The sounds of Drole's approaching footsteps caught the far away group's attention, then seeing him on his way.
"T...There they are." Estarossa stated, his back starting to tense. He gritted his teeth, once again trying to push through the limpness of his limbs to stand. "E-Estarossa, you shouldn't push yourself too hard! You need to rest." Elizabeth advised, still holding him close and steady.
"I'm fine, Elizabeth..." Estarossa protested but neither his body or Elizabeth would budge. "She's right, you know. You shouldn't be so stubbor-"
"And why do you suddenly care?! If it wasn't for you, I wouldn't be like this right now!" Estarossa interrupted, shutting Veronica up.
In fact, everyone went quiet for a second, even Estarossa himself. "Es...tarossa?" Elizabeth murmured in surprise. "You dare raise your voice at her?!" Griamore protectively spoke up. "Quiet, Griamore!" Veronica ordered.
"But, Lady Veronica...?" Griamore asked.
Estarossa could hear the atmosphere only sink deeper. The final kick of his conscience hit him when he caught a glance of Elizabeth's frightened, shaking eyes. He knew immediately then that he was making this whole situation worse. All the aggression had even scared his friend...
Estarossa's face loosened up, his body finally giving up and sinking back into the Princess's arms. "I-I'm sorry. I shouldn't have-"
"No. You're right. If Zeldris wasn't trapped in that amber, almost all this could've been avoided. I...I'm part responsible for all the damage caused." Veronica stated. The guilt was streaming through her like a river.
Estarossa sighed. "Look. If you know that and want to make up for it, you know where to start." Estarossa stated, nodding towards Zeldris's direction.
Boom, Boom. The sounds of Drole's approaching footsteps grew louder and louder until his voice overpowered it. "Hey, guys! Captain's okay!" He called out, waving his top left hand to them. "Drole, Melascula, S-Sir Zeldris are okay!" Elizabeth said, her heart was overflowing with joy. Soon enough, Drole finally arrived.
Drole leaned down, then sitting on his knees to be a bit more closer to the group. Melascula gently scooped up Zeldris in her darkness as they both went to the ground. Zeldris was lightly wonky in his steps, but Melascula was helping him move just fine.
"Hey, brother. You feeling okay?" Estarossa asked.
"Y-Yeah, but what about you? I haven't seeing you like that since your last duel with Galland." Zeldris replied bluntly. Estarossa lightly feigned a scoff, "Oh, come on! That was still a tie, remember?".
Melascula lightly giggled with relief, before her darkness extended to Estarossa. The hand wrapped around his torso, helping him to properly stand. Melascula turned somber as Estarossa's legs wobbled, she flew closer to him. "A-Are you feeling alright, Estarossa?"
"Yeah. Thank you." Estarossa replied. Melascula's eyes brightened, thankful. However, Estarossa then smirked. "But only thanks to you, hero."
Melascula near immediately turned beet red. "I-I didn't do it alone, D-Drole was..." She stuttered as her thoughts scrambled about. However, the darkness that grasped him started to become loose, dissipating. Estarossa plopped to the ground. "Ah! I'm so sorry!" Melascula yelped, her darkness reforming.
Elizabeth dashed right up to Zeldris. "Sir Zeldris!" She exclaimed. Zeldris felt a pang in his chest. The last time Elizabeth saw him, he was in a state he never wanted her to see...
"H-Hey..."
However, the feeling ceased immediately the second she suddenly leaned down and gave him a hug. He felt a stream flow down his shoulder, it was Elizabeth's happy tears. "I was so worried. Please, don't scare me like that."
Zeldris's voice turned as soft as his own returning embrace was. "Hey, hey, it's alright. I'm sorry..." He assured.
Elizabeth then suddenly blushed, realizing how much she was squeezing him. So much so, she was could try to lift him off the ground if she tried. She loosened up, "S-Sorry, I shouldn't be so handsy. You look so tired."
Zeldris smiled, bringing her back in a little. "No need to worry. As long as you and everyone else are all right, then so am I."
"Hey...Zeldris."
Veronica slowly approached. She always tried to be assertive in every word and action, but the first time in her life, she felt awkward and blank. She was barely able to say his name. She took a quick breath...
