A/N: And this is where things start to get hectic when the Holy Knights arrive, especially with Gale learning some things about the Seven Deadly Sins that don't add up to the rumors at this point. :)
The Seven Deadly Sins: Sin of Vengeance
"Bloodcurdling Cannon"
First, it showed Meliodas and Zarathos fighting with each other as well as it also showed Elizabeth grabbing Roxy by the hands and smashing her into the tornado before then showing Diane giving a glare to Howser, converting her body's consistency to metal, and going down to land on Howser by the gut, also effectively causing Roxy to fall onto the ground away from the cracked ring before it showed Caine shedding a tear and happily hugging Zarathos out of joy before then showing Diane, Elizabeth, and Zarathos in the ring before Diane spoke up.
Narrator: "At the festival, the competition for Diane's sacred treasure has reached its final round."
"Oh, wait. I'd like to forfeit this one. I don't want to hurt one of my friends. Or any for that matter.", Diane spoke, confounding Zarathos before he and Elizabeth turned to each other.
Narrator: "Elizabeth vs. Zarathos. But which one will win in the end?"
So, let's have a good match, okay?", Elizabeth asked.
"Yeah..., a good match.", Zarathos responded, both equally nervous for each other before they dashed toward each other and clashed with their right arms.
Meanwhile, the trio of Holy Knights were closer.
Narrator: "Guila, Gale, and a team of Holy Knights are rapidly approaching."
Act I
Meanwhile, Elizabeth and Zarathos were clashing arms with each other.
"Liz and Estarossa have started things off with a ferocious class of attacks!", Lovehelm shouted before moving back a bit with Elizabeth then moving in to strike only for Zarathos to move back in the nick of time with Liz trying again, astounding Howser.
"Not bad. But it's my turn.", Zarathos spoke before he and Elizabeth began striking each other, causing the ring to break in cracks.
"Jeez, can the ring take all this punishment?", the bystander asked as Zarathos blocked Elizabeth's punches up until the latter kneed him slightly with Zarathos then bonking her in the head, prompting Elizabeth to strike back with Zarathos blocking it with Howser looking on excitedly at the fight.
The fight seemed to have stopped, though.
"What happened?", Howser asked before sensing something with a gasp and looking up to the right.
"This feeling...", Caine spoke, looking in Howser's fight.
"What's going on?", one of the bystanders asked.
"Is it over?", another added in puzzlement.
"Don't leave us hangin'!", another shouted.
"Start fighting!", another shouted.
"Did those 2 strain themselves so hard they peed their pants or something?", Hawk asked.
"Mm-mm.", Elaine responded as she shook her head before stepping forward with Meliodas, Diane, and King joining her with Zarathos and Elizabeth, the latter of which became quite puzzled.
"What's the matter? What are you doing?", Elizabeth asked.
"My real identity is captain of the Seven Deadly Sins! I'm Meliodas, the Dragon Sin!", Meliodas shouted.
"And I'm Zarathos, the Demon Sin!", Zarathos added, shocking the crowd, especially Emilia as she gasped upon remembering how Zarathos looked.
"We're taking over Vizel! Everything here belongs to us now!", Meliodas shouted.
"Hold on. What? Why'd those idiots tell them who they really are?", Hawk puzzled.
"I see... You're only doing this because something bad is coming and you want to evacuate the citizens before it even gets here...", Elizabeth thought.
"We're giving you all less than one minute to get out of this town! If you don't, we're gonna kill ya!", Zarathos warned.
"You're not fooling anyone, ya brat!", one of the citizens shouted, puzzling Zarathos.
"Wait. Given how strong they are, it just might be true.", another realized.
"I don't understand... What's gotten into them?", Emilia asked worriedly.
"This is quite the risky move you're taking if you want to evacuate them all this way.", Cain thought.
"JUST GET THE HECK OUT ALREADY!", Zarathos shouted, only making the crowd scream before one of them noticed something headed this way.
"Hey, what's that?", one of the citizens puzzled as he pointed to it before noticing an array of big fireballs, one of which struck a farmer and horse while the rest hit the land and another got blasted away with Full Counter before Meliodas landed.
"Dang... They're here already?", Meliodas asked.
"They didn't even give us enough time to evacuate everyone.", Zarathos added.
"That equipment's sacred treasure class.", King deduced.
