A/N: Two weeks... I guess I'm a little rusty at writing up quickly. Oh well. The chapters are longer I guess. Plus the group are finally leave Liones! Really, they do and I'm honestly annoyed it's taken so many 'wrong' final in Liones chapters. Also it's just over two months until this story's a year old! TwT. I'm so proud of how far it has come and how this all evolved from a stupid all-nighter idea.
As always thanks for the support everyone! This story honestly began as a series of ideas of what would happen if the Sins were turned into kids. I didn't think it'd actually have a plot or be...enjoyable :I
Oh and final point, if you have any ideas for events while the kid Sins are on the road do say! I often include reader ideas in my stories so don't feel shy to suggest anything ^w^.
KitsuneYoKai26 - The next update as you wished.
CarBarrier - As always thanks! I'm glad you liked Elaine's little story, there'll be one for each Sin/child and it's all thanks to Silver and Darkjuliet444 suggesting the idea. But really thanks! Your reviews always cheer me up :)
Till next time,
D.L.D
Day broke early for the kid Sins and their babysitters. As soon as the sun began to rise in the Britannian sky, all in the group were awoken.
It started with the naturally early risers such as Jericho, Veronica and Griamore. The trio easily rolled out of bed at the crack of dawn, yawning slightly but ultimately stretching and prepping their gear for the tough journey ahead. They were the ones who were prepped for anything, their tough and stubborn natures proving to be their ultimate weakness.
After the early risers came the few who caught a little extra sleep. This was Margaret, Guila and Elaine. The three ladies were prepped but figured they could get a few extra minutes before signing their lives away to look after a group of kids. They were the maternal masters of the group after all, so they would most likely be the best at calming any angry and fussy kids. They all had everything packed from the night before, their wisdom seeing depths that others could only hope to reach.
Last was the kids and Howzer. Oh Howzer...
Of course the kids could sleep in as they were kids. Children often had no concept of time and it was no secret to the adults that they were all up late. Laughter and loud shouting and crashing could be heard from the old nursery, everyone knowing that it was the kidified Sins and princess. Zeal was also thrown in with the group, however he was a little more dutiful. In fact when Guila went to wake the kids, Zeal and Gowther were already up and had made the bed they shared.
The other kids were out like lights. Diane and Elizabeth were happily dreaming away, both girls seeming like good sleepers. Ban was snoring his head off, however it appeared that he hadn't gotten much sleep as dark circles rimmed his eyes. King was curled upon his window seat, Chastiefol wrapped tightly in his little arms. Then there was Meliodas who had a whole bed to himself. The tiny Captain was also awake, however he only stared at the ceiling as if he were in a very deep state of concentration.
Nevertheless the kids were better risers than Howzer.
Where should it begin? Howzer was the last one up, even King with his catty morning mood had gotten up before the blonde knight. The man had clearly woken up on the wrong side of bed, grumpily huffing when Jericho pounded on his door to check if he was awake. Then came the wait for him to fix his 'perfect quiff' and then the search for the things he would need. Out of all of the group, Howzer was the sloppiest of the bunch. He was so sloppy that all of the adults considered him a kid too.
So breakfast was a rather grumpy affair.
Everyone was already set up, the adults graced with being at the adult table and the children banished to a kiddie table. A stunning breakfast had been made, the King requesting for the group to eat well before heading out on the tough journey ahead. The adults had been given a full plate of bacon, eggs and mushrooms; the kids had something similar with sausages instead of bacon. Nevertheless everyone was content, happily getting along in their separated groups.
Then Howzer walked into the dining room. At first he seemed dutiful, his dampened mood seeming a little chipper, however it fell back down when he found that all the seats were taken at the adult table. It only got worse when it was revealed that the only seat left remained at the kiddie one. The same one where the little kids were singing merrily while sloshing their cups of milk or juice and banging their utensils on the table.
"You've got to be kidding me..." Howzer groused as he looked at the kid's table, then at the scoffing adults. They all wore the same looks, an air of amusement set on their faces as Howzer grimaced. "Surely this is a mistake."
"I'm afraid not," Veronica chuckled, easily slicing her bacon. "That's what you get for waking up last."
The blonde let out an exasperated sigh at that, reluctantly plopping down in the chair set at the kid's table. This choice proved deadly as a loud farting sound filled the air, children's (and even adults') laughter filling the air as Howzer flushed red.
