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Chapter 1 – Heroes Or Villains

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"you either die a hero or you live long enough to see yourself become the villain". – HarveyDent at Lifehack Quotes.

Liones Kingdom

Ban tucked both his hands in his pocket "thanks to your generous daughter, I finally found a way to revive my lover. I need to leave and go to the Fairy King's Forest, where I put her body".

When Ban dragged him outside for 'having a serious conversation' he said, Meliodas predicted this, more or less. He had a bad feeling about this, somehow. Both hands crossed over his chest, Meliodas asked after he nodded his head in understanding "but you will come back, right?".

"no, Cap'n. I'm not coming back. I'm leaving The Seven Deadly Sins~".

More or less, Meliodas understood the reason why. Not to mention, his children had given Ban a hard time after knowing that Ban had tried to kill him. Well, most of them. Only his carefree kid (Lancelot) or too soft and kind-hearted (Melody and Lily) did not do it. The other four, Tristan, Tristina, Merissa, and (surprisingly) Guinevere had teamed up to give Ban a hard time due to their anger, it seemed. Welp. Even if he tried to talk about it to his children, it was unlike they would listen to him with their hot-boiled head right now. Not to mention, Ban's guilt to him and his kids weren't helping at all.

So, Meliodas thought it was best to give his kids and Ban time to cool off and reconcile. After all, Meliodas knew the best of his children with Elizabeth. Seriously, at a time like this, Meliodas hoped Elizabeth could talk with them because Elizabeth was better than him when it came to persuading their kids.

Lowering his head down, Meliodas sighed before looking up with an understanding of his eyes "...alright, I understand your choice. What's your plan, anyway? After trying to revive her".

"well, I've planned to travel around the Britannia with her, as I promised her. Though, I don't know if it will work or not", Ban shrugged with a slight grin "wish me luck, perhaps?".

"of course, I will! Good luck!", with his trademark cheerful grin, Meliodas raised his hand, walking closer to him. Before he left him to go back into the Boar Hat, Meliodas tapped his fist lightly on his forearm "I will not stop you, from leaving. However, just remember this. My tavern's door is always opened for you, whenever you want to come back".

Without looking back, Meliodas went back to the Boar Hat.

Ban covered his eyes "...I don't know if I can come back or not".

"if you want to leave without coming back, just go", Tristan appeared behind him, jumping from his shared room with Isolde at the attic "I'll not stop you, neither I will apologize, for giving a hard time for you, but you better remember that my father neither hates you, nor he blamed you for your choice. Just good luck from me, I guess... To revive your lover, that is".

"I will not apologize, too", Tristina floated down, hesitantly "just... be careful, on your journey with her".

Ban quirked a smirk "as I thought, like parents like children".

In the Boar Hat, Elizabeth waited patiently. For the important event this morning, she had given the new clothes for Meliodas and his children. Nervously, she fidgeted with her fingers, wondering if the clothes would fit with them and suit their taste.

From behind, Elizabeth heard someone whispering near her ear "relax, princess. You're too tense".

"KYA!", Elizabeth jumped from her seat, standing up abruptly. Looking behind, her eyes sparkled "oh, my... As I thought, you look good in this dress!".

"thank you very much, princess. I wondered why did you ask for my favourite colour yesterday? So, this is why", lifting both sides of her skirt, Tristina smiled thankfully to Elizabeth. She wore a white dress with the one-piece style, the blue lace on the edge of her skirt which reaching her knees and the green ruffles on the edge of her sleeve which reaching her elbows. Tristina liked this dress because it was a modest dress that would not get her in the way of the battle and restrict her movement "thank you so much, princess! I love it!".

Elizabeth smiled broadly and nodded her head in approval. Though, something was off. Why would Tristina...

Hawk trotted closer to them and asked "hey, Tina. Usually, you call Elizabeth 'Mommy', but why do you call her as a 'princess' now?".

Yes, thank you for mentioning it, Hawk!

Both the oldest son and daughter of her family (Tristan and Guinevere, yes) had joined to give Tristina a lecture about calling Elizabeth their 'Mommy' or 'Mother'.

Tristan had reluctantly chided her "I know you missed her, so much. I understand because that's also how do I feel. However, we think you just... should refrain from calling her as our 'Mommy' or 'mother'...".

