Challenges to get the apples are now beginning.

Enjoy ^^

When Zeldoris arrived, happy after hunting and eating a dragon, Morgan was refreshing herself at a little river. She straightened up, making her long hair dance around her face. He felt his seven hearts pounding.

" Ah, there you are Zelis. So, did you have a nice feast ?" she asked.

" Oh y-yes ! Thank you." responded the interested one blushing.

" Good. We ate too, we were about to leave." announced Morgan.

Merlin smiled seeing they seemed to get along just like before. The group resumed his journey, walking this time. Dragons were still roaming around, providing Zeldoris a good occupation. Plus, he was walking side by side with Morgan again. He felt more happiness than he ever did those last times. That was new to him, but incredibly good. He knew he wanted nothing more. Well, almost nothing more. Maybe … if he could get more from her … like … hm … his breath shortened. The demon also felt his cheeks burning as well as he displayed an idiot smile.

" Ouch !"

Zeldoris blinked. What did happen ? He tended his hands. It looked like a barrier was here.

" I think we're close." said Merlin.

Zeldoris hit the barrier with all his physical strength. Nothing. He was about to try with his darkness when Morgan approached.

" Zelis. It's useless. You're a demon you can't enter here. Plus, we don't want to get the Supreme Deity attention for now. You wait for us here, okay ?" she said.

" What ? But … no, I can't possibly just stay here while you're going there. I'll find a way." he said.

" Zeldoris. I'll be fine. Trust me. I'll be back soon." Morgan said, her finger passing on his cheek.

" Morgan …"

She just smiled, then turned her back. Zeldoris felt worry invading all his hearts. They better take care of her. He sighed. Damn. So he was condemned to wait ? There was nothing he could do ? Another new thing. Zeldoris was used to take action. To lead even. Not just sit somewhere and wait. But he couldn't follow the person he hold dear. Morgan warned him that they will have to separate at some point. She wasn't gone for even a minute that the waiting was already getting on his nerves. The demon wanted to find a way to enter, however like the princess mentioned it would draw the supreme goddess' attention. If that ever happened, Morgan would never forgive him this time.

" Can I go underground ?" he wondered.

He just have to dig until he could pass the barrier. Then catching up with her. Zeldoris immediately began to dig. He checked from time to time if he still felt the barrier.

" Damn ! How deep does that stupid barrier go ?!" he exclaimed.

He already made a hole as deep as an arm length, and the barrier was there too. Nor it was really deep, nor it followed him. Then, how about the sky ? Zeldoris gushed forth like a champagne cork. His hand on the barrier, he followed it. Alas, it went as high as him. He roared : no matter what this protection was preventing him from entering or even apperceiving the tree. He went down quite loudly. No matter from what angle he would tried, nothing would work. Zeldoris kicked the barrier one last time. No demon here. He slipped on the ground. To think he always kept an eye on her until now. When they had to sleep, he always turned to her side. Morgan was the last thing he saw before sleeping, and the first when he awakens.

While he was getting frustrated, our friends continued their progressing. They were expecting any kind of trouble anytime soon. So on guards they were.

" Looks like it's beginning." announced Merlin.

Fog was incoming.

" Well then ! Good luck everyone and see you soon." commented Morgan.

" Rendez-vous at the Tree of Life." concluded Ban.

The fog entirely engulfed them. Walking in here without falling was going to be funny. But they had to move. Morgan unsheathed her sword.

" Hey."' she heard.

Looking at her right, the princess found … a silhouette. Or to be more precised, her own image.

" What are you doing here instead of being in Camelot ? Weren't you supposed to take care of your people ?" asked the illusion.

Morgan narrowed her eyes.

" Got any idea of how many people were ki-…"

The hissing sound of a sword cut literally short that conversation.

" Do I ask you something ?" said Morgan, her sword on her shoulder.

On that, she resumed her walking. To think that this Lillathina trouble-maker actually rendered service.

" Oh oh ! Looks like guiltiness isn't reaching you." she heard.

" I just have enough with being remembered this. I suppose you're a guardian of this place." replied Morgan, without stopping.

