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Chapter 14 – Danafor (I)
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This night, because they were too tired, they decided to camp on the outskirt of the woods near Danafor. They would arrive on Danafor at the daylight the next day if they went on.
Elizabeth asked cautiously to the deadly silence group "after we arrive on Danafor, what will you guys do?".
Gawain broke the silence first "first of all, our identity must be kept as a secret. That's why, we have to do the disguise, like... change our appearances, and our names".
They thought in unison "finally!".
Yeah, this was the perfect time to get back their names and they had no intention to change it anymore.
Tristan lifted his hand "then, I will change my name, Tristram, into Tristan".
Gawain lifted his hand "Gawain".
"Lancelot du Lac", Lancelot turned to Mash "how about you, Mash?".
"I will keep my name, because 'Mash Kyrielight' is the name that my mother gave to me and the only thing she's left to me. However, as for my fake name, you may call me with whatever you want to".
"I know deep downright her heart, she's a kind-hearted girl, that's why... I want to defend her smile, as his father", Lancelot sighed and grabbed her hand "come with me. We need to talk".
When they were out of sight and earshot from the group, Mash cautiously asked "...what do you want to talk about with me? If it's about what mother said to you, you don't have to do it because you don't have any obligation to raise me".
"Galahad, and Mash, listen to me", Lancelot dropped one knee in front of her, cupping her cheeks "...I know, I was such a sorry excuse for a father. I abandoned and neglected you in my previous life. I also failed you and your mother in this life. That's why allow me to atone my Sin to you", Lancelot pulled her into his embrace "let me be your father. Not because Gwen asked me to, but because I want to be a good father for you".
"All this time, I've always been afraid... that you would be disappointed because I'm born as a girl now, considering how you don't even consider me as your child in my previous life, that's why... I told you to keep our distance, so I don't have to hope... that you will act as my father...", Mash started crying before wrapping her arms around his shoulders "you don't have to... ask me... of something already clear, right? Because... deep down in my heart... every time people asked me about my father... you are the only one... that I can think of... as my father...".
Galahad had been known as the Holy Knight with the kindness of his heart. Mash was his reincarnation. Deep downright her heart, she was truly the kind-hearted girl and Lancelot swore he would protect her to defend her smile as her father. It seemed like their comrades knew what they were talking about, from how they smiled to Lancelot and Mash when Lancelot went back with Mash, carrying her on his arms.
Went back to the main business, Lancelot mulled over the fake name or considerable nickname for his daughter "as for Mash's fake name... how about Elaine? I think 'Gwen' can do, but I'm afraid you'll be sad, so...".
Elaine was the name of Galahad's biological mother, so Mash brightened "I like Elaine, so I will use it. Thank you, father".
An arrow stabbed to his heart and Lancelot hugged Mash, rubbing his cheek against hers "so cute".
Gawain chuckled "wow, I don't know that you're such doting father, brother".
Elizabeth asked Lancelot "bur why Elaine?".
"well, it's my mother's name", Lancelot scratched his cheek "and the name of Galahad's mother as well".
It was only Mordred, Bedivere, and Arthuria who hadn't spilled out their fake name.
"Mordred", Mordred turned to Bedivere who never left Arthuria's side "how about you two? She's still asleep?".
"never opened her eyes, if that's what you implied", Bedivere leaned his head on the tree bark "and for your question... Bedivere, it's my name now. For her, I think we know that we should call her with what name. That... if she wants it when she confirms it to us after she opens her eyes".
"of all people, you should have known how strong my sister, right?", Mordred stuffed Bedivere's mouth with the grilled meat before she chewed hers "eat and sleep properly, so we can continue our journey. If you don't eat and sleep properly and one of us collapses, my sister will not like it when she's awake".
Bedivere smiled and ate his share silently while Elizabeth smiled fondly.
Elizabeth crossed her hands before her chest and contemplated "well then, I also have to think about my fake name".
Mordred tapped her fingers on her lips "then... how about 'Liz'?".
Elizabeth blinked "Liz?".
Mordred nodded her head "well, you have the same name as my mother, Elizabeth. The difference is, Ellie, people usually called my mother as 'Liz'. Even my sister also said that you gave off this warmth vibrant like our mother".
Tristan pointed out "it explains why you two easily get along well and so close with her".
"and? How about you, princess?", Gawain asked, earning their attention "what will you do after you arrive on Danafor?".
"I will go to find the Sins", looking up to the dark night sky, Elizabeth wondered what was gonna come to them in the future. However, she resolved to herself "I'm not gonna go back to the Castle because I know, something's wrong with my Kingdom. I have to figure out what's wrong in my Kingdom and if I want to take care of it, I will need the force of my own. I will need your help and Sins. Will you guys lend your hands to me?".