Guinevere, as expected from the eldest daughter, had cleared it for her "it is not only you who missed her and wished that the things would work like it used to be, calling her as our 'Mommy'. We all do, trust me. However, what if it will trigger her memory? Even father restrains himself back, right? Don't you think it's unfair for our father and our siblings? If you don't refrain and keep calling her our Mom... I hope you can be patient, Tina. Only until we break the curse on our parents".

Of course, Tristina didn't think that far and she thought she got too complacent. Just because Elizabeth did not mind at all when she called her 'Mommy', it did not mean that it would not trigger the memory. If not now, perhaps in the future. She had apologized to Tristan and Guinevere because she let her guard down and careless, too selfish for not even think about her father and her siblings. Of course, both her older sister and older brother were not angry, only wanted to ask for her understanding.

Tristina was an expert at hiding her emotions behind her poker face, just like her father and her older sister. She rolled her eyes to Hawk and put her hands on her hips, blinking her eyes innocently "what are you talking about, Hawk? She's the third princess of Liones Kingdom, and I think I really should stop teasing her. I think I should stop being childish and behave more mature. It's only proper for us to call her like a princess, like what my older brother naturally does, right?".

Hawk snorted "huh! At least, the daughter is more mature compared to her father".

Tristina shared an amusement grin with Hawk "thank you, but be careful. Don't let father hear you, or I'm afraid that he will cook you into a roasted pork. It's one of my favourite food, though~".

Hawk's ears stood up in fright before running away to hide behind Elizabeth "Pugo! Elizabeth, scold her and don't her eat me!".

"there, there. You know she's just kidding, right?", Elizabeth chuckled and caressed the pink pig. In her mind, Elizabeth understood Tristina's choice. However, deep down in her heart, Elizabeth felt a bit lonely and disheartened because of Tristina's sudden change of behaviour. Caressing her stinging chest, Elizabeth thoughtfully wondered "then again, we're not related by blood at all. Why should I feel lonely and sad like this just because she doesn't call me 'Mom' anymore?".

This time, Tristan whispered from behind "it is simply so-called the motherhood instinct, princess".

Elizabeth startled and squeaked "KYA! Sir Tristan, you startled me!".

Hawk deadpanned "...Both of you and Tina have a hobby to startle people or what?".

"did I miss something?", Meliodas popped out and raised his hand "oh, it looks good on you, Tina, Triss!".

Tristan wore the red cape and the uniform he'd got from Arthur and Guinevere this time. Usually, he only wore this attire in the ceremony or other formal events, so he wasn't too used to wearing this "well, it's not quite comfortable, though".

Isolde chided him, putting the cuff button on his sleeves for him "just endure it until the end of the award bestowment, will you?".

Gowther clapped his hands "such a good wife you are, Isolde".

Merlin chuckled when they saw both Tristan and Isolde turned bright red "oh? So, you can tease now, Gowther?".

Tristina chirped brightly "thank you, Dad! It looks good on you, too!".

Outside, Diane looked anxious before turning her head to them "hey, do you know where Ban will go? King only left a note to me, that he will follow Ban for a while, wanted to try persuading him or something like that, he said. How could he be so cold? Not even a goodbye to me…".

"Seriously, that's not how you should part with your lover", Neiva sighed and shook her head, looking down at the paper on her hand. Patting Diane's forehead, Neiva tried to encourage her, before lifting her fist "but he will come back, right? You just need to be patient and wait for him, Di. Later, when he's back, scold him as you wish and kick his ass".

Elizabeth nervously added, "um, I think Sir King could die if she did it…".

Diane giggled at her advice "I'm alright now. Thank you, Neiva".

This morning at the courtyard of the Liones Castle, King Baltra held the award bestowment for the Seven Deadly Sins (minus Ban and King) and the Junior Sins (minus Elias) for their brave actions to save the Liones Kingdom. Arthur and Morgan presented here as the guests, meanwhile, both Neiva and Lucifer (in human form) borrowed the identity of Arthur's uncle, Duke Vortigern who came here with his daughter (as their cover). It was understandable why Lucifer wore a mask around his eyes and Neiva wore the long wavy red wig for their disguise. They wanted to keep a low profile, they said.

In the middle of the award bestowment, Meliodas, plus his kids who present here (Guinevere, Tristan, Tristina, and Lancelot), raised their hands and said in unison "objection for the award bestowment".

Arthur was baffled "Dear?".

Tristina slid her bangs behind her ears "my ears are so sensitive. I can't help it but thinking that it's so noisy, to the point I can even hear their whispers from here. Right, brother, Daddy?".

