A/N: I'm officially on Christmas break now! Ya'know what that means... *drum roll* more time to update! Good thing this is a Liones chapter or I'd feel like I need to add more pizzazz to this (ya'know add Christmassy factors, but it just wouldn't go with the plot line :I). Also Merry Christmas (although I'm extremely late) and Happy Early New Years too! Cause I'll probably forget to post on that holiday too :I
Anydoodles, the count's now 26 Faves, 29 Follows and 35 Reviews! Thanks so much for contributing towards it - I really appreciate it TwT
Ashley - The tea parties and fun would definitely end if everyone knew about the curse. I'm glad that Ban and Jericho were entertaining, and a fight between Meliodas and Ban you say? Interesting... I actually have more to come for Zeal and Gowther, but you're not wrong about them getting along well. Lol, the accidental inner sloth reference made me laugh XD. Plus I love playing Among us. Yep, King and Howzer are on good terms, but I still have some mishaps planned UwU. Also no prob for the mini chapters, I'm glad you enjoyed it and baby Goddess Ellie definitely doesn't know what the future holds for her. Surprisingly all her mother really does is name Elizabeth (but you're not wrong thinking her mother didn't name her. I feel like the Supreme Deity's the sort of mom who's just there and notices her children when they do good for her. Ya'know the ones that are 'so proud' and yet haven't really done anything to contribute to their child's success). Anyway...I thought to look up the meaning of Elizabeth and it was 'God is my abundance' so I got the idea of the Supreme Deity naming her from there - I was gonna make someone else name her before :I. But once again, thank you for the kind review. Make sure to enjoy your day! :)
Vi-violence - Thank you for the kind review ^-^.
Till next time,
D.L.D
"This is boring!" Ban scowled as he followed Jericho through the busy streets of Liones.
When the knight had mentioned a surprise, the Fox Sin had thought of something fun like stealing stuff or doing anything even remotely cool. Walking through the streets of Liones and following the knight on her long list of errands had not been his idea of fun or surprises. In fact it was the complete opposite and so it placed him in a shitty mood. A real shitty mood since it was draining his energy.
"We're nearly there," Jericho sighed as she made sure not to lose track of Ban. It had been one too many times that he'd tried to sneak off and cause trouble. In fact the knight had caught him trying to ditch around five times now, not to mention attempting to steal things. This boy was just too much to handle alone. It was way too much work to make sure Ban was kept in line. "I just had to do that one job."
"More like ten," Ban grumbled, but he followed nonetheless. Hands dug deeper into his pockets as he looked around the street, before catching something that caught his eye. Something that he knew would put a smile on Kilia's face. She loved those things way more than he did after all and he was certain that's just what she needed after such a long day. "Hey Jeritown, I'm feel'n hungry."
Jericho grimaced slightly, knowing that she had to feed the kid if he was feeling hungry, but also not knowing whether this was just a ploy to cause trouble. Halting in her steps Jericho looked down at the Fox Sin, expression serious as she studied his expression.
Ban simply grinned in response, sheepish expression coming into play as he ran a hand through his hair.
"What can I say?" He shrugged, "All this walkin's emptied the tank."
The knight softened at this, skepticism dropping almost instantly as feeding her ward came first. If Ban was hungry then she could make a stop and feed him before heading to that 'surprise' she had planned. Not to mention that she was feeling a little peckish herself. That errand for the blacksmith sure did tire her out, and no doubt Ban was feeling weary too. He was now a child after all and therefore traveled further when considering the difference in their steps. Surely a short stop for something to eat wouldn't cause any harm. The surprise could wait after all.
"Fine, there's a place not too far from here - " Jericho began, seeming reluctant.
"Nah, I want one of those," The boy pointed towards a shopfront displaying what looked like tarts and pies.
Golden pastry, fresh-looking cream and ripe fruit were the center pieces for most of the product, only making them look all the more enticing and appetizing. Very appetizing. However this particular bakery was not unknown to the knight. In fact Jericho was known to frequent the place after getting her pay and she did enjoy a lot of their baked goods. What could she say? Jericho was a sweet tooth at heart and was a sucker for any sweet-tasting treats. Yet today the knight wasn't so certain about going into a place like that with Ban.
The little shit was bound to so something after all, perhaps even attempting to steal something. Oh, he would definitely steal something. If Ban did do that, then Jericho's chances of going to that place again were slim. The shame, let alone the embarrassment, would be enough reasons to stray away; let alone that her reputation had been tarnished by a bad kid. All of those things she'd never taste again...
