A/N: Well I've already beaten the last update time! XD. This time it took around three weeks and is much longer - I think that's pretty good (but can be better). However despite trying to get this done quickly, I had fun writing this out (as always) and planning all the little scenarios and such.
I've actually been waiting to write this event up for ages now, so I really hope you guys enjoy it. The next few chapters have been sitting in the back of my mind for a while now!
That being said there's more chapters after this of the same event. Looks like the Liones chapters are extended a bit, heh O.O
Anyway thanks for all the support and such. We're at 31 Faves, 36 Follows and 46 Reviews! Plus over 5k (nearly 6k) total views. Let's keep it going guys! :)
Vi-violence - Can I join you? XD
CarBarrier - I can't wait to share what happens with Vivian! XD
Till next time,
D.L.D
"Ok, here are the rules! You each are a family for the day!"
Diane grinned widely, hiding her laughter as she explained the rules of her meticulous game to the confused players. Like the miniature giantess had explained many times before, the game was a real life version of house. As a result, the whole mini-town that Diane had requested from Merlin and Howzer was to be used in full operation for the day's events. Everything had been taken into complete consideration by the brunette for this game too.
Complete with mini houses all built in different colours, a local store, some other things and basically stuff that would make the town 'authentic', Diane had made no edge ways for this not being the gap between fantasy and reality. Real windows, brick or wooden buildings and even a stock of goods told of how prepared Diane had been for this game. In fact a brick wall with a black iron gate was also installed, locking in the inhabitants of the 'settlement' for the watchful gaze of the 'judges' and 'chaperones'.
To further add to the realism of the game, Diane had also requested everyone had jobs as well as roles. Therefore everyone had happily chosen a job, finding their family based on the role they had picked out of the hat Diane had brought to everyone. Coincidentally, the pairings from that 'lucky draw' seemed a little too ideal.
"I object to that!" Veronica coughed slightly, masking her snappy tone. A hue of red dusted her cheeks, critical eyes fixed on her younger sister. "You can't be telling me that this game revolves around something like that."
Diane simply shook her head at that, sighing. People were always quick to assume things. Why can't they just believe in innocence and simple fun?
"No-one has to actually be a couple in this," Diane clarified the rules, a weary look on her face. "If you're part of a family you can be related in other ways. Like with Guila, Zeal and Gowther."
Diane gestured over to the trio, their assigned color being white. Therefore they were in the white house, located right near the town center. Guila was the mom of the family, while Gowther was her son and Zeal was the uncle. That meant the three of them only had familial ties and would not have to do anything romantic or anything. In fact they were simply pretending to be a happy family, much like the play Diane had done a few days previous.
"Well - I still think it's unwise..." Veronica glowered slightly, tone lowered.
"Veronica and Griamore can always join too if they're so worried~" Ban wiggled his brows, causing some to laugh while the two adults flushed crimson. The boy continued at the laughter, grinning as he folded his arms. "The more the merrier right?"
As a few laughed at the jab, Veronica grumbled as she took a sandwich from the table. She munched angrily as she glared at the Fox Sin, her embarrassment being something possible from Ban's actions. Griamore was also not too pleased with that comment, opting to go and get something to avoid the awkward confrontation. He was soon out of sight, a tiny dot to the players and watchers of the game.
"Ok, ok let me finish explaining!" Diane tried to stop laughing, wiping away a few tears of joy as she shook. Her face was flushed and tears were forming, her childish nature making simple jokes all the funnier. Despite this, Diane quickly recollected herself, going into an almost professional mode.
"If you are part of a family," A look was cast at Veronica, causing the princess to stick her tongue out at the giantess. "You don't have to be married or something. You can be anything! Any more questions?"
Diane then looked at all the players, making sure to watch for any signs of uncertainty or trepidation. This was a game that was tied to social experimentation after all. Merlin only agreed to this because Diane said she could use the game for studying. Therefore the giantess felt it was her duty to make sure all players knew what they were signing up to (as well as that they couldn't opt out after they entered the mini town).
However no signs of disagreement were spotted, everyone seemed content in their colour assigned families. As a result Diane saw no reason to further delay the game, her business-like persona becoming once again bubbly and innocent.
"Then let game begin!"
A whistle was blown and the gates to the mini town were opened, the players of this game/experiment getting ready for the events ahead. The oh so entertaining events...
Diane hummed happily as she bustled about her little home, making sure everything was in place and that Howzer was content. All day the brunette had been busying herself, trying to get everything done so that she could slip out for a second. The reason for that is top secret.
Diane's placing was in the orange house, Howzer and King also being located there. King was naturally Diane's romantic interest, meaning poor Howzer was saddled with being the minor of the house. The youngest possible role. However the blonde was fine with that, enjoying the constant attention that Diane gave him. In fact it was heaven being the kid of the orange house.
