Hello, Everyone!

I am beyond thrilled with how this is coming about. Things are starting to heat up, as we get a glimpse of our least favorite villain! Here's some responses to reviews:

SSJ Mirai Gohan - Thank you! I love writing it! Welcome to the fun!

smjieg - I'm so glad you've joined us! Thanks for the kind words! I'm glad I could help fill the void. Sorry I couldn't post it that day... I was having some serious issues with the chapter! I hope you continue to enjoy!

Fanficlove2014 - Luv, you and I both. Maybe we'll figure out what makes her so special soon enough? Also, foster that hatred for Atlas. It'll only serve you well later. :3

DragonIceFeather – I know. It's okay. Unfortunately, the story must go on, and he is our main antagonist. We need a reason to hate him outside of 'he's the bad guy'. And our adventure is only as good (or bad in this case) as the odds we face.

Sabrina-luna-potterHmm… That's a very good question. Perhaps we'll get a little back story into our favorite bad guy servant, hmmm? And yes. Yes, he is. And he only gets worse.

– Sometimes less is more. And I can't spoil all the fun I'm cooking up! And nope, poor Ellie still has no memories of her past aside from those moments trapped in the river.

BettBest2 – As always, too smart for your own good… *EVIL GRIN*

RainStorm2122 – My dear Rain, it wouldn't be any fun without some impending doom! Makes it that much more EXCITING! Also, yes if she doesn't remember soon, we may see some serious trouble for our lovable sins. I'm so glad you hate Atlas so much (not sure I'll ever have a chance to say THAT again…). I wonder how I can fuel that hatred even further...

To everyone else, it makes me so happy that you follow this story so closely. It means so much to me. Keep letting me know what you think; your reviews determine how I make this story play out.

As always, I hope you continue to enjoy this crazy adventure!


Chapter 7: Little Favors

"Elizabeth…."

Elizabeth groaned in her sleep as she became aware of someone calling her name.

"Elizabeth… it's time to get ~up!" The voice was whispering as it coerced her from her dreams, soft yet excited, singing the last word.

She hummed as she opened her eyes, "S-Sir… Meliodas?" she grumbled in her stupor.

The form in front of her visibly pouted at first then grinned as she began to focus, "No, silly!" Diane's voice rang out as she leaned with her elbows on the plush bed and her face pressed to her palms.

"Oh! Diane!" Elizabeth was quick to sit up, a fresh blush adorning her cheeks from having called out the captain of the sin's name. How could she have mistaken Diane for Sir Meliodas?

Diane chuckled lightly, the sound always managing to bring a smile to Elizabeth's face as she listened, "I've come to help you get ready!"

Today the giantess seemed more eager than usual as she bubbled and bounced on the side of the bed, her hidden strength causing the mattress to spring Elizabeth a few feet into the air.

"AH! H-Help me?" Elizabeth came crashing back down to the bed, "But, why? I can get dressed on my own Diane." She smiled at the obvious excitement on the Giantess' face.

"Today's special, though! We have to look our best for going to the castle!"

Elizabeth's face fell into a confused stare. Castle? But… they were nowhere near…

Glancing out the window, Elizabeth gasped at the change in scenery. When she had gone to bed the night before, she had a view of the forest and the little town they had stopped by. Now, there was a sprawling city just beyond large walls, surrounding a grand castle in the distance. "But… when?"

Diane crawled on to the bed on hands and knees to look out at the city as well, "Captain must have moved the tavern in the middle of the night! None of us even noticed till this morning!"

Elizabeth smiled brightly at her, "Where is Sir Meliodas this morning?"

"Huh? Oh, he wasn't here when I woke up. Merlin said he had a meeting with King Arthur early this morning, and that he wanted us to meet up with him later." She had pressed a finger to her chin in thought as she recalled her conversation with the mage.

This piqued the silverette's curiosity, "Oh? So Sir Meliodas knows the King pretty well then? Why did he have to meet with him?"

