Days, months, and about a year has passed since the Holy War consummated. Since then, many have healed and are returning to their normal lives, enjoying this time of peace that has come upon their worlds. Humans, fairies, and giants have been rejoicing and rebuilding the things damaged from the war within their realms for a while now. Especially in the realm of Earth, its well-being is essential to how well most of the predominant five races operate functionally.
'Yet somehow the realms with actual gods governing them have been the hardest hit. Why has it taken us out of all races so much time to move on?' Meliodas wondered as he strolled through his home realm.
He hadn't been here in what felt like forever. In the back of his mind, he felt like he had some nerve returning to this place but things had been going well so far. Though he hasn't yet spoken with the leader of his race, his father.
"Hey, you, midget!" a familiar feminine nasal voice called from behind, causing Meliodas to frown jokingly as he turned around to see who it was. The demon prince then sarcastically gasped in shock as he replied "Hey, you're that snake-rat hybrid right? I think I know you?!" The Commandment of Faith rolled her eyes as she replied "Whatever!", catching up to Meliodas.
Admittedly, Meliodas was surprised by how forgiving Melascula was when he first began to restore peace with his race. Siding with the Goddesses and killing some of his clansmen was no little crime in the eyes of his clan or his father. Yet, he figured it might not be too hard to attempt to do the same with Elizabeth quite easily being received back more personally into her clan. For a while, he couldn't decipher where he should start. Also, considering he wasn't all that sorry for what he did, the prince still figured it'd be worthwhile in the end to do it.
So he began with those he formerly led, the Ten Commandments.
Of course, he couldn't gather everyone he betrayed at once to apologize and be properly heard so he went about doing so individually. By way of fate, Melascula was the first of the commandments he encountered. The sons of the Demon King and Melascula were oddly good friends before complete chaos broke out. Really, just about all of the Commandments shared connections of amity between each other since when you've known someone your entire life that tends to happen, but, of course with the War breaking out, those bonds did not take center stage. Hence, Melascula hearing from Meliodas was quite bittersweet. Being the Commandment of Faith, instances of betrayal were no light thing to her. Despite that, she was willing, considering who she knew him to be personally.
From thereon, there
From thereon, there was Derieri, Monspeet, Galand, and his younger brother he managed to address. That sort of made things easier because he had fewer people to "apologize" to; the other two Commandments were gone he killed them and one of them was not very legit... Approaching some was definitely smoother than others. Especially Derieri since her sister passed during the War. Yet, he figured it out. Thankfully, many of them chose to take the route of forgiveness and healing so they could get on with their lives, without bitterness.
The way Melascula nonchalantly strolled next to her former leader elicited a slight feeling of nostalgia within him. It had been ages since things had been this way.
"So, how are things going over with the others?" Melascula calmly inquired. "Wouldn't you know that better than I?" Meliodas replied. "No. Well, actually yes," she replied before going silent. Meliodas looked over at her in confusion. "Uh, hello?" Meliodas asked exaggeratedly while eyeing the Commandment. "Hi?" she replied matching his tone. "So, can you further expound? How are they doing?" "Ohhh...well, they're healing-slowly getting back to "regular" life as everyone else is. I'd say you'd be fine approaching them but it may be tense," Melascula replied. "Well, that's great news," Meliodas responded. "It is, isn't it?" Melascula added as she lightened her tone more than it was before.
"You know you're weird right?" Meliodas snarkily replied. Melascula stopped in her tracks as Meliodas walked forward, laughing at her. She sighed with hinted confusion before replying "Ha, I've been knowing that! Wait up, won't you?" "Who told you it's okay to harass me?" Meliodas replied. "I'm not! Where are you going?" Melascula answered back.