But of course that detail caused tension with King.
Howzer's vision narrowed slightly as he focused on his 'father' while Diane popped in and out of the room. Right now King was working away at what looked like paperwork, his mind and eyes seeming focused on the pile of paper. In fact a slight frown matched with his furrowed brows, amber eyes lidded. The fairy was silent today - really silent. In fact he was kind of negligent of Howzer, although always checking to make sure his 'son' was ok. But Howzer knew that was only because Diane valued him greatly, especially because he was now her 'son'.
The knight knew that King didn't like him that much and he didn't like that. Howzer wanted to know why King disliked him so much. In fact the blonde wanted to know why the pint-sized fairy seemed to tolerate him at most, often ignoring but also slightly acknowledging him.
Howzer wanted to try and find a middle ground with King, especially since he saw Diane as a valued friend. He wanted to try and clear the air about everything, especially with the whole Diane situation. He wanted things to be peaceful. So the knight thought that today would be the perfect shot for this. In fact Howzer believed that his understanding of Diane and King's current relationship status made things a little easier. A little.
"Am I really that interesting?" King sighed as he looked at the blonde. The fairy set down the papers, which looked like they had doodles on them. "I'm sure stuffing your face with treats is better than looking at paperwork."
Howzer pulled at face at that, knowing that King probably got a sucky job. If he had a guess it was probably mayor or minister or something. That meant the fairy had to read through piles and piles of paperwork, something Howzer was thankful he didn't have to do while he was a 'kid'. All the blonde had to do right now was eat and demand something to kill his boredom - the best life anyone could possibly have.
"Well, you're not exactly lying," Howzer shrugged, taking a bite from his plate of pie. He raised a brow as he continued to look at the fairy. "But...you could be a little better at this father thing. Y'know, get to know your kid."
King frowned slightly at that, irked at the very thought of getting to know the enemy. Yes, the enemy. Howzer was just that, he was a threat to Diane and therefore any enemy. But then again King knew that Diane was his now. He knew Howzer stood no chance. So why did he not like Howzer? What did he have against the knight?
"I'll think about that," King pursed his lips before returning to his boring papers. "I have paperwork to do."
This annoyed Howzer, the blonde disliking how dismissive King was. In fact he was too wrapped up in his work and whatever else the fairy bothered about. So Howzer was seeking to fix that, the power he held as the kid of the household being an effective weapon. As a result he began to whine.
"You're no fun!" Howzer groaned at that, pushing away from the table as he exaggerated his reaction. "Seriously, loosen up a bit. I'm sure that boring paperwork will still be there."
"Yes but - "
"Please! Pretty please!"
King flushed slightly as Howzer began to act like an actual kid, the phrase 'pretty please' being something not many adults said. In fact that was reserved for kids to use when their parents were being unfair or unreasonable. So why would he use it unless...
"Just go do something with him King," Diane appeared in the room, carrying a new plate of treats for her 'son'. "It'll be good bonding time!"
"Bonding time!" King turned redder, spluttering as the brunette gave a simple smile.
In actuality, Diane had been dying for a reason to leave King and Howzer alone. For most of the beginning of the game, they'd been having silly little bickers about stupid things. In fact she caught them having a silly dispute about colours once, both actually defending their points like lawyers. As a result Diane was jumping head first into any plot that allowed the two to actually spend time together. Plus the brunette had plans to drag Elizabeth away...
"Yes, bonding time," Diane grinned, hands on her hips as she watched Howzer happily eat a stack of pancakes. "I think it's important for everyone to get along!"
No arguments could be said at that. None. King had no power against the joint force of Diane and Howzer, the miniature giantess winning him over the most. After all how could King argue with his beloved Diane? If she wanted him to spend time with the nuisance known as Howzer, then so be it. King would have to persevere through his personal preferences and deal with it. He would have to just be the bigger person.
Easy right?
"Ok, I'm gonna go see Elizabeth now! Bye!" The words were said quicker than the front door could be closed, leaving the fairy and knight all alone.
Alone.
There was now no saving grace for King now. He was left all alone with a blonde knight that had plenty reasons to do spiteful things. But something told King, a very small voice, that he'd be fine. After all Howzer wasn't the spiteful type, he was just a bit dim.
As if paralleling King's chagrin, Howzer smirked. In fact he was happy with this turn of events, some sort of amusement rising from the look on King's face alone. Yes, this 'bonding time' may be the knight's greatest idea yet.
"So what are we doing first?" Howzer raised a brow, innocence being the mask of his amusement.
King grimaced at that, a tired hand sweeping over his face as everything came crashing down. Howzer, babysitting, this game...It was all too much. The fairy needed something to quieten his competing thoughts.
"We're going out," The fairy opened the front door. "Come on."