"Gotcha!" Ban cackled as he stabbed a sausage with his fork. Red eyes gleamed with amusement despite the lines and shadows ringing them. "Never gets old!"
"No wonder you were all turned into kids..." Howzer growled at that, removing the now empty whoopee cushion from his chair. He then tossed it towards the cackling Fox Sin, a dangerous look in his amethyst eyes as he tucked into his (luckily adult sized) breakfast. "I don't why I'm even condemned to this table."
A series of blinks and grins met the knight at that, all of the children seeming to laugh at him. Not that they were wrong to as currently the knight had a bit of egg running down the corner of his mouth. Plus he wore a look that was way more immature than the bunch of them combined, his grumpy mood making him an easy target for the lighthearted and joyful children. So naturally they began to pick on Howzer.
"It's because you're a kid just like us," Meliodas stated the words like a well-known fact, easily stabbing his food with a fork. "There's no use denying it."
"I'm not a kid!" Howzer hissed slightly, pushing his plate away from his frame. His appetite was lost now, the children ruining his stomach. In fact the very sight of it made him want to sulk more, the blonde feeling terrible for wasting such tasty grub.
However this pity party only made the group go on, their laughter ringing innocent and playful around the room. It even caused a couple of the adults to chuckle, noting how the group were picking on poor Howzer once again.
"Don't worry Howzer it's ok to be one," Diane smiled slightly, a concerned gaze being shot to the knight.
Like Elizabeth she had a little more compassion than the others, knowing fully well how jokes could be cruel. But even so the brunette couldn't deny that Howzer's reactions were just too funny to not say he is a kid. After all, what sort of adult throws a strop when they don't get their own way? That was a right reserved for kids and kids only, many marking tantrums as a sign of immaturity and being a spoiled little shit that needed a good spank. Oh the second one was so true...
But even so that didn't mean Howzer wasn't a big kid. He was a complete one and that's why the kids continued to egg it on.
"Diane's only hiding that you're totally a big kid!" Ban cackled, ignoring the iron glare being sent his way. Instead he continued to tease, bursting in an impromptu song as he banged his fists against the table. "Howzer's a big kid, a big kid, a big kid! Howzer's a big kid and that's the way it is!"
The song continued onward, starting with Ban banging of fists on the table and then the others joining in. Meliodas was joining Ban's chanting, his own tiny fists now connecting with the table as well as his feet; Diane was signing along, an apologetic look on her face; Elizabeth was quietly joining, her face turning into a perfect strawberry shade; Gowther and Zeal were sitting in silence, but it could be observed that the two laughed and little and sloshed their cups along to the beat. Even King was joining in, a sly look on his youthful face as he clashed his cutlery together.
"I'm not a kid!"
Howzer protested over the loud, childish chanting his annoyance seeming to bubble and boil the longer it went on. Two large hands were placed over his ears, the adult turning away from the chanting kids as he resorted to trying to eat once more. The problem with that was that King floated up to him, a cunning look on his lazy face.
"Well that retorting sure does make you sound like one," The fairy stated the words calmly, almost like a gentle reminder, but it was what made Howzer burst.
A large, exasperated groan left the blonde, all words falling short as he decided to just stuff his face and ignore the comments. After all the Sins were just a bunch of kids right now, they didn't know the difference between adults and children. Heck, they didn't even know the difference between lemons and limes! So he'd let them keep talking. They didn't know what they were talking about.
They were just dumb children.
Merlin didn't sleep at all last night. Even with the fatigue within her mind and heart, even with the pull of sleepiness and painful feeling that spread through her being, Merlin could not rest. She couldn't even attempt to fall asleep, the young mage easily sinking into her old habit of being a dangerously studious child. Research had kept her up late into the night, many scrolls, letters and even objects she had conjured from her laboratory surrounding her tiny form.
All night long Merlin had sunk into her work, hazel eyes never tiring of their constant reading nor her mind ever needing a break. All Merlin did was read and observe, taking mental notes as well as normal notes as she tried to figure this out. As she tried to explain why she and the Sins were suddenly children and why it was so damn hard for her to find out anything useful about it.
"Miss Merlin," Escanor slipped into the room, his timid nature seeming all the more mousy as he shifted by the desk. "You've been up all night again haven't you?"
