A/N: Now we're back to the original plot! This chapter switches between our two leading ladies, Elizabeth and Elaine. Such a treat as they're almost like mirror versions of each other, expect for a few things. (Totally the author inflating the situation. Please move on). This chapter's also longer than usual, so do enjoy it.

Also it's now 2021! So Happy New Year, as well as Christmas if you celebrate it. You know what they say, new year new you, although I wouldn't exactly change because of that. *Scoffs slightly* But hopefully this year's better than last. I think we've all had enough international crises for a while...

But anyways thanks for all the support with the story! Really. You guys are like my number one motivator for this and thanks for sticking around with the wonky update dates. I'm trying to get better with it :P

But I'll just continue on with the next chapter.

Stay safe and well,

D.L.D


Elizabeth's (normal) P.O.V

"And so I joined the Sins," Escanor finished his tale, glasses now back on and with them went all the muscle. All the inflated ego. The now scrawny student released a sigh as he glanced away, expression distant. "However pride seems to be the reason for discord once again...It seems that all pride can do is create arrogant fools."

To that Merlin chuckled slightly, a look of softened understanding on her features as she regarded her fellow Sin. Something that was oddly fitting since she was the one who'd picked Escanor up after his grand fall. The one that had helped him to understand who he was before anyone else did. Perhaps that was why Escanor was so bashful towards the elusive ravenette. But something told me there was more behind it than that.

Something personal.

After all he looks at her in a certain way. The Lion Sin of Pride even seemed to waver when within Merlin's presence alone - something that was clearly not common for Escanor. He seemed ashamed of his strength after all and it seemed like he found it as a burden more than a helpful tool. But with Merlin he was more skittish than usual and regarded her so fondly. He was always seeking her guidance and approval.

"You're too hard on yourself Escanor. Pride isn't just arrogance, it's also certainty and confidence," Merlin smiled slightly, a hand on resting on the Lion Sin's shoulder. An attempt to cheer up the sullen student, while also staying to the point of the conversation. The senior year then turned to address the rest of us, her expression as serious and to the point as ever. "However Escanor's right. Pride seems to be a main reason of discord among the students here. If you wish to tackle it, then we need a counter approach."

Merlin's words caused me to blink. A counter approach to pride? What could defeat pride when it fueled so many desperate and approval-seeking adolescents? Pride was something that was hard to combat unless you knew how to rid that pride after all. It was made up of people's beliefs and hopes. Their confidence. Things like that were difficult to waver and with the added pressure of numbers and the authority of the prestigious schools, persuasion would prove difficult.

But even so, what shocked me most was Merlin's use of 'we'. The fact that Merlin, who was as cautious as ever in her wording, chose to say 'we' after I'd offered to team up with the Sins. Something that she would not let slip if she had plans to work without me. So that only meant -

"You're really going help?" Hope builds as I glance at each of the remaining Sins, met with sly smiles and nods of approval. Every face I meet seems to be fixed on the idea, expression reflecting that in their own way as they show their support. As they show their faith in me. Complete and utter faith.

"Yes, princess, we're going to help," Gowther nodded, adjusting his glasses. "I believe it would be worthwhile and more in your favour if we did than didn't."

Ever the analytical one, he had to add in the chance of odds. Odds that are easily swayed during certain circumstances and yet are vital to the belief in a plan. Strange how something that isn't set in stone can seem so permanent and yet not be. How it can seem so definite, yet was anything but.

"Not to mention that we have to get Captain back!" Diane grinned, somehow managing to give me a nudge and breaking my thoughts. She gives a wink as I blink, pigtails swishing and actions showing nothing but happiness. Nothing but relief. "I'm so glad that you're talking to us again Elizabeth. I was dying of boredom for the past few weeks!"

I smiled slightly at that, understanding that I'd been a bit distant since a few weeks ago. But that was mainly due to quite a few things. Things like the Deity Society, guilt and royal duties. I didn't have much time to focus on anything else that much. In fact I was busy immersing myself in fixing what I'd caused, that I'd ignored (but not forgotten) that I'd just blocked people out. People that were so kind to me and considered me as a friend. People that deserved so much better than to be caught in this mess.