" Correct. I'm here to test anyone who wanders in here. It's a been a hell of a while since I last saw someone."

A bit father, Ban crashed his own illusion bare hand. He too already saw this before.

" Well ! Looks like you pass this trial. May I know why you're here human ? You're already immortal." made a voice.

" So you can guess I'm not here for myself." he said.

" Hm hm. But I can also tell you've done a lot of bad things when you were a kid. Stealing, what a naughty thing to do."

Ban stopped walking. That wasn't the kind of chat he'd like to have right now. But he didn't have any time to waste. Who knew how long Elaine was going to hold. The fox sin of greed didn't reply and went on.

" What's make you think you're worthy of approaching the sacred tree ?" asked the voice again.

" And how about you show yourself ?!"

That's precisely when a powerful wind erased all the fog. Morgan wasn't far away from Ban, and Merlin just joined.

" I like to see where I'm going." she said.

" Well ! You seemed to be the powerful trio here."

A fairy appeared before them. A male one, carrying long blond hair.

" And you are ?" asked Ban.

" The young woman here already guessed, but I'll give more details. My name is Thulia, I'm Dahlia's brother. Dahlia is, or was, the fairy king. I was appointed as one the guardians here after raising against the ones who tried to taste the apples. The Supreme Deity chose me."

" Please to meet you. We're going to that tree because we need its fruits to save people." announced Merlin.

" Is that so ?" responded Thulia, looking annoyed.

" Yes it is, and we don't have much time, so get the hell out of our way." made Ban.

" Ban calm down." intervened Merlin, an arm before him.

Morgan approached the fairy. She thought of her friends who were about to die. If this fairy has been a guardian of the forest just like Elaine, then he should be able to read hearts. Thulia looked at her. Her heart's thought came to him. He could feel her disarray, her hope in this tree. Then, he concentrated his power on the other two. More specifically Ban.

" Ah. So that's how it is, huh. Well damn, I can't oppose this. You're really here to collect those apples for someone else, as specified by the rules. Fine, you pass." he decided.

" Thank you, guardian." said Morgan.

" Hmph ! I was just the first one. Wait until you meet the next ones, it won't be that easy."

Thulia disappeared.

" What ? We won just like that ?" said Ban, surprised.

" What did you do Morgan ?" asked Merlin.

" I just figured he would be like Elaine : a guardian of the forest able to read hearts. Would explain how he could create his illusions. That way, he saw by himself why we were here. He certainly was more convinced after reading your heart, Ban." explained Morgan.

" Nice thinking." smiled Merlin.

" Right. Let's continue this." said Ban.

The trio walked again. They arrived in front of a portal ten minutes later. High, all made of metal. The ground shook. It crackled, before a two-headed snaked emerged from it. It was black with purple shades. It darted emerald eyes on them.

" You're here for the apples. Go on, pluck them. Bite in them, and savour the inimitable taste of it. Feel its energy nicely going through you."

That voice resonated within them like a drum, shaking every fibre of their body. It was hypnotic. The snake lowered its heads to them, imprisoning them in its eyes. Each one of them could feel a wonderful taste on their tongue, then a flow in them.

" Feel the power. Your life being extended. This is what awaits you. You can do this, you deserve it. After all what you've been through, why not granting yourself a little reward ?"

It was so great ! All the pain was going away. They wouldn't have to fear the predicament of illness, of aging, of death even. Peace was there, immortality, eternal youth. The snake was tempting the trio. Suddenly, something hit violently one of the heads, making it punch the second and collapsing on the ground.

" I'm already immortal you double idiot. And it can be a real pain, especially when you see everyone else dying before you." declared Ban.

" Same here. Plus, I have enough power thank you." added Merlin.

The snake straightened.

" Come one. Why would you go through all that tiring journey for people you don't even know ? Eat one, you'll be gaining more power so one will ever hurt your beloved ones again."

" Oh no Morgan ! Resist those words ! If you cannot do it that beast will kill you !" exclaimed Merlin.

