A/N: The next Liones Chapter! I have so many events planned it's insane. The average length for these chapters are like 5 - 6 thousand words O.o. Anyway I think I have two or three more of these types of chapters left. It's going by so quickly and I'm frightened that I'm not gonna fit everything in!
But as always thanks for all the support and stuff. The count's 26 Faves, 29 Follows and 39 Reviews! As always let's keep it going UwU.
Also Happy New Years! It's officially 2021 and let's hope it goes better than 2020. I don't think I can take anymore international crises. Really.
Sadly there is no 'The Babysitting Adventures of Howzer' segment in this chapter as the whole 'Princess and Knights' thing ended up being a whole chapter in length. Like really, the whole game came to life the more I wrote about it and soon the word count was ridiculous. As a result no Howzer segment this time. But he, Diane and King are part of the whole game so that's kinda a compensation.
But ignore my blathering. Just read on now... TwT
Grimalkin - Thanks, I'm glad you like my writing :). You have very good questions, very good questions indeed. I'd say that the Sins are in the age range of 7 - 9, with Merlin and Escanor taking claim of 9, while the others are a mixture of 7 and 8. As for Meliodas...I'd say he's going to regress a bit. I don't think he'd forget he's a demon, since I won't make anyone's memories erase that much, but it'll go back to the age they currently are. Plus I wanna make a mini-war happen between all the 'races'. But you're right about how he'd act without any of the other demons' influences. You've given me an idea for a new plot now! I can see a kid Meliodas with a bunch of grown Sins and Elizabeth. They can go on an adventure, try to figure out how to make Meliodas go back to his normal self...I'm so doing that now! Thank you for the idea ^w^.
Ashley - Yeah stealing's like a second nature to Ban XD. I'm glad you like Gowther and Zeal's little interactions, also I made you hungry XD. Also the double-edged sword of childlike innocence was my complete influence for the cheek kiss. She never said it was lip to lip ;). But yeah Howzer being excited may have been a bad move as she's still a kid - god that whole sentence screams pedophilia. Perhaps I need to tone it down or even make Howzer remember Diane's a kid. Anyway...King will win in the end. You'll see. Also I'm glad you're excited for when Meliodas enters the stage for the whole Goddess Ellie thing. Although don't get too excited as I need to practice my writing for that. *sigh* Let's be honest I'm trash at writing for Meliodas' character TwT. Even so, I'll try my best for mah readers! Plus I'm sure you'll enjoy it either way. Thank you for being so kind as always TwT
Darkjuliet444 - Yep the babysitters definitely have their hands full XD. Keeping Diane and King together is strategical too, as King is still 'mature' as to Merlin's knowledge. Plus they would most likely insist to be together. ...You aren't wrong about Elaine. I'll let you wonder who she's more jealous of.
Till next time,
D.L.D
Two knights and two princesses. Two quests and yet one overlapping goal - the goal to obtain the prize of their princess' safety and heart. That's what people kept telling these kids that were way too young to know what love and romance was anyway. Princess Veronica and King Baltra had vigorously reminded everyone of that, although Griamore did assist in their aid. It was only Howzer and Margaret, the hopeless romantics, that cheered on the charade that each mini-knight loved his mini-princess with an unwavering passion.
Stuff like that belonged in romance novels, not a joint play date between babysitters. Read the script people...
"Now remember your training, Sir Meliodas!" Griamore called out to his mini-knight, knowing that he would indeed rescue his princess. A pig like Hawk could cause no threat after all, plus the blonde seemed well aware of what he was doing. A sign that Meliodas would win the game. "That dragon will have nothing on you!"
"I know it won't," The blonde flashed a grin towards his babysitter, actually glad that he was stuck with Griamore and not a whiner like Jericho. Ban must be up to his ears in all the orders and stuff she'd be barking at him. It took all the blonde had not to shiver at the thought of having to deal with that. "That piece of bacon's got nothing on me."
"Yes that's the right attitude to have!" Griamore laughed heartily, only to be nudged by Veronica. She was amused by his uptake on this game, especially when it had been suggested by Howzer. He said it had a wonderful affect on the kids and they often came up with prizes among themselves. Something that made the job of babysitting all the more easier to have.
