Title: The Path Unseen

Theme: #25 Fence

Fandom: Nanatsu no Taizai/Seven Deadly Sins

Pairing: KingxDiane

Note: Big Spoilers for the manga and the four episode special of the anime that aired August 2016. This takes place after the most recent chapter 201. We're on a hiatus right now because Nakaba-sensei is in the hospital for preventive measures and this is sort of my fix-it fic for the time being. Supposebly things will be back on track starting in January but until then I wanted something to look at to make me feel better.

Disclaimer: I just can't even...Ya'll know I don't own it. Quit messing with my delicate feelings. T_T

The Path Unseen:

He poked at the small fire, nodding to his two-toned dog Oslo when the Fairy hound returned from the forest with a mouthful of firewood. Oslo happily dropped his burden on the flames, adding another hours worth of burning to the pile. The cave was warm, the cavern's round walls insulating the heat well. In only his shirt, pants and shoes, the boy was a tad chilly, sitting cross-legged across the fire. Outside an owl sounded. A mumble from behind drew his gaze to the figure asleep behind him. She was sleeping snugly against his green-patterned pillow Chastiefol, clad in only a simple hand-stitched dress and his hooded vest which he had draped over her fondly. She fidgeted, gripping the fabric of the pillow in her hands tightly, a small smile on her lips. Softly she called out his name from the depths of her dreams and he blushed, turning back to gaze into the flames. He heard her settle with a hum, the tips of his ears colored pink. Oslo, curled up by his legs now in an effort to warm him, gazed up at him, tilting his large head. King absentmindly rubbed the dog's ears, thinking deeply.

It wasn't the way he had imagined it happening but he certainly couldn't say he regretted it. She had found him on the edge of the Fairy King's forest, sitting atop the mushrooms that grew over the rocky surface of the mountain. Moss dominated much of the structure's surface making it a favorite perch of his. He had gone there to meditate, to gather his thoughts before the next morning.

After being released by Gloxinia and Dolor, Diane and King had decided to leave and join the fight in Brittania. A favorable side effect of the training that took place was the reemergence of both sets of Diane and King's lost memories. She recalled everything about them and their past while King was made aware of the special day they had shared after the Liones festival. With their memories restored both were able to view each other in a new light though they had little contact outside of making the mutual decision to leave and fight.

Diane had managed to surprise the Fairy King, appearing beside him not thirty feet tall as he had been expecting but rather just under six feet. He had gaped at her, unsure of how she had managed the change without Merlin's formula. The Serpent's Sin of Envy had hidden behind her hair, shyly confessing that she had sought out a chicken matango and used it's frightened spores to her advantage. When he had questioned her why she had simply clasped her arms behind her back, walking forward until she could lean in and, to his bewilderment, place a kiss to his cheek.

The next hours had been hazy, a mesh of milestones and broken barriers that rapidly replayed over and over in Harlequin's mind. He recalled her leaning back, smiling brilliantly. He could remember his hesitation, the way he had taken a deep breath before gently reaching for her hand. The shock he experienced when she didn't pull away was one thing but then she entwined their fingers and his eyes had shot up to hers, almost desperate, begging without words for something. She tugged him close.

He had carried her into the cave when it was over, knowing she would need her rest before the next day. She had been worn out, her lavender eyes heavy but unmistakably happy as he set her comfortably against Chastiefol. Sleep had come quickly for her but not before she had reached up to grab his shirt, the ties at the collar hanging loose, and pulled him down for a sweet kiss. King poured everything he had into the romantic exchange, knowing without saying that it would be the last time they would be able to indulge for awhile. When they seperated finally he whispered her name tenderly, brushing her bangs over her face as she dozed off, her expression lax in contentment.

Now he sat vigil, waiting for the sun that would rise soon and all it would bring with it. He kept an eye on Diane, knowing the magical shrinking effects would not last much longer. He had already fetched her clothes while Oslo had kept guard over the sleeping woman, returning quickly. He wanted to keep that evening in his memory forever, the moment when it seemed that all his mistakes had disappeared and he had everything he had ever wanted. The forest was safe, protected by him and it's magical barrier. The Fairies were happy, rejoicing now that their king was among them and Diane was there... In his arms, forgiving him and speaking words he had never thought possible. Yes...in that moment, under the glow of the moon, at the mouth of a sloping cave, Diane behind him, Harlequin could say he was truly happy.

When they set out the next morning, waving good-byes to Matrona and her family, all the congregated fairies, and leaving things in Gerharde's hands, it was with a companionable connection they'd only glimpsed at having before. There was a myriad of emotions passing between them but only one that pulsed stronger than all the rest.

Love.

.xXx.

Elizabeth wasn't sure of what to do. When Meliodas had left her with Hawk-chan and Hawk Mama to deal with the swarms of demons that they had encountered on their way to locate King and Diane, she was certain that he had thought she would be safe while he and the other four Sins dealt with the enemy. While it was true that the Sins had no difficulty dealing with the monsters, their sheer numbers made it into a chore they hadn't been anticipating. Still she was surprised when she felt herself thrown from Hawk Mama's back and saved only by Hawk-chan's timely efforts, though the pig did suffer as he caught Elizabeth's full weight before she bounced a short distance away.

