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Chapter Text

Elizabeth Liones woke up with a headache, she felt feverish, but she forced herself out of bed. Maybe her big sister Margaret would know what to do. Elizabeth’s steps were uneven as she made her way towards her closet. Sudden sharp pain in her back caused her to lose her balance and fall to her knees. The pain got more intense by the second.

Overcome by the intense pain Elizabeth screamed.

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Margaret, first princess of Liones, and older sister to princesses Veronica and Elizabeth didn’t expect to be woken up by high-pitched screaming. She immediately threw off the covers and rushed out of the room, towards the source of the screaming, Elizabeth’s room.

By the time she reached her youngest sister’s room, Margaret saw Elizabeth on the floor, her face downcast. Servants, along with the Second Princess Veronica, surrounded Elizabeth. Rushing over, she looked at her sister.

“Elizabeth? What’s wrong?”

_________________

Elizabeth couldn’t hear what her sister said to her, all she could pay attention to was the pain in her back and all the memories flooding her mind. 

Memories…

She could remember them all, her previous lifetimes, from her original life as a Goddess to her most recent life as Liz, a Holy Knight from the nation Danafor. 

Meliodas

Oh, she remembered him too. He’d always been with her, in all her incarnations. Even though she had just gotten her memories back she already missed him dearly. But...she wouldn’t get to see him before the curse activates.

“Elizabeth! On your back there’s…” Veronica started but didn’t finish.

Elizabeth blinked and realized the seething pain in her back had ceased.

“What...what’s on my back?” Elizabeth asked slowly, trying to stand up.

Margaret grabbed her hand, pulling her to her feet.

“Elizabeth, there are...two pairs of wings on your back,” Veronica said, slowly.

Elizabeth blinked, 

What?

Elizabeth took shaky steps towards the mirror,

“Elizabeth you really shouldn’t be moving!” Margaret said as Elizabeth let go of her hand and walked towards the mirror. 

“I...need to see!” Elizabeth said firmly, 

“At least let us help you!” Margaret said walking towards Elizabeth and grabbed her hand. 

Margaret slowly helped Elizabeth walk towards the mirror. When the two reached the mirror Elizabeth took a breath. She couldn’t believe what she was seeing. She did indeed have wings on her back, wings that were identical to the wings she had during her first life, as Goddess. 

Her right eye was also different, it was no longer sky blue. Now, her right eye was an orange-red color with the symbol of the Goddesses in the middle, much like her left eye, hidden by her hair.

What was going on? When she had gained her memories in her previous lives this had never happened. However, Elizabeth knew she could ask her original mother, the Supreme Deity. As much as she didn’t want to, Elizabeth knew that was the only way to figure out what was happening. 

“There’s...something I need to do, big sister Margaret, big sister Veronica,” Elizabeth said, once again she let go of her sister’s hand and made her way to the door.

“Elizabeth, you can’t go outside like this! At least not until we know what happened.” Margaret said.

“I have a pretty good idea what happened, but I have to make sure.”

“If you have an idea of what happened tell us!” Veronica yelled,

Elizabeth looked at her sisters,

“I can’t tell you till I know for sure.”

The room was silent as Elizabeth left. Margaret and Veronica looked at each other as the door shut behind their youngest sister.

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“Here you are! Five steins! Thanks for waiting!” A seemly young boy said,

“Such a young boy and hard-working waiter,” The men at the table said,

The boy turned to face the men, 

“I’m not a kid or a waiter. I’m the owner of this bar.” Said owner of the bar then turned around to continue his work, leaving the men in shock.

The boy brought a steaming pie to another table, as he put it down he said, 

“Here you are! The Boar Hat’s signature meat pie! Fresh from the oven!” 

The men at the table looked at the fresh pie, they were practically drooling. 

“Thank you for the food!” They all said in unison before they each took a bite.

But upon putting it in their mouths, they all immediately spit it out. 

“Figures, this bar is known for good Alcohol and terrible food.” 

Upon hearing this the men stood up furious about to attack. 

“Hey, he has a sword!” One of the men pointed out and they immediately backed down.

“My, my looks like we have a bad crowd today.” The owner said before snapping his fingers.

“Clean this up!” He said and a pig waddled over.

“You call these scraps? Being in charge of clean-up is a difficult job you know.” The talking pig said as he ate the mess on the floor. 

When the pig was finished the owner said,

“I’m pretty sure I can make a decent Pork Roast.” 

This scared the talking pig as it quickly said,

“Ahh! Scraps here are the best!” 

Just then the door slammed open and a panicked man came in. 

“I saw it! The Rust Knight!”

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The owner stood behind the bar pouring a man some Alcohol while listening to his customer’s conversations.

“Have you heard Princess Elizabeth has been missing for two weeks now?”

“Do you think they kidnapped her?”

“Do you think they’ve been caught yet?” One man said,

“You mean The Seven Deadly Sins ?” Another asked

“That’s just a story parents use to get their children to listen. Just like the Rust Knight. They have to be dead by now!”

“Yeah, you’re right the New Holy Knights wouldn’t allow them to live.” 

“But those posters have been up every year for ten years...do you really think they’d still be up if they were dead?” One of the men asked,

It was quiet.

Out of the blue, a noise that sounded like armor creaking was heard. The noise was getting closer. 

“Why do I smell rust?” The talking pig said from behind the counter.

The door was once again slammed open and a rusty suit of armor stood in the doorway. 

Everyone in the bar except the bar owner and the talking pig rushed out.

“I’m...looking for...Mel-” The suit of armor said while walking in before falling backward. 

The helmet fell from the armor and revealed the face of Elizabeth Liones, the missing princess. 

The very top of her wings could be seen. 

The bar owner stepped back,

“Elizabeth?”

_________________

Elizabeth opened her eyes and sat up. 

“You’re awake!” A voice came from her right side. Turning to face the voice she saw Meliodas standing next to her. Elizabeth’s expression broke into a smile,

“Meliodas! I finally found you!” Elizabeth said her voice filled with joy,

“Elizabeth..you remember me and your eyes and the wings, you already remember don’t you? The curse! You’re gonna die again and-” Meliodas said starting to break down, but was stopped when Elizabeth put her finger against his lips. 

“Meliodas, it’s okay. The curse is gone. I’m not going to die.” Elizabeth smiled, removed her finger from Meliodas’s lips.

Meliodas’s eyes widen, 

“Really? You’re sure?” 

Elizabeth opened her mouth to say something but before she could someone banged on the door.

_________________

“Open up! There are reports of the Rust Knight being here who is under suspicion of being a member of the Seven Deadly Sins!” A knight said from outside.

“You have 30 seconds-” the knight continued but stopped when Meliodas came outside. 

After regaining his composure the knight quickly said,

“I demand you to send the Rust Knight out her immediately!” 

“Come on out here Rust Knight!” Meliodas turned and called inside.

The talking pig waddled out wearing pieces of the rusty armor Elizabeth had been wearing,

“I am Sir Hawks of the Order of Scraps Disposal,” Hawk said, 

The knight’s jaws dropped, what was going on?

_________________

At the same time, Elizabeth peered out from behind the bar to see how Meliodas was doing before turning around and sprinting in the other direction. However one of the knights noticed her,

“Sir! I saw a girl run out of the back of the bar! That must be the Rust Knight!”

The knight that was in charge glared at Meliodas before he said,

“Chase after her!”

After the knights had left Hawk looked at Meliodas and said, 

“Well, that didn’t work. What are you going to do now?” 

Meliodas just looked at Hawk and said,

“It’ll be fine.”

_________________

The knights chased after Elizabeth, the blonde-haired knight, was closing in on Elizabeth and ran past the trees. Only to find a cliff and no sign of Elizabeth. Hawk charged at him from behind and knocked him off the cliff. 

“It’s nothing personal but doing that is gonna get me three times the number of scraps tonight.”

_________________

Meliodas was up in a tree, holding Elizabeth, bridal style. Meliodas smiled at Elizabeth,

“You know you could have just used your wings to fly instead of running.”

Elizabeth blushed and said, 

“Oh..well I haven’t had wings in 3,000 years. I haven’t had the time to relearn how to fly yet.”

“That’s fair,” Meliodas said, jumping down from the tree with Elizabeth still in his arms. Once he had placed Elizabeth down he looked at her and asked,

“Are you going to tell me how you managed to break your curse?”

Elizabeth looked down,

“Oh well I wasn’t the one who broke it...this is a long story. Can we go back to the bar and talk about it...privately.” Elizabeth turned her head to look at Hawk at the last part.

Meliodas smiled, 

“Alright, we should head back any-” Meliodas started but stopped before abruptly grabbing Elizabeth and Hawk and jumping to another area of the cliff.

“Meliodas what are you-” Elizabeth stopped when she saw the area of the cliff they were standing on falling as if it was cut off from the land.

“The conclusion is two accidental deaths!” A voice says, 

Elizabeth looks to see a knight standing there with his sword out. Did he cut the cliff to kill them?

Meliodas landed safely on another part of the cliff and put Elizabeth down gently, before dropping Hawk on the ground.

“Agh! You survived? That won’t do, then I’d have to revise my death tally!” The knight says and even from a distance, he towers above them.

“Wait a minute, that earring! It bears the symbol of the royal family! Then you, the girl with the wings, must be Princess Elizabeth!”

Meliodas looks at Elizabeth,

“You should take that earring off when you get back to the Boar Hat. So you won’t get recognized again” 

Elizabeth raises a hand to her right ear, where her earring is.

“Yes, that’s a good idea.” Elizabeth’s face was red, a mix of being embarrassed and blushing.

Meliodas and Elizabeth turned their attention back to the knight when he laughed,

“The kingdom is looking everywhere for you and has ordered you to be brought back alive if found, but it would be sad if an accident happened!.”

“Accidental Death!” The knight shouted,

Expecting the upcoming attack Meliodas jumped and pushed Elizabeth out of the way. Elizabeth looked up at Meliodas, who was now on top of her. She felt her face heat up. Elizabeth looked to her right only to see a giant fissure that the attack had created. 

“Hawk go get your mother, okay?” Elizabeth heard Meliodas say,

Elizabeth looked back on Meliodas, who was now smiling at her, 

“Are you okay Elizabeth?”

“Yes, I’m fine.” Elizabeth smiled.

“Alright then! Elizabeth, do you think you could wait a second? I'm gonna deal with this guy!” Meliodas said, jumping to his feet. 

_________________

“Alioni you’re awake!” 

The blonde-haired knight woke up to his fellow knights surrounding him. 

“Where’s that blonde-haired kid? We can’t anger him!” 

“What are you talking about? Did you hit your head or something?” One of the knights asked,

“I saw it when he saved me! He’s one of them ! One of the Seven Deadly Sins !”

Alioni, the blonde knight, blurted out this crucial information just in time to see their teacher, Sir Twigo, fly up into the air, his armor broken in several areas. 

_________________

Thanks to Hawk’s Mom, Meliodas and Elizabeth had escaped back to the Boar Hat just in time. 

They were now traveling to the village of Bernia, which was famous for its Alcohol. 

“Meliodas you said that you’d like to know how the curse was broken. Do you have time to talk about it now?”

