Chapter 5: The Comet

The sorrowful gust of wind that blew right between you and me
Where did it find the loneliness it carried on the breeze?
Speeches that my father gave me would always make me despair
Somehow, I feel a warmth and comfort today

Now, just a little more
Only just a little more
Let's stick together just a little bit longer

Elizabeth woke up with a groan. She sat up, stretching her sore shoulders, turning her face to the light streaming through the window. With a heavy sigh she realized she was home. No date with Merlin today after all. "Oh well," she whispered sadly.

Carefully she got up, padding barefoot to the basin of water to splash her face. Her legs were tired and her back was stiff, and she wondered what in the world Meliodas had been doing in her body the day before. "Probably best not to think about it," she muttered to herself.

The water was refreshing and cool, and after drying her face on a towel, she straightened to look in the mirror over her vanity. There didn't seem to be a note from him, which was odd, although she'd check her notebook more thoroughly later. She couldn't wait to return, hopefully tomorrow, and hear about how the date went. "Must be nice," she sighed, and tucked her hair behind her ear. She opened the little box in which she kept her earring and slipped it into its place on her lobe. "They've probably met up about now."

Leaning in to check that the symbol was facing outwards, Elizabeth gasped when she locked eyes with her reflection. "What?" she whispered, watching tears roll down her cheeks. "Why am I…?" Crying wasn't something unusual for the princess, but for the life of her, she could not remember even beginning.

When he returned to the Boar Hat, Meliodas went back through the notes she had left. There were just a few things about the service and her thoughts on Ban's rabbit stew, plus a reminder to clean his washroom. Meliodas rolled his eyes, turning the page.

By the time your date is over, you will probably be able to see the comet! It is supposed to be amazing. I hope things go well for you today.

"Comet?" he said aloud. For a second he glanced out the window, just to be sure, but there was nothing but the ordinary night sky. "Weirdo," he muttered.

The bar was quiet with the patrons down at the village, so he took the time to do some sketching, an activity which always allowed him to relax and reset. Many times he would not even pay attention to what he was doing, allowing his pen to just dance across the page as he became lost in the quiet and his own thoughts. Now, he thought about Merlin, and the date, and the pictures that had given him pause. He should have asked the artist about them, and tried to figure out why they felt so real.

Then his mind drifted to Elizabeth. Absentmindedly he put his hand in his pocket, and his fingers brushed something small and round. Meliodas frowned when he lifted the object out, turning over the little blue bead in his fingers. It was a bauble he had picked up from the fair, he decided, while out on the "date" Elizabeth had set up. She was going to be annoyed with him, for sure! Yet he only chuckled to think of the note she would be leaving him when she found out he blew it with Merlin. He placed the bead on the table before pulling out another page, and looked down at the picture he had drawn the day before.

It was similar to the one he had seen at the fair, the archway and door in the courtyard of the castle. Of course—this was where they had walked to visit the goddess. Meliodas frowned a bit with the memory, as hazy as it was. The goddesses should be gone just as must as the demons were. Did their return mean something? Was it connected to the signs that the Ten Commandments were also returning?

He needed to find this horn, he decided. And besides, he figured, it was time for him to meet Elizabeth. Pulling out a fresh sheet, he refilled his ink and wrote:

Elizabeth, where are you in Britannia? I have some questions, and I would like to see you.

There was more he wanted to say, a lot more, but for now, he figured that was enough.

Elizabeth sighed as she closed her notebook. The light in her room was getting darker, the glow growing harsh as the sun was setting. Meliodas had left her only a few vague notes, just a few more sketches of the Boar Hat to explain where to put things, along with a little map of Britannia to show their path. Somewhere out there, Meliodas was nearby, and it gave her heart a bit of a twist.

There was a knock on the door, and one of her ladies appeared. "Your Highness," she said with a bow, "you have a visitor."

"Oh?" she asked curiously. Elizabeth had never had a visitor before.

She stood as Jericho barreled into the room, pushing out the servant and shutting the door. Elizabeth smiled warmly, but her smile turned into an expression of alarm when she saw the fury on Jericho's face. "Where have you been!?" her friend cried. "You didn't go to your class today, or show up for lunch, and no one knew where you went! Are you okay?"

