At any rate, let's start.
Summary: When Kagome went through the well after the final battle, she ends up in the well nearby the castle of Liones. The king and his young daughters find her. Then 4 years later she meets the infant Elizabeth and they grow very close. Kagome and Elizabeth have formed a special bond, no one could get between. Six years later, the Holy Knights staged the coup. Kagome escapes taking Elizabeth, who is at that time six years old, with her.
Disclaimer: I do not own Inuyasha or Seven Deadly Sins. They belong to their respected owners.
"..ooo.."- Saying
'..ooo..' - Thinking
..ooo.. - Japanese
*..ooo..* - Happenings/doings
"..ooo.." – (In bold) Exaggerating.
Now…. ENJOY!
Chapter 10 X A Mystery Added
"Master Helbram!" a young soldier came in his workplace. "Nani, nani? What do you want? Can't you see we're taking a break?" the Holy Knight said as he also mentioned for his two pupils that were relaxing.
"My apologies, sir! However, we have just received a report that the Armor Giant was sighted in Ordan Forest, east of Byzel." The young man announced. "Armor Giant?" Jericho questioned. "Could it be one of the remaining Seven?"
"The Goat's Sin of Lust, Gowther." Guila stated. Helbram came to sit straight up. "Summon Dawn Roar." He ordered and the others looked at him strangely. "We're going to call them in?"
"Don't let him escape again. We must ensure he is taken down." Helbram finished. "Hai, sir!" with that the knight disappeared behind the doors. "Guila, Jericho…" Helbram didn't have to say much as they left.
"Dammit! Why are we on standby?" Jericho asked annoyed. "Jericho, can you do something about that tongue of yours?" Guila asked as she observed the choice of clothing Jericho was wearing. "I mean… you're wearing something cute for once."
"My attire has nothing to do with this!" Jericho shouted at her. "Calling for Dawn Roar is a bit unexpected," Guila began. "but I'm sure Helbram-sama has it all planned out. Either way, we lost to the Seven Deadly Sins once before. So our number one priority is to become stronger before the next fight."
Jericho pouted at the comeback. "I'll see you around." Guila walked passed her. "Oi, where are you going?" the girl asked. "Well, we are on break after all." Guila kept going. "But you just said we should get stronger. Oi, Guila!"
Outside the palace a young boy, around the same age as Elizabeth exited a store. "See you tomorrow, Obaa-san!" he took the money out of his pocket and counted. With a smile he hurried home, not knowing of the prying eyes.
"Tadaima." He opened the door. "Okaeri." His smile widen when he saw his sister, Guila. "Onee-chan! Okaeri!" he ran in her arms despite her bewildered expression. "Thanks for always working so hard."
"Zeal!" Guila broke the hug to look at his face. "Those wounds… Who did this?" she asked him concerned. He looked down in shame. "Gomen ne… I was bringing back this month's pay from Obaa-san, but…" he revealed the one coin that was left. "All that's left is…"
Guila brought him closer and hugged tighter. "Gomennasai. It's because I always leave you home alone." He shook his head. "It's okay, Onee-chan. You're a Holy Knight, so it's to be expected. As long as it's for you, I'll endure anything." He said happy.
For the rare moments, Guila allowed an honest smile appear on her face. "Don't work too hard and get sick, okay?" Zeal scolded worriedly. "Okay." Guila replied. "Don't lose to those Seven Deadly Sins who are after the kingdom, okay?" he stated. "Okay."
"Just… don't get injured yourself, okay?"
"Okay."
They sat down with Guila treating his small wounds. "Does it sting?" asked worriedly. "Nope." He shook his head. "Arigatou, Onee-chan!"
*Crash*
Zeal closed his eyes, prepared for the pain that never came. He looked up and saw that his sister had caught the crashing object. It was a stone, thrown by the same guys that had robbed him.
"You disgraces of Holy Knights!" they yelled as they ran away.
"Everyone says that our father was a Holy Knight that ran away during a mission. And because of that, many people died." Zeal told Guila. "But I believe… I know Father wouldn't abandon his friends! I'm sure there was some reason that he couldn't come back."
"Onee-chan, you became a Holy Knight because you believed in him as well, right?" Zeal looked at his sister. "No, not exactly." She said softly. "I wanted to protect you in place of Father. To become someone you could be proud of."
Zeal scratched his cheek with a sheepish smile. "I'm fine, even if I'm by myself. I'm always helping out at Obaa-san's store anyway!" he said strongly. "Zeal..." Guila muttered while placing a tender kiss on his forehead.
When evening came, Guila decided to tell him a bedtime story. "And so, the two children went on with their lives, believing that their father would return." She saw him sleep and closed the book. "Next time I'll read to you some more."
He woke up in a tired daze. "Onee-chan…" she got closer. "Yes?" he began brushing her bangs. "I knew it. Do the short bangs bother you?" he took his hand back. "No. I think it's really cute." He continued in his slumber. "Arigatou." Guila thanked as she stood up.
"Hey, why don't we go and throw some more rocks?" the guy in the green shirt proposed. "Nah, that's too soft." The guy in the red shirt declined. "Let's set their house on fire or something!"
"Haha, isn't that a bit too much?" the last guy, wearing orange laughed. "Nah, it'll be fine. Their father is a traitor to the Holy Knights!" the green guy brushed off.
"I heard that the sister became a Holy Knight recently as well, but I wonder about her too. Hahaha!" the red guy kept laughing. "And every time that bastard Zeal opens his mouth," they kept ranting on not noticing the approaching figure behind them.