“Of course I have time! Let’s go to my room and talk about it.” Meliodas smiled, from where he stood behind the counter.

_________________

Elizabeth sat on the edge of the bed while Meliodas stood in front of her.

“So you said you didn’t undo the curse,” Meliodas questioned,

“No, I didn’t my mother did,” Elizabeth sighed,

“The Supreme Deity? Why would she do that?” Meliodas asked a hit of anger in his voice. 

Meliodas didn’t care the Supreme Deity freed Elizabeth from the curse because she was the one who came up with the idea to curse them in the first place. She was the reason they had lived through 3,000 years of pain. The reason Elizabeth had been reincarnated one hundred and seven times. 

“I asked her through the Horn of Cernunnos after I got my memories back. She said that there was a chance the seal on the Coffin of Eternal Darkness could break and the Demon race would be freed. So she decided to remove my curse and revert me to being a Goddess once again.” 

Elizabeth closed her eyes, as she said this trying not to think about how painful it was when she reverted to being a Goddess. 

“I was bedridden for 3 weeks after that. But during that time, the Holy Knights performed a coup d'etat on the Royal family and arrested everyone except the king and me. The only reason they left me alone was because of my sickness. I knew I couldn’t stay there. So as soon I could move I went out searching for you! I stole the armor because I knew if I was recognized I’d be taken back. I don’t know what to do Meliodas! I finally have a family I can treasure, but now they’re in danger and I can’t help them.” Elizabeth noticed she had started crying. 

Meliodas walked over to Elizabeth and wraped his arms around her, holding her close. He felt anger towards the Supreme Deity, but also towards the Holy Knights. How dare they do this to Elizabeth. He’d loved Elizabeth for over three thousand years and that wouldn’t stop now. He’d do anything to make sure she was happy. 

_________________

After a while, Elizabeth had stopped crying. Meliodas pulled away from Elizabeth,

“Elizabeth I have a way we can help your family.”

Elizabeth looked at Meliodas, hope visible in her eyes,

“How?” 

Meliodas looked out the window,

“By getting the Seven Deadly Sins together again.”

Chapter Text

Meliodas stood behind the counter of the bar. He had a bottle of Bernia Ale and was pouring it into two mugs. Once he was done, Meliodas grabbed both mugs and walked over to the table where Elizabeth sat, placing one of the mugs in front of her. Sitting down, Meliodas took a sip of from his mug.

“Meliodas? How are we going to find the other Sins?” Elizabeth asked, picking up her mug.

“Well, I’ve been trying to gather information on the other Sins by running this tavern,” Meliodas said, taking another sip of alcohol.

“Is there anything I can do to help?”

“I could use a waitress to help attract customers and gather information,” Meliodas said, pointing his finger at Elizabeth. 

Elizabeth looked down, only to see her reflection staring back at her, 

“Are you sure I can do that? Wouldn’t I just attract unwanted attention?” 

Meliodas smiled at Elizabeth like he always did, 

“Don’t worry Elizabeth! It’ll be fine! As long I’m here, nothing will happen to you.” 

Elizabeth looked up at Meliodas, smiling. 

“I’m so happy! I finally can be with you again!”

Meliodas paused, before looking at Elizabeth and saying,

“Yeah, I’m happy too!”

Elizabeth took a sip of her alcohol,

“Meliodas? Do you have any clothes I can change into?”

“I do. Let me go get them.”

_______________________

Elizabeth glanced down at her outfit, a pink, ruffled crop top with a dark purple tir paired with a short, navy blue skirt and a matching legging covering her left leg

She felt her face heat up, as Meliodas peeked under her skirt. 

“Just a size check,” Meliodas said, 

Elizabeth wasn’t particularly surprised by Meliodas just did, because he had pulled stunts like that in her previous lifetimes. It wasn’t like she really minded anyway. 

“Hey! We just got a girl to attract customers! Don’t scare her away!” Hawk, the talking pig, yelled at Meliodas. 

Elizabeth looked at the pig and smiled,

“It’s fine, Hawk-chan. I don’t mind.” 

Elizabeth turned her back to face Meliodas,

“Where are we headed?” 

Meliodas smiled,

“To the town of Bernia. They make the best Ale, but we won’t be there for a while”

_______________________

Meliodas walked along the path, Elizabeth and Hawk following,

“I get my liquor from all over but Bernia’s Ale is special. It’s made from the river in the town. Which is the finest water in Liones. There is a lot of different kinds of grout growing around the river. But the point is Bernia's Ale has fans from all over.” 

They had reached the bridge and Hawk peered over the edge,

“Maybe so, but that famous river has gone dry.”

Elizabeth stepped forward and leaned over as well,

“The herbs are withered too,”

Meliodas scratched the back of his head,

“That’s weird. I wonder what’s going on...”

“I’ll go fly ahead to try to figure it out! Let’s meet in the town.” Elizabeth said, before spreading her wings and shakily launching into the air.

“Wait Elizabeth! You haven’t flown in 3,000 years!” Meliodas called after her, but she didn’t hear him. 

Hawk looked up at Meliodas,

“Will she be okay?” 

Meliodas sighed,

“Yeah, probably but she still needs to be careful. Come one let’s head into the town.”

_______________________

As they arrived in the town, Meliodas and Hawk were met with the sight of a crowd of villagers. 

“I wonder what’s going on. Is it a festival or something?” 

Elizabeth flew down behind Meliodas, tapping his shoulder. Meliodas turned around and smiled at her, 

“Elizabeth do you know what’s going on here?” 

She opened her mouth to reply, but before she could some townsfolk started talking,

“Oh, look it’s the owner of the Boar Hat.”

“Does this look like a festival to you?”

Meliodas looked at the townsfolk, 

“Well you’re all crowded up in one area and festivals bring crowds. So thinking it’s a festival isn’t an unreasonable assumption.” 

Meliodas then turned back to Elizabeth, who was now back on the ground,

“You were about to tell us what happened before those two chimed in. Can you tell us what happened?”

Elizabeth smiled,

“There’s a sword in the middle of the square. That is most likely what is sealing off all the water.” 

Meliodas crossed his arms, a confused look on his face, 

“How’d a sword get there? Let alone one charged with enough magic to seal off the entire village’s water supply.” 

“Yesterday, we incited the wrath of a Holy Knight, and as punishment, he placed his sword in the square sealing off the water. I hate to say it, but the village is done for.”  A voice came from behind. 

Meliodas and Elizabeth turned around to see the village elder, an old man with bushy eyebrows and an equally bushy mustache,

“What did you guys do to enrage a Holy Knight anyway?” Elizabeth asked

“Well-” The elder started but was cut off by a young boy running in the square,

“We shouldn’t be listening to that Holy Knights commands! I’m friends with the *Seven Deadly Sins* and-” The boy was cut when a rock was throw and him.

The rock missed the boy and instead hit Meliodas’s face, leaving it slightly bruised.

“That’s enough Mead!” 

“It’s your fault we’re in this situation!”

The villagers yelled as they threw rocks at the kid. 

“Well...I hate you!” Mead screamed at the villagers,

“We hate you too Mead!” A villager yelled back.

Seeing the situation was getting out of hand Meliodas grabbed Mead and spirited back to the Boar Hut. Elizabeth watched worried, how was this child to blame for this situation? 

Elizabeth looked at the village elder,

“Excuse, how is Mead to blame for this situation? Why is everyone being so hostile towards him?”

_______________________

Back at the Boar Hut, Mead sat at one of the tables while Meliodas stood to the side.

“Okay kid, tell me how this all happened?” Meliodas asked,

“Don’t call me a kid! You’re a kid too! I won’t talk till I get food!” Mead shouted,

Meliodas sighed, 

“I’m not a kid, I’m just short and I’ll feed you after you talk.” 

“No! Food first!” Mead shouted, again.

Sighing, Meliodas walked over to the counter preparing food as quickly as he could and grabbing some alcohol for himself. Meliodas placed the food in front of Mead, before sitting across from him and taking a sip of alcohol from his mug.

“A kid shouldn’t be drinking that,” Mead said, looking at Meliodas curiously,

“I told you I’m not a kid. Now, are you gonna eat?” 

Mead looked down at his food and smiled,

“Alright! Looks good!” he said before taking a bite.

But as soon as Mead put the food in his mouth, he spits it out, a disgusted look on his face. 

The door of the bar opened, Meliodas and Mead looked towards, as Elizabeth entered the room. Elizabeth walked over to Mead and crouched down next to him.

“Everyone in the village told me you’re quite the prankster. Can you tell me why?” Elizabeth gently asked.

Mead looked away from Elizabeth, crossing his arms,

“It’s okay you can tell me about it. Is it for attention? I used to do things for attention when I was younger too,” Elizabeth continued, causing Mead to look at her.

“Once, I climbed the tallest tree in our garden, to get my father’s attention, because he isn’t my real father you see. But he still climbed up after me. Even though he had never done it before, he fell and got hurt. He survived, but I don’t know what I would have done if my father died then.” 

Mead was quiet for a moment, 

“I don’t lie and stuff just to get a rise out of people, either.” 

Elizabeth stood up and smiled, and she placed her hand on Mead’s back,

“Will you tell me about it?”

Mead looked down,

“M...My mom and dad were travelers. But when we made a stop at Bernia a few years ago, they both died in an epidemic. The people of the village took me in and raised me as their own. I was really happy. But I wasn’t anybody’s real family. I got jealous of everybody for having what I didn’t. So I started lying...and playing pranks.” Mead had started crying,

“Is that also why you put the bug in the Holy Knight’s drink?” Elizabeth asked, her voice gentle,

Mead slammed his fists on the table causing Elizabeth to remove her hand from Mead’s back in surprise,

“No! I did it because that knight treated everybody like crap!” 

Meliodas and Elizabeth stared at Mead, 

“How did he treat you and the townsfolk?” Meliodas asked,

Mead clenched his fist, 

“Everyone in the village is proud of the ale produced this year. All the adults said it was our best vintage ever. But that Holy Knight said it was disgusting, and that he’d rather drink a horse’s piss! Everyone in the village works so hard to make our ale every year! He ridiculed our hard work! So...so I had to! Holy Knights are no good bastards!”

“What about the talk of you being friends with the Seven Deadly Sins ?” Meliodas asked, 

Mead looked away, 

“I..lied.”

Meliodas leaned back in his chair, picking up his mug, 

“I see. I gotta admit, my hopes were up a little.”

“But why would you lie about that?” Elizabeth asked,

Mead looked back at Elizabeth and Meliodas,

“Well, the Seven Deadly Sins are wanted by the Holy Knights, right? If they’re being hunted by Evil Holy Knights, then aren’t the Seven Deadly Sins the good guys?”

Elizabeth smiled, and looked at Hawk, and then at Meliodas, who was taking a sip of alcohol.

Meliodas looked at Elizabeth, 

“What?”

The attention quickly shifted off Meliodas as a commotion could be heard from outside. Mead quickly turned and got up, 

“That’s coming from the village!”

Mead quickly ran outside, 

“Mead! Wait!” Elizabeth called after him.

Elizabeth quickly grabbed Meliodas’s arm, and pulled him from his seat, 

“We should go after him!” 

