A/N: Alright so this time the mini-chapter didn't get too carried away! That means there's a load of the Sins and Merlin's little side plot and stuff. This chapter also ends on a very tense note with the arrival of a very interesting plot changer.
I do feel bad though cause last chapter was literally Ban's bedtime story and the mini-chapter with barely any of the plot moving along (they gained a life of their own) AND I updated a later than usual. Heh, sorry about that. I really don't know what happened, but I had tons of stuff to do as usual. Plus this summer heatwave is something unnatural.
Anyway any suggestions for plots and ideas are welcome! Just pop em in a review or two and I'll make sure to add them to the list! Don't be shy, any idea can be a really great and brilliant one!
Now I'm gonna stop blathering on about useless stuff and just get on with the chapter. Make sure to stay safe and well Xd
CarBarrier - Thanks :)
Silver - It's nice hearing from you again! :) Thanks for reviewing and I'm glad you're enjoying what's going on. Also yes Arthur has appeared and his role is definitely gonna be interesting.
Till next time,
D.L.D
"Zeal, Gowther and I are heading out for supplies!"
Guila called out as she held both children's hands, a basket looped under the crook of her arm. She stood in the doorway of the Boar Hat, dressed in her tavern uniform and looking ever so much like the doting woman she was. Gowther was stood to her right, his eyes filled with curiosity as he poked Zeal in the face, Zeal was on the knight's left and frowned slightly at Gowther's poking, the look in the doll's eyes unnerving him.
"Alright just be careful!"
Jericho was the only one to hear Guila's call, the rest of the adults and children occupied with the upkeep of the bar. Since the first stop of their journey was this place, all persons who were part of this crusade were awaiting something to happen. As a result the kids were all split up to follow an adult about, the mini adults each under the charge of a responsible and hardworking senior. That way not too much could go wayward.
As always, Jericho was in charge of Ban, which meant she still had her hands pretty full. Between clearing up after the kids, looking after the little wisecrack known as the Fox Sin and checking supplies and performing other little tasks, the knight found that perhaps refusing this particular mission would've actually been better than accepting it. Jericho especially felt as much when Ban went out of his way to bother her, the boy always throwing things at her or choosing when he heard her or not.
Damn that selective hearing. It was getting to the point where Jericho was considering a kid swap, the knight especially keen on having one of the more behaved kids under her charge. A kid like Elizabeth or even King, though he was a pretty sour and mopey child. At least if she had to be in charge of one of those children Jericho would know they'd keep themselves out of trouble.
However trading kids would mean breaking her promise to Elaine, well sort of promise, to make sure that doing things this way would be better than whatever way Elaine found.
So that left Jericho stuck with Ban.
"Bye!"
A chorus of goodbyes rang about the tavern, each of the children suddenly appearing behind Jericho. Tiny feet raced down the stairs, a sea of children seeming to materialize from nothing but thin air. A group of tiny faces popped out from the empty space: blonde, silver, brown, blue and auburn hair creating their own little rainbow as they waved towards the lucky kids who got to go outside. Hawk even came to say his own little departure quote, the pig snorting out that they'd better pick up something that made decent scraps as he was tired of eating leftover cookies.
As a result Guila was glad to leave the bustling atmosphere of the Boar Hat, a small sigh escaping as she stepped out into the cool, open air of the outside world.
It was now around midday, the sun shining its brilliant hues down on the pleasant hills of the nearby village. People were out on the fields, working away at perfecting their crop for the late summer to autumn harvest, while many villagers were simply strolling along the ambient lanes made out of the dirt and rolling terrain of the land. The sky was a perfect baby blue, fluffy white clouds that looked like goddess wings gently floating among the space.
Emerald trees rustled slightly in the light breeze, their dark trunks melding into a wooden wall as they ran across the natural paths in regular intervals. Golden strands of climbing grass stretched towards the trees, while other plants bloomed sweet smelling flowers that had long formed into fruit. Some of these fruits had already ripened in the summer sun, their once green appearances turning into a succulent red or blushing pink.
"It smells like nature here," Zeal commented as he looked around, his eyes taking in the ambient nature of this area.