Yet I'd abandoned them...

When they'd most likely needed me most. When they had lost their Captain and most likely their whole way of 'normal' life. After all everything was tipped upside down after the first move and now it was all moving in a domino effect. One long domino effect.

"I-I'm glad too, Diane," I sniff, eyes welling with tears. I frantically wipe them away, but my reddening face gives it all away. Hot tears fall down my face, only contrasting with the gradually flushing skin. However I'm not upset - just happy. Glad to have been able to make up with the Sins despite suddenly blocking them all off. Despite seeming to ignore their existence. "I'm glad I can talk to all of you again."

My sudden waterworks caused the rest of the group to gather around, concern on their features as they tried to comfort me. Words of advice and of a soothing nature were uttered, and yet they weren't working. After all I wasn't crying for a bad reason: I was crying for a good reason. I was crying because even when I'd seemed to have betrayed them all, the Sins have still forgiven me. The Sins still want to help me achieve my goal.

Even after what I've done. The trouble I've caused...

"Thank you everyone," A slight smile forms, my tears beginning to dry as I wipe them away once again. "But I'm fine. I just want to end this once and for all. I want this school system destroyed."

A round of smiles went around the lunch table at this, each Sin looking with what seemed like pride as well as confidence. Belief that I could pull this off and that they're help would aid me in creating a new future. A better future.

"The Seven Deadly Sins are at your service, Big Sis," Merlin nodded, a sly grin snaking its way onto her lips as she slunk into her seat. She was awfully catlike for a Boar Sin. "After all you've always wanted peace have you not?"

"Thank you! Thank you so much!" A full smile spreads onto my face, gratitude and joy mixed into one as I tackle the senior into a hug. She chuckles at that, recuperating the answer with a more motherly and mature air. She's definitely changed within the past few years. However I think I like it now.

"You're welcome, Elizabeth," Merlin's voice is soft and hushed as she stroked the top of my head. "You're very welcome."


Elaine's P.O.V

I frantically followed Ban, calling out to what seemed like deaf ears as he continued on his way. Passing through the school corridors would usually be something positive, something I did when finishing class or went ditching with Ban. However now those memories seemed to sour, turning my uneasy stomach, as I raced against time to stop him from doing something stupid. Something completely insane.

"Ban! Listen to me!" I can feel my face heating, a sign that it was turning red and frustrated. Frustrated at the fact that he wasn't listening. Frustrated at the fact that he cared so much. It was all so annoying. It made me feel so powerless to watch a person I treasure so much risk it all for me. So...useless.

Hot tears begin to fall, the droplets seeming to multiply as I can see my calls are not being heard. That my attempts were futile.

Ban hadn't turn to face me and instead continued on his way, hands stuffed in his pockets as he seemed to count or recall something. Red eyes seemed to scan everything with a sort of hunter-like sense and all around him seemed to be forgotten. Ban wasn't focused on me right now. Not really. Instead he was busy tracking down Melascula and no doubt planning to do something rash. Something dangerous.

For the past ten minutes I'd been following him around the school like this, begging and begging for him not to do whatever he's planning, but Ban's as stubborn as ever. In fact it's proven to be pointless to argue, at this point with even King falling silent as he trailed behind us. Even he seemed to ignore my desperate pleas and tears of frustration. My older brother who usually had the most to say to Ban about his wild and savage ideas. But now he had fallen silent. An odd thing for someone who was usually chastising others for their recklessness.

However now it only seemed to solidify the result. The inevitable result.

I turned to look at King and he gave a simple shrug, expression softening at my reddened, tear-streaked face. King had no idea what to do, yet seemed to not disagree with Ban as he followed willingly. Silently. Like a loyal soldier on his way to battle in a war. As if he himself was going to help Ban do this. The expression on his face more or less showed that King was willing to die in order to keep me safe. Brows furrowed and eyes seeming to have a shallow edge to them; A look I had only seen when I was younger and when he'd found me a few years ago. A look that rarely crossed King's face and so I knew this was serious.