"do you want to know what's funnier, sis?", Tristan shrugged, looking behind with a feral grin "though, I'm not surprised that those weaklings who only dare to speak behind our back, most of them are the people who do not even fight against Hendrickson, Dreyfus, and Lilith, along with us in the Capital. The ones who fought with us did not say anything at all, instead".

"chill it out, brats", Meliodas turned his back, facing the audience "well then, if you got something to say, say it. We're listening".

Only three of them dared to step forward. Dogget, Death Pierce, and Wayeo from the Six Stars of The Azure Sky who served Denzel Liones, the Assistant to the Great Holy Knight and a little brother of King Baltra Liones.

After Death Pierce told them about his intention, all Meliodas' kids exchanged glances before their eyes simultaneously fell to their father.

Guinevere shrugged her shoulders and hid her lower face with her fan "well, I guess it's fine, as long as it will not bring harm to us, right? Not to mention, as the Queen of Camelot Kingdom, I'd like to see the power of the legendary Heroes from the near distance as well. How is it, Sir Meliodas?".

Guinevere spoke as the Queen of Camelot Kingdom, not as his daughter. It meant she would not interfere with the mock battle here and she would not mind seeing one. After seeing Arthur and Guinevere's mood, King Baltra sighed heavily and approved it.

Meliodas tilted his head "hm… I'd like to, but I guess I will just hand it over to one of my Juniors. After all, if you can't even beat our Juniors, you can't possibly beat us. Is there any of you who want to do it in my stead, my children?".

Lancelot raised his eyebrow "oh? I think you will simply handle it on your own, like the usual?".

"to be honest, I'd like to", Meliodas rolled his eyes "but being my kids, I know you guys are itchy when it comes to the fight, especially fighting the kind of people who make you upset like this".

Isolde raised her hand "I will pass this time".

"we're not upset. Only disagree with what they're talking about", Lancelot shrugged before he grinned, tapping his fist on his palm "but I will gladly accept it!".

Morgan shook her head "hot-blooded as usual".

Tristan squeezed Lancelot's shoulder with an ominous, dark grin on his face "little brother of mine~ do not you think that as an older brother, I should go first, do you?".

"Stay back, you two. I will go first", Tristina stepped forward and slipped her long straight silver hair which tied in low-braids behind her shoulder and glared at her brothers "any objection?".

Tristan and Lancelot raised their hand and said in unison "no at all, Sis!".

Dogget tilted his head "what? Are you sure, I should fight against this little girl, Mr. Hero?".

Elizabeth worriedly grabbed Meliodas' sleeve "Sir Meliodas, are you sure, it will be okay?".

"well, amongst my kids who present here, compared to her brothers, she is indeed the weakest when it comes to their physical ability", Meliodas casually tucked his hands behind his head "but I can tell for sure, she will not lose against you. If you underestimate my little girl just because she's a woman, then you'll be a sitting duck".

"and what is that nonsense you said? That you are worthy of the title as the Great Holy Knight compared to the previous Great Holy Knights", Tristina scoffed and put her hand on her hip "are you kidding me? Had you been the Great Holy Knight, you would have been killed in an instant".

Dogget flinched "what…?".

"the late Great Holy Knight of certain Kingdom once stated, what's the most important as a Knight, is not your power, but your heart. Without your heart, the people who have been granted an immense power like the Holy Knights only will turn into the Villains, not the Heroes. He was the one who taught me, 'you either die as a Hero, or to live long enough to see yourself become a Villain'. Until his last breath, he lived his life as a Hero because he never lost his heart", Tristina remembered about Howl and she put her hand on her chest "you, on the other hand, may possess the power but it seems like you lack what's the most important here".

Dogget barked a mocking laugh "hah, I don't think the words from the dead man is worthy to hear!".

Lancelot was fully aware of who his older sister was talking about, and that man started to piss him off "that bastard—!".

"wait", Tristan smirked after he stopped Lancelot, holding his brother's bicep "Tina can handle this".

"and I don't think you're worthy of the title as the Great Holy Knight. How about you?", Tristina's eyes glinted in the cold fury, just like the ice blade piercing their heart "from what I see, you're only a cocky guy who thinks too highly of himself, just because you possess some power. You are indeed quite strong, only amongst the commoners, but it seems like you've forgotten that there's the sky above the sky. You do not fit to be the Great Holy Knight".

Isolde clapped her hands "that's very good words we have here!".

Tristan nodded his head in acknowledgement "thank you very much, sister".

