asked as he looked to L'arc.

"Yeah L'arc, right?" Shiro asked as he looked to L'arc.

"That's right L'arc, L'arc Berg and this is Therese." L'arc introduced as Therese did a small bow to Shiro and his party.

"Therese Alexandrite." Therese introduced herself which Shiro nodded.

"Well nice to finally make it official." Shiro said as he looked to Therese.

"So, um." Raphtalia began as she got everyone's attention. "Is Therese from a foreign country or something?" Raphtalia asked as Shiro was confused by this. "Because I couldn't understand what she said." Raphtalia said as Shiro got worried about this.

Therese and L'arc looked to each other and realized they messed up on this. "Oh, we forgot." L'arc said as he then turned to face away and thus Therese reached out for the red gem L'arc's weapon. When Shiro saw it, he swore he had seen that sort of crystal before as he saw it was similar to his Shields crystal but different at the same time. Therese then pulled out a small ball of energy from it and then moved it to her neck where it faded into it. Shiro found this odd to say the least as he never seen that sort of magic before.

"I deeply apologize do you understand me now?" Therese asked after she apologized for that small hiccup.

"I do!" Raphtalia cried out with a smile on her face as Shiro saw this.

'That's right my shield can translates for me.' Shiro thought as he had completely forgotten about that ability. 'But what was that magic Therese did with L'arc's scythe?' Shiro wondered as he felt that something was up with that.

"Let's try that again." Therese spoke as she drew Shiro from his thoughts. "My name is Therese Alexandrite." Therese introduced as she looked to the group.

"I'm Raphtalia." Raphtalia introduced herself to the navy haired girl.

"And you can call me Filo." Filo introduced as she was always happy to meet new people.

"Nice to meet you." L'arc said as he then directed his attention to Shiro.

"I'm Shirogane Takeru but everyone calls me Shiro." Shiro introduced himself as he closed his eyes a bit.

L'arc and Therese looked to each other in shock for a moment as they heard his name. "Shiro huh?" L'arc asked as Shiro felt this would not be a good thing somehow. Just then the pair burst out laughing as if Shiro had just told a real funny joke. "Hey kiddo if your gonna use an alias I wouldn't recommend the Shield Heroes name." L'arc said as Shiro's left eye twitched a bit in annoyance to this.

"Dude it's not an alias I am the Shield Hero." Shiro argued as he felt there was some context missing here.

This of course caused L'arc to burst out laughing again as Shiro was getting annoyed with this. "You? You're the shield hero huh?!" L'arc laughed as Shiro let it be a bit despite how annoyed he was at it. At least he wasn't getting death threats and glares of contempt for being the shield hero.

"It's really not that funny, L'arc." Therese said to her partner before directing her attention back to Shiro. "But I do agree with him your alias is a little too conspicuous." Therese said as Shiro was annoyed there.

"See the Shield Hero reputation he's one evil scumbag." L'arc began as Shiro felt he knew where this was going. "Scams, blackmail, kidnapping, and he's got powerful friends who'll execute anyone whoever he doesn't like after her has them humiliated to no end." L'arc said as he, spoke of the rumors about Shiro. "A devil in human clothing." L'arc said as Shiro knew those sorts of titles matched up perfectly to Jun bar the kidnapping bit.

'Dammit Jun.' Shiro mentally cursed realizing Jun screwed him over there a bit.

"Clearly I haven't known you long." L'arc began as he got back to his upbeat tone. "But I can already tell your nothing like that creep." L'arc said as Shiro let it be seeing as he planned to handle Jun later. This of course got smiles for Raphtalia and Filo as Shiro sighed to let it be for now. "Well since you insist on it, nice to meet you Mr. Shield Kiddo." L'arc said as he greeted Shiro by shaking his hand.

"So, you're all going to Cal Mira? Are you heading there to level up as we are?" Therese asked as she looked to the group.

"Yes." Raphtalia answered with a nod.

"You got it!" Filo added while raising her hand.

"Well, you wanna team up while we're there? Bigger party is gonna make more efficient." L'arc offered as he looked to Shiro who was now surprised by this.

"Wait team up with you two?" Shiro asked but before he could give a response a knock was heard at the door.

"Excuse me." The voice said and thus Shiro figured it may be important.

(Later)

Shiro was following a sailor through the halls of the ship after the sailor came to collect him. "All four of us are greeting them together?" Shiro asked as he followed the sailor.

"That's right the crew is going to be so excited to have the legendary heroes talk to them. I know it's really going to mean a lot to everybody." The sailor said as Shiro walked with him for this meet and greet.

(Later on, Deck)

Shiro and the sailor arrived to see Motoyasu nursing a potion, of sorts with Itsuki and Ren also given a potion. By the looks of it the trio were seasick as Tsubaki kept her distance with a scowl. Taiyo was patting Motoyasu on the back to help him out as Rino kept herself away from them.

"What happened to you three?" Shiro asked and thus Taiyo had the answer.

"Sea sickness had to use that potion you made to help them." Taiyo said as he looked over to Shiro who figured as much.

"How are you not sick?" Itsuki asked and thus Shiro looked around noticed that Jun was missing.

"Wait where's Jun?" Shiro asked and thus Itsuki felt like he was shot with an arrow that said 'ignored,' on it.

"Look up." Demonicon said and thus Shiro looked up to see Jun on the crow's nest crouching on the ledge as the wind blew against her cape. "The minute she found out they wanted her to talk to the Sailors she headed up there and hasn't come down since." Demonicon said as Pete nodded with Kuro on his shoulder.

"Ah still hates crowds I see." Shiro said as he figured that was the case for Jun.

Just then the sound of roaring came forth and from the water five large fishes flew onto the deck. Shiro saw this as nearby Rishia cried out and ran away from it as did Rino to avoid it. Ryuko was then seen shooting up from the water with a fish in her maw that she threw to the deck followed by Filo kicking another one to the deck.

"Hi master!" Filo called out once she was back in the water and was joined by the other Filolials. Taiyo, Shiro, and Tsubaki saw them and were shocked by this.

"We bought a large bounty!" Yuki called as she and the rest of Tsubaki's Flock looked up to the deck.

"And now we're having grilled fish for dinner!" Ryuko called out as the trio looked to the large fishes hopping around on deck to find water. They then looked to each other as they all had one thought on this entire event.

"They can swim?!" Shiro, Taiyo, and Tsubaki all asked shocked to see that the four Filolials and one dragon could swim.

Just then L'arc was heard as he began to approach. "Hey Shield Kiddo." L'arc greeted when he noticed the former Heroes all nursing medicine for sea sickness. "Huh what's wrong with them?" L'arc asked as he looked to them.

"Sea Sickness." Shiro began and thus turned fully to L'arc and Therese. "Need something?" Shiro asked while looking to the duo.

"Actually, Therese has a request." L'arc said as he looked over tohis partner.

"Raphtalia was telling me about exceptionally skilled you are at jewel crafting." Therese began and then got to her request. "Would you be able to make an accessory for me?"

"Well, that's random, I'll help but I'll need you to give me the materials." Shiro said and thus Therese approached him.

"Of course." Therese said as she handed a bag over to Shiro. "You can use anything in this bag and obviously I'll pay you for your time." Therese said as she handed the bag over to Shiro.

Shiro then took the bag and opened it up before sifting through it. Once he did, he soon pulled out a red gem and was amazed at its make. 'Now that's a gem I can work with this.' Shiro thought as he looked to the gem in question. Unknown to Shiro though Jun saw the whole thing and gave the gem in question a glare almost like she was suspicious of it.

"What do you say?" Therese asked hoping Shiro will do it.

"It might take a while because I can't work on it while grinding levels." Shiro began warning beforehand. "If that's ok sure." Shiro said as he looked to the group.

"That would be wonderful." Therese said with a smile happy that Shiro will do the job.

"You got what you wanted Therese." L'arc said with a smile to his partner. As Shiro smiled a bit L'arc walked over to Shiro with a smile. "Shield Kiddo I'll be counting on you." L'arc said with his hand on Shiro's shoulder.

"Right." Shiro responded until the moaning of the boat was heard by the group.

"Huh it feels like the sea's getting rougher I guess a storm's brewing." L'arc said as he looked to the horizon.

"You think so?" Shiro asked as he was curious about this.

"Yeap the crew's saying we're in for a hard night." L'arc said as the three stooges moaned in frustration.

(Later with L'arc and Therese)

The duo, of adventurers were seen later that evening walking through the ship as they were getting ready for the storm. As they walked it seemed all was right with them at least until a new voice caught their attention. "L'arc and Therese, right?" Jun asked as they looked and saw her exiting the shadows with her arms crossed and eyes closed.

"Yes, that's us... and sorry you have us at a disadvantage." Therese said and thus Jun glared at them with a cold look.

"Jun the Sword Hero, Pactmaker of the Black Knight, and elder sister to Kizuna the Hunting Hero if I'm not mistaken." Jun said as she glared at the now shocked L'arc and Therese. "Now I'm going to ask you both once... where. Is. Kizuna." Jun demanded as she glared at the two before her.

