A/N: This took a little longer than expected to type up, all sorts factoring into it. But I guess a bonus is that the chapter's a bit longer than usual, the mini chapter and Ban's little bedtime story making the length of this a whole new record. They more or less took up most of the chapter and so I split it into two :I
KitsuneYoKai26 - Thanks for reviewing! Also I'll note your idea down. I'll make sure to include it :)
CarBarrier - Yep it sure is great. Also the song probably was decent XD. But as always thanks :)
Till next time,
D.L.D
After clearing up the mash incident, Veronica somehow managed to tuck each of the kids in to sleep. Due to the more filled atmosphere of the tavern, the children all slept downstairs, Merlin providing little sleeping bags for each child as well as two for the adults who would do the kid watch each night. Everyone else was left to try and decide who would take which room and how it would work between them all. As a result the adults who weren't on kid duty had long since retired upstairs, wishing the pair who were left good luck long before the sun had sunk below the horizon.
However it should have been the other way around.
"Ok now go to sleep," Veronica huffed slightly, watching from her spot as each of the kids settled in their own unique ways.
It had been a struggle to get most of them to calm down after the whole mash thing. Most of the children were still affected from it, occasionally saying how they felt queasy or blurting out things that the princess would let pass; but sometimes the kids would do things that couldn't be excused. An example of this was when a couple of the gremlins decided that they were caterpillars, squirming around in their sleeping bags and frightening poor Diane who was scared to death of insects and bugs.
But despite those small hiccups (both metaphorical and literal), Veronica and Guila had managed to get the kids to settle down. Well all of the kids except Ban and Meliodas, one sat wide awake despite the heavy bags that rested beneath his crimson eyes and the other simply tossing a ball he'd found somewhere against a wall. Neither seemed to be willing to let the land of dreams claim them.
"I can't go to sleep!" Diane cried out into the room, tears still nestling in her amethyst eyes. She sniffed slightly, a hand twisting in her chestnut locks. "What if those giant, icky bugs come back?"
A few of the kids were about to snicker at the outburst, but a firm look from both adults shut them up real quickly. In fact it was Guila's icy glare that froze them up faster than Veronica's fiery one, all of the children knowing that Guila was the true child master of the pair. That knight was a person none of them wanted to cross, especially since she seemed aware of all their little tricks. As a result the troublemakers fell back into silence while Guila comforted Diane since King was still knocked out cold from the tainted mash.
"Those bugs weren't real Diane," Guila spoke in a soft tone, a gentle hand resting on the brunette's shoulder as the woman crouched beside her. Guila looked at the giant with a calm gaze, the small smile upon her features matching it. "And if there are I'll scare them away before they even come close."
"Really?" Diane sniffled once again, her voice coming out teeny as she looked into the knight's eyes.
"Really," Guila nodded firmly, grinning slightly.
The calm moment was interrupted by a cough, all attention drawn to Ban. He was still sat upon his sleeping bag, little arms folded across his chest as he gave a large grin to his awaiting audience. Of course Ban knew what he was doing was extremely rude, he knew that it was very impolite and wrong, but he had been raised on nothing but bullshit so bullshit was all he knew. It was all he knew how to do and so he made it clear as he announced his idea.
"Since none of us can sleep," The boy shrugged slightly as his tone drifted off slightly, watching as the ball the Captain threw stilled. "How about a story?"
Boughts of laughter filled the room, some of it stunned but most of it amused from the Fox Sin's suggestion. After all, why would Ban suggest a bedtime story? He was always the most insistent that they were not kids. He hated being coddled and always stated that he was just a man in a kid's body. He even spoke against the adults preparing dinner, proclaiming proudly that he knew how to cook really well from a very young age. But now he wanted a bedtime story?! Ha, that was laughable. Ironic even.
"You know how to read?" Meliodas jabbed, humor filling his tone as Ban growled slightly.
"Of course I can!" Ban snapped, red blooming on his cheeks. He then puffed his cheeks with pride, a thumb sticking into his chest. "Better than you actually, Cap'n. But I meant a story like what Elaine did."
Clarity reached the others immediately, realisation forming in a sea of 'ohs' and 'ahs' as they realised Ban wanted to continue the story chain. To be fair it was a good idea and it kept the children thinking about their actual memories instead of new things that kept occurring. Plus sharing stories could reveal a bit about how they were brought up and what tales they favored most as opposed to learning it all through different processes.
"It does sound like a good idea," Elizabeth nodded slightly, chewing into her bottom lip. "Elaine was so kind..."
"Yeah, she was the best," Diane chipped in, her own head bouncing as she nodded in agreement.
Excited chatter filled the dimly lit room, each of the children seeming to get out their own opinions on the matter. Many of them were in favor of the idea, speaking of how it was a nice way to stretch the bedtime hour, while a few were reluctant but still receptive towards it. So it wasn't surprising when all gazes turned to the knights, little eyes blinking with pleading as the pair could only blink back in utter surprise and conflict.
"Very well," Veronica released a small cough, shaking her head as she gave a slight grin. "Now who'd - "
"I will," Ban interjected, a smirk on his lips as he leaned back against a wall. His hands were tucked behind his spiky hair, a gleam lighting his eyes as he scanned the room. "Now you'd better sit back kids, cause this story's a wild ride."
Being a street rat is even worse than they say in the tales. It means being starving for days on end; it means having throbbing sores and aching pains and infected cuts, your injuries always oozing a terrible green pus whenever you even grazed them; it means having to scrounge around in the trash just for a decent meal - oh and being a street rat means that no-one gives you any damn respect. Yeah being a street rat is shit.
But I knew that from day one.