Gowther joined Isolde to give applause "your daughter has such a sharp tongue, Captain".

When Dogget attacked Tristina with several punches like the Gatling gun in rage, some of the audience shouted. Specifically, it was Diane, Howzer, and Hawk who worried about her.

"Tina, watch out! Not even you—!", Hawk's words all were forgotten when the pink pig confirmed Tristina's power level, enough to stop his brain working immediately "—!?".

Tristina dodged all Dogget's attacks, not moving from her spot an inch, at all "too much opened-space, too predictable attacks, to the point I can make you kneel on the ground only with five hits".

Dogget yelled in irritation, though deep down in his heart, he started frustrating as to why no one of his attacks could touch her "oh, yeah? Say the one who just dodged my attacks!".

Tristina narrowed her eyes and clenched her fist "you have it coming".

Meliodas, Lancelot, and Tristan sighed heavily "ah, here we go again".

Tristina counted each time she hit Dogget.

One, she raised her fist to give an uppercut.

Two, she hit him using her elbow on his midsection.

Third, she punched him in the gut.

"four", Tristina mercilessly kicked Dogget's dick "the Nutcracker Kick".

All men in the courtyard paled and groaned as they saw how Dogget barely keeled over, holding his *cough genital *cough.

Isolde cheered for her sister-in-law loudly "you sure are the fast-learner, Tina! I'm so proud of you!".

Tristan facepalmed, fully knowing that Isolde was the one who taught his twin "honey, what I told you before about not to teach something bad to my sister?".

Isolde smiled innocently "what? She needed it for self-defence, Triss~".

"you should be thankful to me because I do not castrate you here and now. I am not as merciless as my brothers", Tristina smirked devilishly, looking down disdainfully "truthfully, I was about to be merciful, but you have pissed me off".

Dogget choked "why? Was it because… I mocked the nonsense words… from that so-called dead Great Holy Knight?".

"yes", pushing the back of his head, Tristina planted Dogget's face on the floor. Narrowing her eyes, she cleaned her hands off the dust "the dead man that you mocked just now, he's my first love. You better watch your mouth in front of me. Of course, this also applies to all of you who are present here and witnessing this. I hate the weaklings who underestimate women the most".

Gowther waved his hand "Tina, Dear niece, he can't hear you anymore, unfortunately. You may tell him later when he gains his consciousness back".

Tristina clicked her tongue and her expression turned sour "tch, my bad. It's not like I want to see his face again".

After Death Pierce thanked Meliodas and his kids for their great performance, carrying the unconscious Dogget over his shoulder, Tristan whistled "Congratulations. You played yourself~".

Still having a sour mood, Tristina glared at the audience "alright, who's next?".

The audience cowered in fear before Wayeo walked forward.

Tristina was on guard "oh, so you're next?".

Surprisingly, Wayeo bowed his head and crossed one hand before his chest "please, forgive Dogget's rudeness to you, My Lady. His close friend died in the latest battle against the Demon, thus he's too sensitive lately. However, deep down in his heart, he's not an evil person. He should not offend your heart too far like that".

Tristina looked taken aback for a while, before she chuckled, leaning her fingers on her chin "oh, my. Why would you apologize in his stead? That's very nice of you. I understand. Please, tell him later that perhaps, I was going too far as well".

In between the audience, Howzer sighed in relief. He disliked how she looked so sad just now when she mentioned her dead first love. Looking at her smiling face, it was better to see her smile rather than to see her tears or her sad face, though…

Howzer had to admit, he disliked how the others ogled her. Why should he look so beautiful in her dress this day?

The next bomb was dropped when Wayeo raised a red rose in his hand, offering it to Tristina "such a kind-hearted and strong woman you are. Please, marry me".

The audience gasped in shock.

After three seconds, Tristina turned her head to Meliodas with a sweet smile "Daddy~ please forgive this sinful daughter, for I'm about to Sin again~".

Meliodas deadpanned "and what are you going to do this time, my Dear?".

No longer smiling, Tristina smirked devilishly "I am going to kill him".

Meliodas lifted his thumb "I approve. Go on".

Elizabeth gasped and snapped her head "Sir Meliodas!".

Before Tristina did something to Wayeo, though, Howzer wrapped his arm around Tristina's waist and pulled her closer to his body.

When Howzer snatched her dagger, Tristina frowned, looking up behind over her shoulder "Howzer… let me go!".