"There isn't much I can say or perhaps even do to make up for the trouble I've caused. I ended up helping push you to what I accused you of being. I'm...very sorry, Zeldris."
Along came a second of silence. "Veronica..." Elizabeth murmured, a hint of pride mixed in. She had rarely seen this side of her sister, but she was happy nonetheless.
Zeldris, though a little surprised at first, slowly smiled again. "It's okay."
Veronica was a little shocked. Despite everything that's happened, Zeldris didn't hold any malice towards her. "And I get it. All you wanted was to protect your sister. I'd probably be the same if it was Estarossa..."
Zeldris stopped. No. No more about the past for today. He can't risk his temper anymore. He released a breath, looking to the right for a moment. "...and for you as well, Meliodas." He thought.
Veronica crossed her arms, a geniune grin showed. "I can imagine."
Zeldris grinned. "And hey, my offer still stands. Why not stay a little bit at our tavern? We can discuss what to do next!"
"It would be best. More of Hendrickson's reinforcements will arrive when he realizes Ger hasn't returned." Griamore stated, removing his helmet. "Wait..." Zeldris raised an eyebrow. Something seemed familiar about him...
"Hey, would your name be Griamore by any chance?"
"Well...Yes. How did you know?"
"Wow! You've gotten so big!" Zeldris exclaimed excitedly. Griamore was a bit offput, as was Veronica. Just how much did Zeldris know about him? "Apologies, but have we met before?"
"Well, I've only seen you a few times during a few meetings with the grandmasters. Oh, but if Fraudrin were here, he'd be so happy to see you."
"Oh, that's right!" Estarossa added, "Fraudrin was good friends with the two of them. From what I can remember, he was quite the babysitter back then."
"I don't remember any of this. All I can remember about Fraudrin is that he's one of the Commandments." Griamore stated. "How strange. It was only ten years since the..."incident in Liones", and from how old you seem, I don't think you would've that young back then to not remember." Melascula observed.
Griamore was so confused. Fraudrin was familiar to him, but why couldn't he recall anything they were saying about their supposed relationship? "Well-"
"Hey, guys? Sorry to interrupt, but where did Gloxy go?" Drole suddenly asked. Everyone then turned the direction Drole was. He was right, Gloxinia was just gone.
"That's strange, he was right here a minute ago." Elizabeth said, then looking around for him. "How is he moving? I thought we were both under the same paralysis."
"Gloxinia, being part of the Fairy Clan, is naturally repellant of certain types of magic. Any enchantment like the one placed on him, his body will have expelled in whatever time necessary." Melascula explained.
"Wherever he is, we need to find him fast before any reinforcements do show up. Mela, take Estarossa, Griamore, and the Princesses back to the tavern. Then, come back to look for him with me and Drole."
"R-Right." Melascula replied, immediately getting to preparing a portal.
Elizabeth slowly placed her hand on Zeldris's shoulder. "Wait, Sir Zeldris. If it's alright, I can help search for him."
"O-Oh, well..."
"Ellie, it's too dangerous out here. You could get hurt." Veronica then stated softly. "I know, Veronica. But the Commandments were willing to risk their lives for me." Elizabeth replied, "And knowing that, how would it be fair if I'm not be willing to do the same for them?"
"Ellie..." Veronica lightly sighed, then slowly crossing her arms. "So stubborn, there's no arguing with you." She added. "Come on, Veronica. Please?" Elizabeth asked pleadingly.
"...Fine. But Zeldris? Make sure she gets back safe." She ordered assertively. Zeldris suddenly stood firm and spoke oddly soldier-like, "Yes, your highness."
Veronica then set off along with Melascula and everyone else into the portal right to the tavern. When she was gone, Zeldris exhaled. Drole leaned down, "Never heard you sound like that before, Captain."
"I know, it was stupid." Zeldris sighed. "I just want to make there won't be anymore conflict between us. The last thing we need right now is for Veronica to find us troublesome."
"Don't worry too much, Sir Zeldris. Veronica can be a little rough, but she's really sweet when you get to know her. She's just a bit overprotective of me, that's all." Elizabeth explained.
Zeldris glanced up at Elizabeth, grinning. "That much I can tell. Though, if she's anything at all like you, then I think we'll get along just fine." He assured.