"It sure is. I bet Guila and Gale's gotten a lot stronger than they were in the Necropolis. And what's worse, there's 4 this time. Let's split up for now.", Meliodas spoke before Zarathos nodded.
Meanwhile, Howser was evacuating everyone as Gale looked around in horror at the destruction wrought.
"Get clear of the town, people! Hurry!", Howser shouted.
"Follow that man like your life depends on it!", Caine added.
"You heard him, people! Get the heck out!", Ban urged as Taizu carried the children away from the chaos as Gale evacuated the rest out.
"Just hurry on out through here!", Gale urged.
Meanwhile, Veronica and Emilia were looking around.
"Ellie! Ellie! I can't believe them. Those knights got here earlier than they said they would.", Veronica spoke before Griamore turned up.
"Princess Veronica. We should pull back for now. These flames are brutal.", Griamore advised.
"I can't. If this chance passes by, I'll never have another shot at bringing Ellie home again!", Veronica refused before she bolted off.
"Ellie!", Veronica shouted.
"Hold on! Princess Veronica!", Griamore shouted as he followed after her before they promptly ran into Elizabeth, who grew surprised.
"Ellie?!", Veronica exclaimed.
"Veronica? Big sister?", Elizabeth asked in surprise before she also spotted Emilia.
"And Emilia. You're here, too?", Elizabeth asked in surprise.
Meanwhile, Elaine was looking around in horror.
"How could this happen?", Elaine asked in worry before a rock went passed her with Elaine then gasping in surprise upon noticing Jericho in front of her before the undead fairy got pierced through by the gut and rammed into a wall, making her cough up blood and Jericho smirked.
"You have no idea how I've missed you! Does that hurt?", Jericho smirked.
"Jericho?! What is this? Why are you doing this?!", Elaine exclaimed, seeing the eyes of the demon in her before Jericho then removed the sword from Elaine and then struck another way.
"Godspeed 10 slashes!", Jericho shouted as one slash ignited nine more, sending Elaine crashing back.
"What's going on...?! She's hitting me faster than I can regenerate...!", Elaine exclaimed in thought before Jericho stepped forward.
"The reason I acted like a man was because I was feeling weak and wanted to make myself seem more powerful. But that's no longer necessary. Because of the humiliation you dealt to me in Baste Prison, my hatred for you has brought me to an entirely new level of strength.", Jericho spoke as she stomped Elaine in the gut before then moving a drop of her blood across her lips, staining them like lipstick.
"You are the one who made a woman of me. And you will take responsibility..., Elaine.", Jericho spoke.
Meanwhile, Meliodas went up against Guila.
"It's been a while, now, Meliodas.", Guila spoke.
"Oh, hey there, Guila. What brings you here today?", Meliodas asked.
"I've learned a lot since our battle in the Necropolis. I'm here today for a review session of sorts.", Guila spoke.
"So, you're here for revenge. Isn't that what you really mean? Okay, no biggie. I'll take you on.", Meliodas responded.
"I doubt that. You're no longer much of a challenge.", Guila responded before then launching numerous fireballs at Meliodas as they circled around.
"If I get careless and touch those things, I'm guessing they'll explode on me. It's a hassle, but I'll get rid of them one by one.", Meliodas spoke as he drew his broken sword.
"They'll explode on their own. It doesn't matter how careful you are.", Guila discouraged before one of the fireballs exploded, knocking Meliodas back.
"The first explosion will cause a second to trigger, which will set off a chain reaction, trapping the target in a cage of flames.", Guila spoke as Meliodas then got knocked back by a few more explosions, exploding into a big column.
"Chain explosion!", Guila spoke.
Elsewhere, Zarathos was now walking around the desolate area.
"This is horrible... How could the Holy Knights do this?", Zarathos asked in shock.
But from the smoke, Twigo yelled out a battle cry as he lunged toward Zarathos, who grew surprised before he dodged, the sword only cutting into the ground.
"Blast! I missed. But it doesn't matter. Calculation: the outcome will be the same, Declaration: I, Twigo the Holy Knight, shall reap his vengeance on you, Zarathos the Demon Sin.", Twigo declared.
"You've got some nerve showing up here, but I guess you must have forgotten what happened last time we fought. Allow me to refresh your memory.", Zarathos spoke ebfore then slashing through Twigo, only to find it had no effect on him, much to his surprise as he gasped.