However Jericho also had a feeling that doing this would win some respect in the Fox Sin's eyes. That he would listen to her in return for doing as he asked (within reason of course). As a result she decided to chance it.
"Ok, but you have to promise to behave," Jericho turned to Ban, who was busy picking out his ears. She grimaced at this, slightly disgusted but also annoyed at his lack of attention. The knight grimaced. "I mean it Ban."
"Ok, ok, sheesh," The boy rolled his eyes as he flicked something from his fingers. "I'll behave if it means I get one of those."
Glad that the child was finally cooperating, Jericho led the way into the bakery. Immediately the warmth from the oven was felt, the sweet aroma of sugar and other sweet-tasting things filling the air. Butter, milk and even the slight whiff of apples could be caught in the warm atmosphere of the bakery. Then there were the things on display for all to see - not to mention the things that were within grab perimeter for Ban too. Flakey pastries, sweet tarts and savory pies were all up for grabs, protected by only minor obstacles for the child thief. Literal child's play for him.
Plus how could the Sin of Greed resist the urge to steal when he knew it would cheer his lil sis up? She was always so sad in the past: tired and sleepy, and often really timid. But now she seemed a lot better. Much better in fact. Perhaps it was because their good for nothing parents were out of the picture, or maybe because she had other people her age to relate to, but Kilia was doing much better than before. Smiling a lot more too.
Ban couldn't help but smile at that thought as he and the knight approached the counter.
"Choose something," Jericho spoke as she eyed the choices critically. Clearly she was someone who frequented the place, or that was the impression she gave to the boy. "You can pick anything."
Anything. Oh that word means so much to a person like Ban. Anything could be everything or nothing at all. It could be what he desired most or the thing he hated most. So many possibilities, so many options; they were all his too. All his and nobody else's.
"Anything, huh?" Once again greed was struck and the boy spent his time analyzing the choices before deciding upon his all time favourite. A treat that he would get when he managed to sneak enough coins past his parents. He often split them in half to share with Kilia too, but perhaps he wouldn't have to this time.
"You ready yet?" The knight raised a brow, lacking her usual snappiness but seeming aware of time. Her foot tapped lightly, arms folded across her chest as she watched Ban closely. He hadn't stolen yet, but the longer they were in here, the bigger the chance.
"I'll take one of those," Ban pointed to his choice, expression plain as he looked at the knight. He had no intention to steal while she was watching him like this, not when the risks were high, albeit the fun being higher because of that. "Don't worry I ain't gonna swipe nothin'."
Jericho scoffed at that, rolling her eyes as she paid for the goods and received a paper bag in return. The vendor then gave her a smile, along with Ban, and the two left the place without a hitch. Nothing was reported missing and Ban hadn't swiped a thing. Jericho found a smile growing at that, glad that the Fox Sin was listening to her for once. Perhaps she had made progress after all.
"Here you go," The knight turned to give Ban what he wanted, before frowning as she spotted him pocketing something. Something that looked real shiny. Of course Ban hadn't listened like she thought he had. The little jackass had instead tricked her that he was behaving in order to steal something while she had her guard down. What a fool she was for actually believing him when he said he wouldn't steal. "Hey! I thought you weren't 'gonna swipe nothin'."
"I didn't specify where or when," Ban chuckled, hands stuffed into his pockets. "Plus the fun's in the thrill. Ya gotta have some risk."
Suppressing the urge to rip his head off, Jericho simply grumbled as she passed him the paper bag. Inside was what he'd picked out and now the knight decided that she wouldn't press about him stealing. There was no point if he was going to do it anyway. But she wanted to know something before completely dropping the subject.
"Why are you stealing?" Jericho glanced at the boy, expression neutral as she watched him place some stuff in the bag. "Don't you have everything you need?"
A laugh was awarded to that, Ban seeming amused from her question. His signature fox-like smirk appeared, sharpened canines making it look all the more animalistic. Red eyes seemed to match this as he continued.
"What can I say?" Ban chuckled, shrugging in a smug fashion. He gave off a whole 'guilty as charged' vibe, smirk still in place as he spoke. "It's an old habit. Plus I gotta do it to put a smile on my lil sis' face."