He spotted her form crouched over the desk, dark hair sticking up as she was inches away from what looked like a very ancient scroll. The Boar Sin didn't even lift a hand at Escanor's interruption, instead glancing up and supplying a raised brow. The brow was paired with a slight grimace, an obvious way to say 'well what does it look like?' before quickly falling back to her studying of the scroll. From the look of it Merlin knew what it said, the mage having a vast knowledge on many topics, but her frustration was most likely linked to the deeper meaning.
"It seems I was right..." His shoulders slumping slightly, Escanor released a simple sigh.
Merlin had been a lot more reclusive ever since she told him about what she'd done to herself. In fact she'd done the opposite of what she'd promised, sinking further away instead of confiding in him. All the Boar Sin had really done recently was read and study, seeming to be stuck on a problem that even Escanor didn't know of. It was a problem that Merlin never mentioned and yet was evident from how she constantly studied.
But even so Escanor wouldn't say much about it. He couldn't in a place like this. A place that reminded him of the place where he didn't get much freedom nor rights. He was always left out in that place that shadowed over him, that past seeming a lot closer despite Escanor knowing it was many years in the past. It had been so many years that he had forgotten of its issues. They no longer visited him during the night, nor made him feel guilt or pain.
But now they were all resurfacing and even though he would love to help Merlin, his mind was not right as he was disturbed by the castle. He was disturbed by a lot of things that no child should ever have to see nor go through.
So instead of inquiring about Merlin's qualms, Escanor walked over to the windows and opened the curtains a little more. He knew of Merlin's tendency to read in the dimmest of lightnings, risking her beautiful eyes and straining her already pressured mind. As a result he knew doing this would help Merlin, even if it was in a small and insignificant way.
"Thank you, Escanor," Merlin gave a wry grin as light flooded the room, however it looked fatigued and strained. Golden eyes were slightly dimmed, dark wisps falling in organised tangles as she brushed her hair from her eyes. "It may not seem like it but I do appreciate it all."
"It's fine, I'm just doing what I can," The Lion Sin gave a slight smile in response. The expression caused him to remember why he had first came to see Merlin, the idea sparking a hopeful lilt in his voice. "Speaking of assistance, I wanted to know if we are departing to Camelot later today. The King said he will have every prepped for this evening if we are."
Merlin gave a slight hum in return, once again focusing on her scroll.
"Yes I have more of my equipment back there. Do tell his majesty that it was very kind to do that for us."
The Lion Sin simply nodded in reply, allowing the silence to once again fill the room. However instead of finding it to be cold or dismissive, he felt a slight happiness or perhaps even warmth tied to it. He felt an unspoken nod of approval. As a result Escanor easily slipped out of the room to tell the other Sins that he would not be joining them, as well as tell King Bartra about. After all Merlin needed the best Sin with her to ensure her complete and upmost safety.
"Have we got everything?"
Margaret raised a brow as she packed the final thing away in the cupboard. Her lavender hair was swept up into a bun, a pretty red ribbon securing the messy topknot.
The princess also wore a uniform, Merlin saying that all of the adults got it as standard. For the women the uniform consisted of a knee length skirt, apron and short sleeve shirt. The skirt was plain and navy, varying in length for the many women; however the shirts were all pink with silver buttons and a collar. Add in the white apron they tied around the waist and the women of the group looked a lot like the average bar worker, providing the perfect cover.
The men had also received a standard uniform, their armour being tucked away on the uppermost floor to keep suspicion low. Instead they had to make do with pristine white shirts and navy waistcoats. Red ties were provided the smarten up the look as well as black dress pants. Add in Merlin's suggestion of dress shoes and even the men were kitted out for their cover as a travelling tavern. (Which was thanks to the Sin's original cover).
However even with the new looks, Margaret was still uncertain about if they were prepared to set out. The group were only half an hour away from leaving time, meaning they had to get everything they needed sorted now. However everyone seemed a little preoccupied, the kids running wild outside while Guila and Elaine watched them and the others all struggling to complete the tasks that were uncompleted.
But even with the terrible doubt lingering in her gut, Margaret felt they were doing well. The kids were still in pretty good spirits after all, plus the tasks weren't too far behind. They had gotten through a lot of them and thanks to Merlin being so thorough with her planning there was little room for error.