Then only cries of the death could be heard. Guila recalled the words her precious brother told her. 'As long as it's for you, Onee-chan, I'll endure anything.' She whipped her armor clean of the blood. "Me too. If it's for your sake I'll do anything."
"Captain, is this spot okay?" Diane asked the blonde as she and mama pig came closer to the town. "Yeah. We're a bit far from the village, but it'll be a fine as long as we have some attractions." Meliodas replied.
"Arigatou, Mama Hawk!" Kagome bowed to the pig, and Elizabeth followed her example. "Arigatou!" Kagome smiled and then turned her head to the Giant. "Maybe you should take a break, Diane. We have been travelling for quite awhile now."
"All right, I'll take a nap 'til we open the shop then." She laid Gideon down and made herself confortable on the ground. "Oyasumi!"
The three went inside. "Now then, let's get ready to open up the shop. We'll go gather ingredients. Elizabeth, can you do some advertising in the village together with Hawk?" Meliodas asked the younger girl.
"Maybe you can get me some herb at the same time." Elizabeth looked at her sister. "This is going to be the first time you'll be going without me, isn't it?" Elizabeth felt the excitement built up inside of her. "Hai!"
"I don't mind, but are you sure you want Elizabeth to do it?" Hawk asked uninterested. "I-I can handle errands at the very least!" Elizabeth protested. "You know you're being targeted by the Holy Knights, right? Kagome-chan or Meliodas can't protect you. Isn't it better if you watch the shop?"
"It's boring to be stuck inside all the time." Meliodas interrupted. "Don't worry. If anything happens, I'll be there in a jiffy." He stated the child looked at him with sparkling eyes. "Meliodas-sama…"
"If it worries you so much, how about a disguise?" they looked at Kagome. "Elizabeth needs to learn this, that's why I allow it, but I'm also feeling uncertain. So a disguise sounds perfect, besides…" she eyes Hawk. "I'm sure the mighty Hawk is able to complete such a simple task."
They decided a scarf would be sufficient enough. "Itekimasu!" Elizabeth held a face of excitement as she turned on the traveling group. "Be careful, okay?" Kagome yelled after them while waving. Ban and King were forced to come outside.
"Why do you need me, too?" Ban asked with a yawn. "Ban, King, whoever brings back the best catch wins!" Meliodas stated which got them both fire up. "Oh?" Ban tiredness vanished and he was now knocking his knuckles. "There's no way in hell I'm losing this!"
King sighed and then realized something. "Captain what about your weapon? You're just gonna use your hands?" he asked. "Eh, I'll manage." Meliodas smiled brushing it off.
"Hah, then this win's as good as mine!" Ban disappeared in the woods. "Not if I win it first!" Meliodas followed soon. "Don't go too crazy, okay? See you later, Kagome-hime!" King waved goodbye as he flew behind them.
Kagome sighed as she watched them disappear. "Boys…" she deadpanned and then turned to look as the bar. "Oh well… Might as well clean up." She went inside to cast her magic.
Elizabeth started to place posters here and there with Hawk. "I wonder if Meliodas-sama…" she started. "Has ever had a proper weapon." She strayed off.
"I dunno. As far as I know, he hasn't." Hawk answered. "I see… He's only ever used that broken sword this entire time. Maybe there's a reason?" Elizabeth remembered what her sister always told her. "There's a reason for everything! So he must have one as well."
"Elizabeth-chan, hide!" Hawk yelled at her. And she immediately crunched to the floor. A whole group of Holy Knights passed them. "Knights… of the Kingdom?" she questioned. "They're hot on our trail already." Hawk noted.
"So the knights of the kingdom have an animalistic sense of smell, do they?" an unknown voice said behind them. "Well, they can't hold a candle to my nose." Hawk stated.
"Eh?"
Both Hawk and Elizabeth scrambled away from the voice they had heard. When they looked up they saw a guy with green hair and golden eyes wearing glasses. "Hey, are you two playing hide-and-seek as well?" he asked them.
"Uhm…" Elizabeth looked nervously around them. "My apologies." The guy stood up. "I should introduce myself first." He bowed. "Good afternoon, Ojou-san."
"K-Konichiwa." Elizabeth greeted. "And you are…" his eyes wandered to Hawk. "Oink oink oink!" he imitated the sound of a pig. "Are you making fun of me?" Hawk fired.
For a moment the boy did not react until he talked with a stoic face that didn't match his words. "Whoa, a pig that can talk and understand speech?" Hawk got more irritated. "It's a surprise at first, isn't it?" Elizabeth smiled.
"Are you being chased by the kingdom's knights as well?" Hawk asked. "You too?" the boy repeated. "You and that?" he pointed at them. "You're really starting to piss me off now." Hawk stated.
Deep in the forest, the giant armor had enough and began to walk. "Book… book… Gowther… Read… book…"
"How's this, Ban? Check out my huge catch!" Meliodas presented his haul to the others. "The Sword Wolf's lean meat is perfectly for smoking! The skin will get us a nice return too!"
Ban instead showed off his mountain of meat. "Rabbit meat is delicious boiled, stewed, or grilled. Soup made with its meat is great for your skin, too." He stated.
They began comparing each other's to their own. "Yeah, well, by the rules of the competition, I win." Meliodas claimed. "What does a person who's hopeless at cooking with no sense of taste know?" Ban retorted.
