0-X-0

"I can't maintain it much longer unless you want to take a shower alone," the larger form of Meliodas grumbled as he pulled the comforter over them and held her front to his chest just as he let the shadows disintegrate and the broken wall crumple in enough for the wooden door to fall inwards. The looks of his comrades enough to make him burst into laughter as they all stared at the couple though more in particularly Meliodas himself.

"Ellie, get up, we're going into town soon!" Groggily the silverette opened her eyes to see emerald staring at her with mirth playing in them. "By the way, what were you dreaming about? You kept whimpering and clinging to me." A perverted smile lighting up his face as the demon slide his hands down her sides.

Jolting up, shock evident as both her eyes were revealed, "WHA! What, you mean that didn't happen!?" Patting herself over, before shoving out of bed and darting to the full length mirror hanging by the bathroom door she tugged the neckline of the itchy shirt down to show her flawless neck and cleavage.

A wolf whistle behind her startling her from her inspection, "Putting on a show for little ol' me?" Meliodas jested as he grabbed a generous handful of her butt and breast, his eyebrows wiggling.

"EEEP! A-ah, n-no… U-um, S-s..sir Meliod-A-as!" Elizabeth gasped out just as Hawk ran into the room head-butting the blonde away.

"Will you quit? Lucky, I even trusted you last night untied!" The swine squealed at the prone swordsman before turning to the princess, "He didn't do anything horrible last night… Princess, are you okay? Your face is extremely red."

"Wha! Oh, no. No, w… he didn't do anything. Thank you for your concern, Sir Hawk." She sputtered as she bowed before dashing into the bathroom with her uniform. Having escaped the scrutiny of the blonde-sneak and concerned pig she pulled all the clothes off looking for anything that would prove that that was just a dream, cupping and feeling every trace of her skin, "I… I guess it wasn't real…" Sighing, a mixed feeling of relief and longing churning in her stomach as she entered the shower and got ready for going into town.

"Heya! You're finally ready!" The captain cheered as he and the others got up, Ban handed her a sack with some bread, fruits, and cheese as they fell in line beside and behind the blonde. Merlin, King, and Diane offering to stay behind to run the tavern until they get back, "Alright guys, don't chase off all the customers!"

Waving good-bye to the others Meliodas, Ban, Gowther, and Elizabeth headed down the soft sandy path toward Reiken village, a small fishing town known for their crustacean industry. Elizabeth glanced at Ban on her left, to Gowther on her right, before settling her blue eye on the mop of golden locks before her, I'm flanked on either side. I feel like I have my own guarded escort. Wait… The threat to me the day before… Could that be why Sir Meliodas is having me tag along? Or could is he just wanting my company?

Sighing, her pearly whites nibbled at her lips in concentration, not noticing the side-ways glances she got from the three men. I wonder if Sir Meliodas remembers yesterday when we… Eeep, I kissed him! A-ah! Oh no, he mentioned something about me sleeping, oh, Goddess tell me he doesn't know that I was hav-

"Princess Elizabeth, what's got you so frustrated?" The pinkette to her right inquired as he tilted his head a finger to his cheek.

"E-EH! N-nothing, Sir Gowther!" shocked out her though she squeaked putting her hands up in an attempt to stave off his curious stare.

"Oh, would you like me to help you figure it out then?" A spark of light arcing from his index finger as he slowly pointed his hand toward her.

"NO!" without out thinking she pushed his arm to the side before bowing and apologizing profusely. Ban chuckled as he watched the princess freaking out. "I… I'm sorry Sir Gowther, but please, don't invade my thoughts. I believe I can sort them out shortly, I'm sorry to have troubled you so."

"Oh, okay, do let me know if I could be of assistance, Princess." Gowther relented with his classic peace-sign gesture before continuing to walk.

Another sigh left the princess as she tilted her head back to gaze at the birds in the sky in an attempt to give her worried mind a rest. Before she expected they happened upon the town with their guards going up immediately.

Fire was burning throughout the town, giant animals much like the wolf that attacked the other were attacking the town. Cursing. All three males shared a look as the wild-man and pinkette nodded before Elizabeth's world was turned upside down. Launching himself Meliodas worked his muscles to put as much distance between Elizabeth and the hungry monsters. Howling could be heard above the wind soaring in her ears as Elizabeth turned her head in the direction that they were fleeing.

