A/N: First chapter of 2021! I made sure it's good cause a new year means new effort right? (Geez I'm way too sentimental. Ignore me). This chapter was a crazy 8,000 + words! It was a lot to write out...
Anyway as always thanks for all the support. The count is 28 Faves, 30 Follows and 41 Reviews! Thanks a bunch for that and let's keep it going UvU.
I'm also doing a poll on whether to make the babysitters head out from Liones with the Sins or if the two princesses, Margaret and Veronica, should get in on the kid action. So please make sure to vote! The story's also got over 3,000 total views! I nearly dropped when checking the count after online classes. So thanks a bunch. Like really. Thanks. I feel so happy now TvT.
Darkjuliet444 - The chapter was tons of fun to write! I love making little scenarios for the kiddie Sins since I'm always surrounded by little cousins and stuff. And adding the blend to the menu you say...I'll consider it. Anyway keeping the kid's hidden in plain sight is just a plus to the babysitters. I just figured Merlin would want to keep them out of trouble while she worked. But that does work too. Escanor and Merlin actually don't have babysitters. As you predicted, Escanor is helping Merlin but his childhood issues won't pop up till a little later. That being said, the order of their past memories popping up is completely random, but I did consider the 'youngest first' route. Meliodas...his memories will go back to pre-Elizabeth. I'll let you think about what else might happen. Drole and Gloxinia being uncles killed me XD. I'm so adding that in now. Thank you for reviewing!
2nd Review from Darkjuliet 444 - As always thanks for reviewing! Your reviews always bring up a smile. Anyway, your reviews are lengthy but I don't really mind. They usually have a ton of ideas and such so it makes up for the length (plus my responses get kinda long too XD). But anyway I've kinda put the key stuff in points. Point 1: Ban and Jericho definitely have that older sibling/cousin vibe. Ban can use Snatch and an event with Gustaf sounds cool. I'll try to squeeze it in. Point 2: Gowther doesn't actually sleep...Like you said a good book keeps him happy. The other Gowther questions will be answered as the plot progresses. Point 3: The Commandments did help Vivian. All else will be revealed soon. Point 4: I love writing the Howzer segments. They're some of the most fun as I imagine all sorts happening XD. Anyway what you thought about the kisses were right. Diane's kiss to Howzer was like thanks and King's was 'I like you, you like me too?'. Point 5: They'll go after Vivian, but the story doesn't end with her defeat. Someone gave me an idea for an extension to the original plot. However the scared treasure idea is great. Once again another idea of yours is placed into this work :)
Make sure to stay safe and well everyone.
Till next time,
D.L.D
P.s. I just wanted to share something I do when I write. I always listen to music when writing. For some reason it puts me in the vibe :I
"It seems we've just missed a game," Guila sighed as she and her two wards approached the area of the castle grounds.
The kid Sins were now chasing each other about, doing as kids do, while the babysitters and royals were enjoying the pleasant weather. It was only Howzer who seemed a little down, but Guila guessed that it was most likely due to something small. After all Howzer could be quite the immature person when placed in the right situation. Gilthunder had told her of the blonde and Griamore's squabbles, of how they often did petty things, and yet were as tight as brothers.
That was something the knight hadn't understood until meeting Jericho. It was after being paired with the fellow ex-New Generation knight that Guila had really learned what it was like to have that sort of bond with someone. That sort of connection.
"Awww, I was looking forward to meeting the other Sins," Zeal frowned slightly, although he seemed to cheer up right after. Perhaps it was because he noticed the other kids racing about on the grass, playing some weird game, or maybe it was because he noticed some leftover jelly.
"Well maybe we can do that at another time," His older sister shook her head slightly as she led the two boys along the road. "I'm sure they'll have other games planned for later on."
Gowther nodded at that, his version of a smile forming as he addressed both the knight and her brother. He had learned a great deal about childhood from these two and so took it upon himself to make sure they were happy.
"Yes, games are frequent among us," The doll spoke with his usual formality, tone more mechanical than natural. "I'm sure we'll be able to play tomorrow."
The knight smiled at Gowther's words, grateful of his notice of her brother's dismay. Something that displayed his ever-growing understanding of human things. It made Guila proud to know that she was helping Gowther recover after his attempt to wipe her and her brother's memory. That seemed like so long ago now, especially with the child Gowther walking beside her, the small boy holding her hand with his tiny one.
"Well that's great, because I don't wanna miss out on shopping either!" Zeal was back to his springy self, practically bouncing as he swung his older sister's arm. "I bet Guila's gonna treat us to something nice!"
The young woman smiled slightly at that, the expression full of adoration and comfort as she looked at her brother. There was no denying that she spoiled him rotten, however Zeal was not a spoiled brat either. He was humble and therefore very kind and forgiving. But he was also very innocent and that led to him being bullied by those older boys when she working for Hendrickson. The knight could feel her blood already boiling at the thought of those brutes. Those people so terrible enough to lay a hand against a child - and yet it all died down when she looked at her brother.
