A/N: I'm finally back with a new update! Sorry it's later than usual - I have the same reason as always. I also got vaccinations and damn did my arm hurt... But let's not dwell on the author's boring life! Instead we should focus this new chapter and how it's finally NOT a Liones chapter! *Cheers fill the background*
This chapter focuses on the plot finally moving along. That means important conversations, plans and also kiddie mishaps nudging their way in between. Sadly the group won't be leaving Liones until the chapter after next as I had to split this in two. Apologies for that... But I'll just leave you all to read it. It's been long enough after all...
As always though, thanks for all the lovely support. Count's at: 35 Faves, 41 Followers and 59 Reviews. Thanks so much everyone! Also check out my other two stories in progress 'I Thought I Knew You' and '3,000 Years'. I'd appreciate if anyone did TwT
Silver - Yep she's a total wus XD. Merlin and Escanor's activities will be explained in this chapter, also woohoo for mini scared treasures! I can't wait to share everyone's reactions to King being Elaine's sister! Plus with Ban being there - the noise I just made. Lmao XD. (Basic summary of what I imagine happening: Ban: This is my woman, Elaine. Meli: Elaine? Isn't she King's side chick? Ban, Elaine & King: King's/my what now? Howzer: Yeah you were talking about her. The one we agreed to keep secret from Diane. King & Elaine: We're siblings...) But yeah thanks for the review :)
Darkjuliet444 - No problem! I'll get started on the story after I finish this one cause...well I'm not even gonna describe my schedule. I'm glad you liked the chapter and the Gustaf thing has now been added to the idea list. You're right about the Sins not being sleepy and the story idea is so cute! I can see them all having a story time and curling up at a fire with hot cocoa... I did have that as an idea as well. Great minds think alike. Plus Margaret and Guila are totally the ultimate maternal masters. Haha, the Zeal ideas are adorable too. Plus the sibling scenario is so accurate. (Please read the next paragraph)
Example: King - Elaine I don't get why you try to reason with him. Ban's a total nutcase. Elaine - He's not King. Ban can be sweet... King - Then how can you explain this? *Ban is now fighting with Veronica while a wailing Elizabeth runs to Meliodas* Elaine - Oh Ban...
Car Barrier - Thanks :)
Till next time,
D.L.D
"Looking after them is 'easy', hmm Gustaf?"
Jericho tried to withhold breaking into bouts of laughter as she looked at the scene before her, the expression upon her elder brother's face beyond priceless as he only released a defeated sigh.
It had been exactly an hour, one hour, since the two siblings had made a bet. Gustaf was still pretty angered from earlier in the day, constantly reminding Jericho on how she had skipped meeting with some very important guests for 'babysitting duties'. So since Gustaf believed that looking after children was literal child's play, Jericho thought to make him bet upon it, claiming that if he could put the kids to bed in an hour then she would respect his authority more often. However if Jericho herself won, then her brother would have to be more accepting and let-loose towards her ambition to be a knight.
Something that Jericho was glad to have bet upon.
The scene she came to was utter chaos, Gustaf sat in the middle of the room staring and rocking as Ban jabbered on and on. The Fox Sin seemed very unhappy, his tone being extremely serious as he lectured the man. Gowther and Zeal were reading together in a corner, both boys seeming content. From their expressions they were growing rather sleepy, both being the more quiet parties. Elizabeth and Diane had also managed to sneak into the room, both girls adding more work to the pile. Meliodas was entertaining the two stowaways with a game, both girls looking guilty as Jericho walked in. King was trying to help the knight restore order; however the tiny fairy's attempts were for naught, Diane knowing all the ways to sway him.
As a result Jericho entered a pretty rowdy room, kids running about as they bashed each other with pillows or threw the odd stuffed animal. King was in the corner, sulking with a blanket over his head as he refused to face the others; and Ban just grinned widely as Gustaf rushed up to greet his sister. However that had gone south very quickly, Jericho trying to withhold chuckles as her brother scowled.
