A/N: Another two weeks, another update! (Sorry it's late - and that rhymed XD) I honestly am trying to get as much typing time as possible these days, but luckily I have two weeks off! *rubs hands in glee*

Anyway, Elizabeth's finally having that meeting in this chapter (jeez she's really late) and I guess this is another turning point in a way. Like one that changes the whole direction of the story in a way. But I'll just get on with the chapter.

Silver - Thanks for the kind review, as always. I'm glad that you're looking forward to the backstories and your reactions to each chapter honestly help me to continue writing this. :)

Till next time,

D.L.D


Elizabeth's (normal P.O.V)

"Are you sure you'll be ok?" Meliodas looked over me, concern evident as his gaze settled on my bloody and mangled wings.

They were in a really bad state - no they were a mess. I should've just postponed the meeting and went to get them checked, but doing that would only cause more of a fuss. There would be questions and then an investigation... Maybe even a whole closure of the school. That would inconvenience everyone and most likely postpone a lot of things. Plus my father and sisters would become heavily involved, Veronica most likely taking it upon herself to personally hunt down the culprit. And of course with my family, the kingdom naturally followed...as well as my mother.

My mother...

It's been years since I've seen her in person. Most of my positive memories of her are faded, instead darkened by the most recent and imprinting ones. Days where I would spend hours in her company, both of us happily getting along with tasks, were now replaced with her locking me away in my room. Isolated, alone, cramped. Past echoes of me repeatedly banging on the door, asking to be let out for hours before crying myself to sleep, rang in my head as I thought of the person I called mother. The person who brought me into existence.

As much as I like to believe that she cares like she used to, my mother only does for the reasons of image and I guess familial link. She doesn't care in the way you'd think a mother would - no should. The way she's built herself up to be a pious and upstanding woman who runs a prestigious school is only a smokescreen. Behind that hides a woman who is capable of the worst. My last memory of Celestial Prep would tell you that much. About how cold and lonely it was inside of its lavish and 'welcoming' walls.

However sometimes I like to think deep down my mother cares for me. Loves me even. But that has never really been proven true and so I'm left to believe.

"I'll be fine," I shoot him a smile, my face straining with the effort. "I can last an hour or two before going to get them checked out. I promise."

"Ok, but call me if anything goes wrong," Meliodas nods, green eyes softening, and I can't help but smile softly.

"Fine, I will," I roll my eyes as I try not to laugh, "Now can you stop being so protective and leave?"

He simply nods and begins to walk off before turning to look at me, "Look after yourself."

I sigh as I look at him, knowing that although I messed up not too long ago I could look after myself. Now he was just rubbing it in. Being smug as always because he was the one to swoop in and rescue me. Again. How many times has he done this now? At least ten right? Ok fifty...Fine, I don't know I've lost count! Happy now?

"I'll be fine, now go," I laugh as he gives me a grin and then disappears from view. His footsteps fade the longer I wait and soon I'm left alone, standing in the hall.

I exhale as I stare at the door in front of me. It was like all the other classroom doors, plain and with a rectangular glass window. It offered a small view as to what was going on inside the classroom, showing tables and the groups of students sitting at them or moving about doing tasks. They all seemed happy, content, like a little community in its own little world. It must be nice being part of something like that...

Deciding to do it before someone spots me, I knock on the door. It opens immediately, causing me to nearly duck out of the way as the door swings on its hinges. It connects with the wall, creating a thunk sound.

"Elizabeth!" A girl with golden hair and celery green eyes wraps me into a hug, "It's been forever! I heard about what happened a few years back, but when Zaneri said you came here I couldn't believe it! I had to check for myself -"

My eyes widen, shock and pain taking over at the abrupt yet enthusiastic greeting I was given. The blonde is still chattering, all sorts of topics spewing from her as she takes in my form, clearly recognising me from somewhere. The dark haired girl from earlier stands beside the blonde, her gaze kind yet pensive. They were two completely different personalities, though clearly alike in many visual ways.

Both girls are identical, their uniforms matching but in different shades. They both wore pleated skirts, their white shirts buttoned to the top and tie plain. However they also wore blazers with flowers pinned onto the breast pocket and cuffs. The pair also seemed to match in hairstyle, their long hair tamed into a single braid giving the impression that they were twins. It wouldn't be an odd assumption either as everything about the girls matched. Only their eye and hair colour seemed to vary - well that and a few other smaller features.

"Do I know you?" I blink as I look at the two.

One laughs and the other simply shrugs, her expression happy but still quite serious. The darker haired twin seemed like the sort of person who took a lot of things seriously and liked to keep to herself. Reserved. A good person to confide and ask advice in.

I note that down as they begin to speak.