From the day I was pushed out of my mom, I knew that life was hard. Coming out crying and getting a slap to the face straight away was only a sign of the shit storm about to come. It was a sign of all the crap I was destined to go through no matter what I did to try and prevent it.
From the solid age of two I was out on the streets and stealing food. Merchants, vendors, even people who'd just done some shopping - it didn't matter who I got it from as long as I got the damn food. As long as I got the food I was safe from an ass-kicking and that was drilled in from a really young age. I knew from day one that I couldn't come back with nothing and I was perfectly aware of that after the first time I came back empty handed. I couldn't even sit down after my old man beat the crap outta me.
Bare in mind I could barely walk in those times, let alone run, but that didn't mean shit to anyone. If I was small enough to get around unnoticed, or if I was capable enough to steal, then I would be out there. Rain or shine, snow or hail, I was out there trying to steal my next meal as well as my parents' stupid habits.
So when my sister was born I couldn't help but hate them all the more.
My younger sister wasn't like me. While I was strong, capable of looking after myself and taking the beat downs I was given, my lil sis was fragile and uncertain. She needed someone to help her survive. She couldn't even get a hit on any of our parents if she tried and it didn't help that she couldn't eat much. I remember staying out all night to make sure my sis got something to eat. I spent the whole time hoarding anything I found and managed to bring her back a mini feast to build her strength back up. But it was never really enough and the lack of sleep was starting to get to me.
So one night I stayed out a little later than usual and went to the West side of town. I didn't usually go there as that's where the weird pervs of the place lived, the sick bastards doing all sorts to kids like me. But this time I was desperate and I knew that a couple of those creeps were pretty rich and therefore had a lotta cash and food up for grabs. Therefore I'd be an idiot not to go and made sure to grab a huge sack as well as a few other things before setting off for the West.
It was through this little jaunt that I met a guy named Zhivago and he told me about a treasure. Zhivago was pretty odd for the usual guys who lived in our town. He was a lot more kind and open, always telling me about his son and teaching me new tricks on how to steal good. Sometimes he'd even share what he stole with me, saying that he knows I steal for a good reason like him. He said that me and him, we weren't like the other stealers, we were different. We stole not outta greed, but outta necessity and we never really crossed that thin line.
But what was really important about Zhivago, and what I still remember to this day, is that he always spoke about that magical treasure. That treasure was a lamp that was hidden up in the mountains and contained a fairy that would grant any wish I desired. Old Zhivago always said that he hoped to find it one day and would wish to make a world where he and his son could live without fear. In fact he always spoke about how he wished his son would get better...
But anyways this lamp was now something I wanted to steal. In fact I wanted to steal it so that me and my lil sis could leave our shithole of a town and live a good life. I wanted us to not worry about our next meal, nor did I want us to worry about our douchey parents or the other shitheads of our town. I wanted us to not fear going to sleep and I wanted to not puke out what I ate all because my old man socked me right in the gut. What I wanted was for us to leave this place, perhaps even with Zhivago and his son, and start a better life.
I wanted to say goodbye to the shitty street rat life.
"Now remember that the lamp is a fable," Zhivago would chuckle, a heavy hand landing on my head. "Don't think of actually stealing it." He'd then ruffle my hair, causing a growl of annoyance to rise from me.
He did that every time I got the look in my eye. He always did. Zhivago always woke me up from those spells where I would plot how I would steal the lamp. However it didn't stop the thoughts. It never did and one day Zhivago knew that and let me go.
He let me go and find the stupid lamp.
.^.^.^.^.^.^.
It was rainy and I'd been walking for weeks. Rainwater squelched within my holey shoes, the thin and worn-down fabric of the soles doing nothing to protect my feet from the water. It was honestly like walking in a river, my shoes trapping the rain which would honestly not be so bad if I was just walking bare foot. But then I'd catch a cold and then we'd be in deep shit. I saw 'we' because I'm not exactly alone alone.
You see my sis had begged to come along, following me right out our small squat house to come along on the dangerous journey. Our parents hadn't even noticed our departure, both of them passed out on their rickety bed, most likely in the middle of creating a new kid. Disgusting. You'd think people who treat their kids like shit would stop having them, especially when they always yell about how we're unwanted. How they always called us useless fuckers and whatnot, but then they'd go and have more without hesitation.
Pathetic.
A few days had passed since we'd last seen a town and the directions that bar owner gave me were a little misguiding. In fact no-one we'd encountered really had information on this magical cave. Most said that it was simply a fable, while others laughed and wished us luck. Not one person had been able to help me in my quest, those who gave information often making the journey to their locations pointless.
In fact I'm certain that this bar owner has just sent us in a huge circle, a familiar cave catching my gaze for what seemed to be the millionth time. It was a small cave, the mouth of it covered with winding ivy and blooming moss. Patches of grey did show up, the sharp texture of rock contrasting with the soft sea of plants, but even so the cave didn't look special. It was like any other cave in this world.
"I'm tired..." My sis yawns slightly, a small hand tugging at my arm to signal to stop. Bleary red eyes look into mine, a small frown spread. "Can't we stop for a bit, brother? Just for a little bit?"
I grimace slightly at her probing, the cold water pressing on my back not helping at all. In fact it's pissing me off, the constant wet feeling of my thin clothes moulded against my skin making me think of all the times I'd been watched while I've slept, my dad's cruel gaze always making me feel like I'm under pressure. It was always an uncomfortable glare. A big, old and mean glare. One that I've hated and will always hate as he gave me his damn glare...
A low growl passes, my fists subconsciously tightening as I think of the old bastard. He was always the more dickish of my two parents, his expertise being the physical punishments of my sister and I. Beatings, being locked out and even deprived of sleep were his main crimes. But the one I hated the most was when he sat me in a corner, glaring right at me, as he ate my share of the food.