"Be careful with Elizabeth!" Both Baltra and Margaret seemed to warn the blonde, as anxious as ever as they eyed the small sword Griamore had gifted him. Of all the things to give a child... They would definitely get Veronica on his case for that. Swords were not for children, no less children with the mindsets of adults. They could easily stab someone and cause an accident.
"Same with Diane, King!" Howzer instructed the fairy. A stern look was upon Howzer's face when he remembered that King's pillow could turn into a spear. Something like that was bound to be dangerous, just like Meliodas' sword.
However the fairy king merely shrugged at the knight's notion, already knowing that he was above savagery. It was Captain and Ban that were the most primitive of the Sins, not he the Grizzly's Sin of Sloth. He knew how to treat people with respect and showed that through his actions and behaviour. There was no way he'd sink to Captain's level and actually find fun in this kids' game after all. King was above that and knew that he wasn't a child.
Yet that didn't mean kids couldn't be kids.
So what better way to egg on the stubborn fairy king than with a little teasing? It'll surely start something and perhaps even make the game a little more interesting. After all the concept was great, but it needed to be refined for the 'not quite kid' Sins.
"Bet I can find Elizabeth faster," Meliodas simply smiled as he got into a ready position.
This was the start of a bet that would seal the fate of this game. That would make it a huge red zone for a kids to play, especially if they were given weapons. Well at least for the Sins. After all it grew quite escalated after the stakes were set.
"We'll see about that Captain," King grinned slightly, a smug look crossing his features. "When it comes to Diane, I can find her in a matter of seconds. I'd bet a whole nap on Chastiefol for it."
This caused another small laugh from the mini-captain, amusement in place and the bet set. King had chosen a tempting prize. A very tempting prize indeed for Meliodas to want to win the bet. He was originally planning on running off with Elizabeth when he found her, but King's offer made him rethink that. Chastiefol was super-soft after all. The perfect pillow as many called it and it rightfully gained that name. Chastiefol was the ultimate soft and squishy pillow, second only to Elizabeth's chest for the Captain. Speaking of the princess, it'd probably be a reason to get cuddle time with her. A perfect win-win in the Captain's eyes.
"Well, we'll just have to wait and see," Meliodas spoke simply, already thinking of where his princess could be hidden. After all he had two prizes to look forward to if he reached her first. Two prizes that couldn't possibly be given up, let alone lost. He simply had to win.
King readily followed suit of his Captain, knowing that Diane would start running after being found. He'd have to act fast if he wanted that prize. A prize he could decide since the Captain hadn't set his condition for the bet. Perhaps he could get the night off from the Boar Hat? That would be the perfect payment. No - it'd be even better if he could save it for any night he chose and he could take Diane along with him.
Yes that'd be perfect.
"They sure are riled up," Howzer noted the two kids with suddenly serious faces. Both looked as if they were on a mission instead of a simple seeking game. What had happened between them? Did they suddenly think that a real dragon was holding Diane and Elizabeth captive? They did know that it was just Hawk right?
"Oh it's just childish banter," Baltra laughed, smile in place as he knew children often were that way. He had seen it many times before and knew that it wasn't uncommon for them to egg each other on. "You were all like that as children."
The other babysitters/adults seemed to take that with caution, before deciding to start the game. It wasn't long after then, that the two mini-knights were looking all over for the princesses. They were scattered across the grassland, checking behind rocks and in bushes, before steadily approaching the boarder of trees. Trees that grew quite tall and therefore were the perfect cover for the dragon and the two princesses.
However neither knight would give up. Each were promised something in return for rescuing one of the princesses after all. They weren't ready to give that prize up, especially if what they were promised was true. As a result, both children were as determined as the other and they could already imagine receiving their prize.
"May the best knight win," Meliodas nodded in King's direction as they went their separate ways.
"May the best knight win," The fairy nodded in agreement.
Elizabeth released a sigh, happily perched on her spot high up from the ground. After rediscovering her knack for tree-climbing, the young princess had figured her best bet for a hiding spot would be high up. After all no-one would suspect a small child to climb so high up right? Her father and the castle staff were completely shocked when they'd discovered her in a tree that oh so distant day ago, and so it was even more astounding that she managed to escape unscathed too.
