Knowing the truth can hurt and isn't easy. Whoever you are.
Enjoy ^^
Zeldoris opened his emerald eyes. What the hell happened ? Above him was what looked like wood. He didn't remember falling asleep in a wood. Ow his head ! Carefully, Zeldoris slipped. Actually, it appeared he slept inside a barrel. Then he sat. He could see the Seven Deadly Sins scattered in the tavern : Gowther still asleep on a table, the fairy king on the belly on the bar, Diane just below on the ground, that Escanor guy was on a barrel as well, Meliodas with a tankard on the nose, laid on the floor and Ban was snoring duelling with Hawk beside. Zeldoris blinked. Then with difficulty he stood up. What time was it ? His head was aching, where could he find some medicine ? He started to remember what happened yesterday afternoon : Ban provoked him on how he was too young for drinking. Zeldoris replied by drinking a whole barrel on his own.
" Well ! One of our sleeping beauties is awake it seems." he heard.
Merlin was standing here.
"Gnnn ! What time is it ?" he moaned.
" I'd say nine o'clock in the morning."
" Huh ? Oh devildamnit ! I was supposed to see Morgan in the evening."
" Well you can go now." she suggested.
" Hm hm. Hey, you're a magician aren't you ? Don't you know any spell, curse, pray whatever against hangover ?" asked Zeldoris.
" Are you kidding me ? With those two drunkards here of course I know !" smiled Merlin pointing Ban and Meliodas.
She asked him to follow her while she was fetching a remedy. Zeldoris followed still looking asleep. Merlin rummaged for her remedy. Zeldoris leaned against the door. Merlin gave him a flacon. Zeldoris hesitated a bit, then opened it and drink.
" Urgh ! Disgusting."
" You're welcome. Now, I'll prepare some for the others. Yours will act in a few minutes."
Merlin went to fetch some ingredients. Meanwhile, Zeldoris took a look around. That was really a laboratory here. Suddenly, he spotted something familiar. He stared at it, then came closer. That was it ! That strange one-eyed bat whom spied on the castle ! What was it doing here ? Zeldoris tended a hand. The thing was asleep. He caught it and of course awoke it.
" YOU ! Let me go !" it shouted.
" Whoa calm down ! I won't hurt you."
" No no no no no ! I don't want to die !" exclaimed Orlondi, struggling to get free.
" I told you I won't kill nor hurt you. But you know me, and I'd like to know how." resumed Zeldoris.
" Please just let me go." implored the bat.
" Are you deaf ? Just tell me who you are, it's all that I want."
" Noooo … you're going to kill me ! I know you will !" moaned Orlondi.
" Why in hell would I do that ? Okay, if I promise to not kill you, will you tell me ?" tempted Zeldoris.
" You promise ?"
" Yes. You have my word."
" Okay. I … I am … my name is … O-o-o-or"
" Spit it out before I change my mind." warned Zeldoris.
" Orlondi the Rose."
Merlin's medicine was probably acting because the demon didn't feel his headache anymore.
" You're one of the vampires' royalty. Hey, what happened to the others ?" he questioned.
" They're all dead." replied Orlondi.
" That, I already know. But who did this ?"
Orlondi revealed that it was the Seven Deadly Sins. They came at their castle, long ago, and fought all of them. He was collected by Merlin and used as a familiar since then. Orlondi heard them talking about their fight just after : Escanor defeated the king, Ban handled the bat and Meliodas … Gelda and Ren. Zeldoris rounded eyes. Then, a huge roar startled everyone in the tavern :
" MELIODAS !"
That one straightened, letting his tankard falling. But feeling a deadly aura incoming, he completely woke up. Meliodas turned just in time to see his brother gushing forth to him, be grabbed by the neck and pushed outside. Zeldoris tackled him on the ground on several meters.
" And to what do I owe the pleasure of being used as a mower ?" asked Meliodas.
" You killed Gelda ! You better have one hell of a good explanation for this ?!" yelled Zeldoris.
Behind, everyone was hastening. Meliodas raised both his hands so his teammates could see and understand to not interfere.