Diane merely shrugged, seeming less curious than she was. "Don't know. But it was probably boring stuff." With that she bounded off the bed and grabbed Elizabeth's hand, "Come on Elizabeth! I've already run you a bath!"

Bath?

The grin on her face faltered at the mention of a bath, and those dreadful memories flashed behind her eyes. She found herself resisting Diane's tug making the giantess turn to look at her confused, pigtails swinging as she turned. "What's wrong Elizabeth?"

She wasn't quite sure, really. There was a queasiness in her stomach now that she couldn't ignore and it was only building at the thought of returning to those memories.

Diane seemed to register her unease then, as she loosened her grip and bending with arms clasped behind her back to look directly into Elizabeth's down-cast eyes, "Are you afraid?"

Surprised blue eyes flew up to meet Diane's question. Afraid? Was she afraid? Afraid of what though, the bath or what the bath reminded her of? She found herself nodding shyly, and the giantess' face softened before she smiled brightly at her, "I have an idea then. We can take a bath together! The Bathtub is big enough that we could both fit! It'll be great!"

With renewed vigor, Diane pulled Elizabeth off the bed and into the steaming bathroom in a few short skips, slamming the bathroom door shut behind them.

The large clawfoot bath was already filled to the brim with water and sudsy bubbles, looking inviting with the smell of some sort of flower in the air.

"Come on, or it'll get cold!" The sound of Diane's voice was muffled as she pulled her usual orange dress over her head and tossing it aside. With a quick skip and a hop, she plunged herself into the waiting waters and sighed happily, then giggled at the wide-eyed silverette twisting the hem of her nightgown, patting the side of the tub to iterate the need for bathing.

Though she had been hesitant at first, Elizabeth was quick to strip down and hide in the sudsy water as her companion had, the introduction of both of them causing water to spill out of the tub over the wooden floor. Diane had been right though, there was plenty of room for both of them and having her there was certainly helping keep the nasty memories away.

"Elizabeth, turn around and I'll wash your hair for you." Diane motioned with bubbles over her hand, and Elizabeth turned so her back was facing her companion.

Soft kneading fingers began working a thick soap into Elizabeth's hair and up into a lather filling the air with a new scent that lingered with the flowers. The strokes of her fingers sending relaxing waves down the silverette's body. It was so soothing.

"Diane, did you use to do this with a sibling?" Elizabeth peaked at her from over her shoulder and as the question made Diane's fingers falter. The look on her face was somewhat sad.

"Uh… no. I don't have any siblings." She continued massaging the soap through Elizabeth's silver locks, "But, I used to do this with a very dear friend." She finished, the look still sad on her face, but the sound of her voice ringing with a hopefulness that Elizabeth didn't quite understand.

It reminded her of something Sir Meliodas had said to her once.

"Diane?" Elizabeth twisted her fingers under the water as the giantess hummed her response. "Does… Sir Meliodas have feelings for someone?"

The question surprised even her, but ever since the day before… his reaction to Ban saying they had kidnapped a princess… It had been bugging her. Why would he react to it so harshly when he seemed so open about the fact that they were all criminals? It was a contradiction she just couldn't seem to get around.

Diane had fallen silent, so Elizabeth turned again to see that the girl was blushing and watching her like she was trying to choose her next words carefully. Why she was so careful with her words, she didn't know.

"W-Well…" she started, eyes drifting away from hers, "He did. Yeah, he cared for someone really deeply. But… ummm… That's all I can say about it." She finished, pulling her fingers through Elizabeth's hair to untangle it.

Cared? As in… he didn't anymore? Or was it that he couldn't?

"Why do you ask?"

"Oh... it's... nothing."


Meliodas sneezed abruptly, the sound echoing in the throne room he stood in alone. Someone's talking about me… he thought to himself with a grin, the notion making him chuckle; nothing good could come of that!