" I can feel a powerful magic within you, but it's still weak for now. One apple and it will spread. You'll be one of the most powerful magicians around here. And as an immortal you'll be able to say with that demon forever."

" Zeldoris ?" thought Morgan.

His image went before her eyes. He was waiting for her outside. True, his lifespan was way longer than hers. Compared to it, hers was like an instant for him. But with an apple … it would be a different story.

" Oi princess ! Get back to your senses it's only a test !" exclaimed Ban.

" I'm not lying to you. After all, you came here knowing these fruits effects. Why not benefitting of it for you ?"

" Urgh …"

" But your brother isn't immortal Morgan. You'll lose him if you eat an apple !" reminded Merlin.

" Arthur …"

" Then you can give one to him too. You'll explain it to him, he will understand. You two will be able to protect your kingdom, your people forever. You'd be unstoppable."

Morgan was shivering. It was so tempting … why not ? Just a bite, it was nothing right ? She'll be able to protect anyone after that. No more fail, no more uselessness.

" Damn Merlin ! Let's kill it before she falls for it !" decided Ban.

He launched his nunchaku. Alas, it went through it without touching it.

" Shit !"

" It must be connected to her mind. Only her can erase it." guessed Merlin.

So they have to help her.

" Morgan listen to me ! You're going to disappoint everyone if you succumb to the temptation ! Arthur, your friends, and Zeldoris ! Do you think he'd like to see you being that weak ?!"

" You can be stronger with an apple."

A silence that seemed to last forever followed. Merlin and Ban were powerless here. How could they help her ?

" You'll never be weak again."

Morgan tended a hand. She touched the snake muzzle. Then … it exploded.

"I'm seriously fed up with everyone and everything reminding me of how weak I am." she said.

The other head went to catch her. Morgan took her sword and cut it.

" Pheeew !" breathed Merlin.

Morgan fell on her knees, short breathed.

" Hey are you okay ?" asked Ban.

" No … I almost … I could have … then I would have … ruined it all."

" But you didn't. You know, it was really hard to resist. What this snake proposed was what every human would love to have. For Ban and me, we already possessed it, so it was useless." explained Merlin.

"Anyway, thank you for your help."

" No problem !" smiled Ban.

" But Morgan, how did you make it explode ?" asked Merlin.

" I've been reflecting on my magic. What I seem to be best at, is transforming material. I applied this ability to the snake : just breaking its material." explained Morgan.

" I knew you were a smart girl."

Time to continue the walking. The portal opened when the snake got defeated. On the way, Morgan asked if they would have enough time to return. To what Merlin replied that she would be able to teleport them, so yes.

" Oh wow ! Do you think I'll be able to do that as well ?" asked the princess.

" Perhaps, we'll try."

The trio walked in a path made of stones. Suddenly, they arrived at a loop. Literally a circle before them. And near, the void. Dark. Unfathomable. Then, a massive weigh fell on their shoulder. No way they could fly.

" How do they expect us to cross exactly ?" asked Ban.

" There must be a way." responded Morgan.

" That's surely the next trial. After testing our will they're testing our intelligence." added Merlin.

Morgan approached first and stopped just before the loop. Her hand felt the void below.

" So … could we create a bridge ?" asked Morgan.

" My thoughts exactly. However, this seems too simple." replied Merlin.

" Let's give it a try."

Merlin used the loop. She turned it right to create her bridge.

" Looks fine, but how can we be sure ? Merlin's right, it's too easy that way." commented Ban.

" Sometimes simplest things are the best." resumed Morgan.

However, she kinda agreed with her friends. Up until now, their trials haven't been easy. The young woman took a stone she threw on the path. It bounced on it. Nothing. Morgan stayed crouched.

" Oh well ! I'm short on ideas here." she said, straightening up.

She turned herself. Merlin believed that they certainly were watched right now. The guardian probably waited for them to walk in there, then to destroy the bridge. Sooooo … the best option would be to block his sight. That's why she suddenly spread hers harms, creating a massive fog. Then, she transported her friends on the other side. And since she has the infinity magic, undoing her spell wouldn't be that easy.