"chill it down, will you? You are not allowed to kill a Holy Knight in the Capital unless you want to be arrested", Howzer patted her head, not letting her go "not to mention, I can't let you use the dagger which is crafted by my father to castrate someone".

Tristina frowned "then what? You ask me to simply let it go?".

"of course not", Howzer smiled down to her and raised his punch forward. Using his Rising Tornado, he threw Wayeo out of their sight "because I want to beat him myself".

Looking up, Tristina saw a vein popped on his head and she relaxed in his arm "oh, I see".

Wayeo landed on the ground and challenged "Howzer, what is the right you have to forbid me to propose to her? It's not you have the right to when you're not even her lover!".

"I fell in love with her at the first sight!".

Howzer's confession was ringing loudly as the stunned audience jaws-dropped before the chaos roared, especially after they saw how Tristina's face turned into the perfect shade of red.

Griamore gave applause for his friend's bravery (or stupidity?) "I know he's an idiot, but I don't expect this at all".

Gilthunder facepalmed and shook his head "to think he confessed in front of everyone like this…".

Diane cheered loudly "KYA! So sweet! Tina, you're so popular!".

Gowther analyzed the situation "since there are two men who want to win over her heart and already confessed their feeling… Now, it's Tina's decision. Which one she will choose?".

Tristina coolly raised her finger to Wayeo "obviously, I will not accept his proposal. He's not my type".

Lancelot asked, "how about Howzer?".

Blushing slightly, Tristina admitted, "…I don't hate him".

Neiva grinned smugly "then~ does it mean you are in love with him?".

Tristina fumed to her cousin with a bright red face "don't ask me to say something like that in front of everyone! It's too embarrassing and I'm not Howzer who can say those embarrassing things in front of everyone like this!".

Guinevere commented flatly "oh no, he's dead".

"dear, how can you say something scary like that flatly?", Arthur quirked his eyebrow, hugging her from behind "well, you're still beautiful to me, though".

Looking at her blush, Lucifer rolled his eyes to the newlywed couple "Alright, you two, just get a room".

Tristan groaned, tipping his head back "oh, come on… for how long you've planned to wrap your hand around my sister's waist, Howzer?".

Even if Howzer had let her go when Tristan wanted to approach them, Meliodas grabbed his wrist "wait, hot-blooded son of mine. I will—".

Merlin asked Escanor to hold them "Alright, the hot-blooded father-son there. Please, don't forget that there are too many witnesses here. If you want to get rid of him, do it secretly somewhere when we can't see it".

Escanor, still holding Tristan and Meliodas by the back of their collar, turned his head to his lover "uh, I don't think it's the right advice, Merlin".

The heated argument between Tristina with her twin brother and Meliodas was unavoidable after that. The thing was, Howzer and Tristina claimed to have no feelings for each other and yet, Tristina had stayed for a night in Howzer's house, so how could they not be suspicious about something *cough weird *cough to happen between them?

Too aggravated by her overprotective father and brother, Tristina yelled loudly "Dad, seriously! I am still a virgin!".

Virgin.

Virgin..

Virgin…

It rang in this place loudly, before the Holy Knights (Howzer's friends) boasted with the various levels of shock, jeering to the innocent couple.

The other laughed "whoa, Howzer! Such a lucky bastard you are!".

The other one slapped him on the back "man, what an unexpected gentleman you are!".

The other one said, "make sure you take her as your bride and we will hold the party!".

The other asked, "when is the wedding?".

Because his friends teased him for being such a gentleman who had not broken her wall yet, Howzer shouted in irk "stop teasing me! I still need to get the blessing from her father and her siblings, you know!".

Wrapping her hands around Elizabeth's waist, Tristina buried her red face on Elizabeth's chest and she mumbled "if there's a hole, just bury me in there…".

Elizabeth thought it was so cute of her, so she gladly ruffled her head "there, there. No need to be shy over a slip of the tongue and it's perfectly fine, to be honest with yourself".

"well, he is indeed your type. Not to mention, he has so many resemblances with your first love, which is understandable why would you be interested in him as a man", Lancelot patted Howzer on the back "take care of my sister. I know my sisters will accept you, but… Good luck with my older brother and my father".

Oh, damn.

Looking at Meliodas and Tristan, Howzer thought he was damned.

A/N:

Didn't I tell you guys that I will write both? Only at a different time. Yep, the real deal will start in the next chapter. Bye~

Wait, did you not forget something? Oh, right. Their power level... check next chapter *wink