Meliodas nodded, put his drink down, and followed Elizabeth out the door. Outside, Elizabeth quickly grabbed him by his arms and flew up in the air. 

“Hey, Elizabeth you know we could just walk right?” Meliodas called up to his lover, who just glared down at him.

_______________________

“Listen up you riffraff!” A knight’s voice rang through the village,

“If you don’t pull out the Holy Knight’s sword by sundown, we’ll charge you 10 times the usual tax levy!” The knight continued,

The villager’s protests rang out through the square,

“That’s insane!”

“With no water, we can’t make a single bottle of ale, much less 10 times the usual!”

“You’re being punished! You not only insulted a Holy Knight, but you also claimed to be friends with Seven Deadly Sins ! ”  The other knight chimed in, 

“Damn it, if only Mead hadn’t pulled that stupid stunt!” One villager said but turned in shock as he saw Mead run past him.

Mead ran up the sword grabbed the handle, and tried to pull it out. 

“Mead!” A woman cried out,

“You again? This isn’t gonna be any fun at all if it’s just this kid.” One of the knights said looking down at Mead.

“The levy is now 20 times normal!” The other knight laughed, 

“You can’t pull out that sword and you know it! A villager yelled at Mead,

“Don’t make things worse for us!” Another villager chimed in,

“That’s enough!” A voice broke through the crowd, causing everyone to turn. Standing there was the village elder.

“Who was it that wounded our pride as ale makers?” The elder asked, 

The villagers look down, 

“Was it Mead? No! Haven’t the boy’s actions always expressed what we all really felt?” The village elder asked again. 

As Mead kept trying to pull out the sword, another hand grabbed the handle. Mead looked up,

“Auntie?” 

“The headman is right. You aren’t to blame.”

Soon more villagers walked forward, to go help Mead try and pull out the sword. 

“Hey! Did you people hear what we said? It’s times twenty now! Twenty! One of the knights called out.

The villagers tied three ropes around the sword, multiple men pulling on each one in an effort to remove the sword. 

_______________________

As this was happening, Elizabeth and Meliodas arrived, and once Meliodas was safely on the ground Elizabeth descended.

“For someone who hasn’t flown in over 3,000 years. You’re surprisingly good at it.”

Elizabeth glared at Meliodas and gestured to the crowd,

“Help them! I know you’re capable of pulling out that sword.” 

Meliodas nodded and started to walk forward,

_______________________

The knights, who were now drunk, laughed. 

“It’s not even budging! We’re gonna sit down and have more of this cheap swill of yours!” 

The villagers pulled with all their might, but the sword did not move. Instead, the ropes on the sword came undone, causing all the villagers to fall backward. The knights laughed, still holding their mugs, full of Vanya Ale. 

“People who can’t appreciate good booze don’t deserve to drink it,” Meliodas said, walking past the knights and taking their mugs. Meliodas continued to walk towards the sword, passing the exhausted villagers, and downing both mugs of ale as he went.

“That hit the spot!” Meliodas said, putting the mugs down next to Mead.

Reaching the sword Meliodas said,

“Sorry, I don’t have any, money on me right now.” 

Meliodas leaned down and grabbed the sword, looking up and smiling at the villagers,

“Can I pay with this?” Meliodas said as he slowly pulled out the sword, holding it in the air. 

Everybody, except Elizabeth, looked at Meliodas in shock, 

“Impossible only a Holy Knight could pull out that sword! How could a kid like that…” The knights said, their mouths agape from where they sat on the town’s well. 

The ground started shaking, as now that the sword was the water had been unsealed, Water burst from the well, knocking the two knights off. The villagers cheered happily, 

“You forgot this,” Meliodas said, dropping the sword in front of the two knights, before walking back over to Elizabeth. 

Mead walked over to Meliodas and Elizabeth, 

“Hang on, mister, are you really?” 

“Yep! I really am the proprietor of a fine drinking establishment!” Meliodas replied a smile on his face, 

“That’s not what I meant!” 

“Enough about me, don’t you have something left to do?” Meliodas said, leaning over.

Mead turned to see all the villagers standing there,

“Mead, what we did was wrong. Can you forgive us?” The village elder said, 

Mead was quiet, Elizabeth pushed him forward, 

“Go on,” 

Mead ran to the villagers, crying.

“You can fool yourself all you want but you can’t fool your heart. Right, Elizabeth?” Meliodas said, smiling at his lover. 

_______________________

“A toast to Meliodas of the Boar Hat! Cheers!” 

“Meliodas, I’m not sure I’ll be good at this…I’ve never done anything like this” Elizabeth said, worriedly,

“Don’t be nervous Elizabeth!” Meliodas said, kissing Elizabeth on the cheek before gently pushing her forward. 

Elizabeth fell forward knocking a drink on somebody’s head. Her face turning red from embarrassment, 

“Sorry!” 

Elizabeth fell again and again throughout the night knocking various foods and drinks on customers.  

“Hey, have you heard of the Forest of White Dreams?” Elizabeth heard a customer say, catching her attention. 

“Yeah, I’ve heard even Holy Knights avoid it.” 

Elizabeth looked around for Meliodas but didn’t see him. 

“Hawk-chan? Where’s Meliodas?” 

The pig looked up at Elizabeth, 

“He said he had to go do something outside.” 

“Oh. Thank you very much.” Elizabeth said, before walking out the door. 

_______________________

Elizabeth got outside just in time to see Meliodas walking back up the hill. 

“What were you doing?” Elizabeth asked, curiously,

“Oh, a Holy Knight threw a spear at the village. So I threw it back”

“What?” Elizabeth said, blinking her eyes, trying to process what Meliodas had told her.

“It’s fine it just means we should leave tonight.”

“By the way, I got some information! There’s a forest that Holy Knights avoid. I'm sure one of the Sins is hiding out there!” Elizabeth said cheerfully,

“Really? Great job Elizabeth! What’s this forest called?”

“The Forest Of White Dreams,” Elizabeth said, as she smiled at Meliodas.

Chapter Text

Elizabeth sat up. She looked out the window, it was still dark. 

“Meliodas?” Elizabeth asked, looking over at Meliodas, only to see that he was still sleeping next to her. 

She made her way to the window, looking outside she saw a mist-covered forest ahead of them. 

“That must be the Forest Of White Dreams,” Elizabeth, muttered to herself. She knew everything would most likely turn out fine. She knew how to protect herself and she knew Meliodas wouldn’t let anything happen to her. But as she looked at the forest, she couldn’t help but feel apprehensive.

_____________________

“Meliodas, we’ve been walking around this forest for hours.” Elizabeth says

Meliodas turns to face Elizabeth while continuing to walk forwards,

“Yeah, you’re right. Maybe it’s this fog?” 

“I’ve heard there is a monster in this forest…” Elizabeth says to Meliodas,

“A monster?!” Hawk screams.

Elizabeth and Meliodas turn their attention to Hawk, shock visible in their eyes,

“What are you guys staring at?” Hawk asks, curiously, 

“Hawk-chan, there’s...uh more than one of you,” Elizabeth quietly answers the pig's question.

“What are talking-Ahh!” Hawk starts talking but yelps in shock when he sees an exact copy of himself, standing right next to him. 

Meliodas attacks the Hawks with his broken sword. But none of the Hawks disappear. 

Elizabeth notices a figure standing in front of her, 

“Is that?” Elizabeth asked, standing it in front of her, was an exact replica of herself, wings and all. 

Elizabeth looked around to see herself surrounded by doppelgangers. 

“Meliodas!” Elizabeth squeaked.

 _____________________

“This is a problem,” Meliodas said,

Each Elizabeth was shouting, claiming they were the real one.

“You think?” Hawk asked, sarcastically.

Meliodas stood in front of the Elizabeths, 

“Alright! Elizabeth would know the answer to this question!” 

“What’s the names of my brothers?” Meliodas asked,

“Jimmy, and Dale!” One of the Elizabeth said, 

“Mark, and John,” Another Elizabeth said,

Meliodas rolled his eyes. What was up with these cheesy names?

A shout came from an Elizabeth in the middle,

“Your brothers’ names are Zeldris and Esstarosa!” 

Meliodas smiled,

“There she is!” Meliodas jumped to Elizabeth and tapped her nose causing a blush to form.

Clouds of smoke filled the air, and all of the imposters turned back into their original forms. They were Hide and Seeks. These goblins are known for pulling all kinds of pranks. The Hide and Seeks quickly fled. 

“Come on! We need to follow them.” Meliodas said, grabbing Elizabeth’s hand and chasing after the Hide and Seeks.

A silhouette could be seen through the fog. It was of a small girl sleeping on the forest floor. 

“Are they really going to hurt a little girl?” Hawk wondered out loud. As they got closer to the figure she grew in size. She wasn’t little at all. 

“She must be a giant!” Elizabeth said, as they caught up to the Hide and Seeks, who were crowded in front of the female giant. 

“Please forgive us Lady Diane! We let a Holy Knight get through!” A Hide and Seek said, his voice shaking. 

The giant’s eyes snapped open. She stood up her expression menacing. The giant reached out and grabbed Meliodas, holding him in front of her face. 

“A Holy Knight?” 

“Did you say Holy Knight?” 

“Let Meliodas go!” Elizabeth said, flying up to the giant’s face. 

“Meliodas…” Muttered the giant,

Meliodas smiled, and waved, 

“Yo, Diane!” 

Diane’s eyes lit up, 

“Captain!” Diane rubbed Meliodas against her cheek. A bright smile on her face,

“It’s like a dream come true!” 

Hawk’s jaw dropped, 

“Don’t tell me she’s one of the Seven Deadly Sins!” 

Diane looked at Hawk, 

“Awww! You remembered how much I like roast pig!” Diane picked up Hawk with her free hand.

“And you are?” Diane asked, looking at Elizabeth, who was glaring at her.

“I’m Elizabeth. Please put Meliodas down.” Elizabeth said, anger present in her voice.

“Are you traveling with the captain?” Diane asked, 

“Yep, she’s my lover. We’re also traveling with the pig.” Meliodas answered the question for Elizabeth. 

“Lover?” Diane repeated, putting Meliodas down.

“It’s a really long story Diane. But we need you to come with us. I can explain it to you later.” Meliodas rubbed the back of his head, hoping to calm the girl down. 

Anger was visible on Diane’s face, 

“No! You’re going to explain now!” Diane demanded crossing her arms, pouting.

Elizabeth descended to the ground, 

“Are you sure it’s a really long story.” Elizabeth asked, a worried look on her face.

“Of course!” 

_____________________

“And that’s the entire story of my relationship with Elizabeth and why we’re here.” Meliodas finished, looking up at Diane.

The giantess had tears in her eyes, 

“That’s terrible! I’m sorry you had to go through that!” Diane cried,

Elizabeth smiled at her, 

“It's fine. So, will you join us?” 

Diane smiled through her tears,

“Of course I will!”

The sound of a crow echoed throughout the forest, 

“That’s weird I could have sworn there wasn’t any animals here.” Diane muttered.

“Look in the sky! It’s a giant thunder cloud!” Hawk yelled.

Suddenly, binds of lightning appeared around the quatuor.