From that expression alone, I knew I couldn't do anything to stop either of them. Not at all.

"You can't seriously be taking his side King..." My voice trails off as he gives a sad nod, gaze watching the silent Fox Sin as we continued along the corridor. A corridor that seemed to stretch forever with the anticipation bubbling within me. My stomach was in knots from trying to dissuade these two, let alone having to face Melascula and lose myself once again. It had been so hard to fight against it back then, so it was no doubt harder now.

After all time only makes us stronger. It provides assets and knowledge and even if I too were stronger from that logic alone, I wouldn't stand a chance. I couldn't stand a chance...

"I'm sorry, Elaine," King's voice cuts my train of thought, a sad smile matching with the hand resting on my shoulder as he drove us to a halt. My brother shook his head slightly, brows furrowing. "Ban's right for once. We have to get rid of the root of the problem this time. It's about time we finished this, and quite frankly, we've already waited too long."

He then drifts away, form quickly leaving my frozen self.

I'm left floating there, speechless and eyes wide as I struggle to blink, let alone follow after King. He and Ban both agreed with this?! How long had they been planning this for! Not to mention that they spoke of a 'root' to this problem. What sort of root was it and why did they need to eradicate it. Unless...

Realization makes me move, heart racing as I nearly tackle King in my hastiness. They were both planning to take on one of the Ten Commandments. One of the best of the elite students within the grasp of Clan Academy. They were both planning to take them down and yet I knew they couldn't. Not yet. They needed more strength, more time. More experience or at least an actual plan. Doing this now, especially in such an emotional state, would only endanger them.

It'd endanger us all.

"Harlequin, think about it," I stop him this time, hand mimicking his as I grasp his shoulder. My voice lowers as Ban seems to stop, turning to see that we were quite a distance behind. A curious look passed and soon he was back to his plain expression. However I soon ignore it in favour of knocking sense into my older brother. "Do you really think it's wise to do this? The Ten Commandments are something else, Harlequin. They're private school kids! We can't do anything against that. They've had training and can get you kicked o - "

King simply shook his head at that, laughing as he gave me a smile. A genuine smile. Something I hadn't seen from him in a while since starting this year. He had always told me exams were crushing and that getting closer to senior year only added to the pressure; not to mention checking on me all the time, however I'd never really noticed it until now. I'd never noticed how much my brother really did until he was risking it all to make sure I was ok.

To risk it all on someone who was destined to be trapped forever anyway. Locked away from all the wonders of the world and trapped within the power of those above. A fate that was assigned after failing to protect the Fountain as well as by attempting to run away.

"It'll be fine Elaine," King brushed it off, his features more joyful than grim. He then turned to Ban. "Right Ban?"

The Fox Sin grunted in response, eyes lidded as he turned away from us. A bag that wasn't there a moment ago was slung over his shoulder, the contents of which looking heavy.

"Yeah, let's just hurry up," Already he was halfway down the rest of the corridor. "I'm pretty sure scale-girl's in the music room."

Those words alone caused me to follow, and King wasn't far behind. It seemed both my brother and boyfriend wanted to ruin their futures and lives in order to save me, but I couldn't let that happen. After all two lives are better than one...


Elizabeth's (normal) P.O.V

Class has ended. Well officially ended I should say.

As usual for these times, no-one was really there for the last two periods. Instead they were all doing Goddesses knows what, most likely running orders and errands for the 'prestigious private schools'. The schools that groom students into plain copies of each other and value individuality the way a pack of crayons does. The only different things are the colours - in this case races, talents or standings in society. But everyone was blind to that right now. They only saw the empty promises of these 'great schools' and so ditched crappy Liones Academy in order to get grades from the other schools. Better schools.

So much for school pride...

Releasing a sigh I head to my locker, ready to put my books away and just head back to my dorm. After today's events I was ready to take a nice long nap and maybe wake up late to have some ice-cream or something. After all today was a Friday, so I didn't have to worry about classes tomorrow. The most was a Saturday job, but I didn't need to worry about that for a while. After all my father wanted me to enjoy my last years of 'childhood'.

