Monroe frowned feeling as if something was off as Diane continued to run towards Baste Prison. She thought after the attack on the town that they would have met with resistance along the way to the prison. However, they haven't seen a soul.
"Hey, Di, hold up for a second." Monroe said getting the giantess to stop. "Doesn't something seem wrong?"
Diane frowned because she had noticed it too. She was expecting to have to fight along the way to the prison, but things were the exact opposite of what they were expecting. That long-range attacker who uses bugs hasn't even tried anything.
"Yeah," Diane said. "I feel like we might be running into a trap, but what else can we do? We can't just wait around. We have to keep moving."
Monroe could agree with that. She was about to suggest splitting up or another method, but never got the chance as the sound of a bell cut her off. She frowned about to ask Diane if she heard that as well, but when see looked to Diane just was, the older girl was gone.
"Di…Diane?" Monroe called as she turned around in a full circle.
There was no sign of Diane and giants just didn't disappear into thin air. There was no way.
"Well…this isn't good," she said to herself.
She then stiffened when a shadow fell over her. She turned her head seeing a supersized huge Holy Knight behind her. The armor belonged to that of the Holy Knight Ruin. And Monroe didn't remember him being so big.
"Is this an illusion?" Monroe wondered.
She then had to jump backwards as the large Holy Knight took a swing at her. She landed a few feet away and saw how the fist that was coming after her put a large crack in the ground.
"Okay…not just some simple illusion." Monroe said as she drew her sword. "I don't know how you're doing this Ruin, but knock it off and give Diane back."
She launched herself forward to attack the knight when she felt the mark on her neck warm. She then blinked when seeing the person, she was about to cut wasn't Ruin but Diane. She drew back instantly and stopped sort.
"What…what's the meaning of this?" She asked as her mark stopped warming up.
She then had to dodge out of the way when Diane took a swing at her once more.
"Give her back, Holy Knight!" Diane shouted as Monroe landed a safe distance away. "Where did you take Roe?!"
Monroe tilted her head as she was starting to understand. Someone had placed Diane and herself in some kind of illusion.
"Diane, it's me!" Monroe shouted. "It is Roe."
Diane didn't seem to hear her as she gave a shout and used her rush rock to attack Monroe. The silver haired woman cursed as she raised her hand and liquified all the rocks heading her way. She then whirled around hand to out and collected all the now liquified rocks into one giant boulder, which she hardened and sent right back and Diane.
"Sorry about this, Di, but you need to wake up." Monroe said as her attack hit Diane hard enough in the gut to make her gag.
The attack seemed to do the trick because after Diane regained her bearings she looked around in confusion.
"What's going on?" She asked as she looked around. "Roe…why does my stomach hurt?"
"Explain later." Monroe said. "It seems Ruin is around here and trying to mess with our minds. We either need to find him fast or get moving before he places us under another spell. I think his plan is to have us take each other out."
Diane frowned because that wasn't good. She couldn't even see anyone in the area. It'd be nearly impossible to fight back if they couldn't even find their target. They couldn't take the chance of them both being caught in that illusion again.
"Okay, I'm sending you on before me." Diane said as she stooped down and picked up Monroe. "You'll need to brace yourself."
"…huh…?" Monroe asked sounding worried. "Wait…you don't mean….?"
"Yeah," Diane said with a nod as she wound her arm backwards. "Got save Ban then come back for me, but I'm sure I'll have things wrapped up by the time you get here. Ready?"
Monroe really wasn't, but she didn't protest as Diane took a running start before throwing Monroe. Diane didn't toss her too hard as the prison was in sight, but the wind to fly around Monroe and whip her hair around and make her eyes water. She didn't like this at all. Monroe then looked down at her bracelet while deciding to take it off to be safe.
The bracelet was a magic sealer of sorts. However, it only sealed away the powers given to her by Mors. All the Apostles wore them though in different variations. It was so they could blend in better with those around them, but also as a training tool. The Apostles trained not to rely solely on their power given to them by Mors and to strengthen themselves in other ways. However, at times like this, it came off. Monroe really didn't want to die upon landing.
As the prison got closer, Monroe's eyes turned black as a surge of power went through her. She could see the doorway coming into view and she twisted herself around in the air to aim her body towards the large entrance way. She flipped around and spread out her body to slow down her speed then as she hit the ground on her feet she crouched down and tucked herself in as she skidded across the ground. When she came to a stop, she let out a sigh.
"My legs didn't appreciate that," She complained as she had felt one snap at impact.
