Coco: Hey, guys, I'm back like I said I would be, and I hope you're having a wonderful holiday wherever you are. I did get a little behind on some of my work. So, everything but Bright Like a Diamond was finished and I am so sorry about that. I unfortunately got sick and it slowed me down. But I am better, and I promise you that I am still working on that story to all of whom are you reading it.
So, the other two rewrites will be posted tonight. I have them all typed up and ready to go along with the chapters I promised and I hope you're ready for them. Now without further ado, let's get started, shall we?
'It's…so cold,' A young girl who was no younger than twelve thought to herself.
The girl had long silver locks and striking blue eyes that stood out against her pale skin. She wore a dirtied dress with blood staining the front. Her feet were bear with ragged cuts along the soles. Her entire body was scrapped and bruised and her beautiful hair matted with blood and dirt.
'Where am I?'
She looked around as she lay flatly suspended in air to see nothing but white. There was end to it nor did there seem to be a beginning. Only white. She gasped as she started to move. Her body slowly descending towards the whiteness. She surprisingly touched a bottom where she sat crouched with her arms barely being able to hold her up.
She looked back up. Trying to remember how she got here. She remembers red…the color of blood. Yes, she remembers all the blood. She remembers screaming and pain. And chaos. As the memories came flooding back slowly, the place around her seemed even more frightening.
'I don't like it here,' She continued to think. 'Is this what death is like?'
"No, this is not death." A voice spoke from behind her.
The girl gasp once more while whirling around with widened eyes to peer at the one who spoke. The being behind her appeared to be a young man. He had paler skin than her own. It was nearly porcelain in color as if he was like one of those dolls her father used to buy her when she was younger. His eyes were almost equally as white, but they had a silver-like to them as well that made them stand out. His hair was pitch black—blacker—darker—than she's ever seen. It was slicked back on his head. He was also very tall—towering over her, which had her quivering in fear.
"There's no reason to be frightened." He said gently while kneeling down. "I won't hurt you, little dove."
The girl blinked because little dove is something her mother used to call her. Thinking of her mother had the girl calming down as she looked at this stranger in front of her.
"Where am I?" She asked out loud.
"This place?" He questioned gesturing around.
The girl nodded her head as the man in front of her sat down with his legs crisscrossed. He sat their casually while leaning forward with his hands resting on his knees.
"This place, little dove, is the domain between life and death." He explained. "Those who die and come here have called it Limbo in the past. Normally, I would just send on a young soul like you, but you're the one who said you couldn't die just yet, remember?"
The girl seemed confused for a moment before she did remember. She remembers the arrow piercing her chest. She remembers the blood staining her clothes. She had been dying—and she's dead now. But before that, she had thought to herself it wasn't time for her to die. Her family was all gone now—killed by those who were supposed to be their friends—their family. They were betrayed even after all the years her father—her family—spent protecting the kingdom.
It's become corrupt. It hasn't been the same ever since they left. Ever since they were made outlaws by the very kingdom they served. She couldn't die knowing the kingdom her loved ones all worked to protect and keep at peace was turning into something so dark, cold, and unrecognizable. There had to be something she could do. She might be small. She might be weak, but there had to be something that could be done to change things.
'But there really isn't anything I can do,' She realized as she looked down defeatedly. 'I'm dead. What can the dead do?'
"I can help you." The man said.
The girl looked up at him with wide eyes as he said that. Not only did he hear her thoughts again, which was shocking enough—his words gave her a bit of hope. It sounded impossible.
"I can return you to life." The man continued. "Well, to a living state—if you will. You'll continue to grow and age for a bit of time, but the older you get the slower you'll age until you stop. Of course, that also all depends on how quickly you finish your business."
The girl looked uncertain as she looked at the man closely as he was picking at his nails in a bored manner.
"What must I give in return?" She asked.
The man smiled as if her question amused him, or maybe he wasn't asked that very often.