" Well ? Why did you do this ? " asked Zeldoris.
" Because she asked me to."
" What ? There's no way she would ask such a thing. You did this because you knew it would hurt me !" replied Zeldoris.
" No. Gelda asked me to kill her because she had enough. She told me that her life has no goal, no purpose apart from drinking blood. I understood her feelings, so I granted her her wish."
Zeldoris then recalled one of his moments with the vampire princess. Gelda told him about her fear of losing this war, and thus him. How she wouldn't be able to live without him. Zeldoris reassured her back then. He was confident that they could win, that he could became demon king and make her his queen. But in the end … they got separated forever. Had she known he would come back …
" What should we do ? He's like before !" exclaimed Diane.
A dark smoke was indeed emanating from Zeldoris. That one was struggling to decide what he should do. Meliodas told him the truth, Gelda already told him she wouldn't stand living alone anymore … he didn't kill her to have revenge but to put her out of her misery. A wish granted. She has wanted it, he knew it.
" I'm sorry Zel. I understand how you feel, just like I understood her …"
Zeldoris closed his eyes. Then he let a loud shout before punching the ground near his brother's ear. The darkness slowly disappeared, the eyes went green again. The demon straightened, stared at Meliodas for a while then decided to leave. He needed space right now. The dragon of wrath looked at him, while his teammates arrived.
" Are you okay ?" asked King.
" What got into him ?" added Escanor.
" It's … a painful memory."
Meliodas looked away where his brother went. That one walked and walked with no goal, lost in his thoughts. In fact, Zeldoris already more or less understood what happened when he discovered Gelda's death. She was strong enough to take on any opponents, so she should have survived. Even with Meliodas' gang as enemies, she could've flee. Also, since she could have escaped from her seal, then she should have guessed that he would too sooner or later. Even, the vampire could have tried to free him. But she didn't do it. She just let herself die.
" Why didn't you wait for me ?"
Didn't she love him enough ? Morgan sure would have tried something. Ah, there she was. He sighed, raising his head to the sky. What to do now ? He suddenly heard a wood noise next to him. Looking for it, he made quite a discovery. Derrière was here, carrying logs. In … human clothes. The Commandment of Purity seemed both surprised and scared. After a while staring at each other, Zeldoris made the first step.
" Don't worry Derrière. I won't hurt you nor Monspiet. I'm not the same I used to be." he sighed.
She frowned in disbelief.
" And how can I be sure of that ?"
He approached, and pointed his eyes. She displayed surprise.
" So, this is where you've been hiding all this time. Looks like a nice village." he noticed, looking left.
" I'd say this from my ass : if you're not here for us, then why ?" asked Derrière.
" Nothing special actually. I walked with no goal, I didn't even know you'd be here." he sincerely replied.
A woman arrived.
" Oh there you are Derrière. I was wondering what took you so long. Is that a friend of yours ?"
"You could say that." responded Zeldoris.
" Well then ! Would you like some tea or coffee ?" offered the human.
" Hmph, why not."
Derrière looked stunned. Oooookay, that was definitely not the Zeldoris she knew. He entered the house, Derrière behind him. The owner of the house invited him to sit. A few moments later, she poured him coffee. Monspiet arrived at that very moment from the hunt, carrying a deer under his arm. He froze when he noticed Zeldoris. The human greeted warmly the demon, who stared at his former teammate.
" Hello there, Monspiet." simply said Zeldoris before drinking.
That one looked at Derrière, sat not far from their leader. She just shrugged. Guessing there wasn't any threat, he sat close to his companion after depositing his kill.
" So Zeldoris. To what do we owe the pleasure of your company ?" asked Monspiet.
" To fortuity."
" Hm hm. And, may I know why your eyes are green now ?"
"It's a proof of change."
Monspiet glanced at Derrière. This was so weird. Having Zeldoris here, the executioner, peacefully drinking coffee was so unexpected. But he didn't sense any aggressiveness like before. So he was telling the truth then ?
" Forgive me for the question, but you look … preoccupied. Something happened ?" resumed Monspiet.
" Lots of things actually. I don't even know where to start."
