After escaping the Knight Leader, the three reaches a small stables where a woman runs to the cart.

Woman: The horse got away!

Tokoyami: What are you talking about Jiro?

Jiro: Your horse! It ran off! 

Tokoyami jumped off carriage and whistled. As he does so, a beautiful black horse gallops to Tokoyami. Tokoyami then pets the horse's head.

Tsuyu: That's a beautiful horse!

Tokoyami: Dark Shadow has been my companion through many dangers on this road.

Jiro: How do you do that?! I saw him run off into the woods!

Tokoyami: He was probably worried about me. Dark Shadow is very protective.

Tsuyu is still amazed at Dark Shadow's beauty as Shoji lets out a hearty laugh. 

Shoji: Ha! If Dark Shadow showed up when Monoma was chasing us around, he'd be in big trouble!

Tsuyu: Monoma?

Shoji: Neito Monoma. He's Lord Menos's lapdog! 

Tsuyu: But he said he was working for the King. 

Tokoyami: He's no friend of the King. Neither is Menos. 

Tsuyu was taking in this information, but then she remembers the strange figure talking to Monoma back at the Inn. 

Tsuyu: Monoma was talking with someone back at the Inn. He was a strange looking man covered in strange tattoos. 

Jiro: How long was he there?

Tsuyu: I just blinked and he was gone. 

Tokoyami and Shoji knew exactly what this meant. 

Shoji: Blacktongues!

Tsuyu: Blacktongues?! You mean the cult that worshipped All For One?

Tokoyami: The very same.

Tsuyu: But that's impossible! All For One was defeated by King All Might years ago! The Blacktongues were destroyed that day!

Tokoyami: The Blacktongues thrive in deceit and darkness. Even with All For One gone, the Blacktongues simply hid in secret, waiting for the opportunity to reclaim what they believe to be theirs. 

Shoji: Menos is in the pockets of the Blacktongues.

Tsuyu: Monoma said something about you being wanted for murder. What did he mean by that?

This left Tokoyami speechless as he was about to be reminded of his own past.

Tokoyami: We were framed for murder. They want us dead because we pose a threat to their plans. But that was their mistake! We're going to root out the Blacktongues root and stem!

Jiro: But remember what the Oracle said, we have to find the Crow's Stone before we can even attempt to stop them. 

Hearing the name of the artifact being called caught the innkeeper's attention. She had heard stories of the Crow's Stone as a little girl, but she never thought it actually existed.

Tsuyu: The Crow's Stone?! The artifact that supposedly gave great power to those who wielded it?!

Shoji: Yes! When we went to the Oracle, she told us that the Crow's Stone was the key to defeating the Blacktongues!

Tokoyami: But there's only one problem, no one knows where it is. Jiro! Do you remember what exactly what the Oracle said?

Jiro: I think she said "From Beyond the Red Mirror lies the Crow's Stone. Only through the Crow's Stone will the darkness you struggle against will be destroyed. But the road will reveal itself for a band of heroes worthy of seeking it out." 

Shoji: Ah those Oracles! Always one for complicated answers!

Tokoyami: But that won't stop us! Come! We make for the Dragon's Arena!

As they prepared to ride, Tsuyu stops them. 

Tsuyu: Wait! What about me?!

Tokoyami: Go on home. This journey is none of your concern. 

Tsuyu: But Monoma knows my name! If he really is working with the Blacktongues, he'll probably be coming after me! Besides, I can help!

Shoji: She's right. After helping us escape, Monoma will no doubt report this to Menos. She'll be in even more danger if we don't bring her along. 

Jiro: I agree. Besides, she could be a great help!

Tokoyami looked at the innkeeper. He didn't want to bring her into anymore danger than he's already had. But he knew Shoji and Jiro were right. Leaving her alone was more dangerous than bringing her along. 

Tokoyami: Fine. You'll be riding with Jiro until we can find a spare horse. If we run into any danger, run and hide. 

Tsuyu: O...okay.....

Tsuyu got onto the horse Jiro was riding and prepared herself for the long and hard journey ahead. Meanwhile in a palace, Lord Menos sat in his throne when a man bearing strange tattoos appeared before him.

Menos: I anticipated your arrival Skiav.

Skiav: It would appear your servant Monoma has failed in killing Tokoyami and Shoji. 

Menos: They'll die soon enough. 

Skiav: I hear they're looking for the Crow's Stone. 

Menos: Ha! They'll fail! The Crow's Stone hasn't been seen in a thousand years! 

Skiav: Never underestimate our enemies. I've sent many ravens in search for them. 

As they speak, Monoma returns and enters the throne room and speaks to Lord Menos.

Menos: Monoma. You return empty handed?

Monoma: Some tavern bitch came in the way! But they'll be dealt with soon enough! I'll personally see to this!

Skiav: I certainly hope so Monoma. For your sake. 

Monoma: If you had sent some of your Blacktongues to assist me, they'd be dead and buried!

Skiav: Mind your tongue Monoma! Do not try to cover your failures on the Blacktongues. 

Menos: ENOUGH! Monoma, continue your search for Tokoyami and Shoji. When you find them, kill them and anyone who offers them aid.

Monoma: As you wish, my lord!

Menos: As for you Skiav, we'll continue our discussion another time. In the meantime, offer Monoma some....assistance.

Skiav: As you wish, Lord Menos. 

As Monoma exits the throne room, a crow flies in and lands on Skiav's shoulder. The crow begins to whisper into his ears. He then lets out menacing chuckle.

Skiav: It appears that Tokoyami is making his way towards the Dragon's Arena.

Menos: Our agents in the Arena will deal with our targets. 

Menos then gets up from his throne and looks into the city he rules over, biding his time.