Well, they surely wanted to help Elizabeth. However, their leader was Arthuria. Though, knowing how Arthuria behaved, they were sure she would willingly help Elizabeth. That night, both Elizabeth and Mordred slept in between Arthuria. Bedivere and Gawain slept near their head. Mash slept curling into a ball and cuddling to Lancelot's chest while Tristan slept snuggling closer to Lancelot's back.
In her sleep, Mordred had a dream where they reunited with Meliodas. She and Arthuria asked Meliodas if they could change their name and Meliodas accepted it. When Meliodas asked them what names they wanted to use, the twin exchanged glances before they told him their new names.
Alexandria (Arthuria) answered "Morgana".
Bellatrix (Mordred) answered "Arthuria".
They decided to take after those names, someone they shouldn't have to forget, and the proof of their resolve. At that time, they just realized who was their twin sister. When Mordred tried to call her out, she saw her mother in this lifetime, Liz, gave a puppy to Arthuria who accepted it with a sheepish smile.
Arthuria cradled the baby dog in her hand and murmured with her narrowed eyes, cheeks flushed "the name is Cavall".
Mordred murmured "...Cavall...".
Of course, she remembered the puppy's name. Cavall was the name of King Arthur's favorite hunting dog. Mordred remembered that Arthuria was fond of the hunting dog in the previous life, just like how she was fond of the puppy in this lifetime. Unfortunately, the puppy died due to sick on that morning. Without telling everyone, Mordred saw Arthuria brought this Cavall puppy to the riverbank near the flower garden where they usually played together. Before she buried the puppy, Mordred saw Arthuria hugged the puppy for the last time, crying silently. After she stopped crying, wiping her tears, and started digging the grave for the puppy Cavall, Mordred joined her to bury the puppy Cavall. They buried and prayed together for the puppy Cavall and no one said anything. Arthuria didn't show her tears in front of her, she only smiled sadly to her when she said 'thank you' to her.
Mordred frowned and cursed herself. Why didn't she realize it sooner? Be it as Arthuria or Alexandria, she was her family. With or without memory, she was someone precious for Mordred. Mordred swore to protect her and reconcile with her in this second life of them, right? She couldn't afford to fail this time.
When Mordred woke up, she saw the others were still sleeping, except Elizabeth who stared at the sun at the dawn.
Elizabeth turned to her and smiled "good morning, Mordred".
Mordred smiled back and stretched her body, yawning "good morning, Liz".
Ah, Mordred realized one more thing when she stood side by side with Elizabeth. Elizabeth's smile looked so similar to their mother, Liz's smile. Mordred wondered how and she didn't know why, but she thought, somehow, Arthuria also felt the same. Elizabeth was so lovely, that was why...
No matter what, Mordred swore that she would protect the family that she finally earned, no matter what it cost.
It all started with a dream at night. In their dream, they met her, a ghost of a little girl they perfectly knew. They hoped it was a dream but it wasn't really, considering they were awake when it happened. Even if it happened at night, it undoubtedly was real, not a dream.
Escanor who didn't know where to go, yelped in fear before curling into a ball, apologizing many times for his incompetence.
Diane who hid on the Forest of White Dreams was shocked and turned pale as a sheet as she stared down to the ghost, unaware of the Imps who freaked out and hid behind her.
King who mourned for his loss after he arrived on the remnants of Fairy King Forest, stumbled back in fear and shouted in fright, cowering like a frightened child.
Gowther who hid on the Forest with Dale, lowering his book and looking up to the floating ghost "wow, interesting. First, an unidentified creature, and second, a ghost of Captain's daughter?".
Ban who just arrived on the Fairy King's Forest to give his blood for growing the Forest (as Elaine's asked him) and checked Elaine's body, had lost words and unmoved. If not because of Gerharde told everyone to calm down and some Fairies freaked out, asking Ban to chase away the ghost, Ban could have sworn this was only a damn dream or his delusion or he was under alcohol but no, this was real and Ban only could mumble "you are...".
Merlin was in Camelot, she taught Arthur as usual and was about to tell a fairy tale for him before bed, if not because of Arthur's frightened yell. Merlin rushed to his room and she was more than shocked to see Arthuria there "it can't be...".
Meliodas dropped the ale mug on his hand, his hand and body shaking violently as he stared down to her, totally ignoring Hawk who hid behind his legs and freaked out, asking Meliodas and his Mama to expel the ghost. Meliodas sucked in a deep, shuddering breath "...Alexandria...".
She wore flowing white off-shoulder dress. Her long straight blonde hair was floating, just like her body, it reached her hips. Her unmistakably blue eyes stared to them sadly as she mumbled "Danafor".
It was enough to be a cue for them to leave.
To Danafor.
(Escanor didn't know where to go, so he decided to set his journey to Danafor.