"No way the same Jun?" Therese asked silently to L'arc who was just as surprised as Therese that Jun was the Sword Hero.

"Look Sword lady, mind if I call you that?" L'arc asked being diplomatic about this knowing the history Jun and Kizuna had. "You must have us confused for someone else." L'arc said only to find Jun gone and thus her sword pointed at Therese' neck.

"And you must take me for a fool. I was a pathological liar once I'm not blind when people lie to me." Jun said as she glared at L'arc with Therese at Sword point. "No, I will ask again, where is Kizuna!" Jun snapped as she glared at L'arc. "I would suspect her friends would know where she is." Jun said and thus L'arc was surprised by this and had to ask.

"How... how did you know we were friends with Kizuna?" L'arc asked as he looked to Jun in shock.

"She, told me herself at least in a vision." Jun said as she looked to L'arc and Therese wanting answers from them.

Therese was against this ready to fight if need be but L'arc had other ideas. "Alright I'll tell you." L'arc said as Therese was wide eyed by this.

"L'arc?!" Therese began but was cut off by L'arc.

"Therese trust me... she's not how I expected her to be, I was thinking she was a spoiled rotten brat but that look in her eyes... I don't know it's not the look of the Jun Kizuna talked about." L'arc said as he felt he had a good bead on Jun.

"No, I'm a lot of the negatives she said about me just like I told Motoyasu I'll do anything and everything in order to win even if its underhanded." Jun said as thus didn't surprise L'arc. "Only difference is I'm not afraid to get my hands dirty anymore and that I now use it for something productive." Jun said and thus L'arc figured that was the case with Jun.

"Alright then Sword Lady." L'arc said and thus got to the big part. "I'll be blunt I don't know where she is." L'arc said surprising Jun to no end. "Everyone suspects she's dead after she entered this maze without help only for us to learn to late it was a trap." L'arc said and thus Jun eased back from Therese seeing L'arc was telling her the truth. "Look I'm sorry Sword Lady but chances are... she's dead." L'arc said as Jun saw something different.

"You don't believe that... do you." Jun said as this surprised L'arc. "After all, how else would she be able to tell me about you three and Glass?" Jun asked and thus L'arc felt he knew where this was going.

"Your right and besides no body mean's she's not dead yet right?" L'arc asked as Jun saw where this was going. "If you really did see her and not just listened in on the kiddo then chances are... she might be alive." L'arc said as he looked to Jun as she saw the hope in them. "But I need to ask why do, you want to find her so much?" L'arc asked and thus Jun made her reason known to them.

"I want to set everything right... I want to be forgiven." Jun admitted and thus L'arc saw the tone she used as her voice cracked a bit when she said it.

"She's a Cardinal Hero of our world the Hunting Tool Hero." L'arc suddenly said and thus Jun heard what he said.

"Wait your world?" Jun asked and thus she had a feeling this was going to be one of those tales.

"Let me tell you the story of the Four Cardinal Heroes, the Hunting Tool Hero, the Jewel Hero, the Ofuda Hero, and the Blunt Instrument Hero and their battle against the Waves of Catastrophe." L'arc began and thus Jun knew this was going to be a long night.

(Scene Break the next day Cal Mira)

Eventually morning came and with it the ship arrived at Cal Mira. The Heroes had already disembarked from the ship to the tropical landscape of Cal Mira. It was early morning when they arrived and needless to say Taiyo was taking pictures. "So, this is Cal Mira?" Tsubaki asked as she looked around the place.

"Sun, Beach; guys if this was an anime this is our beach fanservice episode!" Taiyo called out with a grin on his face.

"It's beautiful!" Raphtalia added as she looked around,

It's hot the sun is blazing!" Filo added while shielding her eyes with her hand from the sun.

"Which reminds me, Shiro have some of that sun block you managed to blend?" Taiyo asked and thus Shiro pulled it out and distributed several bottles out. "Thank you." Taiyo said and thus looked to Ryuko. "Now the hard part." Taiyo said as he knew Ryuko would no doubt hate the Sunblock.

"I feel your pain." Shiro said as Filo was the same way. "Which reminds me." Shiro said and thus looked to the stooges who were looking better then when they started the trip. "You guys, ok?" Shiro asked and thus they nodded.

"Uh yeah great still a bit sick but not as bad as it would be." Motoyasu said as Ren nodded in agreement while Itsuki looked away with a small scowl.

"Thanks for the medicine." Itsuki struggled to say as that was some improvements from him.

Just then all the joy and happiness came to a halt as the docks grew quiet. All eyes went to the new boat arriving at the docks as judging from the flag it was clear where it belonged. "Yshrennia." Shiro said as the Yshrennian sea vessel came into dock. As it entered its designated spot dropping anchor did not take as long as people suspected it would thanks to magic and Yshrennian's own innovations.

When the plank was dropped many soldiers began to flood out causing many people to grow fearful of their arrival. But between the soldiers were flag bearers who stood in attention like it was a royal procession. Once all were in place the Dark Heroes began to walk down the bridge. The first to enter was Miyuki, Dark Hero of the Glaive and Demon Lord of Insects and Spiders with her party comprised of the two Yshrennian Princesses Alexandria Del Yshrennia and Princess Elizabeth Del Yshrennia. There was one more member to Miyuki's party, but that person was unknown to many who saw him. Even their gender was unknown if one were to look closely.

Following up Miyuki was Shiba Dark Hero of the Crossbow and Demon Lord of Spirits and Specters with his party behind him. Cloaked figures mainly with a lone woman with wings and a horn following him, a succubus wearing the Sword Mage armor set from the WKC game and a new Soul Eater pet was close by Shiba's side.

Finally, the final Dark Hero entered, Lezarg Dark Hero of the Claymore and Demon Lord of Beasts and Wolves. Lezarg was already becoming well known as Madoras' enforcer, personal guard, and all-around attack dog for the Dark God. It was clear that to many having the Cardinal Heroes and Dark Heroes in one place was just asking for trouble and the question was which side will be dumb enough to light that spark.

Once both sets of Heroes and their parties were on the docks the tension had reached its apex. It was so thick that even a knife would have trouble cutting into it. "Welcome to Cal Mira." Came a new voice getting both sides attention on it. As they looked, they saw a middle-aged man standing there being respectful and welcoming despite the tension and the fact Yshrennian's were at his docks. "Please to meet you all I'm Hobenburg and I am the caretaker of our humble Archipelago." He introduced himself as he stood before them.

"I am here to escort the Cardinal Heroes and Dark Heroes to their designated Inn in their designated sectors of town." Hobenburg said as it was one presets for making Cal Mira neutral grounds. This allowed for Neutral areas to do business with both sides of this struggle and thus gain a great deal of trade and business for it. This reason was also why Zeltoble did the same due to their incredible creations in their forges it made sense.

(Later at the Statues)

After a bit of exploring with making a few small purchases the Four Cardinal Heroes and their Parties save for Motoyasu, Itsuki, and Ren were at the statue in the center of town. Tsubaki felt it best to let the three stooges rest and also keep them out of sight form the Dark Heroes for the time being. Ren was left in charge by Jun with severe ground rules he would be enforcing if need be.

"Ok I'm saying this now." Taiyo began as he held a paper in his hand. "This damn booklet sounds like a guide to MMO Etiquette." Taiyo said as Shiro heard him.

"Oh, good I thought I was the only one." Shiro said as Filo looked confused by this.

"MMO?" Filo asked and thus Shiro sighed to this.

"Don't worry about it." Shiro said and thus looked to the statues.

"So apparently this statue represents the original inhabitants who developed these islands." Tsubaki said as she looked to the statue before them.

"And if I heard right there's supposed to be an Epigraph left behind by a Cardinal Hero." Rino added and thus Pete looked to the stone slab next to the statues.

"This it?" Pete asked as he pointed to the slab in question as Filo looked it over as well.

"Magical writing?" Shiro asked when he saw it and went to look into it. "As source of Thy power the Shield Hero decipher this message and energize the target of my choice." Shiro invoked as the words on the slab began to glow in response. "Casting Zweit Aura." Shiro continued as he held his hand over to Filo.

"Oh... I feel powerful." Filo said as she looked to her hands with her body giving off an emerald, green glow. With a smile on her face Filo jumped up high to the sky surprising the group and in turn all had one thing in mind.

"Dibs!" Taiyo called out and went for the slab and started translating it.

"Well, I don't know which Hero left it... but that might be useful." Jun said as she looked to the slab.

"WEEE!" Ryuko was heard as she was the next to jump up to the sky.

"TAIYO!" Rino scolded as she yanked Taiyo's ear.

"OW I'M SORRY!" Taiyo cried out as Rino clearly still wore the pants in this relationship.

"Heh idiot." Tsubaki smirked as Taiyo was the sort of idiot, she preferred over the ones that stole their weapons who they now had to babysit.

"Well at least we know this was left by a hero that came before us," Shiro said as Jun said, "No doubt, this will be helpful, but I wonder if this would also apply to our knights or not?"