However the thought was still slightly guilt-filled. Especially when it had resulted in her father's injury when he'd tried to get her back down. Even now Elizabeth could remember crying buckets about what she'd caused. Apologies had tumbled out profusely for weeks.
"Hey Elizabeth!" Diane 'whispered' to her fellow princess from behind her rock. The shrunken giantess had decided that the large thing would provide sufficient cover and so crouched behind it. However just as her hiding skills, Diane's whispering needed a little work too. "Do you see anyone?"
To that the princess nodded and turned on her perch to look about the area. So far no-one had approached the spot the two had hidden within, their knights seeming to have taken the long way around this time. An odd choice since you'd think they'd want to win the game. You'd think Meliodas and King would've approached the area by now, especially since eventually they'd have to wind up here. Not to mention those prizes.
But nope. They were nowhere to be seen.
"No-one yet, Diane," Elizabeth went to tell the giantess her message, only to see that she was gone. Vanished. Diane was no longer hidden behind the rock she'd told Hawk (the dragon) to loyally guard. Instead the giantess had abandoned post, leaving the child princess all alone in her tree. Way to show 'princess power' and to stick together until one of them were eventually 'saved'. It was originally Diane's idea too, but she had been the first to bail.
However that wasn't the worst of it. Elizabeth had chosen to answer as soon as a tiny blonde entered the area, seeming to have not heard her but she knew better. Hawk was now trying to intimidate him, posing as the perfect dragon while unfortunately failing. In fact the pig was subconsciously hinting towards where Elizabeth was hiding and so the tiny princess was beginning to grow nervous. She knew that as soon as her spot was discovered she'd have to start the next phase of her and Diane's plan.
Tentative, Elizabeth watched as Meliodas approached a tree opposite from her. Somewhere that she was not hiding and yet she was certain that it was sign that he knew where she was. In fact Elizabeth was positive that the blonde knew exactly where she was, and so she decided to kick the next part of the plan into gear without Diane.
That next step being to run.
Shimming on her behind, the princess turned to begin climbing down the other side of her tree. The side that wasn't visible to Meliodas or Hawk. (Though the pig had ran away to deal with King by now). One hand after the other, Elizabeth took careful but fast moves towards the branches below until she was around halfway. Once there the princess had to stop, because she was certain that she was well and truly caught.
"Oh Ellie, I know you're up there," Meliodas stood directly beneath where she was, refusing to look upwards but knowing exactly where she was. A small chuckle sounded as he wondered what she was planning. A simple seeking game had suddenly turned into a curious game of cat and mouse as she remained hidden, refusing to be caught.
Something about that piqued the blonde's interest, curiosity filling him as he humored her actions and continued to search about the area. However he also remained close to the tree Elizabeth hid within, thinking of ways to catch her out through the element of surprise. Something that he knew would catch her off guard and would win the game.
However it still remained silent.
There was no shuffling or even rustling. Elizabeth had chosen to remain silent and still, instead of frantically antsy, as she tried to calculate the quickest route out of her sudden predicament. After all there had to be a way to initiate the run part of her plan. Maybe she could cross to another tree, or just jump down from where she was? A glance downwards and the princess knew that was impossible. The height was too great and she was guaranteed and injury if she even chanced it.
But what about across?
Another glance and that was answered for her too. Too great a distance and definitely too great a risk. Elizabeth's only chance would be to climb. But whether to climb up or down was the problem here. If she went up, then she'd only be trapping herself further, but if she went down she'd have to hope that Meliodas wouldn't catch her immediately.
Both seemed risky.
"Don't worry I took care of the dragon," Another chuckle came from the blonde as he calmly paced about the area, hands in his pockets. She still hadn't made a move and now he was wondering if she was only buying time. It seemed like it with her lack of response. Meliodas decided he'd give it a minute before he actually did anything.
Elizabeth took in a breath as she watched the blonde below. She knew exactly what she had to do. Exactly what she had to risk. Standing once more on the branch, the princess began to make her way across it. Gradually it became smaller and thinner, shaking more under her weight as she began to shimmy instead of walk. However soon it couldn't support the weight. So the branch snapped slightly, the sound clear and sharp.