It seemed untouched by the demon race, the people and the nature around seeming to flourish while parts of Britannia seemed to be in a perpetual state of defense and attack. Unlike in the capital, people here walked about with not a care in the world, many of them talking amiably or simply on their way to a certain location. They all seemed to be at ease, a few greetings sent in the way of the trio as they followed the meandering path towards the village.
"Summer is an especially beautiful season," Gowther remarked as he looked about, his eyes flickering with hidden emotion as he took in the scenery. Much of it reminded him of that horse ride he had taken so many years ago, the feel of the princess' arms wrapped around his frame seeming much warm than ghostly. "It's when all comes to active life, while spring is more sleepy."
The doll's observations seemed to be confirmed as the trio entered the village, the settlement greeting them with colourful decorations and stalls set up to celebrate some sort of festival. A rainbow of flags were hung from high above, the vibrant shades melding with the baby blue sky of the day; petals and something that was akin to confetti was spilled along the paved and wider streets, many of the villagers carrying baskets to scatter more of the bright decoration.
People wore smiles as they headed about the bustling circuit of streets, all of them rushing about towards the village's centre. The people were all dressed in their finest garb, many of them enjoying the sweet-smelling treats that could be bought from the stalls that lined the building fronts and empty gaps of the paths. The sharp yet enticing scent of all sorts of alcohol could be caught in the faint breeze, the apple spiked scent of a certain brew of cider being the most potent.
"It seems a festival is occurring," Gowther broke the silence between the group, his little voice easily being drowned out by the bustle of the village.
"Yes, a very big one," Guila nodded, her attention fixed to the few stores that seemed to be open despite the festivities. They needed to get the supplies fast and then they could focus on the festival going on. The tavern was running low on a few things after all, the few days on the road draining their supplies a bit quicker than any of them had anticipated. "Perhaps we can come here later. I'm sure most of the group will like the idea."
"Yes, that would be amazing!" Zeal cheered with delight, Gowther also offering a happy smile in response to Guila's words. "It's been really boring recently."
"I'll bring it up with the others then," The knight only chuckled at the children's enthusiasm, gently tugging them towards the closest shop.
A festival didn't seem like too bad of a way to have fun, it was the perfect guise to collect information as well occupy the children. The only problem was convincing the other adults that such an idea was splendid: time was of the essence for the group.
However even so, Guila couldn't help but smile as Gowther and Zeal began to talk about festivals and how much fun they could, her soft spot for the innocence of childhood only making the idea seem all the more enticing. There was no harm in a little bit of fun after all. What could really go wrong?
Arthur couldn't help but run a hand through his strawberry blonde hair, a jittery feeling filling his senses as he sat alone within the conference room. Just moments ago it was filled with all of the generals and combat officials of Camelot, the young king faced with having to make up two war plans for the impending attack that was coming their way. Talks of evacuations, battle plans and tactics, and even the possibility of it the two present Sins did fail to defend Camelot had been shared, all of them painted with a grim and hopeless despair as time ticked on by.
Purple eyes glanced about as Arthur tried to settle the jumpy feeling in his stomach, his brain calling for him to just calm down and take a deep breath. Calming down often helped to clarify a situation, it helped to make all slow down and provide a solution that you couldn't find if you always ran about at a million miles per hour. Calming down was something Merlin had taught him to do when he was younger, the mage stressing that although it may seem trivial and obvious to do in tense situations, calming down is something most people forget to do.
But Arthur never really forgot to do that these days. Not after becoming the king of Camelot. He knew that he had to have a level head to be the best ruler he could possibly be, emotions and matters of the heart being something that came after the well being of his people; that included right now.
"Truth will soon be upon us..." The boy murmured the words, pushing away from the heavy table he was sat at.
Not once during the meeting had he spoken of how Truth was coming to Camelot. It was always one of the generals or officials who spoke of the impending threat, never Arthur himself who admitted that even Camelot was not safe from the demon race. But now, sitting alone in the vast and empty room, the king couldn't help but let the words slip past his lips in a quiet statement - a quiet admission. It was just beginning to sink in. It was beginning to take form. Arthur couldn't help but know that the turning point of everything was now racing towards them.