Elizabeth blushed intensely, placing her other hand on her mouth. "O-Oh, Sir Zeldris..." She murmured. Though, it seemed Zeldris himself didn't think too much of it.
"I'm back" Melascula had returned, floating towards the group as the portal then closed behind her.
Zeldris then spoke loud enough for everyone to hear. "Alright, guys. We need to make this quick. Drole and Mela, you both go south. I'll pair with Elizabeth and go north towards Vaizel. Stay close to your buddy, but if you split up, find a spot to randevu. Hopefully, we'll find Gloxinia quickly before it turns dark but nonetheless, we meet back here."
"Right!" Drole and Melascula affirmed before setting off.
Zeldris then gently gripped Elizabeth by the hand, "Let's go!"
There Elizabeth went again, turning as red as a cherry. Her head nodded as naturally as her breath, only growing faster as the two went off into the forest.
Gloxinia's wings flapped sluggishly. He could felt his body regaining it's functions, not that he cared much in this moment. Not too far now until Vaizel. Moments have passed since Gloxinia slipped away, but to him, it seemed like time had halted.
"Gerheade, little sister...I've searched what felt like everywhere. Whole years passed and not one of the Commandments found a trace of the Fairy Clan, much less the Demon clan. It was like they just vanished off the face of Britannia, and after so long, we started to think the worst. And after all that time, you've appeared out of nowhere to then attack me, and serving Hendrickson? Just what have the Holy Knights done to you?"
Zeldris and Elizabeth had kept making their way through the wood's depths, looking near and far for the departed fairy. Moving past a tree stump, Zeldris glanced down to their feet, then guiding Elizabeth's feet to prevent her tripping.
They came to a halt as Zeldris took a long look around. He still no sight of Gloxinia. "Come on, where could he have gone?"
"Zeldris, i-if it'll help, we should split up." Elizabeth suggested.
"Elizabeth, I can't risk you getting lost." Zeldris replied, holding her hand a little tighter.
"I won't! Vaizel's not too far from here, isn't it? Maybe Sir Gloxinia's there."
Zeldris turned his head toward her, then away. He sighed. "Perhaps you're right." Zeldris said, before then guiding her view to the north direction. "The meteor Drole had dropped should be north from where we are. Wait for me there when you're finished checking Vaizel. I'll continue searching the forest, which shouldn't take too long." He instructed.
Elizabeth sharply nodded in affirmation. Zeldris, with a firm yet soft look, released her hand. As Elizabeth headed off towards the north, Zeldris refocused and
Gloxinia had made it to Vaizel. The surrounding area was covered in debris. Whole and cut roots, all sorts of rocks, and the shattered thorns were everywhere. His heart thumped against his chest as it turned heavy. He approached the huge meteor slowly.
"Please, Please..."
He lifted his finger. ZOOM! Basquias's Emerald Octo formed around him and each tenticle conjoined with each other to then slither under the meteor. With the combined effort, the meteor started to rise!
It took every last tenticle, but every one of them lifted it nine feet off the ground! Gloxinia slowly made his way under, looking every last inch for a sign of Gerheade. There wasn't any piece of her armor, barely any blood stains.
All that was remnants of yellow petals, surrounding a decently sized hole. "Calendula..." Gloxinia murmured, his chest slowly relaxing itself again. Gerheade got away, though it was only so close.
However, as he flew back out into the sunlight, the inner pain suddenly returned as Gloxinia was hit by a wave of...anger.
"...It's pathetic. Absolutely pathetic. I have been chosen...no, born to stand as the pinnacle of my race, and for me to look foolish and weak, to be humiliated by humans. The lowest race!"
Basquias dropped the meteor. Gloxinia could barely control his thoughts, much less his own spirit spear. He paced left to right with his wings, eventually resting his hand on the meteor. He curled up his hand, banging against the rough, smooth stone.
"But...It had to have been them! The Holy Knights must be behind it, the conniving, little humans. The spineless, selfish creatures...Hendrickson, you've disgraced my race, disgraced my sister! And with them, you've disgraced me, and it'll be the last time. For I am the Fairy King!"
"Gloxinia?" A voice suddenly called to him.
"WHAT?!" He roared. Everything went silent as it echoed throughout the area.