"I guess I stand corrected..." The elder sibling grumbled, hand grabbing Ban by the collar of his shirt. The man then passed the child Sin to his sister, frowning as Ban continued to grin. "Here, I believe this is yours."
Jericho scrambled to catch the child as her brother tossed him, grunting slightly as she readjusted her weight. For a kid his size, Ban was pretty heavy; in fact he weighed a lot more than you would think. Funny since he was quite a lean kid.
"Not so fast, Gummy bear," Ban shook his head, tongue clicking mockingly as he looked at the knight. A small hand pointed towards the scowling Gustaf, a huge grin splitting the Fox Sin's features. "You owe your lil sis here an apology."
Gustaf froze at that, back and shoulders straightening as he was caught red handed. Like with Jericho, Gustaf had decided to make a bet with her impertinent ward, The Fox Sin of Greed Ban. A choice that had proven quite stupid, since the boy was now making sure to collect his payment. A very embarrassing payment.
"I -"
"That's unless you want me to tell her instead~" Ban chuckled, the teasing tone in his voice not at all hidden from the knight.
He was now perched upon Jericho's shoulders, red eyes filled with glee as he watched the frustrated and seething knight. A shit eating smirk couldn't help but form as the boy watched Gustaf's fists tense slightly, fingers curling and uncurling as he sharply breathed in. Ban knew that he was pissing Gustaf off. He was pissing the knight off greatly.
Good.
"Very well," The man coughed slightly, turning to face his younger sister and the cheeky Sin. A slight grimace sat on his features, thick brows set at an angle as a light blush broke onto his face. "I guess you are capable of handling yourself Jericho. I'm-sorry-for-being-so-harsh-on-you."
The last phrase left quickly and quietly, Gustaf's facing turning redder as he swiftly looked away from his stunned sister. Never, not ever, had Gustaf really apologised for being the strict stand-in-father he was. To Jericho he had always been the mean, old man in her life, who always grumbled about how she should be more feminine or useful. It didn't lighten up when the young woman became an apprentice Holy Knight either, the elder only saying that he helped her get the job. Which was true. Even if Gustaf was as cold and cruel as ice at times, Jericho had to admit he often did these things because he cared.
However hearing those words, Jericho couldn't help but smile slightly at her cold older brother. It took a lot, but he finally apologised. He finally appreciated her.
But Ban was not satisfied.
"What was that, Mr Knight?" Ban grinned, a hand cupping his ear for emphasis.
"Yeah we didn't quite hear that, Gummy Bear," Jericho joined in, her soft smile breaking into a full grin as she placed her hands on her hips. She might as well milk this while she still can. "You might wanna speak up."
Red exploded on the man's face once more, his jaw setting in a tight grimace as he knew he was well and truly caught. He had to say those words that showed he was unnecessarily hard because it was the only way he knew how to be. It was the only way he knew how to raise a kid - especially a kid like Jericho.
"I said I'm sorry!" Gustaf huffed, arms folding across his chest. "And that's all you'll get out of me! Now good night!"
The knight then left, stomping out of the room as the pair broke into hysterical cackles. The rest of the kids hadn't really bothered to see what was going on, instead continuing their wild and sulky antics while Jericho and Ban continued.
"Thanks for that Ban," Jericho smiled as she plucked the boy from her shoulders and spun him about. She then hugged him tightly.
"Don't mention it, Jheri," Ban smiled in return, glad that he had helped. However he wasn't enjoying the longness of this hug. It was very tight and very, very restricting. "Now put me fucking down!"
Placing the child onto the floor, Jericho then sighed. She knew very well that things were now back to normal. A very undesirable normal.
Two children were left in the study, one still scouring books while the other scampered about clearing up and providing tea. They had been within the room all evening, getting back to work immediately after the short trip to collect the mini sacred treasures. However the atmosphere was oddly thick between them, both children trying not to notice as the other glanced at them in both concern and slight frustration.
As a result it couldn't be helped when Escanor asked the fated question once more, the words seeming like a broken record for the already tired Merlin.