"Yep, that was the last of it all," Veronica sighed as she sat beside her sibling, wiping the sweat that piled on her brow. "Finally."
Unlike Margaret she didn't need to tie up her cropped hair, the magenta bob being as eccentric as the second princess. But even so Veronica was still rather reserved, knowing that Margaret was most likely concerned due to the group being in charge of a group of kids. The kids weren't normal kids either, they more or less were adults in kid form. The worst kind of kids. They were the type to have answers and know about inappropriate things.
They were the type to be troublesome.
But even so things were going pretty smoothly and so Veronica placed a reassuring hand on her elder sibling's shoulder.
"It'll be fine, Margaret," The younger sister flashed a smile. "Have some faith in them."
The elder sibling nodded, humming slightly but still pretty worrisome. However despite that she flashed a small grin and hopped off her stool, hands on her hips.
"You're right, I'm overthinking it all!"
Just as the words left a shriek filled the air. It was high pitched and girlish, the tones of crying seeming to follow immediately and forcing the two Liones sisters into a sprint. It could be a serious situation after all, a bad boo-boo perhaps even a terrible scrap between the Kid Sins. As a result both siblings charged forwards, one will lavender locks following in a trail and the other more trained for such strenuous actions.
"I'm coming Ellie!" Veronica surged forwards, her well-trained physique doing much better than her more reserved sister.
Nevertheless both women slid onto the porch outside at the same time, panicked expressions looking around for their younger sister. The shrieking did sound a lot like Elizabeth. It was almost the exact same as in the past, like the time she had been scared by a spider or the time she accidentally slipped down one of the staircases. Oh they both remembered that second one, Elizabeth's clumsy nature still making it happen even when she was older.
However both princesses came up empty handed, instead seeing all of the kids running about while Guila and Elaine watched with pleasant smiles. Ban and Zeal seemed to be chasing the other kids about, one cackling like an evil genius while the other simply joined the fun; Diane was dragging King away from Ban, easily balancing the yelping fairy on her shoulders while she bounded about; Meliodas had taken off, laughing as he sat on a tree branch and surveyed from above; Gowther was with Elizabeth, the more quiet Sin trying to lead her towards a hiding spot.
Guila and Elaine were sitting nearby, both talking leisurely while they also watched the kids. They both spotted the princesses and offered a short wave before falling back into conversation, smiling and giggling while also pointing at a few of the children.
However that sight only made things more confusing for the Liones sisters.
"They were only playing..." Margaret sighed in slight relief, a small smile forming as she watched Elizabeth roll about in the grass. "That's a relief."
"We are worrying way too much," Veronica snorted slightly in response, a hand clapping the back of her sister. She shook her head, brown eyes filled with amusement as she grinned. "We should have a little more trust in them all. They may be kids, but the Sins have it handled."
Margaret nodded a bit, a small hum escaping as she watched the kids herself. They seemed to happy and carefree. So...innocent. But even so the Sins were also mature. They knew things that other children had no clue about and so they were aware of the danger they were in. Therefore they would be ok. They would be able to protect themselves, Zeal and Elizabeth.
A small silence descended between the pair, both wearing slight smiles as the sounds of children laughing and chattering filled their ears. It was slightly reminiscent for the sisters, both having waved goodbye to such days a long time ago. Days of endless play and laughter had ended with the death of their mother, both girls being old enough to remember the impact of the event. Even if they were still young, Veronica being around six and Margaret around ten, there was no time to be happy when grief came.
All there was time for was crying, facing reality and protecting Elizabeth from such an unhappy state. Therefore the two had said goodbye to their golden years of childhood. Very few good memories remained, but even so the sound of the Sins being so happy did bring it all back. It resurfaced the hidden gems of their memories.
"I'm sorry to interrupt," Griamore coughed slightly, shifting his form as he appeared in the doorway of the Boar Hat. "But Lady Merlin requested to have a meeting with us all."
Both women blinked at that, one sending Griamore a grateful smile while the other frowned slightly.
"We'll come straight away," Margaret smiled and the pair went inside.
The adults sat scattered about the bar, many of them looking pretty miffed as they had to wear the uniform Merlin had issued. At first the suggestion had caused laughter, all of them saying that such a thing would be fun, but after wearing the uniforms and seeing how they look they were all about ready to burn them. In fact Howzer had attempted to do as such, failing tremendously because the others had stopped him.