"I have not, nor will I ever forget that day! It is burned into my memory forever and only your defeat and death will rectify that miscalculation. Conclusion: if I am to move on and become a better Holy Knight, you, Demon Sin, must die!", Twigo shouted as he lunged toward Zarathos, who grabbed his sword, bracing himself.
Meanwhile, Hawk was running out of town, chanting "Piggy Trot" with Emilia on top of him as Veronica and Griamore ran up behind Hawk.
"Even if I end up as a real spork or a pork kabob, even if there's nothing left of me but my trotters, I'll still make sure to protect you, Emilia.", Hawk assured.
"That's nice, but I can't let you do that.", Emilia spoke.
"What?", Hawk puzzled.
"We're gonna get through this in one piece. All right?", Emilia asked before Hawk suddenly stopped trotting.
"Wait, do you hear something?", Hawk asked before Meliodas, Elaine, and Zarathos were all knocked out as they hit each other's backs before landing on the ground.
"It's Sir Meliodas, Sir Zarathos, and Lady Elaine!", Elizabeth exclaimed.
"Are you done as well, Jericho? What happened to your lips?", Guila asked.
"She didn't even make it past my warm up exercises.", Jericho chuckled.
"My own honor is soon to be restored.", Twigo added as he stepped forward as well.
"Disposing of the Seven Deadly Sins is no more than a side objective for us. Moreover, the enemy who warrants the most caution is still at large.", Guila spoke.
"Hey, Captain! Looks like everybody's been evacuated.", King spoke before looking down and seeing, much to his horror, Meliodas, Zarathos, and Elaine knocked out.
"Captain, Zar, Elaine!", King shouted before Guila then launched her fire blasts at him, making King turn to notice them.
"Dang it!", King shouted before the fireballs exploded.
Thankfully, though, a shield of swords was surrounding King.
"Just kidding.", King spoke chalantly before Jericho stopped the blades and then moved in to attack only to get knocked to the ground with Guila then launching a fireball again only for King to snap his fingers and launch the blades toward her, Twigo, and Jericho.
"All right. I'm just about warmed up now, so why don't we? What the...?", King puzzled before Hawk approached as did Elizabeth, Griamore, Veronica, and Emilia.
"You sure did a number on them, King!", Hawk shouted.
"They're not dead yet, though. And I've got a couple of questions for these ladies. So, look after those three, okay?", King asked.
"Just leave 'em to me!", Hawk shouted before he went off, carrying Meliodas and Zarathos by the shirts while Elaine was now on top of Hawk.
"Please try and be safe, Sir King.", Elizabeth spoke.
"Now, then. What's your real objective for being here?", King asked.
Meanwhile, Gale had just finished evacuating everyone out of Vizel when she overheard Diane's voice nearby.
"I can't believe it! It's gone! Gideon's not here anymore! Oh, what am I gonna do?", Diane groaned.
"Give up and surrender, that's what! You're coming with me!", Gale shouted to Diane, making her gasp before the two overheard a groan from nearby.
"No, that old man... He must've been caught in one of Guila's attacks.", Diane guessed, puzzling her.
"What...? Hey! What did I just say?!", Gale shouted as she noticed Diane going off toward him to help him out.
"Diane the Serpent Sin, member of the Seven Deadly Sins! Hold it!", Howser shouted, getting Diane's attention.
"Howser, I...", Diane began.
"Given the crimes you committed a decade ago, assassinating our grand master and attempting to...", Howser began.
"I didn't do that.", Diane responded, puzzling Howser and Gale.
"Anyway, he comes first. Hang in there. I can take you somewhere safe right away. I promise.", Diane assured.
"I'm grateful.", the old man spoke, making Gale stare in awe and surprise.
"I... I don't understand. She's one of the Seven Deadly Sins. Why would she...? I need to think this over elsewhere.", Gale puzzled before she then turned and walked off.
"Man, don't go changing the mood like that.", Howser spoke.
"Hello there. Allow me if she's a bother.", a holy knight coated entirely in red armor with a couple of macarinas spoke as he marched forward before doing his spell.
"No, wait!", Gale shouted before the red Holy Knight shouted as his yellow eyes flashed, causing Diane's body to suddenly get heavier, rendering her unable to move any further.