The large throne room here in Camelot was a lot like the throne room in Lioness. "If you've seen one you've seen them all, I guess…" he murmured under his breath as he took in the sight of the large windows facing the east allowing for more than enough natural light to filter into the room and colors from some of the stained glass to dance over the royal banners hanging from the ceiling.

"Sir Meliodas, I do apologize for making you wait so long. His Royal Highness will be along shortly." An attendant spoke up from behind him and he waved it off, "I'm in no hurry. Besides, he's a King."

"A terrible King who is as late as I, does not deserve your patience!"

Meliodas turned quickly to see the young King Arthur enter the large throne room from the doors behind the throne with a huge smile. The kid was always smiling. Meliodas liked him for that. He wasn't cocky, just confident. And that confidence was backed by the overwhelming support his people showed for him.

The king was on top of him before Meliodas knew what had hit him, scooping him up into a friendly hug that lifted him off the ground, something Meliodas didn't expect of anyone but the bright orange-haired King.

"H-Hey Arthur, how goes it?"

Arthur put Meliodas back down on his feet as he regarded him with his winning grin, "Splendidly! I'm thrilled to see you back in Camelot Sir Meliodas! Though," Arthur's face changed into that of curiosity, "I am ashamed to admit I have no idea why you would be here."

Meliodas gave Arthur a grin of his own as his fists fell securely on his hips, "We'll get to that in a minute. But first, I have a favor to ask."

"A favor you say?"

Meliodas nodded as he hummed his agreement, "You see, something happened, and Elizabeth was hurt." For a moment, he felt like his confidence might falter, but he was quick to recover, "Because of that, she doesn't remember anything."

Arthur's eyes went wide as he listened, "Princess Elizabeth doesn't remember anything?" he repeated in shock. He had had the pleasure of many long discussions with the third princess of Lioness during their time training to fight the Ten Commandments. She was a woman he saw taking charge of a country one day. A fine ruler in the making. Now she had no recollection of that?

"Yeah, but we don't call her princess anymore. We all just call her Elizabeth." Meliodas confirmed and Arthur's bubbling personality seemed to subdue, "I'd appreciate it if you didn't call her princess either. Or try to remind her of her past. Not yet at least."

Arthur's brows knit together at the odd request, why wouldn't they try everything to bring back the girls' memories? "But… why?"

This time, Meliodas did waver. He felt his usual cool demeanor slip, as her terror at remembering the river returned to him, "We're letting her remember at her own pace. And trying to remind her all at once could make it worse."

Arthur clasped one of Meliodas' hand between his, giving him a teary look, "Then I accept your request! I will make like I am meeting her for the first time!" he declared fervently.

Weird kid…

Meliodas grinned again, "Great!" he patted the young king on the shoulder reassuringly. The last thing he needed was a teary-eyed king clasping him when the others arrived. Which brought him back to why he had come alone early. "Arthur, have you ever heard of a prince from the north named Atlas?"

This seemed to snap Arthur back to reality as curiosity returned to his face, "Direneth's prince regent? Of course I have."

Meliodas' brow rose questioningly, and Arthur answered before he could ask the question, "He is serving as the ruler of Direneth, but is not considered the monarch. It is said that the current monarch, Atlas' father is on a voyage. To where I am unsure." Arthur eyed Meliodas then, "Why are you asking of a ruler outside of Lioness?"

The short blonde shrugged as he put his hands behind his head lazily, "I just thought it would be good to know the guy who's planning a war for all of Britannia." His nonchalant words earned him a choke from the king as he sputtered to process his words. He didn't get long though as the attendant quickly entered the throne room.

"I'm terribly sorry for the interruption, your highness, but, there is a group waiting in the foyer for an audience with you. They say they are with Sir Meliodas. Lady Merlin is among them."