The prankster Imps later were grateful towards the ghost because Diane decided to leave the woods and continued her journey to Danafor.
Homeless King decided to go to Danafor, in order to clear everything.
Gowther told Dale to come with him to Danafor.
The Fairies on the Fairy King's Forest who were still shaken by the ghosts asked if Ban really left to where the ghost told him to go and yes, Ban would be damned if he didn't go, he said.
Young Arthur asked Merlin if she knew who was the beautiful ghost and Merlin laughed, asking if he actually was afraid of her or not. Arthur shyly admitted he was afraid a little but he was more struck in awe due to her beauty and hoped they could be a friend if she was still alive like Merlin said.
Hawk asked Meliodas many times if he truly would go to Danafor and yes, Meliodas ordered him to tell Hawk Mama rush into Danafor before he turned him into the roasted pig).
King heard it, the familiar huge steps approaching his direction.
Diane waved her hand, teary-eyed "KING!".
King burst out into cry "DIANE!".
Escanor mounted off of the horse, lifting his glasses as he narrowed his eyes to two familiar shadows "no doubt, is that... Diane and King!?".
The three of them tearfully reunited in relief as if they were separated for years even though it was only several weeks. In the halfway, they met with Gowther and Dale. They had mistaken Dale as Gowther at first (because Dale wore Gowther's gigantic armor). However, when they met with Ban on the outskirt of Danafor, the fight between Ban and King were unavoidable. If not because of Merlin, they would surely kill each other seriously.
Right before King launched the strongest form of his Chastiefol Spear Spirit: Sunflower. Ban was about to strike King with his Sacred Treasure Courechouse, Merlin appeared and came in between them with her teleport. She simply snapped her fingers "Absolute Cancel".
Both Escanor and Diane used this chance to stop them. After Merlin disarmed them, Escanor held Ban down easily (as he was in his daylight). Diane swiftly snatched King to tuck him into her chest and she successfully made him lost his consciousness.
"what has gotten into you two?", Merlin demanded King and Ban who sat back to back like fighting kids. Merlin sighed and rubbed her temple, shaking her head when both supposedly adults men refused to talk. Seven Deadly Sins members were such kids, sometimes. She crossed her arms before her chest, turning to Gowther "and Gowther, what happened to your armor?".
"as you see, I made him wear it", Gowther lifted his hand to the side where Dale muttered something incomprehensible "huh?".
They were shocked when the Giant Armor smashed Gowther to the ground and went rampaging. The Sins were on guard, ready to fight after Merlin and Escanor gathered Gowther's body, but they were shocked to see the familiar red blurs of electric waves attacked Dale.
"stay away from them, you Demon!", Mordred kicked and slashed it "Clarent: Wrath Of Justice".
"Everyone, stand behind me!", Mash reached out her hand "Lord Camelot: Wall of Snowflake".
The transparent snowflake-like wall appeared like the fort surrounding them to keep them safe.
"Mash, hold on! Mordred, get back here!", Gawain instructed, "what is that creature?".
"I have no idea as well!", Mash told them "just stay behind me".
"Perhaps, it's too late... We can't turn him back into a human, probably. I've seen something like this and the only option that was left, is to exterminate it", Mordred thought back of the Golem that Caster had created back then in the Third Holy Way where she participated. However, compared to that Golem, the presence of the creature in front of them felt more like those things that she didn't want to remember at all "I sense this malevolent presence from this creature that similar to those Demons".
King inquired skeptically "did you just say Demons?".
Diane said in disbelief "you have seen Demons before!?".
Mordred gritted her teeth "...yes...".
Ban stepped forward "then let's end his suffering and just kill him~".
Gawain waved his hand "no need, Sir Ban. leave it to us. Come on, partner".
"that's right. You've done a great job, daughter. I will make it quick", Lancelot patted Mash's head and got out of Mash's Shield. Closing his eyes, Lancelot concentrated to use the Mad Enchantment. Lancelot opened his eyes and growled as his eyes gleaming in red "The Unfading Shine Of The Lake: Arondight".
After Lancelot slashed the monster in front of him into pieces, Gawain reached out his hand "Galatine".
With the Shining Sword of the Sun, Gawain fully exterminated the monster that burned into a crisp but in the end, they saw someone—human, to be exact. Mash's pupils dilated when her Clairvoyance had seen the true identity of the monster.
Lancelot instantly carried Mash when Mash started crying, feeling her forehead "Mash, what happened? Where does it hurt? You're a bit warm".
Gawain ruffled Mash's head "I don't think she's injured. Wonder if she's gotten fever, or it's just the effect of her using her awakened power?".
Mordred leaned her Clarent on her shoulder casually "or... do you see something from the vile thing?".
After Mash nodded her head, Gowther used his power to read Mash's mind and spread the information they needed to know "Broadcast".