"Say, who won, Kagome?!" they both turned to the annoyed looking woman, hoping she would announce the official winner. She ignored them. "King, what did you catch?" they all followed her gaze and saw the sleeping King.
"King!"
"Take this seriously!" Ban gripped the nose of the Fairy King to get him awake. "Ah, that hurts!" King cried out as he managed to make ban stop. "Ban's right! We've gotta stock up to make up for all those days we didn't open up the shop!" Meliodas stated.
"It'll be fine. You guys have caught more than enough." King complained. "Nope, not at all." Ban refused. "As punishment, you'll have to catch something even better than our kills."
He then leaned in close in order to ensure his plan. "Maybe that'll get Diane to see you in a new light, y'know?" King was open for the possibilities. "W-Well, if you insist."
Then a loud cry came far in the forest. The four of them looked in the direction. "What was that?" King asked. "Didn't sound like a boar or a bear."
"It was probably a mountain god or something." Ban muttered. "It sounded exactly like Hawk's groaning when he has diarrhea." Meliodas suddenly said. Imagining the sound Ban began laughing, slapping King in the process. "Ouch! What the heck was that for?"
Kagome closed her eyes in order to concentrate on her powers. Her eyes shot open when she felt the aura. "This isn't good." Kagome sprinted inside and took her yellow bag and dashed off leaving the boys looking at her retreating figure. They shared a glance and nodded before going after her.
"I'm Alan." The green haired boy finally shared his name. "I'm-" Her pig companion cut off the young girl. "Oi, Elizabeth-chan! A wanted person shouldn't carelessly give out her name!" Hawk scolded.
"That's true, Hawk-chan!" Elizabeth agreed, as they looked at each other proud of their decision. "So, it's Elizabeth and Hawk." Alan stated as he looked at the pair that winched after hearing their name.
"Oh, now I've gone and done it. I'm sorry, Elizabeth-chan!" Hawk yelled with tears in his eyes. "I'm sorry too!" Elizabeth did the exact same thing, and they hugged each other while weeping.
"Introducing oneself is just etiquette. We use it for conversation. There's no point in spreading rumo-" he was interrupted by a piece of paper flying on his face. He peeled it off and was greeted by the face of the child on the Wanted Poster. "Seems I could make some money with this…"
"If you're gonna sell someone out, sell me!" Hawk shouted dramatically. "I'm just joking." Alan threw the piece of paper away. Elizabeth looked at him in question. "Are you in need of money, Alan?"
"What I'm in need of is some adhesive for my armor. But I don't think it's going to help much in the end. I don't know what I should do for someone who is suffering. Nor what I should say to comfort them. Or even what expression I should be making. That's not written in any book." He answered.
"He's strange one…" Hawk muttered. "Onee-chan said once that we, humans, get anxious if we can't do anything to help. I might not understand it fully, but Onee-chan is really smart and wise! She said it's especially if that person is important to you." Elizabeth replied.
"Someone important?" Alan questioned. "Like the one you love, perhaps?" She responded. "Lover… Someone you love… Love is a strong feeling you have for a special someone." Alan mumbled and asked the little girl. "Do you have someone like that?"
She became flustered. "No, no, no! No! But…" she calmed down and damped her red blush to a hue. "I do love my sisters, especially Kagome Onee-chan!"
He placed his chin in his hand. "I don't think this person is really my lover. But it's not my family either." Alan wondered off. "Maybe a close friend? Onee-chan has many precious friends she loves!" Elizabeth smiled brightly. "Close friend… Friend…"
When the caught up to Kagome's surprising speed they were greeted by a massacre. "What the?" Ban observed the many victims. Kagome kept on walking to a person who was on the brink of death. "Hang in there! I can help you!" she placed her bag down and began treating the severe wound of the man while Meliodas held up his head. She halted when she noted the mental state.
"Why did you stop?" King asked her. Kagome turned her head away with no answer. "Dawn Roar… is fighting back against the… Armor Giant…" the injured man muttered. "The reason why I stopped, is because…" the man began screaming.
"Get away from me! You armored monster! Aah!" Kagome harshly placed her hand on the man's head to at least put his soul at ease. "He was already dead the moment we came." They looked shocked at her.
When she removed her hand, the man's freighting expression disappeared and instead, there was a small smile. "I cannot save a person, whose mind has been corrupted." She said mysteriously while praying.
They kept quiet as they watched her until the blonde spoke to change the topic. "He was talking about an Armor Giant…" Meliodas muttered as he thought of something. "An armored monster? The heck is that?" Ban followed his captain's example.
"Ban, King we found him." Meliodas stated. But only King understood and gasped. "You mean…" he didn't finish as Meliodas continued. "Yeah, it's definitely him. The Goat's Sin, Gowther!" he turned to Kagome as he placed his hand on her shoulder.
"You should head back now, I don't know what will happen after all." Kagome looked at him in disbelieve. "Are you crazy?! I can help you guys! From what I'm sensing, this more then you can handle-" her sentence was cut short as Meliodas placed a finger over her mouth, and inched closer.
"Can you please head back? For me?" he asked her sincere. A blush came on her face, as she backed off. "Just hurry up, and don't get injured." She said bashfully as she walked away.
"We're able to sense their powers much more clearly now. They're close!" King stated. "But they don't seem to be moving at all." Ban noted.
They were running in the direction Kagome told them to go. "Either way, don't let your guard down!" Meliodas told them. "Dawn Roar… I've heard some nasty rumors about them in the past."
