A/N: Another quick update! Yay! (Although it's later than usual). But then again it is 10,000+ words... Yep, an extra long read this week :I
Anyway enough with the spiel, I have important news to announce! This chapter, yes this one, is the LAST Liones Chapter. Yep, the very last and final one - and boy does it end with a bang. Anyway, this chapter's got extra length and as usual a mini-chapter - not to mention a surprise enemy and battle. But you guys don't know how good it feels to say that this part is finally over, I felt as if I'd be stuck here forever! I mean I did enjoy the Liones chapters, they were very fun, but the plot has to move along after a while!
That being said, LAST chance to vote on who goes with the kid Sins to defeat Vivian! Who goes with the kids will heavily affect the future plot, so please make sure to vote. The poll is on my profile UwU. Also updates may take longer after this as I gotta revise for exams T~T
Ok, final thing now - really. Go check out some of my other stories one is called 'I Thought I Knew You' and the other is '3,000 years'. Feel free to check 'em out. Yeah...
CarBarrier - Thanks again. You'll find out what Gustaf wants to talk about shortly :)
Parker - Thanks for the review! I'm glad you like the story and I'll try to stay more on topic :)
Silver - Yep, it's honestly both a sad and hilarious situation. Elaine has been told of a way to reverse what's been done, but it might not be a straight and easy path. But as always thanks for reviewing and I'm glad you're enjoying the story! :)
Darkjuliet444 - As always a lovely review! I'm glad you're enjoying the story and your ideas are amazing as always. Sadly I'm not going in the Elaine direction, but I may make a story where that becomes a parallel universe of this. The idea seems super good and I would love to use that idea with your permission of course. But you were right about a battle happening - heh. A lot is definitely going to happen and the problem with the Giants protecting Liones is that no-one can really travel or anything right now. It's kinda like being forced to limit travel routes and such, however it was a good suggestion. Also the changeling thing...XD. The Sins will go through some trauma and flashbacks, I even have a mini war planned between them. Honestly this story has grown in scale from how I first imagined it. At first it was plotless! But as always you have a ton of ideas and suggestions packed into a review! Thanks a bunch and enjoy the read :)
Till next time,
D.L.D
The atmosphere in the bar was one that was quite friendly and welcoming as the two girls walked in to see if Diane's plan had worked. They were honestly surprised by the results, eyes and minds unbelieving of how easily the group were getting along in simple, amiable peace. Meliodas and Hawk were joined with King and Howzer, all four seeming to be debating about something extremely important from how animated the chatter seemed. It was only when Diane interrupted that they turned and noticed the girls.
"Well it seems my master plan worked!" Diane beamed triumphantly, hands on her hips as she looked at the group. "Who would've thought all you stubborn boys needed was a bit of time to talk."
"Talk?"
The group exploded into laughter, Hawk even joining in, as the two girls only looked at the sight in bemusement. If only the two had known what they group had gotten up to while they were gone on their 'important errands'. Topics such as women, booze and even things many children shouldn't know about were discussed, the group all finding some sort of comradeship despite the constant bickering that had happened earlier on in the day. Add in the teasing and the secret of 'Elaine' and the group were set to be as thick as thieves. As a result they all seemed like the best of friends, confusing even Diane with how close they were.
"So what did you all do while we were gone?" Elizabeth spoke instead of Diane, the princess much calmer than the giantess. She wore a gentle smile, attempting to not cause another bout of laughter that left her and Diane feeling like they were missing the punchline of a joke.
"Well we did a bit of talking," Hawk began.
"Then we had a game of truth or dare," King continued.
"A few mishaps may have occurred," Howzer shrugged slightly.
"But all you need to care about is that there's no more arguments," Meliodas finished.
Both girls looked at the grinning group, confusion and questions rising from the smiles upon their faces. After all, plots like this often failed tremendously in getting people who disagreed to actually get along. But somehow it had worked with the group of children, pig and knight, the four seeming a lot more agreeable with each other than just hours before. Odd since what they described were events that were bound to end in disagreements.
"That's all that happened?" Diane raised a brow, skeptical of whether the truth was being shared. Her purple eyes narrowed as arms crossed. "Nothing else? No magical visitors or bribery to act good?"
This resulted in a look of confusion from the group, all of them wondering how Diane could be so skeptical of them just getting along. After all, that was what she wanted when she decided to make them all spend time together. So now it was happening, why was she skeptical? Didn't she want them to get along instead of starting petty squabbles all the time? They were all pretty sure that Diane had grown tired of the bickering. So why was she questioning them getting along?
It was a truly perplexing situation, but instead of raising these questions, the group decided to leave it be and answer simply.
"Nope, nothing at all."
A wide grin then formed on Diane's features, the shrunken giantess happy that her plan had actually succeeded. Happy that she had actually ended the petty squabbles between the group. It seemed like they would never end, King and Howzer constantly competing and Hawk and Meliodas perpetually having their weird form of banter. But now Diane had found a solution, she was beyond ecstatic and was already scheming of ways to fix Ban.
After all, he was another problem child.
"I'm very proud of you all," Diane's grin stayed in place as she gave a nod, pride radiating from her form. She then turned to the princess beside her. "You're happy about it too, right Elizabeth?"
The princess in question had been in her own world, blue eyes wide as they tried to concentrate on something unseen. Her lips were pressed into a thin line, invisible gears seeming to turn within her mind as she stared at the tiny blonde before her. His wild blonde hair, his pure green eyes; the way he always knew when something was bugging her, how he gave her special treatment. There was something about Meliodas...just something. The tiny princess could just sense that he was linked to these weird dreams she was having. That he knew more than he was letting on about these dreams.
Perhaps Meliodas even knew of why Elizabeth looked a lot like the Goddess she dreams of. Maybe he even knew why Elizabeth shared so much in common with her. It would explain why the tiny Captain reacted the way he did when Elizabeth had unknowingly healed him. It would explain a lot of things really. Which is why Elizabeth had to get answers.
She had to ask Meliodas about it.
"Elizabeth?" Diane blinked, concern on her brow as she lightly tapped the girl. "You're happy about it right?"
The touch jolted Elizabeth from her thoughts, bashfulness immediately taking over as she had been caught thinking and staring. Thinking and staring about something that would be very difficult to explain to everyone within the room - apart from Diane.