Diane rubbed her head, didn't know what or how to react "the monster we just fought... it was the doting father, Holy Knight Dale?".
No wonder Mash was crying. Gwen and Mash were quite close with Dale and his children, Guila and Zeal. When Mash was mourning for Dale's death, Lancelot cradled her and whispered the gentle words to comfort her.
Looking at how close Mash and Lancelot, Ban teased "what is it, kiddo? Do you finally become her father? It means you finally won over her mother's heart, huh?".
When the situation turned somber, the Sins wondered what happened before finally, Mash cried harder, wiping her tears in vain "...my mother passed away already".
"idiot, you make her crying harder!", Mordred kicked Ban's shinbone (which didn't feel hurt at all, it was really nothing compared to the hurt of seeing the young little girl cried harder) before Mordred went patting Mash's head "there, there. You're so softy, to the point I think you do fit to be a girl".
Gawain ruffled Mordred's head "Mordred, it's so mean of you. You want to praise her or insult her? Choose one".
Mordred grinned playfully "yeah, yeah, Gawain, I know you only lack sarcastic side".
Gawain chuckled awkwardly "hey!".
When the clearly-confused Sins wanted to ask them about what happened to them, including about how they called each other, they heard Bedivere's voice "princess Elizabeth, don't go too far!".
There, they saw Bedivere who carrying a bundle of white, pursued Elizabeth who ran to Danafor with Tristan in tows. There, they saw on the edge of the cliff to the fallen Danafor, Elizabeth ran to—
Mordred gasped and ran "Daddy!".
Elizabeth jumped and cried out "Meliodas!".
Meliodas, somehow in a dazed state, looked behind and caught Elizabeth on his arms "...Elizabeth?".
That night, the Sins camped on the outskirt of the fallen Danafor. After Gawain, Elizabeth, and everyone who ran away from the Capital here recited the story of what happened ever since the Sins left.
"I see, so Lady Gwen has...", Ban turned to Lancelot who cradled the sleeping Mash on his hands "but are you sure, kiddo? I mean, you're still young. I know Gwen is your first love, but you even willingly adopt her daughter?".
"why not?", Lancelot thought back of his previous life where he had neglected and abandoned Galahad. Not again this time. Lancelot brushed Mash's bangs from her face and narrowed his eyes solemnly "no matter what people say, that I'm still too young to be her father, or even telling me that I'm so stupid, I can't stop loving her. I don't want to regret it anymore, so I will do what I want, no matter what people said. I want to protect Mash's smile, and cherish her as my daughter even if we aren't related by blood".
Ban scratched the back of his head before going to ruffle Lancelot's head "well then if it's what you want to do, do it. Just don't forget, you're not alone here. You can just ask us when you need help".
Lancelot remembered Ban, his father. Strange, because this Ban was also his father. The counterpart of Lancelot's father, he meant.
Diane and King exchanged glances and smiled before Diane asked "so, you guys decided to change your name or use the fake name?".
Elizabeth smiled and nodded her head "yup! As our disguise, some of us change our name, some others who keep their name have picked the fake name".
The kids (which actually weren't the kids entirely) clarified that they who decided to change their names had no intention to take back their name and would live with their newly-picked name (which actually their name of their previous life, except Mash).
"it's only Alexandria's that we haven't decided the name yet", Elizabeth pointed herself and Mash "by the way, I and Mash will use the fake name. Mash will use the name 'Elaine' and I will use 'Liz'!".
Ban, King, and Meliodas dropped the ale mug in their hands at the same time while Merlin froze in the process when she sipped the wine from her glass. The four of them looked on the edge, even the usual cool-headed Merlin. Meliodas and Merlin were the ones who recovered first before Meliodas ordered them to rest on the Boar Hat and Merlin called the day off, telling them all that she would check on both Bedivere and Arthuria before she went to sleep. When they reunited this afternoon, after he had handed Arthuria to Meliodas, Bedivere collapsed in exhaustion, having high fever due to overexertion. Tristan told them perhaps he over exhaust himself when trying to heal Arthuria. True, despite her pale skin, she looked better than before but if he fell sick as well, it wouldn't do any good for them.
They decided to discuss further their next plan in the morning.
The next morning, though, they found Bedivere and Arthuria disappeared with a note from Bedivere who told them that he would go to the Garden of Avalon and he would bring her back no matter what. They only knew about it later after the midday, though.
To be more precise, after the Sins had the reconciliation to each other's members and they knew about what happened on Danafor.
A/N:
I and Mordred will put the bomb in the next chapter. Prepare yourself. Also, to someone who asked me, yes, I know and aware of the fact that Lancelot is the son of Ban and Elaine, as well as the fact that Tristan is Meliodas and Elizabeth's son.