Instinctively, the princess hugged onto the thing. She gripped it with all her might, willing it not to break on her now, however the branch was an ass because it didn't want to be nice. So instead of holding it broke off completely, sending Elizabeth tumbling into the waiting Captain's arms.
"Gotcha," He grinned as she blinked, stunned.
"Y- you planned that didn't you, Sir Meliodas?" Elizabeth frowned slightly, annoyed at the fact that a branch foiled her escape plan. A branch that seemed perfectly fine and broke way too conveniently for Meliodas to catch her so swiftly. In fact if she didn't know any better, the princess would suspect that the blonde had planned it.
"Maybe," He answered it nonchalantly, heading towards the spot where the babysitters had set up. He had a prize waiting, not to mention cuddle time with Ellie. Though he couldn't exactly complain with what he got right now either.
Elizabeth released a frustrated sigh at that answer. Her escape attempt had failed and now she owed Meliodas a kiss. The tiny princess reddened. Damn Diane for setting the prizes...
"Come on King!" Diane raced ahead practically beaming with joy as she led the fairy on a wild chase. "Just a little further!"
King sighed at this, carrying Chastiefol as he followed close behind. They'd been doing this for what seemed like ages, the tiny giantess taking lead as she led the fairy on a wild chase. Not once had she let him capture her once, and as soon as he thought he had the chance to, Diane would swipe it from king in a matter of seconds. That meant the fairy was worrying about time, especially since Meliodas must've found Elizabeth by now. The Sin Captain had a knack for pestering the princess after all, as a result he often knew how to find her.
But that also meant that time was running short.
If Meliodas had found Elizabeth, then King didn't have a lot of time to catch Diane and bring her back to win the bet. That meant he'd have to give Chastiefol to the Captain - not that King didn't trust Meliodas with his Sacred Treasure. The problem was just that the fairy had grown reliant on it as of late. It was his comfort of sorts and allowed him to feel safe and familiar within all these new environments and experiences. In short he was really clingy when it came to his pillow.
"Diane! Wait up!" King called after the brunette as she disappeared from view, chestnut pigtails following. Once again Diane had slipped from King's grasp, just as he was about to catch her. Clearly she was leading the fairy somewhere, and it showed from her giggle as he swiftly worked to catch up.
However that task wasn't difficult, as she had stopped right in her tracks. A hand was buried in her pigtail as Diane gave a smile to the fairy, rocking slightly on her heels.
"Well, I guess you can catch me now," Red dusted her cheeks as King approached, confusion on his features.
Why had Diane just stopped like that? Wasn't she just bouncing with energy a moment ago? The fairy was pretty sure that she was. However now she had stopped and was asking King to catch her. To end the game in something as easy as a simple poke and saying that he'd caught her.
Yet the fairy didn't want to.
"Why aren't you running anymore?" King frowned as he studied Diane. She had gone very silent, fingers working more than ever in her hair. she used that to hide her expression as she turned away, too bashful to face him.
"Because I want you to grant my wish..." The words come out quiet, the tiny giant slightly staggered by her own boldness. Especially when she knew exactly what that wish was. She had won it after catching King after all.
Deep purple eyes drifted to the fairy, all signs of bashfulness fading as she spotted his face.
"Y-Your wish," Red. Red as a rose dipped in ketchup and then spray painted red. King's face was practically on fire as he looked at Diane with widened eyes. She still remembered that? The wish he'd kept for ages and yet thought was forgotten forever. Left behind forever.
"Yeah!" Diane beamed slightly, a smile quickly replacing her slightly reddened face. She then tackled him into a hug. "I want you to love me forever, ok King? No matter what."
The fairy tensed slightly, before returning her hold. A small smile formed, the red on his face dying slightly as he focused on returning the wish more than the feel of Diane hugging him.
"No matter what," He repeated, drifting slightly before remembering what he needed to do. It couldn't have been that long since he and Meliodas parted ways. Surely if he acted fast enough, King could still close the gap and win the game. The fairy grinned slightly at the thought of the chance of still winning. A chance of saving Chastiefol from the Captain.
