Hello everyone! I'm so happy I finally finish this chapter it was a pain but it needed to happen. So fair warning this is my longest chapter. Like almost 9k words.
I own nothing, just my ideas. Please review!
Enjoy!!!
With the moon high and the air still, the blonde beauty lays in peace and deep asleep...
~~~~~~Dream~~~~~~
Artemis and her mom were in the living room talking about the whole school issue.
"Artemis, I have something for you."
"Um, mom I'm good, I don't..."
"No, no here." Her mom gave Artemis a ring, a beautiful gold band with a pink diamond shaped into a leaf
"Wow. It's beautiful and looks familiar..."
"That's because when you were younger you always drew a tree a huge tree with pink leaves."
"Thank you..."
Gray-blue eyes open slowly.
Artemis looks at the window where the sun is slowly coming up, meaning it's dawn. Artemis groans and pops her back and neck. It's too earlier, whatever, time for training.
Artemis kept herself busy for a few hours then heard an annoying voice from inside that made her fell over, "Hey, guys wake up! It's time for breakfast!"
"Woah! Ugh, Stupid pig..." Artemis got up and went inside to see what horrible mess breakfast is.
Turns out it wasn't that bad, then again Artemis made most of it.
"Um... Hawk-chan?" Elizabeth shyly asked.
"Hmm..." Hawk's ear twitch showing he's listening.
"You don't have to tie up Meliodas-sama so tight next time. I don't think he can sleep very well like that."
"There's no point unless I do it tight!"
"Ha-ha he's right Princess." Artemis smirked as she eats the eggs.
"Sleeping in that same bed as Elizabeth... His hands would run free! I have to make sure it's extra tight." Hawk somehow made a demonstration of him tieing up Meliodas.
"But..."
"If you think of it like BDSM, it's not half ba- Ow." Meliodas got slapped in the back of the head my Artemis.
"Real classy Pipsqueak."
"BDSM?" The beautiful but clueless silverette asked with a slight tilt to her head.
Both blondes look at her.
Artemis shook her head, "...I'm not answering that."
"Maybe we should tie Elizabeth up next." Meliodas wiggle his eyebrows at Elizabeth who blushed.
"I will hurt you." Artemis glared at her brother.
"Why, you..." Hawk steaming at his pervert boss.
"What are we tying up now? Hawk?" Diana heard some of the conversations and she's hungry.
"Here here!" Artemis raised her mug and grin.
"NO!" Piggy yelped for his life.
"Cap'n, where's the booze~?" The newest member join in for breakfast and sat himself at the bar.
Diana rolled her eyes and annoyed said, "It's morning, you know..."
"Ban-sama, what about breakfast?" Elizabeth asked while the blonde boy went to the back and look for a good bottle
"There's no way in hell I'd eat Cap'n's horrible food."
Artemis nodded her head in agreement, "I hear you but I made most of the food. Just so you know."
Ban raised an eyebrow but didn't want to risk it.
Meliodas threw the bottle at the man, "Here. That's why you cook it yourself."
"Thank you Cap'n~" Ban thank his captain but the drink exploded in his face.
Artemis try to hold in a chuckle, "You did that on purpose didn't you Pipsqueak."
Meliodas shrugged and continue eating with a tiny smile on his face. Artemis rolled her eyes at him and help Ban clean up a bit.
After breakfast Artemis brought out a map from behind the bar, Meliodas helped her set it up. Ban is close to falling asleep at the bar, and Elizabeth and Hawk try to help out in anyway they could.
Once finish Artemis wanted to clarify where they were headed. "Our next target is the Capital of the Dead. Nepalis right?"
"Necropolis and yes. We'll look for King there." Meliodas corrected her and pointed to where they are at and where they're going.
Ban lifted his head at the name, "Didn't that fat bastard die or something~?"
"That's the only lead we have, so... may as well check it out."
"What's the Capital of the Dead like exactly?" Elizabeth asked.
The troublesome blondes wanted to have a little fun with the scaredy cats of the group. "Full of ghosts maybe."
"Beats me. I didn't even know the place existed."
"Wow... Lay it on thick-OW!" Meliodas pulled on Artemis's braid. She glared at him and got him back by pulling on his hair.
"If it's the Capital of the Dead, maybe Arty's right, there'll be ghosts." Hawk shacking in his hooves.
Artemis smirked, "Oh, maybe it'll be dark even in the middle of the day, and there'll be graves lined up everywhere!"
"No!!
"There won't be bugs, will there?" Diane asked nervously.
Artemis shrugged, "Who knows? Maybe rats?" she smirked.
Diane and Elizabeth yelped.
"If King really is there, would he even be alive?" Hawk, without knowing made it worse.
"Hawk! Goddess! Stop it!" Elizabeth covered her ears and try to shake the fear away.
"Ghosts, huh?" Meliodas mumbled.
Artemis giggled next to him. "Cool."
Artemis look over and saw Ban knock out, she winched knowing that can't be comfortable. She wanted to take a page out of his book and take a nap but she did promise a certain Princess to show her some self-defense moves on Meliodas.
And then take a nap.
A few hours later, everyone moved outside once they got closer to Necropolis.
"We've arrived!" Meliodas announced with excitement.
"So this is Necropolis, the Capital of the Dead?" Diane said as she looked around.
"How exactly is this desolate village the Capital of the Dead?" Hawk asked sarcastically.
"On the map, this village is just the closest to it." Artemis came outside stepping over Ban who somehow fell asleep on the outside stairs.
Meliodas nooded, "That's what I heard too." Everyone got off Hawk Mama so she can sleep underground, "First, let's gather some information on King and Necropolis. We have to make some money for food, too. Let's get really to open up shop!"
"So it really is true that Cap'n is waitin tables~."
"Captain is so dreamy when he's working!"
"All I see is a perv."
The Fox, Serpent and Archer all commented.
Meliodas either didn't hear them or if he did he ignored them, "You guys are working as well!" He pointed to Diane, "You're in charge of attracting customers, Big Eye-Candy!"
"Me?!"
He move on to Artemis, "You'll still be bartending, Airy!"