Though as she stood, the broken bone was already mending itself. She stretched it out and applied pressure to make sure it was okay before putting the bracelet back on, which had her eyes returning to normal.
"Now, where to next?" Monroe murmured as she looked around and saw no guards in sight. "Where could they be keeping him?"
"Man, I knew it'd be too small," Ban complained as he dropped the metal glove to the ground along with the rest of the clothes, he had taken off of that barber kid. "I really dug it too."
He then looked to the side when he heard people shouting and running around trying to find him.
"What's with all the racket around here lately?" He asked as he started looking for the exit again. "It's like someone broke out of prison or something."
He didn't get too far as he stepped forward as a familiar knight came up and out of the shadows.
"Where do you think you're going, Ban of the Seven Deadly Sins?" Jude questioned.
Ban just smirked at the sight of the knight while not worried at all about just who was blocking his path.
"Hey, what's up Holy Knight Jude?" Ban asked.
"I've come to destroy you," Jude said as he started walking forward. "Prepare to take your last breath."
"So, you wanna off me, huh?" Ban asked casually. "After all this time."
He obviously wasn't too worried about the Holy Knight's threat. Though he did want to get out of here soon to find the captain and the others. So, he wasn't sure how long he'd be willing to play along.
"You have no further use to us." Jude explained. "You have adequately served your purpose as bait to lure the captain of the Seven Deadly Sins here. Even at this very moment two of them—Dragon Sin Meliodas and Serpent Sin Diane—are being eliminated at the hands of the Weird Fangs. And once I finish with you that will bring the total of four Sins who no longer exist to wreak havoc on this world."
Ban highly doubted that was the case. Those old pals of his weren't exactly pushovers.
"Well, I'm all for your dream coming true, man." Ban said as he chuckled.
"Oh? Does that mean you also hope my dream of also bringing the traitor Monroe to justice comes true as well?" Jude asked.
Ban shifted at the mention of Monroe, which didn't go unnoticed by Holy Knight Jude.
"Hendrickson has mentioned before how close you two are," Jude said. "She is here in the prison at this very moment actually. So, it would seem you did more than just lure Meliodas here, but you also brought us the traitor. I would dispose of her myself, however, she has an appointment with the gallows back at the capital."
Ban's laidback expression turned dark as he narrowed his eyes dangerously at Jude.
"I am certain she will be happy to be reunited with the rest of her family on the other side," Jude continued.
"What?" Ban growled.
"That's right," Jude said. "You don't know. You see, Ban, Lord Asthore and his family were slaughtered eight years ago on their way to see Lord Denzel. Monroe the Traitor was the only one to survive. People called it a miracle considering the severity of her wounds. Though now after her betrayal, I'm sure many wish she had just died that day along with the rest of them."
Before Jude could blink, Ban snatched Jude's sword away from him and shoved it through Jude's head. The Holy Knight gagged with blood spewing from the gaps in his helmet.
"You should stop talking," Ban said with his glare turning even darker.
He then carelessly let Jude hit the floor as his hands curled and uncurled in anger. His hands then clenched into fists as his teeth ground together.
'Monroe…I'm so sorry,' He thought. 'I broke the promise I made to you.'
He was supposed to always be there for her and protect her, but for the last ten years he's been away. He hasn't been there for her when he should have been. He punched the wall next to him, which left a large hole in the stone. The past couldn't be changed, and he won't make the same mistake again. When he found her, he wouldn't let her go a second time. Not for anything or for any reason.
"I need to find her and the others," Ban said then started walking forward again.
Monroe frowned as she turned around another corner with still no sign of Ban. And the guards were starting to disappear as well. It was like they were trying to clear out the joint. She knew she couldn't be that scary to them, so they must be preparing some kind of trap in case any of the others catch up to her.
"I need to find him," Monroe said to herself. "And then get out of here."
She turned around a corner and froze when seeing a familiar figure at the end of the corridor. She'd recognize that lanky figure and pale blue hair anywhere. Even with his back turned to her, she knew it was him.
"Ban," she said getting him to stop.
The man turned around with his own eyes widening slightly when seeing her.
"Mo," he said.
Monroe felt her heart warm when he recognized her despite the fact that she's aged ten years. They started moving towards each other without another word. Then as soon as she was in arm's length, Ban snatched her up into a tight hug. He even lifted her off the ground, so she had to put her arms around his neck. Monroe held back the tears she felt trying to well up in her eyes as she tightened her grip around the Sin of Greed.