"Meliodas, wha-"

"I have to get you out of there, the guys can handle themselves." Suddenly the hollering of their comrades behind them turn from amusing to distress as Ban's voice carried it's warning. The wolves were on them and closing in. "Hold tight Elizabeth."

Bent over his shoulder facing the monsters she tucked her head against his lower back and wrapping her arms around his waist, his right arm tightening across her thighs as he thought of his options. Could I out run them? At this pace no, they have too much ground on me. I can hi- no… They'll sniff her out and eat her… Dammit! I have no choice.

"I'm engaging Ellie, I'll try to toss you to Ban when they catch up, but you're gonna have to enter battle with me. He felt the nod against his back and the assuring squeeze of her arms as he dug his heel in the dirt and spun to dodge the looming paw. Seconds slower and they would've been pancakes, without letting up on his speed Meliodas withdrew Liz's sword in his left hand and drove up into an offensive attack.

The first wolf falling to its side as he pivoted to avoid the maw of the closest wolf from latching on himself and Elizabeth. Catching his balance he pushed on fueled by Elizabeth's tears to get her out of this alive, the remaining three wolves rushed him at once, nails and teeth targeting them both. His dark magic took over, running faster than time could move, he slashed all their throats and disconnected their joints from their bodies before they could get any closer.

Blood rained down around him as sound returned to his ears and he could feel that Ellie was limp against him. Panicking her hoisted her over his shoulder and checked her pulse. Still alive, he confirmed as Ban came out of the distance in a flash of red, taking the in the image before him.

Red rivers of blood and shredded limbs spread around the blonde and silverette as he stood in the middle of the carnage, his back straight, the woman bridal style, and both tainted in the foul dark substance. Elizabeth's eyes closed but shallow breathing confirmed she was merely unconscious and her savior had that ominous dark mark over his right eye and those shadows covering his visible skin in wavering daunting patches.

The merry emerald eyes of his captain no longer as distant black orbs stared at him as though he was looking into his soul, searching to see if the immortal was an enemy. The groaning of the silverette breaking his scrutiny as Meliodas snapped out of his demonic trance, those dark allures shrinking as the brilliant tiny smile brought forth his own face-stretching grin as he set the princess on her own feet at her request.

Was I imagining things or did it look like Captain was changing somehow? Did he look older? Taller? Nah, my capt'n's still the short, young, powerful leader he always is. But the sense of doom is getting stronger…

"Man, I hope the village isn't too destroyed." Ban whined turning his torso and looking behind them where Gowther had begun putting out the fires with some of the returning inhabitants.

"Let's go help!" Ellie squeaked as the impish male behind her clasped both her breast in his hands, his chin against her side as he contemplated what happened.

"Say Ban, these were the same as the wolf that tried to attack the Boar's Hat, huh?" His voice light but his eyes speaking volumes of his internal wrath.

"Yeah, capt'… Looked like it."

"Is this because of me?" Ellie asked leaning back into Meliodas her voice neutral.

Glancing at her they both confirmed her fears, "Then I really need to get to training! Come on let's get this village back together, our supplies, and go home." Tapping the tops of his hands, a brief squeeze to them, and stepping forward determination and confidence in her saunter.

A fox grin taking residence on Ban's face as he watched his transfixed leader, "She's got you hooked, huh?"

Slowly looking to the immortal man as his giant grin took over, "Yep!" before walking where his comrades were still combating the fires.

After several hours and with only five structures beyond saving the group of four had been thoroughly thanked and loaded with supplies before heading home. The thatched roof looming over the hill and the remaining three Sin's turning to greet them just as Elizabeth began to sprint toward them.

"KING! I have a request of you!" She called out slowing to a jog upon reaching said fairy as he floated closer.

"Oh? What is it I can do Princess?"

"Hear me out," She started as she felt Meliodas studying her from behind along with everyone else, "I can heal, but that won't really help protect myself or you guys since you're always having to sacrifice yourselves to save me."

"I do not have Sir Ban's invincibility, nor your or Lady Merlin's magic, nor Diane's strength, and I definitely don't have Sir Meliodas swordsman skills or his infinitely dexterity." At her observations each Sin flushed pink, "But I would like to think that I may be able to assist from a distance…" Turning her head slightly behind her to the pinkette watching them all curiously.