"Oh joy..." she weakly punch the air.
And finally turn to Ban, "And I'll be counting on the Jailbreak Chef for tasty food!"
"Who, me~?"
"Are you sure you didn't mean 'crap' food?" Hawk asked, remembering all the time his slacker of a boss cooked food.
"We're going to starve." Artemis mumbled into the air.
Meliodas corrected them, "No, his food is seriously delicious. It'll make you wanna shout out, "Tasty!"
"Hey, wait a sec...~" Artemis giggled at Ban's bashful face when Meliodas complimented on his cooking.
"It's time for work! Get to it, guys!" This short blonde commended happily.
"Please let me work as well." Elizabeth pleaded.
Meliodas and Artemis look at one another, he raised an eyebrow, so she shrugged.
"Well her injuries aren't severe anymore. But..."
"Don't force yourself."
"Yes!" Elizabeth agreed as Meliodas got pick up by Diane who was thanking him.
"Captain! Making me a showgirl... I am so happy!"
"How can you be happy about that?" Artemis mumbled as she watch Ban walk off.
"Thanks Captain! I'll make sure I work extra hard, okay!"
"All right, I'll keep my hopes up!"
"Yes!"
Meliodas remember something about the food, "Oh right, Ban! The pantry is at the back of the shop- Huh?"
"He's long gone Pip."
"He-" Hawk started.
"Ran off." Meliodas finished.
Artemis rolled her eyes and blew back some of her bangs, "I just said that. And really what did you expect? For him to jump and kiss the ground you step on?... Don't answer that!"
"Go to work Airy!"
"Whatever!" Artemis went inside to wipe down the bar and get the alcohol ready. Meliodas and Elizabeth follow her in.
Outside the bar Diane advertise the bar, "The best drinks in town! Boar Roast, a bar where cute waitresses serve you!"
"It's Boar Hat." Hawk corrected her.
"It's a bar, not a club." Artemis said.
"There'll be lots of special service!"
"Pip, I swear you better not get any ideas!" Artemis glared at her fellow blonde. All he did was wink at her playfully. The archer really wanted to flip him the bird.
"Meliodas-sama?"
"Hmm?"
"King-sama... What type of person is he?"
Meliodas thought about that for a second, "Hmm, let's see... In a nutshell, he's like the mascot of the Seven Deadly Sins. Or like a pet, I guess?"
"Well that's rude." Artemis threw her towel at him. He let's it fall off his face.
"Hey now, that pet thing has to be a joke. What kind of restaurant keeps a pet inside?"
Everyone just look at Hawk like he grow two heads
Meliodas was indifferent, "Funny hearing that from you."
"Please take a long look in the mirror next time. Pip, you can finish up here. I'm going to town, later."
"Bye Godess."
"Have fun. Well, about King..."
In town Artemis is looking around for anyone but the town is empty. This place really is dead, now I know why the name make sense now. Artemis sighed and thought about her team, I wonder how the Team is doing, I hope they got their memories back. How much time has pass? Are they looking for me? Do they think I betrayed them? Ugh, too bad they aren't as easy going as the Sins. I bet if they were, more problems could be solved and we wouldn't have all the extra jist or secrets. Wow... I really don't mind staying here forever.
Artemis turned the corner just in time to see Ban get impale by a spear. "What the hell... Ban!"
Out of nowhere a kid show up partially laying on the spear, which is still in Ban's chest.
What the... does he have no weight or something?... And Ban... what the hell have you been through...?
"Yo, Ban. Hey, it's our touching reunion that's long overdue. Don't you have anything to say to me?"
Artemis saw the two kids and ran towards them, "Get behind me. Now!" The kids held on her waist as they watched the kid and the man.
"Who... are you~?" Ban asked.
"Who am I, you ask? You're forgotten that as well?" The kid smirked smugly.
"I haven't the slightest idea. Sorry 'bout that~."
"Well, it doesn't matter." The spear twisted. "The important thing is that...you're Ban, the Fox's Sin of Greed. Or should I say... Ban, the Undead." The kid is now in the air with his spear spinning around slowly and dangerously but the kid stand on the spear looking down on Ban.
"I don't like your attitude, pal. What do you know about me?"
He sighed "Your sin."
"Huh~?"
Artemis was getting a headache watching the fight and for some reason the kid looks scary familiar to her. What the hell did you do Thief? And who is that kid? Why... do I know him?
"Even if you don't remember who I am, you remember your own sin, right? The grave, grave sin that you committed... To satisfy your own greed. As the price for immortality. You killed the Guardian Saint of the Fountain of Youth."
Artemis was getting a headache and all of a sudden she saw flashes and felt a phantom pain in her chest. What the hell...
Ban cracked his knuckles and call out to Artemis, "Hey Blondie, take the brats and get out of the way~."
Artemis wanted to say something but held her tongue and tsked.
"Let's go, Ellen! Lady!" The boy pulled on Artemis and his sister.
"But..."
"Don't worry he'll be fine." Artemis saw a familiar blonde hair coming their way, "Oh thank God!" Just before the fight started the others Sins came out.
"Hey." Meliodas hit Ban in the head with a mug.
Artemis just facepalm, "Seriously..."
"C'mon Cap'n stay outta my way...~"
"What are you doing, skipping out on work?"
"I already told you Pip!" Artemis can feel a vein and her bangs were getting a little annoying.
"For yourself yes but not for this runaway."
"What am I doing? That midget I've never seen before picked a fight with me~!" Ban pointed to said midget who is floating in the air.
"Well you obviously did something to piss him off." Artemis huffed and cross her arms.
"Like I said, never met him and my clothes are ruined now~." He complained.
"Learn how to sew than!"
"Hey, what's all the ruckus about?" Diane asked as she walk closer to the group.
Meliodas and Diane took another look at the kid in the air and gasped, "King!"
Artemis just blinked, "...Well shit."
Ban had a deadpan face before it got full blown shock and disbelief. "How the hell is that King~?!"
"Well..." Artemis held up a wanted poster that was on one the crumbling buildings next to her.