He just smiled so simply and spoke so excitedly, that it wasn't hard for him to melt her heart. Zeal was special to her, and as a result Guila would do anything for her younger brother. He was all she had after all and she loved him more than words could express. More than logic could compute.
Gowther could see this plainly and so decided to stay silent as he joined the pair on what was supposedly a family outing for them both. Apparently each month, Guila was take a day off and save all her spare coins to take Zeal into the shopping district to buy something. It was an event both always looked forward to and had always done ever since their father's disappearance. A way to boost morale if you will. As a result it was sacred to them and perplexed Gowther as to why he would be invited.
After all he wasn't part of their family.
"Well we'll just have to wait and see," Guila's calm tone brought the Goat Sin from his thoughts, her slight grin more motherly than anything. "Surprises aren't surprises - "
"If you tell!"
A laugh shared between the siblings and Gowther sunk back into his own thoughts. A bond between siblings is indeed interesting. Very interesting.
A young woman huffed slightly, face red with effort as she tried to track down the little terror hidden within the crowd of citizens. Once again Ban had ran off from Jericho, the boy saying that he'd be back in a few after dropping something off. Those words had of course alarmed Jericho, the young woman not knowing what or who the Fox Sin could be hinting to. After all he could mean anything when mentioning dropping something off.
As a result Jericho gave chase and lost the child within the crowd, leading her to angrily scan and march about. However despite her scanning, no trace of the crafty bastard could be seen and so Jericho was at her wit's end with knowing what to do next. Especially since she'd be in deep trouble if she couldn't locate Ban quickly. After all the Sins were valuable to the kingdom and were no doubt to be protected as you'd protect anyone - but Jericho had lost him. Again.
The knight was certified to lose her job now, if not because she lost Ban, then because of her failure to keep a child under control.
A child.
Tears began to form, fists clenching as the young woman considered how humiliating that would be. How crushing. To have lost your chance at achieving your dream due to losing a child. A small, simple and innocent child. Jericho could hear the names and jaunts already - see the shameful expression her elder brother wore due to her once again screwing up.
Due to her once again being a disappointment...
"You comin' or what Jerrio?" Ban raised a brow, his voice breaking her inner thoughts. The small child appeared on a wall beside the knight, oddly seeming fine upon the high up thing. He easily walked across it, taking a seat when he'd reached a wider spot. The Fox Sin took a slightly slouched posture, legs danging as he dug around in his paper bag. "I've got places to be ya'know."
The young woman scoffed at that, folding her arms across her chest as she glanced up at the brazen child. He had a lot of cheek to come up to her after running off like that. Not mention nearly making her cause an uproar in public due to nearly losing her job. Jericho had a lot to say to Ban about that - not to mention about never saying her name right. That was another thing that peeved the knight to no end.
"Then why are you digging around in that bag?" Jericho's words came out slightly harsh, a slight snap as she turned her back on Ban. "Shouldn't you be 'too busy' for that?"
To that the child Sin scoffed, rolling his eyes slightly as he set the bag aside and looked down at the knight. She just had to be difficult about this...
"I was only sayin' that so you'd hurry up," Ban dropped off the wall, taking the bag with him. "We have to go see my sister."
With that the child took off, beginning to whistle as he took his goody bag in tow. It was only after blinking and watching the child for a few moments, that Jericho finally regained her wits. Her oh so useful wits. When she did the knight stumbled after the child, hand out in desperation as she stumbled slightly. Clearly her wits were still muddled.
"Your sister?" The words came out more as a half-thought, the owner once again being distant. However Jericho soon snapped out of it, squawking frantically as she lost sight of him among the crowd again. Once again he was running off.
"Ban! Wait up!"
Books. A glance into the human world; the human logic; the human heart. Books.
Gowther could spend an entire year surrounded with nothing but books and find all he needed within them. All he desired and lusted after could be found within the pages. Could be explained within the lines of text. However deep down the doll knew he was only using books as a temporary filler. A plug. Something to keep him satisfied for a while like a mother would feed a baby a bottle of milk. Books were Gowther's sedative. His tranquility.
But he always knew that they would never be enough.
The Goat Sin was curious in the matter of the human condition after all. The abstract and confusing matter of humankind. The study of things like emotions, life and creation. Things that all the best philosophers from ancient time couldn't solve. The human condition wasn't something a book could answer. Wasn't something you could apply a simple logic to. It was through experience, understanding, being that thing, that one created an understanding of it. A small understanding of it.