That act, that punishment, was the one that made me want to knock him out.
"Brother?" Sis squeaks slightly, her tiny hands gripping her soaked shirt as she looks at me with wide eyes.
"Sorry," I shake my head, wiping away the morbid thoughts as I gesture towards the cave. "Let's go there. We can wait out the rain."
A small nod and response of approval was given, my sister running up to the cave while I simply trudged along in the mud. The thick, filthy mud.
.^.^.^.^.^.^.
"Look a lamp!"
The words echoed about the cave, the wonder not at all hidden as my sister dashed up to the platform. A golden lamp sat upon the stone slab, its handle curved in an intricate design. Leaves were etched into the shiny metal, a pretty flower decorating the lid of the object. Underneath the lamp was a simple cut of white cloth, the fabric square lined with green vines that curled into pretty pink flowers and gusts of golden wind.
Piles of treasure lay about the cavern, golden coins and gemstones of all sorts scattered all about. Chests were brimming with pearls that had to have been found at sea, giant gemstones staring me right in the face as I idly walked on by. Fine fabrics and silks were strung up around the rocky room, their vibrant colours and exotic designs betraying that they weren't from around here. They looked shiny and sleek in the dim light of the cave, their fine threads hidden in their gentle sheen and waves.
"It's really here..." I breathe the words, unbelieving of what I was seeing. "It's really - "
"Look Ban!" My sister grinned, already snatching the lamp off the platform. "It's the lamp! It's the lamp!"
She dashes up to me, practically bouncing as she clutches the lamp close to her chest. Its golden sheen then reflects onto her dress, the fabric seeming to dry even though we were only in a still and airless cave. In fact I'm sure the lamp even glows slightly, a small vibration coming from the object as my sibling passes it to me.
"I know, I know," I share the same grin as sis, my greedy hands already holding the golden object.
It was a little heavier than expected, the metal of the object somehow being warm and comforting. The flower on top of the lid was encrusted with little white gems, the details revealing that it was modeled after a daisy.
I still couldn't believe that I had found it. That I, a street rat, have found a treasure that the greatest of adventurers could not have found in thousands of years. I would've missed it too if my sister hadn't noticed how the cave seemed a little echoier than usual, her little legs carrying her off to explore before I could even stop her. It was through my sister running off that we found the secret entrance, her tiny form easily slipping through the gap and then opening it up wider for me.
And now we have the lamp.
"Rub it!" My sister cheers, watching intently as I hold the item in awe. "Rub it, big bro!"
With a solid nod I rub the lamp and the room fills with a thick silence as we wait. At first the lamp is still and warm, nothing coming from it but a slight breeze. Then the breeze picks up, the scent of flowers and freshly cut grass filling the air as my sopping clothes dry and the lamp glows brightly. It then vibrates rapidly, my hands dropping the golden lamp to the floor, causing a clattering sound, but not disrupting the process at all. In fact it allows the fairy to pop out, her bright smile lighting up the room.
"I'm free! I'm finally free!"
She then comes face to face with me and Sis, her grin only growing wider at the sight.
.^.^.^.^.^.^.
So after freeing the fairy chick, Elaine, life began to get a lot simplier for us. She explained the great fat rules of wish granting, emphasizing on how she can't raise the dead or make others fall in love with me. Elaine also mentioned something about not abusing my power of wishes, but I knew I'd never do that. I'm not the sorta greedy creep to manipulate what I have, all I do is use things to necessity, just as ol' Zhivago said.
But that didn't seem to be true after a couple years.
Having a pretty nice home, good grub and the oh so important possession of endless cash, I didn't know what necessity meant anymore. To me necessity was making sure everyone I cared about, including myself, was in luxury. I made sure my sister was well-fed, well-clothed and even bent to her very whims. Elaine was treated well too, my fortune shared with both of them as they had become my family. But everyone else could not have this sort of treatment. They didn't deserve it.
Maybe that's why Sis got sick that day...
It wasn't a day any less spectacular than the rest, things going at the same nice day pace it always did. Food was in a good supply, activities were done and in all it was a pretty good day. The sun had even come out to say hi, its golden beams warming up the grassy fields of the meadow not too far from our new place. Elaine had been given the day off from wish granting, the fairy saying that she was tending to some plants out back, while Sis was exploring once again.
I was actually looking for Sis, having not seen her for a while, only to find that she was locked up in a room. She was sat by a window, her red eyes looking out to the grassy meadow and watching as Elaine pulled weeds out of her flower patch. Her jaw was tensed slightly, a frown set on her features as she looked at her arm, only to quickly pull it away when she noticed my presence.
"Brother?" She pushed off from her seat, instead going to stand by me. Her voice comes out hoarse and soft, her hands trembling slightly as she sets them in her lap. "W-what are you doing here?"
"Just checking on ya," I give a small grin, even though I can notice that she looks a little pale. "Everything alright?"
"Yep, just fine," My sister flashes a small grin, although it doesn't reach her eyes.
It's then she lets out a terrible cough, her whole body shaking with the action as she clutches onto the table by her side. Knuckles turn white from the pressure of the hold, her red eyes squeezing shut as a hand rests over her heart. The whole fit takes over her entire being, terrible spasms causing her form to quake as I rush to her side. I then rush my sister towards her room, knowing just what to do as these things have happened an awful lot before.
Way too many times before.
Not less than an hour later, I have Sis all tucked up and looked after. A washcloth sits on her forehead, a red flush set over her cheeks as she closes her eyes. After having that medicine Elaine made, Sis fell right into to sleep. She was knocked out cold and so it left me time to think and talk with the Elaine, the fairy knowing as well as I do the importance that Sis gets better.