"I missed you," she said with her voice barely louder than a whisper.
Ban stroked her hair as he gently sat her down, so he could pull back just enough to look at her. He continued to run his fingers through her hair.
"I missed you too, Mo," Ban said.
He felt warmer in a way now that he had her in his arms again. The only good thing he had waited so long for was now at his side once again. Elaine and Elénaril had helped him begin to feel again, but it was Monroe who changed his world completely. As a child, she had accepted him completely and given him unconditional love—something he hasn't had many times in his life. She never once feared him. She's smiled at him since the very beginning and made him feel as if he deserved living despite being a scoundrel for so long.
"I'm a bit surprised you recognized me considering how long it's been," Monroe said with a chuckle. "Though Melly and Di seemed to know who I was right away too."
"Of course," Ban said as he gave her a gentle squeeze. "How could we not recognize our cute little Mo?~"
Monroe blushed at his words though at the same time felt a small pang in her chest. He was acting like she was still a little kid. Though she supposed she should expect as much. He'd probably never see her as anything besides than that.
"We need to get going," Monroe said as she reluctantly pulled away. "I had to leave Diane to fight some of the Weird Fangs. She told me to come back once I found you."
Ban didn't really care what Diane wanted them to do, but he did reluctantly let go of Monroe. The two then blinked when hearing a shrill scream coming from not too far away. Monroe then tilted her head.
"I can sense Meliodas and Diane nearby." Monroe said. "They must have defeated the other Holy Knights of the Weird Fangs."
The silver-haired girl walked forward with Ban following after her. They had to go down a few corridors until Monroe turned down one last to find the others. Ban turned the corner as well while seeing Meliodas and Diane at the end with a pig.
"Meliodas, Diane, Hawk," Monroe greeted as she jogged over towards them.
The three turned towards her. Meliodas smiled at her arrival since he was wondering where she might have run off to. Diane didn't really have time to catch him up on things before they came here.
"Is Princess Elizabeth not with you?" Monroe asked looking concerned. "I mean, I prefer her out of harm's way, but the princess tends to follow where she shouldn't."
"She's in my backpack." Diane replied. "She's a bit banged up, but otherwise she's fine."
Monroe frowned because that wasn't good at all. Elizabeth never should have been hurt.
"Dammit, I should have stayed with her," Monroe said as she scratched the back of her head.
"There, there," Meliodas said patting her shoulder. "You left her in our hands, and we didn't exactly take care of her either. Besides, Elizabeth got those injuries from being brave and fighting to help us. She did well. And I'm sure she wouldn't want you to blame yourself."
Monroe sighed knowing that was true, but she still failed. She swore to protect Elizabeth while on their journey. She promised not only the King but Elizabeth as well. And Elizabeth was part of the future for the kingdom. The kingdom needed someone like her to lead the people into a better future.
Bringing down the corruption by taking down the evil within the Holy Knights was only one part of her wish. She had to make sure the kingdom was left in good hands in case she dies a second time. She knows Elizabeth isn't the first in line for the throne. Not even second in line, but the princesses as a whole were the future of Liones, so Monroe had to protect that future at all cost.
"Right," Monroe said as Diane put her backpack back away it belonged on her back.
"Anyway, did you find Ban?" Meliodas asked.
Monroe nodded then looked back to where she came from as the sound of footsteps reached them. The others turned to watch as Ban came from the shadows. The look on his face wasn't exactly friendly and Meliodas lost his smile as well. Monroe looked between the two of them while giving a sigh as she shook her head. Well, she knows where this is heading.
"Ban," Meliodas greeted.
"Hey, Captain," Ban replied.
It stayed tensely silent between the two as Diane and Monroe exchanged an exasperated glance. Diane took a seat on the ground then picked up Monroe to sit on her knee. It was the safest placed for her.
"They seem upset," Hawk said as he backed away from the two. "What's going on? Gotta a bad feeling about this."
"You're right," Diane said. "I think you want to get behind me and hide there."
Hawk looked at her in shock while wondering if the two were going to fight or something. He also noticed how Monroe was securely on Diane's knee, which had him concerned that he really might be in the wrong place. However, the tense air was broken as Meliodas threw his arms up into the air.
"Ban!" He cheered.
"Captain!" Ban shouted just as warmly as he held up his hands.
The two ran towards each other before they started slapping their hands together rapidly. Monroe snorted at the both of them.
"What's that?" Hawk asked. "Like a game of patty cake gone horrible wrong."