"See Elizabeth's a nice mom," Hawk snuffed happily, enjoying the attention that the princess permitted him.
All morning Elizabeth had been at the little pig's beck and call, the princess taking her role as a mom extremely seriously. In fact it was her number one priority, the girl always making sure that Hawk was happy and content. All of his demands, no matter how crazy or weird were answered. In short Elizabeth was the type of mom that spoiled and loved their kids excessively. Very excessively. Plus she had lots of practice from her old toys back in the castle. They were all so well looked after...
However that didn't mean other things weren't done in the duration of the day. While Hawk acted like a spoiled brat, and Elizabeth innocently gave in to his demands, Meliodas was busy doing his 'job'. Thoughtful as always Diane had suggested giving the tiny captain a tavern of his own in the mini-town. Included in Diane's plans was a way for it to be as realistic as possible, aside from all alcoholic things being banned (due to Merlin's suggestion).
As a result Meliodas had been busy stocking up the place, finding better solace in that than hearing Hawk every five minutes. After all, it got annoying after a while.
"Well she makes up for us both," Meliodas responded steadily, shrugging as he felt powerless to say anything else. Plus he wasn't really bothered with looking after Hawk. The pig was clearly taking liberties with this game and so the tiny Captain saw it fit to busy himself before he did something stupid. Better safe than sorry.
"I wouldn't say that..." Elizabeth flushed slightly, not exactly liking where this debate was going. One reason for this was that Hawk was growing brazen, the pig clearly having a ball. He had no regard for what he said as Elizabeth would protect him. After all his 'mama' would protect him just as well as his actual mama. It was a fact that Meliodas was toast against Hawk's mamas.
"Like hell I'd have a parent like you!" Hawk snorted, a trotter coming down. He wore a piggy-smirk, seeming proud as continued. "Elizabeth's my only parent apart from mama."
To that the Dragon Sin looked thoughtful, something between reflection and genuine consideration on his features. Then with a grin, he turned to the pig.
"You know I was thinking something was missing..." Meliodas spoke at an easy pace, light and airy as he shared his 'idea'. "Something with pork might good to add to the menu. What do you think Elizabeth?"
"Um..." The princess was frozen in place, caught in the middle of this ridiculous debate.
She wanted to end it, to just finish this stupid thing, but right now the young girl's mind was too boggled. The weird dream-movie thing and being a kid again were just too much to process right now for the young princess. In fact it took all Elizabeth had to quickly glance between the two, wondering what side would be best to defend. After all, she wanted to be on both sides.
"You wouldn't - " Hawk cast a glare at the blonde, snuffing as he stood his ground.
"I would."
Black eyes met green, a frown met by a simple smirk. Contrasting and yet tense, the atmosphere was steadily thickening, Elizabeth's growing redness not helping with the situation. In fact it made it look way worse than it actually was.
"I'm here to collect Elizabeth!" Diane arrived in the building, hands on her hips and a triumphant expression on show. She then extended a hand, fingers pointing at the blonde. "Hand her over now, Captain."
The pig and two other children looked at the brunette, her abrupt and dramatic entrance being way too coincidental to be an accident. In fact it was as if she knew what was going on just a few moments ago, the tiny giantess coming to whisk Elizabeth away from the scene right on time. It wouldn't have been surprising to any if she was eavesdropping too, Diane not being above that. That was something everyone knew she would do, especially at the age she was right now.
Eavesdropping was as easy as breathing.
"Where are we going, Diane?" Elizabeth spoke first, confusion flooding her features as her blush slowly died. She had a lot of questions for the brunette, but right now she had to know why Diane wanted her to leave. After all she had to make sure Meliodas and Hawk didn't get into trouble (though she knew nothing majorly terrible would happen. They were capable of being civil).
"Yeah, where are you going?" Hawk stepped forward, persistent and nosy as ever. He faced Diane's midsection, looking up at her now more rounded and youthful face as he spoke.
"Nowhere for you to be worrying about," Diane stuck out her tongue, grabbing Elizabeth by the arm. "Same with you Captain. I can see the looks you're giving me!" Diane narrowed her eyes at the pair before smiling. "Elizabeth and I are going to do some important stuff for a bit. Maybe after that you'll learn to stop bickering so much."
"We don't fight that much - "
"Yeah it's just Meliodas being a perverted dimwit," Hawk agreed before frowning as he felt a slight kick. "Hey!"
"Wasn't me," A shrug came from the blonde, a simple smile paired with it.
Elizabeth and Diane released a sigh at this, both having to deal with this. This unideal constant bickering. It had to come to a stage where Diane might go crazy, and Elizabeth might end up forever being everyone's support person. As a result Diane had crafted the perfect plan wrapped inside this game. The giantess' love of realistic games was actually the reason why Howzer and King, and Hawk and Meliodas ended up being in close proximity with each other. Diane had planned for this to happen from the getgo.