"Well, I guess we have changed over the years," The blonde smiled, absentmindedly waving a hand. She then tapped her chin, clearly thinking, "Although I thought you may have recognised Zaneri when I mentioned her name. After all she was always getting mentioned in the year above ours."

"Jenna we look completely different from back then," The darker haired girl sighed, "Plus Elizabeth wasn't in any of our classes, the older years didn't speak to us youngers. I'm Zaneri, that's Jenna. We were in a class below yours in Celestial Prep."

Blinking, I scan over their faces before smiling. The names matched with the faces, immediately jogging my thoughts and causing old memories to spark. They had definitely changed over the years, both clearly growing older and adopting a different look from what they had while at Celestial Prep. But maybe it was the weight of living outside of the bubbles Celestial Prep and the Demon Schools supplied. Living normally did seem to change you in many ways. It opened you up to possibilities and a lot of things that those schools shielded you from. Like age.

"Jenna! Zaneri!" I hold myself back from another hug, knowing it would hurt my wings.

Both seem to notice this as they look at the feathery things, faces expressing concern and empathy. The twins' eyes seemed to soften as they peered at the bloodied and mangled limbs, before quickly becoming professional. Zaneri took the left one into her hands, gently examining the badly crippled wing. It had received the worst damage, clearly being broken and possibly fractured somewhere else too. The right also wasn't doing much better, however I'm sure it was only sprained. It didn't feel as painful as the other when I moved it after all.

A silence seemed to settle between the two sisters as they examined my state. Zaneri glanced and Jenna and the other nodded, both wearing grim expressions.

"Let's get you patched up," Zaneri frowned, removing her now red hand from my wing. A few drops fell to the floor, staining the tile. "We can talk after."

"Definitely," Jenna nodded, clearly angry with my injury. "And you're going to tell us who did this. I'd like to give them a piece of my mind!"

I only sigh as the two sisters get to work, both talking about what we had to catch up on and how they were going to make whoever did this pay.


Elaine's P.O.V

"Thank the Goddesses you didn't go through with it," I sigh as I look at Ban, cringing at the black eye he'd gotten. It was a mixture of purple and blue, the injury causing his eyelid to puff up severely and therefore rendering him partially sightless. I'm pretty sure that eye was bloodshot too; the punch it received had sounded painful.

I'd spent the last hour patching Ban up and applying ice to his swelled eye but it still wasn't going down completely. He'd had a few scrapes and bruises on his torso too, but they had seemed to heal before I'd even gotten him back to his dorm. But Ban didn't seem to care about that. In fact he was still calling for Melascula to come fight him when he was clearly already battered and bruised from Derieri. However nothing too serious happened. (Thank the stars).

Luckily for Ban, Melascula was too busy to pick a fight with him. In fact she even said that she didn't have time to waste on 'insignificant fools' such as him. Instead she got Derieri to deal with him, both her and Ban getting into a fight. It hadn't been too pleasant to watch; I'd covered my eyes for most of it while trying to convince Ban to stop. However they kept on going. Derieri was losing at first, her shirt sleeve torn and socks rumpled, but somehow she managed to get to Ban. I don't know how, but she did. As a result he had sustained a permanent injury - a rare occurrence for him. I say rare as Ban had the unique ability to heal his wounds almost instantly due to something that occurred years ago.

But the black eye wasn't going away...

Hopefully it was just taking longer than usual as Derieri had used Combo Star, which meant she had a lot more power behind her punch, but I still couldn't help but worry. It wasn't normal for Ban to have an injury for so long. Plus this one was particularly ugly.

"It's only because that bitch weaseled out of it," Ban spat, clearly annoyed as I applied ice to his eye. He didn't even flinch at the contact of the gelid substance against his skin. "Jeez you shoulda just let me go through with it Elaine."

"And have you dead?" I raise a brow, clearly livid as I drop the ice pack. I place my hands on my hips as I narrow my gaze at him, annoyed that he was actually considering this. "You're lucky she didn't have time for you. You know that she'd win if you challenged her to a fight!"

"Yeah right, I still woulda won and she wouldn't be a problem anymore," He mumbled as he held the ice pack to his eye, glancing away from me.

"That's what you think Ban, but would it really happen?" I turn away from him, sadness slipping into my tone.

He never gets it. He still doesn't get it. He can't always protect me from everything - the same with King. They both need to accept that I need to fight my own battles for once and not hide behind them. Otherwise I'll always be a target.

A silence settled between us, uncomfortable and thick. Ban and I don't usually disagree - no we never really have any arguments. If we do it's about something stupid or some childish squabble or something like that. But this - this was the beginning of something that I feared would drive a rift between us. I've always told Ban that it was better to leave Melascula to her own whims, to not go picking a fight with her. But as always he wants to protect me from everything...and so he went a pulled this stunt today.