"Oh yes, definitely," A deep blush coated the princess' face, bottom lip catching between her teeth. "It's great news."
"Well that's great because I need to borrow my sister."
All heads turned to see the scrappy Ban casually sauntering towards the two girls. He wore a smug grin on his features, sharpened canines somehow still there and fox-like as he watched them all with glimmering red eyes. He looked at ease, like really at ease, and wore an expression that spoke of smugness and duty as he rested a hand on both girls' shoulders. A smugness and duty that can only be connoted to him coming to fetch his 'little sister'.
"Ban!" Diane huffed, turning towards the boy. Pigtails swished as she blocked his path, body stretched to conceal his path to Elizabeth. "You can't just walk in here!"
Diane' face was reddened slightly, cheeks puffed as she continued to try and block Ban from getting Elizabeth again. The stubborn Fox Sin always came to get her at the worst times, often snatching her away for the most ridiculous amounts of time. As a result Diane was reluctant to let him take Elizabeth away this time, the giantess aware of how Ban seemed a lot more dutiful than usual.
"I can too, that's why the door was open," Ban stuck his tongue out at the giantess, easily making his way to his 'sister'. He then grabbed her by the arm, dragging but also not dragging her away. "C'mon we're going."
"But why?" Elizabeth blinked as she yanked her arm back slightly.
Everything was happening a little too fast for her liking. After all, Ban had just walked in here, announcing that he was taking her somewhere, and then caught her by the wrist. It was a lot more spontaneous and sudden than his usual unannounced visits, the Fox Sin seeming more rushed than usual. If that fact alone didn't speak of urgency then the princess didn't know what did. As a result she wanted to know why she was being dragged away.
After all, there wasn't anything urgent that needed to be done.
"Oh you'll see," Ban answered waving a hand absentmindedly. His grin was gone, red eyes hard and stern as his explanation poured out quickly. "I want you to meet someone. Plus she found a way to turn us back to normal."
Elizabeth blinked at that, her brain now brimming with more questions from the quick explanation she'd been given. Thoughts of who, why and when were within the mass pile, the little princess only being able to blink as she tried to process everything. But as she did, a single question left her lips. A question that was very important as it was the goal of finding a way to reverse this spell.
"But the what about the other Sins?"
Ban froze at that, stopping his half-dragging. His back was turned to the others in the room, red eyes staring at the door as he fell into silence. A silence that wasn't comfortable nor welcoming, suggesting that the room had suddenly dropped into subzero temperatures. The air hung, thick and heavy, as Ban remained still, grasp still on Elizabeth's arm but the rest of his body frozen.
"Yeah what about us Ban?" Diane and King seemed to echo, the pair seeming ready to beat the boy into a pulp. One was already getting ready to punch him, while the other was alert and actually not napping on Chastiefol.
Howzer sat at the table in disbelief, deciding to finish the rest of his cup's contents as he believed he was still a bit waved and had misheard Ban. Elizabeth was silent, glancing between the two groups as the silence seemed to stretch on forever. Meliodas was also in silence, his perception and knowledge deciding it was best to just watch right now. After all, he had an inkling that something else was going on behind the scenes. Hawk on the other hand was akin to Diane and King, anger blossoming in the boar as he looked at someone he valued greatly. Someone he believed to not do something selfish like this.
"We'll help 'em after," Ban finally spoke, his voice seeming to be very comforting and soft. Ironic since you could interpret his response as reassuring himself as well as Elizabeth. He then looked at the princess, expression painted with desperation. "Just please come with me, Kilia. It's the one condition."
Anger blossomed at that, the silence breaking like a glass window as Diane once again aimed to block Ban from taking Elizabeth away. Hawk and King joined the shrunken giantess, both ready to help her prevent Ban from making a choice that was extremely selfish and unjust. Not to mention unfair.
"Hell no!" Diane fumed, pigtails shaking furiously as she shook her head. A foot stomped and the ground quaked, her anger vibrating around the nearby earth. "You're acting crazy Ban! There's no way you're taking Elizabeth with you!"
"Yeah, she's coming with us," King agreed, Chastiefol already formed into a spear. It was tinier than usual, but still floated beside him as it waited to be used. The fairy then turned to Meliodas, mind certain that he wouldn't let Elizabeth go with Ban. "Right Captain? ...Captain?"
Meliodas was still at the table with Howzer, an innocent expression on his features. Of course he didn't want Elizabeth to go with Ban of all people to find a supposed 'solution' to this situation. He knew that something sketchy was going on, he could just feel it in the intuition he had been trained to have. All sorts of red flags and such went off in his brain. But at the same time he also knew Elizabeth wouldn't come to harm if she was with Ban. Right now he saw her as a sister and so Meliodas knew she'd be safe with him.
Plus letting Elizabeth go might enlighten everyone on the situation a little more. He didn't know why, but the tiny Sin Captain felt that someone was pulling the strings behind the scenes. After all, Ban hasn't done something like this before.
"What do you wanna do, Ellie?" Meliodas raised a brow, the words leaving innocently enough.
This was met by shock from Diane, King and Hawk, the three angry parties alarmed at the fact that Meliodas would actually let Ban take Elizabeth if she wanted to go. After all, Ban was acting really crazy these days, first saying that Elizabeth was his sister, then causing trouble whenever he could. He wasn't responsible enough, nor trustworthy enough, to take Elizabeth on some wild goose chase for a supposed solution to the spell.
However despite this, Elizabeth still wanted to go. She wanted to help the Sins, but now she was Ban's 'sister' she wanted to help him as well. After all, she had a duty to fulfill as a sister, and even though she knew she wasn't Ban's relative, the princess still wanted to help where she could. Plus he said she was the 'one condition' - that meant she had to help him out. Elizabeth had to be important if Ban labelled her as the one condition.
"Well...I want to go with everyone," The princess bit her lip as she paused, a hand nervously playing with a strand of her silver hair. "But...I also want to help Sir Ban too."
"Then you're coming with me," Ban answered, quickly hoisting the girl on his shoulders.
He then made his way out the way he came, leaving behind a confused and angry group.
"Ban!" Diane fumed following him straight out the door. It was then Jericho came flying through it, wood splintering from the impact of her fall.
Earlier on...