The knight froze at this, taken aback by his reasoning. Ban was stealing to be nice? Weird since he wasn't renowned for being the nicest person around. In fact many would call him the opposite for some of the crap he pulled. But that had to mean that Ban's sister must have something special if she managed to soften the Fox Sin this much. Ban wasn't someone who was easily swayed after all. But the one question that burned like a fires was: who was Ban's sister and why hadn't anyone seen or heard of her before? It was like she only existed in his mind.
"Your sister, huh?" Jericho spoke to herself mostly, slipping into her thoughts as she gained a weird piece of information on Ban's past.
"Yeah, that's what I said," Ban rolled his eyes, keeping the paper bag close and he caught up with the knight. "Bet ya didn't know I had one."
Ban gave a grin with that, tone dropping slightly and easy going look still there despite the weird shallowness of his eyes. To that Jericho smiled slightly, understanding as she had a brother of her own, only to mask it with a grimace. However her cheeks still reddened, giving away how she really felt.
"W-well she must be proud of you," Jericho coughed slightly, turning her gaze away from the boy. "I'm sure she's glad that her brother's not a criminal."
To that Ban smiled slightly, but it didn't reach his eyes. Instead they were lowered, making the expression all the more halfhearted.
"Yeah...I know."
A knight watched contentedly as her younger brother excitedly dragged another boy behind him in the field. Since Zeal rarely had a chance to be a kid these days, Guila thought it a nice treat to let him have the day off. Plus it was amusing to watch her younger brother show Gowther what 'normal' children did. The Goat Sin was extremely reserved after all, and therefore didn't see much use in childlike play and using the imagination.
However both seemed to bond over one thing - bugs.
For some odd reason, both the doll and child enjoyed going through the field and examining the creatures living with it. Zeal was often the one who dragged Gowther towards butterflies or other insects that look amazing and unique, while Gowther poked and prodded at them. The doll spoke in such a scientific way and it seemed as if he were tutoring Zeal, while the child was also showing Gowther how to be a 'normal' person.
As a result Guila had a calm afternoon watching over the two. In fact she took splendor in the things that they would bring her after wandering around for a while. Stones, birds eggs and even a rabbit made their way towards the knight as the two children continued their exploration of the field. Guila could never tire of the 'treasures' they provided or the small pieces of information they would give with each new discovery.
It was a lovely day. A lovely experience. A lovely afternoon.
"Guila," Zeal came up to her, his face a little dampened despite the constant smiling of the afternoon. "I'm hungry."
On cue, the boy's stomach growled slightly. A blush followed this, along with a sheepish grin as he looked at his older sister.
The knight smiled knowingly at Zeal, expecting for both children to be hungry as it had been a while since they'd eaten. Therefore she packed some things to eat, knowing that being a babysitter required more than just being fun or watching kids. You had to be prepared for their needs after all, and these two definitely needed fuel from all the exploring they'd done.
"Good thing I packed some snacks then," Guila smiled softly at her brother, noticing the Goat Sin creep closer with some other treasure in his grasp. However she glanced away for a second as she rummaged in her bag. "I believe I have some sandwiches in here - maybe even a treat for after ~"
"Oh yes, a treat!" Zeal seemed to light up at this, smile on display as he watched his sister rummage through her bag. He then turned to Gowther, excitement almost contagious as he addressed the Sin. "You've got to try Guila's tarts! They're amazing! She always makes them for me on her day off and I always look forward to them."
"They must be really delicious then," Gowther spoke in his usual monotone, excitement being absent apart from the glimmer in his eyes.
"Oh, they are," Zeal had enough excitement for both however, grin spreading more and more. "Everyone says so when they buy one."
A small smile lit the knight's features at that, memories passing as she recounted when she first started making her tarts. It was when her father, Dale, was still alive. A hobby that the knight had taken up to give her father something to look forward to after the trials of being a Holy Knight. Even after his disappearance and her sudden halt of childhood, Guila had continued to make her tarts. They were sold to keep in a steady income before she was old enough to become a knight, and then became a small side job as she put knight duties first.
But Zeal had always loved her tarts. As a result she always saved him at least one from her sales.
"Yes, you're my number one customer Zeal," Guila chuckled slightly, producing enough food for both children. She held them triumphantly, smile turning into a gin. "And I believe I've found your snack!"
Miraculously, not only Zeal cheered. In fact Gowther gave out a cheer, although flat and not as excited sounding, it showed that he was at least willing to partake in the gesture. A sign that he was warming up to the knight and younger brother, and therefore learning a lot from their constant displays of emotion and family.