"He lost a bit of weight." Meliodas commented as the blondes look back and front from the poster to the real deal.
"More than a bit, but that's not the issue here~!" Ban is still freaking out.
"Really, than what is?" Artemis sassed and look away as Ban's vein was about to pop.
Diane got a little closer to King and smile pretty at her old friend, whom she was very happy to see. "King we've been looking for you I'm happy to see you again!"
"Aw how sweet..." Artemis commented but King look away and flew the opposite direction from them, "Huh savage much..." Artemis felt her headache again and look like she's about to fall over. Luckily Meliodas is close enough to steady her.
"You alright Airy?"
"Yeah just a headache."
"...If you say so." Meliodas didn't believe her but let it go for the time being.
Once Artemis check up on Ban, Elizabeth and the two kids, because Meliodas made her the 'unofficial medic', the ass, they left town to go back to the tavern with the two kids. Surprisingly Ban kick Meliodas out of the kitchen. After a moment the immortal man brought out delicious looking food.
"Here ya go. Eat up~."
The kids gasps in wonder and awe at the delicious food in front of them. The two blondes are holding Hawk back by his ears as he struggled to get a closer look and smell the wonderful food.
Elizabeth stood next to them commenting the food, "Wow, it looks delicious!"
"Right."
"Not for you pork." The archer pull Hawk's ear a little tighter. He just whined about the good looking food calling his name.
"But... we don't have any money." The little boy said sadly.
Ban look unimpressed and pointed to the hungry pig. "If you're not gonna eat, I'll feed it all to the pig~."
"Let's dig in then!"
"Delicious!"
"Huh, I can't wait to try his food." Artemis licked her lips, Ban saw this and a memory hit him but it pass quickly.
"Your not half bad either." Meliodas said to his counterpart, Artemis gave him a small smile.
"Please leave some leftovers for me!" Hawk begged as the blondes kept him away from the table.
"Oh enough."
"Thanks so much mister!" the little girl praised the man.
Ban chuckled and sat down across from the kids and watch them eat. "Give and take. In return, tell me about this 'Necropolis' place or whatever is~."
Once Hawk finally calm down he stood next to the table eyeing the food and his boss. Meliodas stood next to where Ban's sitting listening to him and the kids, "Hey Ban, we've already found King. We don't have to go there anymore right?" Elizabeth moved closer to the window by Diana and Artemis took a sit at the bar playing with her knife.
"There's no way that was King~." Ban raised his eyebrows as he stated. Which started an argument.
"He was real."
"It has been ten year, Thief." Artemis rubbed her temples from listening to the childish argument from children.
"Thief~?" Ban raised an eyebrow to Meliodas who just smirked and shrugged. "And it was a fake..~."
"He was real."
"Fake~."
"Knock it off!" Artemis yelled and threw her knife which her brother caught and threw back but she caught it between her middle and ring finger.
The boy's eyes widened and remember what Ban asked, "You guys also want to go to the Necropolis too?"
"Too?" Ban and Meliodas said at the same time.
"What do you mean also kid?" Artemis jump off the stool and stood next to Ban.
"That kid from before, asked a few times as well. He said he wanted to reach the Necropolis no matter what."
"King did?" Meliodas tilted his head and asked.
"Yeah. Seems like he's been searching forever." The boy nodded his head.
"Is it in some really remote place?" Hawk asked.
"No its right around here."
"What do you mean?" Diane spoke up asking.
"The entrance to Necropolis is in the village. But you can't just go there because you want to." The boy tried to explain but it came out a bit cryptic, Elizabeth and Diane look at one another unsure.
"I'm not interested in riddles~." Ban sighed.
"I see." Meliodas commented.
"I don't think you do, Pip." Artemis watch Meliodas pick something up and got closer to the pig.
"In other words... it's like this!" Meliodas quickly put Hawk in a harness which had a pole and on the other end, out of Hawk reach, is a plate of food.
"Called it." Artemis mumbled and facepalm but silently chuckled.
"I don't think that's it..." Elizabeth smile sheepishly with a sweat drop on her forehead.
"But it is funny." The archer chuckled as she watch the pig struggle to get the food.
"Is it like a grave that's usually hidden or something?" Meliodas try again.
"It's not a grave." The boy look like a grandmother with his finger pointed at Ban and Meliodas as he corrected them, "Necropolis is where those who have died go on living."
"Kid, riddles, no good." The blonde female sighed and shook her head.
"So it's like the afterlife." Meliodas announced.
"How can we go to a place like that?" Elizabeth asked unsurely.
"How can I reach it?!" Hawk was talking about the plate.
"Have you been there~?" Ban asked the kids.
The boy suddenly got nervous and denied it rather quickly, "No way! It's just superstitious!"
Artemis was getting suspicious because the kids seem they knew more but won't tell, Then how do you know so much?
Then the little girl, Ellen, spoke up, "A priceless memory shared with the decreased will open the path to the capital... the old man next door always used to say that."
Old man? Artemis tilt her head and her forehead is slightly pinch showing her confusion because the village is a total ghost town.
"I'm sorry that's all we know..." Ellen apologized but Ban reach over and softly patted her head and thanked her, "That's more than enough to cover your food. Thanks Elaine." Artemis look at Ban when he said the name and bits and pieces came to mind. Elaine!
"Um, I'm Ellen..."
"Ah right... Sorry Ellen. Come on there's still food left." Ban said the kid.
Meliodas watch Artemis gaze at Ban with questions in her eyes but she look away. He saw her hands rolled into a fist and blood seeped through the wraps once more.
Airy...
"I wonder why King-sama wants to go to Necropolis." Elizabeth asked Meliodas, who turn away from Artemis and shrugged.
"Probably to see whoever Her is." Artemis mumbled.
"Maybe, well let's see, I guess we'll know once we get there." Meliodas said with a smile.
"Simple minded weirdo..."
"How's the headache?"
"...shut up."
Once the kiddies finished eating, the Sins, the two females and a pig went back into the village to find King or the Capital of the Dead. Whichever came first.
Diane look over the tree's tops, Ban took off again, and The Troublesome Blondes, Elizabeth and Hawk walk together looking at the village trying to find any clues.