“What’s going on?” Hawk yelled,

“Could it be a Holy Knight?” Elizabeth’s voice was strained. Her expression was one of pain. The lightning was wrapped around her wings as well, forcing them in an unnatural angle. The sound of the bones in wings cracking could be heard. 

“Elizabeth, are you okay?” Diane asked, worriedly. 

“I’m fine for now. But I don’t think my wings can be under stress like this for long. I’d break out of these restraints myself, but the lightning has made my body numb and I can’t move my arms.”

“At last we meet, Seven Deadly Sins.”  A man in armor walked up, his sword held tightly in his hand. He had light pink hair and had a dark look on his face.

“A Holy Knight?” Diane muttered,

Elizabeth’s eyes widened. She recognized him! It couldn’t be him! He wouldn’t do something like this! Would he? 

“Gil?” Elizabeth asked quietly. 

Meliodas looked at Elizabeth, 

“You know him?”

“That’s Gilthunder, he’s a Holy Knight! He serves as a guard to my sister Margaret! He’s like a brother to me! But this magic...it feels that same as the sword from Bernia! But he wouldn’t do that! Would you?” Elizabeth looked at Gilthunder.

Gilthunder took a breath, 

“Elizabeth. Your safety has been the kingdom's top priority. But I don’t care about that. Go, my business is with the Seven Deadly Sins.” Gilthunder flicked his wrist and the binds around Elizabeth disappeared. 

Elizabeth took a breath, her wings still ached but she could heal them back at the Boar Hut.

She walked in front of Meliodas and Diane, spreading her arms out protectively. She would have spread her wings out too, but it seemed she still couldn’t move them. 

“I won’t let you hurt them. I definitely won’t leave Meliodas. I won’t ever leave him again.” 

_____________________

Gilthunder looked at Elizabeth. He could see a fire burning in her eyes, one he’d never seen before. Since when did Elizabeth have wings? Gilthunder sincerely hoped he did not hurt her by accident. The look in Elizabeth’s eyes reminded him about how he felt about Margaret. Was Elizabeth in love with Meliodas? What was he supposed to tell Margaret when he saw her again? That her little sister had fallen in love with the leader of the Seven Deadly Sins? He doubted she’d take that well. 

“Elizabeth. Why would you protect these criminals? Why protect Meliodas?” Gilthunder asked knowing he shouldn’t be asking. But he needed to know if his assumption was correct. If it was correct then what about Meliodas, did he love Elizabeth as well?

Elizabeth paused, 

“We have no real proof that they actually betrayed the kingdom, and I doubt they did. But also because I love Meliodas with all my heart. I’d do anything for him. I’ll never leave his side again. If that means never going back to the kingdom, so be it.” Elizabeth boldly stated.

Did I just say that out loud? What am I thinking! I’m such an idiot. Elizabeth thought, internally facepalming. 

Gilthunder was quiet. Did he hear that correctly? Did she really say she loves him? And never leaving his side again. What does she mean again? They barely know each other. 

“Aww, I love you too Elizabeth! But are you sure you should have said that out loud?” Meliodas teased, smiling brightly. 

Gilthunder didn’t let it show, but he was stunned. What was going on? When did this happen? What was he going to tell Margaret? 

In an instant, Gilthunder stood next to Meliodas with his sword to his neck. 

“Do you know why the Holy Knights are after the Seven Deadly Sins?” Gilthunder asked, 

“That’s a good question. But honestly, I don’t remember much of what happened. I remember being summoned to the old castle by Grand Master Zaratras, but when we got there, he was dead. Next thing I know, we’re surrounded by every Holy Knight in the kingdom.” Meliodas recalled,

“Oh! I remember you now! You’re little Gil! You used to follow us around saying you wanted to be just like us!” Meliodas exclaimed

“I’m sorry about your father. I wish I knew who really killed him.” Meliodas continued.

Gilthunder took a deep breath, 

“That was a long time ago ,it doesn’t matter now. You can’t do anything because I am now more powerful than any of the Seven Deadly Sins ” 

“That might be true, but it might not be.” Meliodas responded,

“Fine. I’ll remove these bonds and we’ll see.” Gilthunder spoke,

“Don’t bother,” Meliodas said, breaking the binds himself.

Diane also broke out of her binds,

“Diane, stay back. I’ll fight little Gil alone. You stay back with Elizabeth.” Meliodas smiled,

Gilthunder swung his sword to the ground, as lightning enveloped it. Meliodas however was faster, and moved out of the range of the attack. Gilthunder moved, and appeared behind Meliodas, moving so fast it was like he teleported. Gilthunder swung his sword down, hitting Meliodas in the back. Blood gushed from the wound, and Meliodas fell to the ground.

Elizabeth watched from the sidelines. There was no way Meliodas would get hit by an attack like that. Elizabeth knew for a fact Meliodas could have dodged it. So why did he let himself get hit?

_____________________

Gilthunder looked on the ground where Meliodas lay, bleeding. That was too easy. Meliodas going down that easily? Was he really that strong now?

“An last requests?” Gilthunder asked, trying to keep his cool.

“The other sins. I just wanted to know what happened to them.”

“Very well. Of the remaining five, only the whereabouts of two are known. The Fox Sin Of Greed, Ban, is captured and confined in Baste Prison. While The Grizzly Sin of Sloth, King. Is dead and buried and now resides in The Capital of The Dead.”

Meliodas stands up, smiling, 

“Thank you! Little Gil!” 

“I see you let yourself get hit in order to obtain information about your fellow sins.” Gilthunder remarked, an annoyed look on his face. But internally he felt a wave of relief wash over him. He was glad he didn’t kill his childhood hero. 

Gilthunder swung his sword at Meliodas, only for Meliodas to be gone in an instant. Each time he tried to hit Meliodas, the captain of the Seven Deadly Sins dodged his attack easily.

“See you later little Gil!” Meliodas smiled, as Gilthunder was picked up by Diane.

Gilthunder tried shocking Diane to escape, but his efforts appeared to be fruitless,

“Hasn’t anyone taught you that shocking people isn’t a good way to get girls?” Diane asked, annoyed before she threw Gilthunder. Sending him flying out of the forest.

“Nice work Diane! But that arm guard is ruined now” Meliodas said,

“Meliodas! Let me heal your wound! Don’t even pull a stunt like that again!” Elizabeth exclaimed as she healed Meliodas’ wound easily thanks to her powers. 

“Thanks Elizabeth!” Meliodas smiled at his lover. 

_____________________

Back at the Boar Hat, Meliodas decided they’d travel to Baste Prison to pick up Ban first.

“It’ll be easy to get Ban.” Meliodas said,

“Once he hears we’re coming to get him. He’ll break himself out.”

“He sounds like an interesting guy.” Elizabeth deadpanned,

“He is, but he’s a good person underneath. I’m sure you’ll like him Elizabeth!” Meliodas said, cheerfully.

_____________________

Extra

_____________________

Gilthunder arrived at the castle of Liones. He was greeted by Grand Master Hendrickson.

“Gilthunder, what a surprise. What brings you here?” Hendrickson asked, 

“Grand Master, I have come to speak with Princess Margaret.” Gilthunder spoke, his voice devote of emotion.

“I see. I’ll have someone take you to her.”  Hendrickson said,

_____________________

“Margaret.” Gilthunder said standing in front of a prison cell.

“Holy Knight Gilthunder. What brings you here?” The princess asked, 

Gilthunder paused briefly, wondering how to tell her of her youngest sister’s affair with Meliodas. 

“Your sister, Elizabeth. She is traveling with the Seven Deadly Sins, and…” Gilthunder trailed off, 

“And?” 

“She and Meliodas, are in a relationship...a romantic one at that.”

Margaret was quiet for a minute, 

“How do you know this?”

“I ran into the Sins in the Forest of White Dreams. She and Meliodas confirmed it themselves when I asked.” Gilthunder replied, his voice dry. 

“Thank you for telling me this information.” Margaret said, shock present in her voice. 

At this Gilthunder turned and walked away. In the cell, Margaret sat on a bed, when the sound of Gilthunder’s receding steps faded Margaret sighed,

“What’s happened to you Elizabeth?” 

Chapter Text

“So this is the town of Damally, where Baste Prison is located?” Elizabeth said, looking around. 

“Yep! We better get a move on!” Meliodas said following behind Elizabeth. Daine followed behind him, doing her best not to destroy any of the buildings. 

_________________

“I found them.” A woman in armor that ressembled a bug stood up. 

“Are you leaving Freeta?” One of the other knights said, 

“Yes, I thought I’d make the first move, and the last one while I’m at it.”

_________________

“Up in the sky, storm clouds! Don’t tell me it’s Gilthunder again?” Hawk shouted, 

“No, those aren’t storm clouds. Listen.” Elizabeth answered, a faint buzzing could be heard.

“Are those...bugs?” Meliodas asked as the swarm of bugs flew overhead. A green liquid dripping from their mouths. 

Elizabeth flinched, as a drop hit her shoulder.

“This is acid! How could someone unleash something like that over a village?” 

Diane screamed,

“Ahh! I hate bugs!”

Elizabeth turned to look at Diane. Were the bugs really what she was worried about right now?

“I may hate bugs, but I will protect the captain!” Diane continued, slamming her hand into the ground. Stone pillars grew from it, crushing all the bugs instantly.

_________________

“Aww, my precious bugs were all killed... I should have expected that.” Freeta whined, 

“But it looks like our welcoming party is ready.”

_________________

Elizabeth walked down the path of the village, Meliodas following behind, but Diane had abruptly stopped.

“Diane?” Elizabeth turned, worried. She could feel magic different from Diane’s usual magic radiating off the giantess. 

“You...give back the captain!” Diane yelled, punching Meliodas in the stomach, sending him flying. 

“Diane! Meliodas is right here!” Elizabeth said, flying up to Diane’s face. 

“Like I’d lose to a Holy Knight like you!” Diane yelled, aiming a punch at Meliodas,

“Elizabeth! Look at her eyes! She can’t see us!” Meliodas called, jumping away from Diane’s punch. 

Elizabeth descended to the ground, Meliodas grabbed her hand and ran. Elizabeth grabbed the hand of a young boy, pulling him out of range of Diane’s attack. 

__________________

Meliodas, Elizabeth, the young boy, and the boy’s father hid from Diane’s eyesight behind a rock. Elizabeth looked at the young boy, 

“What are you doing out here?”

“We..we were coming back from the field. We’re shepherds” The boy said,

The answer made sense, but something was off. These two must have seen the battle from a distance. So why did they come so close?

“I’m going out there,” Meliodas said, looking at her. 

Elizabeth nodded and peered over the edge of the rock. The moment Meliodas walked up to Diane, Elizabeth heard a noise. It sounded like a bell. Where did the noise come from?

“Who are you?” Meliodas asked,

“You’re the one who put Diane under a spell huh?” 

“Bring her back to normal!” Meliodas attacked Diane.

Elizabeth watched in confusion, this is definitely the work of a spell. But she couldn’t sense any mages nearby. The only source of magic that stuck out to her, besides Meliodas and Diane’s was the boy. A shiver went down Elizabeth’s spine. Meliodas and Diane both started acting strange at the chime of a bell. Elizabeth looked at the boy, and on his staff, was a bell.