"You're now saved," The fairy separated from the giant, smiling as he watched her face light up with joy. Just when he thought it couldn't even more.
"Yay!" Diane grinned, clapping her hands in delight, "Now we can go back to the others!"
A group of young adults, and one older King, sat around a table watching the boarder of trees for any signs of the kids. It had been around half an hour since they were all seen last, with no dreadful sounds emerging but no pleasant ones either. It was concerning, however none of the babysitters, or royals, seemed too concerned as they continued to gossip and talk as they awaited the children's arrival.
After all King, Diane and Meliodas were perfectly capable of defending themselves. Elizabeth would be safe with them and the chance of anything bad happening around here was slim anyway. As a result the adults enjoyed the peace and quiet, while still having fun when mentioning the small children.
"So the bet still stands at the same rates?" Veronica raised a brow, chuckling slightly as she fanned herself with the paper she'd written the bets on. The second princess of the kingdom had decided that this was the best way to entertain herself, the lady finding amusement in the misjudgment of others as they bet against her claim.
"Yeah, I still bet five silver coins on King," Howzer nodded, confident in his bet on the fairy. King was stuck to Diane like glue after all and it was no surprise that he was skilled at tracking her down. The little fairy was more or less certified to find Diane before Meliodas and so Howzer reflected that in his certainty of the bet.
"If you say so," Veronica shook her head, internally laughing at how Howzer was practically throwing money away. There was no way King would beat Meliodas in something like this, especially with the girls involved. "What about you Griamore?"
"I'm content with my bet for Meliodas," The knight remarked, a slight grin tugging at his lips. "As you have confidence in your child, Howzer, so do I."
Howzer growled slightly in response to that, grumbling something before leaning back into his chair. Of course everyone had faith in Meliodas, but no-one thought that King could surprise? Sure, King was a little lazy - no King could be super lazy - but he made up for it in other ways. Plus these guys have clearly not seen King when Diane's involved. Whenever that giantess is put at stake, or there's a chance to impress or treat her, King's usually one of the first to volunteer.
As a result Howzer had complete faith in the child and so reflected it in his bet. Yet Griamore wouldn't back out either. It resulted in both beginning to squabble, hands and legs aiming to hurt the other as they struggled about in front of the unamused princess Veronica. The young woman grimaced as she watched the two, unimpressed with their behaviour.
"You two really need to grow up!" The princess huffed, shaking her head as she looked at both men. "You'd think the kid sins are more mature than you guys."
With that the princess marched off, approaching her sister and father. The two elder parties were quietly engaging in a game of sorts, guessing what the other was thinking of from a string of hints. It was Margaret's turn and she was laughing every so often due to her father's bizarre guesses. So of course it was a pleasant surprise to see a slightly miffed Veronica approach them with a slip of paper.
"Would you guys like to bet on who wins?" Veronica smirked slightly, waving the paper in her hands as her frown slowly faded. "I've got one bet on Sloth and another on Wrath."
The princess then rolled her eyes as she gestured to the two fighting knights, still upset about their sudden petty squabble. However it was slightly amusing, offering a insight into what gambling can lead to. A perfect way to ward others off from Veronica's often wild bets. She had made many before that ended terribly after all. Although the princess always won - odd since she was usually the one to suggest such ideas.
"I think I'll pass today," Margaret gave a smile, the action hiding her nerves. In truth the eldest princess was terrified of her sister's bets. They always ended with some sort of uproar. Margaret then turned to the king, a curious look in place. "Are you going to take part, father?"
Baltra chuckled, amusement filling his features as he looked at both his daughters. It soon died down, however, a smile settling as he shook his head. He knew how wild and audacious Veronica's bets could get, especially with the evidence of Griamore and Howzer.
"No, I believe I'm fine for today as well," The king still wore a smile, the expression turning into a grin. He lowered his tone to a hush. "But if you want to bet on something else I'm all for it!"
One princess was elated at that, a grin spreading as she felt she could jump for joy; while the other was horrified, her eyes widening and hand resting over her heart.