"You're a smart girl." He praised. "I see I made the right decision in holding off your departure to the Land of the Dead. I won't lie. What I want in return is a heavy sum. Once I give you the power you need to push forward and complete your goal, your soul will become mine. You will become a Apostle of Death. I do not know what you know of the Holy War from 3,000 years ago. But it will be returning, and many will suffer because of it, which is why I look for allies."
Monroe had heard of the Holy War. It was still talked about her in school lessons, and she remembers hearing some worried knights murmur about a possible restarting of the war.
"The war will be brutal." The man continued. "Many will die and suffer. However, I hope to bring it to and end faster and the correct way this time around."
"Correct way?" Monroe questioned.
"That's right," He replied. "I want the war to end with peace between all races. I want the future to be where the living can live as harmoniously together as they do in death. However, obtaining such a future will not be easy and those involved will surely suffer greatly."
He looked pointedly at Monroe as he spoke as if staring at her hard enough will give her an idea of just how steep of a deal she would be making.
"If I grant you your life back and help you fulfill your final wish, you must pledge your servitude and fight in this war," He told her. "This is what you must give in return. There is no retiring. There is no calling it quits once you get too tired. Furthermore, if you strike this deal with a being such as me, you should expect to be called a demon—a monster."
It was silent as the girl continued to stare at him. He expected her to tell him no. To deny him. Many humans did.
"Is that all you wish in return?" The girl asked shocking him.
He stared at this little human in utter surprise as she looked back at him calmly. She wasn't even fazed. There was no hesitation in her gaze at all. He's never met a human such at this. The ones who have created these deals with him before were older and more ancient beings. Ones used to long lives—never once has a human took him up on his offer. They only wanted to the power—the life. They never wanted to repay him in return. The man let out a chuckle before it turned into a full-blown fit of laughter—shocking the girl.
"You, child, have shocked me." He said. "Me! A being far older than you have ever fathomed of meeting. No one has done this on the history of my long existence!"
He then calmed himself down as he chuckled once more with a gleeful expression in his eyes.
"Very well," He said. "If you are certain you wish to make this deal, I will oblige. I will do everything in my power to give you the power to fulfill your wish. No matter how many years it takes I will wait for you. And once the time comes for repayment, I will be ready for you."
He held out his hand to the girl who reached out his grasp as firmly as possible with two of her own hands. He chuckled at her as she looked at him with determination in her eyes.
"I give you my word that I will not waste what you give me, and to return to you the payment owed tenfold." She said. "This is a promise I make to you."
"Yes," The man said. "A promise bound by death."
A young woman gasped with her eyes snapping wide open. She looked around seeing she was in the room she had rented out. She sat up while letting out a sigh.
"Why was I dreaming about that all of a sudden?" She asked herself as she ran her fingers through her hair.
She guessed there was no point in dwelling on it, so she pushed away her covers to get out of bed. She stepped out onto the cold floor while shaking out her silver locks. After shaking them out the locks fell past her shoulders with two strands going between her eyes. This girl—or rather woman—seemed to be in her late teens to early twenties. While she appeared to be toned—she had a curvaceous figure that suited her medium height stature.
"I wish we could stay at inns with better bed." She said as she rolled her shoulders that were completely stiff.
However, they couldn't because they were on the run. They had to lay low, so not to draw attention to themselves, which means staying out of places that might recognize them. The woman sighed again while guessing she better just get dressed.
Once dressed, she was wearing a black corset top that was tied up by a blue ribbon in the front. The corset pushed up her chest showed off the tattoo she had on top her left breast that was a raven perched on a skull. Over her shirt was a blue leather jacket that was cropped, so it stopped just under her breasts. Then she had on black leather looking pants that hugged lowly on her hips. Then on her feet were a pair of black boots that went up to her knees. Finally, there was a silver band on her wrist with what appeared to be old writing engraved around it.