Monspiet stared at him. He had a sad expression from time to time he'd never seen before. What in earth could have make him change ? The farmer woman put a plate full of biscuits. Zeldoris thanked her. She just smiled. Derrière decided to help in the kitchen, mostly to occupy herself. This situation was too bizarre to her liking.
" So, do you know him for long ?" asked the farmer.
"Quite so."
" It's good that he visits you. He looked a bit sad however."
" Yep, definitely not his type. Must have a problem." approved Derrière.
" My thoughts exactly. I'd even say girl problem."
Derrière dropped the meat she was slicing. Her expression was priceless. She couldn't possibly imply … she looked at Zeldoris. Him, able to love ? No way ! But she could see that sadness he was trying to hide. Derrière couldn't help but opened her mouth wide. To what Monspiet replied by an interrogative look. Zeldoris poured him another cup of coffee. He stared at it for a while. The farmer asked him if he wanted to stay for lunch. To what Zeldoris politely declined.
" We don't mind you know." said Monspiet.
" Thanks, but I got to go. I still have someo … somewhere to go." announced Zeldoris, raising his cup.
" I understand, love is an important thing. Come back whenever you want !" threw the farmer.
Monspiet displayed surprised too, while Zeldoris' coffee went down the wrong way.
" I-I never said that. Anyway, thanks for the coffee." he said, his cheeks red.
Zeldoris quickly stood up and exited.
" Hep !"
The demon turned.
" If you want to talk or need somewhere to go." said Monspiet, leaned at the door.
" I'll think about it, thanks Monspiet." smiled Zeldoris.
He left. Monspiet sighed. So it happened. Zeldoris fell in love. But with who ?
A few moments later, he was back at Camelot. He landed in the courtyard. The army of Liones was still here, taking some rest before going back.
" What is he doing here ?" asked Arden.
" That's one of the Ten Commandments. But I saw him fighting on our side." added Daillo.
" Odd." commented Deldrey.
" Whatever ! No demon must remain alive ! He'll pay for the others !" exclaimed DeathPierce.
He unsheathed his sword and rushed to Zeldoris. That one didn't make a move, just looked at him coming. Then he sent his sword so strongly not only it broke DeathPierce's one, but also sent him back. Arden armed his bow. Zeldoris ran in zigzag to avoid arrows.
" He's too fast !" thought Arden.
Zeldoris was already in front of him. He sent a fillip with his fingers on his forehead that made him fall.
" Ouch !" exclaimed Arden.
Daillo attacked afterwards. But the demon just went behind him and kicked is knees. Deldrey was the last to try.
" Hello handsome ! Those are fine muscles you got here !"
Zeldoris stared at her for a while. Then, he just laughed.
" Not even in your dreams deary ! Your power is way too weak to work on me. And … please !" he said, looking at her from top to bottom.
" What ?! What that's supposed to mean ?" exclaimed Deldrey, vexed.
" Just what you cannot hope to compare with someone I know."
" HUH ? Who do you think you are ?!"
" Deldrey what the hell are you doing ?! Attack !" exclaimed DeathPierce.
" Attack who ?!" intervened an authoritarian voice.
Morgan was here, followed by her new friends Elaine and Elizabeth. DeathPierce's cheeks got pink. He stood up quickly and arranged his clothes.
" Princess Morgan ! We were just uhm …"
" That's a real beauty, little girl." resumed Zeldoris to Deldrey.
"I got to admit that she's indeed beautiful." made Arden.
Deldrey gave him a fiery look.
"Well, what's going on here ?" asked Morgan.
" Don't worry Morgan, it's just a little training. Besides, it's not like they can hurt me anyway." responded Zeldoris.
Oh the looks they gave him ! Morgan glanced at the order of Pleiades Azur with suspicion.
Zeldoris approached Morgan. Just when Meliodas and his team arrived.
" Good morning Zelis." she smiled.
"Good morning Morgan. Sorry I didn't come yesterday evening. I was at my brother's tavern and got quite busy." he said.
" That's neat if you're spending time with your family !" exclaimed Morgan, thrilled.