After that I'll be an adult, and adult life is hard.

I giggle slightly at the words, easily opening my locker. They had never failed to make me laugh, the tone of which my father used sticking with me throughout my childhood. It was a rather funny voice and I often said it at the same time, lowering my voice an octave and pulling the same expression. It was one of our father-daughter things. Something only he and I shared, while the rest of the world looked on and saw it as odd or adorable.

"Lady Elizabeth?"

"Eek!"

My locker ends up slamming shut, books dropped to the ground at the surprise visitor. Their voice had caught me completely by storm, and now I was a blushing mess as I bent to pick up the scattered books. It was only once they offered to help that I noticed who the person was. The slit in their skirt gave it away almost instantly, the style unique to only her. A design that was influenced by a visit from some people from abroad who had offered a textiles and design course while we were in Celestial Prep.

"Jenna?" I blink as I look at the twin, surprised that she would risk being out in the open all alone. But then again not many knew of her past school life. After all the Druid Club leaders seemed very hushed about their identities and insisted that they were transfers from an all druid school. Something that was easily accepted as Vice Principal Hendrickson was born and taught as a druid as well. That's what the rumors said anyway.

"The one and only," Jenna beamed as she passed me the remaining books, her leg kicking the lockers and opening my door. She reached a hand to scratch her head, sheepish expression in play. "Sorry for startlin' ya. I just have really urgent news to bear."

As she talks I work on placing my heavy books within the locker, done within a few minutes and swiftly closing the door. It's only when I turn to face her with a smile, that Jenna's face darkens and she seems reluctant with being the bearer of news. However I understand what that role is like and so I urge her to continue, smile still in place.

"What's the news, Jenna?" I tilt my head slightly, curious as to what could be considered urgent to the Druid Club Leaders. After all they weren't the type to get involved in the affairs of everyone else. They were usually a lot more quiet and kept to their own little tight knit communities. Outsider problems weren't exactly theirs, and while they would willingly help, they also wouldn't get too involved. The only times they would was if their way of life is threatened.

"Not good news if I'm being honest," The twin sighed, shaking her head as she rested it within a palm. She began to pace slightly, finger tapping her chin as she walked. "Zaneri and I had to do a game of rock-paper-scissors to see who'd tell you about it. You see it's to do with the current circumstances, and to be honest it's not looking good for any of us...but I can tell you more when we get to a more secure location."

Blinking, I try to follow Jenna's words as she thought to herself, before suddenly being grasped by the wrist. The blonde looked back at me, a slight smile given as she began to lead me through the empty hallways. It was only through her hushed words that I could catch on to what she was doing, especially when she was glancing back every few seconds. In fact it was her constant looking back that caused me to realise that she had to make sure no-one could follow us towards her 'secure location'.

As a result I had to try and catch onto Jenna's hushed words, while following her rushed steps, as we headed towards the all familiar classroom of the Druid Club. The door was locked and so Jenna produced a key, using it too quickly for me to see any of the details. It was only once she'd pushed me into the classroom and locked the door behind us that the blonde let out a sigh, her features seeming relieved as she guided me towards a table.

"Sorry for all the sudden hastiness, Elizabeth," The blonde gave me a slight smile, another sheepish expression forming. "But we don't know who to trust anymore. Everything's fallen into shambles and I mean everything."

At those words Zaneri entered from the back room, features seeming surprised as she caught a glimpse of me. A light blush dusted her cheeks, eyes quickly darting away as she rushed up to her sister. In her hands were a couple of books and what looked like a few pictures tucked between them. The dark-haired twin made sure no-one could catch a glimpse of them as she spoke to Jenna, voice hushed below a level I could hear.

From what I could see, Zaneri's words weren't too positive as Jenna's expression darkened. Her responses weren't too great either, slight hums or comments coming out slightly louder than Zaneri's hushed news. It was after doing this, that Zaneri gave me a slight smile before disappearing into the back room again. Clearly she was busy doing something. The quieter twin was too busy to talk and exchange pleasantries, especially with what was going on.