"I could try to learn archery with Gowther's help…" Catching his eyes, "if you wouldn't mind?" A smile tugging at his stoic expression as he agreed.

"El-"

Turning on her heel to the captain behind her, noticing the sadness and nervousness hidden behind his tilted smile, "Oh, Sir Meliodas, you can still help me train, at dodging and healing, just don't fall out of trees anymore. Hehee." Flushing at her own teasing remark as they both remembered what saved him.

A coy smile taking hold, "Oh, you sure, that seemed to really test your power control." The usually aloof Meliodas retook in his eyes as he rubbed at Elizabeth's butt eliciting a stuttering 'eep' from her.

"Knock it off ALREADY!" Hawk squealed ramming into the molesting man and sending him sprawling a few feet away.

"Okay, now I'm really thinking about roast pig…" Meliodas taunted as he picked himself up and glared at the offending swine. Said pig squealing as it ran for cover before the Sin's of Wrath and Envy could really consider cooking him up.

King studied the Princess as she turned back to him, a fire burning in her eyes as he sought to confirm her conviction, "Fine, I will craft you a bow and some arrows, until then start watching how Gowther fights and fires, okay?"

"THANK YOU!" Jumping up and capturing the child-looking fairy in a tight hug with Chasitfol between them.

X-0-X

Meliodas slipped out onto the balcony as his group of ruffians replayed the events from this afternoon. Leaning his folded arms along the rail with his chin in the middle glancing up at full moon memories of many years ago seeping into his thoughts.

'MELIODAS!' the busty pinkette screamed as she reared back before socking the blonde on the head.

'Naw, Liz! I was saying hi…' he muttered rubbing his head as he glanced up to the meet her blue eyes.

'You got a funny way to say it!' She crossed her arms and glared. 'You don't do it to anyone else.'

'That's because I love you like no one else. I can't treat you like just a friend, now can I?'

"S-Sir Meliodas?"

"Hm?"

"Wanna go to bed, you look tired…" Smiling at the concern in her voice the knight pushed off the railing and walked back toward her.

"Yeah, I'm gonna take a shower now that you're done and I'll be in soon. Go ahead and fall asleep." Brushing past her he walked into their shared bathroom and stripped. The room still humid and the smell of Elizabeth's body wash lingering as the demon started up the shower water. Leaning against the wall he let his thoughts come back.

'Don't cry… We'll meet again, Meliodas…'

Could it be that we truly have Liz? Ellie is not like you, aside from that determination… But could it be that this is who I have been searching for? Last night her calling out for me, I wonder what she was dreaming about… I doubt this innocent woman would have an erotic dream, much less with the likes of me… Or could it be she's not as innocent as she lets on? Come to think of it she has never deny my advances and hasn't really shied from me. If anything she's begun to get closer as of late… Feeling the water start to get cold Meliodas hastened his routine and donning just a tank top and a pair of shorts, Eh, I'll let her make the first move.

Orange and blue shifted to him as the silverette smiled and nestled further into her pillow the sight bring forth his cat ate the canary smirk as he jumped on the bed. "Thought you'd want your side back tonight."

A playful smile he didn't know she possessed was shined toward him, "I actually don't mind this side." Laying down on what was her side Meliodas chuckled at her before looking around.

"Hawk not gonna hog tie me?"

"Mnn-nmmm. I assured him you were good last night" as far as I know, "and that I could trust you."

A lump forming in his throat as he glanced at her, a mirth in her eyes that hadn't been there before, "Sweet. Thanks!" flipping onto his stomach Meliodas dug his hands under the pillow a clasped the mattress, Okay, I might break that promise…

Bidding each other good night as all the Boar's Hat inhabitants feel asleep eager for tomorrow to see how well Elizabeth would pick up on archery and if Gowther could keep his mind-reading to himself.

X-0-X

Well, I am sorry for the wait, but I hope it was worth it, hehee! Last chapter was an unintentional jump so I had to apply some breaks, tell me what you think of making that a dream. Is this interesting? I got the archery idea from Seriphia, go read her fic Love is A Battlefield if you wanna see why. ;) It's AMAZING! Anyways, I'd like to have made this longer, but I didn't want to keep you waiting any longer so here you go.