The third princess of Liones just managed to get to her feet when she felt a shadow fall over her. She spun sharply to come face to face with a demon the color of bruised plums. It towered over her, spiral horns potruding from a massive skull, an unknown substance, like black tears, leaking from it's dead eyes.

Elizabeth screamed, vaguely hearing a shout of her name from Meliodas in the distance when the demon struck. The apostle shut her eyes, terrified. She felt the air around her whirl and heard the sound of a crash so loud it resounded off the valley walls. She picked up several gasps and the princess opened her eyes to see-

"K-King-sama!"

Face alight with happy disbelief she turned her head and saw, "Diane!" The giant woman had knocked the demon clear across the valley with Gideon, the creature dissolving in the air before it even landed. Elizabeth was in the clutches of Chastiefol's second form, the oddly shaped bear floating close to King.

"Elizabeth-chan! Merlin! Escanor!" Diane called out to everyone happily, even Ban and Gowther. She was thrilled to the point of tears when she discovered Meliodas among the group, grabbing the short demon and hugging him to her face. Meliodas patted Diane's cheek, cheerfully greeting her. She set him back on his feet as King flew Elizabeth down to where the Sins were gathered, depositing the girl next to Gowther as he locked gazes with the leader of the Seven Deadly Sins. Diane cried softly from above.

"Captain..."

Meliodas grinned. "Yo. King."

There was a stretched silence among the group where everything seemed to have stopped. Similar to the moment that had transpired between Ban and Meliodas when they first met after the blonde's revival, King now regarded the Captain solemnly while the Dragon's Sin of Wrath gazed back evenly. No one said anything though they were aware that something important was transpiring between two of their members. Elizabeth held her breath.

Suddenly a wry smile worked it's way across King's face and he turned away. "Captain. Leave the rest of these to Diane and I." he said, flying up to Diane's face. The Serpent's Sin of Envy nodded at King before saluting at the group slyly. Merlin raised her brows though her expression was amused. Ban made a teasing comment while Gowther tilted his head and Escanor fretted. Elizabeth placed her hand on Meliodas's shoulder while the Captain simply said, "Go for it." his features cheerful.

Diane flexed her arm, confidently eyeing the swarm. She coyly winked at King. "I'll try to leave some for ya." She said before leaping to the right of them, swinging Gideon over her head while her boots hit the ground with a thud that echoed. A complex weaving of earth sprouted from the valley walls in a flash, flattening and killing the demons directly in her path. She danced in place, arms swinging to a tune only she could hear as the earth grew, bent, twisted, and struck at the demons around her. She was graceful to watch, her legs gliding across the ground in a way that appeared as if she never made contact with the ground. Her motions were seamless, from the curve of her waist, to the arch of her arms, and down to the wave of her legs as they kicked. Diane danced, her fighting power only enhanced by the richness of her movements.

King had taken to the other side of the swarm, his expression bored. He removed his vest and raised a hand in the air. There was a sound like the rip of cloth from his back and out erupted the largest fairy wings any of them had ever seen, gleaming in varying shades of gold and sunset orange bordered in black. King brought his hand down and the True Spirit Spear Chastiefol in it's fifth configuration assaulted the demons, leaving not even a scrap of skin behind. His fingers worked quickly, sending Chastiefol's second form to bowl through a pair of red demons. As the rest gathered in a grouping, clearly seeking to overwhelm him with their numbers, King merely executed a series of hand gestures and the world shook. Diane stopped to watch as Chastiefol's Sunflower spiraled up from the ground with a screech. The demons had no time to even roar with pain as Sunflower's beam turned them all into dust. Chastiefol spun back into a spear and sped to King's side as he clapped his hands together. The Sins all watched with some surprise as Diane skipped back to them, King rushing down to meet them.

"King-sama! Diane! That was amazing!" Elizabeth exclaimed with a clap of her hands. Ban's sharp eyes were wide while a wobbling Hawk choked as he gauged the Fairy King's power level.

"Wha-wha-what is this?!" Hawk spluttered, going completely white. Merlin rubbed her chin, eyeing King's wings with critical scrutiny. "I've never known anyone to increase their power so tremendously over such a short period of time. Nor have I ever seen a fairy with wings quite like these." She turned to Diane. "You as well. Not as dramatically as King but your power is now just a step below the Captain. What have you been doing?"

Diane giggled, pulling her hair in front of her face. She placed a shy look on King before saying, "Oh nothing. Just some special training with Harlequin." Confused, everyone watched as a charmed King flew up to land on Diane's shoulder. They shared a silent, tender exchange.

"Yeah...like Diane says." King grinned, his hands going behind his head. "Special."

-OWARI-

I'm both ready and not prepared for the moment when Diane and King both recall all their memories and face each other. It's going to be SO. DAMN. ROMANTIC. XD Squeee! Can't wait!

I apologize if this one seems a little confusing. There are reasons why I like this one just the way it is. Sorry.

Please continue to support me with all your wonderful reviews and favorites/follows! They make me feel so cozy! Only twelve more to go!