"I saw them a few times when I was in the kingdom as well." King said. "They're a sinister group of Knights that focuses only on killing their target." Ban laughed. "Perfect! That means we can go all out too!"
When the arrived a horrible battlefield was seen. A group of Knights were surrounding a giant armor. "Just as we'd expect." A woman knight began talking as she observed the being in front of them. "He was able to annihilate the first group of knights without breaking a sweat."
"No, the scum that got destroyed were just useless. Right, Threader?" The silver haired mentioned to the man named Threader. Who had long blue hair, but an iron mask covered his face. He snapped his head up at the feeling of an unknown presence.
Meliodas, King and Ban landed in front of the armor. "Gowther, are you all right?!" Meliodas asked. While the other group backed away, the silver haired whispered to his companion. "Threader, those guys are-!"
"There's no need to concern ourselves with that. Our job is simply to assassinate our target with minimal disturbance. Please focus." Threader ordered. "Captain…" King muttered waiting to do something. "Whoever moves first, loses." Meliodas said.
It began raining as the all kept an observing eye to anyone who would move.
"So this is where you were. Apologies for being late."
The three of the Seven Deadly Sins snapped their head behind them to see a green-haired boy make his way to the armor. "I looked all over the village but couldn't find any adhesive." Alan told him.
He then noticed the group of people with weapon behind him. "What's wrong?" he asked nonchalantly. "What the hell are you doing?!" Ban yelled at him.
"Me? I'm-" Alan didn't finished as he heard the armor rumble. "Scared… Gowther… scared…"
"What are you on about?" Ban asked rudely. The arm was raised and slammed to the ground. "Run!" Meliodas warned just in time before the blow. "Do it!" Threader ordered instead and they attacked.
But a flash of light blocked them all. And when they landed on the ground they saw that Meliodas had stopped them. Threader sprinted as well as Meliodas. 'This guy is strong!' Meliodas thought as he was stuck beneath the enemy's arm and the ground. "Run, Gowther!" He yelled.
The armor only yelled in agony. The female knight activated her magic and let the armor's hand be caught in a bind, while the other two slashed his chest.
"Prepare the next wave!" the knight in a blue armor said. "Heads up, Hugo!" the female warned but it was too late, as he had been hit. He observed the weapon. "This is…"
"Sorry, but until this is over, I'll keep you as a statue." He looked up and saw King, Sin of Sloth. "Simon!" the guy name Hugo called out and the silver haired reacted. Simon had cut of the arm of Hugo that had turned to stone. "Nani?!" King exclaimed as he got caught in the same light bind.
"Until this is over, I'll keep you writhing in agony!" the woman claimed. "Guess it's my turn next!" Threader let go of Meliodas and dashed to the armor. "Like a let you!" Meliodas was ready to go after him, but Simon blocked him. "Who don't we?"
Threader jumped to stand on him and began attacking with his saw-like sword. While on some kind of high rock another knight stood ready with his arrow drawn. "Thanks for drawing all their attention."
"You wish!" Ban appeared behind him for a strike but the archer disappeared. "An illusion?" he looked around until he saw a movement in the pile of bodies nearby.
"Too bad." The archer revealed himself. "Charging complete. And mission complete." He launched his magic arrow and light erupted from it as it came in contact. "Gowther!" Meliodas yelled.
"No one could understand what had just happened. The man was quietly waiting for an opportune moment, hiding amongst the dead bodies," slowly the light disappeared and one could see the arrow being caught in someone hands. "Knowing that there would be a decisive attack from the blind spot. The price of releasing this seal will be immense, human."
Everyone could now clearly see the guy who had came by, stand in front of the armor with the arrow in his hand. "Seal, you say?" Threader questioned.
"Oi, you, that manner of speech…" Meliodas noticed. "And that symbol on your chest… Are you-?" King saw it too. "Yes." Alan began as his green hair turned pink and fell out of place. "My true identity is…
"Eh?!" King exclaimed.
"Oi, oi, oi." Meliodas just watched.
"No way in hell!" Ban yelled.
"A member of the Seven Deadly Sins, the Sin of Lust. The Goat's Sin, Gowther."
"This kid is a member of the legendary Seven?" Threader muttered out loud as the others couldn't believe their eyes either. "No, this guy was able to stop my fully charged arrow with his bare hands." The archer came to join the group again. "An ordinary boy wouldn't be able to do such a thing."
Ban came down and joined him as he observed Gowther. "So this is what was inside the armor all along. I totally figured you were a big old geezer or something." He snickered.
"Judging by your posture, stride, tone of voice, attitude, and scar on your face, you are, without a doubt, The Undead Ban." Gowther stated. "Whoa, this vibe! And you're definitely Gowther." Ban laughed even louder.
"He's one of the Sins too?" the unknown woman questioned.
Gowther turned his head to look at the blond man. "That must mean this shounen over here who looks exactly like the Meliodas I knew is…" he strayed off and Simon also looked confused at him. "Yeah. I'm the captain, Meliodas!"
"This shorty is the Captain of the Seven Deadly Sins?!" Simon exclaimed. "Eh? Is that a shock?" Meliodas questioned.
"What a surprise." Gowther said with a stoic face. "Your face doesn't exactly look surprised." Ban deadpanned. "Well, how about that?" he pointed at King with a grin on his face. "This'll be surprising. That's King!"
"No, he's not the same person." Gowther stated not accepting any other possibilities. "His skeletal structure, voice, and body odor are nothing like King's."