"What's... going on...?! My body... feels heavy...! Catch him for me, Howser!", Diane shouted, tossing the old man over to Howser, who caught him before Diane's body then finally succumbed to heavy gravity, causing the ground beneath her to break into pieces, also making her fall down with a scream in the process.
"Diane, no!", Howser shouted as Gale turned to notice what happened and gasped in horror, if not surprise before she turned away and ran.
Meanwhile, Hawk panted as he managed to get Meliodas, Elaine, and Zarathos away so they can recover.
"I'm pooped out...!", Hawk spoke in exhaustion.
"Seriously, how worried were you planning to make me, anyway?! This is way different from that time you snuck out of the castle to play on your own back when we were kids. And even back then, you made everyone panic when that bridge collapsed.", Veronica scolded.
"I'm sorry.", Elizabeth apologized before, all of a sudden, her wings started to grow back by an inch, puzzling Veronica, especially Hawk, who noticed from behind.
"I'm not sure, but... I think your wings are getting bigger.", Hawk spoke, puzzling Elizabeth before her wings grew bigger again, surprising Hawk as Veronica grew surprised.
"Wings?", Veronica asked.
"Oh, yeah. They are.", Elizabeth realized as her wings then grew back to normal size, surprising Elizabeth, Griamore, and Emilia as they widened their eyes.
"Okay, look. Before you say anything, Big Sister, I need to explain everything.", Elizabeth spoke.
"Big sister?", Hawk puzzled.
Act II
Elizabeth had just told Veronica, Emilia, and Griamore the truth.
Play SAO Alicization Music: "Coercive Power"
"So, you seriously expect me to believe that you're a goddess reincarnated time and time again since 3,000 years ago and that Meliodas and Zarathos both turned away from the life of cruel demons?", Veronica asked.
"I'm not asking you to believe it if you don't want to.", Elizabeth responded.
"Well, good, because I don't believe in any of it! I mean, look at right now. You're here with the Seven Deadly Sins, aren't you? They're the ones who tried to overthrow the kingdom of Leones.", Veronica stated.
"That's not what happened.", Elizabeth responded.
"And Meliodas' brother, Zarathos is the worst of all! He's really a monster! One that brings death and destruction to everything and everyone around him!", Veronica added, making her flash back to when he started to lose his temper in the worst way twice now.
"Well, have you ever considered why he brings such things in the first place?!", Elizabeth retorted, making Veronica gasp.
"From what I already know, he only gets pushed that far when those he held dear were threatened or worse! So, how could you know what happened out there?! You weren't there! Especially not when I had to leave our father behind because of what the Holy Knights were going to do to me and him when they were trying to force their way in! I never asked to do that, but Father felt there was little to no choice if I was to help save the kingdom!", Elizabeth shouted as it also showed a flashback of that moment, stunning Emilia, who looked on in awe while Veronica was riddled with shock.
"You gotta listen to her, Veronica. Her heart's in the right place.", Meliodas assured, surprising her as she saw that Meliodas, Elaine, and Zarathos woke back up.
"And I swear, we will protect her. And Emilia, too.", Zarathos assured, surprising Emilia as he then winked to her afterwards.
"It's exactly as Hendricksen said. He told us he brainwashed her somehow and it looks like you've done just that.", Veronica spoke.
"Hendricksen? He told you that?", Elaine puzzled.
"Brainwashed? Nope. Not really our thing. Besides, even if she was able to do it, Elaine doesn't feel very comfortable doing it.", Meliodas responded.
"Try all you want, but you can't fool me.", Veronica spoke before flashing back to what Hendricksen told her.
"This is Goddess Amber. It's a rather useful item that affects only evil creatures when they're within a few feet of it. Take that with you and try to get close to Zarathos.", Hendricksen advised.
"But if she does attempt such a thing, Princess Veronica's life could be put in danger.", Griamore spoke in worry.
"Griamore, you're just like your father, Dreyfus. Overly conservative. These are criminals who bore ill will towards the kingdom. Swift action is what's required of us.", Hendricksen spoke.
"I'll do anything it takes to help my sister.", Veronica spoke.
"Please, you mustn't.", Griamore warned.
"You are Princess Elizabeth's only hope.", Hendricksen spoke.
"All right. How does it work?", Veronica asked.
"Once you get near enough to Zarathos, recite the following words...", Hendricksen began before it flashed back to the present.
"Rosco. Basla. Melcito.", Veronica spoke before the Goddess Amber glowed, surprising Zarathos before he then got sucked into the Goddess Amber.