"Who knows, but the real quest is, would it be necessary at all? The knights themselves are pretty powerful all by themselves, even the dogma drive is already a boost enhancer form," Tsubaki said as Shiro nodded as he agrees with her and said, "That true, if anything, this would most likely help with those without knights and special weapons."

"Hey, shield kiddo!" L'arc called out as Rino stopped pulling on Taiyo's ear and turn to him along with everyone else as he and Therese where walking over to them, with Jun the only one keeping her guard up around them, as even someone can still be killed by another person in a neutral zone if they aren't caught doing so with L'arc said to Shiro, "Those girls did get some good height on that one, it helped us figure out where you were, that and the arguing couple here, no doubt the misses has the spear kiddo on a tight leash hu?"

"Hey," Taiyo said as he didn't like that with his friends give a small laugh to that as its Rino has Taiyo by the balls at time as Tsubaki said, "Bo doubt about it."

"Wouldn't be surprising if she takes the lead in bed if they ever did it," Demonicon said as he, Conan, Ali, and surprising Kuro in his bird form was laughing a bit at this, with Filo and Ryuko went by their father figure sides as they listen closely to this as L'arc went on saying, "You know you hurt my feeling getting off the boat without saying goodbye."

"Sorry, we didn't realize we needed too, as well we're sort of use to not saying goodbye once we leave some place," Shiro said as despite getting their names cleared, there are some people that doesn't like them still, but with L'arc and Therese didn't seem the case as L'arc soon said, "Company can make a break a trip and besides you never answer us when we asked if you want to team up."

"Obviously we just arrived, so first of all we need to get our barring here, but we could help each other out," Therese said as L'arc soon said, "Well most of us as it seems the spear guy

Shiro did give a nod to this as he looks at their states as he saw their levels were within reason to know the pair knows how to fight as he thought, 'Well it wouldn't hurt to give them a shot I suppose.'

"It wouldn't hurt us to give them a shot, right?" Shiro said as Taiyo just shrugs it as he said, "I don't have much problem with it."

"Same here," Tsubaki said as she knew they can handle themselves well enough against anyone that dares attack, so she wasn't at all worry about this, but Jun was as she knows who they were, but to keep up her act and their secret, she said, "I don't care, but I wouldn't let my guard down around them either."

"Well, I guess with that being said, we'll give you guys a shot, but do anything to anyone, hurt them in anyway, directly or indirect, then you can consider yourselves kick off," Shiro said as he lay down the law on the two as L'arc said to him, "Same to you, kiddo. We'll catch up with you later."

"Well, he seems friendly." Tsubaki said as she looked to Shiro.

"Meh he kind of throws me off a lot." Shiro said as he looked back to the Bow Heroin.

"Hey less talking we got work to do." Jun said as she looked to the parties. "It's already afternoon so we need to start grinding now." Jun said and thus the Four Heroes and their Party understood the Sword Heroin's urgency to grind.

"Right!" Everyone agreed and thus Jun gave them to plan.

"We'll start with the trash monsters first as a warmup after that we split up between the islands to maximize our EXP gain, our party as its current state is far too large to evenly distribute the EXP." Jun said as she took this into consideration.

"Makes sense." Taiyo said and thus they had their plan of action. Once that was settled, they departed over to the field to start grinding levels.

(Later in the field)

The group were out in the field keeping a reasonable distance as they began their initial warmups with trash monsters. Though said monsters were weak and easy to one shot they proved excellent to help them dust off their joints a bit. Using their weapons to aid the four Parties were handling the monsters left and right seeing them splatter all over the ground and stray boulders.

After the first few fights, they had each learned something instantly. First of all was that thanks to the Double EXP field even trash mob monsters gave them a lot of EXP. Second of all the monsters had an infinite respawn rate which made gaining EXP from them even easier. After an hour or two the group had finished up another mob monster as they began to regroup with each other.

"Ok I think that is enough for warmups." Tsubaki said as she came in with her party after firing off another arrow at a lonely slime monster.

"Yeah." Taiyo agreed as he spun his spear and then shouldered it. "I think we should each go to one of the other islands for better mobs and bigger drops." Taiyo said and thus Jun agreed.

"Sounds good, we'll take notes of the islands we visited and share it with the others upon our return." Jun added and thus they all had their plan of action made.

(Later with Jun's Party)

The Black Knight/Sword Heroin and her party got to work as they were currently at one of the islands. They were seen fighting a large monster as Jun had her twin sword ability active. Ren had a sword of his own as he avoided one of the monsters' attacks but without the statues magic, he could not get a proper fix on it. Pete came in and punched the monster before grabbing it to hold it in place.

Kuro ran by and threw his throwing knives at the monster causing it pain from it. Following it up was Demonicon as he then sliced off one of the monster's limbs with his Halberd. Pete freed the monster as it fell and cried out in agony over its lost limbo. Ren seeing a chance ran in and aimed his sword for the chest and stabbed it in but then to his shock the sword broke off and the monster sent Ren flying. As it got back up blood pouring out from its wounds Jun showed up and spun around its neck with her swords and thus its blood spewed before it fell down dead.

Once that was done the party regrouped as Ren saw how they did it. "Dammit!" Ren cursed to himself as he saw his sword was broken. This sword was nothing like his old one and thus without its old abilities Ren had learned the hard way of becoming overly reliant on said abilities.

"You're getting better." Jun said suddenly as she fed the fodder to her sword and saw some of the drops it gave. After adding the new sword to her list, she sent the newly made one over to Ren for his use. "There." Jun said and thus Ren looked to the new sword in shock. "Keep improving and you might not be a total waste of time after all." Jun said as Ren glared at the Black Knight seeing she was still as good as ever.

AS Jun went on ahead Kuro saw it and walked over to Ren. "She's starting to like you." Kuro said surprising Ren when he said that.

"Really what gave it away?" Ren asked sarcastically as he didn't see it.

"Her insults had a compliment mixed in. Normally if she still hated you, she would have nothing but insults." Kuro said and then ran over and took his place on Pete's shoulder leaving Ren there for a moment. Turning his head with a scoff to clear his mind of new thoughts Ren went on to catch up to the Black Knight and her party.

Just then they all began to hear something going on nearby. Jun would normally want to avoid it. But alas their curiosity peaked as they went to check out the source, they soon made it over to a large clearing where a boss class monster was located at. But it was the one fighting the monster that drew the groups attention to the scene. Facing the monster was Lezarg as the Dark Hero ever silent snarled a bit as he continued to attack every so often his eyes flashing red with a deep malice in them.

The claymore was massive as the Dark Hero swung his way through his foes. The Boss creature was not alone as the Lone Dark Hero was outnumbered. But it seems odds did not matter as this powerhouse of a being slaughtered through the minions with but a single swing of her sword. What made it even more intimidating, and shocking was the fact the sword in question the Dark Claymore was massive no doubt a different form was in use.

"We should avoid fighting that guy if we can help it." Demonicon suddenly said as he looked at Lezarg who was dominating the battle and no doubt gaining a huge amount of EXP for it. "I don't know why but I do know a bad vibe when I feel it and this guy gives me the serious case of the willies." Demonicon said as Jun saw Lezarg and the darkness coming off him. Rage, fury; suffering Lezarg was a walking beacon of sorrow, and it fuels his power as the more violent it becomes the more furious Lezarg becomes in battle.

"Let's leave." Jun said as Ren had to agree with Jun on this one.

"Yeah." Ren agreed and thus the group of five left Lezarg to his own grinding rather not wanting to get involved with him.

(Meanwhile over with Tsubaki)

Tsubaki and her party were in a more wooded area as they surrounded a large boss monster getting ready to attack. As they got ready to attack Tsubaki waited for a perfect chance to jump and surprise it when it least expected an attack.

When the boss monster gotten closer Tsubaki prepared her bow for an attack as she tries to draw it in for her trap, but before she could give the signal, Itsuki suddenly came forth with his bow and fire an arrow at it, hitting it at its side causing the monster to roar out in pain as Tsubaki groan frustratedly as she said, "Again!? Triplets, attack now!"

Soon enough the Filolial trio came forth at breakneck speeds as they charge in and gotten a few hits in while the boss monster soon leapt back to avoid any more attacks as Tsubaki said," Conan!"

"Right, Fast light!" Conan said as he cast the fast light spell to blind the monster for a moment which gave Ali an open as he called out, "Zwei Fire!"

That attack hit the side of its head at its eye causing it to really go blind in one eye as Tsubaki give the signal to Filolials to attack its blind side as they did, they cause it to knock it down hard giving Tsubaki the opening she needs as she called out her attack, "Air Piercer Shot!"

As she let lose the arrow it flew at great speed as the air around seem to have split apart for it to make the arrow itself go faster and shot the boss monster in the head with a great impact as it seemed to drop dead fast after that.

"Alright we beat it," Conan said happily as the Filolial trio turn back into their human form and waited for further order from their mistress as Itsuki soon said, "Why did you get in the way, I would have killed it on my own."