But then again at least he didn't tell King. Then I'd have to deal with them both...

I bite my lip at the thought of the chaos they'd both stir up. That would definitely end in worse terms.

"Look, I'm sorry I went charging in like that today," Ban sighed, his free hand swiping over his face. "It's just I don't like it when she uses you. You know it wasn't easy leaving you behind all those years ago..."

I pause, expression softening as my frustration dissipates. I should be mad right now - angry even - but I know Ban was just doing it to protect me. Even if what he did today was stupid and downright suicidal, it did have good intentions behind it, like always. But I should still be frustrated and annoyed knowing that it'll repeat. However I give him a hug anyway, deciding to forgive.

"Fine, just don't do it again," I say softly, welcoming his touch as he draws me close. "Ok?"

He pauses, an answer not coming immediately. A sign that he was considering not to agree and to put himself in danger again. Something that I didn't want to be the cause of.

"Ban..." My tone is serious, warning.

He chuckles at it, the laugh vibrating throughout him.

"Fine," He rolls his eyes to prove his point. "I promise I won't do it."

"Good," I smile as my face nuzzles into his neck, "Because I want you by my side forever."

"Me too Elaine, me too..."

And I can sense the sadness in his tone.


Elizabeth's (normal P.O.V)

"Ok, they should be fine for now," Zaneri sighed as she finished setting my wing into a cast.

Jenna and Zaneri had taken upon themselves to do a full examination on me, working quickly to bind my wings and give me instructions on how to recover. It felt odd and stiff as I tried not to move my wing. The hardened bandages were wrapped firmly around it, preventing any sort of extreme movement as well as hiding it away as I usually did. School was definitely going to be difficult now.

The twins had also told me that I couldn't do any sort of flying. I had to just make do and hope that my wings recovered swiftly, while also not putting any strain on them. That also meant no going into crowded halls, getting into altercations or taking part in PE. For at least a few weeks. Well, that's how long it takes on average for a bone to heal. I read it on a poster while getting my head checked in the nurse's office. But something tells me the process will be sped up, much like my head injury.

After all people tend to meddle...

"That was quite a nasty break," Jenna frowned as she cleared away the bloody equipment and wash basin. The water was stained crimson, pink feathers floating on the surface. Jenna busied herself with getting everything cleared up, gathering all of the things they had used into her arms. The blonde had blamed it on burning energy or something, but I could tell that she was quite a bubbly person in general. "I wanna know how you got it."

"And who did it," Zaneri chimed in.

"And who did it," Jenna smiled slightly as she disappeared from the classroom. She soon returned with the equipment gone and a smile on her face. The blonde then sat at a table, a binder resting next to her. "Anyway, we should get on with this overdue meeting. It's really important and I think if we left it longer chaos will erupt."

"Definitely," Zaneri agreed, guiding me to a seat and then taking her own. She then gestured to a student. "Theo would you get us some snacks?"

"Of course, Ms Zaneri," He left diligently, as if on some sort of task. Odd since Jenna and Zaneri didn't look as if they'd be the leaders of the Druid club, let alone older than any of the first years here. I had imagined the leaders as being members of the Senior year or perhaps even teachers. But then again appearances do deceive.

"We may have messed with a few things," Jenna laughed slightly as if reading my thoughts. "You see we've been here for a while..."

"Yep, ever since this place opened," Zaneri nodded, her eyes focused on a book placed in her lap. I couldn't see the title, however I knew it was written in another language. The appearance of the cover made that quite blatant. "Odd that we've been the same age since."

"Not really," Jenna shook her head, before looking at me. She wore a smile as she looked at me, face resting on her palm. "So what's it been like since you've got here? Anyone special bump into your life?"

Zaneri flushed slightly at this, however remained plain as she focused on her book. Her green eyes reflected how she was clouding something. Something she felt deep inside. Something personal that she held close to her heart. However I couldn't figure it out with Jenna looking at me so expectantly.

"Special?" I manage to choke out a response, my face feeling warm. I didn't know exactly what Jenna was implying, or if she was implying anything, but the meaning I got wasn't the most innocent. "I don't think so."

"Oh drat!" Jenna sighed, her nose scrunching. She fell back into her seat, slouching as she continued, "I thought for sure this time would be it! How dense can two people be? We don't have much time..."

"Patience Jenna," Zaneri placed a hand on her sister's shoulder, her tone calming. Reminding. "You know we still have time."

"But not much," Jenna frowned as she rubbed her face. "Well, I'd better ask you the next question. Have the Goddesses contacted you?"

I freeze at her words, eyes wide as I look at someone who traveled a similar path to mine. Someone I wouldn't expect to ask me such a thing. It was considered taboo, crazy even, for ex-students of Celestial Prep to even mention talking to the Goddesses. After all once they were done with you, they were done. You were left to live normally. Well most students are unless they're a special case - sadly I'm one of them.