End SAO Alicization Music: "Coercive Power"
"Zarathos...?", Emilia asked.
"What happened?", Elizabeth asked.
"He got sucked inside that rock!", Hawk exclaimed.
"Well, he'll get out of it sooner or later, that's for sure. But I'm more concerned about what he's going to come out as if he does.", Meliodas responded, puzzling Elizabeth while Veronica laughed, almost in relief.
"Zarathos really was some wicked monster after all! This stone's power only affect those who are evil, trapping them inside. Proof enough? Will this open your eyes?", Veronica asked.
"I'm not so sure.", Meliodas responded.
"What do you mean?", Veronica asked.
"Sure, it works only on evil creatures, but while there's a definite chance it works on demons that were born evil, it doesn't quite take into account their capability for change.", Meliodas responded.
"You think you're some wise guy or something? Demons don't change!", Veronica asked before Emilia hurriedly grabbed the Goddess Amber and stood in defiance, surprising all.
"I want you to bring him back this instant!", Emilia demanded.
"Emilia...?", Elizabeth spoke in surprise.
"Oink... She's actually standing up for him.", Hawk spoke in surprise.
"Well, she is Elizabeth's little sister.", Meliodas responded.
"Sorry, I have no idea how to do that.", Veronica responded, saddening Emilia.
"I hate you for this, Veronica! You don't know Zarathos! Not a single thing about him!", Emilia shouted.
"Not exactly one to talk, though, is she?", Meliodas pondered.
"Actually, we write letters now and then.", Elizabeth responded.
"Well, what do you know?", Meliodas spoke in slight, casual surprise.
"Griamore!", Veronica shouted.
"As you wish.", Griamore spoke, preparing to draw his blade only to find himself unable to move.
"Ngh...! What... is this...?!", Griamore grunted.
"You're not doing anything! Not until we talk this out.", Elaine urged.
Meanwhile, King was looking around in the air.
"That's weird. I haven't felt the Captain and Diane's energies for a while. And Elaine's barely starting to recover.", King spoke before looking down to see Guila and Jericho.
"What's the matter? You're looking rather pale, Fairy King.", Guila spoke.
"What have you knights done to the captain, Zarathos, and my sister?", King asked before no answer came.
"Fine, then. I'll go check on them myself. Oh, and just so we're clear, if you two get in my way again...", King began before fireballs were launched toward King, who got ready only for Jericho to prepare a strike from above and seemed to have followed through on it this time before Jericho landed next to Guila.
"Let people finish when they're talking.", King spoke, surprising the two knights.
"He flew that high so quickly?", Jericho asked.
"If you two try to get in my way again..., I'll end you.", King warned before then getting out a large plant from the ground.
"Spirit spear, Chastifol! 4th Configuration! Sunflower!", King shouted as the plant blossomed, surprising the two knights.
"I'll admit, you two are fairly powerful. Just train for another century and you'll be on the right track.", King responded before the plant then fired at the two knights only for something to cut the flower in two, shocking King.
"What?" King puzzled before the weapon fell into the ground, broken in two.
"My Chastifol...! Who could've done that?!", King spoke in worry.
"Oh, no! Harlequin's upset because his finishing move was interrupted!", Lovehelm shouted.
"The fighting festival ref?", King puzzled.
"Did his battle in the festival make him queasy? Looks like Holy Knights Guila and Jericho have been wiped out by the childish harlequin's ferocious attacks! That won't do now! There! Today's rescuer has been your friendly referee, Lovehelm, whose true identity is...!", Lovehelm shouted as he then unfurled his red cloak, letting loose Guila and Jericho before spinning around, vanishing in one place, and then reappearing on another, drawing a green blade with ridges spikes on the end, making King widen his eyes.
"It can't be...! You're...! You're Helbram?!", King exclaimed.
"It's good to see you again, Harlequin. Or is it King, now?", Helbram asked.
"How are you alive? I saw it myself that day! I'm sure!", King puzzled.
"It doesn't matter. That's in the past.", Helbram responded.
"Sir Helbram! Allow us to assist you!", Guila urged.
"No. It's quite all right. While I keep King occupied, you two go and retrieve what we were sent to this place for. And be sure to find Gale while you're at it.", Helbram responded.
"Right.", Guila responded before she and Jericho leapt up.