But even so that didn't mean hatred was no directed towards Merlin, the creator of these uniforms. In fact most of the adults shot secret glares at her backs, the Boar Sin finding it amusing how they weren't much different from the children running about outside.
"Ok now I've occupied the kids by telling them that I've hidden a treasure nearby," Merlin grinned slightly, her tired appearance seeming a little rejuvenated. "I just called you all in to inform you of bar duties."
Confusion was raised here, all of the adults knowing that they were already told of this. In fact Merlin expressively made it clear that they were going to travel under the guise of a tavern. Of course the mage could be saying this as a reminder, but the adults felt it wasn't. Not when Merlin looked deadly serious, her golden eyes shining with an unreadable emotion as she watched the adults puzzle over her words.
"Bar duties?" Guila raised a brow, lips falling into a slight grimace.
"Yes, as the adults your duty is to get information," Merlin sighed, shaking her head as she looked at them all. They were truly going to be doomed if they couldn't get whipped into shape soon. "So here are your timetables. I have also marked some locations you may want to stop at on the map."
The mage then handed each of the adults a piece of paper marked with the errands they would do each day. Every task had been accounted for, the Boar Sin making sure not to leave anything out. As a result the group of adults all shared the same look, grimaces and disappointed smiles framing their faces as they read their individual list of tasks. Along with that Merlin had also provided a map, neat little raven's feathers marking each location of significance.
"That being said I also gave the children matching uniforms," Merlin smirked slightly, posing in her moment of brilliance as the door burst open.
Diane came bouncing through the open entryway, pigtails swinging with the addition of pretty ribbons. Elizabeth trailed behind with Hawk, the timid princess being nudged inside by the pig who was uttering small words of encouragement. However Elizabeth didn't need much of it when she spotted the adults all gathered, all previous apprehension gone as she gave a wide smile.
"Lady Merlin made these for us!" The princess stepped forward displaying the outfit for all to see.
"Yeah and they're totally amazing!" Diane grinned as she followed suit, holding up the skirt of her uniform to do a pretty twirl. "So much better than the last one."
That was very true. The usually promiscuous and risque uniform of the Boar Hat was morphed into a much more kid friendly alternative. The girls now had longer navy skirts that covered their little knees, pretty white socks reaching up their calves. The skirt had two suspender straps that went over their shoulders and secured the skirt to their form. Beneath the straps were pink shirts, a adorable navy bow tied at the collar. Unlike the previous shirt design these ones had longer sleeves that ended at the wrist. Complete with some black flat shoes and the uniforms were now successfully kidified.
However Merlin hadn't stopped at just providing uniforms for the girls. It was demonstrated when Meliodas, Ban and King came running in, each of them exclaiming their shock and dismay at having suddenly been changed into this weird uniform.
"Look what you've done Merlin!" Ban whined as he stomped up to the mage, his face contorted with annoyance. "I look like King!"
"I mean it's pretty alright..." Meliodas shrugged slightly, however his slight grimace betrayed his disdain for the stuffy outfit. "However my old clothes were a little comfier."
King floated behind the pair, his usual sourpuss mood in full swing as he hugged close to his pillow. The pillow that got him through way too much these days. He often wondered what he'd do if he didn't have Chastiefol to nap on, rely on and just in general be there for him; especially since he was living with a bunch of nutjobs who didn't even seem concerned that they were returned to their childhood states.
"Of course Merlin replaced our usual gear for this!" King groused as he floated overhead, daggers being shot at the smirking Merlin. "Do you know how long I spent making those stupid clothes!"
The three were dressed in what looked very similar to wait staff uniform. They all had pristine white shirts (that would probably get very mucky in the mud) with red ties. Meliodas and Ban had loosened theirs, the red fabric looking slightly more casual than tidy. The shirts were paired with navy waistcoats and trousers, the material made to fit but not be too tight. It hung loose but comfortable on the kids, emphasizing on how Merlin made things kid safe. They also had little black shoes, making all the kids look like mini wait staff.
However even so Ban and King were not having it, both rather pissed that Merlin had messed with their gear. The mage calculated she had about a minute to get out a real excuse for this, while also explaining that she also made sure their clothes weren't destroyed. In fact they were in the tavern, up on the top floor where the armour was being stowed.