"I guess you're both pretty hungry then," The knight mused as she passed each of the boys a package each. Inside was a sandwich, filled with more than just jam and butter that's for sure, and accompanied with a blackberry tart each. "Eat up, cause we have to go somewhere after this."
Both children nodded, deciding to listen to their guardian as they took a seat beside her on the grass. The field was calm as the trio eat in tranquility, watching as the world seemed to pass by without them and sharing the occasional conversation. It was too short when they began to pack up, the knight taking the leftover brown packing paper, and the two children deciding which of their 'treasures' they were going to keep.
However soon the three were leaving the field behind, one holding each of Guila's hands and happily following her lead.
A princess and mage sat across from each other, hazel eyes meeting warm brown as a single table sat between them. On that table sat a tea set, a few sandwiches set out with the teapot and cups to provide something of substance for the two. However being comfortable and full wasn't on either party's mind. In fact both were in the middle of an important talk, the fate of the kingdom and the Sins hanging in the balance of what they planned to share.
"Thank you for accepting my sudden invitation, princess," Merlin began as cordial as always, smirk hidden behind an act of politeness. "I know this must all be a dreadful shock. Especially with a gang of children suddenly running amok among the kingdom."
The truth was the mage saw no real fear in the power of royalty. In fact they were some of the most useful tools in certain paths that she led; however that didn't mean that she didn't have to tread carefully. Royalty still held power to some extent and as a result, they could also hinder her plans.
Yet Margaret was used to the double-edged sword of addressing royals. In fact she was the most skilled in playing the game of conversation, knowing how to deliver information while also not letting much more slip past. That's why she was known as calm and collected; mature and wise. The princess had learned from a young age on how to select her words, as well as how to carry herself, and therefore knew how to tell when others were taking advantage. When bad deals and trades were being offered.
"It is," The princess gave a sigh, expression slightly weary, "However I'm hoping that we can find a solution to it by pooling our information."
A nod was awarded to this, the girl giving a smile as she raised her teacup.
"Yes, I'm sure we can find one," Merlin wore her usual witchy air, cat-like grin on display as she set her teacup aside. She leaned forwards slightly, face caught in her palm. "After all, I'm sure you're aware of the current circumstances. More so than others if my assumptions are correct."
'Touche,' Brown eyes met the grinning Sin, the princess seeing that Merlin had done her research before approaching Liones. A smart move the mage's part, but also a sign that she had something else in place. Or perhaps that she had a part in this whole little situation. It would make sense since she readily took on the role of an impromptu mother and rarely interfered with the Sins unless they had done something out of hand.
Perhaps she found amusement in this whole thing. In seeing her comrades as children. Perhaps Merlin was having her own little plans in motion as she watched and observed their childlike actions and behaviours. Something that was oddly in character for the crafty magician.
"As always," Margaret graced her with a smile, hiding her suspicions with a graceful air. She placed her own cup down, hands folded in her lap. "I'm guessing you know of Gilthunder then...That he hasn't -"
"Returned," Merlin raised a brow, her tone oddly musical and thoughtful. "Yes I know, princess. My findings have already pointed towards that direction. However I have a question."
The princess blinked at this, taken off guard by the mage's preposition. Merlin was one of the best, if not the greatest, magicians in Britannia, and therefore shouldn't have to ask of much. That was evident from what seemed like an endless knowledge of all sorts to do with current times. However here they were, sitting in a drawing room, and the mage asking the princess a question. The princess! As is Margaret would know something that would be of use of to the mage.
But maybe she did know something...
"Yes, whatever can be done to help," The young woman snapped out of it, a dutiful expression taking over her initial surprise.
"Just the response I was looking for," A smile spread over the child's lips, white teeth coming into view. "Have you seen Vivian recently? As in around Liones at any time within the past week?"
Thoughtful. That could describe the first princess of Liones as she pondered over the mage's question. A good question at that. Vivian had been missing for some time after Hendrickson's defeat and with Gilthunder suddenly being out of reach many questions could be raised from that thought alone. After all Vivian wasn't beneath kidnapping. She had gone to severe lengths to secure Gil before and as a result she could be predicted to do it again.
So naturally Margaret was unsettled by the fact that Vivian wasn't anywhere to be seen.
