Ban kept running after Elaine wondering where she had disappeared to. He came here needing to see her for one important reason, which was to tell her something he's been needing to say since the day of her and Elénaril's death. He then noticed as he was running the fake King planted himself in Ban's path, which brought Ban to a halt.
"You're back again, huh, phony King?" Ban asked.
"Think I'm a fake, huh?" King asked.
He supposed his appearance was questionable, but considering he had the same weapon as the "real" King and same abilities, it should have been obvious to Ban that he was King.
"Yep." Ban said nodding.
"No, I really am King." King insisted.
"Look, I'm busy." Ban said as he placed his hands on his waist. "I don't have time. Now, shoo."
He made a shooing motion with his hand, and in return King gave him an unimpressed look.
"You'll see." King promised while smirking.
"Is that so?" Ban asked.
He then continued on his way since he couldn't allow Elaine to get too far ahead of him. After he speaks with her and hopefully finds Elénaril as well, he has to return to the others. Especially Monroe. He didn't get too far until King, who was holding onto his pillow, appeared beside him as he floated along at Ban's pace.
"You haven't changed at all since the old days, have you?" King asked. "As long as you get what you want, you couldn't care less if anyone else gets hurt."
Ban, who came to a stop, just quickly reached out to try and snatch King from the air, but the fairy boy dodge each time Ban tried to grab him. Ban smirked when realizing his mistake.
"Well, how about that?" Ban asked as King floated leisurely behind him. "You really are King."
"I told you so." King said nonchalantly.
"Then I won't have to hold back while I kick your ass!" Ban said as he swung his fist backwards.
However, instead of hitting King he hit King's weapon Chastiefol, which was in its pillow form.
"You used to backhand me like that all the time in the old days." King said as he stood on top of a pillar of crystal.
"So, you've come back to settle your old scores with us, huh?" Ban asked. "Or did you have a more specific in mind, King?"
"Back in the past this would have been the very last thing I would have wanted for our reunion." King said. "I was cast out…suspected of treason against the realm. With nowhere else to go I returned to my homeland. But what I found there was the heartrending sight of my homeland burnt beyond all recognition."
Before Ban could ask what that had to deal with him, he was grabbed by King's Chastiefol as it took on the form of a large green and spotted teddy bear. Ban tried to struggle against its hold but was unable to break free.
"When I was in the sins with you, I must admit that I never really gave it a lot of thought." King said. "Why a human like you should be un-killable? Never once did I think you killed the guardian to drink from the fountain."
King then left the crystal pillar to move in front of Ban as the taller man narrowed his eyes at King.
"Now, wait just a minute," Ban said. "How do you know about that woman?"
King's face contorted into anger as he reached forward to tightly grip Ban's jacket collar as his body slightly shook due to his anger.
"The person you killed in the forest; that little girl was my sister Elaine!" King practically growled in anger.
King shook a moment longer in anger before partially collecting himself as he let go of Ban.
"Oh, I get it." Ban said chuckling. "You want to avenge her by killing me. But the problem with that is, I can't be killed."
"If you will remember, my sacred treasure as a variety of abilities." King reminded him.
Ban just blinked in confusion since he had no idea whatsoever what King was talking about.
"Oh, right," King hummed. "If you're not interested, it's in one ear and out the other. Chastiefol, Third Configuration: Fossilization."
The middle of the bear morphed into a prong shaped spear as the rest of the bear retained its form.
"And that means?" Ban asked.
"It does this." King replied.
He went to stab Ban, but he was suddenly shoved to the side. Both men gasped as Monroe, who appeared seemingly out of nowhere, got between Ban and King's weapon. The spear stabbed her through the torso and the fossilization began.
"Monroe!" King and Ban shouted.
Monroe gritted her teeth for a moment at the pain before giving a smile as Ban rushed to her side.
"I got here just in time," Monroe said as Ban cupped her face between his hands. "You two…always take things too far."
"You idiot!" Ban said. "Just what the hell are you doing?! That was meant for me, not you!"
Monroe just smiled up at him as more of her body was being turned to stone by the second. Ban looked up at King.
"Remove Chastiefol, dammit!" Ban ordered. "Or are you so angry with me, you'd hurt her too?!"
"Even if I remove it, I can't undo the fossilization!" King said with tears in his eyes. "Monroe, why would you do this?! For someone like him! He killed my sister! He burned the Fairy King's Forest to the ground."
Ban didn't deny any of his claims as he looked into Monroe's eyes. Ready for the judgement. Ready for her to look at him in disgust. However, her gaze just softened even more as she reached up to caress the man's cheek one last time.