"The palace, Mela. Right over there." "Oh, are you finally going to speak to the Demon King?" "I think so! Has he said anything about me recently?" the prince replied back. "Why don't you go find out for yourself?" Melascula said while advancing forward. "What? Well damn," Meliodas exclaimed keeping the typical sarcastic tone he has with her. Melascula looked back at Meliodas, shooting him a glance that communicated "I didn't mean it like that, get over it." "It would be most beneficial to restore some sort of mutual understanding with the Demon King," she further expounded, keeping her gaze forward.
The very thought of seeing his father at this point in time even as months had passed still irked his mind. The Demon King is unwavering in his stance regarding betrayal and what he thinks is right. No matter how hurt another person may be. Nevertheless, Meliodas knew she was right. It was time for him to face the stubborn bastard- his father and the rest of his clan.
"Well, I sure don't want to be in there when you enter, especially if the Demon King's side chick is there. See ya!" the Commandment of Faith saluted before being off to her own affairs. Meliodas waved his middle finger jokingly in response to salute her as well, before processing the last part of what she stated. "Wait, what the hell does "side chick" mean?!" Meliodas questioned with eager concern, stopping in his tracks. Melascula knew he would respond that way, hence she dipped out of plain sight as soon as she stated it. 'That bitch...' Meliodas thought to himself, trying to shrug off concern for what she said. 'Perhaps it was a joke,' the prince thought, trying to move himself forward before he remembered a few months back...in the Celestial Realm.
'Wait' he thought upon realizing, coming to a halt in his stroll, 'Wait a damn minute, is that why-oohhh! Well, guess I better get going,' his thoughts finished, now rather eager to harass the Demon King than apologize.
Upon actually reaching the tall threshold leading to the entrance, Meliodas took a deep breath to calm himself down and appear composed and mature. Without thinking twice about it, he confidently stepped foot inside the palace. The guards there appeared to be appalled by the former Commandment's presence, yet, without hesitation and making eye contact backed out of the way, allowing him inside.
As he walked through the grand hallways, he couldn't help but feel a mix of nostalgia and trepidation. This place used to be his home, filled with laughter and camaraderie. Now, it felt like a distant memory, tainted by the corruption of dismal, twisted events of fate.
Finally, he reached the throne room where his father, the Demon King, sat upon his imposing throne. Oddly for once, Meliodas wasn't trembling as he approached him. Something was very off about him. For one, the Demon King wasn't in his full size. Also, his aura, it's not that the Demon King was less intimidating...it was just something Meliodas could not put his finger on that was off about him. The room was filled with tense silence as Meliodas entered, except for the whisperings of Cusak along with some other servants. Not to mention, the whimpering of Chandler, his former advisor.
"Father," Meliodas spoke, his voice steady and filled with alluded genuineness. "Meliodas, my eldest son," the Demon King calmly addressed his son. "I've come to apologize for everything I've done, for all the pain and destruction I caused."
The Demon King looked at his son with a mix of disappointment and weariness that stemmed mostly from himself. "Meliodas, you have indeed caused great harm to our race," he said, his voice filled with a weariness that came from centuries of ruling. "But you were not alone in this. We all have our sins to bear."
Meliodas's eyes widened as he heard the Demon King speak. Never once in the centuries of his existence had he heard such a response from him. 'Boy was I spot on, something is wrong with him,' Meliodas thought to himself, causing his eyebrows to frown out of confusion. The prince quickly glanced around the room, then back at the Demon King. Perhaps his father was willing to move on-and...hear him out, and...change?
Meliodas exhaled as he replied "I know I can never fully make up for what I've done, but I want to try. I want to rebuild our race, to bring back the unity and strength we once had." The Demon King keeping an oddly tranquil gaze on Meliodas replied "Son, it is quite considerate of you to make such a statement but I should be the one declaring that to all my creation." Meliodas had he not maintained self-awareness almost let his jaw drop. He couldn't tell whether this was some sort of sick joke or the truth. Meliodas knew the sarcastic and often twisted sense of humor the Demon King was accustomed to so he couldn't let his guard down.