“Come on! We need to get out of here!” Elizabeth said grabbing the boy’s hand and starting to run. 

“Wow! Old man Ruin really out did himself this time!” A voice said, 

“But I have work to do as well!” A female Holy Knight in bug-like armor stood in front of Elizabeth.

__________________

“Did you hear? The Captain of The Seven Deadly Sins is alive!” 

A bang was heard in the prison cell behind them. The guards stepped back and looked at the door. The door fell, and out stepped out the Fox Sin of Greed, Ban. Ban’s hair was messy and long, so was his beard.

“That was a riveting conversation you were just having. You said that he was still alive, the Captain of The Seven Deadly Sins.” Ban sing-songed as he pulled a metal spike from his arm.

“How did you get out!?” One of the guards demanded,

“Huh? Simple, I just kicked down the door.” 

“What is going on here?” Came a voice from a nearby tunnel.

The guards turned, 

“Sir Jericho! This prisonner escaped his cell!” 

“I see.” Jericho, an apprentice Holy Knight said. He had light blue hair in a ponytail, brown eyes, and wore nice armor. 

“Tell the Weird Fangs that this prisoner escaped, and that I, Sir Jericho was forced to put him down.” Jericho said, before rushing forward and releasing several sword attacks on Ban.

“Ahh, do you think I let you cut to much?” Ban asked, standing there, without any injuries. His hair was much shorter than before and the beard nonexistant. 

“You’d make a good barber.” 

Jericho stood still, wide-eyed,

“How did you dodge my attacks with those injuries?”

“What injuries?” Ban gestured to his injury less body,

“But you had injuries from the metal spikes impaled in your body just minutes ago!” Jericho shouted,

“Listen, the only injury on my body is this one.” Ban said, gesturing to a scar on his cheek that ran down part of his neck.

__________________

“Don’t worry! I’ll protect you with my life!” Elizabeth said, to the boy and his father. 

She may have doubts about the boy, but she wouldn’t do anything without proof, 

“Aww, how sweet of you princess!” Freeta said,

“I’m scared!” The boy let go of Elizabeth’s hand and ran in the opposite direction.

“I’ll start with you because you’re annoying! Come my daring little bugs! Rip them to shreds!” Freeta laughed, as the bugs surrounded the little boy. 

The boy screamed burying his head into his hands, 

“What happened to protecting them with your life princess? You’re just all talk aren’t you?” Freeta mocked Elizabeth.

“How could you be so cruel?” Elizabeth asked as she walked forward. Elizabeth walked through the swarm of bugs, not paying attention to the injuries she was receiving. Elizabeth hug the little boy close,

“You’re alright.”

The swarm of bugs slowly dispersed, and Elizabeth let the boy go.

“How sweet, you protected this child with your body. But reality can be so cruel” The boy said, as he grew and his skin melted away leaving a Holy Knight where the child once stood.

“I thought something was off about you.” Elizabeth said glaring at the Holy Knight.

“How curious, could see through my disguise yet you still helped me?”

“Change them back!” Elizabeth demanded charging at the knight.

Play the part.

The knight grabbed Elizabeth by her hair and threw her to the ground. Elizabeth stood back up again.

Pretend to be helpless against them. 

Only to be hit by the knight’s staff. Elizabeth lay injured on the ground. The Holy Knight was about to finish her off, but he was stopped by Holy Knight Freeta.

“Ruin, we can’t kill the princess. It’ll be bad for our image.”

Ruin looked down at Elizabeth,

“Alright princess for your determination, I’ll tell you the secret of the spell they' re under. It’s this staff-” Ruin stopped talking when he saw the bell was gone. 

Elizabeth smiled and spat out the bell,

“You! You were after the bell the whole time! You’ll pay for this!” Ruin said,

“Yes, you will pay for this.” A furious Meliodas said, grabbing his arm, and making dents in it. 

Meliodas let go of Ruin’s armor before punching the Holy Knight, sending him flying backward.

__________________

After Meliodas had dealt with Ruin he quickly returned to Elizabeth who was in the process of healing herself. 

“Elizabeth. Why’d you do that? Why’d let yourself get hurt, when you could have easily defeated them?” Meliodas fretted, 

Elizabeth smiled at him, 

“If I let them see my power, they would have sent word back to the capital.” 

“Sorry if I worried you.” 

“You did worry me,”

Meliodas leaned over to Elizabeth’s ear, 

“I love you, my beautiful goddess”

Elizabeth smiled, 

“I love you too.” 

__________________

Meliodas, Elizabeth, Diane, and Hawk walked through the halls of Baste Prison. 

“Where do you think Ban is, Captain?” Diane asked, 

“They’ve sealed us inside…” Elizabeth muttered 

“Dunno, knowing Ban, he’s already broken himself out.” Meliodas replied,

“Oh are you looking for me?” A voice says,

In front of Meliodas, Elizabeth, Diane, and Hawk stood Ban, Fox Sin of Greed. The air grew tense.

“Ban,” Meliodas said,

“Captain”  

Elizabeth looked at Diane, 

“Should I be worried?”

“No, they’re always like this.” Diane shrugged,

“Captain!” Ban’s face lit up, smiling brightly 

“Ban!” Meliodas had an equally bright smile on his face.

The two ran towards each other. Clapping their hands together at incredible speeds,

“It’s like a game of paddy-cake gone wrong.” Hawk said,

Ban threw Meliodas, sending him flying through multiple walls. 

“Captain! Now me!” Ban called, 

Meliodas ran forward and kicked Ban also sending him flying through multiple walls.

“And here I thought you’d gone soft on me.” Ban smiled, 

Elizabeth looked at Diane,

“Are you sure they’re always like this?”

“Yes.” 

Ban and Meliodas walked back to the center of the room. They lay down on the floor with their hands clasped. 

Are they arm wrestling?

“Go!”

The building started to fall apart around Meliodas and Ban. Soon the floor gave out. Elizabeth, having wings, just hovered in the air. Diane, who was holding Hawk with one hand, fell and laughed, 

“They act like this all the time.” 

___________________

Back at the Boar Hut, Elizabeth sat outside, thinking. Would the Sins really be enough? Would they really be able to get the kingdom back? After seeing Ban and Meliodas unintentionally destroy the prison today she had no doubt of Ban’s power. But Meliodas’ strength he had three thousand years ago was gone. He was still strong without it, but if the seal did break would his current strength be enough? 

“Elizabeth,” Meliodas said, walking outside,

“Are you ready to meet Ban? He’s been pestering me to introduce you to him for a while now.” 

Elizabeth stood up, 

“Yes,” 

“Elizabeth? Are you okay?” Meliodas asked as Elizabeth was about to walk inside. 

“Yes, I’m fine,” 

___________________

Inside, Ban was drinking and was already very drunk. He now wore expensive-looking clothes that he did not have earlier. 

He most likely stole them Meliodas thought to himself. 

“Elizabeth, this Ban the Fox Sin of Greed.” Meliodas gestured to Ban,

“Nice to meet you.” Elizabeth smiled,

“You’re Elizabeth, right? The missing princess? Diane also told me about your relationship with the captain.” 

“She did?” Elizabeth asked, slightly annoyed. 

That was something she’d wanted Meliodas to talk to him about

“I’m sorry you had to go through that Captain. You too Princess Elizabeth.”

“Please, just call me Elizabeth.” 

Meliodas just smiled, 

“It’s nice to see you again Ban.” 

___________________

“Meliodas, Ban and Diane have reunited.” Gilthunder said, looking at a young boy floating by the window.

“Okay.” 

“Don’t misplace the trust I’ve placed in you, King.” 

“Trust? Keep that between you and your fellow humans.” King laughed, bitterly.

Chapter Text

Meliodas woke up to the feeling of his natural enemy, a Goddess. He knew it couldn’t be Elizabeth. Meliodas looked next to him, where his beloved still slept peacefully. The Demon sat up, climbing out of bed. 

As Meliodas walked down the stairs, Ban was walking up. Meliodas stopped when Ban approached him. 

“Captain, there’s a boy with blue hair, calling himself a Goddess. I don’t know whether to believe him but he's got wings like Elizabeth’s. He’s demanding to see her.”

“Oh is that so? Thanks, Ban. I’ll go talk to him, do you think you can wake her up?” Meliodas asked, 

“Sure thing, Captain.” Ban kept walking up the stairs.

When Meliodas reached the bar, he was met with the sight of Sariel, one of the Four Archangels, hovering in the middle of the room. 

“Oh, it’s you,” Sariel said, hatred present in his voice. 

“Yep, it’s me. Now can you tell me what you’re doing here?” Meliodas requested, trying his best to be civil. He may have been allies with Archangels in the past, but that doesn’t mean he liked them. Sariel wasn’t too bad. Except when he got into a bad mood, and Meliodas had a feeling Sariel wasn’t the happiest to be here.

“I’m here under orders from the Supreme Deity!” Sariel growled,

“The Supreme Deity? What are your orders?” 

“I must guard Elizabeth-sama!” Sariel snapped.

“You’re irritable today, aren’t you?” Meliodas muttered. Yep, he was right, Sariel was in a terrible mood. Hopefully it would subside in a few days.

“I don’t care what you have to say about me, demon! Now, where’s Elizabeth-sama?” Sariel questioned harshly,

“I’m right here,” Elizabeth spoke, walking down the stairs with Ban. She was still wearing the nightgown Meliodas had bought her before they left Bernia. 

Sariel flew over to her, 

“Elizabeth-sama! What are you doing here? You’re supposed to be watching over the seal!” 

“Well, I would be doing that, but...” 

“But?” Sariel repeated, 

“The Holy Knights have taken over the Kingdom of Liones. Plus, they’ve arrested the royal family.” Meliodas finished for Elizabeth, 

Sariel was quiet for a moment, 

“So what are you doing all the way out here?” Sariel asked, 

“We’re gathering the Seven Deadly Sins together  in an attempt to take back the kingdom,” Elizabeth spoke, 

“Right now we have gathered three members! The Dragon Sin of Wrath, which is me. Ban, the Fox Sin of Greed, and Diane, the Serpent Sin of Envy. She’s the giant outside.” Meliodas informed Sariel. 

“I see…” Sariel muttered, 

“Hey captain, now that we’ve cleared this up can I go back to bed now?” Ban asked, Meliodas.

“Sure, Ban! See you in the morning!” Meliodas waved, as Ban walked back upstairs, again.

“Do you have anything else to ask about?” Elizabeth asked Sariel, 

“No. Just know that I’ve been ordered to guard you. So I’ll follow you around.”

She smiled, “Good! If that’s all, I’ll be going back to sleep!” 

“Feel free to get something to drink if you’re staying down here!” Meliodas called, as he followed Elizabeth upstairs. Doubtful that Sariel would actually take him up on his offer. If he did, Meliodas hoped he didn’t drink too much. Normally he wouldn’t care, but Meliodas had a sneaking suspicion that Sariel would be harder to deal with if he was drunk or had a hangover. 

___________________

“This is where Elizabeth and I were reunited,” Meliodas said, pointing to a spot on a map, near where Cains Village was marked. 

Meliodas, Ban and Elizabeth were leaning over a map. Sariel was hovering above them, listening. 