Now all she had to do was make sure it worked smoothly.
"I don't care, you're both doing this," Diane wore a hard look, taking none of the pair's excuses and explanations. Instead she simply shared parts of her plan, hiding it in her innocence. "Plus King and Howzer got the exact same treatment. You boys need to learn to grow up, us girls are tired of it."
"Even Merlin?" Elizabeth blinked.
"Even Merlin," Diane nodded, pigtails swishing as her tone became solemn.
No-one could argue with that one fact. If Merlin was tired of bickering, then that meant it was growing out of hand. In fact that meant it was past the interesting and amusing stage and was now just terrible and annoying. Still Hawk wanted to protest. He didn't see why he had to be left with Meliodas while Elizabeth and Diane did something fun. After all if they expected the pig to 'be civil' with the blonde then he at least needed something fun to do. That was a basic thing.
"But - "
"Fine, we'll do it," Meliodas gave a grin, glancing over to Hawk as he cut in. "Like Diane said maybe we'll learn something."
The pig looked up at the blonde, incredulous. Meliodas couldn't be serious. He had to be joking.
"No way, that's not -" Hawk's sentence was quickly interrupted, a kick being awarded to him. The pig began to splutter unintelligible squeals, accusing the tiny blonde of the painful assault.
This caused a concerned glance from Elizabeth, the princess uncertain of whether Diane's 'sudden actions' were the right thing to do. After all leaving two people who tend to clash a lot alone often ends terribly. That was shown through many examples throughout history, a famous example being the great Holy War that raged 3,000 years ago.
"I don't know..." Elizabeth chewed her lip, hesitating as she could see all sorts going wrong.
"It'll be fine," Meliodas nodded, a glimpse of amusement mixed with seriousness. "I promise."
"See, Captain's fine with it!" Diane gave a smile, instantly dragging the hesitant Elizabeth away. "It'll be fun plus I have so much to show and tell you! Plus when you get back - "
Meliodas let out a sigh as the two girls left, watching as Hawk looked right back at him. The pig was suspiciously quiet, all of his chattering ending with the departure of Elizabeth. In fact he seemed a lot more observant, the pig's black, button eyes narrowed slightly as they focused on the child Sin. Something that slightly irked the blonde.
"You have a plus to this situation, don't you?" Hawk finally spoke, his tone screaming expectation.
Meliodas felt the curl of a smile forming, but kept his face straight. Instead he turned from the pig, going back to what he was doing before Diane had barged in and stolen Elizabeth. He still had a few more things to do before opening up and so he wanted to get them done. After all, Meliodas missed the daily interaction with customers he used to have. Now he was more or less demoted to child status, many adults not taking him all that seriously.
"What makes you think that?" The blonde spoke innocently, easily lifting the crate and walking away.
Hawk followed, his snort an indication that he knew the blonde had something planned. Meliodas wouldn't let Diane pinch Elizabeth away like that - not the Meliodas Hawk knew anyway. He would probably snoop or something, maybe drag Hawk along too since he was stuck with the pig. (Not that Hawk would entirely object). However the tiny Captain showed no sign of his plans, instead doing what looked a lot like actual work. In fact Meliodas didn't seem all that bothered about anything.
Talk about ironic.
"So we're doing nothing?" Hawk was in disbelief at this point, not willing to believe that Meliodas has nothing planned. In fact Hawk expects something to happen. But as the time passes and Meliodas does the last of what he needs to do, it's clear to the pig that nothing is going to be done.
So he lets out a huff in defeat, only growing more disappointed as King and Howzer enter the tavern.
"One, two, three..."
Zeal began to count, ready for the game of hide-and-seek between himself and Gowther. It had become a favourite pass time of the pair, Gowther being an excellent hider while Zeal seeked. It was always amusing to the boy to find Gowther hidden in some impossible place, the doll somehow mastering the art of hide-and-seek. Famous examples of Gowther's spots were bookshelves, walls and even blending into a crowd. So of course the games often lasted a while, both boys enjoying it.
As a result Zeal and Gowther played it often. Plus since Guila was the sort of person who valued outdoor play and learning through experience, the two boys had been encouraged to explore about the mini-town. They had went all about the area all morning, easily memorizing the roads and mini-buildings. The pair had amused themselves with all sorts of games from tag to hide-and-seek, boredom being unknown to them.
But hide-and-seek was always the best.
"I have to find a good spot," Gowther breathed as he ran along a mini-road, passing the general store and chemist.
So far the Goat Sin had been exceptional as always. The doll had been actively playing and enjoying all of the wonders of a normal childhood; in fact he was savouring all of this information he was gathering from simple play. It was all just so interesting and amazing, exciting and intriguing, and so Gowther was reeled in by it. After all, he had never experienced a childhood, dolls naturally being the age they are made as for eternity.