Jericho huffed as she ran through the small maze of streets that made up the mini-town. She had been chasing after the flowery scent of Elaine for what seemed like forever now, the young woman growing gradually more peeved as she found herself running in endless circles. Considering that the mini-town was rather small, it was annoying to her that Elaine could so easily evade her despite smelling so potently of flowers.
Bleh. Flowers...
The knight grumbled at just the thought of the blonde fairy, brown eyes narrowed as she continued to scan the streets for her pain-in-the-ass ward and his fairy kidnapper. Sadly that meant she bumped into her pissed brother, his mood soured by the fact that she was wasting time by hanging around with a group of kids. Unruly kids too by the sound of how loud and joyful one group was not too long ago.
"Jericho!"
The young woman froze in her tracks, back seeming to stiffen and straighten at just the sound of her older brother's voice. A small 'eep' sound left her lips, all signs of anger washed away by the fear and annoyance that her brother's lectures bring. The lectures that often last for ages and reprimand her for things that aren't even that bad. A famous example was the one when she first signed up to be a Holy Knight, her brother saying that she isn't fit for it and should quit.
But she showed him in the end. Jericho was now a reliable knight and is capable enough to handle looking after one of the kidified Sins. She bet Gustaf wasn't even offered a job to look after one of the snot-nosed brats, which made her being stuck with Ban a little better.
"What is it now Gustaf?" The young woman whined slightly, turning to face her stormy brother.
He looked unamused, thick brows furrowed and a frown placed on his lips. If Jericho had a guess as to why he was so upset, it was most likely because she had forgotten to do something that she didn't particularly care about. That was usually the cause for their quarrels after all, Gustaf assigning stupid errands to his sister because he wanted her to have some 'life skills' so she could 'look after herself' properly.
Like she couldn't already.
"You know why I'm here," Gustaf's frown seems to grow, his mood not at all happier.
To that Jericho groaned, rolling her eyes as she decided to ignore this and deal with the consequences later. After all, Ban's safety was a lot more important than whatever Gustaf was mad at her for not doing right now. It was probably about Ban stealing stuff the other day anyway, the knight knowing that she'd be in a lot of trouble for his troublesome ways. As a result she thought it best to push that all aside and instead chase after Elaine.
"I can't talk right now, Gustaf!" The knight spoke through grit teeth, hand gripping her sword. "Now move out of my way! I have a damn undead bitch to catch!"
A brow raise was awarded to this, her brother further confused by who this 'undead bitch' could be. The dead do not rise after death, after all. They remain in eternal rest and forever stay in their perpetual state of stasis. Plus Gustaf would've heard of a recent rising of the dead, such events being important as they cause a lot of trouble. As a result he had to bring an end to this madness before his sister hurt herself or caused any unnecessary damage.
"No you need to - "
"I don't need to do crap! Screw this!" Jericho pushed him out of the way, features twisted with panic and rage. "If you're really that concerned about me wasting time, Gustaf, then tag along."
The young woman then disappeared around the street corner, frantic footsteps fading along with her form.
"There you are!"
Guila couldn't help but smile as she spotted Gowther sitting on a low wall. The boy was calmly seated upon it, a book on his lap as he enjoyed the clear weather of the day. Pink hair danced in the slight breeze, glasses seeming a little misty and face a little red. The doll's nose was also reddened slightly, but Guila chalked it up as the breeze causing it. She would remind him not to spend so much time outdoors. The knight was already ready to tell him to answer when they call him next time anyway, another lecture could easily be fit in.
"Yes, we found him!" Zeal also radiated happiness, glad that nothing terrible had happened to the doll.
After hours of searching for him, of looking everywhere they possibly could, Guila and Zeal had finally found Gowther in a very obvious spot. A spot that they would've easily found him in if they hadn't panicked about where he had gotten to. But at the same time they had to, because the doll had acted out of character. Very out of character.
"You found me!" Gowther exclaimed, easily jumping down from the wall. The book was tucked in the crook of his arm, a small smile on his lips. "I'm sorry for not responding to any calls, but I thought it'd ruin the game."
"Well I guess that's a valid reason," Zeal nodded, agreeing with the Sin. "But still it was very dangerous. You had us worrying about you!"
A look of guilt seemed to cross Gowther's features at that, the doll actually seeming to express something for once. Only it remained for a short while, quickly being replaced by a slight frown as he shook his head.
"I'm sorry."
Guila only shook her head at the interaction, aware that Gowther had apologised but still disbelieving of the look that had crossed his features. Not only that, but he had also spoken with a tone that was very...emotive. Frowning slightly, the knight watched as her brother launched into a discussion with the Sin, Zeal reprimanding but also laughing at Gowther. In response the doll also laughed and expressed his regret, saying that he would never do it again.
A strange thing since Gowther was never this good at expressing himself. Usually he did it through odd notions and had weird questions about things that seemed like common knowledge. But now he seemed like any other child, laughing and talking animatedly with Zeal.
Very odd.
"So you only read that book?" Guila quizzed, a brow raised as she studied the doll.
Gowther blinked at that, his conversation with Zeal halted.
"Yes," He nodded, a look of utmost seriousness on his features. "But something else did happen. However I'd prefer to share it later."
As the doll said that a loud crashing sound was heard. Shouts then followed it and the knight tensed at the sounds that usually connoted to danger and violence. Guila's jaw tensed, hand already reaching for her rapier as she prepared for something to inevitably come their way. Only crashing followed the sounds instead.
"Gowther, take Zeal to the gate," Guila easily slid into a professional state, turning to face the children as she headed towards the noise. "I'll get there as soon as I can."
"But - "
Zeal's words were forgotten in the urgency of the moment, Guila already at the end of the street and drawing out her weapon. If this was another demon attack, then she'd get it done quickly. In fact she'd exterminate the thing quicker than you could bat an eyelash. But what met the young knight wasn't the average demon - it was far from it.
"Look who's joined the party~"
Guila's face blanched, hand shaking as she faced the monster before her. The monster known as one of the Ten Commandments.
Elaine frowned slightly as she heard what sounded a lot like laughter from inside the mini tavern she and Ban were outside of. From her earlier visit to the building, the blonde had gathered that a lot of people were within there. That meant it wouldn't be simple grab-and-go for Ban to get his younger sister. In fact it would cause a lot of hassle, her brother and the other people inside most likely wanting to engage in questioning Ban.