But Gowther could never be that. He knew that. A doll could never be what a person or human is. A doll cannot know what it's like to have a normal, beating heart. A doll cannot know what it's like to bleed, what it's like to breathe, what it's like to love. A doll could not create understanding for these things.
Yet Gowther still lusted for more.
"You've been staring at that book for a while," Guila approached the small child, concern raising as she noticed his sudden concentration. It wasn't often for Gowther to be so enamored. At least not by something as simple as a shop. The doll seemed more concerned with deeper things than items after all. As a result the young woman was wary of what the Sin could do, deciding to dig into what could be capturing his attention. "Are you interested in it?"
Gowther looked down at the book in his hands, his mind unknowing of how it had gotten there. It was an adventure book, one just like any other, and yet the Goat Sin couldn't help but feel odd as he held it. As he looked at the cover and wondered why he was so drawn towards this one book. This one book he'd seen and read before...
"I suppose I am," The child's tone was soft, thoughtful. This one book had seemed to change the Sin slightly, his actions seeming slightly more human. More emotional. The doll then looked up at Guila, curiosity and slight wonder in his eyes. "Is it normal to be interested in something so much? Something you've seen before and yet haven't."
To that the knight blushed slightly, taken aback by the sudden question. She hadn't expected Gowther to be so forward. Let alone to inquire if something was normal - ok maybe that was a stretch, but you get the gist. It was so odd for the doll to seem so human. So lost. Usually there was a more automated and monotonous tone behind his voice, but now it was softer, recollective. It spoke of nothing less than nostalgia or perhaps even familiarity.
"Sometimes," Guila's answer came hesitantly, the dark-haired woman glancing back at her younger brother. Zeal was looking at mostly picture and fairy tale books, passing the time by looking at the colourful and vibrant pictures. He was such a joy and definitely a lot less philosophical then Gowther. However looking into the doll's eyes Guila knew that she had to answer. Even if she didn't know why Gowther was drawn to this book, perhaps it would help him cope emotionally. "It depends on why or what the thing means to you, I guess."
Gowther gave a small smile at that, firmly hugging the book and looking up at the knight.
"Then I would like this book, miss Guila," The smile on his face was purely innocent, the expression genuine. "I'm sure Merdre's adventures will occupy me once more."
"Get back here you little shit!"
Jericho rushed through the castle halls, frantically chasing after Ban once again. After his little 'confession' as to where he was going, the knight had been following him around until finally figuring out where he was headed. Well at least that's what she thought until he took off once again, easily launching himself over the wall. That damned child was way too good at evading people.
"Sheesh, chill out a bit, Jerrilee," Ban rolled his eyes, as he counted doors. After a little tip-off from the Captain, the Fox Sin had learned that Elizabeth (Kilia to him) was occupying the old nursery room she and sisters shared. An odd thing for the blonde to say, but Ban took it as him trying to make or joke or something. The blonde seemed pretty bored these days after all. Anyway long story short, thanks to Meliodas the Fox Sin knew exactly where to find his sister and how to deliver his 'surprises' for her too.
But Jericho was making that job a little harder than necessary. The knight was squawking about the halls, attempting to grab him and yelling all sorts of threats. Things that only drew more and more attention to the odd pair as they traveled through the maze of halls and stairways. All sorts of people from guards to maids turned to look at the pair and soon their presence was more or less castle gossip. A thing for the staff to talk about like school children.
"Chill out! Chill out!" A growl could be heard from Jericho, her footsteps sounding as loud thuds. She then pointed towards the child, eyes filled with frustration. "You're the one who's making this difficult!"
Another eye roll and Ban decided to ignore the woman behind him. After all most of them just found time to complain. Whine, whine, whine - that's all they ever did when when the men were being difficult. But sometimes it was the women being difficult and they couldn't even spot it. Much like Jheri Curl now. The knight was making a scene and didn't even seem to care as she followed the child. Instead she mostly blamed it on the child, when it was Ban who was making his way calmly, but swiftly, towards his location.
However that calmness within the Fox Sin was beginning to run thin with all of Jericho's constant complaints and demands. Couldn't the knight just stop for one minute? Ban was pretty sure she needed to stop to breathe every once in a while. Yet Jericho's words didn't stop and instead continued, her threats and demands getting worse and worse the further they went.
"I swear once we're out of this place I'll - "
By now the knight's face was red, a scowl seeming permanent as she marched behind Ban. She had given up on catching him, instead deciding to follow and then pin the blame on him if they were caught by the King. After all everyone had heard her yelling and constant instructions directed towards the Fox Sin. They'll know that she was trying to get Ban away from anywhere that he could cause trouble.
"Looks like we're here," Ban's voice was quiet, a slight smirk in place as he easily walked into the room.
"Wait, you shouldn't - " Jericho moved too late, the door closing behind the child as she moved to grab him. It hit her nose slightly, a red mark now forming.