"She'll get better," Elaine sends me a smile, her small hand squeezing my shoulder. "I promise."
I send the fairy a slight smile, glad to have her support, but also wary of it as I know promises can only do so much.
"Yeah...she will."
.^.^.^.^.^.^.
Weeks pass and even with Elaine's magical help, Sis was still bedridden. The fairy had done everything within her power to try and get rid of the illness, but it seemed persistent. Medicine and treatments simply weren't working, and over time I saw how everything ate away at one of the few members of family I had left.
My sister's red eyes had dulled greatly, pale skin being framed by blue hair that had thinned out into a sickly white. Her flesh had waned away to show a thin and frail frame, the illness seeming to pick away at her day by day. On better days she would sit up and look out her window, talking to both me and Elaine about how nice the day was or how she'd explore a certain place a little more when she got better. On her worse days, my sister would sleep for hours on end. Coughing fits would rattle her lungs, her thin and bony frame seeming all the more malnourished even though she ate as much as she could.
In all we all knew that we were running on borrowed time. But the one who knew it the most was Sis, her words often sounding like she was saying goodbye every time she woke up.
"Do you remember nighttime back in our old town?" The question came out innocent, gentle, my sister titling her head slightly as her hands lay in her lap.
"Uh...yeah," I respond likewise, resisting the shiver that ran down my spine at the mention of our old town. That place was like a bad dream, distant but still scarring, and I remember every second of that shithole whether I want to or not. It was too mentally torturous and cruel for me not to remember the place I came from and the scum that populated it; I spent my whole childhood and early teens there. But Sis escaped while she was still young, her memories of the place most likely being foggy. "Why'd you ask?"
"Because it reminds me of how much you've sacrificed for me," A small cough was given, a smile still painting her lips despite the violent interruption. She then glanced at Elaine, watching as the fairy fumbled with her fingers. "It reminds me of how much both of you do for me."
Once again one of those terrible silences filled the air, all three of us knowing that death was looming in it. I could feel its cold eyes staring right at us, its giant frame towering all over and yet also filling the space as its cold and cruel fingers slowly stretched to reach out and take Sis away from us. Elaine was the only thing make death stay away, her kindness and pure heart making her work tirelessly to try and combat the force. But with all these silences that kept coming, death seemed to be winning.
"Look I'm not gonna pretend that I'm not dying anymore," My sister breaks the silence, her eyes fixed into a terrible glare. They fixed on both me and Elaine, her hands balled into fists upon the blanket. "I knew it years ago, back when we lived in that shithole, but ignored it. I ignored it because I gave us hope and I didn't wanna leave you alone brother."
A look of remorse crossed her features, her grimace turning into a slight frown. "But now I'm not gonna ignore it! I can't! And so I wanna say goodbye before it's too late."
Those words jog me and Elaine into action, both of us stumbling over our words as we try to say with certainty that no such thing will happen. After all if we lose hope then things will seem worse than they actually are. That was something I learned after growing up in a slum: never give up hope.
"Don't say that!" Elaine shook her head vigorously, taking Sis' hands in hers. "You'll get better."
"Yeah you will," I nod, joining Elaine at my sister's side. "Just give it a bit."
"I'm not," Sis shook her head solemnly, a frown sitting on her lips as she looked at us both. "I know I'm not and you two do as well. This illness isn't natural and Elaine knows that."
"Elaine..." I turn to the fairy, surprise clouding my features. I had never suspected Elaine to be the sort to keep something like this away from someone. Elaine seemed kind and understanding, like someone who would know how someone would feel about this. She'd told me about things that have happened before, explaining how we can solve these issues and such. She'd proven that she wasn't like the other fucked up people in the world. But now I've learned that she kept this away from me, she kept Sis being sick away from me, how can I trust her? How can I keep her close?
"I-it's true..." Elaine seemed to deflate as she breathed the words. Softened golden eyes met mine, a small blush gathering. "Your sister told me to keep it private for a while. The illness was caused by an artifact she picked up in the cave you found me in..."
I stiffened as Elaine's soft hands wrapped around my wrists, her expression desperate as she continued to speak. "But I'm willing to help! I can find something, anything to - "
"Both of you stop!" Sis rose to her feet, wobbling slightly on the thin limbs. She clutched onto the bed frame, her knuckles pale from the pressure as she shot a fiery glare in our direction. "Stop sacrificing yourselves for me! Please..."
Elaine's hands fell from my wrists and I lost a little tension, the three of us falling into a sudden silence as guilt formed. My sister took this as the chance to hug us, her bony arms wrapping around us both in an oddly warm and lively manner.
"Promise to stick together ok?" Her eyes flutter closed as she whispered into our ears. "If we stay together nothing can drift us apart."
.^.^.^.^.^.^.
We didn't stay together though. I couldn't stand the grief of having everything I'd ever known being shattered before my very eyes. So I wished for Elaine to be free from her lamp, telling her to explore the wonders of the world. At first she said she couldn't go because I clearly couldn't be left all alone, but with a little persuasion I urged her to go and she left with a teary goodbye, promising to come back soon.
I remained in the empty house left behind. I stayed there every day, wasting the day away in whatever way I could, hoping that one day we'd all drift back together once more.
Peace filled the tavern, each of the children now resting in a deep slumber. The only one who remained awake was Meliodas, the blonde looking intently at the Fox Sin. Recently nighttime seemed to be less draining than usual, the mini Captain needing less sleep than usual these days.