"Now, then. What seems to be the problem? You appear worried. Not unusual for a coward like you.", Helbram commented before King only smirked, now in human form.
"Do you really think you can keep me busy all by yourself?", King smirked before Chastifol appeared behind Helbram.
"As expected of a spirit spear made from the Holy Tree. Even split in two, it soon restores itself.", Helbram spoke before smacking King down to the ground before the Chastifol then spun around and stopped in-between King and Helbram, who then grabbed the weapon and then headbutted King backward.
"What's the matter? Out of breath already? Your magical strength belies your physical one. You truly are weaker than most!", Helbram spoke before Chastifol then turned into small daggers and went toward Helbram, who only stopped the wave with but a wave of his hand, surprising King, who then managed to attack Helbram, knocking the helmet off him while Helbram managed to cut a diagonal gash across King's chest.
"What's this? You still have some fight left in you, I see. Well, then. Why don't we enjoy the festival a little longer, my old comrade-in-arms?", Helbram smirked.
Meanwhile, Griamore was quite surprised.
"What do you think you're doing?! Release your enchantment this instant!", Griamore grunted.
"Not until we explain what really happened and prove to you who really killed your uncle! Maybe then you'll at least start to understand sooner or later.", Elaine spoke before Ban caught up.
"Hey!", Ban shouted.
"Ban!", Elaine spoke as she turned to him.
"Did everyone make it out okay?", Elizabeth asked.
"Yep. Everyone just took off from Vizel with a hop, skip, and a jump.", Ban grinned.
"That's a relief.", Elaine grinned.
"Yeah. That way, they'd all be safe.", Meliodas agreed.
"What? You actually...?", Griamore began before Elaine was suddenly slashed in the back, an arrow shape now on her back.
"Oh, no...! Jerichio...!", Elaine groaned.
"Elaine!", Ban shouted before Griamore was now able to move again as Elaine landed on the ground.
"You shouldn't have left yourself open.", Jericho commented before Hawk nervously chuckled.
"I guess it's finally time for the real star to show his stuff.", Hawk spoke, puzzling Elizabeth.
"What?", Elizabeth puzzled.
"Take this! Rolling ham attack!", Hawk shouted as he rolled into a cartwheel and spun forward before jumping up only for Guila to snap her fingers, causing an explosion that not only comically cooked Hawk, but also sent him flying with a squeal.
"Hawk, no!", Elizabeth shouted before Guila went over to her and Emilia.
"We've achieved all of our objectives. Come. Give me your hand.", Guila spoke before Veronica only moved her hand away.
"Hold it. I appreciate the help, but I'll be the one to bring Ellie back home. Your objectives..., or more accurately, Hendricksen's, were only Zarathos and Meliodas' sword, weren't they?", Veronica asked before Guila aimed her weapon at Veronica, worrying Elizabeth.
"What are you doing?", Griamore asked in worry.
"Now, I ask that you hand Princesses Elizabeth and Emilia over to us quietly. If you refuse...", Guila began only for her and Jericho to get surrounded in a purple barrier.
"I won't allow you to speak to the princess that way.", Griamore spoke.
"Nicely done. I have no idea what you've planned to do, but you and Hendricksen need to be brought up on charges at a court martial.", Veronica spoke before Emilia suddenly ran off, puzzling Veronica.
"Wait, Emilia!", Veronica shouted as Elizabeth grew surprised.
"Emilia...?!", Elizabeth puzzled.
"I can't trust Veronica anymore!", Veronica thought before Hawk popped up from the debris.
"Emilia...", Hawk spoke before Elaine then weakly got up as best she could as she saw Emilia running away.
"Emilia...", Elaine spoke weakly before Guila spoke to Griamore.
"Would you like us to assist you in bringing Emilia back and recapturing Princess Elizabeth as well?", Guila asked.
"Save your concern. I suggest you worry about your own fates.", Griamore advised.
"That's quite unfortunate. It's true we were ordered to bring her back, but if it has to be as a corpse, that would be fine, too.", Guila spoke before Elaine gasped in horror from what she meant as Griamore gasped, too.
"PRINCESS VERONICAAAAAAAA!", Griamore shouted as he ran before Gale caught up just in time to watch as Elaine got up as best she could and then flew over, passing by Griamore just as Emilia and Veronica then apparently triggered a magical land mine as it was set to explode before Elaine flew by just in time to push both Emilia and Veronica out of the way before it exploded, making Ban, Meliodas, Elizabeth, and even Gale gasp in shock.