The Demon King noticing what his son was communicating through his body language, let out a sigh that could be interpreted as either an actual sigh or a slight chuckle. The sight of it raised Meliodas's suspicion even further before his father additionally commented "Meliodas, I was never really the father I could have been toward you or your younger brother. Neither was I the leader I should have been. I'm afraid the leader of the Goddess Race and I are both at fault for the origin of this war. The war crimes you committed at my decree would have been void of existence had it not been for me."
The room was silent with contemplation. At this point, Meliodas was not the only one in the room attentively listening to the Demon King. Chandler had even stopped his weeping at the words the Demon King uttered. 'How bizarre a confession,' Cusack thought, observing the conversation. The Demon King knowing the type of comments he could receive from his subjects based on what he just said couldn't care less. After all, he still was their king. The leader of the Demon Race concluded by stating "You were always headstrong and reckless. But you were also a leader, a trusted and esteemed one, admittedly even more so than myself in the eyes of our race. What is needed right now throughout the realm is leaders to assist in any aspect the inhabitants, therefore, may need."
"If you truly wish to atone in the eyes of your people, then by all means do as you may see fit. You are still the eldest prince. But remember, forgiveness is not easily earned, primarily after such betrayal. Nonetheless, gaining my forgiveness isn't very fitting for this situation. I expect you would never see it fit to forgive me for the things I've done and that is in every aspect acceptable. Only know I do not have any ill intent toward you."
Meliodas agreed in silence as he nodded, somewhat shocked, definitely in disbelief. The throne room was silent as Meliodas's response was waited upon. Eventually, the prince let out a chuckle while a smile grew on his face. The Demon King and those present in the room were intrigued by the sight of Meliodas' response. Not only his response but his overall state. Everything from his aura, body language, and even eyes, which once only emanated the likeness of an abyss, was almost completely different from the leader and person he had once been. The Meliodas they knew prior to this would not express any type of liveliness. In other words, no one from the Demon Realm was used to seeing the Meliodas that was not filtered by the effects of the curse of the Commandment of Love.
Except possibly Chandler, but even he encouraged the callous Meliodas he once knew. Even the Demon King, seeing the way his son is now, despite not wanting to openly acknowledge it, could see the major mistake he made in showing both his sons and all those he probably influenced to deny the realness of emotions. Not feelings, but one of the driving forces that appears to give every being motive for the things they embark upon.
Nevertheless, Meliodas, now staring his father in the eyes, replied with an anti-climatic "Okay, whatever you say~" He then let out a sigh before continuing, as if nothing happened, "So, how is your relationship with the Supreme Deity coming along?" "WHAT?" Cusack exclaimed, causing the Demon King to jump slightly, not entirely processing what and why his son asked him what he did so abruptly...and randomly. Meliodas remained smiling in the mischievous way he tends to.
'My goodness, is this his new version of payback; humiliation,' thought the Demon King, trying to maintain composure. The only answer he could think of was to reply "Quite well, actually," in a "matter-of-fact" way, trying to play things off. Considering he was expecting her company today only made matters more uncomfortable for him. "WAIT, WHAT KIND OF RELATIONSHIP?" Cusack exclaimed, appearing to lose composure and have a lot of concern. "Cusack, must you be so insolent to our clan's leader?" Chandler commented. "INSOLENT YOU SAY," Cusack halfway replied while flailing. The demon dramatically sighed before he continued "Tell me, did you have any idea about this!" "In fact I did," at this the Demon King's eyes widened before Chandler finished his statement with "Of course, the two of them have some type of relationship, they're clan leaders! How else would they have come to be allies?"
Meliodas noticed the Demon King sat back on his throne and that his eyes appeared to be calmer or...relieved. "Hey, did the two of you just see how he relaxed after Chandler mentioned he and Supreme Deity are "just allies," Meliodas commented with alacrity. "Young master, won't you stop instigating? Obviously, the Demon King would have enough sense to not partner with a goddess as you did-" "Hey, I will have no bashing of my son in my presence," the Demon King interjected. "SEE!" Meliodas clamored while pointing.