In fact, Gowther didn't even know what it was like to feel so small and tiny before this whole situation happened. All the doll knew was his old 'normal' form and the things that came with it. He didn't know about childhood and play and growing. These abstract and natural things were unknown to dolls.
Dolls aren't natural living things after all.
Slipping behind a bush, Gowther sat there patiently knowing that eventually Zeal would find him. He always found Gowther no matter how well he hid, the boy being an expert seeker. As a result the doll sat there for a while, listening to the wind and watching as the leaves of the bush rustled and danced. The greens of the lighter and darker leaves often mixed, a sort of pattern being formed. So Gowther sat there, doing nothing but watching leaves, his mind subconsciously beginning to wander.
At first it was small thoughts such as 'I wonder how long it'll take to find me?' or 'Is it possible to be hidden forever?'; but soon those thoughts delved into memories. It started as small snippets of memories: flashes of books, a maid uniform and a castle. Then they formed into scenes, the words muffled and glitchy as the image jumped about, often skipping moments or blacking out completely. It was only when Gowther frowned at this that something clear broke through.
"It's been a while, hasn't it?"
A voice. A small, soft voice that began to materialize into something else entirely. At first Gowther spotted her blue dress, the skirt appearing like the sky as it swirled in the slight breeze. Short, purple hair framed her face, blowing gently with her dress. It matched her soft, brown eyes, rounded features displaying that her face was still as youthful as the day she died. Still as pretty as the day she died. A small smile sat on the vision's lips, blue eyes closed as she smiled and spoke again.
"Gowther..."
"You again?!" The doll blinked hard, the vision disappearing before him. This caused him to jump back slightly, startled by the sudden vision as well as the wave of memories that came with it. Laughing, living, crying...
"You - I - " A scream followed this, the doll dashing from his hiding spot. Wild tears poured from his eyes, glasses unable to hold back the sea of salty tears. They flowed down his cheeks, over his nose and dripped on the pavement as Gowther got himself up.
His mind mind was spinning, pounding - the memories too much to contain in his one artificial mind. It hurt. It hurt so much. He couldn't take it. He couldn't deal with it. And so he ran. Gowther ran and ran and ran, the game of hide-and-seek forgotten as the doll ran as far away as he could.
Escanor sighed as he began to set up shop. He always thought that partaking in something like this with Merlin would be exciting, or the push he needed to finally confess. In fact he saw it as the perfect opportunity to tell his mysterious rose - yet he decided to bury himself within the task at hand. This task was running the general store of the town, selling things that would be of use to the residents. That meant making sure he had things in stock, keeping the place clean and even noting down all sales.
Therefore he had no time to see Merlin or enjoy this odd experiment/game with her. But even if Escanor had time, Merlin was busy, enjoying her job as the local chemist of the town. As a result the Lion Sin was kinda down in the dumps as he got along with his tasks, sighing as he cleaned, stocked and prepared. Such a dull life to lead, being a shopkeeper, especially when he was used to going on adventures - despite being scared shitless half the time. It reminds him so much of before the Sins were reunited, Escanor opting to run a bar all alone within the mountains.
It had been such a morose life.
But somehow the Lion Sin preferred the danger of adventure to this boring life as he got more time to spend with his beloved Merlin. That factor alone was what made going towards near-certain death more enjoyable than stocking shelves.
The sound of the bell ringing, alerted the skittish boy to his first customer. It was a blonde girl, her form seeming to float as she approached the counter. She looked familiar in some way, her golden eyes and button nose reminding Escanor of someone. However the boy couldn't remember very certainly, his nerves put on edge by the dark tones of this girl's dress and shoes.
"Good morning miss, how can I help you?" The words somehow form as the blonde approached the counter. Escanor couldn't help but feel slightly unsettled by this strange girl's appearance, especially with how she was eerily silent. In fact her whole aura seemed a bit off, causing goosebumps to form as the Lion Sin's throat seemed to get smaller and smaller.
"Have you seen Ban anywhere?" Her voice came out soft, perhaps once being comforting, but now seeming extremely eerie. Too eerie. Plus the way her golden eyes seemed to narrow at him, made Escanor shrink slightly.
He suddenly felt the urge to hide behind the counter, perhaps call for help, and tell this weird girl that he had no idea where Ban was - which was true. Escanor did not know where Ban was within this mini-town. He could have been anywhere, especially since he loved to run away from Jericho. As a result no-one could say indefinitely where Ban was. They could only say where he had been.
"I don't know exactly where he is," Escanor sighed as he wiped the counter, eyes focusing on the cloth rather than the blonde. "But I can tell you about some items I'm selling. Perhaps you'd like an apple? Or some candy? I think it's down here in the stores..."