"Father!" Margaret turned from her celebrating sister to her elderly parent. Shock could not describe her current state of mind, let alone reaction. "You cannot possibly mean that - "
"Yes, exactly that my dear!" The old king chuckled. He rubbed his hands in glee as he addressed his two daughters. "Exactly that!"
The elder princess continued to fan herself, reddened face trying to be hidden as the younger laughed at the sight. Veronica wiped a tear of joy away, turning to face the now quiet squabbling knights. Their attention was drawn to the boarder of trees, watching as the winner of the game approached.
"I'd better collect my winnings!" Veronica grinned as she clutched at her piece of paper. Howzer owed her and Griamore five silver coins.
"Why was I the dumb dragon!" Hawk grumbled as he made his way back to the babysitters, covered in dirt and leaves from the roughhousing of the two mini-knights. "Pigs and dragons are nothing alike!"
The pig was slightly pissed from having been treated so cruelly after being offered a chance to help out with babysitting. In return for his work, the royal family had offered to give him all the scraps he could wish for. However the pig had not signed up to be abused by two pipsqueaks looking for a smooch. As a result he had a lot to say to the royal family of Liones. In fact he was gonna take the whole filter off just to grill them out for what they'd done.
No-one would emerge unscathed!
More annoyed than ever, Hawk trotted up to the group of now celebrating babysitters. Margaret was handing out lunch, while the others were all occupied with the children. King was frowning and pulling a strop, although it seemed to have been weakened slightly as Diane was clinging to him like glue; Elizabeth was an unnatural shade of red, hiding behind Veronica from Meliodas; and Griamore was busy gloating, counting the coins he had won so gloriously from his bet.
It was only Howzer who looked bummed, his expression sulky as he watched Griamore count his coins. Baltra was comforting him, telling him that there were plenty of other chances out there. However Howzer no doubt felt like he'd never win a bet in his life. He was terrible when it came to fortune and King had let him down. So Hawk took a moment to feel pity for the knight, a victim of gambling, before deciding to let out all his anger towards the babysitters.
After all they were behind him being a dragon.
"Oh! Hawk!" Margaret seemed to beam as she spotted the pig. The princess knelt down, patting him on the head before producing a bowl. "Here's your first serve of scraps. Courtesy of the royal family."
All anger seemed to dissipate at the princess' kind actions, especially when she produced the bowl of scraps. What wonderful scraps they were too! Way better than the crap he had to eat while on the road with the Sins. All sorts of succulent meats, stocky vegetables and hearty grains were mixed into the bowl. It created the perfect mountain of food and so calmed the pissed pig.
"These are amazing!" Hawk spoke between mouthfuls of food, blissful as he ate. "Call me anytime you need a dragon!"
The princess giggled at that, going back to giving everyone some lunch and restoring order to the group. She knew that all Hawk needed was scraps and his anger would instantly dissipate. After all pigs love food.
A/N: I'm back with another addition to the mini story! This one is when the whole war stuff starts, so have fun reading a bit of conversation between Goddess Ellie and her mother. Also most of the titles have things with the same first letters.
Warrior's War
"Mother, I've decided to help."
I stood proud and firm in front of the person who had crafted my very existence. The person who meant so much to everyone, including myself, and yet was so good at hiding her true nature. A nature only shown to me it seems.
My mother, the Supreme Deity. A person revered like a God among the Goddess race, let alone looked to for guidance and example. She was the one true authority in this realm and so was someone to be feared. Someone to seek acceptance and approval from. Yet she hid her true nature so well with her graceful smile and gentle looks.
No-one could really know how cold and negligent she was towards me. How I was only noted for what I do for her. After all in public I'm her 'darling Elizabeth', the sweet little thing she had raised and therefore became something of a poster-child. However I didn't really refuse the image either. No, instead I allowed it to continue, believing that it was for the best and that she was preparing me for life. But now I can't sit by and watch anymore.
I had to do something.
"Help?" My mother let out a laugh, eyes filling with amusement as she looked down at my form. "My dear sweet Elizabeth, you are not needed among those in battle. You are much better than that, my dear."
Her laughter continued on and yet I didn't falter. I didn't do as I usually did when let down like this - I didn't agree and apologise for suggesting such an outlandish thing. Oh no. Instead I maintained my ground, staring her dead in the eye as I silently refused to back down.