"No...I haven't," The young woman frowned as she slipped into a pit of thoughts, one piling on top of the other before she could process them. However one thing seemed to stick out, especially with the Sins appearing as children. "...Does she have something to do with this?"
Margaret brought her gaze to the child, meeting a clouded expression. Strands of midnight fell into the girl's face, hazel eyes seeming unaffected as she stared right back. Eyes that seemed to tell of knowledge and experience way more ancient than the child before her. The child that wore a slight frown as she clicked her tongue, arms folded across her chest.
"I'm afraid she does."
Babysitting Adventures of Howzer - Part 2: Winner
"Ok, I've finally found something for us all to do!" Howzer grinned triumphantly as he looked at the two kids, admiring the great intelligence it had taken for him to come up with this plan.
Since the whole market thing had resulted in a impromptu game of hide-and-seek, the Holy knight decided to try and approach the kids with something more fun and down to earth. Something fun like playing in the mud or sword fighting with sticks. In fact the knight had incorporated both of those into his fun little game for two children.
"It's all messy and yucky," Diane stuck out her tongue, grimacing as she wiped some dirt from her new dress. A gift directly from Howzer who suggested that she wore it for their game. An odd choice, and yet it'll make sense when you find out what the game is.
"All the more reason for your knights to come to the rescue!" The knight beamed, chest puffed out as he struck a heroic pose. King floated beside him, a smile in place instead of the usual scowl or uninterested look. In fact the fairy seemed excited as he looked to the giantess across the green that the knight had chosen as their playing spot. Howzer noticed this as grinned all the more, nudging the boy. "See King gets it."
At those words the brunette looked to the fairy, who hid his blushing face within his pillow. Just like Howzer to point out his enthusiasm in a game like this. A game where the aim was to rescue the damsel in distress. However Diane was ready to add her own twist to the game and sent him a smile, mind already crafting her plot. A small evil giggle escaped as she knew the next words she spoke would change the whole game and result in a competition between the fairy and knight.
"Ok I'll play," She gave her best smile. Then came a wink, her tongue sticking out as she gave a two finger pose. "Winner gets a kiss from me!"
Now this is what was needed to fire up the two even more. At those words Howzer's grin and pride swelled, him thinking he had an advantage from being older; while King wore a dopey smile, drifting into La La Land as he imaged all sorts of scenarios where he kissed the giantess. Something he had been waiting for ever since he'd learned that she'd loved him; since he'd made that promise to love her forever.
A warm blush spread over King' s face as he wore a determined smile, ready to beat his 'babysitter' for a kiss from his beloved Diane. After all there was no way Howzer was going to beat him to it. Diane deserved someone of worth to kiss - someone who would appreciate it correctly and also return the favour just as well.
"First, we'll turn and count to thirty and the princess, Diane, go off and hide," Howzer recited the rules from the game he used to play as a kid, turning his gaze from the giantess. King followed suit, listening to the rules while also thinking of where Diane would hide first. "After that the knights will try to find you."
The giantess giggled at that, feeling a lot like a princess with the two males fighting over her. Although she wouldn't deny that she held both of them in a special place as friends, Diane felt a little bad involving Howzer in her scheme to draw King out. After all she was leading him on - making him believe that she was interested romantically - but then again she wasn't called the Sin of Envy for nothing. Using Envy, whether for herself or others, was just something the giantess was good at.
Something that came naturally.
"Try your best to find me!" Her voice called out and soon she was gone from the field, heading towards a spot that she knew neither would look for. After all, she could have a little fun making them look for her.
"Thirty!"
Both knight and fairy turned around at that number, competitive looks shared as they went their separate ways. King decided to head straight towards the trees in the distance, while Howzer focused on the rocks in the nearby area. Both were searching furiously, knowing that they were on a countdown against one another to snatch a kiss from Diane.
However the true challenge would be catching, not finding her, and that was displayed from when Howzer found her. The knight wore a triumphant smirk as he glanced towards King's direction, thinking that he had won a kiss from the giantess. However Diane had an ace up her sleeve, one that she knew would buy more time.
"Gotcha!" Howzer beamed as he spotted the brunette. She was curled up behind some rocks, her dress hiked up to make it easier to run. A smart decision for what she had planned next.
Smiling sheepishly, Diane released a sigh, before quickly getting up and bolting off. She grinned as she activated the next part of her plan, dashing towards the direction of King.
"Now to catch me, Howzer!" The brunette laughed as she ran, underwear flashing when she lifted a leg. She had a lot to learn now that she was a child again. Things like that cannot simply be allowed to happen.