The irony of it all was when the Supreme Deity's arrival was announced by a royal guard not even a minute later; "Your Highness, the governing Lady of the Goddess Race has arrived." Meliodas began to laugh so hard he almost fell, but he was definitely crying. The Demon King attempted to shush his son as he replied to the guard "Thank you, open the doors leading to this room for her to enter." "Yes, sire," the guard replied as was commanded.
Meliods calming himself down was able to say "You know what, why don't I ask her when she gets here?" The Demon King lowered his hand so he could place his forehead in his hand while replying as if he were worn out by an energetic child "Do as you wish Meliodas."
As always, the Queen of the Goddess Clan's presence was regal and elegant. The Demon King usually amused himself with the things he noticed about her; not the rather sexually motivated observations, but also things like how her stature, although shorter than his, only added to her already ruler-like and authoritative tendencies, how gracefully she carried herself, her feminine mannerisms, and yet when she wanted to could be as crude, ruthless, harsh, and brutally honest as she desired. He had no idea why he appreciated such tendencies in her or why he cared so much. Yet, he knew that were he to have ruled with a queen, he would have desired a partner displaying her likeness in every way.
"Demon King," the Supreme Deity stated in acknowledgment of the ruler she favored. "Supreme Deity, it is as always an honor to be in your presence," the Demon King stated as he arose and toward her, taking her hand and bowing himself to kiss it, in a way that almost communicated "My Queen," to end his prior statement. Although the gesture itself isn't necessarily romantic, especially when it comes to leaders of opposite sexes greeting each other, this time, especially with the prior knowledge everyone in the room had, it was almost clear it was.
"My job is done~" Meliodas commented as he headed for the exit. "I don't want to know more about the relationship between the two of you than I already do, just don't go overboard, later!" the prince said, keeping his gaze forward as he walked out of the throne room. No one knew where he was going next but the ones who would probably be concerned most didn't seem to care while in each other's presence.
Without the Demon King having to say anything, since the only other two people around were Chandler and Cusack, they dismissed themselves and got as far away from the area as they could. Mostly out of shock and disgust but that didn't matter to the Demon King. Only the fact that they were gone is what satisfied him.
The Supreme Deity let out a slight laugh, due to the actions of Chandler and Cusack, before saying "You know, I don't think you gave me a tour of your oasis, Demon King." The Demon King subtly noticed how they were more touchy with each other. Not intentionally, it just sort of flowed. It felt natural for some reason. With a slight grin on his face and pulling the Supreme Deity closer by the waist, the Demon King replied "Are you sure you want to see the entirety of it and not just my bedroom?"
"Well maybe~" the Supreme Deity replied, with a slight grin on her face now as well. "Not that it would matter. You seem like the type that would get busy anywhere as long as no one's around," the Demon King replied jokingly, causing the Supreme Deity to pull away from him, although she knew he wasn't wrong. The Demon King then signaled for the Supreme Deity to follow him. Of course, the Goddess Race's leader followed, as someone who is "sprung" would herd to their person of interest.
Their connection was uncanny, a deep understanding of each other's desires and flaws. And yet, their positions as deities prevented them from fully embracing their love. It was a cruel twist of fate, honestly well deserved, yet, the irony was not lost on either of them. But in the midst of this messy, tangled web of emotions, they found solace in their unspoken agreement. They would continue their relations, yet found a delicate balance between desire and duty, knowing deep down that their love could never be fully realized. Perhaps it was this unattainability that fueled their passion, the forbidden nature of their connection that made it all the more intoxicating.