"Itsuki," Tsubaki called out as Itsuki turn to her and meet with a bonk to his head with a bow, courtesy of Tsubaki herself as she had an upset look on her face as she said, "That boss monster would not go down by a simple arrow shot, and in case you forgot I'm leading this party, not you. I call the shots, you follow them, but in this case, you're going in halfcocked and acting like it's no big deal when in fact you screw up my plan on killing it faster."

Itsuki was about to say something until Tsubaki cut him off before he could utter a word as she said, "Don't speak, listen! I am sick and tired of you doing things on your own thing, thinking you can handle it when in fact you can't, you're just barely getting your levels back up with these mob grinding, as the trash monster could kill you if you're not careful as not only I had to save once or twice, but over a dozen times already with everyone else a few times as well! IF you don't stop this lone ranger bit, get yourself straighten yourself up, or follow my lead, not only I will kick you off this party, but I will personally send you back to Melromarc to the Queen herself with a note from me saying to keep you locked up somewhere for the wave to finally end so you don't go killing someone on accident or getting yourself killed! You got that!?"

Itsuki was terrified of Tsubaki as he didn't say a word btu give a not to her to show he understands as she said, "Good, now come along, there's was a group of mobs I saw nearby, if we get there now, we can-

"I'm afraid you may be out of luck on that," a familiar voice spoken up as everyone in the party other than Itsuki prepared their weapons and spells to attack as Shiba the dark hero of the crossbow, had arrived.

Standing with his own party as Tsubaki signal to everyone to lower their weapons as they were still in neutral ground as she said, "Why are you here?"

"Oh, nothing much, just grinding some level and getting some good loot from the nearby group of mobs you just mention, then I heard ya yelling at the traitorous moron next to you, seeing it was entertaining to watch I may say," Shiba said as he eyes Itsuki as the blonde bow user back away in fear as Tsubaki asked him, "Are you here and try to kill him still?"

"AS much I wish to, I'm not. By order of Madoras I was told to hold off on my grudge until training is over and out of this place, after that… well you can guess what I would do," Shiba said as it seem he still want to kill Itsuki for his back stabbing to him back in their world still as Tsubaki soon said, "Then if you have no other business, then I suggest you leave otherwise I cannot be held reasonable what will happen next if you don't set away, or come any closer."

"Right- right I'll keep my distant away from you, just want to give you some advice, drop the Itsuki as soon as you can, otherwise he'll just turn on you when your back is turned," Shiba said as Tsubaki said to him, "We'll see."

Soon after that Shiba and his party turn around and left Tsubaki and her party alone as the moon maiden user keep watching until they were far out enough as Conan came up to her and said, "Lady Tsubaki, is everything alright?"

"Its fine Conan, nothing to worry about. Now let's wrap things up here and go to a different area to avoid running into him or anyone else from Yshrennia," Tsubaki said as if someone like Shiba was this close by, no doubt others could be as well as the group nodded and went over to the mob boss and started to harvest it.

(Over with Taiyo)

Taiyo roared out as he jumped in and began to spin his spear about ready for battle. He slammed the blade down against the boss monster of the area before using the momentum to fling himself upward. "Ryuko Rino!" Taiyo called out and thus the two girls got to work. Wrapping her whip around Ryuko Rino spun around and then flung Ryuko upward as she flipped in the air. Once Ryuko did so she transformed into her Dragon form and slammed her talons against the large monster's head.

The Monster in question was a Fire Giant from White Knight Chronicles. Thankfully it wasn't one of the bounty monsters from the game, so they were clear on that. As the Fire Giant was pushed back Taiyo had his next attack ready for it. "Meteor Thrust!" Taiyo invoked and thus sent the meteor thrust out at the monster hitting it in the chest. Just then Motoyasu was heard as he came out and slashed at the Giants feet causing it pain as he made sure it went in deep. As the Giant roared out in pain it grabbed its bloodied leg before directing a glare at Motoyasu. Motoyasu of course glared at it and looked ready to fight it until Rino sent out her whip and pulled Motoyasu away from it before he was attacked.

Once that was done Taiyo changed his spears form for the next attack while spinning it about. "Whirlwind Strike Spear!" Taiyo called out and thus sent his spear forward as it spun around like a tornado and thus hit the monster in the gut cutting through it. Taiyo charged in and with his spear used the momentum to fling himself upward and then got ready. "Ryuko!" Taiyo called out and thus Ryuko nodded to this.

"I'm on it, papa!" Ryuko called out and thus she jumped up and reverted to her human form and landed on Taiyo's spear. Taiyo then roared out and threw Ryuko at the Giant in her human form. She then performed a Rider Kick stance and with her combat grieves slammed her feet into the Giants face crushing its skull killing it instantly. As the giant fell over it fell limp and thus the group was happy about it.

"Dammit!" Motoyasu cursed as he punched a tree nearby getting the groups attention. "I wasn't able to beat it." Motoyasu cursed as it was clear he was beating himself up over this.

"Yo Motoyasu what's wrong man?" Taiyo asked as he walked over to Motoyasu with concern. "We won why you so down about it?" Taiyo asked wondering what was wrong with Motoyasu.

"I... I was trying to one shot it I needed to see how strong I gotten." Motoyasu said but it was clear he did not get what he was looking for. "But it wasn't enough!" He cursed and punched the tree again causing it to shake a bit.

"Hey man take it easy." Taiyo said being calm and friendly about it. "None of us got strong in a day, the fact you were able to get this strong on your own says a lot about you." Taiyo said as he looked to Motoyasu and put a comforting hand on his shoulder. "I know you want to save your sister but if you end up killing yourself over it, then who would save her?" Taiyo asked as he saw Motoyasu was in a dark place right now and saving Miyuki, even if she did not want to be saved, was the only light he had left.

Rino sighed as she knew how Taiyo was and knew with Motoyasu as he is now, he's likely to get himself killed before he even reaches Miyuki. Ryuko simply tilted her head to the side as she was confused as to what was going on. Just then a savage roar was heard and from the wood line another monster came out causing the group to scatter. But before they could fight it spell fire went off and thus, they looked to where it came from. Firing off the spells at the monster was the little girl Alexandria as she hit the monster with a barrage of ice magic.

Following it up was the other little girl was Elizabeth as she stabbed at the monster with her sword and cringed a bit as the blood shot out. "Ok we got it, so hurry up and nail it!" Elizabeth cried out and thus from above Miyuki came in and sliced the monsters head off killing it on the spot and gaining EXP for her party. With a spin of her weapon Miyuki flicked off the monster's blood as the Demon Lord/Dark Hero stood victorious.

"Miyuki." Motoyasu suddenly said and thus Miyuki looked to him with a cold yet sad look before scoffing and looking away.

"Well funny seeing you out here Speak Hero." Miyuki said as the tone she used sounded flirty in nature which caused Rino's left eye to twitch.

"Yeah, I guess." Taiyo responded as he looked to Miyuki.

"You know our weapons are close, and oddly enough I still got EXP for that boss." Miyuki said as she sheathed her glaive.

"Huh cool." Taiyo said being friendly with her. "So why bring this up?" Taiyo asked as he was completely oblivious at what Miyuki was implying for them.

"Well simple how about we party up, ditch the tag along, find a nice little cave or camp, and get to know each other intimately." Miyuki flirted and thus Taiyo got the gist of it.

"Uh... aren't we supposed to be enemies?" Taiyo asked as he could feel Motoyasu and Rino glaring at him from behind.

"Uh Miyuki." Alexandria said as the shy little magic caster was worried Miyuki was playing with fire.

"And isn't that just the sort of taboo that gets your fire started?" Miyuki flirted and before Rino or Motoyasu could jump in Taiyo vanished and was hiding behind Rino.

"Ok Miyuki I appreciate the thought, but I'm interested in someone else, so I suggest you stay back I have a Rino and I know how to use her." Taiyo said as Rino didn't know whether to be flattered that Taiyo thought Rino could protect him or ticked, he's using her as a shield. Then again, its flirting and clearly Taiyo did not appreciate it.

"Oh well." Miyuki said and thus sent out a web line to a nearby palm tree. "I guess this is where we part way." She said and pulled her sell in. "So, I'll see you later cutie." Miyuki said and thus gave Taiyo a small kiss on the cheek causing the Spear Hero/Dragon Knight's pactmaker to start blushing.

"Hey wait for us!" Elizabeth yelled and gave chase to Miyuki with Alexandria.

"Well... that happened." Taiyo said as he was completely lost.

"No kidding." Motoyasu growled no doubt wanting to protect his sister from any boy that would date her.

(Meanwhile over with Miyuki)

Miyuki landed in a clearly as she then proceeded to open her Statues hub and smiled at what she saw. "Ability Acquisition Complete: Curse Series Lust and Envy have been acquired and unlocked." The screen said as Miyuki licked her lips sensually.

"Hmm my type, a dummy with a heart of gold, and to think my brother unlocked these two and now their wasted upon a guy who hardly has any lust or envy in him." Miyuki said as she intended to put the Curse Weapons of her Glaive to good use.