Hawk didn't like the silence in the creepy village and made a somewhat good point, "Even if Necropolis exists, there's no way to go to the afterlife."
"Are you willing to become dinner?" The archer side-glare the pig who turn a shade paler and smirked at blonde male next to her.
"No, no!"
Meliodas smirked back at the invitation and made it worse for the pig, "Since its the afterlife, what if we just kill ourselves."
Hawk ran in front of the blondes and squealed, "Are you stupid?!"
Meliodas quickly put up a hand, "Airy quiet. I won." Artemis just chuckled.
Elizabeth was used to the blondes making fun of the pig and their odd game so she tuned them out and said softy, "A priceless memory of the decreased... I want to meet my mother who passed away when I was young, because I never got to know her." Elizabeth look up with her hands close to her chest, picturing what her mother looks like.
Artemis blinked slowly, "As precious as that is..." and then shook her head at the silverette.
"That wouldn't work then." Hawk destroy the Princess's imagination bubble.
"Yeah, you're right because I have no memories of her." Elizabeth laughed sheepishly then look down sadly.
Artemis sighed and found Ban. So she took off, walking towards him leaving the couple and the pig alone.
The unlikely pair walked into the deserted area, Artemis remembers a small part of her dreams.
It was sunny, a peaceful day but had so many unanswer questions.
What's your motive for going after the Fountain of Youth?...
But what if you obtain immortality and nothing good happens to you?...
A cheerful laugh breaks Artemis out of her daydream and shook her head as Diane pointed to the ground, "Ban, that doesn't suit you."
Ban and Artemis look around and saw the deserted area, suddenly filled with pale light pink roses, "What the hell is this~?" Ban spoke in enough shock for the both of them.
"Elizabeth, Artemis, the flowers are so pretty!" Diane said in wonder.
"Wow, what are these flowers?" Elizabeth look at the flowers in awe and wanted to pick one up.
Artemis reach down and pluck one, tucking one side of her bangs behind her ear, "Where I come from their called roses and these happen to be my favorite." Artemis smell the rose, which is light and sweet.
"Who cares they're just flowers even if you were to eat them you'll never get full." Hawk sniffed the flowers but made a chain reaction.
"You ass they symbolize... Whoa..." Artemis and the group look up at the petals flying everywhere before spiraling.
"So pretty!"
"Guys, watch out!" The boy yelled out.
"Mister! Lady!" Ellen cried out to them but they the petals spun faster and when they open their eyes they were no longer in the ghost town. Instead they were surrounded by emeralds crystals that made them a path and the sky was a greenish yellow color.
"Captain..." Diane asked the silent question.
"Yeah..." He nodded.
Artemis look around and couldn't help herself, "Welcome to the Emerald City..."
"Is it possible that my longing to see my mom?" Elizabeth asked Artemis who shrugged.
"No... It might be my memories of The Leftovers I was never able to eat." Hawk said while his stomach groans.
"I have no idea." Meliodas picked his ear indifferently.
"Me neither." Diane lean down and smile cutely.
"I want someone dead not the see them..." Artemis down and saw the rose still in her hand but all she could see were black spots filling her eyesight, "What the hell...?" and Artemis fell unconscious to the floor.
Meliodas, Elizabeth and Hawk all yelled out in worry, "Goddess!"
"Airy!"
"Arty!"
Ban didn't realize what was happening behind him but he saw something and ran off with the speed of a cheetah.
Diane saw him and call out, "Ban!"
Then saw a small orange greenish figure following him with the same speed, which Meliodas yelled, "King!"
"That's him?" Hawk said with his ears up and looking to Meliodas and back to Artemis who hasn't moved.
"What's going on?" Elizabeth is kneeling and trying to wake up Artemis but no such luck.
"Captain what should we do?" Diane asked in worry.
Meliodas shook his head and pick up Artemis, he noticed she was cold to the touch and order everyone. "No time, Diane carry Artemis in your pack. And will chase after them for now." Meliodas gave Diane Artemis and whispered, "Please be ok..."
Artemis is still holding onto the rose...
Ugh, what's going on? Artemis open her stormy blue eyes and saw the giant pink leave tree from her dreams, and in the middle on the top tree trunk is a pink silver pool with a silver cup. And from that cup, clear water flowed out of it and into the pool.
Wow...
"Hello Artemis..."
Artemis turn around and saw a girl, short light blonde hair, gold eyes, white dress with a small but amused smile.
"You... Your Elaine, the one from my... Dreams."
"Yes." Elaine nodded finally happy to meet the young lady with her soul.
Artemis felt like something finally clear up and she could think straight for the first time. "But they're not dreams are they." she stated.
The smaller blonde shook her head in agreement, "No. Your dreams are my memories."
"...Why me? Why do I have your memories?"
"I'm a fairy. The Princess of Fairies and The Holy Maiden of the Fountain of Youth or I was. But my brother and I are special, we are late bloomers you see. Meaning we are so powerful it will take a long time to get our wings." Elaine look down but back to Artemis's eyes, "I died before I could get them but I was able to have a sacrificing wish..."
"Sacrificing wish?" Artemis is confused by that statement but everything else... from her dreams to her power, she now knew more than she did before.
"Yes... To pass on my powers to a pure heart and soul and for them to take my place."
"What do you mean?"
Elaine small smile got bigger and excited told Artemis, "You are chosen to become the next Fairy Princess!"
"But I'm not..." Artemis is taken back by the proclaim.
"Worthy or pure? Yes, you are or you wouldn't have the powers or dreams since birth. You are far stronger than I would ever be and your past doesn't define who are. Only you can. You are an overcomer." Elaine grabbed Artemis's hands and smiled.
Artemis is still skeptical but knew what the Holy Maiden said is true.
"So, I'll be you?" Artemis wasn't sure if she'll turn into a fairy or something.