He hasn't seen anything yet. Just as Monroe was thinking that Ban raised his clasped hands over his head.
"Captain!" Ban cheered then hit Meliodas as hard as he could with his clasped hands.
Meliodas went flying through quite a few walls due to that hit, but he didn't seem very fazed as he stood up.
"My turn," Ban said jumping up and down. "Me next!"
Meliodas quickly returned the favor with his attack sending Ban flying through some walls as Ban had done to him.
"Do I wanna know?" Hawk asked.
"Not really," Monroe said shaking her head.
"Yeah, I'd just roll with it." Diane added.
Ban let out a laugh as he stood up from the rumble. He made his way back towards Meliodas who waited with a grin.
"So great," Ban said. "I thought you might have gotten soft on me."
"You've still got it." Meliodas complimented.
The two clasped hands together before dropping down to the ground in unison to do some arm-wrestling.
"Ready?~" Ban questioned with a smirk.
"Go!" Meliodas said.
The two started their match, and Monroe wasn't surprised started crumbling due to the power the two were using trying to beat the other.
"What's happening?!" Hawk demanded as he scurried up into Diane's lap.
"Those two have been like this ever since I've met them." Diane said.
"Yeah, they haven't changed a bit." Monroe added.
Despite the situation, she smiled glad to see the both of them so happy. And the crazy atmosphere reminded her so much of her childhood with them. It was a good nostalgic feeling.
"Wait, they've been like what?!" Hawk demanded.
"Typical boys," Diane explained. "So immature."
"I wonder if they'll ever grow up." Monroe said.
The boys completely ignored Monroe and Diane quipping their so-called immaturity.
"720 times," Ban said. "If I recall correctly—and I do—I've beaten you 361 of them."
"You must have lost your mind." Meliodas said. "I've won 361 times."
After saying that the ground finally gave out with it crumbling away quickly. As Hawk squealed in surprise, Monroe made sure to grab him by his tail to keep him from falling from Diane's lap.
"The captain is so cute when he gets all worked up like that." Diane fawned.
"I don't think this is the time!" Hawk said as he failed around in the air with Monroe's grip being the only thing saving him.
Monroe blinked down at Ban's snoozing figure with her brow twitching in slight annoyance. She went to take a quick bath after returning to the tavern and tucking Elizabeth in. When she returned to her room hoping to get a quick nap in before they were to meet Dr. Dana for dinner, Ban was taking up her entire bed. Well, hers and the princess's bed as there was no way Monroe was letting that perverted bar owner sleep with Elizabeth. Now, she understands why Meliodas told her to put Elizabeth in the main bedroom. This lug took over theirs.
"Guess I'll have to find somewhere else to sleep." Monroe said.
She could always just move into Meliodas's bedroom and push Meliodas in here with Ban. The bed is smaller, but she's sure they'll make do. She was about to leave to go take that nap when Ban rolled over in his sleep and reached out to grab her wrist.
"…Mo, don't leave…" He murmured.
He opened one eye to look up at her as he spoke. Her cheeks warmed about the thought of climbing into bed with him considering his half-nakedness. Sure, she's took naps with him before, but it was different back then.
"I need to go check on the princess." Monroe said. "Besides, it'd be inappropriate if I napped here with you."
Ban didn't reply at first before a sneaky little smirk pulled across his face. Monroe then gasped when the Fox Sin didn't give her a choice and pulled her into the bed with him. Her face red as he caged her in his arms and against his chest.
"Hmm, don't care~," Ban said. "Now let's get some sleep, hmm~?"
Monroe just continued to struggle and try to get up for a few more seconds before letting out a huff. Ban obviously wasn't letting her go anyway.
"Just relax," Ban whispered against her ear. "It's not like this is our first time napping together."
His hot breath nearly had her giving a shudder, but she pushed that to the side before Ban could see what kind of effect, he was having on her.
'But things are different now!' Monroe screamed in her head.
"Relax," Ban said again as he began stroking her hair.
Monroe frowned because her hair being played with was her number one weakness. It always made her so drowsy, and on top of the long day she's had, she was already tired.
"Sleep, Mo." Ban told her as her eyelids began to droop. "I'm sure you're tired, so let's get some rest."
It wasn't long before the girl did drift on to sleep, which had Ban's expression turning soft and his lips turning up. He placed a kiss on the crown of her head before closing his eyes as well for a much-wanted nap.
'I can't thank you enough, Elaine,' Ban thought as he started to fall asleep as well. 'It's thanks to you saving someone like me that I get to have moments like this.'