(That afternoon with Shiro's party)

On the island Shiro and his party were on the group was currently facing off against a chimera like beast which roared out at them. Clearly it was a boss monster and thus they had to bring their A game against it. As the beast charged at them Shiro summoned up the Golem Shield and blocked his foes attack. Once that was done it had given Raphtalia and Filo just the opening they needed to attack.

"You're going down!" Filo called out as she used her Wyvern Talon to kick the monster ending its life once and for all. They had clearly been fighting for a bit and thankfully had claimed victory from this confrontation.

"Wow." Shiro said as he saw the massive amount of EXP his party was rewarded. Blood began to pool from the corpse as Shiro saw that they may, need to find more boss monsters to fight soon. "That was a lot of EXP even for a boss fight." Shiro said as he was honestly amazed with the reward gain of this foe.

"I like this island a lot better because fighting stuff here is so much more fun." Filo said with a smile on her face.

"Shiro." Raphtalia said as she took note of her weapon. "I don't know how much longer this sword will last." Raphtalia said as she held her severely damaged sword to Shiro.

"Huh I heard of being too low a level to use a weapon, maybe your too high of a level for it to handle you anymore." Shiro said as he saw the sword in question. "In fact, even Filo's weapons need some replacing." Shiro said and thus he knew what this meant. "Might need to dig into the money pool but you two are going to need some new weapons." Shiro said crossing his arms closing his eyes and tilting his head in thought. "Thankfully we got plenty of time so for now let's make do." Shiro said as he began to make his way over to the monster to see what sort of Drops it had. "Let's hope the drops include weapons." Shiro said as he went to the monster.

In turn as Shiro began to feed the monsters remains to his shield Shiro was met with a double surprise. For starters Filo, now in her human form, had been given beast claws to replace the weapons she had been using prior while Raphtalia was given a brand-new sword. Shiro on the other hand was shocked that his White Knight was given a brand-new Shield to use in battle.

"Notice: Due to the Shield Hero meeting the prerequisites Monster Parts fed to the shield shall now be added to the White Knight's Arenal as well."

When Shiro read this, he opened up the White Knight's menu and saw a brand-new set of equipment had been unlocked for his Knight. "Wow." Shiro gasped as he saw all the new gear, he can now access. The Shields he got from larger White Knight Chronicle Monsters were still there such as the Gigas Shield and even the Shield Cannon+ but he even had access to the Soul Eater Shield Wraith and what appeared to be a few new swords for his Knight to use.

"What is it Shiro?" Raphtalia asked as Shiro watched his new unlocks.

"I just got access to a tone of new gear for my Knight, not only is most of my old gear compatible to the White Knight now but now some of my Knights Gear can be downsized for my use." Shiro said as he saw the new unlocks.

"That's amazing." Raphtalia said happy to see Shiro get such good news. But just then Raphtalia looked to the sky and saw that it had changed color. "It's starting to get dark." Raphtalia said as she saw the sun was starting to set. "Do you want to head back?" Raphtalia asked as Shiro thought about it.

After a moment Shiro had his answer for the Demihuman. "No not yet I want to check something." Shiro said and thus it was time to test a theory of his.

(Later that Night)

The Shield Hero and his party were sitting around a campfire as Shiro had a large number of rare drops in front of him. "I figured the drops would have been better at night, but the enemies are a lot stronger at night also." Shiro said as he saw all the items, they got from their grinding today.

"But we're used to fighting in the dark so we can handle whatever we come up against." Raphtalia said as she showed she had faith in their party. "But something is bothering me, you still look tired Shiro." Raphtalia said as she looked to Shiro with concern.

"I figured you would notice that, after using Blood Sacrifice my body still feels like shit from it even with the White Knight buffering the damage." Shiro said as he looked to Raphtalia. "Tsubaki and Jun already got on my case about not pushing it and I'll heed their warnings but the enemies on the island aren't that tough to deal with, so I'll be fine." Shiro calmed said at least until they all heard the bushes rustling.

Getting ready to fight the trio got up and looked to where the bushes were disturbed. As they were all ready to fight, they were surprised when a blade shot out and from it L'arc and Therese came out of it. "Oh, thank goodness we found you kiddo." L'arc said as he looked to the group.

"Why are you out here in the middle of the night?" Raphtalia asked wondering why L'arc and Therese had come all the way here.

"The ferryman was starting to panic since you were staying out so late." Therese said as this surprised Shiro.

"So, you two decided to come look for us?" Shiro asked surprised to hear this. "Thanks, I guess." Shiro said as L'arc nodded to this.

"Your friend Jun of course went off a bit saying how adventurers dying on a quest wasn't new." L'arc said as the tone he used suggested when Jun said that he didn't like it.

"But then she told you to go look if you wanted too, right?" Shiro asked surprising the two.

"Yes, how did you?" Therese asked and thus Shiro smiled a bit when he cut her off.

"Yeah, that's Jun she may not show it, but she does care." Shiro explained and thus the two figured Shiro must truly know Jun then. "The fact she got you two to come looking for us must mean she trusts you guys somewhat." Shiro said as L'arc, and Therese smiled to this. "Anyway, we should probably head back after all as far as I see we've grinded enough for today." Shiro said and in turn with the decision made.

"Well in that case." L'arc began as he put an arm around Shiro. "Care to join me for a drink?" He offered and thus Shiro sighed knowing full well that no was not an answer here.

(Later at the Tavern)

The group parties were currently in an outdoor tavern and much to their shock the Dark Heroes had come as well. "To our safe return cheers!" L'arc called out as he held his mug up and then downed it. He then began to laugh before looking to the serving staff. "Her barkeeper give me another one!" L'arc called out as he wanted some more.

"Seriously Shiro." Taiyo began as the four Parties were in a mass of tables right now. "Where did you fine this guy, he's a riot!" Shiro called out with a smile on his face.

Just then one of the Dark Heroes made his approach to the table. "You guys look like you're having fun!" Shiba greeted with a smile on his face. "Mind if I join in?" He asked acting as if they had been friends for a good while.

"Uh what?" Tsubaki asked as she was on edge now.

"Oh, don't be like that." Shiba said putting his arm around the surprised Tsubaki as Conan glared at Shiba. "Just because we're supposed to be enemies doesn't mean we can't be civil while we're here." Shiba went on as he held a drink in his hand.

"You are not what I expected of a 'Dark Hero,' in personality." Jun said as Shiba kept throwing her off.

"No kidding." Shiro said as he agreed with Jun on this.

Nearby Lezarg was sitting on a bench towering over everyone with many looking amazed by the Dark Heroes massive size. AS the festivities continued Filo, Ryuko, Yuki, Sakura, Kou, and Kuro were dancing around to the music as clearly, they were on the road to becoming lifelong friends. Aile and Rishia were nearby talking as Demonicon was snoozing a bit clearly having a tad bit much to drink. Nearby Taiyo and Motoyasu were holding Kebabs in their hands by their sticks as they were offering it to anyone who would pay them any mind. Motoyasu was no doubt getting better as once you looked passed his faults, he and Taiyo were a lot alike.

Rino rolled her eyes at the two idiots she now had to babysit for the foreseeable future as they were enjoying their meal. Nearby Raphtalia had drank an entire mug of a red drink and was instantly drunk from it. It seems Pete was no better but due to his massive size it had a slight delay effect. The result was Pete and Raphtalia arm wrestling each other and to the shock of many Pete lost as he was flipped over the table by the intoxicated Demihuman.

Jun cringed a bit as she knew for a fact that Pete let Raphtalia win that one. The guy was literally too nice to people for it to be anything else. Nearby Miyuki was enjoying her time as well as she and the twin girls with her all had genuine smiles on their faces. As Shiro saw this his attention was drawn to a bowl of red berries which he then took one before plopping it into his mouth. When he ate the berry, Shiro went wide eyed as he found it was delicious before he ate another one.

This of course was not a good thing as Shiro looked and saw a sever and L'arc warning Shiro against doing this. Shiro was confused at least until Motoyasu, and Taiyo approached as Rino was trying to stop Taiyo.

"Five Silver says you eat it and pass out." Taiyo said and thus Motoyasu glared at him.

"You're on." Motoyasu said and thus took one of the berries before eating it. Once he did so Motoyasu went wide eyed as the effects were instant leading to Motoyasu foaming at the mouth and falling over.

"Hah! Pay up!" Taiyo called out as Motoyasu even in his dazed state managed to pull the Five Silver out and fork it over. As Shiro pocketed his winnings he looked at the Barry with curiosity.

"Taiyo don't do it." Rino warned but Taiyo went and did it anyway. When he ate it, the results were as expected as Taiyo went wide eyed, foamed at the mouth, and passed out landing on Motoyasu. "TAIYO!" Rino scolded realizing she had to drag these to back to their rooms.

"Wow even I knew that was gonna happen." Miyuki said as she saw the scene play out.