" Oh we're not here yet. It's still complicated between us. But let's change topic. I can see that the goddess is still here."
" And guess what : she has a name. Funny isn't it ?"
" Ha. Ha. But aren't you afraid that her mother would come to see who and how her curse is broken ?" asked Zeldoris.
To what Morgan just smiled with irony. That's precisely when everyone felt a huge power incoming. All around them just froze in movement, like time stopped.
" There she is. Stay behind me Morgan." said Zeldoris.
That one couldn't move, quite impressed by the apparition. The Supreme Deity appeared in in the middle of the courtyard. Only the Seven Deadly Sins, Morgan and Zeldoris were able to move. Afraid, the princess grabbed Zeldoris' hand. That one blushed despite him.
" So it's true. Your curse has been broken. How ?" asked the goddess.
Meliodas was before Elizabeth. Arthur's sister took a breath. Time to assume.
" I did this." responded Morgan loudly.
Zeldoris rounded eyes. What the !
" You ? A simple human ? How could you possibly know ?" asked the deity.
" Because humans told tales. That's how I knew. Does the word apple ring a bell to you ?"
" Morgan …" made Zeldoris.
He wasn't at ease with that creature around. However, he wanted to protect his princess.
" The Tree of Life's apples. So its existence is still known today. Not bad, human, not bad. But I simply cannot allow this situation. I'll take back the fruit she ate." decided the Deity.
She tended her hand to Elizabeth.
" Except that you can't." resumed Morgan, crossing her arms.
" Oh ? You really think so ? I'm the Supreme Deity, I'm the one who decides." reminded the goddess.
"I don't think so. Plus, it would be useless. Because now, we know. More importantly, Meliodas knows. He'll be able to tell all this to others if needed. And don't even think about hiding your tree or anything else." retorted Morgan.
" Morgan shut up, you're going to angry her." advised Zeldoris.
"You seem pretty sure of you young girl. I'd like to know what makes you think I can't do what I decide." replied the goddess.
" Of course, I'll explain. You see, the Belialuin's daughter's story passed down as a legend. Moral of it was don't be too greedy. But there's one point in it that has been bothering me. If you and the Demon King were so angry, why didn't you just take back your gifts ? That way she wouldn't have been able to escape." began Morgan.
Merlin rounded eyes. That was a good question indeed.
" The answer is simple. It's because you can't. Gifts are like a promise for beings such as yourself. When us humans go back on our word, or break a promise there is to be consequences, more or less important depending on the promise. So for you, supposed to be above us it's even worse. According to my research, it could have consequences on you. In a word, you're tied by your own rules. Those apples are a gift to your children, she's one of them no matter what so no, you can't take back the apple from her nor hiding the tree."
The Supreme Deity remained silent. She tightened her fist, which made the people below think that she was about to get mad.
" Ugh ! You're right. Our rules are unavoidable. I acknowledge your win." she sighed.
Elizabeth had a sigh of relief.
" However I can't allow her to be with that demon. If she's not cursed anymore, her place is in heaven."
" Oh come on ! All of your clan is extinct, can't you make an exception ?" resumed Morgan.
" A goddess with a demon ?!" exclaimed the deity, shocked.
" Got to live with your time. Plus, what's more important : your child's happiness or your pride ?"
She looked around her.
" A fairy with a human, another one with a giant, and a human with a demon. What the world has become ?"
" A better place where everyone can choose. You can also guess what will happen if you separate them ? Better avoid headache right now. It has been 3000 years by now, more than enough. War is over so let them be." said Morgan.
True, love wasn't something easy to erase. Elizabeth would surely escape to meet with Meliodas. Never ending conflicts in perspective. The goddess took a moment to think. The curse was broken, and will be over and over even if she cursed her daughter again. Love was such a powerful feeling it was practically impossible to erase. As the human reminded, her children were dead. Elizabeth was one of the lasts. But her mixing with a demon … unthinkable.
" Very well. I'll let you live in peace, on one condition."
Ah crap, what now ?
" I can't allow any mixing between our species. You'll never be able to conceive a child together."