The evening the Supreme Deity retired to her quarters after reading the Demon King's letter, a soft smile played on her lips. She couldn't deny the exhilaration that coursed through her veins, knowing that the Demon King patiently awaited her response. It was a dangerous game they played, a game of cat and mouse where they constantly teetered on the edge of forbidden love. And yet, it was a game they both relished, finding pleasure in the thrill of the chase. But as the Supreme Deity lay in her bed, her mind wandered back to the countless lives they had influenced, the pain and suffering they had caused. Guilt washed over her like a tidal wave, threatening to drown her in its depths.
She knew she couldn't allow herself to be consumed by this forbidden love since the possible consequences could be dire. So, she made a silent vow to herself. She would remain steadfast in her duties, refusing to let her desires tarnish the sanctity of their world. In spite of that, the queen also reasoned that two gods making love, not for the sake of procreation but for pleasure, wouldn't cause harm to anyone. That is, as long as it was kept secret.
Sure enough, as she regathered her thoughts, she realized the Demon King led the Supreme Deity to an aesthetic, sense-inducing, scene. Not necessarily a bedroom with a luxurious bed, aphrodisiac incense, and roses, but a scene similar to the one where her confessions were made between the two; a view of some of the most beautiful parts of the realm he created that was visible within eyeshot.
Although it may have been considered hell, that was only by those who had never really been there (goddesses spreading false information, humans being afraid of the unknown, and other the races feeding into it). In reality, it was a place of raw, untamed beauty. Only purgatory, a realm only a few unfortunate souls encounter, was the most hell-like landscape that the Demon King made. Yet, the Demon Realm itself was not nearly as bad as many falsely perceived. Many parts were similar to the vast landscapes of Earth, grass, and trees, except for a few alternative things that are necessary for the nature of Demons.
The Demon King knew that this serene setting would be the perfect backdrop for their clandestine encounter. The two of them reached the arch leading to this view, the Supreme Deity came to a slight halt, not expecting such a sight, as she never had real opportunities to observe the realm, as she had a couple to govern herself. The Demon King, now seated on an ottoman of satin and the best cotton one could find in the entirety of the realm, noticed the observant eyes of the Queen in his presence.
"Rhitta, is there something wrong?" He questioned. The Supreme Deity, slowly shifting her gaze to the Demon King, let a smile grow on her lips as she replied in her usual rich tone "Not at all dear, I just wasn't aware your realm had such landscapes," going to sit and lean upon the Demon King. Noticing her actions, the Demon King quickly adjusted, wrapping his arm around her, and pulling her near. The air between them was filled with a potent mixture of desire and power. The Supreme Deity could feel the heat emanating from the Demon King's body, his touch sending shivers down her spine. As they sat there, their bodies entwined, a newfound intimacy blossomed between them.
Noon turned to evening, and the two of them communed and laughed. The Supreme Deity and the Demon King surprisingly had a similar sense of humor. Although the Demon King was more expressive of that than the Supreme Deity was, which only deepened her odd admiration of him. Such ecstasy from being intimate wasn't anything the two of them had been used to for centuries.
Then, at last, there came a point when the excitement between the two calmed down, out of a bubbly feel to a more sensual, mature one. The feeling that called from both of them, deep within to be explored. They understood each other, not merely physically; it was a connection that transcended the boundaries of their respective realms. Their eyes locked, causing them to simultaneously move closer. The heat and passion they picked up from each other's bodies was almost insatiable.
In the moment, the Supreme Deity subconsciously figured perhaps this was the connection that drove her daughter to have the boldness to rebel in the way she did. The driving force behind the Demon King's son to be willing to protect her daughter at all costs. She understood what love was, in spite of how messy and confusing it can be. At this point, so did the Demon King as well. Even after the darkness and chaos they both caused, the true source of those things was their own characters and the lack of feeling they exuded. Because in the end, it transcends all hardships and manifests its many depths in the lives of all. Even gods. Was this twist of fate the working of their creator, Chaos? Who knew? All that was necessary in that present time was the truth of the love they had for one another.
Love is as strong as death. Passion is as strong as the grave. Its sparks become a flame, and it grows to become a great fire -Song of Songs 8:6