"No. You won't be me in a sense..." Elaine struggled how to explain this, "We are different in personality wise... you're a hard worker, strong, a fighter, and a survivor. You don't back down from a fight and you always protect the ones you love, and one day you will grow wings. What you have from me are my soul, powers, some memories, but the feeling of love, honor, protectiveness, passion, a good drink and family... those are all yours. You are getting strong with each day and it will continue to grow. I'm so happy, you fit in so well." Elaine can see Artemis has grown close to the Captain and the Princess, its only a matter of time before the others fall in love with her as well.
Artemis blink back the tears for no one, save her mother, has given her so much positive energy and telling her all the good things within her. "I guess time will tell..."
Elaine laughed, "It already has..." She pull Artemis away from the tree and back to Necropolis, "Come. Your friends are worry about you." Artemis raised an eyebrow but followed after she took one more look at the beautiful tree.
"Am I going to remember this?" Artemis pointed to her ghostly form.
"You'll remember me but what's the fun if you can't fall in love on your own?" Elaine giggled.
"Say what now?"
"You're special and I believe in you. You felt a connection with them but it's only your feelings not mine." Elaine knew both Ban and Artemis opened the gate to Necropolis. Elaine also knows Artemis is special and will change the world into a better place, and she can also see Artemis and Ban slowly coming together. Their future and love will be far stronger than the one she has for him.
"How would I know?"
"Think of the like I'm a door but it's up to you to open the door and go through it. But for now keep quiet and watch."
Artemis and Elaine watch Ban and King argue and 'fight' but it ended with King fossilzing Ban. Suddenly Artemis got a memory but shook it out before she misses anything. Which is mostly King gloating and something about final words but Elaine thought it's time to release Ban.
"One last kiss..." she mumbled to Artemis, but Artemis just push her closer to Ban. Elaine wants to see Ban one more time before fully letting him go. Also to stop her brother from punishing the wrong person who is innocent.
Artemis watch the smaller fairy get closer to Ban, and every memory Elaine had with Ban rushes through Artemis and finally understands why he's so familiar...
So he is my guardian angel...
"What's that? Is Ban doing that? No, Ban should be powerless in that state. I don't believe it... Elaine? Is that you?!" Elaine kiss Ban which cracked the stone and Ban is free. "What? The petrification was broken?"
Huh. I kinda feel bad for him. Nice to see why he felt so familiar, he's the brother... I miss him.
"Hey, Elaine~." Ban's smile was fill with so much love it hurt Elaine but she's happy to have this moment.
Artemis stayed in the background luckily neither one of the males can see her. Artemis can see in Ban's eyes he wants to hold Elaine and take her away.
"He won't stop you know. Finding a way to get you back."
"He will, I'll make sure of it."
"Hello Ban." Elaine smile at him but he can see it was a sad smile, "Ban I have something to tell you."
"What is it~?"
"You must promise me first, please Ban!" Elaine knew what Artemis told is true but she also knows her thief has honor and will keep his promise not matter how much it hurts.
"Promise, promise what~?" Ban is confused because all he wanted to do was tell her, tell her that he'll take back what's his but the look on her face told him he's not going to like what he hears.
"Please..." Elaine pleaded.
"I... I promise~."
Elaine smile but tears ran down her face, "Let me go."
"Wha-what? N-no~!" Ban yelled desperately.
"You have to! If you try to bring me back, you will only have my body not my soul!" Elaine look at Artemis and smile, "Because my spirit is somewhere else, somewhere safe."
"Then, I'll get it back~!" Ban clenched his hands into fists wanting to take back the promise.
"No! You can't or she'll died!"
"I don't care~."
"You promise..."
"Elaine...~"
Elaine placed a hand on his cheek and whispered, "Ban, remember I'm always there and please let me go and steal her. Please..."
Ban sighed, "I promise... I love you.~"
"Thank you. The Necropolis is a place where the living and the dead can see each other, but only when bound by strong emotions."
King heard everything and fell to the ground on his knees with tears building up. "I knew it. You're still mad, aren't you?That I abandon you. That I turned my back on everything and walked away."
A loud bang flow through the air ruining the atmosphere and making everyone turn towards the area it came from.
"This feeling... A Holy Knight~?" Ban gasped and he felt a small hand giving him a small push.
"Go. We'll meet again..."
"I trust you~." Ban sighed and ran to his teammates who needed some serious help.
"Thank you Ban." Elaine whispered.
All was heard in the explosion and a small voice, "Why?" Artemis saw King still on all four on the ground. "I don't understand... How can you forgive Ban, a man who took everything from you?"
Artemis saw Elaine sighed and in her eyes Artemis can see how old she really is. "I endured 700 years in solitude after you abandoned our country. But he wiped away those 700 years of loneliness in just seven days." Artemis thought back when she met Meliodas, Elizabeth and Hawk and how at home she felt with them. And how they took while her pain in just a few hours and this journey... She has never felt freedom and now... she doesn't want that to disappear. "Ban knew that you were my brother, so he deliberately egged you on and let you spear him. He isn't the man that you think he is."
King gasped and lifted his head finally seeing his sister after so many years.
"E-Elaine! Why can I see-"
"If you can see me now, it's because I want you to understand Ban. I want you to save Ban."
"Elaine..."
"And also watch out for my soul, she closer than you think."
"Wh-"
But he was cut off by Hawk who stop running after so long and accidentally drop Elizabeth, "That's it, I'm done... I can't run any farther..."
"Ow, ow, ow." Elizabeth moaned in pain.
"A girl and a pig?" King sweat drop but gasped, "Elaine!" But she was no where to be found.
In another area Artemis and Elaine said their fair wells.
"My work is done. Time for you to go."
"See you around Pixie..."
Elaine laughed at the nickname and Artemis started to faded from her view.
Take care of them
I will...
See you later.
Artemis woke up in a gasped and coughed, No blood this time... thank God, she tried to look around but all she saw was darkness but she heard a voice and found a way out.
Artemis found Diane curled up in a ball with Meliodas in her hands. "Captain, are you okay...?"
"Thanks, Diane!"
Ban is leaning against the giant with blood going down his face, "If you were gonna take the hit, shield me too, damn it.~"
"Nope."
"That's how it is~?"