As a result time would be taken. Time would be taken to talk to Ban, then for him to explain and then for Elaine to be introduced. Problem was time wasn't something Elaine had on her side. The person who was going to help her get Ban back to normal ran on a very tight schedule. In fact their instructions were extremely specific, making it difficult for Elaine to even get a chance at helping her beloved. As a result the blonde didn't want to waste time, and instead wanted to help while she could.
"Please hurry Ban," The words left quietly, a hand lingering on the boy's arm. Golden eyes looked into red, pleading. "We don't have much time."
The Fox Sin gave a firm nod at that, his solemn expression soon replaced with a foxy grin. Sharpened canines still remained, giving the grin a sly edge as Ban proudly puffed his chest and promised to help Elaine out.
"Don't worry, this'll only take a sec," Ban looked back at her, gaze filled with meaning despite the sly grin. "Plus my sis'll definitely want to help."
With that the boy disappeared into the tavern, leaving Elaine all alone outside of the mini-building. Silence filled the street immediately, the blonde fairy deciding that now was the best time to just sit down and catch a quick break. As a result she sat upon a fence, golden eyes watching warily for any sign that annoying knight from earlier. Oh yes that knight... She kept meddling with Elaine's plans for ban, always being two steps after him when Elaine went to check on him in the Necropolis.
Elaine could never catch a break when Jericho was around, her obvious crush on Ban always chipping away at Elaine's saint like patience. So it came as no surprise when the fairy was resurrected one day, the idea of helping Ban get back to normal set as her goal. Therefore she head straight for Liones, not caring about how her awakening had frightened many of the fairies within the Fairy King's Forest. Instead she only cared about Ban, her quest leading up to where she was now.
Speaking of now, Ban was taking a little long with fetching his sister...
Just as the fairy was about to check, the familiar sound of heavy footsteps and breathing became louder. No sooner than a second later, Jericho was in sight. Her face was slightly reddened, legs working at a pace much more urgent than before. On her back was a sword, stormy expression displaying that the female was drawing short on reasons not to use it against Elaine. Behind her followed a man that looked extremely similar to Jericho, his own expression stormy but mainly directed at Jericho.
"We need to talk," Jericho's words leave icily, the female stopping when she was face to face with the blonde. Her glare could rival the one upon Elaine's face, anger and frustration melding into one as she placed both hands on her hips. "You seriously can't be doing this with good intentions."
"I'm doing this to help Ban," Elaine answered simply, her tone anything but friendly. Usually calm, golden eyes are now steely and dark, Elaine looking Jericho dead in the eye. "I have to."
The knight scoffed at that, rolling her eyes as she looked at the blonde. This had to be joke! Elaine thinks she can help Ban by whisking him away and miraculously turning him back to his normal age, but all it could cause is more problems. Taking one of the Sins, but leaving the rest is just asking for trouble! Plus Jericho didn't know who Elaine thought she was by just magically appearing and insisting on taking Ban. It was ridiculous!
After all, life doesn't work that.
"This isn't helping!" Jericho frowned, foot stomping with frustration as she looked at the blonde. "After you turn Ban back into his normal age, then what? He'll obviously help the other Sins."
A look of anger crossed the fairy's soft features, Elaine no longer displaying the calm and docile nature she had before. Instead it is extremely angry and menacing, something strange going on with the petite blonde.
"So you're saying I shouldn't help him?" Elaine raises a brow, gaze accusatory as she glowered.
Another scoff was awarded at that, Jericho earning an eye roll from her brother. Gustaf thought this whole ordeal was really just pointless, the two females fighting over something which was really just a mere trifle. After all, either way Ban ends up being safe. They both want him to go back to his normal age, so fighting about how was really unnecessary. Especially because neither of their points were really valid at all. They were just baseless arguments. Baseless arguments fueled by emotions.
"I'm saying you should do it another way," Jericho's voice comes out strong, certain, her brows knitted. "We can do it together."
"And allow you to take the credit?" Elaine huffs, a tinge of red blooming on her cheeks. The look reminds both knights of a spoiled or jealous child, the petite blonde's softened features not helping at all. In fact they made it even worse, Jericho growing annoyed with such a bratty attitude and outlook.
"There is no credit!" Jericho cried out, her patience finally bursting like a finely built bubble. Her fists clench as her jaw tenses, anger radiating as she tries to get through to the impossible blonde. "I'm trying to help you both!"
"Then why are you stopping me?" Elaine questions once again, arms folded across her chest as she looks at the knight. "Why stop me when I can help Ban?"
Jericho reddens at this, her anger suddenly being cut short like a small fire dowsed by a bucket of water. Words melt into a trail of incoherent mutterings and thoughts, the young woman's blush betraying her main reasons for frustration. A small kick to the ground accompanies her answer, the angry knight suddenly bashful.
"Because - "
"Jericho you need to stop this," Gustaf got between the two, his lips curled with disapproval.
He knew that she wasn't taking her role as a Holy knight seriously. Not when Jericho agreed to babysit a child that was clearly lacking manners; or when she used her 'knightly privileges' to get into certain areas that are usually barred off for normal citizens. These acts alone displayed to the elder sibling that his baby sister was clearly not responsible enough to handle herself. Nor was she ready to actually do something worthwhile. She was too immature and it showed in how she squabbled with this youthful blonde.
The look in Gustaf's brown eyes was enough to entail what he was thinking to Jericho, the younger sibling already knowing he was disappointing. It came as no surprise to her really. All her brother did was remind her of how she disappointed him. Of how Jericho was a cause of embarrassment and disappointment.
However despite that, she wasn't going to back down in this argument. Not when there was so much at stake. Not when Elaine was about to risk the life of someone she valued greatly. Someone Jericho loved greatly.
"Save it for another time, Gustaf..." Jericho growled slightly, teeth grit as a hand instinctively reached for the hilt of her sword. She then pushed past him, brown eyes fixed on the fairy. "Elaine, you can't continue on like this. If you just go with us - "
"No!"
That was when the knight snapped. Leaping onto the fairy, Jericho made fast work of restraining the difficult blonde. At first Elaine had put up a pretty decent fight, thrashing and kicking at the larger and more developed female as best she could. However soon Jericho had restrained her, stronger arms pinning the fairy down and forcing her to look right into Jericho's eyes. Right into her brown, stormy eyes.