“Then, we met up with Diane, here. In the Forest of White Dreams.” Elizabeth pointed to where a forest was marked, near Bernia. 

“Now we're on a mountain path that heads east from Damally right?” Hawk asked,

“I thought we were heading toward the capital. So we ought to go southwest on the main road.” Ban pointed to a road on the edge of the map.” 

“We should put some distance between us and the kingdom, right now,” Meliodas spoke,

“Sure”

Elizabeth agreed, “Meliodas is right. Since we’ve already destroyed Fort Solgres and Baste Prison...”

“What?” Sariel was shocked.

“If you’ve already caused damage on that scale. It’d be best to not attract any more attention to yourselves.”

“But, we already attract tons of attention to ourselves!” Diane whined from outside, looking in through the window. 

“That’s true Diane!” Elizabeth said, walking outside and sitting on the porch. Sariel following close behind her. 

Ban and Meliodas walked outside as well,

“So what’s our next stop?” questioned the Fox,

Meliodas opened his mouth to answer but before he could, someone yelled, 

“You there! The giant girl and the oversized pig, stop!” 

Sariel looked down, 

“Humans? What do they want?” 

“We are Holy Knights from the Kingdom! We have eyewitness accounts that one of the Seven Deadly Sins , Diane is a giantess. We also have reports of them traveling in a house on a giant pig's back.” 

Ban rolled his eyes,

“Holy Knights my ass. They’re apprentices. I could finish them off in seconds.”

Meliodas walked to the edge of Hawk’s mama. 

“Someone’s coming” One of the knights muttered,

Meliodas gave a friendly smile and waved, 

“Hello there! Good job with the security check! I’m the owner of this traveling tavern, the Boar Hat!” 

“A traveling tavern? This kid is the owner?” 

“What is your relation to the giantess?” asked one of the knights,

“She’s the main attraction. So is this girl here!” Meliodas cheerfully replied, pointing at Diane and then pulling Elizabeth towards him. Ignoring the glare Sariel gave him. 

“Now that’s original!” 

“I like her, she's really cute!” 

“I also dig the other chick too! Nice touch with the fake wings on the costume!” 

“You're kidding me.” Ban muttered from the doorway.

Internally Meliodas wondered how two people training under Holy Knights could be stupid enough to fall for this.

“Thank god for idiots” Hawk muttered,

“We’re not open on the road but I’ll cut you a deal! Feel free to visit us at the place we stop at!” Meliodas waved, 

“Alright, you can go!” The knights turned to leave, but before they could wind surrounded both the knights and the Boar Hut. 

“Sariel, are you using your Grace? Elizabeth asked, shielding her face from the dust. 

“No, I’m not!” Sariel yelled, over the loud winds,

“Then who?” Elizabeth asked, just as the winds died down. The knights were gone, the only trace of them being there was their armor. In front of the armor stood a Black Hound.

“It’s a Black Hound!” Meliodas said, shocked,

“What’s it doing outside the Fairy King’s Forest?” Elizabeth asked,

Ban jumped off Hawk’s mama, 

“Ban! What are you doing?” Hawk yelled,

“A Black Hound is a ferocious beast that doesn’t leave till it’s completely nabbed its opponent or its opponent kneels over!” Hawk continued, 

Ban stood in front of the beast, his hands in his pockets, 

“Really now interrupting our happy little trip.” 

The beast growled at Ban, 

“I’ll kill you.” Ban threatened the beast, 

“Wait Ban it gets bigger the more threatened it feels!” Elizabeth shouted, and watched as the beast grew significantly in size.

The beast growled again, 

“Well, this doesn’t interest me. I’ll be killing you now.” Ban sighed,

Meliodas jumped in front of Ban, 

“Wait Ban, this always happens if something doesn’t interest you, it gets killed. Leave this guy to me. We’re the ones who stepped into its territory.” 

“Captain, be careful.” Diane called, 

The beast growled at Meliodas. It' s eyes widened and it quickly ran away.

 “Okay! Now we’re headed to the Necropolis to look for King! It’s the only lead we have! And Ban, stop messing with King's wanted poster!” Meliodas said, clapping his hands.

___________________

“We’re here!” Meliodas called, stepping outside the Boar Hut. They were on a hill, and on the bottom of the hill lay a small rundown village. 

“Can I ask a question?” Hawk asked Meliodas,

“Go right ahead.”

“How is this little village supposed to be the Necropolis ?” Hawk wondered, 

“It isn't, it's said to be the closest place to the Necropolis ,” Meliodas answered,

Meliodas turned around and looked at everybody, 

“First we need to gather information on King or the Necropolis ! According to rumors, this village is the closest place to it! We also need money for food!” 

“So let’s hurry up and get the tavern together!” Meliodas continued,

“You’re a genuine bartender aren’t you captain?” Ban laughed, 

“Everybody’s going to have jobs!”

“Elizabeth! You’re our waitress!” 

“Sariel…” Meliodas paused, 

“I don’t know, just help Elizabeth,” Meliodas shrugged, as Sariel muttered something along the lines of ‘don’t tell me what to do demon’

“You attract patrons! Giant waitress!” Meliodas exclaimed, pointing at Diane. 

Pointing at Ban, Meliodas smiled, 

“You’re going to cook delicious meals!” 

“Wait what?” 

“Delicious? Don’t you mean disgusting?” Hawk asked, 

“No, I mean delicious! Ban’s a really good cook!” Meliodas said, 

“Alright everyone, let's get to work!” 

“Oh and Ban, the cellar’s right around…” Meliodas trailed off when he saw Ban was gone,

“He ran away on us.” Elizabeth muttered.

___________________

In the village Ban walked through the grass, 

“The captain thinks I’m cooking for the bar the minute I’m a free man?” 

Ban looked around the village, 

“Man, this place is really run down.”

He looked around again, and saw a little girl leaning against a stone archway, his eyes widened, 

“Ela-” Ban stopped talking when he realized it wasn’t her, 

“Like it could actually be her.” 

___________________

“Meliodas? What’s King like?” Elizabeth asked as she wiped the counter of the bar, 

“King? He’s kinda like our mascot.” 

“Like a pet? A place that serves food has no right to keep an animal.” Hawk interjected, earning a judging glance from Sariel,

“What?” Hawk asked, 

“Back to King though, back in the day when Ban was into collecting stuffed animals…”

Elizabeth laughed, 

“That sounds nothing like Ban,” 

“By collecting I mean he stole every stuffed animal in the kingdom.” Meliodas continued, 

“It made King really upset, but Ban didn’t care.”

“During the night, while Ban was sleeping. King returned all the stuffed animals.” Meliodas finished,

“He sounds nice,” Elizabeth smiled,

“I imagine that he doesn’t get along with Ban very well,” Sariel muttered to himself, 

“No, King and Ban were quite a pair.” Meliodas smiled, reminiscing. 

___________________

Ban kneeled on the grass with the little girl he’d seen in his arms. She had fainted. 

“Hey little girl, are you alright?” Ban asked, gently tapping the girl’s face.

The girl stirred and looked up at him, 

“Are you awake now?” Ban asked, but before the girl could answer a shout came from a young boy holding a pitchfork,

“What do you think you’re doing? Get your hands off Ellen! You're not going to take my little sister away too!” 

“What? She just fainted, that's all.”

“Get away from my sister!” The boy screamed, not heeding him.

“If she’s your sister, shouldn’t you be making sure she’s fed?” 

“I said let her go!” 

“If you’re gonna ignore my questions then I will take her away,” Ban drawled, 

Fear flashed in the boy’s eyes and he ran forward with the pitchfork, aiming for the Sin.

“Brother, don’t” the little girl said weakly, 

The pitchfork stabbed Ban in the top of the chest, and Ellen pulled her brother off of Ban. 

“Brother! He was just taking care of me!”

“I...I just..just...what did I do?” The boy cried, 

“I’m sorry! A few weeks ago, the Holy Knights took everyone away! Ellen and I were hiding under the floor but we ran out of food!”

“How can I atone for my sins?” The boy cried, only to look at Ban in shock,

“The wounds are gone!” 

Ban smiled, 

“Let me tell you something, true sins can’t be atoned for.”

“You’d know that better than anyone.”

Ban coughed out blood. He looked down, a spear had been impaled in his chest.

“Hey there, Ban,” A boy said, laying on the spear.

“Come on now. This should be a touching reunion. Don’t you have anything to say to me?” The boy laughed,

“Who are you?” 

“You want to know who I am? Have you forgotten?” The boy asked,

“I don’t have a clue. Sorry.” Ban said,

“It doesn’t matter. What matters is that you…”

The boy’s spear was thrust through Ban’s body, leaving a giant hole in Ban’s chest.

“Are the Fox Sin of Greed, Ban” 

“Or should I use your other name?” The boy said from where floated in the air,

“Ban the Undead.” 

Ban’s wound had almost completely healed, 

“I don’t like you. You talk like you know me. So tell me who you really are.” Ban was getting ready for a fight.

The boy paused,

“You really don’t remember me. But what matters is that you remember your sin. To satisfy your own greed...you killed the saint at the Fountain of Youth to gain eternal life!” 

Ban’s eyes widened. Who did this kid think he is? That’s not what happened. He didn’t even have the right to imply that’s what happened. 

“Alright, kids get out of here. You’re in the way” Ban told the children,

Once the kids had left Ban dodged the boy’s spear as it came flying at him, he was getting really angry now.

“I’ll ask again. Who are you?” 

“Anyway, I’m glad you’re here. You walked right into my trap.” The boy said, and his spear came at Ban from all directions,

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.” Ban was getting annoyed,

“I want to show her from where she sleeps in Necropolis . The sinful man who killed her, writhing in agony.” 

Ban raised, his hand, and the boy’s eyes widen, 

“Who the hell-” Ban was cut off by a mug hitting the back of his head.

“Stay out of this captain.” Ban sighed, 

“What do you think you’re doing skipping out of work?” Meliodas asked, 

“Hm. What’s this commotion about?” Diane asked, walking up to where Meliodas and Ban stood, looking at the boy, who was floating in the air.

“This stranger attacked me. He ruined my best clothes too.” Ban pointed to the boy,

Meliodas looked up at the boy, 

“King!” Meliodas exclaimed,

Ban’s eyes widened, and he pointed to King,

“What part of that is King?”

“All of it.” Meliodas shrugged, 

“King! I’m so glad to see you! We’ve been looking for you!” Diane spoke excitedly,

King immediately looked away from Diane, before flying away. 

___________________

“Alright it’s done,” Ban said, placing food on the table in front of Ellen, and her brother. 

“It looks so good!” Ellen marveled,

“Are you sure this is okay? We don’t have any money.” 

“It’s called give and take.” Ban started to talk,

“Tell me where the Necropolis is.” 

“But we don’t need to go there anymore. We found King.” Meliodas cut in, 

“No way that was King” 

“Yes, it was.”

“No, it wasn’t”

“You guys want to go to the Necropolis too?” Ellen’s brother asked,

Meliodas and Ban looked at the kids,

“That boy from earlier wanted to go there too. He’s asked us a lot of questions about it.”

“What?” Ban asked,

“Really?” Meliodas asked, as well.