Time was swiftly running out.
"Arthur," Merlin pushed open the door, her little face along with Escanor's peeping through the slight crack. Her hazel eyes were softened with concern, her thin and shaped brows bunched into a frown. "Is everything alright?"
The king glanced towards the two children, a small smile stretching at the sight of the two Sins. They both seemed to wear concern on their expressions, both mini adults owning an empathetic air that could only be associated with understanding and the want to comfort someone. That sight was enough to make Arthur feel slightly better, the resolve and love of his people and those he held close to him always making the most dire of situations a little more bearable.
Things are better when not alone after all.
"I'm afraid not..." A gentle sigh left the king as he shook his head. A hand reached up to rest his forehead as he leaned against the table, purple eyes glancing at the smooth and solid surface. "It seems that even Camelot cannot escape the demon race."
The two children slipped into seats close to Arthur's, one of them holding a solemn silence while the other's brows only creased further in concern. It was Merlin who held concern, her usually empty heart holding a special place for her pupil. He was like family to the Boar Sin, much like Elizabeth and Meliodas (and even the other Sins to an extent), and she hated to see those she cared so deeply for in such a wretched and depressed state.
"I did tell you that things are more complicated than they seem," A small hand rested on Arthur's shoulder, snapping him out of stupor as he met Merlin's gentle smile. Her golden eyes simmered slightly, pointed lashes seeming limp. "There's a reason for all of this, Arthur. There's a reason why I am now a child, there's a reason why a Commandment is most likely heading to Camelot, and there is a reason why you were chosen to be Camelot's leader. The world and its gods do not do things by mistake or accident: they choose to let things happen the way they do. Do not lose faith in yourself or your people, especially now."
"I - " Arthur's eyes widened slightly, taken aback by the sudden truthfulness and thoroughness of his mentor's words. Paired with the serious and yet guiding look on her rounded face and the boy knew she was not joking, Merlin holding an air that she usually lacked in her adult form. "W-what if the gods are wrong? I barely know what I'm doing now with your guidance, if- if you lose or die then how can I know what to possibly do all alone Merlin?"
"No-one truly knows what they are doing," Escanor chipped in, his blue eyes lidded as he clutched a golden axe within his hold. He gaze remained fixed on the balcony nearby, the boy's brows furrowed. "Even the greatest of heroes, excluding myself of course, have no true idea of what they are doing. All they can do is trust within themselves, their people and their beliefs."
"Escanor's right," Merlin nodded, sending a grateful smile towards her companion. "Even if he's still a little prideful with the sun being up. No-one truly knows what they are doing, they can only trust in what they know; and I trust you will do well Arthur, you tend to underestimate your ability."
It was then in that moment, that Arthur truly understood what Merlin meant. He knew what she was trying to convey in telling him to have everything prepared for if she shall fail in defending Camelot or reversing the spell that had been cast on her. He knew that she was truly preparing him for the day that she may not be able to be by his side and guide him, her time having stopped for herself but the mage not being entirely immortal.
Merlin was doing this because she was uncertain of everything herself. Just like how Arthur and everyone else was.
No-one could truly know everything.
"I'll try my best!" The king gave a wide grin, his once damp mood now lightened significantly from the pep talk. He beamed brightly, pushing away from the table completely and ready to do his best in order to protect Camelot.
"That's the Arthur I know," Merlin gave a slight smirk, her golden eyes meeting the king's and then Escanor's. A small nod was passed between the trio, a positive silence settling between them all.
They'll find a way to defend Camelot; they'll try their best to preserve all they care for; they'll do everything they can to make sure peace returns. They'll do what every man, woman and child have done since the beginning of time.
But little did they know that this was only the beginning. The beginnings of a battle that bring up the long forgotten past.
"Now we should be able to do something productive."
Veronica smirked as she confidently strode forwards, her chocolate eyes glancing towards the three other forms that followed her path. A hefty blade was in her hold, the unconventional princess owning an excited gleam in her cinnamon irises as they approached the spot they'd worked meticulously to mark out.