"This isn't good, not good at all," Jenna shook her head, taking a seat across from me. A grimace formed as she ran a hand through her hair, hands laced together. "Everyone's leaving and no-one's left. Not even the Sins..."

At the blonde's mention of the Sins, I couldn't help but sit up slightly. The Sins were still within Liones, in fact they hadn't chosen a side yet. So why would Jenna say that not even they were left in the neutral zone? I knew for a fact that they were, and so did the vice principals, so why didn't Jenna and Zaneri know? It was well known news, with only one of them having defected. So was Jenna and Zaneri's information flawed?

"The Sins are still neutral," I say the words confidently, shaking my head from the blonde's statement. "They said they were going to help me."

To that Jenna gave a chuckle, a sad one at that when she gave me a slight smile. A smile that told me I had a lot to learn and a lot to get used to.

"I know the leftover members are," The blonde sighed, opening the binder from the last meeting. She left it open on a page detailing all about the elite students of Clan Academy, all sorts written about them and recorded for our use. "But their Captain isn't exactly neutral, is he? You of all people should know that Elizabeth."

Eyes widened, I look over the page and recognise most of the names among the pages. Both old and new members of the 'Top Ten' were labelled and written about, pictures accompanied with physical descriptions. It was like a whole police fact file on a bunch of criminals and I could more or less find out how to track and bait each one from these notes alone. However I didn't care about it. I didn't care about how this could be the key to breaking down the unfair education system. I didn't care that this was a chance to stop everything once and for all.

I cared that one of the names were now back on the list. A name that was crossed off years ago. A name that promised not to go on there again. But there it was, clear as day and written in black ink: Meliodas.

Pushing the binder away, I instead focus on the person across from me. I didn't want to look at that page anymore. In fact I wanted to burn it - but that would just be reckless and selfish. So instead I ignored its existence, holding back tears as I wanted to continue the discussion. However Jenna seemed to acknowledge what was going on as she watched me in silence. A silence that was laced with sympathy as she placed a hand over mine.

"I know that this must be hard for you, Elizabeth," Celery green eyes softened, the usually stern owner using a calm tone. Sadness, depth and empathy were within those eyes, the twin clearly having to say something tough. Something emotion stirring. A hand squeeze as I find brimming tears. "One of your oldest friends have gone back to what they were - and I don't blame you for being upset or angry if you are. None of us honestly saw this coming. But don't blame it all on yourself or them. It's not worth it, not at all."

I nod slightly at Jenna's words, taking them in but not fully listening. Not really. I was slightly guilty of the burden of what's happened. If I just hadn't jumped to conclusions, then maybe none of this would've happened. Maybe I wouldn't have been a catalyst to it all...

"Plus there's still hope..." Zaneri appeared from the back room, her features offering a smile. "Don't blame yourself, Elizabeth. Please don't. It's honestly my fault that this all happened."

I blink at her words, surprised, as I think of how Zaneri could've been responsible for all of this. For Meliodas leaving, for the demons and Goddesses starting an all out civil war between students. It wasn't possible for her to do something like that. For someone who was gathering information, who was helping me, to be responsible for this great big mess. This gigantic mess. Zaneri seemed to have wanted to avoid this after all. She seemed like an ally and her twin's reaction seemed to represent that as well.

Jenna shared my surprise, her expression looking angered as she approached her sister. A few marched steps and the blonde twin was firmly shaking her quiet sibling, frown in place as she demanded an answer. Words came out in a bark, brows furrowed and frown in place.

"What did you do, Zaneri?!" Green eyes narrowed as Jenna held her sister in place, stopping the shaking. "Why is this all your fault?"

To that the dark-haired twin cast her gaze to the ground, smile vanished as she began to fidget. Hands fumbled with her snow white sleeves, the twin's voice coming out small and silent as she spoke to us both. They left her in an ashamed hush, easily missed and yet heard by us both.

"I lied..."

Silence filled the room. A long pause as I still wore genuine surprise, while Jenna's expression seemed to grow in even more anger. An anger that could be rivaled by all the Gods as a raging fire seemed to be lit within her green eyes. Her light, watery green eyes. It must be a thing for green eyed people to have such uncontrollable angers when crossed - remind me of that when dealing them.