"No," Monroe said. "Even if Ban was somehow connected to that tragedy, he wouldn't have ever done something like that intentionally. Besides, I can't let anything happen to any of you. I love you all so much, so please, don't fight anymore."
She was then completely turned to stone as King removed Chastiefol. Tears ran down the fairy's cheeks as small sobs left his chest. Ban ignored the weeping fairy as he stared down at Monroe with so much pain running through his chest. His own eyes began to water with tears as he put his arms around Monroe.
"Monroe, you idiot," Ban cried. "Why?"
He didn't understand why so many people would go to such great lengths to save someone like him. He didn't deserve it.
'Why does everything I love get taken away from me?' Ban thought. 'I finally had it. The one thing that means the most to me in this word and she's gone! Why?!'
He let out an anguished cry as he let go of Monroe to take his pain out on King. Though as he reached for the distraught boy, he paused.
'I love you all so much, so please, don't fight anymore,' Monroe's words run through his head.
Ban's teeth grit harshly together as he forced himself to drop his hand. Besides, this wasn't King's fault. It was his. His fault for not protecting her. He wasn't there for her eight years ago and he was unable to protect her this time. It was all his fault. Ban turned back to Monroe not wanting to leave her here, but he paused when seeing Elaine floating around the girl.
"Elaine," Ban whispered in shock.
King gasped looking up, but he did not see his sister. All he saw were balls of glowing light in front of Monroe's fossilized form. However, he also knew whatever was happening wasn't being done by him, Ban, or Monroe.
"Is it really Elaine?" King asked. "Are you here?"
He received no reply as Ban watched Elaine smile gently at Monroe before leaning down to kiss the girl's forehead. King and Ban watched in absolute shock as the petrification broke thus freeing Monroe.
"What?" King asked. "It's broken—the petrification!"
Monroe blinked looking down at her now free body as she wondered what happened. Monroe didn't have much time to think about it before Ban pulled her into his arms.
"Mo, you idiot." Ban said as he held her tightly. "Just what were you thinking, huh?"
Monroe didn't reply as she just buried herself into his embrace. It had been scary allowing herself to be petrified. It had left her feeling cold, but it would seem as if things were alright now. Ban looked down at her softly before turning his gaze up to Elaine the one who broke the spell.
"Thank-you, Elaine." Ban said.
Monroe's eyes widened when hearing Elaine's name before turning to see the fairy girl. Elaine smiled at her before looking back to Ban.
"Ban, how did you get that scar?" Elaine asked.
Elaine pointed at her own cheek as she asked as Monroe studied the fairy curiously
"Tch, I thought you guys watched over us from the other side." Ban scoffed.
Elaine just giggled in reply before looking to Monroe once again. When seeing the women looking at each other curiously, Ban smiled.
"Elaine, this is Monroe," Ban introduced the girl in his arms. "Monroe, this is Elaine. She's an old friend of mine."
Monroe felt a bit of relief when Ban said Elaine was a friend though she tried not to show it.
"It's nice to meet you, Monroe," Elaine said kindly.
Monroe returned the sentiment as she stepped away from Ban slightly. Though the Fox Sin made sure she was close enough to keep his arm around her shoulders.
"That voice…it's really her." King said. "Elaine, don't you recognize your brother? Please, show yourself to me too."
Elaine didn't reply as she kept her eyes away from King who was desperate to see her.
"Let him see you." Ban said.
Elaine shook her head gently at Ban's request as a small sigh left between her frowning lips.
"You're in the Necropolis." Elaine said. "It's possible for the living and the dead to see each other again, but only when bound together by strong emotions."
King stiffened then looked down at the ground when realizing why he wasn't permitted to see his sister.
"I knew it was true." King said. "You're still mad, aren't you? That I abandoned you. You and the fountain. I turned my back and looked away."
Suddenly the ground shook violently, which had Elaine stiffening. Ban and Monroe turned towards the source of the shaking, and Monroe could feel a power similar to a Holy Knight. However, there was something else mixed in with that power.
"Wait, is that a Holy Knight?" Ban questioned as he turned away and stood in front of Monroe and Elaine.
"Most likely." Monroe said "The others are in trouble. We better get going."
She was about to hurry off but paused to look at Ban who glanced back at Elaine. Monroe gave a soft smile.
"I'm going to go on ahead." Monroe said. "Take time to say your goodbyes."
She then took off running and while Ban didn't want her out of his sight, he turned to Elaine.
"Why did you come here, Ban?" Elaine questioned. "What is the reason?"
"I will find a way to bring you back to life and not just you but Elénaril as well," Ban said shocking Elaine. "That is what I came to tell you. I will do what I need to, so you can live again because it's my fault you're dead. And if it wasn't for you both, I would have died, and would not have met the person who has become most precious to me. I finally found the something good I've been looking for in my life."