Artemis walked in front of them stretching and yawning, "Sheesh, what the hell did I miss?"
"Airy!" Meliodas yelled in excitement as did Diane,
"Artemis!"
Artemis gave the Holy Knight a look over and wasn't impressed, the knight was wearing a light pink romper, with boot, gauntlets, and a saber. Her hair is black, long and a pink headband holding it in place but Artemis got her body ready for fight but has to tell the Sins first, "But if you guys want a breather? I'll take her on for a few minutes."
Guila tilted her head not knowing where the new member came from and she has no information on the blonde girl whose in front of her, "Hm. Who are you?"
"A bartender." And that's the only thing Artemis said before using her wind power and running towards the Knight. The Sins watch the fight and saw Artemis can last a few minutes by herself so Meliodas and Ban got up so they can help the blonde who gave a nice punch to the Knight.
"Captain, I... I think I'm done for. Send me off with a kiss!" Diane said dramatically.
"You rest here for a bit, we're going to help Airy." Meliodas said and patted Diane's arm.
Ban got up and smirk at his captain, "Okay, let's you, me and the punk see to this~."
Artemis heard the nickname and yelled at him, "Jerk!" Which was a mistake Guila took advantage of and blow Artemis straight into Ban's arms, "Whoa!" Artemis look up and grin, "Thanks!"
"This is the legendary order?" Guila shook her head in disappointment but got into fighting stance, Ban drop the archer and she took off running with Meliodas by her side and Ban quickly caught up to them but Guila time it all, kicking Meliodas away, and quickly pushing Artemis towards Meliodas making them fall on each other and everyone saw her saber in Ban's throat who coughed up some blood.
"I suppose legends really are nothing more than fantasy in the end." The Knight look smug but it was wiped off when a spear went through Ban's chest and hit Guila back into a cluster of crystals.
"What~?" Ban's surprised but turn around when he heard voice.
"Hey there, Ban." King said with a deadpan face.
Ban just coughed up more blood and glared, "Hey, what's the big idea, King~?"
"Can't you tell? I'm here to save you."
"Save me, huh? Thank you ever so much~."
"You're quite welcome. It's to help the Captain and Diane."
"What? But not me~?"
"I guess not. It's also for my sister who cares for you."
Please... Keep Ban safe
"Oh someone's pissed." Artemis watch Guila climb out the crystals looking like someone ruffles her perfect feathers.
"You're betrayal is not entirely unexpected. However I do find myself disappointed, King the Grizzy Sin."
King just shrugged, "But you saying that is unexpected to me. I don't remember ever officially allying myself with the realm's Holy Knights. The realm wanted the Seven Deadly Sins destroyed, and I wanted Ban destroyed. Our interests were temporarily aligned that's all. The situation has changed."
"Yeah, whatever, stop talking behind my back~." Ban was getting annoyed with the spear in his chest and King talking.
"Man I love this place!" Artemis couldn't contain her grin to Meliodas who just shrugged.
"I see. An entirely predictable excuse." Guila smoothly moved her saber and from it little bombs flew out, "Shot Bomb!"
But King reacted faster making Ban coughed out more blood, and the spear took out the bombs.
"Oh ouch." Artemis winched at Ban's chest but it closed quickly and somehow the blood disappeared.
"Magnificent... so that is the spirit spear, Chastiefol, said to be forged from the Holy Tree that exists in the Fairy realm. It is more durable than steel and possesses the mysterious properties of the Holy Tree itself."
"Man, that girl can talk." Artemis really wanted to knock the girl out.
"Your magical ability can summon forth all of the these properties. Disaster. This should make things a bit interesting, at least. Feel free to attack me four-on-one."
"No. One-on-one." King flew closer to Guila with his spear dangerously spinning in front of him.
"Are you serious?" Guila asks somewhat insulted. But the Sins and Artemis took a sit where Diane is resting.
"As a Black."
"She's all yours, King!"
"If you lose, I'll kick your ass~!"
"Argh, Captain... I really do think that I might be done for..."
Guila sighed thinking this was going to be easy. "As you wish.Whenever you are-" but the spear cut her off, as well her cheek and a few strands of her hair flew away.
"Oh hell yeah!"
"Hey, that's no good. Dodge properly." King said in boredom.
Artemis watch the fight with fascination but their was a voice deep in her body, no, soul who is commenting King. I know it... Huh? Elaine... I know you will grant me my wish. Because you can manifest more power when you're fighting for others than for yourself. Not just for your little sister, but also for your comrades who miss you. I know. That you are more kind hearted than anyone else. When you saw our ravaged homeland, you blamed yourself and cried nonstop for me and our people. I know all about it I know about your fathomless reserves of strength!
"Brilliant Detonation!"
"Hey, now!" The Sins and Artemis got up just in case they need to move.
Long ago, the human kingdom coexisted peacefully with the forest ruled by the Fairy King. That was not merely a testimony to our friendship, but also an unspoken agreement to not meddle in the other's affairs.
"Spirit Spear Chastiefol, fifth configuration! Increase!" King's spear turned into a million daggers and and they all hit the Knight and her power.
What the humans feared most of all was the might of the Fairy King, which deterred all would-be-intruders. King. Or by his true name... King of the Fairies, Harlequin.
"Harlequin... Nice name..." Artemis whispered softly.
"Hm, you say something Airy?" Artemis shook her head and continued to watch King fly to them.
Then they all turn when they heard someone running, "Hey! Wow, you guys are really going at it."
"You aren't hurt are you?" Elizabeth asked.
"Hey! Nope, we're all fine." Meliodas waved to them and reassured her.
"Thank goodness."
Artemis chuckled but something felt wrong, "Hm, I feel something bad's going happen..."
"Huh? What?" King said confusedly.
Behind King, Guila emerged from the crystals and ran towards King, "At this close range, even the spirit spear's defense won't save you!"
Luckily Meliodas was faster, "Right back at you."
"Oh! Full Counter. Go Pipsqueack!" Artemis suddenly felt dizzy and leaned of Ban, "I don't feel good..."
Ban shielded Artemis and Diane covered Elizabeth and Hawk as the explosion went off.