"Are you sure you're alright Miss Merlin?" Escanor stopped his scurrying about, brows creasing with concern as he tried to balance a high pile of books. The boy couldn't help but worry as he watched over the Boar Sin, lots of things not adding up the more he thought about what she'd done. Especially when what Merlin had done was rather reckless on her part.
Hazel eyes glanced up at the now timid Lion Sin, dark hair falling into her gaze as she paused from her reading. For the last while she had noticed Escanor's growing concern for her, which was touching but also quite annoying considering that she felt perfectly fine. Well as fine as she could be. There wasn't much to worry about after all. Merlin knew all the possible side effects and if her memory served well enough the potion was more or less safe.
"Yes, I'm perfectly well, Escanor," Merlin repeated her response once more, a smile sitting on her lips but definitely not reaching her eyes. A sign that she was growing tired of the constant concern despite its good intentions.
"But are you absolutely sure?" The boy looked right into her eyes, wobbling as the books he held began to tilt. He then readjusted the stack, easily regaining the perfect balance. "You did say the potion was untested."
That was true. The potion used was a new one that Merlin had invented herself, the girl drawing upon a long forgotten project she had concocted after the pain of having unrequited feelings. Back then her still childish mind had thought she would never get over the empty hole left. She had felt there was only one solution. But of course with time Merlin had forgotten the bitter pang left by her crush, especially with the support and love of Elizabeth as well as Meliodas, and so she had felt no need to create the potion.
However now she was back in her child form, the mage could feel that bitter taste and feeling returning. She could feel the slight pangs of jealousy. And so she had to create it to stop herself from doing anything drastic.
"That's why I chose myself as the test subject," Merlin answered in a rather scientific tone, gaze going back to the book opened before her. She tried to focus on the printed text instead of the raging storm of thoughts in her mind. Books always helped with that after all. Books and knowledge. They both helped Merlin to detach from emotions and thought. "There were no other candidates fit to test it."
Escanor frowned at those words, dismayed that Merlin would not find him fit to tell the complete truth to. While he knew that it was none of his business as to why Merlin chose to do this, the Sin did feel bad that he had not made the progress he thought he did. After all, Merlin had trusted Escanor to tell him that she had taken the potion. She told him the side effects of it and why she wanted him to look after her. But when he tried to discover why Merlin had even considered taking the potion herself, the mage would always shoot the Lion Sin down.
"While that's true I still disagree," Escanor remained hopeful, his tone still chipper as he decided to resume with the task he was doing. The books were causing his arm to hurt now. "It was rather reckless to..."
"To ingest a substance that can mess with my mind?" Merlin raised a brow, sighing as the Lion Sin seemed to shrink at her tone. "I'm perfectly aware of the consequences, Escanor. There's no need to worry. I promise."
Merlin then supplied a smile to the boy, warm and comforting despite the tired look on her face. Dark shadows ringed her bright eyes, slight lines creasing her face from a lack of sleep or perhaps even something else. Plus there was the way her skin had paled slightly, the girl's fingers twitching as she held her place in the book before her, that made it look unnatural.
As a result the smile didn't do much to comfort the worrisome Escanor. He could see that something odd was happening to the Merlin he held so dear, especially to her mind. He was pretty concerned about the way she seemed so dismissive towards why she even considered ingesting the potion. Merlin was always mysterious, but she often tested on other people not herself. It was something the elusive mage almost always did.
But despite the worrying thoughts plaguing his brain, Escanor decided to instead give a smile and try to find out more later.
"If you say so..."
Three smart knocks then sounded, both children's attentions drawn to the door and the visitor it brought. A visitor that had to be an adult as the rest of the children had been promptly dealt with. So the conversation between the Sins came to a standstill, both silently agreeing to continue it later.
"Come in," Merlin spoke, glad that the interruption provided a distraction from the potion problem.
Princess Margaret then entered the room, elegant and collected as always as her gown followed behind her. Long lavender hair was still out, the expression on her face suggesting a serious matter or perhaps even business. As a result Escanor quickly shrank back into the shadows of the room, quietly getting along with the tasks he was doing before. That left Merlin to deal with the princess, her slight concern for Escanor hidden by the catlike smirk she sported.