"Zaneri..." The words came out in a low growl, Jenna's grip tightening on her sister's sleeve. The quieter twin's eyes widened at this, face seeming to pale as she looked at her sister. "What do you mean you lied?"

An audible gulp was heard, pure shame forming on the darker-haired twin as she seemed to shrink. It seemed like a lion against a mouse, the small and timid thing hiding in the corner from the vicious and proud predator. This encounter could get ugly if the wrong thing was said.

"Well - I - I told Elizabeth that..." Once again Zaneri trailed off, her sister's menacing gaze and scowl seeming to scare her from the words.

To that Jenna seemed all the more disappointed, foot tapping as her grip tightened on her sister's sleeve. The speed of her tapping matched her frown, green eyes no longer clear-looking as she glowered.

"You told Elizabeth what?" Her voice came out snappy, orderly. She wanted an answer and she wanted the truth.

I sucked in a breathe at that, feeling like I should interfere. After all Zaneri most likely lied about something minor. It had to be if she risked something like this happening. She most likely thought that it would benefit us all. Yes, that had to be it. But looking at the darker haired twin, watching as her blonde counterpart shook her and threatened to slap her, I realised that perhaps she was guilty of something. Something that was more selfish than selfless...

"Tell me what it is now, Zaneri!" Jenna had her sister by the lapels of her blazer, expression filled with intent as she shook her sister. "Tell me now or I swear to the Goddesses I'll do something I regret! Do you understand that you've just risked the whole reputation of Liones? Not to mention its status for being a place for all races! Do you know what this could mean for us - for everyone! Pissed off could not describe how livid I am with you right now, Zaneri! Do you know how stup - "

"I told Elizabeth that Meliodas had changed!" The words came out fast and in a hurry, hands covering the flushed owner's face. Sniffles escaped, shoulders shaking as Jenna released her sister. "I hadn't meant for this to happen...I just wanted - "

The sobbing released itself then, the quieter twin's reserved manner abandoned for the build up of emotion over the past few weeks. It came out in waves, the tears and slight hiccups mixing as the twin cried and cried. Excuses tumbled from between each sob half-formed things making their way to me, but not being heard. Instead I offer a comforting shoulder to cry on, waiting as Zaneri continued to cry and spill what had happened. Listening as she let her heart pour out into her words.

"I'm so sorry," Zaneri hiccuped, tears soaking my shirt. "I'm so, so sorry..."

She kept repeating those words, fresh tears and sobs forming as I did nothing but comfort her. Jenna on the other hand was still a little bitter. Her eyes had softened from a raging inferno, but she still wasn't completely satisfied. In fact she still looked a little pissed, foot still tapping and curses escaping every so often. However she still expressed concern and didn't blame Zaneri directly. Instead the blonde mentioned crushes and other 'stupid teenage things'.

It took a while for Zaneri to stop repeating those words, her face being revealed as extremely pink and embarrassed when she had finished crying. It was after doing that, she thanked me and excused herself to look a little more presentable. Jenna let her go for that, but still expressed her disappointment, saying she wanted to talk about this fully before leaving the club room for the day. As a result I was left with only Jenna in the room, the blonde in a displeased manner as she took a seat across from me.

"Sorry about that Elizabeth," She released a sigh, a stressed look forming as she glanced towards the classroom door. "My sister sometimes lets her emotions get the best of her. I don't know what she'd do without me to guide her sometimes. It worries me..."

I give a small smile at that, waving a hand absentmindedly.

"Oh no, it's fine," I find myself shaking my head, a slight blush forming. "It happens to the best of us after all, Jenna. Emotions can't be helped and aren't they only a sign of meaning the best?"

The twin seemed pleased by my response, a hum coming from her as well as a small smile. It spreads into a grin as a chuckle escapes, green eyes light with a soft light. A nod and soon Jenna is back to her usual mood, slightly lightened from her previous anger.

"I guess you're right, Elizabeth. It does show you mean the best."