As a result he was wide awake, listening to the drunken spiel of Ban and from that Meliodas was certain that something had peeped through in that story. He was sure that Ban had done a little more than recounting a simple tale. But even so the tiny Sin Captain couldn't dig deeper on it, not when his mind seemed like white noise, the crazy static scrambling his thoughts and causing a loud noise that disrupted his focus.
So all he did was supply a nod to the Fox Sin, a show of understanding. Ban responded likewise, ignoring the hushed whispering of the adults who watched the pair as he leaned against the wall once more. Meliodas then turned away, a slight grimace setting as he had that awful feeling return to his gut once more. The one that always swam about with dread and suspense, sending a familiar and yet unwanted sensation through his form.
Something was coming. Something sinister and something that he would not like one bit.
The sun was just beginning to rise, a stunning cocktail of reds, oranges and pinks bleeding into the brightening sky. Beautiful white clouds gathered at the centre, surrounding a blazing ball of light as it gradually rose over the broccoli treetops. Birds began to chirp, their wings fluttering as they awakened all the lived in the rolling hills of the surrounding land. Everything within sight was suspended in shimmery light, the golden rays of the sun supplying a powerful and yet guiding touch to the land below as it gradually circled towards its first position in the morning sky.
Beams of light hit the walls of Camelot, the stone walls providing the perfect guard for the kingdom's capital. They towered high and sturdy, the beige bricks and turrets of the structure obscuring the view of the entire network of the buildings behind it. Pointed roofs peeked over the top, some made of slate but a few also being made of stone or with added ornaments. Pointed spires of church buildings or other places of significance grew past the roofs of normal structures.
But the most spectacular sight of the kingdom was the castle that could be seen in the distance. It was built much higher than any other building, magnificent and majestic features making it stand out against the red sea of rooftops. It stood in the centre of the kingdom, pointed cone rooftops guarded by rounded turrets and platforms. Many windows could be seen, the square and sometimes circular structures glinting in the early morning light.
The gates of the kingdom cranked as a carriage rushed on by, the knights on guard watching intently as the horses raced through the maze of cobblestone streets. The royal crest of the Liones kingdom was painted upon the vehicle, showing some sort of hint as to why the carriage may have arrived. However it was a little odd as Camelot had not faced any recent dangers despite the recent demon issue, in fact the King had not spoken of any new visitors.
Regardless of that, the knights had let the carriage go by, catching a glimpse of the two passengers inside. That sight was what convinced them that the carriage was safe, both deciding that they must have came out of pure emergency.
"I'm so glad you two made it here safely!" Arthur rushed up the carriage, his excitement not at all contained as the footmen just about opened the door. His strawberry blonde hair shone in the early morning sun, the boy's amethyst eyes sparkling with mirth. "The demon attacks have become increasingly prevalent around Liones and I was worried sick that..."
The king trailed off as two children hopped out from the carriage, one looking at the towering castle with a pale face while the other seemed to glare at the sudden intrusion of sunlight. Black hair framed the face of the glaring child, while the paled child wore glasses and owned a more auburn shade of hair. Once carried a golden axe that looked to be quite heavy for a child his age, while the other carried a satchel. Both children were kitted out in mini versions of their usual attire, the girl's more notably showing less skin than usual.
"Um...Lady Merlin, when did you get so young?" Arthur raised a brow, his features now bent with concern as he studied the two.
They had to be at least half his height, their usually mature features now softened and chubby with childishness. But not just that was odd about the two normally adult Sins. Arthur also noticed how their voices seemed considerably higher, the small yawns and sighs being given displaying how the Sins had changed drastically over time.
"Now Arthur, it's very rude to ask a lady her age," Merlin admonished, her hazel eyes dancing with a little mischief as she gestured to herself and Escanor. "Sadly we were a victim of my old apprentice's spell. That means our biological clocks have been reversed to when were the most impressionable in our lives."
The king blinked as his master explained the situation, his own brain slowly working away to figure out how such a thing was possible. After all, to reverse one person's age permanently was an extremely tough thing to do. It took immense power as well as energy to even attempt to do it, let alone sustain the spell over time. So to do that for seven people, meant that whoever cast the spell surely meant business.
"So...do you remember anything?" It was the only question Arthur felt was safe to ask, especially when Merlin looked a little worse for wear. He glanced at the pair with furrowed brows, his lips set into a slight grimace as concern and worry began to sink in.
"I remember things further back in the past," Merlin frowned slightly in response, her little cheeks puffing as she tapped her chin. "But more recent events are rather foggy in my mind. What about you Escanor?"
Attention turned to the Lion Sin, his form oddly tense as he gripped his Sacred Treasure. Little hands were white with tension, his jaw tightened as he glanced up at the castle with wary blue eyes. A slight gulp formed as Escanor shook his head slightly, turning to face the waiting pair with what he hoped was a normal look.
"I'd have to say the same," The Lion Sin grimaced a bit, his own features now painted with deep thought. A foggy cloak seemed to hang over his more recent memories, the ones further in the past seeming like they were only a few weeks ago. In fact it seemed like yesterday that he was back in his home kingdom, watching fretfully as people stormed past with pitchforks and lit torches. "My past memories seem a lot closer now than they did a few days ago."
"That's not good at all," Arthur murmured, his hand now cupping his chin. The wind swayed his hair slightly, his eyes narrowed with concentration. "We'll definitely need to dig deeper into this. Perhaps we can even find a cure if we search around - "
"We don't have much time, Arthur," Merlin interjected, a serious look entering her bleary eyes. Her tone was firm and yet guiding, the mage seeming to calculate every word as it slipped past her lips. "In fact we're short of it. As we speak the Ten Commandments are looking for us."