King then decided to revert back to his previous form, breaking the chains as well. "Gross!" the woman felt disgusted of the sight. "That's definitely him." Gowther said the moment King had changed. "Changed your mind pretty quick!" Ban laughed again.
Then claps were heard and they turned to Threader. "Wonderful! Meeting three other Sins in addition to Gowther… Happy!" he exclaimed exaggerated.
"I'd enjoy nothing more than to fight you all and take the woman, but unfortunately, our mission for today is just to bring back the head of the Armor Giant." Threader told them.
"Who's inside your armor right now?" Meliodas asked Gowther. He turned to look at the subject. "I'm not exactly sure." He replied. "Now, time for us to get back to work." Threader announced as he got his weapon ready.
"Is there any chance you could leave him alone? Please." Gowther asked of the group. "Oi, Gowther. Why can't you just let them fight this monster?" King agreed. "Well, yeah… We were only protecting it because we thought it was you, Gowther."
Suddenly the monster stood up and roared, breaking its armor in the process. "After experiencing his power, do you still think you can defeat him?" Gowther questioned the Dawn Roar.
"We can." Threader stated. "No doubt, two of us-" he corrected himself. "No, one of us will die. But I also have no doubt that we will be able to take its head."
"A calm, objective assessment. Then I have no choice." Gowther raised his hand and immediately cut off the head of the beast. "Take it." He presented it to the group. "What are you planning?" Threader asked suspicious.
"This is the most peaceful solution." Gowther walked closer with the head. "If we were to start a three-way battle here, the village of Ordan at the foot of the mountain would end up destroyed in the crossfire. And with this, we can also pay our respects to the knights who fell here."
"Well then, we'll take it." Threader took the head from Gowther's hand. "Are you sure, Threader?" Simon asked concerned. "He just took our target and-"
"Silence, child!" Threader interrupted him. "I like you, Goat's Sin, Gowther. I'll respect your strength and the legends of the Sins and retreat for now." He turned around to leave.
"But if we were to receive an order for your heads someday, then… When that time comes…" he strayed off. "Well, you understand. Bye-bye!" Threader left with the other Dawn Roar behind him. "Bye-bye!" Gowther waved off with a stoic face.
"That was a surprise." King began. "It seemed like you were sympathizing with this monster." Gowther tilted his head in question. "Sympathy… Was I sympathizing?" Ban and King shared a glance.
"Isn't this your armor?" Meliodas then asked. "Did you use him as a scapegoat?" Gowther shook his head. "No, though it did end up that way. They probably mistook him for me." He said.
"That's because they've never seen your real face." Ban stated. "I see. That means a disguise was unnecessary after all." Gowther took a strand of his hair.
Meliodas approached the creature in the armor and noted how the fingers were arms. "Either way, I've never seen a monster like this before." He said. "The faint smell that emanates from the core of his power. It was most likely a human." Gowther explained.
"Human?!" King exclaimed. Then the body rose again and King changed back to his old form. "Well then, the four of us should do our best to stop him." Gowther said as he tore the yelled short open.
"What's going on?" Meliodas asked. "Didn't I say already? If this devolved into a three-way battle, chaos would've ensued."
"I-It's still alive after being decapitated!" King exclaimed in shock. "Well, the head is nothing more than a decoration." Gowther noted. "And how could this thing have been a human?! This is absurd!" King asked him.
"Of course, it wasn't just any ordinary human being. It's the remnant of a former Holy Knight." Gowther answered as they watched the being grew four heads with no eyes, as well as a human appearing in the middle of them, only till the chest.
"Can't you feel it?" Gowther asked them. "A Holy Knight's power is buried deep underneath, within that evil magic. Therefore, I forced it into my armor to seal that malevolent force. However, it looks like the seal has been broken due to frequent damage." He told them.
"So that's how it is." Meliodas muttered. "Anyway, it doesn't look like anything that can be reasoned with." Meliodas stood ready, and dodged the attack together with the others that came at them.
"Let's send him flying!" He launched at it together with Ban and punched and kicked it several times. But no damage was done, and the monster returned the favor. They got punched away; luckily for them something soft broke the fall. They landed on King's pillow-bear.
"You two, a battle should always begin with observation of how the opponent reacts." King snickered. "Quit bein' so cocky!" Ban pointed his middle finger at him in annoyance. "Woah, so fluffy!" Meliodas patted the arm.
"Spirit Spear Chastiefol, Form Two, Guardian. To protect itself, the Sacred Tree shape shifts the moss that grows upon it. The body made from moss can parry any physical attack, and because it contains a high concentration of water, it's highly resistant to fire." King explained as he allowed his spear to attack.
As the giant teddy bear came closer to the monster it released and ice breath, making it freeze and with a punch break. "But it's weak to cold!" Meliodas announced. "No!" King cried out.
"You're up next, Gowther." Meliodas called out. Gowther was partly covered in the ice and removed his glassed. "My glasses have fogged up. You three can hold it off on your own for a bit." He walked away in order to clean up the glasses.
"Eh?"
Not long from there, the monster attacks, making the three dodge. "Well, well." Ban sighed as the monster has pushed them back as far as the previous battlefield. "Cap'n this is gonna be tough with our bare hands."
"Guess this isn't the time to be picky." Meliodas picked up a sword and a shield as he ran to the monster. "I'm borrowing this!" he jumped and use the shield to protect himself from the poison that was spewed.