"Ah, Lady Merlin," Margaret smiled as she approached the desk the girl sat at. Brown eyes filled with delight as delicate hands folded before her form. "Father said I would find you here."
Merlin raised a brow, taken aback by the cheerful greeting but still not looking surprised as she kept her smirk in place. It would seem out of character for her to be surprised after all, plus it would show the cracks in her otherwise perfected mask.
"And what do I owe the pleasure of your visit, princess?" Merlin closed the book on the desk, finding that she'd probably be held up for a while if Margaret wanted to talk. The princess was no fool after all. Margaret knew how to get what she wanted, not to mention how to get it. "It must be important as you can see I'm extremely busy."
A slight frown formed at that, the princess easily seating herself across from the child Sin. She sat with a straightened back, skirts gathered around her legs in a neat mess of fabric. Gracefully, a hand removed a lock of lavender hair from her face.
"Well the other babysitters and myself had some questions about the assignment," Margaret's expression remained clear, appealing directly to Merlin. "We didn't have much time to discuss it earlier."
Ah the meeting! Merlin knew she had forgotten something important. The king had told her to make sure to inform everyone about what would happen the next day, Merlin promising to do as such as she tried to tick off a bunch of other tasks she had to do. Getting the sacred treasures; preparing things for the mission; and even contacting Arthur to prepare to go to Camelot had been on her list of things to do. In her haste to get everything prepped, Merlin had completely shoved Bartra's request aside.
Such a stupid thing to do...
"We can conduct a meeting then," Merlin answered quickly, waving a hand as she began to scan her notes. It was easier to read than to think. Especially when this one small blunder was causing an annoyance that Merlin thought was nonexistent to flare.
"As soon as possible," Margaret interjected, her smile still in place. She watched as the child tried to hide her slight scowl, the princess' features only becoming sweeter as she continued. "We just want everything to be clarified."
Merlin frowned slightly at that, stopping her skimming and scanning. She supposed she could spare some time to talk to the adults. It shouldn't take too long to tell them about what she had prepped and how they should aim to get back as soon as possible. After all, the babysitters seemed competent enough. They could also handle the rowdy kid Sins. A bonus as that allowed her to go to Camelot while they dealt with Gilthunder and Vivian.
Plus the sooner Merlin did this, the sooner she could head to Camelot and actually make a dent in this impossible puzzle.
"Very well," The girl sighed, a tired hand sweeping over her weary face. "I suggest you gather everyone here and we can conduct a meeting."
"Thank you, Lady Merlin!" Margaret beamed, already prepared to tell the others the great news. "It's highly appreciated!"
The princess then left, Merlin only sighing as the door clicked shut. The mage then reopened the book, her golden eyes going back to scanning but her mind instead lingering on her thoughts. It was unlike her to be like this. Very unlike her. She shouldn't be so emotive and not focused on her work...
Brows crinkling, Merlin then glanced at the Lion Sin. She felt a slight warmth brewing.
Maybe Escanor was right to be concerned.
"Ban get back here!"
Jericho fumed as she hunted for the mischievous Fox Sin, annoyed that he had once again snuck out to cause trouble.
The evening had quickly waned into night, leading to all of the adults deciding to assign Jericho to put the kid Sins to bed. That way they could focus on what they needed to talk about, such as the plans for Liones whilst the group were gone, without any interruption from nosy, grubby kids. But of course there were the few who didn't like 'bedtime' the troublemakers finding all sorts of ways to escape their frustrated babysitters.
"Has he escaped again?" Elaine yawned slightly, tiredly rubbing her eyes as she held onto a wall for support. "I'll help you find him if he has."
She looked rather pale, golden eyes standing out more than ever against her shadow-rimmed eyes. Blonde hair somehow fell neatly from her head, not at all ruffled or frizzed from the day's earlier events, as a simple pink nightgown pooled at her ankles. The fairy looked a lot like a sickly child as she leaned against the wall, her small hand clutching onto it quite tightly from the paleness of her knuckles. Something that worried Jericho as she spotted the fragile fairy.