"Worth it." Taiyo moaned a bit raising his fist up before it fell over again.

"What is with these fruits?" Tsubaki wondered as she took one of the berries and gave it a look over.

"Apparently they use it to make Wine." Jun cut in as she looked to the scene.

"And if the Fruit is like that, then that's some damn strong wine." Shiba cut in as now he wanted a glass of his own.

"There so strong that you have to dilute just one of them in a cask of water just to get something drinkable." L'arc explained as Shiro was surprised by this information.

"Maybe, but they are pretty tasty as they are," Shiro said as he ate another berry and somehow not being affected by it somehow, no doubt the shield property not only buffer attack damage by alcohol effect too it seems as L'arc said to him, "You're saying you can hold your liquor is an understatement."

Shiro shrugs a bit as he looks at everyone, with everyone was talking and relaxing, even with the dark heroes, they were surprisingly chilling with everyone as well as Shiro said, "Never thought of a day that we can just sit back, relax, and have fun like this."

"Same, but I say, has anyone seen Conan?" Tsubaki said as she didn't see her first companion anywhere until Jun pointed him out saying, "Isn't that him over there?"

Tsubaki look and looked shocked as she saw Conan drunk out of his mind it seemed that he was hanging from a tree upside down as he drank his mug of wine, with some people around cheering him on as Tsubaki said, "No more alcohol for him anymore."

With the party still went on Taiyo recover from the alcohol berry with Motoyasu, no doubt puking it out to clear out their system as they went on partying, with Miyuki flirting with Taiyo upsetting Motoyasu and Rino, for different reasons as Rino pulls Taiyo away from Miyuki the best, she can with Motoyasu tries to keep trying to talk to his sister only to meet with a drink poured over his head from his sister.

Tsubaki stop Conan from drinking anymore and tries to get him to settle down, but he just ran around having fun like he was acting like a little kid.

Jun was soon arm wrestling with Raphtalia to see how well the Demihuman girl strength was while she was drunk and surprisingly, they were evenly match as no matter what they could get one over the other.

Shiro was just relaxing as he kept eating those red berries having the time of his life, but he knew this time of peace will come to an end as the war will begin again very soon.

(The next day)

With Shiro and his party were talking with L'arc and Therese about teaming up for real, as the blue hair woman said, "I look forward to this."

"Same here," Raphtalia said as she looked forwards working with their two new friends as Shiro pulls out a bracelet with a red gem in it as he said, "Oh hey Therese, the accessory you asked for is ready."

Therese was surprised and happy to see that Shiro fulfilled her request as she took it from Shiro as she said, "Thank you so much."

"I can't believe you had a star fire gem, those things are pretty rare," Shiro said as he went on saying, "IT help I had an oracle crystal I used as the base of the whole thing."

The next part Therese did that surprise Shiro was seeing her cry as she suddenly said, "Its beautiful. This jewel is filled with so much joy, I didn't know you were a master craftsman."

"Ah, did you have to cry about it?" L'arc said as Therese turn to him and said, "Don't you understand L'arc? Looking at this masterpiece is opening a while new world to me."

"AH, okay," L'arc said as he was afraid of his friend with her given tone as Shiro said to her, "Alright, I'm glad to hear you're happy with it, and I hate to mention about payment but-

Before Shiro could say anything Therese suddenly handed him a whole back of golden coins, at least almost a hundred gold coins as he said, "Ah this a lot."

"But not enough, right? Hey L'arc give him all of your money as well," Therese said as L'arc was surprised by her request as he said, "Wait what?"

"Just do it already." Therese ordered but clearly L'arc wasn't going to and for good reason too.

"What why?!" L'arc asked clearly shocked by such a demand.

"Look you guys can just pay me in instalments if it's that big of a deal." Shiro said as he wasn't planning to charge them this much. "Now time to grind some levels." Shiro said as it was time to head out.

(Later)

The Party was on the boat while Filo was swimming in the water. "Your party is pretty high level. Not bad kiddo." L'arc praised as he and Therese sat across from Shiro and Raphtalia. "Therese has reached level 52 herself and I'm up to Level 56." L'arc said as Shiro was thankful that the sword use he was gifted with gave him an edge other Shield Heroes didn't have.

'So, they already have their class upgrades.' Shiro thought as he looked to the duo before him. "Clearly there not the average variety of Adventurers.' Shiro thought as he felt something was off about them. 'Jeez is Jun starting to rub off on me?' Shiro wondered as he felt something amiss with these guys.

(Later on, the island)

The party of five were seen walking on the island as they made their way through the forest area. "So, before we hit the boss let's talk strategy." Shiro began only for movement to be heard and thus monstrous looking penguins were seen. "Well monster penguins, that's concerning." Shiro quipped as he saw them before him.

"We can plan!" L'arc called out as he drew out his scythe. "AND FIGHT!" He roared and thus sent out a wave from his scythe.

In retaliation the monsters came after them intent on causing them harm. Shiro acted by bashing one of them away with his shield before slashing another one with his sword. Once the monster was pushed away L'arc smirked as he saw how Shiro worked. "Raphtalia Filo!" Shiro began only for L'arc to act and jump forth before slashing down upon the monster with a might roar.

When this happened, Therese smiled over what L'arc just did. "Oh, L'arc he's certainly having fun." Therese said as she smiled over her partner's antics. She then closed her eyes and focused on the gem Shiro had made for her. "Power of jewels far and wide I beseech thee to heed my call and come to me." Therese began to invoke as Shiro saw the crimson gem glowing as the aria she spoke was not similar to the ones spoken in this world. "My name is Therese Alexandrite I ask my friends to be the force the destroys my targets." She continued while her hair began to turn from azure blue to crimson red. "Bejeweled Ruby Blaze!" Therese invoked as she sent out an azure blue fire ball setting the monster on fire upon impact.

Raphtalia was amazed at what she saw as the monster was burning. "I've never heard a chant like that." Raphtalia confessed amazed over what she just saw.

"Raphtalia!" Shiro called out and thus Raphtalia was drawn back to reality.

"On it!" Raphtalia called out and in turn charged into battle unaware that even Therese was in shock.

The blue haired girl was silent for a moment until she finally spoke aloud. "I never dreamed it would be so powerful." Therese confessed as she looked at her arm shocked over what she just did.

(Later)

Thus, their day went like this as Raphtalia, and Filo tore through the monsters with ease while Therese set them aflame to either kill them or prepare them for the others to off. Which of course saw Shiro and L'arc plowing through the foes with ease. Eventually things began to wind down as they had managed to hit level 70 and with it the EXP Curve began to lessen which meant less EXP for the party.

"Well looks like small fries aren't going to cut it anymore." Shiro said as he saw how little EXP they were getting now.

"Alright then let's go after the big fellow then." L'arc said and in turn they began to make their way to the Boss of the area.

(Later)

Thankfully locating the boss did not take long but that was where the good news ended. The bad news was that the bird-based boss was surrounded by its minions the same cannon fodder monsters they were fighting prior. Right now, they needed a plan to deal with the small fry before taking on the boss itself.

"The boss fight by itself would be a big deal but these tiny guys will be a pain." L'arc said as he glared at the smaller monsters in the area.

"Just leave the little ones to me, I'll gather them all up." Shiro said as he had a few ideas on how to go about this.

"And then?" L'arc asked as he looked to Shiro wondering what his plan was.

"I'll take them out once he's got their attention. L'arc, Filo, and Raphtalia can attack the boss." Therese explained as the plan was the ideal one to use in this fight.

"Sounds good to me." Raphtalia agreed as they all got ready to move in and attack the monsters.

"Everyone ready?" Shiro asked as he got ready to move in. Once he was sure they were all set Shiro sprang into action. "Let's go!" Shiro called out and thus charged into battle. Once Shiro was in the battle he had his shield ready for the next bit. "Hate Reaction!" Shiro invoked and thus a wave of crimson energy flew past the smaller monsters which got their attention. They all began to move in on Shiro as he began to bash them all away with his Shield. "Therese!" Shiro called out as he had his foes attention on himself.

Upon the call Therese moved to position to invoke her next spell. "Power of jewels far and wide I beseech thee to heed my call and come to me." Therese began to invoke as her hair turned crimson red once more. "Bejeweled Ruby Blaze!" She invoked and thus the azure blue fire shot upward. Once this happened it came down right on top of Shiro and the monsters around him surprising Shiro.

"Master no!" Filo cried out in shock as she saw this.

"Now just hold on a second." L'arc said as he knew what was going on.

As Shiro was in the fires shielding himself he went wide eyed as he saw that the fires were hardly affecting him. 'The Hell? The fires are all around me but they're not burning me.' Shiro thought as he looked at the monsters and saw them turn to ash. He then looked at his own body and saw the taint left by the Demon Knight and Rage Shield was being lifted from him. 'Not only that but the Curse of the Demon Knight and Rage shield are being lifted.' Shiro mentally noted before focusing on the monster.

As the fires died down the largest monster roared out showing it was ready for a fight now. "Ok time for the big guy but for this fight let's fight big with big!" Shiro called out and thus summoned his Knight's Ark.