He looked back towards where Monroe had run off to as his hands clenched into fists.
"I will repay you for what you've done." Ban said. "I'll give you back the life that was taken because you gave me the life, I didn't even think I needed or wanted at the time."
As he was saying this, King, who had almost been forgotten, looked at him in shock. Elaine smiled at Ban while feeling hope since she knew Ban was a man of his word. Though at the same time there was no need for him to worry about her.
"Thank-you, Ban." Elaine said. "But Elénaril and I are fine. You don't have to worry about us."
"That may be so, but I'm still doing it," Ban said with a grin. "I'm bummed I couldn't find him along with you, but can you pass along what I said?"
Elaine nodded though knew Ban had a higher chance of seeing her beloved than she did. He was busy in the world of the living and his visits were becoming fewer and fewer. Though she knew not to worry because they'd be brought back together in the end.
"Now go," Elaine told Ban. "She might need you."
Ban smiled and nodded before he took off in the direction Monroe had gone and where all the fun seemed to be happening.
Monroe arrived to where the others were to see Meliodas and Diane getting their butts handed to them by the Holy Knight. Monroe stood up on the crystal she was on with a frown on her face.
"Just what are you two doing, huh?!" She called down to them.
The group of three whirled around to see Monroe there and she did not look happy in the slightest.
"Roe, there you are!" Diane said looking happy. "I was worried!"
"Maybe you should be worrying about yourself more, Di." Monroe suggested. "I thought you two were stronger than that. Two of you against a Crystal ranked Holy Knight. She should be dead by now."
The two didn't reply as they looked away sheepishly, and Monroe sighed as she shook her head. She wasn't sure what they were playing at, but she didn't have the patience to ask at the moment.
"Dead by now, you say." The Holy Knight—Guila—questioned. "Do you really think so poor of my skills, former senior of mine?"
Monroe, who gave another sigh, turned towards Guila as she placed her hand on her hip.
"I don't care if your part of Hendrickson's New Generation or not." Monroe said as she jumped down. "You've never beaten me before, and that isn't going to start happening now."
Guila just chuckled before an attack of ice came from behind Monroe so suddenly.
"Roe!" Meliodas called while trying to get up to get to her.
Monroe just snapped her fingers with the ice turning into water in an instant. It dropped to the ground harmlessly around her as Monroe glanced over her shoulder seeing Guila wasn't the only one here. A familiar lavender haired knight was as well.
"Gustaf." Monroe acknowledged. "Funny seeing you here."
Gustaf just looked almost sadly at Monroe as he stood there at the ready for a fight.
"Well, since we knew you were traveling with the Sins, we thought it best to bring back up." Guila said. "Besides, you were the one who sent the message saying to send knights worth your time, correct?"
Monroe chuckled as she turned her body sideways, so she had both Knights in view together.
"I suppose you do have a point." Monroe said with amusement layering her tone. "Though it seems as if the Grand Masters still underestimate me. Maybe if I send back your corpses, they'll get the message."
She looked at them both coldly with the look and intent to kill freezing Gustaf and Guila temporarily in their tracks. Guila almost felt sick though she stood her ground. She's fought Monroe before, and while she hadn't won any of those times, she was stronger now.
"What's wrong?" Monroe asked as she took a step forward. "You're not too afraid to move, are you?"
Guila frowned before raising her rapier to attack Monroe who was ready for her.
"Shock bomb!" Guila shouted as she sent a chain explosion at Monroe.
Last second Monroe moved to the side with the bombs hitting the crystals behind her. They shattered at impact with the ground shaking violently.
"Seen that before," Monroe said. "Got anything more interesting?"
She then stiffened when Gustaf came at her from the other side. She flipped up into the air out of the way before he could send shards of ice at her. She landed on a pillar high above everyone else.
"So, we're going to use teamwork, hmm?" Monroe hummed. "Smart decision. Guess I'll gave to get serious."
She drew her sword as she spoke, which had Guila and Gustaf standing on edge. Her weapon wasn't a sacred treasure like the Sins' weapons. However, it had been made by the dwarves many, many years ago and had come into the possession of the Royal Family at some point through the centuries. The weapon was gifted to her by the king once she became a Holy Knight. Its name…Godhere.
"Ready?" Monroe asked.
She jumped and went after Guila first. The younger woman gasped as Monroe swung her sword downward. Guila barely had the time to bring up her own weapon to block, but rapiers weren't meant to hold back strong strikes or attacks. She felt her weapon waver underneath the strong blow. Worrying her that it might snap it half. Gustaf came to her aid, however, as he sent another wave of ice and snow towards Monroe. Monroe didn't seem too concerned with the attack as Guila took the distraction to distance herself from the silverette.