"No, don't push yourself, Elaine!" Jericho shook her head vigorously, rushing to the fairy's side. She then linked an arm with Elaine's, a hand cupping her elbow. "You need to rest up and get better. Ban'll have my ass if anything happens to you."
A small nod left Elaine at that, the fairy deciding to do as the knight said. After all, Jericho seemed to have everyone's best interests at heart, the knight being true on her word. So Elaine trusted her greatly, especially in the matters of looking after Ban. Jericho had proven she was more than capable of it after all. Today was a great example of that, and if Ban hasn't been killed or anything yet then clearly the knight was doing something right.
"Ok, but if you need help do ask," Elaine looked up at the knight, golden eyes determined despite her frail appearance. "I know Ban can be a handful."
As if on cue the Sin appeared, caught red handed with what looked like a huge midnight feast within his clutches. A grin formed on his lips as he spotted the pair, innocent and normal as he gave them both a wave. He then gestured down the hall, clearly meaning for Elaine to tag along, before chuckling and continuing on his way. A simple whistling tune left his lips as he did this, Ban being as brazen as ever in his exploits.
"That boy..." Jericho grumbled as she watched his form disappear down the hall.
Elaine simply giggled at the sight, amused but also knowing too well of what the Fox Sin had planned. Even if Ban was a kid again, that didn't mean he wasn't the same. Plus the prospect of joining the Sins for whatever they had planned was exciting...
"You're too soft on him," Jericho shook her head, now guiding Elaine to the room that had been prepared for her. "He'd get away with murder if you let him."
"I could argue the same," Elaine answered in response, leading to the knight spluttering in response.
A fit of laughter overtook the fairy at this, tears of joy spilling as Jericho only continued to splutter. Perhaps doing this wasn't a mistake.
Ban arrived into the room, whistling cheerfully as he balanced the bundle of 'stolen' goods for the main event of the night. It had taken a bit of hard work, but the Fox Sin had successfully managed to infiltrate and borrow a few things from the royal kitchens. Plus he managed to sneak in a little invite to Elaine, both infuriating his babysitter Cheerio and saving the detour to where Elaine was staying. As a result Ban was in really chipper mood as he entered the room the kids occupied.
"Ban's back!"
"Yes, finally!"
"What took you so long?"
All of the kids noticed his arrival, most of them still awake apart from Zeal and Gowther. The two had fallen asleep on the window seat, the story they were reading sending them into a tranquil state. As a result it was only four hyperactive kids who remained.
"Avoiding the adults, that's what," The Fox Sin snapped, although his grin displayed that he wasn't really peeved. Instead he easily sauntered into the middle of the room, setting down his loot for all the children to see. "Speaking of here's the stuff ya asked for."
The kids all scrambled into the centre of the room, eager to see if Ban had managed to get what they had asked for. As a result the Fox Sin's grin grew into a smirk. A brilliant smirk as he began to rummage through the loot for everyone's specific orders (although he did steal quite a lot more than was necessary).
"Some apple pie for Kilia," Ban then handed 'Kilia' the item, smiling proudly as her eyes lit up with joy. "Some stuff for Cap'n," The items were tossed to the blonde. "And a bunch of stuff for me." Ban then picked up majority of what was left, happily taking a bite from a hunk of bread. He also had a few things like cheese, fruit and even some left over smoked pork that was meant to be saved for sandwich meat.
However that act left the two other kids with nothing, both King and Diane expressing their outrage and dismay as Ban maintained a more than innocent look. Especially when a bag was leftover, the Fox Sin trying his best to conceal that it was even there.
"Did you forget the trifle?" Diane whined, pouting as she eyed the bag leftover. She was on the verge of tears, her excitement now dulled by disappointment. "You know I've always wanted to taste one of those, Ban!"
"Please say this is a joke," King joined the shrunken giantess, still rather mopey from earlier on.