"Would an ordinary weapon even have any effect?" King questioned as he watched his Captain attack. "Enchant: Hellblaze!" Meliodas called forth black, purple fire to surround his sword and cut the beast in the shoulder.
"AAhhh!"
Ban remembered the effect that technique had on him. "Cap'n! End it in one strike!" he called out. "Yeah!" Meliodas jumped for the final blow, but hesitation came in his eyes.
"Don't… me… please…" the human stuck in the chest, begged him.
"Hurry up and end it!" Ban pushed but it was too late as Meliodas got capture by one of the head's tongue. "Ah, crap."
"You idiot!" Ban was ready to attack when a light pierced the monster in the chest of the human inside of it. "An arrow of light? Now's your chance!" King shouted. Ban got ahold of a whip and latched it out on the tongue that held Meliodas. "What're you doing, Cap'n? You could've finished it!"
"He said something." Meliodas stated. They both looked at the human being. "He must be the original Holy Knight!" Ban let go of him. "So what? Hurry up and kill it!" Ban protested. "He's still alive!" Meliodas yelled back. "Quit being so naïve!" Ban shouted.
"Are you quarreling amongst yourselves?" Gowther approach them with his light bow in his hand. "Gowther…" King muttered until he noticed something. "It stopped moving? Did we defeat it?"
"No, he is merely caught in an illusion." Gowther explained. "That is the power of my Invasion. He is currently enveloped in the scene from his past that he most desired to see."
"As ever, you're a sly and painstaking bastard." Ban sighed. "Just hurry up and kill him." he complained. "I cannot do that." Gowther stated. "Huh?" Ban looked surprised as yet another person refused.
"He never asked to be born like this. Therefore, I cannot kill him." he stated. "Keh!" Ban turned his head away. "As if anyone asked to be born into this world." He began walking to it. "Step aside. I'll kill it."
Before he could do anything, Meliodas placed a hand on his wrist and pulled it down. "Stop. He's still partly human." They glared at each other, no word spoken.
"Captain sure is late." Diane complained as she and Hawk sat and looked in the distant. "Maybe he caught something amazing?" Hawk guessed. "Onee-chan! Onee-chan!" they turned around and saw Elizabeth continuing to look for her sister. "You still haven't found her?" Diane asked. Seeing the girl shake her head in reply.
The next moment a hustle came from the bushes. Diane stood up getting ahold of Gideon, but their guard relaxed when they saw it was Kagome. "Onee-chan!" Elizabeth ran to her. "Eli? You're back? Oh, I see Diane is awake as well." Kagome smiled, but her worriedness was still seen.
"Something wrong? Kagome?" Diane asked. "Yeah, you look like you seen a ghost." Hawk joined. She just shook her head. "Nope nothings wrong, I just went out to get some fresh air. I'll be inside now." Kagome left the group with Elizabeth and disappeared behind the door.
After a while a knock was heard on the door. "Hello? Excuse me, are you open?" An old sounding voice asked. "All other places are closed." Kagome quickly went and opened the door.
"Welcome!" she then recognized the man. "Cain-san? Weren't you the one who fought Meliodas back at Byzel?" Elizabeth made her way next to the woman and greeted the man.
"Welcome!" When Cain's eyes connected to those of Elizabeth, tears started to come up at the corner of his eyes. "This must be a dream. Liz!"
After Kagome invited him inside, Cain began talking. "I see, so Meliodas is fine. That's great to hear." He sat on the bar as Kagome poured him some beer and for Elizabeth some juice.
"My apologies for having the Crown Princess of Liones pour me a drink." He apologized to where Kagome shook her head. "Oh, please. Just call me Kagome." She quickly said to the man as he took a sip.
"However, I am surprised." He shifted his eyes to Elizabeth who looked up. "Your cute face and gentle voice are just like hers. I thought maybe Liz had come back to life. If that girl were to still alive, she would've been a beautiful woman by now." He started his story and watched as the young girl tilted her head in confusing.
"Was she your daughter, Cain-san?" she asked. He shook his head. "Liz was her nickname. Her real name was Elizabeth, just like you, Little Princess." He smiled at her and then turned to the older woman. "She was Meliodas's lover."
Kagome's eyes widen. 'Another reincarnation?' she thought horrified as if the past came to haunt her. 'But I'm not her reincarnation, it's probably Eli. So why does it hurt?' her hand unconsciously clutched to her chest. 'Why is the pain still there?'
"Liz was originally a knight of an enemy kingdom. She was captured after a failed night raid on Danafor. She was sentenced to death. And the one who saved her was none other than the captain of the Danafor Holy Knights, Meliodas. Obviously, he was met with strong objection, but…" Cain explained as he brought back the memories.
-Flashback-
Meliodas stood confidently in front of the crowd of knights. "So I guess that makes you all my enemies." He stated and they whined. When he brought her back to his home she began yelling.
"You're just a stupid boy!" she shouted at him while he laid their food on the table. "Really?" he questioned. "What do you mean, "really?" I bet you're just after my body. If you come near me, I'll kill you!" she threatened.
He suddenly appeared behind her and groped her breast. "Come now, don't get so excited. Let's eat." She turned around with an angry expression and tried to punch him. "You-!" he dodged with ease.
-End flashback-
"Originally, Liz was sold to the opposing kingdom as a slave. She never trusted anyone, aside from herself. Perhaps you could call it a fated meeting…" Cain kept going on with the story with both girls listening closely.