"They are?" The king's eyes widened in surprise as he stumbled backwards. He almost fell to the ground, but caught himself as he raised an arm into the air. "Then we must prepare to defend Camelot!"
Merlin simply shook her head at the sight, knowing that Arthur tended to get a little overheated when it came to his people. She knew that Excalibur was right to have chosen him, he was someone that would do the sword well, but at times his willpower often led to him jumping into to things a little too quickly. Right now was a great example of this, his gaze and face lit with determination as a slight flush broke over his features.
It took Merlin tugging on his arm slightly to break the boy out of his thoughts, Arthur blinking in question as she looked up at him.
"Yes, but before that we must also prepare for if the worst comes to worst," Merlin spoke in a kind and guarded tone, her hazel eyes not showing any intention nor emotion. Instead they were calm and calculated, the mage knowing that she had prepared for this for a couple of days now. "I'm not going to lie to you, things aren't in our favor. Most of the Sins can barely tell their past from present and the Commandments seem to be growing stronger by the day."
"So you're saying to prepare for it you're defeated?" Arthur nearly gaped with disbelief, his jaw feeling slack as he looked at the kidified Merlin.
Out of all the people to tell him to prepare for if they fail, Arthur had not expected Merlin to say such a thing. She was the one who made the impossible possible after all. Merlin always said that impossible things were only that because no-one had found a way to make it possible. That saying was proven true through all the many tasks and deeds the mage had performed throughout the time Arthur had known her for, or even the things she had achieved before that.
Merlin was always pushing to make the side that seemed less probable the most probable outcome. But now she was asking to prepare a fail safe? Very odd for the Merlin Arthur knew so well.
"It's exactly that," The girl grinned slightly, clicking her fingers as she explained her thought process. "I know it's not desirable and extremely peculiar of me to say, but it's best to prepare for that possibility. It's something I can feel that may happen and something else is going on behind the scenes."
"Very well," Arthur nodded, deciding to swipe away his confusion and instead focusing on the threat. "I'll prepare a meeting."
The king then left the area, his mind set on making sure that worst did not come to worst. The peaceful atmosphere of Britannia was now entering a rocky phase, the impending doom of whatever looming threat that was approaching disturbing all within the continent. Even if it seemed unnecessary, Arthur knew that having a fail safe may be actually be what is needed this time round. After all, the people needed all the hope they could get right now.
A/N: Another unexpected mini-chapter. Not even that a whole next-up chapter from the length of it. Geez... This one really sprouted out of nowhere, being the beginning of the next one 'Pros for Peace'. Merlin's introduction really took over a whole section XD.
Broken Belialuin
"Elizabeth!"
I can't help but smile as Merlin bounds up to me, all of her previous tears seeming to have dried up with the arrival of the sun. She wore a wide grin on her now chubby face, a small hand waving in excitement as she scrambled towards me. From the looks of it you'd never guess that she was completely upset not more than a few hours ago, the river of tears she produced seeming to be never-ending as the seconds ticked on by.
You see Merlin was a special child. With her midnight hair and golden eyes you'd almost think that she was perhaps a fairy of the forest, or perhaps a pixie, but really Merlin was from a city of the most gifted of magic users. A civilization built on the advancement of the past. Belialuin it was called; it was the Capital of the Wizards. Not a day would pass where the people there were not the source of something amazing and eye-capturing. Whether it be explosions of light that made a pretty display or fancy little trinkets that did the most amazing of things, the people of Belialiun and their crafts were always a treat. In fact they never did disappoint.
However I say were as Belialuin was destroyed...
All of its people, all of its wonders and magic were gone. Vanished. Poofed with barely any proof of their existence left. All of it, the wonder and amazement, would never been seen by anyone upon this plain again. All because of a silly mistake.
My mother had told me that the city's fate was irrecoverable. In fact she told me to dismiss all hope of changing her mind as the decision for its destruction had been made long ago. Long before the betrayal of their prodigy had even occurred. No amount of meetings, begging or even offering to find a better and less violent way to punish the people there could save them from the wrath of my mother. Her will was like that of an iron gate and so I couldn't even bend it the slightest.
My mother directly expressed that previously she was going to let the city off with little repercussions for plotting against her. They weren't even going to be sanctioned or anything, just warned not to try it again. However the council members had crossed a dire line this time, the usually calm ruler of the Goddess Realm entering a sour mood as she ranted about how they shall all pay for raising someone who would deceive those in power - they would pay for raising someone with no sense of loyalty at all. She even added in that the child would certainly survive, making the fate all the more cruel.
Add in the compliance of the Demon King and everything within my power was suddenly useless. Begging, pleading and even advocating myself to clear up the mess was no longer an option with both powers involved. They only unified for extremely serious occasions after all - that meant this predicament was one of urgency and certainty.
Therefore I could do nothing but watch and pray for those who were caught in the fray, wishing with all my might that maybe, just maybe, someone could survive. That someone would receive news of the terrible storm about to arrive.
So it didn't come as a surprise when I found myself on the outskirts of Belialuin, watching as columns of smoke billowed from jigsawed buildings and uprooted trees.
The destruction of the Belialuin was the first time I'd ever seen such a thing happen. The first time civilians had been killed before my very eyes.
All of the world seemed to crumble in upon itself, a terrible storm of light and darkness mixing into a dreadful hurricane. Lighting arced down from a darkened sky, while poisonous gas filled the smoke and ash speckled air; violet fires seemed to burn with an intensity I'd never seen before, while the usually warm and guiding light of the goddess race was now burning away at anything that touched its path. The sight was both glowing and burning, both the violent flames and shocking lightning of contradicting powers only showing the large-scale damage of the attack.