"Calm down, calm down," Elaine jumped in before Merlin could, the blonde fairy frowning as she gently touched Ban on the shoulder and sent King a look. "I'm sure Merlin has a great reason for this. Plus she had a few things to explain anyway, right Merlin?"
The girl nodded, jet black hair rustling slightly as she flicked it over her shoulder. A smug grin was then sent to the two fuming Sins, the Boar Sin sending a slight wink before she went on to explain her actions and through process.
"Thank you Elaine, I was just going to say that," Merlin nodded, a sigh escaping as she went on. "I gathered you all here to say that while you are on the road you must remain discreet." Golden eyes then flitted over the faces filling the room, the owner's voice grave despite its higher pitch and girlish tone. "Don't let anyone know who you are."
A slight silence followed, Merlin watching to see if her warning had sunk in. The Boar Sin sent a rare look around the group, warning and authoritative, not akin to the usually crafty and intrigued expressions she loved to pull. It was instead grim and somber, an odd sincerity reaching through the bleak undertones to demonstrate how the Sin was being deadly serious. To show how Merlin was not at all joking.
"I would also like for you to visit the places I have marked on the map," The girl continued carefully, Merlin slowly letting the words out. "Each location will help to gather the power to defeat Vivian. Don't skip any as doing so may endanger your lives."
The warning sat thick and heavy in the air, everyone knowing that Merlin was speaking the bare truth. They could see it in her eyes, the normally unreadable hazel eyes she often used to deflect any doubt. But now they were filled with a swirling emotion, the girl seeming to bite the inside of her cheek as she scanned the faces of the room for any bad reaction, but upon not seeing any Merlin knew she'd better wrap the meeting up. The day was getting on and the sooner the Sins left, the sooner everything could return back to the normal.
Well normal as things can be...
So Merlin wrapped up the meeting and left in a sudden moment, the last thing seen being her slight wave and encouraging smile.
"Alright now who's ready for an adventure!"
Howzer and Jericho called the words in unison, both adults seeming to meld perfectly with the immature youngsters spread about the place.
"We are!"
The sound of cheering filled the Boar Hat as Hawk's mama steadily began to pace along the ground. With each shift of her footsteps the kids swayed slightly, many losing their coordination due to owning very small and clumsy statures. Nevertheless they were filled with a lot of excitement, most of them racing to the windows and already running about the limited space of the tavern. As a result a few accidents were about to occur, many of them being the usual ones to expect.
"Ban - no don't do that!"
Elaine chased after the Fox Sin as he and Gowther were setting up for a game that looked highly dangerous. It also looked unfortunate for the doll.
"Meliodas...please don't chase Diane with a fake spider."
Margaret pleaded as she shielded the whimpering Diane as the blonde dangled the fake arachnid before her.
"Zeal, Hawk's not a pony..."
Guila sighed as Elizabeth spoke about Hawk was her favorite animal to take on rides.
While of this chaos went on the others simply got along with their tasks, well all of them did except from a cackling Veronica. The princess sat at one of the tables, a notepad at the ready to mark down every occasion in which the kids were causing chaos.
"This is going to be a long couple of weeks," The princess chuckled, already marking a point on her tally for the kids.
A/N: I didn't originally intend to add this little thing to the mini chapters. It was like a spur in the moment chapter I guess :I
Head Over Heels
It was summer now, a full human year seeming to pass in the blink of an eye. Human years were never long to me, they were short in comparison to my lifetime. They were minuscule. But even so the small amount of time passing was still worrying. Time was and always is a fickle and intangible thing, always sinking between my fingertips before I could even attempt to grasp at it; but this time it was different. This time it was like time itself was working against me.
Every day I would hope to see Meliodas again, going to the same place with an energy that never seemed to dip, but over time that hope only dimmed. What was once a simple 'oh he's probably busy right now' gradually evolved into 'why do you bother waiting anymore?'. My mind began to tell me that waiting was honestly pointless, the devotion to such a silly task being evidence of how foolish I was being. Even with the new found revelation that I had some sort of love or attraction towards Meliodas, my mind only argued that it was a fickle excuse. It was an excuse to keep the light of hope shining in a situation that prompted for me to give up and snuff it out.
But even so I held onto that little light. I held onto the belief that one day, one small and tiny day, I would be able to see Meliodas once more.
Even if it was just for that one short day.