"Mhmm, Lady Monroe."
Monroe turned to her traveling companion as the younger girl was sitting up in bed. The girl seemed to be in her mid-teens had had long silvery-blonde hair. Her bangs fell over her right eye, but left eye revealed a beautiful blue iris. She was pale-skinned like Monroe and had a slightly slimmer-subtle figure.
"Princess Elizabeth, it's time to leave." Monroe informed her. "We can't stay here much longer."
Elizabeth—the third princess of the realm—nodded her head while obediently going to get ready. As she went to prepare to leave, Monroe, who put a cloak around her and the hood over her head, went to check and see if the ghost was clear. Monroe has been traveling with the princess for a few weeks now after escaping the capital at the King's request. Monroe had planned to leave on her own, but as a Holy Knight whose true loyalty is to the kingdom and her king, she couldn't deny him. Besides, she grew up alongside Elizabeth.
She used to play in the castle gardens with her older cousins Griamore and Gilthunder and the princesses. Those days had been filled with so much fun and happiness. Now, things were so different. The future was dark and full of hopelessness, but she was stubborn, so she wasn't ready to give up yet. Which is why she's looking for them.
"Looks like, everything is clear," Monroe said as she glanced around.
She then looked over her shoulder as Elizabeth came out with her own cloak around her.
"Now, isn't that much easier to move around in than that rusted old armor?" Monroe questioned. "And less likely to draw attention to us."
Elizabeth blushed remembering the old rusted armor she had insisted on wearing in the beginning. She had thought it was the perfect disguise—who'd expect the princess of Liones to wear such a thing, right? But Monroe was right—it did attract a lot of attention.
"Yes, Lady Monroe." Elizabeth said.
Monroe sighed while pulling the hood over Elizabeth's head, so to hide her face.
"Let's go." Monroe said. "We'll be keeping to the roads less traveled and even forest paths, so we might not see another town for a while. So, better prepare yourself."
Elizabeth nodded then hurried after the slightly taller girl as Monroe started down the road that led out of the village. As they walked, Monroe hoped they found the Sins they sought out. It's been ten years since she's laid eyes on any of them. There were many rumors they were dead, but she knew better. And thanks, to her intel, she had a few ideas on where to seek them.
'Everyone, I hope we meet again soon.' She thought as she looked up at the sky with a somber gaze in her eyes.
Monroe and Elizabeth walked on in silence as the sun shined overhead. It was another nice day, and the countryside was rather beautiful. Monroe glanced behind her as Elizabeth was falling farther and farther behind. They have been walking for some time now without break. Monroe even had them walk through the night to make as much distance as possible.
"Princess, do you need a rest?" Monroe asked the younger girl.
"N—no, I'm fine." Elizabeth said smiling from underneath her hood. "I can manage."
Monroe didn't really believe that, but she had to respect the fact Elizabeth hasn't complained once and has done her best. Of course, she's always pushed herself when the safety of others is involved, and right now the entire kingdom's fate could rest on their quest to bring the Seven Deadly Sins back together. However, Monroe wouldn't be doing her job if she ignored the needs of the princess. Monroe crouched down in front of Elizabeth, who came to a stop, while holding back her arms.
"Climb on." Monroe instructed. "We can't stop just yet, but I can't let you wear yourself out."
"No, no, I can manage." Elizabeth insisted. "Don't inconvenience yourself for my sake, Lady Monroe."
Monroe sighed while turning her head to over her shoulder to look up the princess.
"It'd be more of an inconvenience if you passed out due to exhaustion." Monroe said. "I can carry you. It won't be a bother, so please, climb on."
Elizabeth hesitated for a moment before doing as told. She climbed onto Monroe's back with the older girl easily lifting her. They continued on with Elizabeth resting her chin on Monroe's shoulder. As she was carried, she bit her lip wondering if it was really a good idea to accompany Monroe. Monroe who has always been so strong and brave since they were kids.