"You still rely too much on your magical ability, Gustaf." Monroe said as she melted the ice. "While it is impressive and you've proven to have great control of it, a Holy Knight can't always reply on their magic."
Monroe charged at him in one strong jump forward and he gasped as she was bringing her sword down. He made a wall of ice in front of him, but she easily melted it. His eyes widened thinking this was the end, but Monroe stopped her attack just inches from his head.
"You should go home." Monroe said.
She then whirled around to use the hilt her sword to hit him hard in the back with it cracking loudly. He cried out in pain as he fell to his knees unable to feel his legs. The paralyzing feeling was fleeting, but he didn't have time to move, as Monroe kicked him in the side sending him flying towards where Guild stood. Guila, who didn't have time to move, was knocked down again as Gustaf collided with her.
Guila gritted her teeth together while refusing to go down this easily. She gained more power through the demon blood, and she wasn't going to let Monroe toss her around like she used to do doing training. Guila pushed Gustaf of her before flipping to her feet. She then sent an explosion at Monroe which Monroe dispelled by slicing it in half. They still exploded just with less power, which caused Guila to frown in frustration.
"Is this really all you've got?" Monroe asked. "You haven't even landed a hit yet."
Guila's frown deepened as she and Gustaf quickly attacked in unison though a knight who uses fire-based magic and a knight who uses ice-based magic weren't exactly a well-balanced team. As they tried to take Monroe down, Meliodas and Diane watched from the sidelines. They watched as Monroe easily dodged the attacks sent her way before she went on the offense again while completely dominating the two Holy Knights with her swordsmanship.
"Monroe's gotten so strong." Diane said. "It's kind of weird seeing her like this. Considering she had been a child in what feels not that long ago."
Meliodas made no comment as Monroe let out a sigh. She stomped on Guila's back successfully pinning the girl to the ground.
"You New Generation think you're so strong, but as you can see you still have a long way to go." Monroe said. "You should tell Hendrickson to pick stronger Holy Knights for his little experiments. Maybe then he'll get farther along in his research."
"How—how do you know about any of that?" Guila asked.
She then winced when Monroe stepped on her head to dig her heal into the younger girl's scalp.
"I know I lot of things, Guila." Monroe said. "Though it would seem I'm not right about everything because I thought you had more sense than to take such a dangerous offer from Hendrickson. But seems as if I was wrong to assume you were smart."
Guila just gritted her teeth together once more as Monroe looked down at her with a disdainful gaze. Guila swung her rapier back to send an explosion Monroe's way. Monroe dodge Guila's attack but jumped right into the shards of ice that Gustaf sent her way. Monroe sliced through them all, so that they would land harmless at her feet.
"Monroe, enough!" He shouted. "You need to stop! Surrender yourself and I promise that once we get back to the capital, I will speak on your behalf. I know you wouldn't just betray the kingdom. I don't need all the details to know that is true. You're a good, kind person who would sacrifice everything for the kingdom, and there are other knights who know the same. They would certainly speak for you as well."
Monroe, who wore an unreadable expression, didn't reply at first as Gustaf stared at her imploringly.
"Come home with us!" Gustaf begged. "Many people wish to see you home. Lord Gilthunder and Lord Howzer and Griamore want you home."
"Oh, Gustaf," Monroe sighed. "It's not time for me to return home."
"Then what will it take?!" Gustaf asked. "Tell me, and I will try to help you."
Monroe gave the man a look as a small sigh left between her lips. This was the hard part of playing a traitor. Dealing with old friends. People who still believed in her and wanted her home.
"There's nothing you can do," Monroe said simply. "Now, this is your final warning. If you don't leave, I'll kill you."
The threat was real. Monroe was being very serious. Gustaf still couldn't believe it though. The Monroe he knew. The Monroe he admired from afar for so long couldn't mean any of those things. He knew better. He knew her words couldn't be true.
"Stop spouting such nonsense!" Gustaf demanded. "I won't listen to it!"
He went to send another attack her way to try and pin her down, but she was suddenly in front of him. She grabbed him by the neck to slam him into the ground. She looked coldly down at him as he gagged for air.
"Stop holding onto the image of the old Monroe you have painted in your mind." Monroe said. "The Monroe you knew is gone. She died and I am what is left of her."
She then tightened the hold around his neck and after a few more moments of struggling, Gustaf went slack and his eyes closed. Monroe finally let him go as she stood straight.
"I did warn you," she said. "Goodbye, Gustaf."