And it happened in one of the most unlikely ways imaginable.
My mother had always spoken about how she had been meaning to have a meeting with the Demon King. Apparently it was meant to be diplomatic, both of them agreeing to meet in order to resolve some trade in goods. The war had been halted for this occasion, leading to me being dragged along as well. My mother had insisted that I come along, telling me that it was about time that I became her fully fledged understudy.
So I knew everything about the meeting. I knew what it was about, who may be at the meeting and what to expect. I even knew of the agreed meeting grounds of the arrangements being the Fairy King's forest - a place that was neutral in the war at the current time, which made it a very odd choice.
King Gloxinia had always stirred a#way from the violence between my mother and the Demon King. He had never clarified why, but always said that he would join the war when things became 'dire'. However 'dire' was always ambiguous, the Fairy King and his people seeming to have a very different opinion on what it meant compared to me or someone else. The reason for this is that the Fairy King's forest had been made smaller. The war was what caused this, both goddesses and demons destroying the outskirts of the lands. But even so the fairies did not join the war.
A part of me thought the attack was caused by both higher powers to try and get Gloxinia to join their side, but if it was it failed terribly. All it resulted in was the Fairy King withdrawing all the more, using his power to hide his land and people from the terrors of war.
Yet now he has opened his sacred lands, his kingdom, for the use of a meeting between my mother and the Demon King. A meeting that would surely go terribly wrong. However there seemed to be no qualms about that as everything went ahead steadily.
One day I was in the Celestial Realm, the next I was preparing to be part of the diplomatic meeting to gain experience. I was pretty reluctant to go, knowing that if I did I wouldn't be able to wait at the theater to see if Meliodas did turn up again. In fact I could miss him because luck was never in my favor.
I know it was silly to think such things, but waiting there each day was what gave me hope. It was what made me believe that one day our paths would cross once more. However despite that I ultimately went as I had a feeling my mother had a better reason than 'gaining experience' to bring me along to a meeting with demons.
Nevertheless these suspicions seemed incorrect as while the meeting went on, my tasks were to help Lady Gerheade, King Gloxinia's younger sister. She was rather nice, her tone being quite soft and a playful side seeming to escape every so often. Unlike her brother she had wings that were quite small and narrow, their colour being a filmy blue. Her hair was a blondish brown shade, warm purple eyes seeming to be the polar opposite of her brother's brownish amber ones.
Together Lady Gerheade and I got through a list of tasks. Many of them were small and trivial things such as checking on the guard, or delivering lunch to someone who was sick or ailing - but occasionally these tasks would let us get close to the meetings and it was during one of these that I bumped into Meliodas.
Gerheade had asked me to collect a basket for gathering supplies. They were kept in a storage hold close to the Sacred Tree, the fairies often keeping their handwoven materials and tools in their most secure places. As a result I went back towards the Sacred Tree, following the path that meandered through the trees and long grass of the forest. It didn't take long to get to the great landmark of the forest, its branches seeming gigantic compared to the other plants and fauna.
A few fairies were milling about, their wings buzzing slightly as they carried things or rushed about. A few were playing what looked like a game, laughing and squealing as they ducked and dodged around their natural home and playground. None of them stopped at my arrival, no glances shared or anything, all seeming too occupied with their tasks to care. So I easily fluttered up to the enlarged knothole they used to store their wicker baskets within.
Gerheade insisted that we needed a couple, stating that a few others would join us. That meant I needed at least four baskets. Reaching into the knothole, I grab a couple of baskets and stack them on top of each other. They were quite light and easy to hold, their dried frames being less dense than the materials other races use. Effortlessly adjusting my weight, I shift the pile of baskets slightly and duck beneath the branch above my head.
It's as I begin to trace back my steps that I hear the familiar voices. They ring with importance and severity, lacking the childish and playful tone of the fairies. In fact the voices sound much more older than fairies, the sounds seeming to be hardened by a cruel truth or perhaps even age. However even so I can make out a number of familiar tones, my mind almost instantly recollecting who might own such a voice.
Stumbling down the path, I rush as quickly as I can without dropping the baskets. Legs awkwardly stumble over the natural path, my boots getting caught every once in a while but often becoming free straight after. However I ultimately fail at being nimble, an outlying root causing me to stumble and drop everything in my hold. Unceremoniously I fall to the ground with a large yelp, wings extending despite being useless in this situation. I land like a bird shot out of the sky, my butt and wings sticking up in the air while my face is buried in the dirt.