"Jericho stop this!" Her brother roared, anger now upon his features. "Fighting a child is too far! Your asinine crush on the Sin of Greed is ridiculous! He doesn't even love you."
He attempted to drag her off Elaine, but failed as Jericho kicked him away. The feisty female knight was far from done, her fiery temperament saying that she couldn't give up now. That she wouldn't give up now. Not when she could stop something terrible from happening.
"I'm not giving up! Not ever!" Jericho shakes her head wildly, the words tumbling out quicker than ever. Tears are pouring out of her eyes now, dropping onto the now still fairy's surprised face. "I'll never give up defending what's best for Ban because I love him! Even if he doesn't feel the same!"
"Jericho - "
"You don't need to feel sorry for me," The knight sniffed, shaking her head. The tears stop, her voice strengthening slightly. "You don't have to feel anything, because I've accepted it. But don't act selfishly because of Ban. If you do then how can you really love him? How can you help him if you're doing it all for yourself?"
Elaine's features softened at this, golden eyes losing their edge as tears ceased to fall. Pale skin became slightly flushed, embarrassment taking over as the fairy felt tears form in her own eyes. Tears she'd never thought she'd cry as she never felt like she'd sympathize with Jericho. Not when she got to follow Ban around all day; Not when she got to stick by his side; Not when Elaine saw her as a threat to her happiness.
But now, as the knight pinned her down in an attempt to talk, Elaine could clearly read her heart.
Elaine could see the desperation. She could see the honesty. The pain, the sadness, the anger, the frustration, the love... Elaine could see it all and so she couldn't fight back. Not when this one knight, this one woman who she thought was trying to steal Ban away, was really trying to help.
"I..." Elaine sniffed, tears spilling from amber eyes. "Y-you're right... But how can I - It won't work."
Elaine knew that it wouldn't. Not when her life was temporary lease in order to help Ban get back to normal. She was resurrected from negativity and despair, not pureness and hope. Hoping to live long enough to be of use to everyone, was just idle thinking. It won't be possible.
It wouldn't work.
"Yes it will," Jericho smiled at the blonde, releasing her firm hold. She then got up off the ground, offering a gloved hand to help Elaine. "You can do it this way. Our way."
Thought spilled over the fairy like sand in a timer. It was true that Elaine could help out in this way. It wouldn't be impossible and she would be of use for the short while she had left. Plus it'd be chance to finally travel with Ban. To see and enjoy the world beyond the Fairy King's forest. So why not try it? Why not agree?
"Yes, I can do that!" Elaine smiled back, accepting Jericho's hand. She rose to her feet shakily, her bright smile cancelling out her weak legs. "I can - "
"Elaine!"
Jericho rushed to the fairy's side, catching the blonde as she fainted. Golden eyes became slightly hooded, Elaine's legs giving way as Jericho hurried to catch the blonde. Luckily she caught her just in time, Jericho's reaction time quicker than ever. Elaine was super light too - almost like a feather - allowing the knight to easily balance herself as she caught the fairy.
"Well, well, well," A woman than appeared, patches of darkness floating around her in a spherical form. Long hair trailed to her hips, grin unmistakable as her lips widened across her face. "It seems our dear fairy princess has put up a fight..."
"Who the hell are you?" Jericho barked, gaze hard as she held Elaine close.
Even if the fairy wanted to steal Ban (and princess Elizabeth by default) away, the knight wanted to make sure she was safe. She wanted to make sure Elaine was there for Ban to return to. As a result she'd protect the blonde with all she had, her brother also seeming to follow suit as a hand rested on his sword.
"Oh, you'll know soon enough."
A fit of giggles left the woman's lips, mouth widening as she prepared to attack.
Back to present timing...
Guila rounded the corner to lay eyes on something she could never imagine happening. Not after the calm and lovely days that had graced her recently. In fact the sight was a cold look at reality, the full scale of it being similar to being soaked by a bucket of ice-cold water. Ice-cold, dirty water.
Some of the mini-buildings had already been destroyed, the crashing from earlier most likely signalling each structure's demise. The carefully crafted creations were now reduced to rubble, some of them already ripped apart while others leaned like a stack of weakened dominoes. Dust climbed into the air as debris lay scattered across the small street, only adding to the disheveled atmosphere of the sight. A sight that contrasted greatly with the fun and simple days that had past, this atmosphere feeling tense and thick.
This atmosphere that instantly plunged Guila from the warm fluttery feeling of the past few days and that spoke of reality. Plain, hard reality.
"Guila! Go get help!"
Jericho was climbing out of the ruined front of a mini-building, calling to her partner before coughing as she scowled and checked her arm. Jericho's features looked a little scattered, her clothes slightly scraped and torn. A highly displeased look crossed the female knight's face, her hands firmly gripping her sword's hilt despite the large bruise forming on her bicep.
Beside Jericho was Elizabeth, the tiny princess panicked about the knight's injuries. Her blue eyes were filled with tears, her face flushed with a flustered blush as she took in the young woman's shaken appearance. Hawk was beside the princess, the tiny hog babbling away about something that was most likely not important. In fact it seemed highly jarring from the slight twitch of Jericho's jaw as she stumbled out of the wreckage.
An unknown blonde was also with the three, her golden eyes dimmed as she stumbled on her legs. Regardless, the blonde still tried to push forwards, protesting against Jericho as the knight tried to hold her back.
In front of the group stood Howzer, Meliodas, Ban, Diane, Gustaf and King. Surprisingly they looked quite well off, however Howzer and Gustaf had taken the brunt of the injuries. Howzer was in front of the children, his body shielding them from harm. The poor blonde looked as if he'd been thrown through a blender, an assortment of contusions and abrasions littering his form from 'shield duties'. Gustaf had also helped out with the 'shielding', his experience and skill a little better than Howzer's. As a result the kids looked a little better off, their injuries kept to a minimum by the noble duo. However that didn't mean they weren't a little rough looking too.
Especially without any actual weapons.
"Another knight? This is extremely bothersome."