Both of them were a little more than tired, in fact they were overtired, the fight from earlier taking quite the toll. As a result they were both sniveling messes, tears brewing in their eyes as they sulked at the chuckling Fox Sin. The same Sin who loved to make lame jokes like these that made people very upset or angry.
"Well..." Ban hummed slightly, a brow raised as he picked up the bag at his feet. He then rummaged through it, ignoring that obvious feel of the stuff inside and revealing his empty hand to the fairy and giant. "It seems not."
That answer was not at all satisfactory to the pair, Diane now glaring at the Fox Sin as King attempted to keep her calm. After all, one of Diane's tantrums happening right now would not be good at all. Especially when they were located in Liones castle and near a place in which many civilians lived. If Diane got really upset, then the whole place could be leveled and a lot of people would be hurt. However that didn't mean King wasn't upset at Ban either. The Fox Sin could feel the fairy's killer glare on him, the sulk in King's frown obvious to all.
"That's all I asked for!" Diane huffed, a foot landing heavily against the floor.
Thankfully the ground didn't quake, instead a slight rumble was felt. Zeal and Gowther stirred slightly at the impact, while everyone else was unharmed by the minuscule quake. However the slight shift was enough to make Ban scramble into the bag.
"Just kidding!" Ban chuckled, quickly tossing something at the brunette. "One trifle for Diane!"
The giantess smiled in delight, eagerly catching and unwrapping her package before taking a greedy bite from a slice. That only left King without what he'd asked for, the fairy knowing fully well that Ban also had his request hidden within the bag.
"Hand it over Ban," King looked at the boy with a hardened gaze, his expression still sulky albeit now a little more serious. He held out a tiny hand to receive his goods and Ban only rolled his eyes at the sight.
"Calm down I got your stupid item, Old Fart," Ban grumbled, frowning as he rummaged once more and then passed the fairy his stuff. "I wouldn't want to eat that crap anyway."
The boy pulled a face as he reluctantly gave King the remaining food, the fairy also grimacing at Ban's behaviour. He was extremely immature. Way too immature.
"And this is why I wonder how Elaine tolerates you," King groused, his grimace clear as he floated away from the Fox Sin.
Ban only grinned at that remark, his sharpened canines all the more prominent as he watched the sulky King. Oh he had the perfect comeback for that. Just the right one to push King's already pressed buttons.
"The answer is she loves me," Ban smirked, taking a confident bite from the hunk of bread once more.
The fairy froze at that, but didn't respond. Instead he only grumbled something beneath his breath, jaw and fists clenched but mind knowing better than to respond. Instead he only floated towards Diane, knowing that she'd help to calm him down. Or at least stop him from impaling Ban with his Spirit Spear. Yes, that second option sounded a lot more plausible. Especially when King could see a lot more comments like that coming from Ban tonight.
"Ok now the first order of a midnight feast!" Diane clapped, gaining the others' attention as she beckoned them all into a circle. As usual she had a mischievous glint in her eye, a playful grin quirked on her lips as she announced yet another of her schemes. "We have to play a game!"
"Another game?"
A round of groans went around the group, each of the children a little tired of Diane's 'games'. It was no secret that the giantess tended to get a little carried away with her games. Perhaps it was because Diane didn't have the conventional childhood, or maybe she just wanted to experience one similar to a human's - whatever it was Diane just always had to take these games to the next level. A level that left even Merlin stunned at times.
So it came as no surprise when the other children announced their disdain at the idea, each of them a little tired from the day's events. However that didn't dampen Diane's cheery mood at all, instead it only motivated her further.
"Yep and I've chosen a great one!" Diane wiggled her brows, gaze lingering on each of the other kids. The wide smile on her features wasn't helping at all, majority of the group knowing what it meant. Mischief and trouble. "Truth or dare!"
A reaction of blinks was given to this, the group confused as to how Diane came up with a 'normal' game for once. You know a game that doesn't involve marriage, kids or anything to do with mature adult themes... Not that Diane ever did anything too mature, but usually her games scared even the adults. Poor Howzer still hadn't recovered from the 'wedding' between her and King; everyone doubted he ever would. He really did believe he was officiating it after all.