The boy then bent down, leveling himself with the small shelves beneath the counter. His blue eyes scanned the jars, bottles and containers down there, trying to locate the candy he was sure had been down there. However before he could retrieve it for her, the blonde had began to protest.
"No, I'm fine," The girl shook her head, something like a smile quickly passing on her face, "I appreciate the offer, but I must find him."
With that she then began to float towards the door, her eerie aura seeming to go with her. Escanor released a sigh at that, relieved that he had escaped the weird confrontation he had just been trapped in. Thanks to his quick thinking, he had managed to pull off the perfect shopkeep, hiding the fact that he knew where Ban 'lived'. Plus he was certain the girl knew that he was telling the truth when he spoke of not knowing where Ban was. She did say she appreciated his offer after all.
But still that blonde was a little strange...
Going back to his duties, the boy couldn't help but think about how off that blonde had been. In fact something about her offered the fact that she was not entirely alive. There was just something so unsettling about her appearance, looks and aura to Escanor. Not to mention that she looked so damn familiar...
"I'll talk to Merlin about it later," The boy shook his head, turning to start stocking the shelves behind the counter. "It's probably me being paranoid again."
However unlike usual, the feeling didn't calm in those words. Instead they grew worse inside the boy, his mood and thoughts filled with what could be wrong with that blonde girl. That blonde, floating girl...
A/N: Oooh this is where they meet! I was so anxious to share this one as I feel like I flop royally at writing Meliodas' character. But do tell me what you think about it and also don't be afraid to give feedback on how I can fix it. Seriously. It's welcome. Like really. IT IS.
Surprising Situations
"There you are!" A smile forms as I watch the little bird I healed fly off into the distance.
The poor thing had broken its wing and so I chose to nurse it back to health as a way to occupy my time. While I was alone at home, the little bird had kept me company.
I'd found the bird near the battlefields before I had been called back by my mother, choosing to keep it as a reminder. As a result it was kept in a little birdcage (though I often released it when alone). It was nice to have something to talk to, especially since it shared my longing for freedom. The bird was my one reminder of Britannia, aside from when I came here after sneaking out of the Celestial Realm.
But still it was something I'd kept close and sentimental. I never kept it out of my sight.
However even if the bird meant so much, now it was healthy and ready to fly away. It was ready to leave the nest and start a life on its own. If only my mother could take a page out of bird parenting books...
"Well...I guess I'm alone now." I release a sigh as the bird is gone and I'm alone in the clump of trees, knowing that I'd have to be back by my newly assigned curfew.
The curfew was a new addition to my punishment for sneaking onto the battlefields against my mother's express permission. That's not including that I'd actually spread news of the demon race being good. That was a whole new punishment aside from the sneaking out one.
However by now the rumors of the demons had been swiftly covered up by my mother and Ludociel, with the excuse of me having a sustained head injury after sneaking onto the battlefields. My mother blamed it on a rogue demon and said that if they hadn't found me, I would have died. Therefore I was injured and didn't need to be taken seriously.
After all, me getting a head injury was a sign that Lady Elizabeth was simply too innocent to be let near matters of military. So I was completely locked off from it. Isolated and kept in 'perfect tranquility'. Perfect innocence.
Who would've thought my aims for peace would backfire this much?
Frowning slightly, I decide to make my way back home by foot. If I went by foot then I'd have an excuse to stay out longer and enjoy my short taste of freedom before heading back to my gilded cage.
My enormous gilded cage...
I wonder if this is what caged birds feel like. If they long for freedom and free will like I do. If they know how lonely it is to be alone and how frustrating it is to be ignored. I wonder if birds know how everyone undermines you and only labels you as a thing that is good for 'looking pretty' or 'singing'. I wonder if they know how it feels to want some sort of change. If they desire after some independence and responsibility. After all, not much is available for someone like me to do; I bet it's similar for the caged birds. I bet they feel just as powerless as I do.
Another sigh and soon I find myself not heading in the direction of home. Instead I'm walking towards a place that always makes me feel better, even on the gloomiest of days. It never failed to be my secret, special place. In fact I feel better almost as soon as I spot it, wings taking over from my legs as I fly up to the ruins of Heaven's Theater.
As always the ancient, crumbling structure welcomed me with silence. The Goddess statue, the broken stands and cracked pillars all were where they usually were. There was no threat of judging eyes here in the ancient theater. There was no threat of anyone coming to find me. In fact everything was just as I needed it to be for a while. It was quiet and serene. Welcoming and accepting. Up here I didn't have to fear mother's disapproval or think of all the other Goddesses who pitied me. Instead I was free to just let loose for a while and not care about who I was.
Not care about what I was...