Attention was turned to the demon Guila had first seen upon arrival. Long lavender hair trailed to her hips, a white leotard clothing her form. Deep, dark eyes made her smile all the more sinister, an unnaturally elongated mouth seeming all too serpentine to be real. In fact everything about this demon screamed out serpent, from the way she teased her 'prey', to how she always gave a smile that revealed her slimy tongue and unnaturally large mouth.
A mouth that could swallow a man whole...
"W-what is that?" Guila breathed, her face still blanch from the scene she arrived to.
Sure, being a knight entails seeing things like this. It involves coming face to face with monsters and forms of evil almost daily. But this evil, this terror and horrible sinister aura that the knight felt right now was nothing like before. It was worse than all of the times before. In fact it was greater than them all added together. Nothing could describe the sheer dread and power Guila could feel emanating from this single demon's form. In all that she had seen when dealing with Hendrickson, when trying to defend the kingdom after the disappearance of the Sins, the knight had never faced anything like this.
She had never faced this level of evil and power.
"Melascula of Faith," The name easily slipped from Meliodas' mouth, the simple fact coming to him like second nature. Odd since he didn't think he cared much about the Commandments anymore. They were something from his old days. Something he didn't think of too often. But right now the fact came to him like breathing, those distant days of past seeming a lot closer than he knew them to be.
Very odd...
"Yes," Melascula pouted slightly, arms crossed over her slender form. Dark eyes narrowed as she glared daggers at the blonde captain, her voice seeming to turn in a hiss as she spoke. "Trust the traitor to remember my title."
"Just doing what I was trained to do."
Tension took over from fear immediately, all eyes upon the Commandment as she seemed to slip into deep thought at Meliodas' comment. Deep, slinking thought. Dark eyes narrowed into pinpoints, a long tongue sticking out slightly as a small hum escaped the female's mouth. Although she was mainly focused on trying to achieve the main goal of why she was here, Melascula couldn't deny that she wanted to have some fun too. In fact she thought these people could be fun. Especially with how the Meliodas she knew to be so stoic was suddenly a lot more chatty.
Not to mention the additional pull of the power locked inside each of those kids...
'It's not everyday you see such powerful children,' The demon inwardly giggled as narrowed eyes focused on the group. Corners of her lips twisted into an amused grin. 'Their souls would probably replenish me completely, not to mention get rid of obstacles. Plus Zeldris did say we can do as we please with them...'
A full smile then edged its way onto her face, the curve of the expression reaching well into her cheeks.
'Yes. That's a very good idea. A delectable idea...'
"Well since you're all standing here and looking pretty," Melascula hummed slightly, a playful lilt to her soft voice. "Who am I to pass up such a delicious and rare meal?"
Her mouth then enlarged, two great fangs forming as scales shimmered in the sunlight.
"Help! Help!"
Zeal and Gowther ran up to the gate, one red faced and the other with a concerned look upon his features. The pair looked out of place in the pleasant weather and atmosphere of the afternoon, their expressions contrasting greatly with the sunlight streaming onto the land below. Zeal was the one to yell to the knights, his reddened face and puffed cheeks giving a look of complete urgency. Being the less inexperienced of the two, he was panicked and flustered, unsure of whether his sister would be ok. Gowther was the one to follow in silence, his somber expression only causing more mystery for the awaiting royals.
"What's happened?" Barta raised a brow as the two boys were close to the group, brows creasing.
The group of adults had just been getting ready to call it a day, sending for a bell to be fetched. After a pleasant day of talking, teasing and eating, they were all ready to head inside and prepare for the big journey ahead. From the next day onward, both the princesses as well as the knight would be heading out of safety with a haggle of kids that were much more than a handful. As a result Bartra wanted them to be prepared, clearing his evening to talk over arrangements.
Therefore the group were getting ready to settle the kids down, knowing that they would probably cause more mayhem than help if left awake; However no-one expected Zeal and Gowther to come bounding up them, one red-faced and near tears, while the other was more calm and composed but still eerie.
"G-Guila, she - It - " Zeal's voice wobbled as he gulped slightly, nerves set on edge. "They need help!"
Confusion met this statement, Margaret and Barta exchanging concerned looks. Both elder royals had an inkling of what might have transpired, their wisdom knowing no bounds, but they couldn't exactly pinpoint it from the words of Zeal alone. It was too blubbered and emotional, the boy gulping and sniffling at every break. Gowther wasn't much help either, the child Sin seeming to focus on the king in a very odd and creepy way. In fact the doll hummed in thought, blinking slightly as Zeal babbled on in distress.
Barta shivered slightly as Gowther's eyes made contact with his own.
"Ok, ok calm down..." Margaret frowned as the boy hiccuped, a soft hand rubbing his back. "We need you to speak clearly to know what's going on."
The boy nodded slightly at that, sniffling as he took in a deep breath. After a good minute of his hiccuping and sniffling, Zeal was just about ready to speak, but Gowther beat him to it.
"Something attacked," Gowther spoke through the silence, his tone analytical as he looked at the mini-town. "And from what I'm sensing it's not just anything."
It was then debris flew into the air, an unfamiliar girl and wailing Hawk following as he carried Elizabeth on his back.
"Why won't you little runts stay still!"
The large snake hissed as it slithered along the long since leveled mini-town. What was once a walled play area, (that Diane was going to generously donate to the people of Liones after personal use) filled with beautifully coloured mini-buildings with cute little windows and fences, was now a pile of rubble and split wood. Spikes of what was once foundations and beams stuck up haphazardly from the ground, large pieces of jagged wood and stone littering the dirt around it. Glass lay scattered across the area too, crunching as the knights and children ran across it from the serpentine enemy.
The increasingly agitated enemy.
Contrary to Melascula's thoughts, the child Sins and the knights were well-versed in evasion. While none of them had the power or skill set to fight back against the high ranking demon, the group did have a number of evasive tactics. Splitting up, ducking behind the few pieces of mini-buildings that remained, and even using attacks as a distraction, were all used to try and stretch the time for reinforcements to arrive. As a result the group had been chasing the large reptile around the leveled area, trying to get her tie herself into knots.
But unfortunately she was too smart for that.
"Rule 101 of being a kid," Ban cackled as he jumped over a beam. His arm scraped across the wood, opening with a silent slice, but he didn't notice the sharp sting as his body slowly began to regenerate itself. Usually it would heal instantly, but right now it worked at what seemed like a snail's pace. "Tag is a very popular game."