Elizabeth stood there, frightened. She was near trembling. "G...G..."
Gloxinia stumbled back, leaning against the meteor. His head that was just blasted with so many loud, violent declarations had just ceased in mere seconds when he saw what he had done. "I...I'm sorry, I..."
Seeing him ease up, Elizabeth once again tried to approach the fairy. "G-Gloxinia, what's wrong? Why did you come all the way out here?"
Gloxinia's hands slipped into his pockets, Basquias shifted back to it's first form as it began to follow. "Look, if Captain's looking for me, just take me back to him. I was just checking on something..."
He flew back Elizabeth, his eyes not meeting hers. Suddenly, Elizabeth gripped his arm, pulling his hand right out of his pocket. "Gloxinia, what did you lose?"
"Hey!" Gloxinia gasped, starting to pull against her grasp. He tried to pull away from her hand. "Let go of me! Right now!" He commanded. He was so much out of energy. He gritted his teeth. Even the Princess could subdue him? Of course she could, with his own weak skinny arms...
"Gloxinia?"
"It was for my sister, alright?!"
Elizabeth's grip on his hand released as he stumbled back. "Your sister?"
Gloxinia huffed in and out, lightly shaking.
"Gloxinia, what happened to her?" Elizabeth asked, carefully moving a little closer.
"I...I don't know! I don't know, okay? Just..."
Gloxinia turned away as he tried to once step away, his head sunk low. "Just leave me alone."
Before Gloxinia could enter the dark forest, Elizabeth slowly stepped forward, making sure not to touch his wing, and gently grasped his shoulder. "I'm sorry, but I can't do that."
This time, Gloxinia didn't openly resist. Something about Elizabeth's touch was strangely ominous to him. Just like before in the tavern, where he hit his head and Elizabeth tried to comfort him. "Just who is this human anyway? Weak, helpless, and yet she's not any other human I've met..." His mind wondered.
He lightly glanced back at Elizabeth. Each passing second, magic invisible to her eyes spread around his. His view of surrounding world darked as he kept his focus all on her. "Just what does your heart actually say?"
A technique of the fairy race with the power of the Fairy Elite's "Disaster", the ability to read into the hearts of others. To listen their thoughts, to even hear things the victims hoped would stay a secret.
"He seemed so calm and confident earlier today. Though he's usually so seemingly tough, maybe a little brash, but now he..."
The fairy's fist gripped tightly, near glaring at the princess. "Here it comes. Weak? Pathetic? The audacity of a worthless human to look down on me."
"He looks so hurt."
Gloxinia's eyebrows rose, near frozen.
"Whatever could've happened to his sister must've been terrible, I can't even imagine how he feels. I don't know what I'd do if I lost Veronica or Margaret."
Gloxinia felt a sharp pang in his chest. This feeling, it was something entirely different. He wanted to run, to get away from her. But like how an anchor would hold a boat, her hand on his shoulder just kept him still, practically trapped. "What was I thinking?! This girl was just..."
"I'm here for you, Gloxinia."
Gloxinia's head snapped back, his eyes welled up. Elizabeth's eyebrows rose, almost drawing her hand back in shock.
"Hey!"
Both the princess and the fairy's attention was caught by the approaching Zeldris. He dashed up to the pair, giving a few breaths of relief. "Thank goodness. Why'd you fly off, Gloxinia?"
Gloxinia stared towards for a moment, then glanced back to Elizabeth. What she saw in his eyes had fled back into hiding. Gloxinia flew forward slightly. "I was checking if the enemy was dead, Captain."
"Oh. And what-"
"She's alive. She got away before the meteor crushed her." Gloxinia interrupted, fluttering lightly past him
"I...see." Zeldris turned his head, his eyebrows furrowed slightly. "But hey, everyone's probably getting worried. Let's get back to the others." He stated.
Gloxinia lightly nodded in affirmation before heading off the direction Zeldris came. Zeldris didn't follow. Elizabeth was going to before he then stopped her with his halting hand.
"Did he say anything to you, Elizabeth?"
Elizabeth's expression turned sorrowful. She didn't know what to say that would respect both men.
"He...said it was something to do with his sister."
Zeldris lightly gasped, a realization hitting him. "No way...That woman was Gerheade?!"