"Diane!" King turned crimson, fretting for all those inappropriate people who would peep at the flashes of her undergarments. "You're skirt it's -"
The brunette stopped running, a step away from the fairy as she examined the hiked up skirt of her dress. It seemed fine to her, especially since she could move her legs and nothing was exposed. However king seemed very adamant on her not having her skirt hiked up.
"What's wrong?" Diane frowned slightly, head tilting as she continued to examine herself. Due to this she didn't notice the knight sneaking behind her.
Working stealthily, Howzer sneaked towards the giantess. He then captured her with both arms, lifting her like some sort of prize as he grinned at King. The fairy mumbled at that, upset that being the gentleman he was he has neglected the aim of the game. Such a shame that Diane now owed Howzer a kiss - a kiss the fairy could've won himself.
"Looks like I win," Howzer announced as he placed the brunette back on the ground.
"Yay, well done Howzer!" Diane was cheery as always, clapping at the knight. "You did really well! Here's your kiss!"
She then placed a kiss on his cheek, a sweet gesture that could be considered innocent. However Diane knew what she was doing. She was simply adding more fuel to the flame and she saw it working as King looked as if he were ready to snap the knight's neck. Poor Chastiefol was being squeezed so tightly, kinda like those stress balls people get.
"No fair," He sniffed in a muffled voice, most likely playing on the appeal of being a child. "Big brother cheated!"
Yep, he was totally using his appeal as a child. In fact Howzer's smile seemed to dampen as he glanced at the dismayed fairy, a look of slight remorse forming as he pat the boy the head. Howzer was most likely feeling like a huge jerk, especially since King was trying to help Diane out when he'd caught her.
"We could play another round?" The knight offered the suggestion soundly, fully attempting to cheer the fairy up.
King shook his head at that though, burying his face further into Chastiefol. In fact he was enjoying the softness of his Sacred Treasure. It felt so warm and nice. In fact he could take a nap right now and ignore his babysitter's desperate pleas to make amends. After all drowning out his sadness and amplifying it in a childlike way becoming a favourite pastime of Kings. It was way better than napping and a lot more fun when Diane came to comfort him and smother him with hugs.
Yes he could live with that.
"Aww don't be upset King!" Diane frowned, seeing that the fairy was upset. She couldn't have that happening now. Not when he seemed to care a whole lot. Determined, the giantess rushed up to him. "Here! I'll give you a prize too!"
She then gave the fairy a kiss on the cheek, giggling slightly as she spotted his slowly reddening face. Red tipped his ears as she offered a smile, innocent and meaningless as always.
"Now you're both winners!"
Diane's cheerful words could be heard, while both males internally groaned. Her signals were impossibly hard to read...
A/N: The second Ellie story! Hehe, this one takes place during her childhood and it's around two or three more till she meets Meliodas so hold out till then 'kay?
Silver like Starlight
"Silver?"
"I know, it's such a weird colour. Just like starlight."
"Not to mention a dead giveaway."
"I know right, makes sense that she came straight from the Supreme Deity. It's all over her appearance, plus -"
"Shhh, she's listening!"
I try not to seem offended as I stand before two other girls my age. Girls that were sent away like me, to learn the art of healing and somehow become what our families expected of us. A standard thing for Goddesses to do when coming from a powerful or high standing family. After all, it was too risky sending us to be with the masses. Private education was a much better option.
Well that's what mother said when I asked her why I couldn't go back home with her. Ever since I can remember, this school has been my one and only home. A place where I live beside the same people each day and watch as one by one they all leave - all except me. I've been here the longest, ever since the tender age of six months old. Left alone to wait until I unlock my 'full potential' and become what I am destined to be. What I'm expected to be.
But this place has never felt like home. It's more like a method of isolation.
Sure I'm treated well. I have nothing less of the best: a nice place to sleep, nice food to eat, the best quality education a child could have - but it doesn't feel like a home. It doesn't feel like people actually accept me and want me to be here. It's like I'm just tolerated because of what I am and not who I am - I'm tired of it.
Countless times I've tried to tell my mother about this. About how I feel awkward and weird. I've begged her to let me go with her, to learn by studying as a protege of sorts, but mother won't have any of it. If I am to be what I'm destined to be, then I'll stay here and graduate on the school's terms. I'll pass the exam or find a way to prove that I'm ready to go - no other way was acceptable.