With the absence of Guila and the anticipation of something game-changing happening, everyone and everything was abuzz within the Boar Hat. The kids, Hawk, even the adults were a little more jittery and jumpy since arriving at this first marker on the map. Merlin had never really given information on the areas after all, the mage simply stating that they should visit each location and expect to do something.
As a result, the children were a little harder to set on task than usual, their energy levels seeming to have a spike with the newfound sense of freedom and duty the first stop gave them. They often grew distracted, made little games out of their tasks, or decided to cause a little mischief to cure the boredom that filled their beings. None of them were really calm and mature, a lot of their usual tendencies seeming to be replaced with more youth-like ones. It was like they were getting younger.
Add in the fact that most of the adults were feeling quite apprehensive towards might happen, and you could see why Veronica had decided she needed a breather. A quick break and release of catharsis. Margaret was worrying excessively and fretting over the tiniest of things; Jericho was exclaiming that she can't stand another moment of Ban, but also saying how she can't dump him as she'd promised Elaine that this way was the right way to fix the Sins. Elaine herself was bed bound for the moment, the fairy being extremely frail; then Howzer was being the usual slob he was, showing most of the kids how to use spitballs.
Damn idiot.
That only left Veronica with Griamore as tolerable company, the princess proclaiming that she was going hunting since she had a niggling feeling that Guila would perhaps be held up in her quest to find supplies.
That's how she ended up on babysitting watch with two hyperactive children.
"Yes, especially with this two tagging along," Griamore nodded, a large but gentle hand pushing forwards the tiny Captain that had stopped in his tracks. He seemed to look out to the woods, his tiny blonde head fixed on the secluded area. "Margaret was wise to send them with us."
Veronica felt like she should protest this, that she should point out that Meliodas and Ban were the most boisterous and energetic of the group, but instead she decided to swallow down her words and enter an internal monologue about how it was only by sheer bad luck that this happened. It was simply bad karma or something, fate seeming to make her of all people have to deal with the troublemakers. Or fate didn't want her to take a break...
However Veronica knew that complaining about the situation wouldn't help at all: all it would do is create a tense and negative atmosphere between the group that was honestly not needed. So instead she'd bear this with a smile, hoping and praying that the two boys actually behave for once.
'It can't be that bad,' Veronica mused, smiling slightly to herself. 'They are just adults in kid form. I'm sure they can behave.'
"You only have us because no-one else can look after us," Ban responded as if on cue, laughing slightly as he thought about how pissed Jericho was when she'd found out what he did this morning. It involved mud and messing up a certain person's clothes and hair. It went everywhere and the Fox Sin had never laughed so much in his life. "We're too 'chaotic' to be the ideal kids."
"Speak for yourself Ban," Meliodas spoke in a simple tone, his arms resting behind his head. It appeared nonchalant, but oddly he seemed a little disconnected. "My only crime is that fake spider trick."
The Fox Sin cackled at that, shaking his head as he knew that Meliodas had done his fair share of rocking the boat. Like him, the Dragon Sin had to have a little mischief going on - especially in these stupid kid forms. It was the only source of entertainment for miles around. The difference between the two Sins, though, was that Ban was more loud and open with his little schemes, Meliodas revealing what he'd done but also having a more sneaky manner towards what he did.
Ironic since Ban was the Fox Sin.
Plus Ban tended to be a little more destructive than Meliodas, his messy past often needing to be expressed through his reckless and stupid behaviour. But even so that didn't mean the mini captain didn't have his own moments, the signs of some serious childhood trauma shit seeming to unearth itself more and more as the days passed on by.
"Yeah, yeah," Ban snorted, rolling his eyes as he roughly kicked up the dirt. It rose in little puffs, curling in the sun's heat. "You just don't get caught, Cap."
"They say children are filled with surprises," Griamore changes the subject, wanting to make sure there were no little tiffs during their outing. His words leave in a chuckle, his eyes wary as he watches the two boys. "And knowing you Sins surprises are bound to happen."
"Couldn't have put it better myself!" Ban sniffed, throwing an arm over the smaller boy's shoulder. He even goes to ruffle his wild blonde hair, a impish grin on his lips. "But I'm not sure bout ol' Cap here. He seems to be a little rusty or perhaps even moody with the age change. I bet he can't even hunt as well as he used to."