"I'm sorry," she sighed, sitting back in her chair. "I just didn't feel like it much today, that's all. I'm fine."

"Well," Jericho fumed, tapping her foot. "I guess… I can't argue with that. But you did worry me. And Howzer."

Elizabeth looked back down at the journal, running the palm of her hand over the cover. "Are you still coming tonight?" Jericho prodded.

"Huh?" She blinked at her friend in confusion, and then the princess nodded. "Yes. The comet. That's tonight, isn't it?"

"Yes, it will be bright enough to see tonight," prompted Jericho. "Don't you remember? The king is opening the towers so everyone can get a spot to see. Everyone who is anyone will be here tonight."

"Right." Elizabeth pushed the journal away, standing and heading for her closet. "I suppose I should get ready then."

"So you are coming?"

The princess stopped and nodded. "Yes, definitely." Beaming at her friend, she gestured to the door. "Let's meet in the main hall at sundown, okay? Then we can all go up to watch together."

Jericho looked at her for a long moment, and then nodded. "Okay. I'll tell Howzer, and we will see you there."

Two hours later, Elizabeth came down the stairs of the castle, heading towards the dining room. She had received word as she was getting dressed that her father expected her at dinner; of course, the king could not be refused a meal.

She was dressed in her formal gown, the color the deep blue of a twilight sky, in hopes that it would please him after he saw the change she had made. And for a moment when she arrived, she thought it worked. The dining room was silent as she walked inside, her hands clasped and her eyes down. But then an elaborate gasp escaped Margaret as she squealed, "Elizabeth, what have you done!"

A bit sheepishly, Elizabeth twirled the end of her hair around her finger, the length now to her shoulders instead of to her waist. "What happened to you?" Veronica demanded.

Elizabeth chuckled. "I guess… it's weird?" she murmured, and then finally looked up.

Her sisters' faces were almost comical, the way their eyes and their mouths gaped open wide. Margaret began to blink rapidly, as if not believing her eyes, as Veronica's shocked expression slowly melted into a smile that twisted her lips in a way that showed she was impressed. But her father's face was cold, his frown stoic, and he did not look at all pleased.

Quickly she curtseyed and scurried over to her place at the table. All three girls sat at the same time, and as the food began to be placed before them, the king said, "Elizabeth, explain yourself."

She took a deep breath and looked up into her father's eyes. "I needed to change it," she answered simply.

"Does it have to do with—a boy?" Margaret asked gently. "Did someone break your heart?"

"Why do you assume it has to do with that?" Veronica snapped. "She said she wanted to change it, so she changed it."

Elizabeth's face flushed with heat, but she looked up gratefully at her sister. "Are you sure—you wanted to cut that much off?" Margaret asked tightly, and Elizabeth nodded in response.

No one else said a word about her hair, the meal continuing on in a heavy silence. The food was delicious, but Elizabeth could barely enjoy it as she felt her father's eyes on her. When they were nearly finished, Margaret piped up, "You will both be out among the people tonight, correct? The king has graciously allowed many of our noblemen and ladies into the castle for viewing of the comet."

"It wasn't my idea," Baltra said gruffly. "It was Hendrickson's. I don't know why he wants everyone here tonight, but he was quite insistent."

"It was very kind of the Grand Master," Margaret went on smoothly. "Just please be sure to have a guard with you tonight. The Grand Master wishes us to be well protected, just in case."

"In case of what?" Veronica laughed. "We're in our own castle."

Elizabeth watched as Margaret gave a shrug. "I'm not sure. Perhaps he's worried that some of the people may be frightened of the comet, and act strangely? He did not give details, just instructions that we should have a Holy Knight with us at all times tonight."

"If he was that damn worried, he shouldn't have invited them in the first place," Baltra grumbled.

For once, Elizabeth agreed. Why bring in all the nobles if only to keep them at arm's length? For her part, she was glad to have already made arrangements to meet Jericho and Howzer. Even though they weren't fully inducted Holy Knights yet, she was sure they would do just fine. "If you say so," Veronica sighed. Then she leaned in to Margaret and teased, "Are you sure this isn't just some ruse to get yourself alone with Gilthunder?"