"You forgot fun too!"
The comment was joined by a chorus of agreements, the childish Sins all enjoying this lethal encounter. In fact this was the most fun they'd had in a while, both childish and normal behaviors mixing into one as they raced about the dangerous playground. A playground that no responsible parent would let their kids play in, especially at the tender ages that the Sins appeared to be.
However choices such as that could not be made right now, all present adults trying to deal with defeating the serpentine threat before them.
"Ridiculous!"
The tail end of the large serpent came crashing down, Diane and King rushing out from its path. Both children shrieked, one floating away with his pillow and the other yelping as she dashed away. Wood once again splintered as Melascula struck, fragments flying into the air along with the dirt, dust and small rocks. It caused quite a commotion, Diane regrouping with Guila, Howzer and Meliodas while King went towards Ban, Gustaf and Jericho.
However that wasn't where the Commandment's violent and precise movements ended, the snake weaving its way around the outermost corners. All three knights instantly moved to shield the children, weapons clutched tightly as they watched the serpent move rapidly in whirling circles. Purple and white scales moved in a memorizing pattern, the sharp hiss of the creature unmistakable as she planned to entrap her tricky prey. A tricky prey that would restore her power back to her.
"How can you not like tag?" Diane huffed as she watched the snake move, tempted to make a pillar of rock that would stab right through her form. However the giantess soon withdrew from it, knowing that she was too weak right now to deal real damage. It was best to just leave the demon be. "It's the bestest game ever!"
No words followed this, the hissing of the serpent growing more and more agitated as she slithered faster and faster. Scales were now indistinguishable, the purple and white blending into a lilac blur. A fast whooshing sound followed the snake, the noise only growing louder as it continued to move.
"Now's not the time to rile her up..." Howzer frowned slightly, purple eyes watching warily as the snake continued to move. Rough hands gripped his weapon tightly, the knight not at all pleased as he continued to anticipate an attack.
"She's got something planned," Gustaf nodded as his group regrouped with Howzer and the others, all of them now locked in by shimmering scales. "Keep up your guard."
All knights nodded at that, stances and grips only getting more firm and serious as they all watched the dancing snake. There were no entries for Melascula to pluck a child away, the children now protected at all sides as the adults prioritized their safety. However that didn't erase all worries, the loud whooshing and low hisses of the serpent being anything but calming. In fact it was downright terrifying, all of the knights knowing that if they didn't get help all of Liones would perish.
"So you're not gonna attack?" Ban teased, laughing dryly as he watched the snake. "Looks like Melascula really is a big wus!"
"Oh yeah, she's a huge wus," Meliodas agreed, a smile growing as he watched the snake. "A really big wus."
The group of children then fell into laughter, some sort of secret joke being shared between them. It was pretty confusing for the knights to watch, all of them annoyed at the fact that they chose now of all times to act like a group of children. But then again that was what they were...
"Kids..." Jericho spoke through grit teeth, eyes hardened and steeled as she sent them a glare.
This caused the laughter to stop, the children once again regaining serious and somber expressions. But instead of them being genuine, they seemed like a jab at the situation. In fact Diane pulled a pretty amusing one, a large frown on her features as she crossed her arms and huffed. Meliodas and Ban looked out of place as well, both laughing at the other as they pulled silly faces. It was only King who remained serious, his amber eyes now fixed on the slithering scales as his spear floated beside him.
"Sorry, Jericho," The fairy spoke ready to continue, but interrupted by Ban.
"But I'm just so bored by this snake!" The red-eyed Sin emphasized on his whining, rolling his eyes. "She calls herself a Commandment and yet she's not even attacking anyone! All she does is slither around like a huge wus."
"Slither, slither, slither," Diane nodded, repeating the words like a song as she nodded. "Wus, wus, wus..."
Both Jericho and Gustaf muttered at this but didn't do much more, instead choosing to focus on the monster they had to face. It was as they turned that the Commandment then sprung up from her spiraling, fangs bared as she hissed. Red eyes glared at the group of children, the owner feeling about ready to take her well-deserved and difficult meal. Slight drops of poison formed in Melascula's fangs, ready to be unleashed.
"I'll show you - "
The snake ended up on the ground, her head gone limp from the blow delivered. Red eyes were lidded, slight mumbling coming from the creature as she squirmed slightly. It seemed she was immobile for now, however that length of time couldn't be predicated. As a result the knights sprung into action, ready to finish the job but halted by the appearance of a familiar face.
"Merlin!"
The group of child Sins rushed to the smirking girl, glad that she had finally shown up. If she had left it for any longer then they may have become snake food, perhaps even a 'rare delicacy' for the rest of the Commandments too. However Merlin had not disappointed, appearing in the nick of time and somehow finding a way to allow Escanor to be 'super buff mode' after noon. As a result the snake had been easily knocked out, Escanor delivering the blow with a single swing of what looked like a mini-Divine Axe Rhitta.
That looked out of place, especially with Escanor grinning from ear to ear in golden armour. But not just that told the children that Merlin had something planned - oh no it was from the smirk on her lips that they knew Merlin had news to share.
"I'm sorry for not coming sooner," Merlin sighed as she surveyed the snake, easily walking and drawing around its body. "But I had some important matters to attend to."
The group watched as the child mage continued to draw with the chalk, curious as to what Merlin could have planned. It was quite a fascinating thing to watch actually, the way Merlin easily drew what looked like impossible shapes looking ridiculously easy. However one person wasn't entranced by this, his mind curious as to what 'Miss Merlin' could have possible gotten up to. His was highly aware of her dangerous side projects after all.
"What type of matters?" Meliodas raised a brow, not at all tricked by Merlin's spontaneous arrival.
"Royal matters," Merlin responded easily as she finished chalking the area around the huge serpent. She then signed something and the creature shrank, the mage easily putting her into a glass vial. "Speaking of which I have these for you all. A gift from the King."
Each Sin was then tossed a weapon, the responses seeming like pure gold to the adults as they watched the mini-people receive their gifts.
Mini-scared treasures.
"Lil Gideon!" Diane squealed, hugging the smaller warhammer with excitement. It was almost exactly alike to the original, the design consisting of the same hammer head, but owning a slightly different pattern running up the shaft and base. Nevertheless brown pigtails swung rapidly as Diane clutched the thing, a huge smile painted on her lips. "Thanks so much Merlin!"