Yelping at the impact, Jericho landed on her behind. A hand came up to rub at her now red nose, a slight throbbing pain coming from it. However the injury wasn't too bad and after a few moments of tending to it, the knight got up from her spot on the floor. She had a kid to catch after all, and once she did he'll be knowing all sorts of Hell.
Grimacing, Jericho grumbled as she knocked on the door. Hopefully whoever was in there would excuse Ban for just casually walking in.
"Hey Kilia, I got ya some stuff!" Ban grinned triumphantly as the small girl came towards him, brow raised in slight confusion.
For the past few days Ban had been calling Elizabeth Kilia, something that didn't make sense to many people. In fact it was extremely confusing and raised many questions about who the Fox Sin had as family. After all the existence of a sister was unknown until Ban had started calling Elizabeth her name. Could it be possible that he had other relatives too?
That question seemed to be null and void though as Ban kept the rest of his familial unit private. In fact he didn't even speak to 'Kilia' about their family. Anytime she asked about it, Ban would tell her that she doesn't need to remember that shithole. As a result no-one but the Fox Sin truly knew of his family or childhood. So Elizabeth was left to fill in the role of his sister until a solution had been found.
"Some stuff?" Elizabeth timidly took the bag offered to her, spotting a few things inside. On top of it was a wrapped tart, the treat seeming to be the 'prize' of the haul. However Elizabeth knew too well that Ban had most likely snatched these from somewhere. As a result the princess raised a brow. "Where did you get them from, Ban?"
To that the boy chuckled, hands placed behind his head. He shook his head slightly, knowing that the question would come up eventually. However he didn't care that much. He always had the same response for Kilia, knowing that she was too innocent to know of what he did.
"That's nothin' for you to worry about, sis," The Fox Sin pat Elizabeth's head, a small smile forming. "I'll worry about those things, you just focus on being happy and healthy."
Elizabeth nodded uncertainly at that, clutching the paper bag of most likely stolen goods. Ban seemed to care a lot about his little sister, and so she respected that and decided to do as he wished. After all it could just be a phase, a side effect of Merlin allowing him to consume alcohol. But something within the princess knew that it was something deeper. Something to do with the mind and heart, and so she wouldn't be the one to crush Ban's little universe. Instead she'll be the little sister he had.
"Ok...I'll do that," Elizabeth gave a confident smile, causing Ban chuckled once again. She always had such determination. That was why she always followed him about, despite his constant protests about not doing so. She always pushed herself too hard...
A saddened expression passed at that thought, red eyes softening slightly. Back then had been a terrible time for both of them. No food, no actual parents and more or less a shitshow of a town to live in. Neither sibling had much chance of surviving and for both of them to live...it all seemed too good to be true. Yet Kilia was there in front of him, different and a little older, but there nonetheless. So he had a reason to feel glad - fortunate.
"That's good on you," Ban grinned slightly, all sadness swept away with slight happiness. "Just don't push yourself too hard, ok?"
"Ok," Elizabeth nodded, a smile spreading.
While this 'sibling' reunion occurred, all of the royals sat watching in confusion and surprise. Elizabeth had just openly allowed Ban to call her the wrong name, address her as his sister, and even give her a bag of things. Something that the normal Elizabeth Liones wouldn't have entirely allowed. In fact she would've cleared up the identity confusion. But instead this child Elizabeth brushed it aside and hesitantly played along, odd responses joining the odd prompts.
This caused the rest of the royal family to watch in what could only be described as confusion. Complete confusion. As a result each wore an expression reflecting that, only one of them showing hostility with her confusion. Hostility towards whoever had replaced her sister.
"What do you think you're doing here!" Veronica snapped at the boy, who chuckled at what Elizabeth had done to her.
Ban had conveniently bumped into Elizabeth's little makeover session. It was suggested by Margaret and escalated into a full on child using makeup as crayons on the adults' faces. Margaret had a ok look, the smudges and smears being rare, but Veronica had a full on clownish look. Since the feisty young woman didn't stay put for long, Elizabeth had made some mistakes. As a result her sister had lipstick on what wasn't her lips and other things in the wrong places.
Matched with Veronica's furious expression, the makeup added to the comedy factor of Ban's interruption. In fact it made it downright comedy gold to the Fox Sin.
"And that's my cue to leave," Ban laughed slightly, wiping away a tear. He turned to the princess. "I'll see ya later, Kilia."
The boy turned to leave, only to be grabbed by Jericho. The knight held him by the scruff of his shirt, an unamused expression on her face as she watched him squirm and struggle in her grasp. Ban had been causing all sorts of unnecessary trouble and now he had finally been caught.
"Oh no you don't!" Jericho snapped, brows bent at an angle. "You've been running away from me all day, but not this time!"