Well I thought I did until I caught sight of someone else. At first glance I'd thought it was a Goddess, their blonde hair being something that was normal; but after taking a second glance that theory was definitely not true. Maybe it was because of the way the person looked too rugged to be a Goddess, or perhaps it was because I felt I recognised him from somewhere. Maybe it was because of his dark, dark eyes, or the fact that he had a black mark on his forehead. The dark swirl that often symbolised a member of the demon race.
That dark mark was something that distinguished them from the rest, the trait unique to only the demons. As a result I knew this person had to be a demon. Yet for a demon this blonde stranger seemed extremely calm and quiet. Too quiet. Usually when I saw one this quiet they were dying or dead. But this one didn't seem to be dying. They just sat there in the middle of the wrecked theater, seeming to be thinking about something.
Almost immediately after spotting the stranger, I scramble towards a bush. I can't be spotted by a demon now of all times; All sorts can happen and news had most likely spread of the delusional daughter of the Supreme Deity. It's likely general knowledge by now. After all everyone seems to know about my aims for peace and so I may be susceptible to a kidnapping if I'm not careful.
Plus this demon was really odd. He seemed a lot more...relaxed than others. More...relatable.
But perhaps that was because he was alone. I myself find it easier to not be so tightly wound when there's no-one around. In fact I'm most at ease when I know that I'm alone. At least then I know I won't be placed into trouble or become a burden. I'm free to be me and do as I please. No-one can judge me and I don't choose to judge them. All I can do is be myself and for some reason I felt like this was the stranger's reason for coming here too.
"This could be the answer I'm looking for..." I can't help but whisper the words, curiosity getting the better of me despite the alarm bells ringing in my head. Fingers deftly part some branches to get a peek at the blonde. He seemed unaware of me, hands behind his mess of golden locks. "But how could they know about this place or even - "
"I know where you are Goddess," His voice certainly didn't match his silent persona. It was rather rough and intimidating, contrasting with the relaxed and relatable persona he displayed. In fact that calm persona seemed to be gone as soon as the voice came in, inky darkness flickering out of nowhere. But oddly enough it didn't come right towards me.
"You might as well come out."
Biting my lip, I pause at the stranger's words. It wouldn't be wise to just walk out to face a demon, especially with how his power seemed to surge all of a sudden. Walking out would be suicidal, and even I wouldn't chance it. Instead I should negotiate from a distance. Yes, that would be wise. If I get to a safe spot and talk to this odd demon, perhaps I could find out more about him. Maybe then I could find a way to carve peace between my race and theirs without any help!
Yes that would be amazing. Plus I'm sure mother would be proud. After all, I can make it work. I can find a way to find a middle ground between Goddesses and demons. Then all this war and bloodshed can end and everyone can live without fear of conflict.
I get onto all fours, turning slowly so as to not rustle the bush as I begin my retreat backwards. I was ruining the elegant dress my mother had picked for today's 'inspirational' speech to the soldiers, but I didn't mind that much when it meant learning more about this misunderstood race. In fact it seemed tiny in comparison to the ultimate goal of peace.
So I continued to crawl through the dirt, almost making it out of the bush, when an arm wrapped round my waist and lifted me from the plant. Juts like I was some sort of fruit to be picked.
"Well, you caught me..." I breathe out a sigh as a sheepish smile forms. The demon simply grimaces at this, dropping me back on the ground quite roughly.
He looks impatient and yet doesn't make a move to harm me at all. Very odd. I would've expected an attack by now, but instead he seemed to be studying me. Studying me very intensely. Dark eyes scan over me, pausing at my midsection before continuing again.
"What are you going to do now?" I tilt my head, knowing death was an option but wanting to not think about that. Instead I simply stare into those dark, dark eyes trying to find something within them.
At my question those dark eyes seemed to glimmer with something, the blonde demon giving a smirk as he regarded me. A smirk that didn't appear too welcoming or friendly as he repeatedly looked me over, thought seeming to take over his expression. In fact it made me more anxious than anything, my stomach doing flips as I anticipated my demise.
Only I didn't get one.
"Nothing," The demon answers simply, a grin sitting on his lips.
What?! He wasn't going to do anything! He must be joking. I'm the Supreme Deity's daughter and surely he knows that. It's pretty common knowledge all around since my mother has no fears about my safety. I'm guarded after all so no harm can come close. I'm a prized possession that would be highly valued in a war like this, and yet when he has an opportunity to strike, this blonde stranger seems to toss it away.
Not only that, but he seemed to be toying with me. That smirk and act was probably just to psych me out after being caught snooping. But then again, I was peeping at him through some bushes and it had been quite rude. But then it would've made more sense to kill me. So why didn't he? Why did this stranger choose to scare me rather than kill me?
That one action proved my theory correct. But even so it truly was an odd action, but then again he truly was an odd demon.