"Easy... I got you~." Ban steady Artemis who look like she was going to fall over.
"Meliodas-sama..."
"I don't sense Guila anymore..." Diane said as she held Elizabeth.
Ban pick Artemis up in a bridal carry when her legs caved under her but next to them a golden light spoke.
The force of that blast most likely returned her to the living world. You came here in your own flesh and blood, but she was here in spirit alone.
Elaine look at Ban and Artemis and gave them a grin.
"My-My ears are gone!" Hawk freak out.
"Hawk-chan! It's happening to me, too! What's going on? This feels gross!" Elizabeth whimpered.
"Then let's feel something better!" Meliodas quickly grab onto the chance and groped her boobs, again.
"Pipsqueack!" Artemis groaned into Ban's chest because her brother, no matter the situation, will be a pervert to Elizabeth.
"What are you doing, Captain?!" Diane felt the weird sensation as well. "Hang on, what's this?!"
You guys don't belong here, so the Necropolis is starting to rejecting you. That's great, you met the person you wanted to see.
Artemis look over Ban's shoulder and gasped, Ban and King turn to see what she's looking at. It was the two kids from the two.
"What are you two doing here~?" Ban asked.
"Wait, you were residents of this world the whole time?" King figured out.
"Ha nice jobs kiddies." Artemis chuckled once the shock cleared up.
You're cooking was really yummy. Thank you!
"Sure thing~." Ban softly smile at Ellen.
"You kids take care, ne?" Artemis said to them.
We will..
The kids disappeared, leaving Elaine who was looking at Artmeis and Ban.
I'm glad I got to see you, Ban. Don't forget your promise.
"Till next time, Elaine~." Ban said sadly but held onto Artmeis tighter.
"Bye Pixie."
King look away but Elaine had one more thing to say to him.
Thank you, Brother. King's eyes widened when she spoke to him. For protecting Ban
"Elaine!"
In a flash they were back in the ghost town, Meliodas look around and said, "Looks like we're back to our own world."
"Oh thank God..." Artemis said and got Ban to put her down once she felt better.
"That was so weird!" Diane shivered from the after feeling.
Elizabeth sighed but as she turn she got the fright of her life and gasped, "That's-"
"Whoa, Freddy Kruger everyone." Artemis got a closer look.
"Oh, she reached Necropolis by putting herself into a state of near-death." Meliodas said.
"Sound painful."
"Maybe.
"Doesn't that mean she's gonna wake up soon?!" Hawk squealed in fear.
"Everyone, let's get away from here!" Elizabeth wanted to leave the village now.
"Let's kill her while the killings good~." Ban wanted to get even.
"Don't be barbaric. I'll petrify her." King was bored.
"Nah, let me handle this." Meliodas cross his arms and side-glazed Artemis who was next to him.
"You thinking what I'm thinking Pip?" The blondes smirked, one moment later of black paint, a hair cut, and rope and a missing pink hair band and the Sins were off.
"Here Captain! Din-din's ready! Open wide!" Diane try feeding a giant fish to Meliodas but he was happy with just drinking.
After they left the ghost town they found a lake a few miles out and set up camp there. They were having a bit of a feast of fish, fruits, ale, and whatever they had left in the pantry.
"That's too big."
"That's what she said." Artemis mumbled, she's laying down next to Meliodas and Elizabeth for some reason Necropolis drained her out. All she remembers is the Holy Tree with Elaine, King's fight and that's it and someone name Harlequin.
"Say Ah!"
"Nice." Meliodas and Artemis bump mugs.
King flew above them to speak to Diane in a worry tone. "Um, Diane? Are your injuries really OK now?"
"S-Sure, I feel fine!" Diane wasn't expecting that question and use the fish to hide to bottom of her face.
Artemis sighed and sat up, "They are all fine Carrot Top, I checked."
"C-Carrot Top?!"
Ban was already drunk and laughing at his follow Sins, "Dumbass, she pretended to be hurt to get the Cap'n to fawn over her~!"
"Diane's not that kind of girl!" King defended Diane's honor but he totally missed the 'Oh shit' look on her face.
Artemis laughed and pointed, "Haha busted!"
"Calm down you two." Meliodas said and pull Artemis's hair but she pull his as payback.
"Speaking of girls, I never asked... what is your relationship with these girls, Captain?" King asked politely while pointing to the girls.
Meliodas smirked and groped Elizabeth breast, "The 'lovers' kind?"
"No!" Elizabeth gasped.
"The 'grope and be groped' kind?" Meliodas placed her hand on his chest.
"Meliodas-sama! Hey don't!"
"Knock it off." Artemis grab Meliodas by his coller and sat him down on the ground roughly.
"Ow. She's a princess of the realm. The 3rd right?"
"Yes." Elizabeth shyly said.
Artemis saw King suddenly get nervous, "A-A princess?! You should have said so! If I had known, I would have made myself presentable!"
"Presentable?" She raised an eyebrow.
"That's all right, don't-" Elizabeth try to say but King ignore her and change his form. Into a tall, heavy weight man with the same coloring of hair and eyes. His clothes were different too, a bright orange shirt white white stripes and blue pants. In other words he look like a fat king from a children's story book.
"Holy Sh-!" Both Ban and Artemis did a spit take.
"Hey, your clothes changed!" Meliodas was more interested in the clothes.
"Look closer!" Ban yelled at his captain.
"It requires mental effort to change into this form." King said.
"Sheesh, what a pig." Hawk mumbled in his food.
Artemis rolled her eyes and said, "Pot meet kettle."
"I am King the Grizzy Sin of the Seven Deadly Sins. I am glad to make your acquaintance." King bowed to the Princess, who was very uncomfortable in this situation.
"O-Of course, the pleasure is all mine."
"I was unaware you were a princess! Please forgive my poor manners in the Necropolis!"
"Think nothing of it! Please don't be so stressed out. Feel free to relax."
"Oh. Well, if you insist." King went back into his normal form of a young boy and fell back into his pillow, "I'm out of practice; that was exhausting!"
"His clothes changed back!"