Elizabeth leaned her eyes. That was a pity, but compared to all their suffering until now … in any case, no choice here. That was all, the deity disappeared.
Everything went back to normal around them. Elizabeth fell in Meliodas' arms.
" It's over. It's finally over." she cried.
Well, Meliodas was still cursed, but now his lover was safe. Thanks to the apple, they would be able to stay together for very long. Zeldoris realized that Morgan was shaking. She was still holding his hand.
" Morgan it's okay. She left." he said softly.
" I know. But … that was incredibly frightening." she said.
" Yeah I know. You were very brave here. You never cease to amaze me." resumed Zeldoris, tenderly.
"If you say so."
She finally released his hand. Elizabeth ran to her and hugged her, still in tears, thanking her a dozen of times. Morgan hugged her as well, happy to finally help someone and repay her. Everyone went back inside. Morgan told the new to her brother. That one decided to throw a party, to celebrate their victory as well as Elizabeth's freedom. The ginger-haired princess muttered something to her brother who startled before looking at her. He hesitated, sighed then nodded. Morgan went back to Zeldoris.
" I'd like you come to the party. I just asked Arthur and he agreed." she announced.
" Me ? Oh, I don't think it would be very appropriate. I doubt everyone would like to see me." said Zeldoris.
" Yes, I know. That's a shame. You sure you don't want to come ?"
" Stop looking at me that way, I'm about to yield ! Well … I don't want to cause any trouble."
" Hmm, I understand. I don't want you to feel ill at ease. But I also don't want you to feel excluded, you played an important role in this affair and I wanted to thank you. So that everyone can see that you changed. But it's fine. " resumed Morgan.
" On the other side, I like when she tells me she wants me around. Then maybe I'll come a bit later, to say hi." he suggested.
" Really ?"
" Yes." smiled Zeldoris.
" Great !"
"You're unbearable, my adorable princess."
That's when he recalled their nature. She was human, he was a demon. She probably saw him just as a friend. Even if she seemed to have forgiven him, that didn't mean that she loved him. Feeling down again, Zeldoris decided to leave. His steps took him to the village where he met his two former teammates. This time, Monspiet welcomed him. They laid down on the grass. After a while, Zeldoris decided to speak. The other demon listened without saying a word.
" … that's it, you know everything." concluded Zeldoris.
" Why did you decide to confide now ?"
" Because there's no point in hiding it. I've admitted my feelings, that yes, I'm in love with a human. My father already knows and denied me. I'm not one of the Ten Commandments anymore nor a prince. But when I think about it, it's more like a torture. I don't think she could possibly like me, and even so it would be too short. I guess that's what my father implied about my choice. Despair. Why do I always fall in love with the wrong girl." explained Zeldoris.
" Wait. You mean it already happened ?" asked Monspiet.
" Yes. During the war with our vassal, the princess Gelda."
" But … you had to exterminate them if I recall correctly."
" Right, I just didn't. I sealed them instead. However, they broke free like ten years ago and fought the Seven Deadly Sins. Of course they lost." revealed Zeldoris.
" Aaaaah, make sense. My advice to you, is on the contrary to spent as much time as you can with her. It's like me and Derrière : we don't know how long it will last, we could get kill anytime. Well, maybe not now but you catch my drift." said Monspiet.
" Hmm. Maybe you're right."
For now, Zeldoris decided to stay here until the evening. Then, he parted with his peers and went back to Camelot. Inside, the party was already going. Some kings from around have been invited too.
" Merlin, are you alright ?" asked Morgan.
The magician had stay stuck to the buffet. She was holding a glass still full.
" Yes yes. Except that Arthur spent the whole with that pest Guinevere."
Morgan smiled. Merlin kept staring at Arthur and a young princess with whom he seemed to get along quite well. Morgan chuckled. Now that was a scoop.
" Fine, stay in your corner. But don't drink too much." resumed Morgan.
Music resonated again. Among the dancers, two couples were keeping entertaining : Ban and Elaine, and Meliodas and Elizabeth. Too happy to finally be together without worry. Morgan went outside to check if Zeldoris was coming. That one was on his way, walking in town.
" Careful Pelliot !"