"Even though she always clashed with that simple boy, she gradually found herself drawn to him. Liz always had this charming aura about her as well." He then made eye contact with Kagome. "Kind of, just like you. But yours is more... warmer." Cain said as if questioning himself.
"But so we began open up to her. These were all scenes from long ago." He finished. He began grinning. "Do you know why Meliodas never wields a real sword?" he asked them both.
"Because he can't?" Elizabeth guessed earning a small giggle from the others. "He's too strong. No one who's fought him seriously using swords has ever come out unscathed. That's why he won't use one." Cain explained.
"Well, at the same time, he's too kind for his own good." He then pulled out a sword from his cloak. "That is…?" Kagome wondered off. "It was a gift for Meliodas from Liz."
"I don't need a sword. I don't want to kill anyone."
"So I've been holding onto it all this time."
Meliodas and Ban still held each other's gaze. "If they're quarreling amongst themselves does that mean they get along well?" Gowther asked the guy floating next to him. "That's not really quarreling." King deadpanned.
"Is friendship… a beautiful thing?" Gowther continued earning a weird look from King.
Meliodas and Ban kept glaring, until Ban smiled and proceeded with his attack. "Don't order me around." He said as he ripped out the heart of the human.
"Ban, why did you kill him?" Meliodas asked with a strong look in his eyes. Ban pulled his hand back and answered. "I just ended that bastard's miserable, shitty life as a monster. He'd thank me if he could." He said coldly.
"Ban!"
Their heated discussion was interrupted by the voice of King. "You two look at that! He's mumbling something." He said about the pitiful man. "He's still trapped in that illusion even after his heart was gouged out." Gowther explained.
"Please, forgive your father. This happened because I was too weak. I couldn't do anything for you. Please protect your brother, Zeal. I'm counting on you, Guila. Farewell, my beloved daughter… my beloved son…"
"AAhhh!" the four monster head began screaming out of control. "What's going on?" Ban questioned with a shocked expression. "I'm sure I took his heart." He then realized. "Shit, that thing's a demon too?!"
Kagome abruptly stood up. "Onee-chan?" Elizabeth asked. "You feel that incredible power too?" Cain asked her. "Youki…" she growled under her breath as she dashed outside taking the sword with her. "Eli! Stay here!"
Cain followed after her and they could see a horde of animals trying to evacuate the area. "What is this?" Cain questioned. "Oh, Cain-ojii-san, Kagome!" They heard their name being called from above and saw Diane.
Kagome then noticed the presence and ran to it. "Kagome!" the two called after her.
The other Seven Deadly Sins members watched the creature turn into a horrifying monster. "Why did a Holy Knight turn into a demon?" Ban asked. "What's going on?"
"I remember that face." Meliodas suddenly said. "That's Dale! He became an apprentice Holy Knight ten years ago!" The King looked closer. "Dale, that doting parent? He was always saying he wanted to be strong just like us, so his daughter could be proud of him. How did he become this?"
"He's coming." Gowther warned as it came running to them. "Dale!" Meliodas shouted. "You remember me, right? Wake up, Dale!"
"What are you doing, baka!" Ban kicked him away, taking the blow to himself. "Ban!" King's warning didn't come long after. "Take cover, Captain!"
"Fight fire with fire!" King activated his attack, but was shocked to see no damage. "It didn't penetrate? How about…" Meliodas cut him off. "Stop, King!"
"But…" he let his guard down and green slime came upon King. "King! Dale, knock it off!" Meliodas shouted once more while he sat next to Ban's body. "The one who should knock it off…" his body slowly rose up. "Is you!" he hit his captain.
"Ban just hit Captain." Gowther stated as King came back up. "Why?" he asked. "Gowther, you need to fight as well." King scolded. "Please allow me to ponder this for a moment." Gowther replied.
"If you're not gonna fight, get the hell out of here." Ban pushed his captain aside once more. "That half-asses attitude ain't saving anyone. It'll only get and your comrades killed."
"Ban…" Meliodas muttered
"You guys are bakas for not listening to me! Of course you wouldn't know how to deal with a Youkai!" they heard a female voice yell. When they looked up the hill they saw Kagome standing with a sword in her hand.
"Kagome?!"
"Oi, how does that woman know…" Ban couldn't finish his sentence as he was cut off. "If you don't end it soon, it'll be completely consumed by the hatred in its hearth! So take this and get to work!" Kagome yelled as she threw the sword.
Meliodas followed the sword and recognized the design. 'That sword…'
"Hey, Meliodas. I want you to take this sword."
"Liz didn't want you to keep fighting, but to keep on living! And I feel the same way! About you, and how you fight for the people! If that's why you sin, I'll shoulder those sins along with you! So don't die, Dragon's Sin of Wrath, Meliodas!"
Ban smirked, as he got ready for an attack. "Are you really going to let a lady say all that and-" he once again didn't finish as Meliodas had already disappeared and picked up the sword in the air.
"Forgive me, Dale." He whispered as he destroyed the beast. He sheathed the sword and looked at Kagome with a smile. Kagome just looked back, content with the outcome.
"That's amazing, Captain!" King complemented. "As expected." Gowther agreed as he carried the Fairy King. "King, I'm sorry." Meliodas apologized.
"Don't be. This is nothing." King said. "See, Cap'n, you can do it if you put your mind to it." Ban mocked but then noticed the strange thing growing on the last part of Dale. Unnoticed he walked closer to the remains.