"Wanna test that?"
Veronica suddenly tensed at the edge to the teasing comment, her lips pressing into a thin line as she see the disaster waiting to happen with these two being so damn excitable and competitive. It was like a curling fog with them both, an ominous cloud, dark and swirling as it began to spill out like wispy fog. It was still light at this stage, like a mere spark of flame in the howling winds, but even so Veronica was aware and cautious towards it.
"I don't think - "
Before anymore could be said the two boys had dashed off, their tiny forms knocking into each other as they frantically moved to proved that they were right. It was then the fog trailed behind, its darkened swirls staining into the princess' mind as she barked a few indecent comments while chasing after them.
"I guess that's one point for the kids..." Griamore sighed, marking off the tally before tailing behind.
Kids: 15
Adults: 5
"We have a breach at the south of the kingdom!"
The words were barely spoken as a shower of debris rained down on the gathered troops, bricks, tiles and all sorts of building materials scattering in a sudden and powerful surge. Large pieces fell further ahead, damaging properties and flattening the once jigsaw-like rooftops of Camelot. The ground itself seemed to quake from the impact, large clumps of earth and rock rising like waves as the knights all struggled to maintain their footing or calm their horses that entered a state of wild frenzy.
In the middle of the fray stood a single girl, her raven hair wild as it spilled over her face and neck. She wore a simple dress, her chubby cheeks puffed into a determined frown as her hazel eyes squinted towards the dusty sky. Beside her stood a boy who was similar in age, his russet hair contrasting with his pure blue eyes. He was also dressed simply, a single golden axe in his hold as he also looked up into the sky.
It came whistling like a missile, the figure landing into a cluster of buildings with a deafening thud. Shock waves rolled across the earth, sending a forceful gush of air to brush past the knights and children. More destruction was sent into the air, a perfect cube quickly forming to protect the group from the debris that flew in every possible direction. Many of them landed in a violent crash, flattening other buildings or even killing anyone who had not left in the evacuations.
However the force of the debris wasn't what struck fear into the hearts of the intrepid troops, what did was the towering figure that began to rise from the ash-like clouds of debris that drifted into the air like a filthy fog.
An armored creature rose to a slumped form, the sharp horns of its helmet looking hellish from the shadows cast by the rising dust. Their kneepads were marked with the depiction of stony faces, their sharp noses and rigid brows fixed into a permanent open jaw look. Deep red, like the thickest of bloods, was the colour of the armor, a dull purple gem sitting in the centre of the chest plate. A demonic smile could be spotted from the clearing dust, its curled and jagged form only amplifying the horrifying effect of the glowing green eyes that looked like slits in the murky mist.
"My, my look how much you've grown," A hollow and jeering voice echoed around the flattened city, the narrow eyes of the figure fixed on the girl. "Daughter of Belialuin."
A/N: This was written after the original chapter, that doesn't usually happen... Anywho we're nearing the climax of these mini-chapters! There's two more to go! Gloxinia and Drole also make an appearance in this one. Woohoo you go kings~ :P
Pros for Peace
Bad news is simply inevitable in life: it always creeps up on you at the worst of times. Bad news is something I've learned to accept, even if I dislike it and how it brings a cloud of dimness over everyone. Bad news is just bad news and so when I heard it, I often took it and accepted it, weeping for what was lost but also knowing that bad things happen and there isn't much you can do about it sometimes. Instead I should try to focus on the positive, all gloomy clouds having their own silver linings.
However the bad news of Mael was something that I couldn't just get over so easily.
It had to have come on a rather pleasant day, the sun and everything else seeming to shine more brightly than usual. The clouds had cleared to open up the crystal sky, the only shade for miles around being the sanctuary of the Fairy King's Forest. It grew thick and luscious enough to block out the all-consuming glint of the sun, the looming trees that grew there in mass amount being the perfect defense against the warm weather. However despite its engulfing nature, the sun was pretty gentle, its golden rays lacking the usual powerful touch they held. They were more enveloping and calm than cruel and burning.