"Yeah," Ban nodded, grinning as he tried out his own mini weapon. It was exactly alike, his own weapon not that hard to recreate. As a result the Fox Sin easily maneuvered it with a flourish, giving a bow as he heard one of the knights clap at his display. "Thank you, thank you! You're all too kind, shitheads!"
An eye roll was awarded here, the mini captain nudging Ban.
"Always the one to give a show," Meliodas shook his head, grinning as he tossed his own version of Lostvayne between his little hands. It was surprising to know that such lengths had been taken for what should be a 'simple' task. After all each child would be accompanied by a responsible 'adult', however they still were awarded mini weapons that would've taken ages to craft. "Try to tone down the ego."
"Oh you're one to talk Cap'n," The blue-haired boy chuckled in response, a hand landing roughly on the blonde's shoulder. "I'm pretty sure you have the larger ego."
Meliodas fell silent at this, an odd feeling settling in the pit of his stomach. A low, sinking feeling. It was similar to feeling a pull, or perhaps even a sense of dread, something not settling within the tiny captain as he drifted into stillness. A stillness that didn't help as the beating of his seven hearts seemed louder than ever in his ears, coarse hands loosely holding his sword as his jaw tensed slightly. Brows furrowed and green eyes hardened, the feeling niggling all the more as his gaze settled on the outline of the castle.
"Something wrong Cap?" Ban stopped laughing, his forehead creasing as he regarded the suddenly silent blonde.
"No, it's nothing," Meliodas shook his head, pushing the feeling away. "Just thought of something."
However the feeling returned, bugging the captain no matter how hard he tried to shove it aside.
Open Opinions
"Why do you want peace?"
I blink as he asks the question, the golden haze of the day breaking as I look at Meliodas. As usual we had met up, exchanging silly stories about our daily lives in the usual catch up we had when we crossed paths. Talking, teasing and all sorts had occurred, the day waning onward as the afternoon turning into early evening. As a result we both sat within the ruins of the Theater, simply finding solace in the other's company.
Hence the question coming up.
"What do you mean by that?" I tilt my head slightly, tucking a silver strand behind my ear.
I thought I'd always made it clear why I wanted peace. Why I wanted to end this pointless war. The main clue is in how I describe the war: pointless. It truly is a pointless ordeal, my mother somehow dragging this out for reasons that are unknown to me. As a result countless people, from all races, risked their lives to fight or survive in the mess that was this conflict. In the mess that was an intricate game to my mother and perhaps even the Demon King from how Meliodas described it all.
It seems lies are spread on all sides at this point, the demons seeming to hold more truth than the goddesses.
In fact Meliodas telling me the truth on how some things really were, also was a reason for me trying to end this war. Him telling me about things, showing me things and even just talking to me and showing how demons are different from the monsters they're constantly painted to be were reasons to want peace. They were motivators for the ultimate goal of peace. They were things to fight for, and so I wanted to achieve peace for those things.
I wanted to achieve it for overall happiness.
"Why do you want peace?" Meliodas raised a brow, a look of interest mixed with his sincerity. "What made you want it in the first place?"
For a moment I match his serious stare with a pinked face, blinking slightly as I can feel my face heating up.
I was used to Meliodas being serious and stern, I had seen that side of him from tales and recounts from the battlefield, but recently he had a been a bit different. Meliodas was a bit more let-loose than when I'd first encountered him, more relaxed whenever I was near. I'd thought it was a coincidence at first, my mind playing tricks on me perhaps, but now that he suddenly seemed so serious and solemn I was beginning to wonder why his mood had suddenly switched.
Why Meliodas suddenly seemed very dutiful. Almost like an honor bound knight.
"Well I think everyone deserves a little happiness," I smile slightly, despite my heated face, before sighing. "Let's face it no-one's innocent in this war, Meliodas. We're all guilty of something, Goddess or Demon, Fairy or Giant. Plus what are we fighting for at this point?"
Meliodas seemed to follow every word of it, actually listening and thinking about my opinion. He was the only person to take me seriously these days, my mother and her 'loyal devotees' never really letting me get a word in edge ways. It was always 'Oh Lady Elizabeth you're far too sweet!' or 'Bless her soul, Lady Elizabeth is too kind'. Whenever I shared opinions like these they were never heard, only said to thin air; but when I told Meliodas about them he seemed to listen and remember them. He actually valued my opinion.
And for that I'm eternally grateful.
"Hey Elizabeth?" Meliodas' voice breaks the thoughts, sounding a little brighter than earlier.
"Yeah?"
I turn to face him and he's back to his more relaxed state, arms crossed behind his head of wild hair as he leaned against the stone seats. It's as he looks back at me that I notice a difference, that sort of honor-bound state coming back. Only this time I wasn't unsettled, only surprised.
"I promise I'll help you find peace," His tone had slipped from chipper to sincere, grin wiped away by a look of utmost seriousness. Green eyes shared contact with my own, the owner's once dark irises lightened. "Even if it's impossible, even if you were to die, I'll still do it."
Usually I would break into a full face of red at something like this. I'd run away or squeak out an embarrassed or flustered response as I tried not to offend the other person. I wouldn't be studying their features, or marveling at how green their once pitch dark eyes are. I shouldn't be thinking about all the times he's made me laugh, or the times I've flew the was the only person I could tell certain things to. I shouldn't be doing any of it.
But as Meliodas makes this promise, I can't help but feel as if I should make my own. I can't help but feel as if I should shoulder some of this huge burden he seems to carry, and so I do.
"Then I promise to make sure I won't die," I smile simply, eyes boring directly into his own. "I'll stay by your side forever, Meliodas."
It's then my face decides to break into a full blush, the weight of my words finally kicking in as a grin breaks out on Meliodas' features.
"You know I wouldn't mind that."
"I'm being serious you know!" I huff slightly, cheeks puffed as I fold my arms over my chest. "Although I should've worded it better..."
"I know," He chuckles, an arm going around my shoulder. "I'm sorry for laughing."
A firm squeeze is then given to my chest, only resulting in my face erupting into redness once again.
Oh Meliodas...what am I going to do with you?