To that the Fox Sin sighed, stopping his struggling and accepting his fate. Cheerio might go easy on him if he obeys her after all. Plus the Sin had a inkling that if he played it innocent and used the fact that he was visiting his sister as an excuse, Jericho wouldn't be so firm and cold. In fact she might even empathize with Ban and let him off with a slight warning. That seemed like the best route.
"I'm so sorry for his behaviour," Jericho bowed to the royals, before looking at the boy in her grasp. "And you. What did I tell you about running away?"
To that the boy rolled his eyes, expression plain.
"That's it's dangerous," His tone came out bland. "But I was going to check on my sister."
He then pointed towards the princess, Elizabeth now enjoying the tart Ban had nabbed for her. She wasn't really paying attention to the knight, instead feeding Hawk crumbs of her tart and saying a few things to the animal. This left Jericho blinking, expression confused as she glanced from Ban to the princess. There wasn't much resemblance between the two, let alone anything that proved they were siblings. The most was hair colours, but even they were off.
"Ban, you know that - " Jericho found herself stopping, smiling sadly as she glanced at the Fox Sin. She had a feeling that she knew what was happening, after all she had a brother of her own. "Ok, but don't do it again. We can go together next time."
The child nodded at that, glad to have been released of Jericho's killer grasp. Ban then rushed out the open door, saying that he was gonna do some more stuff. This caused Jericho to groan from frustration, hand coming to tug at her hair.
"I'm really sorry for what happened," The knight once again addressed the royals. The older two were still relatively confused, while the youngest was still highly unimpressed. "I promise it won't happen again."
The young woman then left the room, chasing after the troublesome child.
Books and papers were scattered all over the room, many of them being left open or covered in writing. The whole room spoke of studying, research, tedious tasks that required the reading of things and scrawling of notes. Not a single map or book remained untouched by the young child and yet she seemed to be further than ever from the truth.
"No leads at all," Merlin frowned as she scoured over the map of Britannia. All sorts of notes and incidents had been written upon notes tacked to it, the details of which all linking to the Ten Commandments. It was since their appearance that Vivian had gone missing and it was since their appearance that the Sins had become children. Everything linked to them and their sudden awakening, along with the threat they posed to Britannia.
As a result Merlin was working tirelessly, often having breaks when Escanor had pleaded his case enough times. However Merlin was always reluctant to take a break. This was her first problem in a while that seemed unsolvable and so the mage was interested by it. Entrapped. She wanted to know why this was happening and how it was so hard to figure it out. She wanted to know why something that seemed so simple in general was so cryptic.
"I'm sure we'll find one soon Merlin," Escanor piped up from his corner, not looking his best. Ever since arriving at the castle, the male had been wary of what he did and said. He never spoke too loud, never did anything that stuck out, and often asked the staff to get things that were located far away. This behaviour was intriguing to Merlin and so she tried to investigate it further, while also focusing on her main task. "Wasn't Vivian known to be helping Hendrickson in his studies of the demons?"
Escanor's words jogged the mage's memory slightly, reminders of her past pupil's work and studies coming to the surface. Vivian was known to help Hendrickson with some of his studies, her being one with not many morality issues. As a result she would know of things the average person wouldn't even imagine as possible. That would mean that she knew of safety spots and places that the Commandments most likely had no idea of.
"She did," Merlin nodded, eyes now scanning the map. She knew of one place, a place that Vivian would see as perfect. Somewhere that normal people couldn't access or would even know of. Somewhere that Gilthunder couldn't escape without her say so. "And she's here."
Merlin's finger pointed towards a location, no words or marks indicating any settlements nearby. Instead it was a blank expanse of land, the location seeming like a joke. After all who would give up comfort in an actual settlement for life in the wilderness. Only a nutjob would do that, plus it would be easier for Gilthunder to escape. Surely Vivian hadn't gone to a place like that.
"Merlin - "
"She's there Escanor," Merlin shook her head, a smile forming. "I'm sending the Sins there and everything will make sense from there."
With that the mage rolled up the map and began to head out of the room. She had some good news to share.
Babysitting Adventures of Howzer - Part 3: Marriage?!
Diane smiled, happily picking flowers to arrange into a mini bouquet. All sorts of pretty blooms would make their way into her artwork, the thing being the centerpiece of her idea.
The young giantess had found something fun to do, the idea of a wedding being so exciting that she took it upon herself to have her own. In fact she was so in the mood that she was dressed in white and picking flowers, arrangements planned in her little head for how it will all go. Locations, outfits, food, celebrations. There were endless things to plan. Of course the giantess would invite all her friends, the Sins all gaining an immediate pass. Then there was the King, his daughters, the Holy Knights who were babysitters - there were so many people to invite.
Then there was getting someone to say the vows. Oh and getting rings and all sorts of other things. She could even get Hawk to participate! Yes, the pig could be used for all sorts, and the brunette was sure everyone would find fun in the event. After all weddings were said to be fun. It was bound to be fun.