As a result I had to have thought that perhaps Merlin would like it if we spent a day by the crystalline waters of one of the many springs, brooks and rivers that gathered and ran through the forest. They were scattered all over and did look quite cool and refreshing. Plus things had been a little tense as of late, the matters of impending war and such things beginning to seep into the calm atmosphere of the Forest. King Gloxinia did say that we were free to explore the place as long as we respected the grounds. It was also an effective way to avoid heatstroke and to cool down if the temperature soared any higher.
So Merlin and I decided we'd do that for the day. We were really just relaxing, the crafty child managing to get me soaked but I didn't really mind. It was just a bit of water. However I think that's when I took a break, deciding to dry off my wings and hair as they were a nightmare to fix after getting even the tiniest bit wet.
I remember that I'd sat myself down on a bank that overlooked the waters, smiling as Merlin began to manipulate the water a little to form all sorts of shapes and words that sparkled in the sunlight. They were flowing and fluid, looping like oozy mud when you let it run between your fingers, and some of the words she crafted such as 'prepossessing' made me marvel at her intelligence. She truly owned a intellect of her own caliber.
"Now I'm going to make the most complicated word I know," Merlin puffed out her chest, her eyes narrowed with concentration. "It was..."
She trails off, her tiny form stiffening as her golden eyes fix into a sudden glare. It was from Merlin's stiffened look that I noticed the goddess approaching us, their snowy wings a familiar but also foreboding sight. Plated armour hid her form, the silver catching the slithers of light that flooded through the canopy. A grim expression was worn, her mouth pulled into a solid line while her thin brows were pinched. Light hair was cropped short, a diamond choker lining her bare neck and matching the extravagance of the coloured lipstick that painted her lips. Two fists lay balled at her side, a dangerous look glinting in the once full depths.
"Jelamet - "
"He's dead! Lord Mael is dead!" A punch was then landed to my face, the goddess sniffing as I toppled into the water. Great tears fell from her eyes to the waters below, her gaze still set on me in a deathly glare that was as sharp and keen as a heated blade. Her voice rang out like a siren as she watched my blood cloud the water red. "It's all because of that demon of yours! That damned demon!"
That demon of yours...
That damned demon...
Those words rang through my head as I climbed out of the water, confused and dazed from the sudden blow; they rang through my head as I calmed Jelamet down and tried to clarify the situation despite the slight throbbing of my jaw; and they still ring through my head now as I look Meliodas right in the eye, an equal semblance of grief and rage twisting their way into my mind and features. I hold his hands in mine, partially savoring the feel of their weight and coarse sensation, but also feeling sick to think that those hands may have killed Mael - no that they may have killed someone I considered so much like my brother.
"Did you kill him?"
The words leave in a gentle whisper, tears already stinging at my eyes even though I vowed not to cry over something like this. Crying was a sign of weakness and right now I had to appear strong. I had to appear like someone who was searching for answers, not a grieving friend who was desperately trying to believe that the person she loved had not killed one of her closest friends.
"What?" Meliodas raised a brow, the confusion evident as he just about caught what I'd uttered. I'm certain he had to as the look that quickly passed over him was too taken aback and concerned to have not heard it.
"Did you kill him, Meliodas?" I say it louder now, ignoring the burning tears that slip from my eyes. I subconsciously hold his hand tighter, not daring to break the eye contact as I search for an answer. Plead for one. "I have to know...D-did you kill Mael?"
His expression softens, a thumb swiping away the stray tears. Even though there is some confusion left, concern seems to shove that aside, Meliodas' attention fixed on getting to the bottom of what was upsetting me so much - or rather what was cause of making me think he killed Mael.
"Why would I do that?"
His voice leaves in a gentle tone, something that rarely happened.
"B-because he saw something," I bite into my lower lip, remembering the time Mael had stopped me in the hall. He had seemed so concerned, so worried about me and what I was doing. Those few cryptic words that he had uttered were one of the last he'd ever told me. One of my last memories would be of lying to him, the bubbling guilt building up in me being something I can never release. I can never thank him for looking out for me, for being one of my few true friends and for being that brother figure I never had.
"Jelamet said he did and he tried to warn me about something and - " I shake my head, trying to get rid of the darkened thoughts beginning to fill my mind. "Just tell me you didn't do it!"