Zeldoris turned his head. A kid was perched on a little wall and about to fall. He tried to regain his balance, in vain.
" Uwaaaah !"
His friends called his name. Pelliot closed his eyes, but nothing happened. Opening them, he noticed he was being hold by an ankle. But who was holding him ?
" You're okay ?"
" !"
That face … no doubt about it. It was him. He put the kid on the right place. Pelliot jumped back and took a stick.
" You ! You're that demon ! Get away from me and my friends or else !" he shouted.
" If I intended to hurt you, I wouldn't have rescued you. Plus, just to let you know : I didn't choose to be a demon. I was raised that way and so, acted accordingly. Just as you act as a human." replied Zeldoris.
Pelliot didn't answer. Something was weird. That demon didn't seem as terrifying as before. The demon just turned his back and resumed his walking. Pelliot scratched his head. Why did he save him ? If Pelliot had fallen, he'd be badly injured by now. His friends surrounded him, asking if he was okay. He looked at the demon going away. That one finally arrived at the palace. He flew to a balcony. That's when Morgan went out, wearing a green dress with gold at the end of sleeves. Her shoulders were exposed.
" Good evening, Morgan."
That one turned to see Zeldoris sat on the rail.
" Good evening Zelis. I'm glad you came."
" You're magnificent." he said.
He instantly blushed : did he said that aloud ? Morgan just chuckled and came closer.
" Do you want to drink or eat something ?" she proposed.
" No thanks. But hmm …"
" Yes ?"
" Would you …"
He blushed again. He took a breath and finally asked :
" It's a nice music there. Would you like … to … dance with me ?"
" I was hoping you'd say that." she replied.
Zeldoris smiled broadly, then took her hand.
Inside, Escanor noticed Merlin's bad mood. It wasn't difficult to guess it was because of Arthur. If another woman could win his heart, then it would be one less rival. So he offered her a plate of treats. Merlin accepted without a word. But what now ? It was nice and all, except he had no idea of what to do next. Or rather, he didn't dare. He could invite her to dance. He better acted quickly before someone else try to steal her from him. Escanor heard her saying how important the king was to her. Merlin took another glass.
"Are you enjoying the party ?" asked Arthur.
" Oh yes ! It's wonderful." said Merlin with a cutting tone.
Arthur displayed an expression of wonder.
" Fine. In that case, would you do me the honour of dancing ?"
Escanor stiffened. How could he do this so easily ? He cursed himself for not having he courage of inviting her first.
" Oh now you remember that I exist ?" replied Merlin.
" Why would I forget you Merlin ? Come, this party is for you as well after all."
The magician stared at him, feeling her frustration lowering as well as her craving to be with him increased.
" Alright." she surrendered.
She placed her hand in Arthur's one and followed him. They started to dance in silence for a while. Merlin never did this with him, however she discovered he was quite skilled at this.
" So, you said this party was for me, huh." she began.
" Of course, I didn't really get the occasion to thank you for all what you've done for me until now. I don't know what I'd do without you Merlin."
Argh, he sure knew how to soothe her mood. Arthur made her turn. Then, staying behind her he brought her hand to his lips. Merlin blushed and felt her heart pounding like crazy.
" So thanks a ton Merlin." he said, low voice.
" …"
The music stopped. She looked confused for a while. Further, Meliodas gave Ban a nudge and showed Merlin with a sign of head.
" Oh oooh ! She blushed !" smiled the immortal.
" By the way, have you seen Morgan ?" asked Arthur, looking around.
" …"
Surprised by her silence, he looked at her. Merlin just shook her head negatively. Arthur escorted Merlin back to the buffet where she swallowed a new drink in a row. Alcohol was starting to have effects.
" What's happening to me ? This feeling …"
" Merlin careful with the alcohol, you're not used to it." said Arthur.
" I'mfff fiiiine !" she said, turning.
However she turned too quickly and went unbalanced.
" Oh my. I think it's better if I take you to bed." smiled the ginger king, catching her.
" Whyyyy I'mfff not chleepy."
Arthur escorted her outside. Once there, he lifted her in his arms.