Ever since I had graduated from school my mother had done nothing but mould me into what she believed would 'benefit us all'. Of course I had listened and formed the ways that were needed to pass as the daughter of the Deity. I had striven to be kind, forgiving, innocent and pure - but I couldn't put that into practice if I was sitting safe and sound while my people risked their lives in war. In a war that is said to be filled with ruthless killers and other unspoken horrors. A war I could help in.
If I am to be the perfect example of a Goddess, then I must prove that by standing beside my people. By fighting with my people - or even just aiding them. I'm more powerful than most after all and I may be of use, especially due to my standing in society.
Yet my mother saw it as me wanting to have a bit of an adventure. As me suggesting yet another silly trifle, like the time I had brought home an injured puppy or had begged to see the world beyond the one I knew so well. She saw it as me being too naive for the world. Too childlike and young to know that serious things were at stake.
"Oh...so you are serious about this," My mother sighed, a hand coming to her face. A fatigued expression took over, a simple sign of what she was going to say. "Little bird, you do know that this war is a serious ordeal, right? This isn't a petty squabble with one of the lower races; it's yet another struggle with the demons. We can't afford for someone like you to go straight into the lion's den, dear."
I frown at this, knowing that the circumstances of this war were dire. It had only been a short while since war was declared, yet things had swiftly declined into a state of chaos. Over the course of the past year, the tensions had slowly risen between my race and the demons, and one small event caused it all to explode. No-one can remember what exactly triggered this war, but that didn't seem to matter to anyone. More and more volunteered by the day and now it was simply a matter of waiting to see what would happen.
"I know mother, but I thought that - "
"You thought that what, dear?" My mother raised a brow, a frown spreading. "That you'd make a difference? Oh dear, sweet child..."
A hand rested on my face now, thumb stroking my cheek as her eyes bore into mine. Eyes that were so pure and wise to others, yet foreboding and deceptive for me. Where others saw kindness and motherly love, I saw the way she often patronized and babied me. The way she never let me have any independence, always relying on her or the staff within our home. The way I was simply her doll to dress up and command.
I never had any freedom.
Suppressing a shiver, I try to pay attention to my mother's words. I can't let my mind wander, not when she's so close. I can't get distracted by my dismay and brewing tears. I had to keep going. I had to keep trying to convince her until there was nothing left to use. Until I had been silenced by force.
"This war is for warriors," My mother shook her head, a clicking sound coming from her. However a soft smile soon replaced it, hand gone from my face and instead tapping her chin. "But I suppose you could join as a healer until things calm down. It would do no good for us to have so many causalities...Of course I would have to speak with Ludociel and the others...Perhaps fix you with some training as well..."
A bright smile began to form with my mother's words, knowing that I'd somehow won her over. That I'd somehow managed to gain a piece of freedom in my forever monotonous life. An escape from being a shadow of my mother's, and instead proving that I was doing my best to be a good Goddess. To be what my mother expected of me.
"Oh thank you, mother!" Overwhelmed I wrap her in a hug, enjoying one of the rare actions of affection she gifts me. "Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!"
She simply laughed at that, a warm smile spreading as she returned the favor.
"It's doing small things like these that make me so glad to have you with me at last," An happy sigh and then I was pulled away. Held at a distance, I watched as my mother's smile darkened. Once again she trapped me with her eyes, gaze cold and warning as she regarded me. "But do not make me regret this, Elizabeth. Remember, this is a warrior's war and Goddesses like you have no place within it. If I hear anything about you doing the wrong things, I will call you back immediately."
I freeze in her grasp, taking in the warning before giving a slow nod.
"I promise I won't disappoint, mother," My voice comes out more confident than expected, hand placed over my heart as I did so, "I'll make sure not to get involved."
"I'm sure you won't, dear," She didn't smile, but instead released me. Back turned she spoke more orders, her voice back to its ethereal tone. "You're now dismissed. I'll have everything arranged for you soon."
A sigh and then I leave, knowing that mother was once again back to her old authoritative self. She could never be a mother for more than a few seconds it seemed...