"What do you think about getting married King?" Diane turned to the fairy, the child catching a nap in the flower patch. The weather was nice and so the fairy took the chance to catch some well needed rest. Recently he'd been feeling more tuckered out than usual and so thought catching up on sleep might help. After all Howzer's father woke them up pretty early.
Speaking of Howzer, he wasn't too far off from the children. Right now the knight eating comfort food due to losing his bet with Griamore, spirits not too great. As a result he wasn't too proactive today, wallowing in the lost money and drowning in the taste of fresh crepes. That left the two children free to do whatever they pleased as long as they were in his line of sight. That was Howzer's one rule as he snacked.
"W-well I wouldn't mind it," As usual King had flushed red, stuttering activated with the forward question. All signs of his earlier drowsiness was gone, bashfulness taking over. "Do you want to get married, Diane?"
The miniature giantess giggled at that, amused by the fairy's bashfulness. King was always caught off guard when she said things like this, but the brunette knew that it was because he cared so much. He wanted her to be happy before he was happy. It was sweet, something Diane adored about King, but sometimes it was too selfless. After all it resulted in him being unhappy, while she was totally happy. She couldn't have that happening.
"Well yeah..." Diane smiled slightly, finger twirling chestnut hair. "Ever since I'd learned about it. It just seems so magical and fun - but do you wanna get married King?"
Eyes widened at that, the fairy taken aback once again. The question echoed around his head, thoughts tying to it. Did he want to get married? Well, King had always thought of getting married to Diane. Ever since learning about humans who did as such. It sounded like a nice idea, to be bound together forever, and the fairy wouldn't mind spending the rest of his days with the giantess. But getting married in general? Not really an immediate thought. But still he'd still get married to Diane. It was like a life goal for King.
"Me?" King blinked, before offering a slight smile. For once his face didn't look as if it were sunburned. "Well - yeah."
A wide smile was cracked in return, purple eyes dancing with joy as the girl gave the fairy a gigantic hug.
"Great!" Diane beamed, before racing from her spot. "Just stay there and I'll explain everything in an hour!"
The giantess was soon at Howzer's side, telling him something with a lot of enthusiasm. In fact a bunch. But that didn't bother the fairy too much, instead he simply watched, his mind still in a daze. A nice, foggy daze...
"How did it get to this?" Howzer released a sigh, eyes scanning the small group of guests that had gathered for this 'wedding'.
As Diane had suggested, the whole thing was simplistic by nature but still slightly grand. Guests were expected to come in formal wear, flowers were miraculously in place, and thanks to Merlin the group had a venue. From those small preparations, the whole idea escalated, the tiny giantess more or less becoming wedding planner and bride. She asked King for all sorts of input too and soon had dragged Elizabeth and the Sins into it.
The princess was now getting ready to enact her role as Diane's bridesmaid, planning having gone through her opinion before anything being done. Then there was the matter of best man and all that crap, and by the end of it Howzer was just left bewildered as he found himself at the alter before the two kids. Yes him. Howzer. As if he were the priest or something. It was as if he was overlooking the whole room because he had the duty of binding these kids through vows. Vows that were designed for adults.
"Howzer, you have to say your lines!" Diane whispered to him, smile in place although she looked a little peeved. Her flawless plans weren't going well after all.
The knight blinked at that, suddenly realising that he was indeed the priest. The one person who would say the vows and make this 'wedding' official. Only Howzer wasn't a priest and he couldn't make it official. In fact he didn't even know the lines! Those things lasted for ages and so he never paid attention when he did go to weddings (which was quite rare). As a result the male was stuck, unsure of what to do but knowing it was too late to back out.
He was this far after all. He can't just walk away from the alter.
"They're in your pocket," Diane sighed, remembering that Elizabeth recommended doing so for the knight. Things like remembering lines wasn't his strong suit and so the princess, and her older sisters, had thought it wise.
Checking his pockets, Howzer found the paper. On it was the words, neatly copied out in what could be assumed as an adult's hand. However it signed the knight's fate, the one where he would allow these kids to get married. Kids that were way too young to even know about this stuff. He released a sigh as he knew that he couldn't get out of it now.
"We're all gathered here today," Howzer began, reading the vows clearly and raising a brow when they seemed legit. Very legit. "For the joining in matrimony of Diane and King. Any objections should be said now or forever hold your tongue."
The whole room remained silent, even Ban seemed to be cool with it. Ban of all people! No adults interfered and no children seemed to harbor any feelings towards the two getting married. There were no love-triangles or altercations. Just perfect peace and bliss. In fact this whole wedding seemed staged. Like a plan for the kids to actually get married. It was too peaceful for a real wedding after all. There were usually babies crying or people gossiping. Maybe the occasional petty person who says the bride or groom should've been with them.