Elizabeth always thought Monroe could do anything. She proved time and time again she was talented and strong. She overtook many of the male Holy Knight apprentices in training and crushed whoever tried to stop her from moving forward. Elizabeth knew she could trust in Monroe but felt as she herself would only hinder the silver-haired woman.
"Gees, you're overthinking again, aren't you?" Monroe suddenly spoke up surprising Elizabeth. "You're not a burden. If I had the chance of ditching you back at the capital, I wouldn't have done it. Not in a million years. Because not only were my cousins and I sworn to look after you princesses, but you're my friend too, isn't that right, Princess?"
Elizabeth felt her eyes tear up, but she nodded her head as a smile pulled across her face.
"Yeah," Elizabeth said.
As Monroe walked on, she hoped they'd find a break soon. They needed one. She looked up at the sky while letting out a sigh. The last eight years have been hard, but now it was time to put her training and years of planning to action.
Meliodas stood behind his bar cleaning up as his patrons seemed to enjoy their ale and the lively atmosphere. He did have that issue with the men earlier who was dumb enough to try the food here, but beside that, things were peaceful.
"No kidding, I saw her with my own two eyes." One of his patrons said catching his attention. "I swear by all that's holy I saw the woman with the death tattoo."
Meliodas blinked when hearing that. It was the first he's heard about it, but the man's words seemed to have the other patrons shifting. Some of them looking uneasy.
"Yeah, it seems as if she's been on everyone's mind." Another patron said. "Some say she used to be a Holy Knight. Others say she came from death itself. Then there's another rumor that she's actually a member of the Seven Deadly Sins."
"That's not it at all." A third patron said. "The woman is real that's the truth and she is a former Holy Knight. But this talk of the Seven Deadly Sins connection to her is just stories. Things parents tell their children to scare them."
Meliodas was definitely curious now. A former Holy Knight rumored to be connected to them? A tattoo of death? Or maybe it was a tattoo of something else—like an animal.
"The Seven Deadly Sins?" Meliodas spoke up getting the men's attention.
"You mean, you've never heard of them, my young tavern owner?" The third patron asked.
"Their wanted posters are hanging everywhere." The second patron added. "Like those over there."
Meliodas looked over at his bulletin board where the wanted posters of the Seven Deadly Sins rested. He mostly kept them for show. He doesn't really get them updated or anything.
"When was it?" The third patron asked. "About ten years ago? Dozens of Holy Knights from across the land were butchered so fast that they didn't even have time to defend themselves. The Seven Deadly Sins were the ones responsible for it. From what I've been told the way the Holy Knights' Grand Master was murdered was too gruesome for anybody to even look at."
As they continued to speak, Meliodas returned to take care of his other customers. Though he made sure to listen in on the conversation.
"It said their captain Meliodas was the scariest one of them all." The second patron said. "They say he's even brought down entire countries before. None of them have been caught yet, have they?"
"Nope, not a single one." The third patron said. "And now there's this new issue with the rogue Holy Knight. Her wanted poster is starting to be put in circulation, and what everyone says stands out most is the tattoo on her neck. The one that looks like a crow's foot facing downwards—the runic symbol for death. And people say that wherever she goes death follows. She had fled the capital some time ago and killed many in her wake. Hundreds."
Just then the door to the bar was roughly slammed open. Everyone turned seeing a cloaked figure. While their head was obscured, those in the tavern could see a sword at their side.
"It really wasn't that many." A feminine voice spoke from underneath the hood. "Fifty at the most, I'd say."
Her words had people stiffing up while growing pale. Some even felt a chill wash over them as their hearts stopped. The newcomer chuckled.
"Would you like to join that body count?" She asked while moving her hood back just enough to show her neck to the patrons.
The men gasped with their eyes widening when they saw the death tattoo on the woman's neck.
"She's here!" They all shouted before running out of there as fast as possible.