"But… it even possible for a human to transform into a demon?" King questioned. Ban was about to grab the strange looking thing until a gentle hand stopped him.
He looked up and saw Kagome glare down at it. "Don't touch it." She let his hand fall back to his side, before placing her own hand over it.
A soft pink glow appeared and in no time the plant like thing disappeared. Small balls of light made their way to the sky while the two watched off. She did the same when another plant-thing appeared again on the chest.
"How did you…" Ban tried to ask her but her eyes shut him up. It wasn't time yet. "At least now, his soul is at peace…" Kagome looked back at the sky with an indifferent face.
"Is it a curse? Or maybe some sort of experiment…" King kept going. "Don't tell me, someone's trying to artificially create demons?" Meliodas thought as well. "They're using the kingdom's Holy Knights as well."
"That's impossible. With the two Great Holy Knights around to keep a watch on…" King came to realization. "Unless…" Meliodas has already caught on. "Yeah. It's very likely that the Great Holy Knights themselves are involved."
"In other words, either Dreyfus, or…" King muttered. "King." He snapped his head to Kagome that was closing in. "Diane… is awake…" she began walking, with King sneaking behind her to go back.
Meliodas glared at the strange behavior of Kagome. "Hendriksen." Gowther stated. "I determined who was probably involved in this incident. It was most likely the Great Holy Knight Hendriksen."
They saw how Kagome turner her head at the mention of the name. What stunned them was the mysterious glare she gave them. Just what did that mean?
KT: Done! Wow, this was a hard one to write! But there was another mystery added… Yaaaeeeehhh! I'm sorry for those that expected more action these past chapters, with Kagome. Forgive me for that, I just couldn't find the right place to place something without ruining my storyline. But there is a big change in the next chapter, I hope will excite you^^
And it has been decided! My new story will be Kagome X Karma! Yeeeaaahhh! Thank you all for voting! The story will be called XRed and BlackX, I hope you will check it out. It will be post a few weeks after the last chapter of SoaM^^
Review:
10 Next week
5-9 Two weeks
0-4 Three weeks
So many thanks for those who did review!:
Anime Hotty Lover.18: I agree, Gowther is definitely the weirdest of the group, but that makes me like him^^ And as been told, next chapter will be the top of Kagome's secret and relationship with Meliodas. Definitely my favoriteXD
Tinas86Roses: Thank you^^
Mimaanai (Guest): Thank you ~.~ And honestly, you're not the only one who screams XD I scream every time I get a new review, and I squealed when I got yours^^ Thank you so much! I feel really honored, that my story is the first you've reviewed to. Love you^^~
Lullaby's Darkness: Muhahaha, let's power up that obsession XD Thank you^^ I will keep doing me best!
Alize (Guest): I'm sorry to disappoint you… This is another tease, probably… And I hope you can forgive me for that. However it is all preparation for amazing Kagome moments, especially the next chapter. So sorry for this, but I have to say… I was kinda waiting for your review the week before^^' And thank you, I hope you like this one too^^
Hikari302: Thank you for the compliment^^ It's kinda embarrassing, since it's only my second fic :)
Guest Person (Guest): Sorry, no kicking ass Kagome… but hopefully I made it up, with the super mysterious moment at the end… or maybe not… -.- Anyway… I'm sorry it's not what you wanted….
SilverMidnightKitten: ^^ Here it is! I hope you enjoy it just as much!
NightlyRowenTree: Thank you^^ I'll be sure to enjoy my free time and work hard for you as well^^
Animenium (Guest): Love you more! *hugs back* Hopefully next week will be the big day^^ And I hope you liked the little fluff I placed^^ Though it might not be much, I think it has a kit if impact! And I will do a Usui fanfic in the future, but now Karma has won. Sorry… Maybe the one after that ;)
HOrseWIthnoNamE (Guest): Okay, I've placed a big hint in here, and it adds with the next chapter…Maybe you can figure it out^^ Did you like Kagome's reaction? She is very worried about it, and concerned, but somehow relieved that she is not the one reincarnated. Sadly enough Dane's death cannot be evaded, sorry. Kagome didn't fight either, but I hope I made it up with her showing her powers to Ban^^
Guest Star (Guest): Dang it! Urgggg, if I can just get it right once! And apologies. I'm still trying to improve my writing skills. But still thank you for the compliment of the storyline… it's a big compliment^^
Guest: I am! *standing proud* Muhahahahaha, I have power! \(•3•)/
BlackcatJiji (Guest): Thank you, and yes I literally died there Anyway Gowther has come, hope you liked it^^ And sadly enough no Nagisa, but Karma! Maybe you like that too^^
Guest: Really?! Thank you soo much! It's a big compliment for me! This one is for you ^^
For those who do not know these words:
Hai: Yes
Shounen: (Young) Boy
Okaeri: Welcome home
Ohayo: Good morning
Oyasumi: Goodnight
Arigatou: Thank you
Gomennasai: I'm sorry
Gomen ne: (Another way of saying) Sorry
Onegai: Please
Itekimasu: I'm off (As in: I'll be going)
Nani: What
Baka: Idiot
Youki: Demon energy
Youkai: Demon
Obaa: Old woman
Ojii: Old man
Ojou: Lady/Miss/Girl (Somewhere in that direction)
Onee: (Older) Sister
Hime: (Another way of saying) Princess
-chan: Honorifics for girls
-san: Honorifics for everyone
-sama: Honorifics for those of higher standards