" Oh oh ! Well played you lot !" made a voice.

A spirit with a human form appeared before them.

" You seemed to be the smart group. Good idea to hide the sight so I wouldn't be able to see you creating another bridge."

" We had a hunch we were being watched. So you would probably destroy the path as soon as we'd put a foot on it." responded Merlin.

" Indeed ! But now, let's see how smart you are. Tell me : before yesterday, my friend was 17 and next year she'll be 20, how's that possible ?" asked the spirit.

" Huuuh ?!" exclaimed Ban.

The girls had the same question on their face. An enigma. They all began to think on that. How can you gain three years in just one ? That seemed impossible.

" Must be a thing about dates … I think I know. If yesterday was the 31st December your friend turned 18. This year she'll be 19 so next year she'll be 20." finally said Merlin.

" Correct ! Now, another one. You'll have a limited time, and if you don't give an answer before the end of it, I'll cast you a painful spell, got it ?"

" Go on."

" Here it is : better than the Supreme Goddess, worse than the Demon King, poor people got one, riches need one, if you eat it you'll die."

Oooookaaaaay ! What could possibly link all those points ? Supreme Deity, Demon King, poor people and rich ones … not to mention you could eat it and die.

"Careful, you have only one answer per person." warned the spirit.

However, he authorized them do discuss answers since they were a team. A long moment followed that one.

" Sorry, but I'm not the best for enigmas. It would have been strategic plans for a battle, then okay, but here … I can't be useful." said Ban.

" Don't give up yet. Think about Elaine she might inspire you." encouraged Merlin.

" But I find nothing !"

" That's it ! You found it Ban !" exclaimed Morgan.

They both looked at her.

" The answer : nothing is better than the Supreme Deity, nor worse than the Demon King. Poor people got nothing and rich ones need nothing. And finally …"

" If you eat nothing you'll die. Good job Morgan." smiled Merlin.

Another good answer. Then, he gave them three more enigmas with more and more short time. After what, the spirit decided to complicate the game nonetheless. He would choose who will answer the next ones. In case of wrong answer the others would get severely hurt, for example they would lost a member.

" What ? You're asking us to hurt each other now ?" instantly said Ban and Morgan.

"Wouldn't you ?"

" I know I'm no good for those games. Thus, the girls would be hurt." explained the immortal.

" I don't want to hurt anyone, I'm here to save. Plus I'm not sure to win everytime." responded Morgan.

" And you ? You didn't say anything." asked the spirit to Merlin.

" Doesn't mean I'm not thinking the same. Since I've got a very long lifespan already, I'm very knowledgeable. However, this is going a bit too far to my liking. So I think I'll pass."

The spirit then smiled.

" Very well, that was the correct answer actually. I tested your smartness, but not any kind of it. You're here to collect scared fruits coming from light, made from pure love, a mother's one for her children. A disinterested gift. This isn't something you can obtain by greed or pride. I tested the intelligence of your heart. Those enigmas were to warm up your spirit of competition, and your pride by giving good answers and congratulate each other. But you choose your comrades instead of winning. You refused to hurt more people despite the emergency. Thus, you defeated me."

Oh ! That one they had no idea. The spirit disappeared.

" I'd love it to be the end of those trials." confessed Morgan.

" You said it. They tested our mind and heart, our intelligence and determination." summarized Ban.

" We'll see soon enough. Oh … I think this is it." announced Merlin.

A magnificent apple tree, huge and large was before them. His trunk was made of pure silver just like its apples. The trio approached it. No one seemed willing to show up this time.

" So. How can we be sure we're allowed to pluck two apples ?" asked Morgan.

"I don't know. There's a spell on this tree, I can feel it." made Merlin.

" But the instructions are to pluck them for someone else. That's why we here for. So the spell shouldn't activate." reminded Ban.

" And how will our intentions be known exactly ?" contradicted Morgan.

" That's the question." replied Merlin.

" And when are those guardians when you need them ?" continued Ban.

They looked around them. No one was here to explain them. Merlin tried to pluck an apple. But the one she chose just dodged her hand.