"Veronica!" she yelped, and Elizabeth joined in with her sister's laughter.

They lapsed back into silence, and when dessert was served, Margaret leaned towards her and whispered, "Elizabeth?"

She raised her eyes to her sister, who was looking back with a confused look. "Where is your earring?"

Elizabeth shook her head, her hand going to the lobe. She was unsure of what to say, so remained silent; Margaret frowned and went back to her food. The meal now completed, they were dismissed by the king; but of course, he held Elizabeth back when the others left.

"After this nonsense tonight is over," her father warned, "we will be discussing your recent behavior. I don't understand what has gotten into you lately."

Immediately her cheeks flared pink. "I'm sorry," she said gently. "I've been having some—"

"Your problems are secondary to the kingdom, Elizabeth," he scolded. "You may not know this, but things are not going as well as they should right now." She looked up at him in surprise, but instead of explaining what he meant, the king went on, "The royal family must be a united front now more than ever. Any excuse at all they would have to overthrow me, they will take it. You must remember that."

"Overthrow? You?" she squeaked. "But how?"

Baltra pursed his lips together. "Nevermind. But that is enough of all this. Go see this ridiculous comet because that is what is expected, but after that, you will be under my thumb. No more freedoms until you can prove you can be trusted."

Elizabeth gasped, but he turned away, calling for his guard in a way of dismissal. Her face burning, she hurried from the room. Her skin was hot and itchy in the formal dress, and it hindered her from running as fast as she would like. All at once she needed fresh air, needed it now, and her throat burned with tears that threatened to spill.

Her father wanted to take her freedom. But what freedom did she have? Every minute was scheduled, every move watched. She thought about Meliodas then, a little sob escaping. If he had been here, then she would not have cut her hair, would not have possibly fallen under the scrutiny of the king by garnering unnecessary attention. And if the king had still issued such a threat, she was sure Meliodas would not have stood for it. He would have made a case and defended himself, perhaps even changed his mind.

Her stomach was turning when she arrived at the courtyard. It was teeming with people, and with a bit of difficulty she finally located her two friends. "Elizabeth!" Jericho shrieked, several heads turning towards them. "What in the world!"

Shyly she tucked her hair behind her ear, the bead that dangled from her lobe feeling reassuring against her knuckles. "I know, I know, I—"

"It's—different," Howzer remarked. "But it's good. I like it."

Elizabeth looked up, surprised to see him smiling at her. Howzer nudged Jericho, who nudged him back and proclaimed, "Yes! It is, it's good. You look good."

"Thanks," she answered gratefully. She watched as her two friends exchanged a glance, and again she was reminded of Meliodas, and how he also had two friends that would give each other a similar look. It was one more way they were connected, in a sea of things that made them so very different.

"Well, come on," Howzer said finally. "Let's head up to one of the catwalks. We'll try to find somewhere not too crowded."

They walked together, the two knights flanking the princess, and she remembered what her sister had told them. "You'll need to stay by me all night," Elizabeth explained. "The Grand Master is worried about the safety of the royal family tonight."

"Huh." Both girls looked at Howzer, who was scratching his head. "That's… odd."

"Why is that odd?" asked Jericho.

"Because he sent all the knights out," he explained. "Didn't you hear the orders that came after dinner? Holy Knights were sent into the city to patrol. There are only a dozen here in the castle."

Jericho snorted. "I bet who we can guess they are."

Elizabeth frowned. "What do you mean? What's going on?" She remembered the stern warning in the dining hall, how confusing it all was. "Who are they?"

"Elizabeth, haven't you been paying attention?" She winced, knowing she most definitely had not, as Howzer leaned in a bit. "Hendrickson and Dreyfus have been at odds lately. There is something brewing between the two Grand Masters. So Hendrickson has been slowly building his own faction of knights. There are about two dozen that now answer to him, and him alone. They call themselves the New Generation."

Elizabeth processed this as they walked. "Why would he do that?" she wondered. "He answers to the king. Why would he do something so underhanded?"