People were scattered everywhere, some seeking shelter within enchanted buildings, but most catching themselves alight within the cobbled streets. Their horrible screams and cries filled my ears, the distorted screeches of their voices sounding like a terrible siren as they echoed within my head. Even when I tried to drown out the sounds, it all came back as a terrible reverb, the screams of pain and agony only being amplified as my imagination made them all the more deafening and violent.
Swallowing thickly, I remember heading closer to the destruction.
Rubble felt like giant steps beneath my open-toe sandals, the edges of my dress and wings singing slightly from the bright flames that engulfed everything in sight. Occasionally a thick, dark rain would settle, causing me to quickly form a shield out of my light. However the shield didn't help with the scorching air that filled my lungs, my chest seeming to tighten with every breath even when I used my powers to try and sort the issue out. In fact it came back worse when I did that, the constricting of my chest causing me to wheeze slightly before I decided it was best to not venture further.
Even if more people needed help at the city's center...
I found a large piece of debris not too far away, the flat slab most likely being part of a building. Its hue was a sickly ash, the smoke and soot most likely staining its original colour, and the edges were oddly smoothed despite its incomplete nature. Perhaps it was forcefully removed?
My suspicions were confirmed as I pressed a hand to the material, black dust attaching itself to my hand as I perched upon the slab. Instinctively I begin to gnaw away on my lip, tears forming as I try not to focus on the amber skyline of the city. Even if I've done all I could to prevent it, the burning of Belialuin was definitely eating away at my mind, especially when the screams of its people were melding with the roaring of the flames and crackling lightning. I could picture them all suffering, all of those people dying a slow and torturous death even though they'd done nothing to be a part of this. Even though they were just living their lives like you or me...
"Elizabeth? What are you doing here?"
I look up to meet a surprised Meliodas, a child hoisted over his shoulder. As always he looked proud and formidable, the clover gaze I was just getting used to turned into its usual dull obsidian. His trusty sword was strapped to his back, the blade dangerously close to the child that was squirming about in his hold. If I didn't know him so well, I'd think that Meliodas was back to how he was the first time I'd ever met him, but I could catch a sort of softness mixed with his surprise. Even if he tried to hide in behind his impenetrable poker face.
The girl in his hold was almost the exact opposite of Meliodas though. She looked about eight to ten years old, her chubby cheeks puffed with annoyance as she struggled to break free. While Meliodas was calm and stoic, the girl was emotive and explosive, everything from her actions to her appearance only showing how angered she was. She was kicking at the blonde in a furious manner, yelling profanities as the demon all but did anything to stop her. Instead he ignored her protests and simply shifted her away from hitting his face with her foot.
"I just thought I might as well see it one last time..." I breathe as I look back the burning skyline, the warmth of the blaze seeming to reach me even though I was resting at the outskirts. Tears pricked at my eyes, but I furiously palmed them away. I won't cry here. Not here and now.
"At least someone cares about this place," The girl huffed, aiming a punch at the back of Meliodas' head. It failed however as he easily caught her fist, letting it drop after the girl thought he wouldn't let it go. This caused her to scowl slightly, wriggling once more.
"But isn't that your home?" I raise a brow, turning from the blaze and instead focusing on the child.
Now that I was actually thinking about, she seemed a little odd for kid. Raven hair flew up with every movement, her small limbs moving forcefully as she continued to struggle. Hazel eyes were fixed into a furious glare, a light blush scattered on her ash-streaked face. A small cut run across her cheek, dried blood rimming the wound but seeming unimportant as she tried to pry herself from Meliodas' grasp, doing everything but resorting to biting.
But what was really odd about this girl was the mass amount of power I could sense from her. For just a child of around ten, this child seemed to be double that of the average one. I could also sense something similar to my own race's power within her, even though I had never seen this child before. But it wasn't just that, I could also make out an almost sinister aura, much like the one tied to members of the demon race.
Very odd for someone to have both...
"Belialuin was my home," The girl huffed once more, folding her arms over her chest as she ceased her struggling. Clearly she knew that she wasn't getting anywhere anytime soon. "But it never really was what one would call home. I'm sure you'd know all about that."
"Hey, no talking to the goddess," Meliodas snapped slightly, a harsh look being shared with the girl as bumped her slightly. He then glanced at me, nodding towards the now pouting Merlin. "She's the one behind this."
"She is?" My eyes can't help but widen in surprise, everything I'd sensed before seeming to click as I glance the girl. "But isn't she - "
"Just a child?" The girl smirked slightly, a hint of amusement lighting her golden eyes. The smirk then widened, an almost cat-like expression spreading over her now playful features. "Well this child managed to trick both your high and mighty ruler, the Supreme Deity, and General Meliodas' daddy dearest, the Demon King. Isn't that right, General Mel?"
"Merlin..." It was a warning. Firm. But for some reason it was slightly different from the previous warnings I'd seen Meliodas give. This one was more like a guardian warning a child, or perhaps even a babysitter, than a ruthless killer about to tell someone they crossed a very thin line, and it showed from Merlin's wide grin.
Playful hazel met strained onyx, one wearing a smirk while the other was simply waiting for the child to grow tired of her antics. This had proven to be a very short time as Merlin let out a sigh, rolling her eyes as she turned away from the demon.
"What? I'm just being honest," Merlin, only grinned all the more as she met my gaze. She even pat Meliodas' head, winking as she shrugged. "Might as well start somewhere."
I try to withhold my laughter as Meliodas simply grumbles at her antics, the duo reminding me of an older sibling forced to drag their younger out with them. In fact I could see that being a thing, Merlin seeming to know just how to press Meliodas' buttons to annoy him but not anger him completely; Meliodas on the other had knew how to reign this mysterious child in, her escapades never going too far within his presence.