" ?!"

She tried another one, who slipped as well.

" It appears we can't get them without authorization." she said, landing.

" But from who ? Who can tell we can take those fruits ?" asked Morgan.

Ban tried with his magic. It didn't work as well. Nothing happened. He wanted to go again with his weapon, but his instinct told him it was a very bad idea. An aggression that wouldn't be tolerated here. He didn't make all his way here to waste it all stupidly. There has to be a solution. So, he decided to inspect that tree. He turned around.

" Hey."

" You found something ?" asked Merlin.

" That branch here is the only one within easy reach. It's weird, why grow here so low ? Plus, we need authorization to pluck those fruits. So … why not asking the tree itself ?" he said.

The brunette blinked. Knowing the place that wasn't so bizarre in the end. Morgan approached followed by Merlin.

" If this branch is here, it's to communicate. Trees can't speak, but they can feel. I guess." said Morgan.

" Let's give it a try. Let's focus on the ones we want to save." decided Merlin.

They grabbed the branch, closed their eyes and focus. The surroundings were silent. No wind, no bird singing, nothing but absolute silence. To the extent they wondered that if their prayer has been listened. A cracking sound resonated when they opened their eyes. Looking up, they could saw a branch coming to them.

" It …" said Morgan.

" It heard us. And … accepted our request." continued Merlin.

Ban tended a hand, hoping the apple he chose wouldn't flee. His fingers closed on it. It was warm, and soft. Morgan encouraged Merlin to pluck the second one. Once this done, the branch lifted.

" We did it." said Morgan.

" Yes, but now we have to get back quickly. I'll be relieved and rejoice once Elizabeth and Elaine will have eaten those." recalled Merlin.

A hole opened at the foot of the tree. They could see the forest from where they came.

" Well ! Looks like a shortcut." commented Ban.

" So let's go." concluded Merlin.

They jumped in the hole. Five minutes later, they landed to their starting point.

" There you are ! Took your sweet time !"

" Zelis ! Good to see you again. But what do you mean, how long have we been there ?" asked Morgan.

" Since yesterday." responded the demon, approaching.

" YESTERDAY ?!" they exclaimed.

" Yup."

" It means that this is sis-sis' last day. Get close everyone, I'll transport us. Zeldoris, if you would hold Morgan, please."

" Of course." responded Zeldoris.

He came closer, lifted a bit and took her by the waist while she put her arms around his neck. Merlin handled Ban, then snapped her fingers. They reappeared in Camelot, above the castle and … a battle. Hundreds of demons were approaching. Facing them a tiny army of humans.

" Darn ! I got away for five minutes and look at that mess !" commented Morgan.

" Estarossa." said Zeldoris.

" You can see him from that afar ?" wondered Morgan.

" No, but I can feel him. Go give your fruits, I'll help everyone here." he announced.

She looked at him. Really ? Well, now was the time for truth wasn't it ?

" Merlin, give my brother his sword and help him please." said Morgan throwing it.

" Fine, then you give Elizabeth her apple."

They exchanged their goods, Morgan and Ban got dropped on the walkway. They rushed inside, Morgan guiding Ban inside. She asked for the two girls. Meanwhile, Zeldoris used his father's power to completely destroy the major part of the demon army. Then, he landed near Meliodas.

" Zeldoris ! So you're back, did you succeed ?" asked the blond.

" Morgan and your friend I-forgot-his-name are currently bringing the apples to their recipient." he replied casually.

Meliodas sighed in relief. Maybe, this time was finally the last one.

" And why are you helping us ?" asked Diane, in her giant form.

" This land is under my protection, that's all." responded Zeldoris, unsheathing his sword.

" Fine by me, as long as we protect Camelot I don't care about your motives." resumed Meliodas.

Arthur was relieved to see Merlin back and his sword. A second later he saw a huge black cloud engulfing the demon army.

" Him again." he said, recognizing Zeldoris.

" Be thankful he's on our side now. I'd rather it be that way." said Merlin.

Liones' army was there as well, as allies. Time to put an end to this war.