Not long after I fell, sets of rushed footsteps follow, one belonging to a flustered Lady Gerheade and the others most likely the owners of the voices.
"Oh Lady Elizabeth!" The fairy quickly scrambles to my side, her features set with panic as she helps me up. Honey brown hair sways with her actions, her brows creasing in concern. "I should've come to assist you."
She extends a small hand, purple eyes shimmering with concern as I accept it. I'm then effortlessly pulled up, Lady Gerheade already flitting about as she grabs the scattered baskets. Luckily none had broken upon impact, their toughened shells surviving the fall. Yet despite that I can't help but feel ashamed, a deep blush coating my features.
"Oh my sweet little bird!"
Before I can even blink, I'm immediately swathed in my mother's embrace, her sweet and floral scent filling my nose as she squeezes me close. Soft skin and gentle fabric engulf my form, her silver hair intermingling with mine as she graces me with the rare action of a hug. Yet despite wanting to hug her back and drown in my mother's warm and loving touch, I can't. Not when she hugs me so rarely. It's a funny thing as my mother hugs me less often than she chooses to be a smaller size. It was an action she never did. Not unless she was trying to distract me from something.
And I find that thing when I look over her shoulder and spot Meliodas.
Despite that time that has passed he doesn't look much different. His untamed hair still appeared as if he hadn't combed it at all and his dulled, dark eyes were set into an indifferent expression. Complete with attire that looked as if he was here for the meeting as well and I knew what had been keeping Meliodas away. He also stood beside a demon who I had seen many times: Chandler.
Chandler was one of the highest ranking demons, appointed to look after one of the Demon King's invaluable sons. That meant he was more or less Meliodas' babysitter, much like how Mael and Jelamet were often mine. Wild hair circled his head like a lion's mane, his beard matching with it. He looked like he was getting old in age, his gait and frame similar to that of an old man. Chandler even held a cane as he seemed to subtly sneer at me, a disapproving (or perhaps even disgusted) look settling in his eyes.
This made me shrink back slightly, quickly averting my gaze from the pair. But I don't think it was only Chandler's toxic gaze. Perhaps it was because I was puzzled as to why my mother hugged me over something so trivial like falling over. I thought maybe she hugged me to say that she knew about it all; she did it to show me that she knew about my little meetings. Perhaps she did it to warn me, or maybe my mother just wanted me to know that I shouldn't ever talk to Meliodas again.
Whatever it was I knew it couldn't be good, especially with how tight she was gripping me. Not to mention the words that barely slipped into my ears.
"Make sure to be polite, but not too friendly."
I was then released, my shoulders rolling with relief. But even after my mother's words of advice and warning, I still snuck glances at the pair. I stilled studied the two unexpected faces I'd crossed paths with once again. Only this time I'm meeting one of them in an entirely different situation and setting.
"Now be more careful next time," My mother released a sigh, placing a gentle kiss on my forehead. It sent a spiraling warmth through me, healing the dull sting from the scrape on my knee; however it parallel with the icy warning swimming in her blue eyes.
"I will mother," I give a slight nod and smile, playing the part I'd learned so well.
It seems to satisfy her as my mother then leaves, taking Chandler with her but Meliodas straying behind. They seemed to speak amicably, my mother laughing at a comment the demon made, yet I could sense the tension between them. I could sense the watching eyes.
Once the pair had disappeared from eyesight and earshot, Meliodas approached. Lady Gerheade was still present, the fairy diligently holding the baskets but showing no signs of hurrying along. Instead she floated in the background, the sound of her wings buzzing being the only sign that she was still here.
Nonetheless Meliodas comes right up to me, face to face but still wearing the guarded mask he always has.
"I believe you dropped this."
It was only for a split second I believe, a quick catching of the other's gaze, but even so I'm sure something was slipped into my hand. It had to have been placed there by him, no-one else would write such a thing. Plus the look he had on his face, a sort of grin and a quick wink. It was like we were young children smuggling something from an adult, perhaps even plotting to steal all the cookies from a jar.
But even so I returned the statement with a small nod, hiding my immediate excitement and joy, and holding the note close to my heart. My suddenly fluttering heart.