Shangri La Pt. 1

85: Nothing but Danger

"But... Why should I trust these people standing before me? What makes you think I should believe you when saying that they will help me?" Shoto questioned. 

Without even hesitating to answer, the Great Pisces stared right into the Prince's eyes and answered–without batting an eye–him; "Because every single person in this room that you are standing before is a member of the White Lotus Organization."

Shoto's eyes widened as he stared at each individual person, but then halted when he realized how specific such a sentence was. 

"Wait– Every single person in this room, then do you mean–" 

"My apologies, Your Majesty." the silver-haired Vice Captain interrupted, forcing the Prince to look at the man standing right next to him. 

"A-Acri–" 

"As much as I did not want to reveal this information to you–or lie to you about who I really am–I am also a member of the White Lotus Organization." Gin answered as he slowly looked over at the Prince as his expression remained unclear of what he was truly feeling. 

"You– You're a member?" 

"Yes, and as much as it would be a good idea for all of us to head to the Betta's, I think I will stay behind." 

"What?!" 

"Someone's gotta stay and keep an eye on your knights, and I'm the only one available at the moment." he added.

"Wha– What're you talking about, Bakugo is still here, isn't he?" 

"Your Captain has already left the city and is doing a mission for me at the moment. He left not too long ago." the Great Pisces interrupted, making the Prince jerk his head forward. 

"Ba– Bakugo's... not here?" 

"Forgive me, as I've said your Captain has gone on a mission for me, so I have used your Captain without your permission, but it was very important to say the least. But if Gin is fine staying here, then you should make it to the Betta Kingdom safely with just these four." the Great Pisces answered as she made the Prince get a good look at Zeri, Ray, Uma and Ayame once more. 

"I-I–" 

"We mustn't waste anymore time, Your Majesty, otherwise the Princess could have a much worse fate than we think." Zeri stated.

There was no time to think this through, no time to request for more help, no time to decline the help that he's been given. Shoto sighed as he'd come to realize that this situation turned much more serious than he ever imagined. 

"Very well, I will be in your care." he stated. 

"Good, Zeri, Ray, Uma, and Ayame will escort you safely out of this palace–and city–without being seen. You must head southwest to the point of reaching the docks that are resting at the edge of the West. There, you will be able to get a ship that will send you straight to the Betta Kingdom, but as I've said before, things could become dangerous if you aren't careful. My colleagues will be able to explain everything to you on the ship ride there, so make sure to listen and pay attention to who the true enemy could be. It will take you about 5 days just to ride on horseback to get to that port–4 days if you do not take any rest–and another 2 days just to ride a ship to get to the Betta Kingdom." the Great Pisces explained. 

"A week before I will be able to see the Princess? Then we need to get there before they decide to harm her. Then let's go!" Shoto commanded as the members of the White Lotus followed behind the Prince and left the shrine.

And as she could only imagine the worst outcomes for both these women, Shiro couldn't help but fiddle with her hands in worry.