"I didn't, Elizabeth," Meliodas pulls me close, his velvety voice sending a soothing chill through me. Just the sound of it soothes something inside of me, the spiraling thoughts beginning to slow as his hand rubs my back. "I promise I didn't do it. I'd never do anything like that if it would hurt you like this."
Everything was then clarified, the confusion dissipating into nothing when we both revealed all we knew on the situation. Meliodas had been under punishment from his father for the past while, the Demon King more or less livid that he'd let Merlin slip from his grasp. That meant after the initial punishment, Meliodas had been swamped with the mundane task of paperwork. For hours on end, he'd been going through all sorts of documents he had to read, sign or respond to, the whole thing more or less lasting for around a month. He hadn't really been able to go anywhere, his brothers instead being in charge and giving him updates on the war situation.
That meant Jelamet's analysis had to be wrong, her grief making her blind and ignorant. But then again Jelamet couldn't have said Meliodas' name for no reason. Jelamet was many things, but she rarely got things wrong and when she did she accepted it. However she was adamant that Meliodas had killed Mael, saying that many of the goddesses had seen it with their own eyes. There was no excuse for that - none at all. But I know Meliodas wouldn't lie about this either...
"But if it wasn't you..." I sink into thought once more, my teeth instinctively gnawing on my lip. "Who did it?"
A solemn look then passes Meliodas' face, something akin to realisation and carefully cloaked rage. I don't need to glance at him to know that he's ticked off: I can just feel the gradual shift. There's always some sort of shift, like a warm day turning into a more clouded and shady one. When there was something wrong, or when Meliodas was enraged, I could just know without him saying so. I could sense it as well as my own anger.
"I think I know who it was," Meliodas' voice sounds normal, nonchalant, but I can't brush aside the shift. I just can't. There's a dangerous look swimming in his eyes. "Don't worry about it, Elizabeth. I'll sort it out."
But that was exactly what I was afraid of. Meliodas finding whoever did this, especially when it's upset me like this. The culprit would probably not have a great chance of making it out unscathed, the slowly gathering wrath within Meliodas being something that was a dangerous tool. Not to mention how my mother and the whole of the goddess clan may even get involved as well, everyone being affected by the death of Mael.
And while that happens, I'm expected to sit by and pretend it's not happening. Just like everything else in my life. The war, my mother's odd behaviour, the strange circumstances of the relationship between the demon and goddess races: all of it was just things I had to accept and not dwell upon. I couldn't get involved.
But I can't do it anymore.
I can't.
"I can't do this anymore," I shake my head, releasing a sigh as I know what I have to do. I have to do it now before the state of things got even worse. "I can't just sit by and let everyone I care about die in a pointless war. I have to do something! Use my power or authority or just - anything! I'm tired of causing or just watching death and sacrifice happen."
"Don't blame yourself for someone else's mess," Meliodas frowned slightly, the broiling anger inside him seeming to be displaced for a while. "None of this is your fault as much as none of it is anyone else's."
"But that's the point!" I can feel myself growing frustrated, hot tears pressing themselves to my cheek as they fall. My face feels warm and heated, my mind fuzzy with the pent up anger and annoyance that has formed over the many years and months. "Why am I protected when others are out there risking their lives? Why am I so special that I'm shielded from it all? It should be fair and so I'm doing something about it."
It's silence that meets me, Meliodas huffing as he ran a hand through his wild blonde hair. He wouldn't say it out loud, but I knew he was worried about me. He didn't like when I ran headfirst into danger, not thinking of the consequences at all and instead thinking of other people who may be in more danger than myself. It was no secret that Meliodas preferred when I stayed out of trouble's way, his constant surprise and disappointment when spotting me at dangerous locations always reminding me that he didn't like when I did reckless things. I'm pretty sure I've given him a heart attack a couple of times...
But even if Meliodas was worried about, which I find rather endearing, I'm not going to sit by anymore. Yet that doesn't mean I'd scare him to death by going into battle like some sort of warrior princess, I was only going to do some diplomatic meddling. The 'more ladylike' meddling as my mother called it.