"Oh, and how you figure that?" L'arc asked and saw Shiro's shield was gone and replaced by the White Knight's Ark.

"O Wizel White Warrior Wielder of the Ancient Sword." Shiro called out as he began the chant. "Grant me your Power!" Shiro called out and thus stabbed the dagger into the gauntlet. "VERTO!" Shiro invoked and in turn in a bright flash of light the White Knight rose up and proceeded to punch the massive foe in the face.

"Wow." Therese gasped as she saw the White Knight towering over them.

"Well, no use gawking over it." L'arc said as he was quick on the uptake and thus, they all charged into battle to support the White Knight. Needless to say, the battle was over the moment it started.

(Scene Break Later that day)

After the battle had ended Shiro and his party members were looking over the drops the monsters had got them as he was dividing them as best, he could. "Are you sure you ok, master?" Filo asked as she was worried for Shiro.

"Yeah, thought that magic spell was a strange one." Shiro said as he began to look himself over. "Even my clothes were left untouched." Shiro said as he looked at his body.

"Very strange, I've never even heard that chant before." Raphtalia said as that actually got Shiro thinking.

'Neither have I.' Shiro thought as he began to suspect something was up. Out of every magic caster he faced the chant was always about deciphering the laws of nature never was it about gems and friends. "I guess there's more than one type of magic in this world." Shiro said but honestly, he was not entirely convinced on that subject. That was of course until her noticed something among the drops that drew Shiro's attention.

"Wait a second." Shiro said as L'arc noticed this.

"He what's wrong Shield Kiddo." L'arc asked as Shiro picked up a disk like gear from the drops.

"No way." Shiro said as he saw what it was that he held.

"What is it?" L'arc asked as Shiro smirked to this.

"It's a core unite for a Knight's Ark." Shiro said as he scanned it with his appraisal magic.

"Knight's Ark?" L'arc asked as Shiro decided to be brief about it.

"The Knights are ancient war tools used in days of old, there are only Five in existence that had survived it." Shiro began to explain as he looked at the item. "But other than the Knight's items, equipment, and even tools for the Knights had survived and among them were these items, Core Units to Build and Power an ARK for a Knight." Shiro said as he looked to the Item.

"So, plan on making another Knight then, Shield Kiddo?" L'arc asked as Shiro smirked to this.

"If I can make a Compatible Ark then all I will need is a Knight to synch up with it." Shiro said as he then summoned his own ARK. But when he did the shield part opened and to Shiro's shock a ball of light exited from it and melded with the Core Unite. Once this was done Shiro saw an alert appear before his eyes.

'Soul Core transfer successful, Core Unite Awaiting Ark installation.' The Alert on Shiro's screen said as Shiro was surprised by this.

'Hubba what?' Shiro mentally asked as he saw this as he knew something was up with this.

(Scene Break Later back at Town)

The group were gathered in front of the statue as Shiro, and his party stood across from L'arc and Therese. "With your help we gained a lot of LVL's in just one day." Therese said as she was grateful for the help.

"And it was fun!" Filo added as the Filolial Queen was smiling over the day they had.

"I couldn't agree with you more, Filo." Therese said as she looked to the party with a smile on her face.

"You guys want to team up again tomorrow?" Shiro offered as he was more than happy to work with these two once more.

The two looked surprised by this and when Shiro grew worried it was L'arc who answered. "I think we'll go it alone for now." L'arc said as he looked to Shiro with a smile on his face.

"Well ok." Shiro said with a nod understanding the desire to go solo for a bit.

"We'll see you around Shield Kiddo." L'arc said as he then took his leave of the group.

"Thanks for a great day." Therese said as she followed after L'arc.

"Thank you two we worked really well together." Raphtalia bowed as the duo of Adventurers took their leave of the party.

"See you later!" Filo waved as she saw L'arc and Therese head out.

"Damn shame they would have made awesome party members." Shiro said as he smiled to the departing duo. "Still need to figure this thing out." Shiro said as he took out the Knight Ark Core unite which now had a dull glow still awaiting installation. "Well whatever since we spent the last two days working our asses off, let's take the day of tomorrow." Shiro said as he smiled a bit waiting for a day of fun, sun, and seas. "We can all use it after all." Shiro said and thus Filo cheered at getting the day off tomorrow.

(Scene Break the next day)

Needless to say, the beach was not what any of them had expected it to be. "This is the life." Taiyo said as he had a drink in hand while on a improve beach chair. "Sun, beach, and the small ones having a good time." Taiyo said as he sat next to Shiro while they watched Ryuko, Sakura, Yuki, Koh, Kuro playing around.

"No kidding." Shiro said as he sat next to Taiyo as both were dressed in swim trunks and sandals. But while they both had a button up shirt for the beach Taiyo had a hat and sunglasses to protect his eyesight. "By the way where's your idiot?" Shiro asked and thus Taiyo pointed to a spot nearby where Motoyasu was seemingly asleep under a beach umbrella.

"Guy tuckered himself out yesterday and I guess he's still tired." Taiyo said as the two smiled and knuckled bumped each other.

"Yo!" Jun was heard as she walked up with Tsubaki in tow.

"Hey guys what's going on?" Shiro asked as Jun was dressed in a two-piece bikini that had a skirt towel around the waist while Tsubaki was dressed in a modest one piece.

"That." Tsubaki said as she pointed her thumb to another part of the beach as they saw the Dark Heroes were here as well. Miyuki was sitting on a lounge chair with what appeared to be servant fanning her as Shiba was playing fetch with a Soul Eater who acted like a dog for the stick Shiba was using. Nearby Lezarg was standing atop a rock formation still in full armor as the sea breeze caused his cape to billow a bit.

"Well at least they're having a good time." Shiro said as Shiba from afar cheered as Koro caught the stick and returned it to his master.

"It's kind of weird seeing them acting like this." Taiyo said as he saw this happen.

"You're telling me." Demonicon was heard as he and Pete arrived with Pete carrying a large box filled with Beach stuff.

"It's almost surprising when you realize their supposed to be our enemies." Rino added as she arrived with Tsubaki's party bar Itsuki.

"Hey, wait where's Ren and Itsuki?" Jun asked with a raised brow.

"Apparently Ren isn't the kind of guy for this place and Itsuki got self-conscious and hid in the hotel room." Conan said as he Aile and Rishia nodded after they had saw it happen.

"Huh well go figure." Shiro said until Filo ran up to them wearing a cute pink two-piece swimsuit.

"Hey Master!" Filo began as she walked over to the group. "I found another island." Filo announced as she walked up to the group.

"So big deal there's a whole bunch of them." Jun said but Filo was serious about this.

"No listen I found a special island underwater, and it looks like its glowing red." Filo said which got everyone's attention.

"A special island underwater?" Tsubaki asked as Filo nodded.

"Now this I got to hear." Taiyo said as underwater islands/temples normally meant big loot... and deadly traps but hey the loot would be worth it.

"That's not all there was a big brick building down there too and I think saw this big wing looking thing coming out from it." Filo said as she looked to the group.

"Well, we have kind of hit a wall with our leveling grinds." Shiro said as he thought it over. "Maybe it's time to start dungeon crawling a bit." Shiro said and thus reached into his bags to pull out... a penguin suit with a Santa hat on it.

"I am NOT wearing that." Jun said as she glared at the suit.

"Don't worry let's hope our Knights are airtight." Shiro said and thus he was taking a gamble.

"Excuse me master Shiro." Raphtalia was heard and soon Shiro lowered the suit to reveal to his surprise Raphtalia in a blue frilly swimsuit.

'Huh dressed like that water leaking in won't be a problem.' Shiro thought keeping his mind focus on the current task. "I think it's great." Shiro announced and thus Raphtalia smiled as Jun face palmed to this.

"The oblivious one every group has that." Jun said rubbing her eyes in frustration over this.

"Alright then Let's go." Shiro said and thus Raphtalia nodded to this.

"Ok." Raphtalia said as her tail began to wag in response.

(Later Underwater)

Deep underwater Filo, Sakura, Yuki, Kou, and Ryuko were swimming in their Filolial and Dragon forms clearly unaffected by the water around them. Behind them were Rino, Raphtalia, and Conan all dressed in Penguin suits as Pete and Demonicon stayed top side with Kuro and the rest of Tsubaki's party to keep an eye on the stooges. And behind the three in the Penguin Suits, were the Four Knights, as their eyes were shining brought to light up the dark areas around them.

"Well looks like the Knights are airtight." Shiro said as the four floated down to the bottom.

"Kind of on the slow side thought." Taiyo said through the Dragon Knight.

"But this building... it's in perfect condition." Jun said as she then looked around. "Maybe spreading out might reveal a pathway for us." Jun said until Tsubaki noticed something.

"Wait look a wing!" Tsubaki called out and thus the Moon Maiden pointed to a wing sticking out of another building connected to the big one via a tunnel of sorts. "Look familiar?" Tsubaki asked and thus Shiro could not believe it.