“He came here a few days ago,” Ellen said,

“If he’s been here for a few days. It must be a really remote grave then.” Hawk said,

“ It’s not a grave, it’s where the dead go when they die. But you can’t get there just because you want to.” Ellen continued, "Precious Memories You Share With The Dead Will Lead You There. That's what the old man told us."

“Like the afterlife?” Meliodas asked,

Ban put his hand on Ellen’s head,

“That information was more than enough, thanks Eliane.”

“My name is Ellen.”

“Right, Ellen.” Ban smiled.

___________________

“I’m such an idiot,” King said, yelling into his pillow. 

“I made it look like I ran away from Diane!” King’s face was red,

“But I couldn’t help it! She said that to me!” King was blushing before burying his face into his pillow,

“Diane’s as cute as ever! The captain...well it’s more of how little he changed.” Unnerved that the captains appearance hadn’t changed in the slightest.

“I won’t let them be tricked by Ban! I’ll never forgive you Ban!” Thinking about what he had learned since he had last seen Ban.

___________________

“What do you suppose is up with these flowers?” Elizabeth asked, kneeling down

“Were these here before?” Meliodas asked, 

“Who cares, they're just flowers!” Hawk yelled,

“Eating them won’t satisfy my hunger,” Hawk said, blowing one of the flowers with his nose,

Suddenly, all the flowers blew up in the air, surrounding Diane, Elizabeth, Meliodas, and Hawk.

“Sariel’s gonna be furious when he finds out we ditched him,” Meliodas muttered.

“True.” Elizabeth laughed, 

“Captain, you’re a terrible influence on Elizabeth,” Diane grumbled, though she had to admit that her first impression of the short Goddess hadn’t been a pleasant one.

When the petals fell, they were no longer in the village. They stood in a place with light green skies and was filled with blue crystals that towered over everyone but Diane.

“Whose memory led us here?” Elizabeth wondered aloud,

“No idea.” Meliodas shrugged, 

Ban looked around. His eyes widened when he saw a girl in a white silk dress,

Elaine?

Ban quickly ran after the girl, he wasn’t missing this chance. As he ran after her, King jumped out from his hiding spot, chasing after Ban. 

“King?” Meliodas exclaimed,

“Wait!” King shouted after Ban, 

“Is that King? He looks nothing like his wanted poster...” Elizabeth asked, but should she really be surprised after seeing Meliodas’s wanted poster?

“Should we go after them?” Diane asked,

“Yeah.” Meliodas shrugged,

___________________

“Ellen, did you see that?”

“Yeah, they just disappeared” Ellen was shocked,

Footsteps were heard behind the children, 

“I see so Necropolis really does exist.” A female Holy Knight stood behind the children,

The woman grabbed both children by their necks, 

“Tell me how to go to Necropolis ”

“...No..” Ellen’s brother choked out,

“Brother...I can’t breathe,” 

Ellen’s brother eyes widened, he couldn’t let his sister be hurt like this, 

“Precious Memories You Share With The Dead Will Lead You There.” Ellen’s brother choked out, 

“I don’t know what that means.” The woman frowned, as her grip on the children’s neck tightened. 

“ Necropolis is where the dead go!” 

The woman dropped the children, smiling, 

“The dead I see…” 

Raising her arm the woman plunged her hand into her chest, seemingly killing herself.

___________________

Meliodas, Elizabeth, and Diane walked down the crystal corridors of Necropolis, 

“Do you think Ban and King are okay?” Diane asked, worriedly.

“I mean we don’t know anything about this place. What if they're not alright?” 

Elizabeth looked at Diane,

“Necropolis is where souls of the four races go after they pass. The only souls that do not appear here are souls that have been reincarnated or souls that are trapped in Purgatory. Ban and King should be fine.” 

Diane looked at Elizabeth curiously, 

“So is this your first time here Elizabeth? Since you’ve been reincarnating for the past three thousand years?”   

“Yes, this is indeed my-” Elizabeth paused, and tensed up as if she were getting ready to fight. 

She sensed a presence, a dark one similar to the feeling of Meliodas’s magic just far weaker. Though it felt odd and not like any demon she’d encountered before, and she’d been a prominent fighter for the Goddess Race during the Holy War. It seemed as though Meliodas and Diane sensed this presence because they also looked ready to fight. 

A Woman in armor materialized in front of them, she was a Holy Knight, Elizabeth could tell, the woman emitted an unnatural magical power. The feel of her magic was nauseating to her. 

“We finally meet Seven Deadly Sins,” The woman smiled coldly.

___________________

Ban ran through Necropolis, he had to find her, he wouldn’t miss this chance. 

“Ban! Don’t you dare think you can escape me!” King shouted, speeding in front of Ban. Before he stopped directly in front of him, blocking his path. 

“You again? You King impersonator!” Ban yelled angrily, 

King looked down at Ban a bit confused, 

“King impersonator? For your information, I’m the real King.”

Ban sighed, 

“Look, I'm busy. Shoo!” Ban waved his hand in the air, 

“No.” 

“Right then,” Ban sped past King, a smile on his face. 

King quickly caught up with Ban, floating upside down on his pillow next to him.

“You haven’t changed a bit. You still don’t listen to what people say. You’re only interested in what you’re after. That’s why you’ll abandon a mission in the middle of it. Just like when you stole those stuffed animals from all over the kingdom, and when you drank yourself under the table in the middle of the fight at Edinburgh and endangered the rest of the Seven Deadly Sins, and-” King was cut off by Ban aiming a punch at his face,

“To satisfy your greed, you don’t care what happens to others,” King said, as he continuously dodged Ban’s punches. 

King floated behind Ban, 

“You little twerp. Are you really King?” Ban asked, a smile on his face. 

“Didn’t I say I was?” 

Ban’s smile grew, 

“Then...I won’t hesitate to clobber you!” Ban aimed another punch at King, only for his fist to hit King’s pillow. 

“That was always how you’d jab at me. Back in the day.” King smiled, 

“Was that why you showed up? To settle the score with me?” Ban asked, 

“I was hoping if I could help it, we wouldn’t be meeting under such circumstances,” King said, his voice grave. 

“Ten years after we were driven out of the capital under suspicion of trying to overthrow the kingdom. I had no place to go so I headed home.” 

“But what awaited me there, was a shadow of my hometown’s former self. It had been completely burned to the ground. All my friends and family were gone. Later, I learned that it wasn’t the kingdom who caused it. It was caused by a single thief who made off with the cup of the Fountain of Youth, and killed the Saint who guarded it.”

Ban looked at King in shock, 

“Where did you hear that story?” He demanded as a giant plush bear grabbed him from behind.

“You are no match for me now.” 

“King. How do you know about the Saint girl?” Ban asked, his eyes desperate, 

King looked furious at Ban, and he grabbed his shirt,

“The saint girl that you killed was Elaine! My little sister!” 

King let go of Ban’s shirt, and continued,

“I never thought about it much when we fought together...about how a human like you was immortal, but I’d never dreamed that you killed Elaine and stole the Fountain of Youth!” 

Ban’s face was blank, 

“I get it now you want to get revenge, but too bad…” Ban trailed off, before his a smile grew on his face, a pain-stricken smile, 

“I can’t die!”

King smiled, 

“Do you remember how my sacred treasure can take multiple forms?”

“Oh wait, you don’t remember anything that isn’t beneficial to yourself.” King sighed, 

A spear, different from King’s usual one, sprouted out from the middle of the giant bear and thrust through Ban’s chest.

“The third form of my Spirit Spear Chastiefol is Fossilization!” King said confidently, a smirk on his face. 

Ban looked down, to see his skin turning to stone, starting from where King’s spear stabbed him. 

“I’ve been waiting for this moment. Are you watching, Elaine?” King asked as if he expected his sister to answer. 

___________________

“Who are you?” Elizabeth demanded, directing a fierce gaze at the Holy Knight. 

“How’d you get here?” Diane interjected, 

“I died to get here.” The Holy Knight flipped her hair, 

“It’s nice to meet you Dragon Sin of Wrath Meliodas, and Serpent Sin of Envy Diane. To answer your question, Princess Elizabeth, I am Guila, a Holy Knight.”

“You must have killed yourself to come here, right?” Meliodas questioned Guila, 

Elizabeth leaned over next to Meliodas’ ear, 

“Meliodas you’ve noticed haven’t you? This magic feels similar to your magical power. It’s not natural. A human can’t have a magical power like this.” 

“Yeah…” Meliodas quietly replied, 

“My life is insignificant in the name of justice.” Came Guila’s response. 

Guila quickly pulled her sword from her sheath and raised it in the air. A massive explosion soon followed, blowing Hawk away easily. As the smoke from the explosion subsided Meliodas, Diane, and Elizabeth appeared to be unharmed. Meliodas and Diane had jumped out of the radius of the explosion while Elizabeth flew up. Guila swiftly moved behind Meliodas, blasting him back into a distant crystal. 

The Goddess felt anger bubbling up inside her, powerless, 

“Meliodas!” 

Elizabeth could easily defeat Gulia, but if she did so, she risked exposing her true strength to the Holy Knights. However, Guila had said she had killed herself to follow them. 

“Ah!” Elizabeth heard Diane cry out in pain as she was knocked back as well, nearly falling on Meliodas. 

Elizabeth shook her head, this wasn’t the time to be hesitant. She needed to do something! Elizabeth quickly took off in the direction of the battle. 

___________________

“Diane, Serpent Sin Of Envy. Your inhuman strength is the strongest of the Seven Deadly Sins, and your magical power, Creation is legendary, but honestly, I’m quite disap-” 

A small orb of white light crashed into Guila from behind, cutting her off. 

“Ark!” 

Elizabeth flew in from behind the Holy Knight, her arm outstretched. Elizabeth’s Ark -although it was small because she didn’t want to hurt Guila too much- sent Guila flying, and she crashed face-first into a crystal. Elizabeth ignores the looks of Diane and Meliodas. Diane is giving her a comically shocked look, while Meliodas is looking at her slightly puzzled and worried. No doubt wondering why she chose to step in. Especially after what happened at Baste Prison, when she went to extreme lengths to hide her immense magical powers.

___________________

“If you have any final confessions to make, I’m listening,” King said, smugly, floating over Ban as he turned to stone. 

“Though there’s no guarantee I’ll forgive you.” King continued, his voice still smug. 

Ban didn’t say anything as he continued to turn to stone, but at the last second he opened his mouth to speak, 

“You really don’t look anything alike.” 

King flinched at this, and his smile fell as he looked down at Ban, 

“So long, Ban.” 

___________________

“So, up to the very end, you won’t say a word of regret. That’s just like you Ban. Then at least you can do this for me; be forever alone here. Unable to die or find peace of mind, living a life of misery. That’s a fitting end for you since you robbed that from Elaine.”  

King turned, about to leave, but he stopped. Quickly, he turned back to where Ban stood. Lights floated in front of Ban,

“What? That’s...not Ban’s doing is it? It can’t be his doing. He’s completely petrified now.” 

If it wasn’t Ban who could it be…? 

.

.

.

. 

King’s spear fell to the ground, 

“It..can’t be...this feeling. Elaine! Is that you?” King shouted, desperately. 