"He's not answering to the king, not any more," Jericho explained. "It's been made quite clear that Hendrickson is running things, not Baltra."

"What?" Her mind whirled, but before she could say anything else, her two friends pressed closer. Jericho shushed her, and together they stopped, the two knights giving a bow.

Elizabeth looked around, her eyes growing wide as Hendrickson approached. "Good evening," he said pleasantly, as both knights answered, "Good evening, Sir!" He smiled at them as they straightened before his eyes landed on the princess. For the first time, she did not trust that smile, imagining something very sinister behind it.

"Your Highness, you look well." Hendrickson's voice was flat, even with the cordial tone. "I trust you are enjoying the evening. But where is your guard?"

"I am well, thank you—and I have a guard, these two knights—"

"Nonsense," he interrupted. "You need a real guard. You can never be too careful."

He turned to look for a Holy Knight, and while his back was turned, she spun towards Jericho in alarm. But the girl did not return her look; instead, her eyes were steady on Howzer's, the two seemingly communicating without even speaking.

Before she could ask what was going on, Hendrickson's attention was back on them. "As we wait, allow me to ask you something, Your Highness." Elizabeth pressed her lips together and nodded. "When we were visiting the Horn of Cernunnos, what was the wish you left for the goddess?"

"The wish?" She could not remember that at all, so it must have been Meliodas who went down to the horn. Elizabeth herself had never visited, this being her first year old enough to participate in the goddess rituals. But she had heard the stories, and her mind raced coming up with something to say. What if Hendrickson knew this answer already? Was this just a trick? What would Meliodas have written?

"Isn't it bad luck, Sir?" Jericho asked. "Like telling your birthday wish."

Hendrickson narrowed his eyes a bit, but then gave a small chuckle. "You are right. I should not have asked." His gaze returned to the princess as he studied her. "Are you feeling better? You seemed not quite yourself."

"I'm well, thank you again," she demurred. "May we continue on, Sir? I don't want to miss the comet, as pleasant as this is."

He looked back and forth between the two knights. "Fine," he said, his voice agitated. "There's not much time until the comet makes its appearance. Take her to the side over there, but no further until a fully ranked knight joins you." Hendrickson stepped aside with a sweep of his hand, and Elizabeth nodded in thanks. But as she stepped to the side, she tripped somehow, giving a yelp of surprise as she tipped forward. The Holy Knight grabbed her by the arm, pulling her upright, the smile never having left his face. "Be careful, my lady," he whispered. "You seem much clumsier than yesterday."

Elizabeth nodded, pulling away. Her pulse raced as the three walked away, wondering what he could have meant by that. Yesterday she was Meliodas; did he do something to catch the attention of the Grand Master?

"He tripped her, did you see?" hissed Howzer, and Jericho nodded. "We need to get out of here."

"But how?" worried Jericho.

"I can see it! I can see it!"

A cry went up among the crowd, and all three looked at the sky. The comet appeared, a glowing ball of white that was streaking across the dark blue canvass. Elizabeth gasped, watching, not noticing as the cheers surrounding her were becoming frantic, not hearing the cries of excitement turn into cries of horror, not feeling the heat of flames or breathing the choking air filling with ash. All she could see was the comet, her thoughts on Meliodas, wondering if he was watching this now, just as she was.

Meliodas was surprised to find himself in the Boar Hat in the morning. Quickly he hurried out of bed, eagerly looking through the papers on top. But there was no note from Elizabeth, no answer to his question.

With a frown, he glanced over at the calendar he had tacked to the wall a few weeks ago. He and Elizabeth would put an X through the day before turning in for bed, to try to keep the days in good order. But the last X on the calendar was the one he had written, the day of his date with Merlin; that meant that it was the second day without a switch.

Unusual, but not unheard-of. "I guess I'll just have to wait until we switch back," he murmured, leaving the papers undisturbed on the table, placing the blue bead on top. "She'll read about how lousy the date was tomorrow."

That's what Meliodas thought. But somehow, the switches he and Elizabeth had been going through up until now never happened again.