An odd demon huh... Now my curiosity's been piqued. Perhaps my aims for peace could go somewhere...
"Nothing?" I repeat his words, eyes widened slightly as I hadn't expected my experiment to work. I had honestly thought that this was the end. I believed that I was going to die due to my high beliefs in peace. But it seemed that peace and surprise had triumphed once again.
I blink a couple of times, taking in the blonde demon. He looked awfully similar, something about his face jogging something in my memory. Unruly blonde hair, a short stature and a face that appeared pretty youthful were his main defining features. They should be recognizable features; Problem was that I didn't know where or when I had seen him. Let alone if I had actually caught this demon's name. So instead I opted to be confused, still staring and blinking as I attempted to get a solid answer.
"So you're not going to kill me or anything?"
I looked at the stranger once again and he released a sigh, a hand pinching the bridge of his nose. It seemed as if I was wasting time, the question I asked being something simple to him. After all, he supplied the answer and I guess it was there in him saying 'nothing', but I wanted to be sure. I wanted to know that we were on neutral grounds here.
"There's no point in killing someone like you," The demon shook his head. "It'd be over in a few short seconds."
I was a little damaged by that comment, me knowing that I was a lot more capable than most thought when it came to combat. But then again, I hadn't actually fought anyone or anything in a while.
I was banned from all combat after my 'accident' and so I was forced to take up the arts and music.Hours were spent painting, carving, playing or singing - these activities being 'much more suitable' for a young Goddess such as myself. Both my mother and Ludociel had selected them to fill in all of my spare time. As a result I often found myself outdoors whenever there was spare 'spare' time.
But my seclusion from violence didn't mean I didn't know how to fight in other ways. In fact I was a gifted persuader and so I used those skills to try and get a name. After all, I should know the name of this demon who spared my life. It's the least I owe him.
"Shouldn't I at least know a name for my supposed savior?" I raise a brow, smile still on display as I look at him. "Mine's Elizabeth if you wanna know."
"Listen Goddess - "
"Elizabeth."
I interrupt him, a small smile still on display as I supply my name once again. He didn't seem too happy with that, his expression becoming plain.
"As I said, Goddess," The demon ignored my interjection, his expression not too happy. In fact it was a little disdainful. "I don't know what tricks you're trying to play but it won't work on me. Try your friendship stuff somewhere else."
"Tricks?!" I'm genuinely surprised, so much so that it causes me to laugh slightly. I place a hand over my heart at this, giggling. "I promise it's not a trick. I really want to know what demons are really like and - "
"Lady Elizabeth, get back!" Mael appears from the underbrush, expression mixed with worry and duty. He carries a sword, expression hardening as he spots the demon. In fact it seems as if he's ready to protect me from any incoming threat, the look of the situation probably not helping. Mael then raised his weapon towards the demon, expression distasteful. "That's Meliodas, leader of the ten Commandments and firstborn son of the Demon King!"
"Meliodas..." I repeat the name and manage to match the face to it. Realisation forms with a smile, fingers clicking as everything clicked into place. I grin as I turn to the blonde, now knowing where I'd seen him before. "That's why I knew you looked slightly familiar! I saw you at a battle not too long ago!"
Meliodas seems bewildered at my smile, confusion evident for only a millisecond but I spot it. It seems he's good at playing a pokerface, any other expression not really breaking through. However I think I've seen a glimpse of his annoyance, perhaps even a bit of amusement too. Knowing that I've seen actual expressions on a demon? Well that was amazing. It was like being the only person to breathe underwater.
However that glimpse of emotion disappears along with Meliodas, my mind suddenly coming back to reality as I realise he had left. I don't even know what happened after saying he looked familiar, my mind more focused on thinking then anything. But I'm guessing it wasn't anything serious, as Mael stood in front of me, his expression not one of his most positive. In fact it looked rather scolding, no doubt being prepared to tell me about the danger I was in.
"Do you know how reckless that was?" Mael shook his head, sighing as I blinked. "You could have been killed!"
For a partial moment I feel guilty, knowing that it was most likely something that looked worse than it was. But then again I have no remorse. I wasn't killed and wasn't being entirely reckless - I was testing a theory and that theory seemed to work. Now all I had to do was prove to everyone else that it was true.
"I wasn't in any danger," I answer almost immediately after, a smile forming as the words pass my lips. "What just happened means I've made progress Mael! It means I was right! There is a way to make peace with the demons."
"And what exactly is this way?" He raised a brow, sarcasm and skepticism clear as he regarded me.
"I don't know yet..." I sigh as I look off to where Meliodas had disappeared, knowing that another chance encounter would be slim. That meant proving me theory correct would also be slim. However I have a feeling that he'll be back. There was just something, perhaps even my hopeful nature, telling me that he'd be back.
So I'll just wait until then.