"No way." Shiro said as he knew only one vehicle that had wings like that.

"Come on we need to keep looking around." Jun said as they eventually got to the big stone doors of the building.

"Well, we need an idea, even with our Knight's added strength it may not be enough to open the door while underwater." Shiro said as he walked over to the door and put his left arm on it that had the Shield on it. In turn the Runic Shields green gem glowed and with it the shield itself followed. The result, much to the groups surprise, was the door opening for them. "Or we just do that." Shiro said as he stood there shocked which his Knight showed as well.

Once the door opened the group was surprised when Air bubbles flew out to then. "Wait there's air inside?!" Taiyo asked in shock over what he saw.

"Let's go." Jun said and thus they began to enter the temple before them.

(Later inside the Temple)

The Four Knights rose up from the water with their party members in tow. As they got up the four Knights began to revert as Raphtalia, Conan, and Rino removed the penguin suits they were wearing. "Jeez it's dark in here." Ryuko said as she looked around for something to see.

"Raphtalia, Jun." Shiro said and thus the two nodded.

"Light Sword!" Jun invoked while drawing her sword.

"Fast Light!" Raphtalia invoked and thus the entire room was lit up.

"Much better." Tsubaki said as the Four Heroes and their party members could now see. But what they saw made them go wide eyed as towering before them was, a Dragon Hourglass!

"A Dragon Hourglass here?!" Shiro gasped when he saw the object.

"It looks just like the one in Melromarc's Cathedral." Jun said as she realized what this meant for them.

"And wherever an Hourglass is located, the Waves can't be too far behind." Taiyo said as even he knew what this meant for them.

Raphtalia was wide eyed over this as she knew what this would entail. "But if a Wave hits, then the islanders will all die." Raphtalia said as Tsubaki looked to her friends.

"Assuming it's going to happen soon." Tsubaki said as she looked to Raphtalia. Just then the Four Cardinal Weapons began to glow one by one and in turn synched up to the Dragon Hourglass. Once this was done, they were all met with the information of how much time they had left. "Oh shit." Tsubaki gasped as she saw the timer.

"The next wave... it's coming in two days!" Jun said and thus they all got moving.

"Great! Just our fucking luck!" Taiyo cursed as he then kicked the Dragon Hourglass and thus yelped when he felt pain from the action. He grabbed his foot and began bouncing around as clearly, he didn't think that action through.

Just then a glow was seen from the Penguin Suit Raphtalia was wearing as all eyes fell to it. "Huh?" Shiro asked as Raphtalia walked over and took out the Core Unit. "Why is that thing?" Shiro asked and thus Raphtalia held the item at a direction and saw how its glow grew brighter.

"What is it?" Yuki asked as she saw what Raphtalia was doing.

"I don't know." Raphtalia said and thus she began to look for the source.

(Later)

Following the trail, the group were mentally preparing a plan of action to handle the Wave in two days. Eventually they arrived at what looked to be an ancient hanger and to their surprised Raphtalia saw a familiar form kneeling on the ground silent and empty. "Is that... a Knight!?" Jun asked as towering before them was a Knight as in its hands was what looked to be a spinning top of sorts.

But for Raphtalia she saw something else, or in this case someone else. "Rifana?" Raphtalia asked as she saw Rifana now older and bruised sitting on the Knights open hand smiling. Holding the Core Unit Raphtalia saw it glowing brightest before the Knight. Walking over to it Shiro saw Raphtalia approach the item as if she was being drawn to it.

"Wait Raphtalia don't!" Shiro called out but alas it was too late she took the item in hand causing a bright flash of light to bath the area. Within the light the two parts began to meld together as the top bit opened as the gem in the center flowered to allow the Core Unit to be inserted. As the light shined brighter Raphtalia began to feel some sort of pull to a place she knew of.

(Meanwhile Unknown Realm)

As Raphtalia opened her eyes she looked around and saw herself in that same realm she bid Rifana goodbye. "You, meanie!" Rifana was heard but now she sounded older. Raphtalia looked and saw Rifana standing there looking like an adventurer with a brown cape. "Why did you have to make me wait for so long, Wizel wasn't very fun to hang out with y'know when not training!" Rifana scolded as Raphtalia was surprised by this.

"R-Rifana what why?" Raphtalia began as Rifana then smiled to Raphtalia.

"Weren't you listening before?" Rifana asked confusing Raphtalia. "I said we'd meet again but you would not recognize me." Rifana said and before Raphtalia could ask the Knight from before began to rise from the clear ground below and thus stood between the two resting its sword on the ground with its hands on the pommel.

"But... how?" Raphtalia asked and thus Rifana smiled to this.

"I was training with Wizel inside the White Knight's Ark he was brutal but to the point." Rifana said and thus she pointed to Rifana. "And now I'm here to fight by your side." Rifana said as she pointed at something appearing in Raphtalia's hand. "It was a long time coming but Raphtalia congratulations you're now the Pactmaker of the Vassal Knight." Rifana said and thus the entire world began to fade around her once more. "So, get stronger ok that way I can get stronger too!" Rifana said as Raphtalia was left wide eyed by this.

"Wait Rifana!" Raphtalia called out and in turn the world faded fully.

(Real World)

Raphtalia fell on her rear as the light died down leaving the now completed ARK in her hand. As this happened a Statues screen appeared before Raphtalia's eyes.

"Installation completed, Vassal Knight Statues Magic assigned to Pactmaker."

The screen hub announced as the massive form of the Vassal Knight began to vanish into particle of light. "Raphtalia!" Shiro called as he kneeled next to her only to see tears. "Raphtalia?" Shiro asked and thus Raphtalia looked to Shiro.

"This Knight... its Rifana it's her soul." Raphtalia said as she looked to the surprised Shiro.

"Wait what?" Jun asked and thus Tsubaki put the pieces together.

"The ARK is in Raphtalia's hands... the Knight vanished, and the ARK is not rejecting her." Tsubaki listed off and thus Taiyo caught wind of it.

"Raphtalia is it's pactmaker!?" Taiyo gasped and thus the light particles lit up the room before them. Shielding their eyes once more the group took a moment to allow their eyes to adjust to the beams. When they did, they saw towering before with the wings sticking out of the building was the vessel that had carried the heroes across the world in White Knight Chronicles 2 after acquiring at the end of the first game, the Shahgna.

"Jeez talk about lucky huh?!" Taiyo called out as he pointed to the airship behind them.

"Can it fly?" Tsubaki asked as she looked to the ship and saw the hatch was open for it.

"Only one way to find out." Jun said and thus with everyone in agreement they all began to load up into the airship.

(Later in the Shahgna's cockpit)

Once they got to the ship's cockpit, they saw that like the outside the inside looked like it was factory new. They saw the pilots spot was set and in turn saw a letter in Kanji waiting for them. "What the heck?" Shiro asked and thus began to ready it.

"Cardinal Heroes, many questions plague your mind if you are reading this. But the battles to come will require more power thus I gift to you the Shahgna reborn a Vassal Weapon may she and her hero be the wings that carry you to victory. -Mureaus."

Once Shiro ready the letter he was surprised by the implications. "Our own airship... is a Vassal weapon now." Taiyo said as he looked around as he seemingly forgot about Filo.

"Huh?" Filo asked as she saw the cockpit was beckoning her.

As Filo walked forward it sounded like a discussion was about to start until her hand touched the controls. When it did so everyone was surprised when the entire ship shook as it began to activate.

When Shiro saw this, he knew what this meant for them. "Everyone, grab something." Shiro said and thus Filo jumped into the driver's seat much to everyone's concern. Barely enough time to strap themselves in the ship began to launch as the entire room it was in sealed itself up to keep the Dragon Hourglass safe from the water.

(Scene Break Outside Surface)

The water exploded outward as from the seas the Shahgra flew upward spreading its wings taking to the sky. Flapping its wings which released an azure magic the vessel flew off as the passengers inside already had their plan.

(With the group)

"Ok first thing's first we're landing this thing on Cal Mira and then splitting up." Shiro began as he looked to the group. "Jun you and I need to head to Melromarc and warn the Queen of the Wave." Shiro began as he looked to Jun. "Tsubaki you and Taiyo stay behind to make sure this bucket will be combat ready and to see if the Dark Heroes will be helping us." Shiro said as Tsubaki, and Taiyo nodded to this.

"We need to act fast; we have less the two days before the Wave hits make every second count." Jun said and thus they all knew what to do for the battle to come.

"Filo take us back to Cal Mira!" Shiro ordered as Filo as now on the driver's seat with her hands resting on the blue balls of the controls.

"Right!" Filo called out and thus be it by instinct or the Shahgra's own gift to the pilot Filo guided it back to Cal Mira to land and begin the plan. With only two days before the Wave hits the Heroes had to make every second count. After all the duty of the Cardinal Heroes was to fight the Waves and that is what they plan to do no matter the cost.

(TBC)

ESKK: Well here we go a new chapter finished and published now then please leave behind a review before leaving and once more folks, ja-ne.