So of course none of the children had any objections, their confusion dissipating into agreement. Truth or dare was a pretty basic game. There was no way Diane could make that spiral out of control.
"Any objections?" Diane raised a brow to the silence, waiting for any opposition. "No? Ok, I'll go first. Elizabeth, truth or dare kiss or swear?"
The princess immediately flushed red, two of the words Diane uttered being considered very taboo. Swearing was something a princess should never do and so Elizabeth always refrained from uttering curses. Kissing was also something she shouldn't really do. It was very unladylike and the princess was pretty sure doing it as she was right now was even worse. As a result her brain had stopped functioning, the very embarrassment for even thinking of how she'd do such things frying her system.
"W-wait you added some on!" Elizabeth warbled, panic colouring her features.
"Just choose one," Diane flashed a sheepish smile, shrugging despite not saying that by accident.
Elizabeth released a sigh at that, deciding to choose one of the more traditional routes.
"Fine...dare," The girl pouted slightly, her cheeks still aflame.
Attention was then turned to Diane, the giantess now trying to devise her master plot. A plot that should be worth the title of 'dare' and not a lame thing like licking a doorknob. Although that was a pretty good idea for a later dare...
"I dare you..." Diane trailed off, her eyes wandering about the circle as she thought. She had to find something good for Elizabeth to do. Something very naughty, or even just out of character. Something like flashing her underwear or stealing. "To interrupt the meeting."
"Ok," Elizabeth answered breezily, easily getting up from her spot.
She had expected a much worse dare, her sister Veronica often choosing things way worse than interrupting a meeting. One example was when she made Margaret eat a live worm, the middle sister relishing in the squeals and pleads to not do such a thing. In the end, Veronica had gotten in trouble for it, but situations like that prepared Elizabeth for the tamer dares like these. Especially when it was simply interrupting a meeting.
As a child no less.
"Wait, we need a witness!" King called, already fulfilling his duties as the group's wet blanket. He then pointed towards the idle Meliodas. "Captain go with her!"
"But - " Ban frowned slightly, about to get up but beat by Diane.
"Nope, Captain has to go as he's the Captain," Diane insisted, backing up the fairy. She wore an adamant look, her glare making Ban sit right back down. "He's the only one who can officiate it."
No further arguments given, the group watched as the pair left. Once the door clicked shut, a thin silence trickled into the room. It tried to fill the space between the antsy Ban and grinning King and Diane, but it failed as the giantess broke it once more. Just as she always did when she had a scheme in the works.
"Now who wants to do something while we wait?" Diane grinned, pulling a pack of cards out of nowhere.
Concerned Comrade
"Elizabeth can we talk?"
I turn to see Mael, his usually calm and collected demeanor seeming a little off today. As usual he's within his armor, the crest of our clan standing out more than ever as it catches in the daylight. He looks at me with softened eyes, brows crinkled slightly as he catches me by the wrist in the hall.
It had been a while since Mael and I had actually spoken, him being busy with Archangel duties and me occupied with my 'inspirational speeches' as well as secretly meeting Meliodas. As a result we rarely crossed paths these days, one of us arriving while the other was coming back. Something that was actually pretty odd because we used to see each other quite often, our friendship preserved despite the distance created from growing up.
So of course I had no objections to talking to him now. Mael was one of my oldest friends. But something about the way he approached me today made my stomach sink slightly, the timing and place only jolting my nerves towards feeling guilty.
"Yes, of course," I nod, easily turning as he releases my arm. I lace both my hands together, placing them before me. "What about?"
"Well, I've noticed you've disappeared a lot recently," Mael began, his tone seeming a little sheepish as he reached to scratch the back of his neck. A bashful smile forms as he speaks, confusing me all the more. "Especially to the old structures that are left over. I know it's none of my business but I'm concerned. What could you even be doing there?"
An internal sigh escapes, the sinking feeling growing worse as I force myself to look him in the eye. However it was a bad move, my stomach only twisting into tight knots as I try not to gulp or spur verbal diarrhea.