It was my mother's only wish. Her only expectation.
And as a result I'm stuck here. Trying to make friends, but failing as they all cast me out because I don't quite fit in. Not with my mother being the most powerful Goddess there is. She's revered like a God and therefore most fear upsetting me or making a mistake. So instead I'm left to drift alone, awkwardly trying to break the ice somewhere.
The poor soul that is the Supreme Deity's daughter.
"Um...could I join you two?" My voice comes out small, blush forming as I can't quite meet the duo's gaze. Instead I find myself playing with the hem of my dress, watching the ground instead of their reactions.
"Join us?" The first girl spoke, oak coloured hair shifting with her head. Her blue eyes seemed to contrast with the freckles scattered across her nose.
I perk at this, seeing that perhaps she was glad that I'd made the first shove at friendship. After all everyone was too scared to approach me. Maybe I just had to do it first. Perhaps I just had to show that I was kind and everyone would feel more comfortable around me. They wouldn't feel as if they were walking on thin ice when approaching the subject of the Deity's daughter. They'd accept me.
"Yeah, I just thought that maybe we coul-"
"Elizabeth!" Beatrice was calling.
Beatrice, or B as she insisted to me called, was the caretaker of us girls. She had light pink hair, the colour almost looking pale in the sun, and often took to not wearing her uniform despite it being mandatory. She wore her own clothes now, white and blue dress billowing as her amber eyes hunted me down as she easily picked me out of the crowd of students. A smug look crossed her face as she caught me, amber eyes meeting blue.
"I have to go..." I sigh as I make my way over to B, knowing that my chance at friendship was definitely over now.
No-one liked a teacher's pet after all. I've heard all the whispers from when B constantly calls on me. They all think that I'm a suck up to the teachers.
Gliding slowly, I land beside the caretaker. As usual B had a smile on her face and regarded me with only kindness in her eyes as she watched over the other girls. They all looked so happy, off in their own little groups and doing their own little things. White uniforms matched under the summer sun, and the only differences between them all were small. A perfect example of a group. A perfect example of a family.
I sigh at this, dejected, as I take a seat beside B on the steps. I had always pined to be part of a group - to belong to people that accepted me for who I am. But only B seemed to do that here. The caretaker seemed to ignore my hair colour and heritage, treating me like everyone else. She scolded me just the same as anyone, but seemed a lot softer when it came to the topic of my loneliness. In fact she often stated that I'm unfortunate to have inherited that hair colour. Starlight silver she called it - a direct link to my mother, but also a unique and beautiful shade.
But why did my hair colour matter so much? Why did everyone seem to suddenly shrink away when faced with the silver shade? Was it because of what it represented? Who I was? What it meant about my mother?
I just didn't know.
So I disliked it even more. Resenting my hair for making me feel so lonely and outcast. So...rejected. I can remember cutting it all off in frustration before, an uneven bob left behind. B had scolded me for several hours after that, fretting about the scissors and then about me chopping off all that 'nice, smooth' hair.
I might do it again now.
"You know, you don't have to feel bad about who you are," B turned to me, finally done with with watching everyone. A small laugh formed as she took me in, voice taking on a thoughtful tone. "Silver hair doesn't change the heart inside that chest of yours. It still beats and bleeds the same."
"It does?" I'm confused, taken aback. How could my appearance not affect who I am? Everyone else seemed to ultimately define me from my appearance alone.
"Because it's not what's outside that makes a person," B shook her head, chortling slightly as she pat me on the head. "I may not be the fanciest, nor the smartest cookie in the jar - some may even say that I'm downright vulgar, but we'll keep that to ourselves - " Another chuckle, "But despite all that, I know common sense and that's enough to tell me that you're just like all of us, Bethie."
"I am?" I blink, eyes wide as I will myself to believe her words but instead sound as if I'm questioning her.
"You sure are!" B grinned, dusting off her skirt as she stood back up to watch. She leaned against the wooden beam, turning back to face me. "It's what's inside that counts, dear. Nothing else matters more. After all, the sweetest apple can be the deadliest poison."
Another laugh and I found myself smiling, glad to have had this talk with B. She was always the most understanding, though a little weird, when it came to my dilemma. But her words stuck with me and I found myself repeating them each time I felt lonely. Each time I felt left out. Cause B was right - she was always right.
It's what's inside that counts.
And I believe that thoroughly.