Meliodas chuckled at how Arthur's face and eyes lit up at the mention of Merlin's name. Man… he's got it bad… He thought, feeling a little sorry for the guy. That was a hard one to fall for…

Arthur glanced between Meliodas and the attendant, looking rather conflicted but Meliodas was quick to reassure him once more, "We'll finish talking later. Just remember what I said." Meliodas grinned placing a finger over his lips, Arthur nodding at him fervently before turning to the attendant.

"Please show them in!"


Elizabeth wrung her hands together as she stood in the large hall that the man who had run off said was a foyer. It was the biggest room she had seen to date – that she knew of at least. Brightly lit from the light pouring in the large floor to high ceiling windows, some of which were open to allow for a warm mid-morning breeze to filter in. The hall – or foyer – could have held four or five Boar Hat taverns. Every few feet directly parallel to the windows was a set of double doors lining the wall, all of which were closed, keeping hidden their contents to passersby.

It was hard not to try and take everything in at once. The walk up to the castle had been something of a dream. The city had been bustling with people living their lives, most of which had been kind enough to greet them on their way.

A hand came to rest gently on Elizabeth's shoulder and she nearly jumped out of her skin, receiving an amused grin from Merlin, who was standing next to her now. She was a vision in her low-cut dress, the outfit she had picked to wear to make their appearance in front of the king. The dress was of the same fabric her usual coat was and seemed to have its magical ability to cling to her cleavage but not hide it. How did she do that?

"If you're not careful that worried look on your face might stick," she mused and Elizabeth's cheeks flushed. She had no idea she was looking around so worried. What was she so anxious about, anyways?

Glancing down, she had a pretty decent idea…

Diane and Merlin had completely taken over her getting ready. Having gotten out of the bath she took with Diane, she was quickly passed over to the mage who put her long silver hair up into the most beautiful braided bun.

"Alright, now, close your eyes and part your lips." Merlin had instructed and Elizabeth followed without question. The next thing she knew; her lips had been painted in a delicate pink that made the blue in her eyes really shine.

Once Merlin was done with her Diane had rushed her back into the bedroom and thrown a dress at her, demanding that she put it on. It wasn't long, reaching to just above her knee. Certainly longer than the skirt she wore while working at the tavern. The dress was beautiful... if not a tad revealing. The bust was a sweetheart neckline, pushing her breasts together and up to accentuate her already decent cleavage. The sleeves hung over her upper arms leaving her neck and shoulders bare. Thankfully she had been able to convince the ladies that her black slippers were the most sensible option and had gotten out of wearing a pair of heels.

She had to admit, though, it was a lovely color. The lush teal felt almost perfectly paired with her silver hair and blue eyes. She felt beautiful in it.

Everyone who had come looked like they had spruced themselves up for the occasion.

Diane was in her signature color, a rich yellow-orange dress that was a tad shorter than Elizabeth's. The color reminded the silverette of fall. Leaves changing, spice, the smell of pine becoming prevalent in the air. It was a lovely color on the giantess.

King wore more casual clothing, sticking to his usual pull-over, while Gowther had managed to wear a button down short sleeved blouse.

Did most rogues go out of their way to make themselves presentable for a meeting with a king? Did rogues even have meetings with kings? Apparently they did, as she was standing among them ready to be graced by the presence of royalty.

"You may join your companion in the throne room." The attendant appeared suddenly, making Elizabeth jump once more, bringing her away from examining the others. Mentally she chastised herself, ever since realizing the sins were considered criminals... she had been wary. She knew so little about everyone and everything going on around her that it made her a nervous wreck. To top it off, the conversation she had had with Diane still replayed in her head. 'He had cared about someone very deeply...'

What exactly was that supposed to mean? More importantly... why did her heart ache at the thought of him being in love with someone?


Meliodas hummed to himself as he and Arthur waited for the attendant to bring the others into the room. It gave the captain of the sins a moment to himself to think.

Why would a prince regent want to take over all of Britannia?