Of course someone had noticed my disappearances by now, I knew it was inevitable, but of course it had to be Mael. Archangel, demon slaying and by the book Mael. He was one of the few people that always checked for my well being, concern for my safety being a number one duty. Not to mention he was always vigilant towards the 'demon problem'. As a result it wasn't too surprising to know that my 'disappearances' were now known to him. I mean I had been sneaking out to meet Meliodas for a while now, long enough for it to have seemed like I've been doing it for ages. Plus I'd be gone for long periods at a time, no-one being able to locate me while I was out.
But that also meant I had prepared for this already.
So of course I had an answer ready, the response already formed from hours of mental practice. Well practice and some pointers from Meliodas: he said I was a terrible liar and it was pretty true. I wasn't capable of lying convincingly at all. It was always obvious and no-one could ever believe me even when I did a small 'white-lie'. But thankfully Meliodas gave me some pointers on how to successfully tell a lie, although it did need some work.
But now was a time to test it more than ever...
"Oh, well that's because I find nature as an escape," The lie easily slips from my tongue, a sweet smile accompanying it as I rock slightly. "Flowers, birds, even the odd animal: there's all sorts living in the old structures."
Mael blinks at my response, seeming stunned but also not protesting at all. Instead he double-checks, brows knitting slightly as he looks at me.
"Nothing else?" The words leave slow and steady, almost as if checking something. He also looks directly at me as he says this, waiting for a response as he remains professional and yet cautious. Firm and yet also yielding. This was unsettling for me, but also something I had been taught to easily brush aside. My old teachers always told me to not succumb under pressure and to instead act because of it.
"No, not much else," I give a firm nod, smile still in place as I look at him. 'Just talking to the enemy. One of the worst of the enemy...'
As I think the last few sentences, I can't help but feel guilt spike at my gut. It bubbles and knots, sitting there in my stomach as I attempt to swallow and try not to bite my lip. In fact it's a struggle not to do that, my own eyes trying to maintain contact as I don't want the lie to become exposed. However the guilt seems to get even worse as Mael casts a look at me, almost like hidden hurt, as he releases a sigh and simply shakes his head.
"Well be careful anyway," The Archangel speaks in a slightly hurried tone, the look still upon his features. "There's been a lot of demon attacks close to the Gate recently. You know how you get sometimes."
"Yes, of course," I nod, still smiling despite the guilt building up in my system. It's thick enough to clog my throat, but I shove it back down, keeping the smile in place despite the tears that threaten to bubble in my eyes. Arms instinctively go behind my back, hands constantly fiddling as I keep smiling.
Satisfied, Mael then turns to leave, however my hand landing on his shoulder stopped his exit. "But are you ok, Mael? Is something on your mind?"
He turns to face me at that, features softening and mouth opening slightly and then closing. He then shakes his head once more, sighing and gently removing my hand from his shoulder. It lingers for a moment, but then leaves my own, the look of hurt now hidden and a small smile replacing it as he fondly pats me on the head.
"Oh, it's nothing," Mael responds lightly, his grin doing nothing to dissuade me of the hurt I had spotted.
"Nothing could be something," I tried again, hinting heavily as I look at him. A hand now rests on his upper arm, concern mixing with guilt as I look at one of my few friends here in the Realm of Goddesses. However that concern is brushed aside with a simple smile, Mael insistent that nothing is wrong.
"It's definitely nothing," He once again removed my hand, offering another soft smile. "Just be careful Elizabeth."
With that Mael walked away, the sound of his footsteps filling the hall as I could only watch his retreating form. His retreating, shrinking form. Mael had said he was ok, he said that nothing happened; He insisted that nothing had happened. However the look in his eyes said differently. Much differently. Where his words didn't speak, his body language and emotions did. I could see the pain hidden within his expression and it could only cause the guilt I carried to bubble and snake about all the more.
'Soon I'll be able to explain it all...'
Releasing a sigh, I then headed in the opposite direction to him, guilt only building as I wondered what could've possibly bothered Mael. As I wondered what he could've possibly seen.