Hello! The next chapter is here! (I know, I need to be better about updating. I can't commit to anything. T^T) This is the start of Arc 4!

Thank you to Darkjuliet4444 for favoriting!

Thank you Silver for commenting! I'm glad you liked the side story!

That pretty much sums it up. On with the story!

Hazel's feet were pounding on the stone floor. She could hear Elizabeth behind her. But just because Elizabeth was there, Hazel didn't feel safe. She was too young and pretty to die. Elizabeth said something, but Hazel couldn't make out what it was. Probably just telling her to slow down.

With Ban, King, and Silva

Silva stopped. Very slowly, she turned around. Her eyes met King's. "What's wrong?" he asked. "I don't know how," Silva said, her voice barely above a whisper. "But... Zulfiqar's invisibility was neutralized. They're-They're virtually unprotected." King's eyes widened. "WHAT?! HOW DOES THAT EVEN HAPPEN-" Ban quickly clamped a hand over King's mouth. "Shut up, stupid," he muttered. Ban looked at Silva. "So what now?" he asked. "I'm sending Zulfiqar my way. I might need it," Silva replied. Ban nodded, then turned his attention to the sloth sin. "Promise to shut up?" King nodded, and Ban let go.

Silva's gaze snapped towards direction they were going "What is that...?" she muttered. Just then, the two fairies stiffened and turned to each other, pale. A silent understanding passed between them. King turned to Ban. "Hurry!" Silva had already taken off, twice as fast as she was before. "Damn it!" she thought. "Why is this place so damn big?" She stopped in front of metal door. "Elaine!" the brunette shouted, slight panic could be sensed in her voice. "Get back! Spirit Spear Zulfqar, first configuration: Zulfiqar!" with a quick movement of her fingers, the lock on the door was gone. In fact, half the door was gone. She quickly flew in, and saw no one there.

King had caught up by then. He was panting, and looked around deperately. "Where-where is she?" "I... have no idea." Ban ran in just then. "What was with all the running-" he started, but saw the look on the two fairies' faces and stopped. "What is it?" he demanded. "She's gone," King choked out. He punched the ground. "Damn it! Why am I always, always too late?" "Two late for what?" a voice said. All turned and saw...

"Elaine!" King rushed forward and gave her a hug. "Don't scare me like that! I thought you were gone!" "Well, I had to break out because I sensed-" Elaine stopped. She brought her hands to her mouth. She had sensed him, but she still couldn't believe it. It had to be a joke. And yet- "Ban... is it really you?" "That's what they keep sayin'" he replied. Silva grabbed King by the collar. "Come on. Give the lovebirds some privacy."

A bit later

"You... really don't remember a thing?" The fox sin looked away, he didn't want to answer that. Elaine came closer, embracing him. "No matter what, I'll find a way for you to remember. That's a promise." She then kissed him. However, any further conversation was cut off, because there a large (and loud) tremor that shook the entire stronghold. Silva stuck her head in. "Wrap it up you two! I think the others are in trouble! King and I are going ahead, so catch up when you can!"

With Meliodas and Diane

When the smoke cleared, Meliodas and Diane were still standing. A little worse for wear, but otherwise fine. "You know what to do, Diane!" Meliodas shouted. "On it, Captain!" the serpent sin replied. They rushed forward, and Engres got himself ready for the latest incoming attack. Meliodas jumped, and a pillar of earth erupted through the stronghold's floor. Meliodas landed on top of the column, and used it as a vantage point. He kicked off the formation, rocketing to his opponent below. Their swords struck, and the momentum caused both men to jump back. Diane was behind Engres, and she sent a right hook towards him. Unfortunately, the giantess only made contact with stone. She grimaced, and Meliodas had an equally frustrated look on your face. "I'll admit," Engres taunted, "That you are indeed pests. However, you'll have to try even harder if you want to beat me." He charged forward, but stopped.

"So sorry to interrupt," Silva teased. She was using her magic, pulling on Engres's sword. King was right behind her. "Hey Captain, Diane, you two need some help?

OH MY GOSH THIS CHAPTER WAS SO HARD TO WRITE! Anyways, I still haven't found any art for the cover yet. If anyone wants their art as the cover, private message me an image. Don't worry, I will credit you. As always, thanks for reading and have a great rest of your day (or night)!