However Jenna knew that the Goddesses were a risky bunch to trust, especially if you fell from grace. But here she was asking if I had spoken to them, as if knowing that they would have tried to talk to me. Perhaps she did know of all the encounters they'd had with me. Or maybe I hadn't kept things as airtight as I thought I had.

"Yes, they have," I decide to answer it honestly, knowing that they wouldn't be biased. Jenna and Zaneri knew about the dangers of both sides, as well as what being affiliated with them led to. They'd have no reason to lie or try to sway me. They'd give me the advice I need.

"What about the Commandments?" Zaneri pressed, taking her gaze from the book for once.

I caught a glimpse of it, the page filled with illustrations highlighted in gold and jet black. Odd symbols and letters filled the side, the foreign words a swirl of grey as she held it. It looked enchanting - magical even. Like that book held wonders and secrets that had yet to be revealed to the world. Or perhaps it was just eye catching. I'm not too sure anymore. I should ask Zaneri what it's called so I could see what it's about. The book does seem interesting and that would explain why the twin couldn't keep her eyes from it.

"Well, they have been making their presence known," I answer, reaching to rub my face as I remember the ball Derieri and Monspeet had thrown. It had hit right on target, delivering the message and injuring me. A grand achievement in the eyes of the Commandments.

"But have they spoken to you?" Jenna raised a brow, suddenly focused on this one topic.

"No, not yet," I murmur as I think back to all the encounters I'd had with the Commandments. "Unless Estarossa counts?"

"Not really."

We all share a collective shiver. Unspoken words and thoughts being shared as we sit there in silence, waiting for the next question to be asked. However it's delayed as Theo walks in holding a tray full of snacks. There were all sorts of treats on the tray from mini pizzas to toffee popcorn. All on colourful plates or bowls and huge in variety. It was if the Druids had a whole stockroom from a grocery store for their snack supply. It was only then that I remembered I hadn't eaten since lunch and after being presented with food, the hunger had finally hit me.

I turn pink as I feel my stomach rumble, noting to eat something for dinner after this meeting.

"Oh, just place it on the table Theo," Jenna nodded towards the piece of furniture. "Thanks."

He obeyed in silence, placing the tray and then leaving. It sat there, available for us all and gladly being accepted. I take a mini pizza first, knowing that I needed more than popcorn or cookies to fill me. The sisters seemed to think the same as they both took one too.

"Well, we shouldn't keep you longer than needed," Jenna sighed as she opened the binder. There were all sorts of notes, pictures and lists inside. Neat handwriting accompanied many tucked in photos as well as pieces of paper. "So I'll try to make this as short as possible. Elizabeth we need you to - "

"Jenna, Zaneri we need your help!" Another student burst in, panic written all over their features. Their dark curls had fallen flat, their face blanched as they looked at the two sisters. "Something has happened. Two students are fighting and - "

"I'm on it!" Jenna hopped out of her seat, taking another mini pizza and shooting us both apologetic expressions. "I'm sorry but duty calls. Zaneri fill Elizabeth in. I'll go deal with whatever numskull decided to cause this ruckus."

With no other words the blonde took off, leaving the room as suddenly as the student burst in.

Zaneri let out a sigh, dark tendrils falling into her eyes as she closed her book and faced me. Her green eyes were hard, steeled, matching with her grim expression. The twin bit her lip as she thought, something seeming to pass over her before she let out another sigh and began.

"Elizabeth you have to stay away," Her voice was quiet, soft. A sort of plead formed at first but then she was clutching me, tears leaking from her clover eyes. They were like a waterfall, falling and falling, until they crashed down below. "Stay away! Please...I can't deal with it repeating again - Not again. For your safety stay away!"

I freeze in her touch, confusion taking over as the twin continues to shake. Stay away? Stay away from who? I know that I should be wary of the Commandments as well as the Archangels. I know that the Holy Knights weren't all as they were made to be either. However I couldn't think of anyone I associated with that I shouldn't trust. Not immediately anyway...

"I know you know who I mean," Zaneri looked at me, eyes glassy and face streaked. "Please, I'm telling you as a friend more than anything."

"But why would I - "

"You know why, the pieces are all there," Zaneri was calmer now, her words less emotional and thick. However she still sniffled. "They're staring you in the face."

"But what if they're innocent?" I ask, deciding to believe in the positive. To stick with what I had always fought for. What I always believed in.

Everyone has a chance...

"Innocent passed ages ago," Zaneri sighed, her expression now locked off and stern. She then opened the binder and displayed it to me, the images as vivid as ever. "The evidence here says it all. Meliodas is guilty."

That's when I left the room.