Yet this wedding seemed idyllic. Perfect. Like something out of a dream.
But clearly no-one could allow a wedding like this, right? Diane and King were kids. Kids shouldn't be able to marry like this. Half of them don't even know what death is! But then again Diane and King weren't normal kids. They were adults in kids bodies. So...this was valid. Right?
More confused then ever, Howzer scratched his head as he took in the silence. It was after taking in a deep breath, that he returned to the written vows. It seemed no-one would object and so he had to continue.
"Ok, let's move on to the vows then," The knight turned to King. "Repeat after me. I, King, take thee, Diane..."
The vows were then repeated, the fairy very much flustered and nervous as he placed the little ring on Diane's finger. Half of the ceremony was now done and still no objections were made. No-one seemed to see how obscure this was at all. It seemed to be only Howzer who was confused and stunned by what was happening. By what was going on.
"Diane, your turn," The knight turned to the brunette, "Once again repeat after me. I, Diane, take thee, King..."
Once again the vows were repeated without a hitch and soon it was time for Howzer to tie it all up with big pretty bow. That big pretty bow was announcing the two children as husband and wife. Yes that's right, husband and wife. Two little kids now had that title for each other. Something told Howzer that he'd see this as one big joke when he was older, but right now he wasn't so amused. How could he be when he was attending a child wedding?
"I now pronounce you as husband and wife..." Howzer released a breath, ready to drown himself in crepes again.
Cheers then filled the hall, confetti and rice grains thrown over the newly wed couple. All guests seemed happy and gave all sorts of celebratory cheers and greetings. The bouquet was even thrown and Elizabeth had caught it, leading to a bunch of teasing about her being married next. That was much to Baltra's chagrin. However it was only Howzer who seemed bummed and disturbed, the blonde taking a seat in the back while the others celebrated.
"You did well acting today," Merlin smirked as she took a seat beside the blonde. "I'm sure Diane will appreciate your part in this little play for her and King. She suggested it since she couldn't get married legitimately."
The knight's eyes widened at this, disbelief spreading as he looked at the mage.
"You mean - "
"Yes, this is all simply acting," The child chuckled slightly, hazel eyes glistening. "Speaking of which Diane requested for a mini town to be built. She said it was for a game of house. Would you like to assist?"
To that Howzer fainted. Diane's games are simply too much sometimes.
A/N: The next addition to our little side story. Make sure to enjoy :)
Troublesome Truth
I was helping a lot more these days. Occasionally I would be called into battle, my skill set being used to help wipe out a particularly difficult patch of demons. Due to that I was labelled as Bloodstained Ellie, as I was usually at the worst of the worst. However I was mainly a healer.
All of the soldiers that came to me with injuries were all back on the battlefield within a week. Arms, legs, torsos and even heads were healed effectively and over time I learned to stomach the gore of battle. Of course I was kept far away from the actual battles when not needed. I was too valuable to lose after all. So I often stayed back at the main camps to heal any that were lucky enough to make it in time.
I was kept alone. Isolated from the terrors and downsides of war. Blinded.
Instead I was busied and made to smile. Made to act as a beacon of hope like so many of the other healers here. However even they were sent into the heat of battle to assist when things grew dire. It wasn't often, but it was something and that small freedom was something I wanted to feel more regularly. I want to know what it was like to do something worthwhile. I wanted to prove to my people that I was worthy of being the Deity's daughter. That I was someone besides my birthright.
However that chance wouldn't seem to come as long as my mother was around.
Releasing a sigh, I place back the bandages I had been using for my latest patient. It was another with clipped wings, meaning there would still be some bleeding and tenderness for a couple of days. The attacks just seemed to be getting worse and worse at this point. Wings were mainly targeted and there was gossip going around of a demon who ate Goddess wings. He called them a 'rewarding treat' for his hard labor. To us it was a sickening nightmare.
Imagine it. Having your wings ripped off your back and hearing the bones crunch as someone ate them. Of having to get through the pain of losing a limb so that you could run away with your life, or even stand a chance at fighting against them. The blood loss was sure to have you feeling dizzy and there wouldn't be enough energy to heal yourself if you wanted to run or fight. It was an entirely depressing situation, and so I made sure to smile for all that came to me with clipped wings. I wanted them to feel happy to have survived.
To be happy to have lived.
"Thank you, Lady Elizabeth," My latest patient, Jonah, wore a grateful smile as he felt the area where his wings had grown back. He was close to death when they had brought him here, but I had managed to save him. Just like so many others to were brought to the expert healer, Lady Elizabeth. Whether as a healer or strategic weapon, I was more or less a vital tool for the Goddesses at this point more than an individual.