Play Vince DiCola Music: "Death of Optimus Prime"
"Princess Veronica!", Griamore shouted.
"Emilia! Elaine!", Hawk shouted as he, too, caught up with Meliodas, Elizabeth, and Ban catching up as the smoke then started to clear to show Elaine badly damaged while Veronica and Emilia were safe and sound.
"You... saved us...? But why...?!", Veronica asked as the others finally caught up.
"Because... leaving you to die... That's not the way... the Seven Deadly Sins are...", Elaine groaned.
"We're here. We're right there with you.", Elizabeth assured.
"W... were you hurt?", Elaine groaned.
"N-no.", Veronica responded.
"That's... good...", Elaine grinned weakly as Gale gasped in awe of her sacrifice.
"You know..., this reminds me of the time when you came by when Elizabeth and I snuck out of the castle together. We fell, but you protected us...", Emilia sobbed.
"That, I did...", Elaine responded weakly.
"Mm-hmm... and it made us so happy! It just goes to show how much you cared, Fox sin and all...", Emilia sobbed before turning to Veronica, who was touched by what happened, and hugging her.
"I'm sorry! I was so horrible! I can't believe I said I hated you! Please forgive me! This is... This is all my fault!", Emilia sobbed.
"I really do love you, Emilia.", Veronica assured before Emilia gave a sad gasp and then sobbed as she hugged Veronica tightly.
"Me, too!", Emilia sobbed.
"Because through it all..., we're sisters, aren't we?", Elizabeth nodded with a joyful tear.
"Darn it, why'd you have to go and do that, Elaine! I know it had to be done, but why?!", Ban shouted.
"Th-there's no need to grieve..., Ban... Soon... I'll be at peace... And we'll... see each other again soon... Griamore...", Elaine spoke.
"Yes?", Griamore spoke.
"I need you to do a favor for me... Please... keep Emilia and Veronica safe... And Ban..., most of all...", Elaine pleaded.
"Very well. If that's what you wish. But I don't understand. If you're one of the sins who tried to overthrow the kingdom, why protect us?", Griamore asked.
"Because... we're not the ones... who tried to overthrow this kingdom...", Elaine replied weakly before seemingly drawing her last breath, making everyone gasp.
"Elaine...?!", Ban asked in worry, starting to tear up himself before roaring out in despair as Griamore stood in disbelief of her sacrifice as Guila and Jericho just sat by in the shell.
"It's almost time.", Guila spoke.
"For what?", Jericho puzzled before the perfect shell then vanished.
End Vince DiCola Music: "Death of Optimus Prime"
"His loss of composure and disruption of his magic. It appears it was a correct move to set a 360 degree ring around town. Of killer mines.", Guila spoke.
"What?", Griamore spoke in disbelief.
"You two are nothing but filthy swine!", Hawk exclaimed.
"You killed her...! You killed Elaine! She had nothing but good in her heart and you killed her!", Ban growled, puzzling Guila before he then lunged toward her and Jericho.
"BASTAAAAAAARRRRRRDS!", Ban shouted as he leapt toward her only for an explosion to erupt around him as Guila launched the fireballs at him.
But when the smoke cleared, Ban was already covered inside a magic shield.
"I can understand your rage, but there will be another time to avenge her death.", Griamore assured.
"That just won't do, will it?", Guila asked before then firing her fireballs at both Griamore and Ban, effectively hitting them, making Gale all the more shocked.
"Ban!", Meliodas spoke in worry.
"Sure that was wise? He's the Grandmaster's son, after all.", Jericho spoke.
"The Seven Deadly Sins attacked and that's when he met an untimely end. A believable story, right?", Guila asked, making Gale gasp before she started to grow very angry as she tensed her fists.
"You're one scary woman.", Jericho spoke.
"I do not understand what you mean, but we'll continue this later. In the meantime, Princess Emilia, Princess Elizabeth, let's be on our way home. I ask that you both cooperate and not offer any pointless resistance.", Guila spoke.
"How could you do this...?!", Gale tensed, shaking her fists slightly.
"I'm sorry, I don't believe I heard what you just said.", Guila puzzled.