The man Meliodas fought had been out of his mind. A cruel bastard intent on getting what he wanted no matter the cost. Was that the only reason though? Another human who wanted absolute power?

The man certainly had the tools to try. Meliodas mentally shuttered as he thought about the toll that scythe had taken on him. At least, it seemed it only affected someone within its range, as he had been able to regain his full power over the few days after coming back from the river.

He had been studying the royal banners when he heard Arthur suddenly erupt in a cheery voice, "Everyone! Welcome to Camelot!"

Meliodas brought his gaze over to them and nearly did a double take. Wide eyes fell on Elizabeth who walked in the room like a breath of fresh air. Dear goddesses, it wasn't even fair. Framed perfectly from head to toe. The last time he saw this much cleavage on her was when she was stark naked in his bed. The memory did not help his sudden urge to carry her back to the tavern and keep her all to himself. A grin spread over his lips as he watched her.

She was looking around the large throne room with wonder and genuine fascination when her blue eyes fell on him. Her cheeks flushed as she took him in, and quickly she turned away shyly. As if he needed another reason to scoop her up and run away.

"Lady Elizabeth! It is so good to see you!" Arthur shouted excitedly, grasping her hands in his; a little too familiarly for Meliodas' liking. Apparently 'pretend like you are just meeting' meant scream her name like she's an old flame, here in Camelot. The blonde sighed shaking his head as Elizabeth gave the young King confused looks.

"H-Have we met before?" She asked, and Arthur's face fell. Thankfully, before he could say anything else, Merlin was kind enough to step in.

"Arthur is always like this. Don't mind him." She grabbed a decent amount of his cheek in a pinch and pulled him away. But he managed to pry her fingers away from his irritated skin to bow gracefully as a King might, "Pardon my familiarity, my lady, I've just heard so many wonderful things about you that I feel like we've met! I am Arthur Pendragon, King of Camelot." He stood up straight with a kind smile, his confidence shining through.

Elizabeth managed a curtsey in the dress dipping low - giving anyone paying attention - a decent view of her maiden hills as Meliodas was affectionately calling them in this dress. Someone was seriously testing his self-control today, a test that he wouldn't have minded failing if it meant he could rid Elizabeth of clothing in general.

Meliodas came to stand next to the buxom silverette, nodding his appreciation of the form fitting waist and necklines of the dress as he grabbed a handful of her rear, earning him a surprised yelp from an already flustered looking princess. She seemed to be doing her best not to look at him, which was strange. He wondered briefly what was making her so shy all of a sudden – aside from his hands on her backside.

"I assume that the business needed discussing has been dealt with, captain?" Merlin gave Meliodas a questioning gaze that would have put off any other man, but didn't faze the captain one bit in his pursuit of grabbing as much of Elizabeth's butt into one hand as he possibly could, "Mmmhmm." He confirmed with a content grin.

"There will be no more talk of business for now! You are my honored guests! As such, I would like to invite you all to a gala! A celebration in your honor!" Arthur announced, voice exuberant as he waved his arms high into the air as if expressing the magnitude of his enthusiasm.

"A gala? Like, an actual ball?" Diane giggled with excitement grabbing Kings arm and jumping up and down, "We're going to a ball King!"

Gowther mumbled something about it being a perfect opportunity to study human interactions under his breath as Merlin shook her head at this sudden news. Which made Meliodas wonder when Arthur had had the time to plan something like a Gala in the short time since Merlin had sent him word of their arrival.

Meliodas looked up at Elizabeth's expression which had gone from flush with embarrassment to wonder again, making his grin reappear.

Guess you can't take the princess out of the girl after all… he mused to himself. "What do you say, Elizabeth?" His hands came up to cross behind his head as her attention was brought to him and she finally looked him in the eyes - forgetting what had made her avoid him up to this point, "Wanna go to a party?"

Her face lit up like a summer firefly as she smiled happily, "Yes! That would be wonderful!"