"I'm sure I would've died if you weren't here," His voice had gone quiet, thoughts most likely drifting to those terrible moments. Such terrible moments to live through.
"Oh...don't mention it," A light blush covers my features as once again I'm met with gratitude. I give him a smile as I make my way towards the exit. "Make sure to get some rest, ok?"
A nod and soon I was on my way towards the edge of the camp. It was nightfall, the hours in which we were weaker in power and the demons stronger. At times like these activity was kept low so as not to alert any demons that may have gotten past the perimeter, however I had always taken the cover of night to sneak onto the battlefield. To catch a glimpse of what my people went through so that I could imagine what it was like to be them. So that I could empathize while also not disobeying my mother.
As a result I easily managed to sneak off, gliding in the air as I look below to try and calculate how close to the battle I was. Last time I had checked it was around three miles north of where we had set up the base camp. That meant I had to be flying for some time before even getting close to it, however recently I had noticed that I could cover a lot more ground than when I was back home. In fact due to all the extra exercise from working constantly, my wings were more adapted to flying greater distances. So slowly but surely, I was getting faster at flying.
Odd since I could fly before I could walk. But is it really when I've been caged all my life?
Soon I reach the edges of the battlefield, the location evident from what looked like ashen grass and stumps of various trees clumped in small patches. The whole area looked as if it had been wiped of all life, only the soldiers of either side occupying the desolate land. Bodies were littered all over, the once healthy and proud forms mangled and unrecognisable.
Occasionally there would be the odd survivor within corpse piles, someone that I would save and watch as they thanked me before making their way back to safety. However today none seemed to remain. Odd since there were usually a few. But then again there were the rumors... If that wing-eating demon really was in this battle, then he would most likely check the corpses for any leftover wings. That meant survivors could be short today.
I frown at that news, dismayed that so many innocent lives had been lost. Lives on both sides if you really thought about it. After all, B's words from years ago had stuck with me and now I more or less lived on that ethos. It's what's inside that counts after all, not your appearance. If I can be seen outside of my mother, then others can be seen outside of their race. After all not all demons can be monsters right? Even if majority are, they have to have at least one good person within them.
Hope always exists, doesn't it?
"Please...I have a family back home," A voice, tired and strained speaks. It lacks the air and eternalness of a Goddess, being much more rugged and worked. It doesn't sound like any voice or tone I'm familiar with, therefore it had to be a demon. But why did they sound so...personal? Like they had something other than cruelty and coldness within their heart. Like they had a soul? "They have no-one else to provide for them if I died...please."
They were begging, that was evident. It could be heard through the wavering in their voice and the desperate emotions spilling into it. They were someone and they weren't soulless or cold. Evil and merciless. Clearly they had someone they cared about and were relying on getting back to them. On not letting them down in order to protect them or provide. They weren't what I was taught to believe demons were - no they were different. Much different.
Curious, I edge closer to the scene. I needed to know what was going on. I needed to see it with my own eyes so that I could prevent further bloodshed. After all here should be a way to obtain peace without war. There has to be.
"As if I'd believe a lie like that," A Goddess. I can hear it from the tone alone. Gliding over towards the voices, I take cover behind a pile of corpses. From there I can see the Goddess soldier standing above the demon, sword positioned to deliver the fatal blow. "You demons are scum. As if we'd ever let you live just to make sure more of you survive."
The sword moved and the demon froze, eyes wide and body jerked into an unnatural position. Then silence. Complete silence. The world seemed to have stopped with that one action, and now I watched as the Goddess silently sheathed their sword and moved away from the scene. Unknowing of what they'd done. Unknowing that they had just killed someone like you or me. They couldn't see that perhaps this demon wasn't a complete monster. That they weren't the monsters we were taught to see them as.
So I couldn't let the demon die. I couldn't let my first glance into demons that weren't killing machines die. I needed to know more. I needed to see if they were really all like soulless beings, or instead just misunderstood due to the teachings spread through generations of Goddesses. I needed to know the reality of this optimistic theory.
So instead of heading back to camp I moved from my hiding spot, risking being killed, to go over to the dying being and heal their wound. Heal it so that they could run and survive. Just like the countless soldiers I saved for my people, I would save this dying demon. They would be my first and no doubt my last for as long as this war ends.
After all I'm curious as to what the demon race was really like.
"Please, be safe," I whisper the words as I finish up. The glow from my hands dies down and I know I have to go before I'm spotted. One last glance and I spot a smile on the demon's face, a smile that was so warm and content. It suggested that my healing had worked and that they were most likely remembering something warm because of it. "May you make it out alive."
I then take off, a burst of wind following as my wings launch me into the air. It isn't until I actually begin to head towards camp that I hear a voice, small but clear, as it called up into the clouds.
"Thank you, mystery maiden! Thank you!"
And it only added to the already troublesome truth.