"How could you do all this?! First you kill Emilia's friend, Sin or otherwise, and now, you kill Griamore and expect her to come back with you?! How could you hurt Emilia like this?!", Gale shouted, pointing to Emilia, who was sobbing over the supposed death of Elaine.
"DON'T LEAVE ME, ELAINE! PLEASE! HELP ME...! PLEASE, SIR ZARATHOS!", Emilia sobbed as Elizabeth grew angry with Guila and Jericho just as the livid princess started to grow one inch at a time, puzzling Meliodas as he turned and noticed this.
Unfortunately, at the same time, the Goddess Amber started to crack and spark out dark purple lightning, worrying Meliodas even more when he noticed that and tensed.
"Shout all you want; your hero can't rescue you from within that stone. Come.", Guila urged.
"You have no right to force them to come with us! They've been through enough!", Veronica shouted before Elizabeth spoke up.
"She's right. Emilia has been through enough. So, you need to give her some space or else.", Elizabeth warned while she was now growing to the same size as Diane before Elizabeth noticed this herself and grew surprised as her clothes were now half torn.
"Impossible...!", Guila spoke in surprise.
"I didn't know you could get this big, Elizabeth. But I don't think that's the only thing to worry about.", Meliodas spoke, gesturing to what's going on in the Goddess Amber as Veronica turned and noticed.
Play Seven Deadly Sins Music: "Demon Meliodas Theme"
"ZARATHOS!", Emilia sobbed before dark cracks leaked out with a demonic being with red eyes inside before it roared angrily, causing the Goddess Amber to break apart, causing a gigantic, dark black pillar to erupt from it, making Elizabeth step back in surprise, and ascend into the sky, quickly covering it with dark storm clouds as they spread until no light can escape for Vizel with sounds of thunder as the only sounds heard as the black pillar sparked, dark purple lightning flashing in the storm clouds.
"Darn it! I was afraid of this!", Meliodas grunted before Guila and Jericho tensed in shock as Gale gasped in fear of what's about to happen now just as Ban and Griamore recovered and saw what was happening, much to their surprise.
"Zarathos...? No, wait, I've sensed this before. It can't be...", Ban spoke before glowing red eyes emerged and pierced through the barrier, shocking all the eyes gazed upon.
Meanwhile, Helbram and King were in the middle of their fight when they saw a dark pillar rising up into the clouds with dark lightning bolts dancing in the sky and loud thunder sounding, causing earthquakes.
"Well, this is an intriguing development. It's a shame the town was evacuated. Can you imagine the guilt that would eat away at Zarathos' very soul if it wasn't?", Helbram pondedered.
"Zarathos, no...!", King spoke in worry.
Meanwhile, Diane was stuck in the bottom of the crater as her arms were now touching the wall.
"This sinister energy it's just like in the Necropolis.", Diane spoke as she was starting to grow back inch by inch.
"Looks like the spores are wearing off, but it might be in time to help after I get my Gideon back. Please, everyone. Just hold him off and survive until I can join you.", Diane pleaded before it showed Hendricksen and Dreyfus at the tower.
"Dreyfus, do you feel that?", Hendricksen asked.
"Indeed, I do, Hendricksen. It's him. Zarathos.", Dreyfus responded before it then showed Gilthunder and Margaret elsewhere in the castle.
"Gil, what is that?", Margaret asked.
"Sisters..., please be safe when we get there.", Margaret thought.
"It can only be one thing: Zarathos. We must go and assist the others in Vizel.", Gilthunder responded.
"I'm right behind you.", Margaret responded.
"Meliodas, Zarathos... I trust that you will survive this and free us from our curse one day.", Gilthunder thought before it went back to Vizel as the being inside the pillar gazed at the seemingly lifeless Elaine and then at the sorrowful Emilia, who was quite frightened, and then gave a primal, bestial roar devastating enough to shake the entire Earth itself!
End Seven Deadly Sins Music: "Demon Meliodas Theme"
A/N: That's not a good sign... Now that Zarathos had finally gone berserk as he burst out of the Goddess Amber, no one is safe now... In fact, there's going to be nothing but heck to pay, if you know what I mean. If you want, you could leave a review of what should happen next in the next episode and I'd be more than happy to put that in with what my friend and I already had in mind. :) In the meantime, I gotta get ready to at least get started for the 1st act of the next episode of "Coven of Owls" to get a head start before I work on the rest tomorrow. :)