But it even so it was a pretty amusing sight, a smile sneaking its way onto my face as Merlin blows a raspberry at the demon.
"So what's gonna happen to her?" I attempt to change the subject, instead trying to focus on the task at hand. Merlin was an escapee of Belialuin after all. She wasn't just any escapee either, she was the one who had more or less caused the order for it to fall. As a result she had to be important, perhaps even invaluable, and that meant my mother and maybe even the Demon King will want to have her on their side or dead.
"What happens to all traitors," Meliodas answers simply, raising a brow as if it were obvious. "But maybe a bit worse."
"We can't let that happen!"
I butt in before anything else could be said, already pushing off from the slab to snatch the child away. There's no way I'd let Merlin become yet another victim of this war. She's already lost everything she could hold of value within her heart, her home, city and family all most likely perished and gone. Even if she was someone who was arguably deserving of this, having done something very wrong, I don't think it's right.
I don't think a child should be led to their death.
"Elizabeth, she's an enemy of both our races," Meliodas dodged out of my path, easily stepping to the side and I teetered slightly off path. He now wore a slight from, his brows pinched as I nearly fall face-first into the scorched earth. Luckily I caught myself, years of practice somehow coming into play as I swiftly moved to try and remove Merlin from his grasp.
"We can't let her be killed, Meliodas!" It was almost like some kind of intricate dance, my body somehow moving with a fluidity I lacked on most days. "Merlin's just a child!"
Arms and legs crossed in ways that would often make me fall, my wings somehow not being caught in the crazy fray whilst Meliodas moved just as quickly to keep Merlin out of reach. When I dove towards the left, he'd always duck to the right or keep Merlin just out of my grasp, only allowing me to faintly grasp at her form. As a result frustration began to bloom as I knew getting Merlin from Meliodas would not be easy at all. In fact it was near impossible.
"Why can't we let her go?" I almost plead as I try once more to steal the child away, this time settling for not even reaching out properly. Instead my arm falls to my side, the other resting over my heart.
Watery blue eyes meet softened black with a touch of green, a curious Merlin watching as Meliodas paused slightly before supplying an answer, "She's someone who's tricked both the Supreme Deity and Demon King."
"That's exactly why we can't let her be captured," I interject, not evening giving him the time to think. Instead I continue to play the sympathy card, deciding that I might as well if I wanted to get somewhere. If I couldn't win by force, then I would win through will. It's the way I've mostly won my battles ever since a young age, my power getting me places but never as far as sympathy. "Please Meliodas. Just this once. I won't ever ask for you to do it again. Ever."
Merlin and I watch as he tenses slightly, a silence filling the air as Meliodas squares his jaw. Time, space and even the distant screams from the city were now reduced to nothing, all attention fixed to the definitive answer that would decide Merlin's fate. Well Merlin's fate for the next few days, but even so a victory is a victory. Even if it is a small victory. Plus I'm sure I'd gotten through to something, a million thoughts seeming to pass over the silent demon.
"You're aware that doing this is treason, right?" Meliodas raises a brow, his gaze firm and serious as it connects with mine.
"Absolutely," I nod, a small smile sitting on my lips.
It was then I'd knew I'd won, something seeming to have definitely gotten through as Meliodas huffed slightly.
"The things I do for you..." The demon shook his head, setting Merlin down on her feet.
The child then scampered off, sending me and wave and then winking at us both. Within seconds she was gone and all that was left was the burning city and Meliodas.
...
After that Merlin had been found within the Fairy King's forest, the girl seeking asylum there as she knew the fairies were still neutral in the war. When I had first bumped into her, Merlin had followed me about to play all sorts of little tricks. A fake bug in my food, putting flowers in my hair while I slept and even dumping water onto me were top contenders on the agenda. From those small things alone, I had learned to watch out for Merlin's more mischievous tendencies.
But even so, the girl began to open up to me after a while. She begun to talk to me about things and recall memories of her life within Belialuin. She told me of all the fantastic shows and the unique products they had for their people. She told me of special polish used to decorate nails that changed colour at certain temperatures and about how the region was specially gifted with a knowledge and knack for spell casting. Merlin told me all there was to know about Belialuin, about it's pretty side, and pretty soon I had a picture of what it was like.
But then one day she told me about the darker hues of her life. Merlin told me of how she often studied for long periods at a time, at first resenting the hours, but soon growing to tolerate them. Sometimes some children would be kept behind if they lacked the main knowledge of the day's teaching, most of them going on well into the night. But even so the worst part of Merlin's story was the fact that her father, her own father, had died before her very eyes.
That was what Merlin was crying about last night.
Her father.
"You seem better today," I give a small smile as I gather the girl into a hug, resting a gentle hand on her head. I felt her own head resting on my shoulder, a soft exhale sounding as she held me close. "Do you feel any better?"
"A lot," Merlin nodded, her tone cheery as she lacked the sniff that was present before. "Thank you for staying, Big sis-sis."
"I bless thee, Merlin."
A gentle kiss was placed to her forehead, some of my healing powers spreading with it. I heard a small hum come from the girl, a little smile upon her features as we separated from the hug. We then sit side by side in our own little bubble, watching as the river carries small flowers, rocks and leaves away with its powerful current. Little droplets splash up onto the bank, wetting the earth and creating a muddy line.
Then just as quickly as we slipped into calm, Merlin jumps up and races to climb a tree, chattering about something she'd been dying to try out for a while now. It causes me to laugh slightly as I watch her jump about the leaves, a small smile settling as my laughter dies.
Merlin truly was extraordinary. She was something else indeed. That's exactly why she must be kept safe.
No matter what is bound to happen.