"Look closer, damn it!~"
"And you?" King asked Artemis.
Artemis was going to introduce herself but Meliodas cut her off, "Ah! Airy's my sister who I adopted."
She just flicked his forehead,"You're an idiot," and introduce herself properly, "My name's Artemis, traveling with these guys till I find my way home. Hopefully I don't..."
"What?" King asked.
Meliodas spoke up and what he said caught everyone's attention, "Airy's not from our world but her powers say otherwise."
"Shut. Up. Pipsqueak." Artemis growled, the Sins who didn't know the story put in their minds and wanted to ask the blonde girl later.
Elizabeth saw Artemis didn't want to explain so she turn to King, "I have to say, you sure are powerful, King-sama. You mopped the floor with an opponent that Meliodas-sama and the others were having trouble with, all by yourself."
Artemis smile and let out a grin to tease her friend, "And the reporter is back. Hey!" Meliodas tugged on her braid again.
"True, I'm fairly powerful. But you guys should have beaten that Holy Knight if you'd been able to unleash your real power." King turn to his teammates, "Fess up, you three. Where are your sacred treasures?"
"I lost mine." Diane smile cutely.
"I sold mine!" Meliodas make a money motion with his fingers.
"Mine got stolen~." Ban drunkenly said.
"Unthinkable."
"Hm, hey Pip remind me where you got the seed money for this place again?" Artemis smirked knowing exactly what happened.
Meliodas took Artemis's mug from her and drank it. "Hey!"
King explained somewhat why he's unhappy with the Sins losing their treasures but he started with a new group of Holy Knights showing up.
"The 'New Generation'? What's that?" Meliodas asked his floating teammate.
"Apparently, there have been some failed apprentices who have gained power like those of a Holy Knight over night. Guila, for instance. She was a Holy Knight apprentice until just the other day. Can you believe that?"
"Her?"
"In spite of this mess we're in, you took the sacred treasures King Liones bestowed on the Seven Deadly Sins when it was found and sold it?!"
Meliodas look unashamed, "I needed seed money for the tavern."
"Yours was stolen?!" King brought to angry towards Ban who is drunk and laying on Hawk while petting him. Hawk look like he wanted to runaway from the drunken man.
"When I was thrown into prison.~"
It was Diane's turn but she got King to lighten up with a whimper or two, "Um, am I a bad girl?" And a slight tear building up in her eyes.
"W-Well, if you misplaced it, no one's to blame!"
"Softy..." Artemis mumbled in her mug, which she stole back and help Hawk be free on the drunken fox but he rested his head on her instead. "Che!"
"Don't be in such a huff, King. These guys do pretty well barehanded." Hawk mentioned as he walk to King.
"Good Sir Pig."
"S-Sir Pig?"
"Let's say that this lake represents that mana of one of the Sins." King look at the lake. "How much of the lake's water could you scoop out using your hands?"
"Hands?"
"Right." King nodded, "No matter how much mana there is your hands limit you. But if they used a weapon, especially their sacred treasure, they could draw forth vastly greater amounts of mana." King demonstrated with the lake, rising up the water proving a point.
"Sacred treasure sure awesome, huh?" Meliodas commented to Hawk and handed his mug to Artemis.
"Oh, it all makes sense!" Hawk grabbed onto Meliodas shirt shacking him silly, "Why the hell did you give up yours?!" Meliodas just laughed like it was nothing.
King released the water and cross his arms, "In any case, we will need to locate our sacred treasures. Assuming that you're serious about saving the realm."
Elizabeth got up as if she remember something important, "Excuse me... King-sama, you were working with someone inside the castle, weren't you?"
"Yes, more or less."
"Helpful. Ow." Ban pinch Artemis a bit.
"Do you know what became of my father and sisters? The king and the other princesses?"
"No, I'm sorry."
"Oh, I see..."
Artemis to shake off Ban and walk up to the sad princess and hip bump her, "Well you got us for now Princess."
"Goddess..."
"Come on, time for bed."
Elizabeth and Artemis are sitting next to each other on the bed talking about jewelry, of all things and Elizabeth played with her earring for a bit. There's a knock on the door and the girls saw Meliodas.
"Hey, that's really pretty."
Elizabeth smile and show him the earring, "Yes, my big sister, Margaret, gave me this earring on my 15th birthday... She's very serene and kind."
"Hm."
"Veronica, the 2nd princess, is a tomboy. She is constantly being scolded by father for being willful and playing with swords."
"The opposite of mine, please continue." Artemis mumbled.
"Gilthunder also played with us. It was wonderful."
The blondes saw the sad look and told her, "Don't you worry!"
"We'll rescue your sisters and your dad and everyone else! That's partly why we're on this trip."
"Meliodas-sama... Goddess..."
Artemis hug the girl who's like a sister to her, "Well good night you two." And gave Meliodas a playful but serious glare, "Watch it Pip."
Artemis walk out of the room and ask Hawk to watch her brother, "I got it. He never really learns, does he?"
Artemis chuckled and walked into her room but she wasn't happy, "What the hell?! Hawk!"
"Yes Arty?" Hawk poked his head in her room.
"Why the hell are they in my room?!"
"'Cause there isn't any space anywhere else!"
"Female! Hawk! With two guys! Che! I'll rough it outside with Anne."
"No let me." King flew fast as he can before Ban caught one of them.
"Captain Hawk, let sleep...~" Ban pull Artemis into the bed while Hawk and King sneak out.
"Stop that! You reek of booze! Let go!"
"Night!"
"I hate you!"
After a few minutes Artemis finally freed herself from the crazy fox and put on her nightgown and released her hair from the braid. She wouldn't admitted but being in Ban's arms felt nice and so she had one more nightmare free sleep.
Some where Elaine smile and fully went into Artemis's soul.
Oh! And if you need any advice, just meditate and think of me. Don't worry I'm at peace.
The moonlight show the two sleeping peacefully each other's arms with a small but relaxed smile as well.
Thank you for reading this and my next chapter will be with the Young Justice. Sorry if there was any mistakes and whatnots. Please Review!
Thanks again!
Archangel out!