They rushed right passed the woman who didn't even try to stop them. Once they were all gone, the woman sighed and dropped her hand away from her hood.
"Perhaps I overdid it with the dramatics," she said. "What do you think?"
She turned to her side revealing another cloaked person who seemed timid as they held onto the cloak of the first person. The first person turned towards Meliodas who narrowed his eyes at the pair.
"I apologize for running away your customers." The first person said. "Really I didn't want to cause a scene, but I needed the place emptied out."
Meliodas jumped over the bar while placing his hands on his waist not seeming frightened like those men had been.
"Who are you?" He questioned sounding a bit threatening.
The second person shifted closer to the first who only chuckled at his hostile demeanor.
"Now, now, Melly, there's no reason to sound so cold." The woman chided. "After all, this should be a happy reunion. It's been ten years since we last saw each other."
Meliodas's eyes widened at the old nickname. There was only one person alive who ever called him that. The woman reached up removing her hood, which allowed her blue orbs to meet his green ones. The woman smiled at him.
"It's so good to see you, Meliodas." The woman said.
"Monroe!" Meliodas exclaimed in shock.
—FLASHBACK—
Meliodas laughed as he allowed the silver-haired girl to tug him down the dirt path. He's been with her family for a few weeks now after Asthore told the king he'd take responsibility over Meliodas and the people he recruited for his Seven Deadly Sins. He had met Asthore's pregnant wife—Cordelia—and his daughter Monroe that following evening. The silver-haired girl quickly accepting his new place in their household.
"Slow down, Roe," Meliodas cautioned. "You're going to trip at this rate."
Monroe pouted at the Sin of Wrath as she didn't want to slow down. Though she did as she was told. Soon enough they reached the field of flowers and she let out a laugh as she let go of his hand to hurry to the colorful, beautiful plants. She sat down among them while quickly starting to pick a few. Meliodas watched her with a slight smile as he followed at a slower pace.
"Melly, what flowers do you think I should bring home to my mommy?" The girl asked.
"Hmm, that's a tough decision." Meliodas said as he crouched down. "They're all so pretty. Like you."
He tapped her nose as he spoke causing her to giggle. She then went back to her flower picking as Meliodas laid down to watch the clouds. He was enjoying…this sense of peace. It was different than the times he's had before. He usually kept to himself until he found Elizabeth again. Only forming small relationships here and there with others. However, things changed this time. One of the biggest changes being the happy child beside him and her family. They made him happy. A kind of happy he hasn't felt in a while.
Meliodas then blinked when a crown of flowers entered his vision. He looked at Monroe as she was setting the flowers on his head carefully. He sat up and touched the flower crown.
"Now, Melly is really pretty." Monroe, who wore her own flower crown, said with a happy laugh.
Meliodas smiled at the girl before lifting her up, which caused her to let out another peel of laughter.
—END OF FLASHBACK—
"Yeah, that's me," Monroe said.
Hawk looked on in confusion as Meliodas hurried over to the female and reached up to pat her on the head.
"You're all grown up!" He said with a smile. "You've become quite the beautiful young woman."
Monroe smiled at his words as the blonde dropped his hand from the top of her head.
"I've missed you." Monroe said. "I wanted to come and find you earlier, but it's taken time. I'm just glad the rumor I heard about a child bar owner fitting your description was true."
Meliodas chuckled. He wasn't expecting to be reunited with the girl like this, but he was happy to see her. Especially after so long. Monroe then turned to her companion.
"It's alright, Princess." Monroe said to the girl. "He's a friend."
Meliodas blinked while turning to the girl beside Monroe who timidly lowered her hood. His eyes widening when he saw her face.
"Meliodas, I'm not sure if you remember her, but this is Princess Elizabeth." Monroe said. "Elizabeth, allow me to introduce you to the Captain of the Seven Deadly Sins. Meliodas the Dragon Sin of Wrath."