"I promise I won't do anything drastic," I smile slightly, palming away the tears that still dribbled down my cheek. My blue eyes connect with his, calming the sudden outburst I'd had and sealing a wordless promise. "I just - I have to try something, Meliodas. I can't sit by anymore. I just can't."
And it was the truth.
I couldn't sit by and let things happen. I had to get involved and do what I could to help everyone else. I had to use what I was good at to try and prevent a wide-scale conflict between all of the people of Britannia.
So I called a meeting with their leaders.
"An alliance?"
The Fairy King raised a brow, a thoughtful look playing on his youthful features as he contemplated my proposal. A finger tapped at his full cheek, his mouth set into a grimace as he leaned on his elbow at the table.
This meeting only consisted of the fairy and giant clan leaders, my role being that of the goddess clan's representative. Gloxinia and Drole, the two leaders that were present, were quite invested in the idea of an alliance. Both of them told me that titles were not needed between us, both stating that we should be on a friendly yet professional term is we wanted to make the alliance work. That meant we didn't have to boast about our clans or place other clans beneath us.
The rest of the leaders, the human leaders mainly, had agreed and we had a separate meeting set up to discuss with them before doing a final meeting to make the alliance official. It was only the demon race that hadn't agreed to the alliance yet, my letter to them not having a reply or anything else. It was just sent and never responded to or returned, showing the demon race was either uninterested in the idea or hadn't received the letter yet.
"Yes, right now it's between the four races," I nod confidently answering the question with sure ease. "But if we can gather enough forces against the demons then perhaps they'll agree to be a part of Stigma."
Both kings shared a skeptical look at that, the two looking like a very odd but matching pair was they did so. Gloxinia raised a red brow, his youthful face fixed into a skeptical look that contrasted with his appearance. Drole looked more concerned as if he were listening to a young child talk about the impossible. He had a thick hand covering his eyes, a large sigh passing before he looked to Gloxinia. The fairy gave a simple nod in response.
"That's hopeful thinking, Elizabeth," Drole shook his head, his voice sending slight tremors through the ground. But even though he shook his head, a ghost of a smile sat on his lips, along with a glimmer to his amethyst eyes. "However I see no reason why this should not be possible."
"Neither do I," Gloxinia hummed a little, his amber eyes lidded as he waved a hand dismissively. "As long as we all agree to not side with the demons behind anyone's backs everything should be fine."
The words leave nonchalant, but I can tell that the fairy was serious. He knew that for all of us to have a healthy alliance, none of the races could side with the demons. If they did then everything would fall apart, the trust that built this alliance evaporated because of a single betrayal.
"Of course," I blink, stunned that they would ever suspect that. But then I remember that sometimes the goddesses do go back on their word, the ghost of the smoke of Belialuin curling into my vision. "There won't be a repeat of Belialuin."
Agreement was uttered about the room, both kings nodding as the event of Belialuin was something that had shifted the whole of Britannia. Even if it was small to some, the scale of destruction, death and even the sounds and sights of how it was crumbled had stuck with many. It was a reminder to not ever cross both of the two warring races: the goddess and demons. If you did cross them both, then you'd better pray for salvation.
"Trade should also be possible," Gloxinia broke the solemn silence, bringing the conversation back to business. He seemed to be extremely aware of the issues with certain topics, as well as how to benefit all of the people involved. "As well as peace for anyone travelling through certain routes."
"I'll make sure to mention that to the human leaders," I nod, adding that request to the list and already thinking of ways in which I could try and push for that to happen. It was a small but necessary request after all. "Anything else to note down?"
"That was the final thing," Gloxinia nodded, folding his arms across his chest.
"Nothing else," Drole shook his head.
I then took that as the chance to look over what I'd gathered, not at all expecting for the two kings to suddenly start celebrating, a small group of people (most likely important figures) entering the room to join in with the sudden rejoicing.
"To the prosperity of Stigma!" Gloxinia raised a cup of something that must've been brought in with the crowd of people, his voice lilting and bright.
"The prosperity of Stigma!" Loud cheers and shouts filled the room, smiles accompanied with raised glasses, cups and goblets as all inside rejoiced. All except myself, who hoped that this plan of mine wouldn't crumble into ashes. Fine and finite ashes.