___________________

“The fossilization broke?” King cried, shocked. 

How could that be? How could the fossilization just break like that? It wasn’t possible. Ban was completely frozen, and his magic couldn’t even do things like that in the first place. How? Why? 

Ban was the sinner who killed his little sister. Why did someone like him get free from his punishment? 

“Yo. Elaine.” Ban smiled lightly to the glowing lights, 

King’s heart nearly stopped, so it really was Elaine? Then why did Ban get to see her and not him? 

An enchanting voice resonated "Ban? How did you get that scar? 

That voice, so it really was her. He wanted to see her. He needed to see her. He needed to apologize. 

“Tch. I thought your spirits were always watching.” Ban smiled, 

“That voice! So it really is you! Elaine! Please let me see you too!” King pleaded, desperate. 

___________________

Ban looked at King, he had just tried to kill him, but that was only because he thought he killed Elaine and destroyed his country. Even if he left, he still loved his home. 

Ban sighed, and looked back at Elaine, 

“You should show him.” 

"This place is where souls and memories are connected. The livings must have a strong bond with the dead to see them." 

“Oh. That’s it. You’re still mad at me…for leaving. I threw everything away when I left didn’t I?” King said, despair clearly showing on his face. 

Suddenly a loud explosion went off in the distance, and Ban quickly turned sensing a Holy Knight’s magic.

“I know this feeling. It’s a Holy Knight!” Ban said, his fists clenched, 

"Why did you come here, Ban?" 

Ban smiled, and turned back to face Elaine, 

“Elaine! I can’t help what you think of me…but why did you save Ban? Isn’t he the one who killed you?” King asked, loudly. 

Ignoring King, Elaine smiled at Ban patiently waiting for what he had to say,

“To tell you that, someday I’ll make you mine.” 

Tears gathered at the corner of her eyes, "Thank you, Ban." 

As Ban ran off, King fell to his knees, confused. He didn’t understand. 

___________________

Guila growled in frustration as Elizabeth once again dodged her explosion. How was this happening? How was Elizabeth, the third princess of Liones, dodging her attacks so easily? Attacks that even Meliodas and Diane had a hard time dodging. 

Guila stopped and took a breath. She couldn’t dodge forever, and she certainly couldn’t dodge as easily without those wings of hers. 

“You may be able to dodge, but you can’t stop me from using my power Explosion.” Guila confidently stated. 

Suddenly, Guila’s arm was pulled behind her. What? What is happening now? Who was responsible for this? 

“Sorry, but I just stopped it.” A confident and cocky voice came from behind. 

___________________

“Ban!” Meliodas smiled, happy to see his friend.

Ban sighed and looked around, 

“Well, maybe I didn’t need to come after all. This Holy Knight looks pretty beat up.” Earning a growl from Guila, 

“The Fox Sin of Greed Ban! Kindly take your hand off my rapier.” Gulia snapped, yelling at Ban, looking behind.

Ban smiled, 

“That’s no way to ask me for something lady, and besides, my hands' not touching your rapier,” Ban said as he bent his middle finger towards him. 

Guila’s rapier shot forward towards Ban, only to be stopped as she had tightened her grip on the handle. 

She growled again, 

“So this is your power “Snatch”. Few in the Kingdom know the details of your power, but…” Gulia trailed off before continuing, 

“I’ll give you something more suitable for a thief like you.” Gulia smiled, and an explosion sped towards Ban from the side. 

___________________

An explosion went off in the distance, in the direction where Ban went. 

"Ban!"

Elaine was worried, but there was nothing she could do, as she was just a spirit.

“How can you forgive Ban? After he killed you.” King muttered, confused, staring at the ground. 

"I spent my life in complete and utter isolation. For 700 years after you abandoned our country…but Ban. Ban buried all my loneliness in just seven days. He knew you were my older brother. That’s why he provoked you into stabbing him with your spear. "

King’s head shot up, looking at where his sister’s voice was coming from, but instead of floating lights, he saw the spirit of his younger sister Elaine.

“What?” King whispered, unable to utter anything else. 

"He’s not the kind of man you think he is…" 

King slowly stood up, 

“Elaine! How come I can see you?” King asked, desperately. 

Elaine’s spirit closed her eyes, 

"If you can see it is because I want you to understand Ban. I want you to help him." 

King’s brain stopped for a moment. Help Ban? Seriously? But why? 

“Elaine…” King started to say but was cut off, by a scream, as Hawk landed on the ground face-first behind him. King quickly gave Hawk a confused look. Why was there a pig here? Wait, did that pig just talk? 

“I can’t understand it. How can you care so much about Ban-” King started talking to Eliane but stopped when he looked back in front of him and Elaine was nowhere to be seen. 

Where did Elaine go?

“You’re King!” The pig yelled. 

Again, why could this pig talk? 

“Yes, and you are?” King asked, even though he felt awkward, and was confused about why he was talking to a pig. 

“I’m Hawk! The Captain of the Order of The Scraps Disposal!” The pig-uh Hawk said, 

“The Order of the Scra-wait never mind that what are you doing here?” King shook his head frantically. He was so confused, this really was a talking pig! 

“Oh uh…what was it?” Hawk said, trying to remember, 

King sighed, feeling as though he’d be waiting for the pig to remember for a while. 

“Oh! It’s an emergency!” Hawk yelled loudly, causing King to flinch. 

"An emergency…?” King repeated, even more confused.

“Yeah! One of those Holy Knight people attacked them!” Hawk shouted, somehow getting louder.

King clenched his fist, 

“So you want me to go help them?” King said glaring at the ground, 

“Yeah! Come on, I'll show you the way!” Hawk yelled, again. 

King continued to glare at the ground. He didn’t want to help Ban. There was no way he’d help Ban, but his sister wanted him to help Ban didn’t she? If it was a request from his sister, he had no choice. But it wasn’t like he forgave Ban for anything. 

___________________

An explosion went off, knocking Meliodas back. Elizabeth watched with fury in her eyes. She could beat Guila easily, so why didn’t she? What was stopping her? Was she afraid? Afraid that she’d go back to who she was when she had earned the name, "Bloodstained Ellie"?

Elizabeth watched as Ban launched himself towards Guila, ready to attack. Before he could Guila stabbed her rapier through his chest. Elizabeth watched as Ban coughed up blood. 

“Well, I guess the legend was just a myth.” Guila laughed, cocky. 

How dare she? Elizabeth clenched her fists. How dare she? If Ban, Diane, and Meliodas were at the level they’d been at ten years ago, they could easily wipe the floor with her. Elizabeth knew that she could do that right now. So again why didn’t she? What was stopping her? Elizabeth lost her train of thought as something thrust through Ban’s chest and hit the Holy Knight knocking her back. Huh? Was that a Spirit Spear? Where did it come from? 

“Ban. Hey.” Elizabeth heard a voice and looked in its direction. Standing on the part of the spear that was behind Ban, was King The Grizzly Sin of Sloth. 

___________________

Ban looked at King who was behind him. Seriously what was this guy doing? 

“Now, look here. What’s the big idea, King?” Ban asked as more blood came out of his mouth.

“Can’t you tell? I’ve come to the rescue.” King replied, his voice blank. 

Ban smiled, 

“The rescue. Right. Thanks a lot.” Ban said, his voice light. 

King tilted his head to the side, 

“You’re welcome, but this is for the Captain and Diane.”

Ban’s smile didn’t fade at this, instead, it just seemed to grow,

“Now, now. Aren’t you leaving me out?” Ban asked, teasingly, 

King sighed, looking at Ban with indifference, 

“It’s also for my little sister because she cares about you.” 

Before anyone could say anything else, an explosion went off.

___________________

The explosion cleared, and Guila stood in the middle of the surrounding rubble. She smiled unkindly when she saw King, 

“We were expecting your eventual betrayal, but it is a shame to lose you, Grizzly Sin of Sloth King.” 

King’s eyes widened, 

“I wasn’t expecting to hear that, but from the beginning, I had no intention of siding with the Holy Knights. It just happened that our goals coincided. You mind telling your boss Gilthunder for me?” 

Gulia smiled, sickly, 

“That little boy, my boss? Just the idea is grating on my ears.” she thrusted her sword forward, sending multiple explosions at King. 

King didn’t say anything, instead, he pulled his spear from Ban, creating a hole in his fellow sins' chest. King’s spear started to spin around and easily blocked Guila’s attacks. 

As the smoke from the explosions cleared, Guila felt her annoyance with the sins, and Princess Elizabeth, continue to grow. 

“So that’s the legendary Spirit Spear Chastiefol. I don’t know whether this is true, but I’ve heard it was carved from the Holy Tree in the Fairy King’s Forest. Your magic power can change it into multiple forms.” Guila stopped, before continuing, 

“Alright a four on one should be fun-” Gulia was suddenly cut off by King, 

“No. We’re going to have a one-on-one.” 

Meliodas stepped forward, confused. 

“King?” He asked, 

King just smiled at his captain, 

“You guys just sit back and watch, okay?” 

Guila smiled confidently, surely if she could handle herself against four opponents she could handle one measly Sin. She raised her rapier, but before she could attack, King’s spear sped past her, cutting her cheek. 

“No, you’re doing it wrong, you’ve got to dodge,” King muttered.

___________________

Elaine’s spirit watched the battle from above, she watched as King easily decimated an opponent that gave Ban and his companion’s trouble. 

I know you’ll grant my wish. Because you can wield your powers more when it’s for others than yourself. 

Elaine watched as King sent his spear flying towards the ground where Guila was, watching as the Holy knight was unable to dodge the attack. 

It’s not just for your little sister. But for your teammates that want you back. 

Elaine watches Guila get hit repeatedly. Elaine watches her futile attempts to escape her brother’s spear.

I know…that you’re kinder than anyone else. 

Guila continued her futile attempts to flee, jumping on top of the crystals in an attempt to escape 

When you saw our burned-down home, you blamed yourself and cried a river of tears for me and your people.

Guila smiled and sent a huge explosion towards King, only for him to block it with ease. 

I know…that your power is without measure. 

Elaine watched as Guila, who stood on top of a giant crystal, held her blade in the air and started charging all her magic power, but she wasn’t worried. 

Long ago, the human kingdom lived in harmony with the forest ruled by the king of the fairies. 

It was not only a symbol of our friendship but a silent agreement that we would not meddle in each other's affairs.

Guila sent explosion after explosion at King all at once, but it was still fine. Elaine knew her brother could handle it. 

SPIRIT SPEAR CHASTIEFOL FIFTH FORM “INCREASE”

King’s spear broke into hundreds of smaller spears, and they flew towards the explosions. 

But what people fear most…What frightened people too much to try to invade…

King’s spears met Guila’s explosions in mid-air causing them all to explode. 

Was the power of the king of the fairies. 

Elaine watched, as the mini-spears her brother created surrounded Guila from behind. 

“King” his real name is…

King’s spears thrust through both Guila and the giant crystal she was standing on from all directions. 

The king of fairies Harlequin. 

___________________

“Hey! Are you all alright?” Hawk yelled running up from behind, 

“Nope! We’re all fine!” Meliodas called, smiling cheekily. 

King smiled at his friends, but froze up, he felt that Holy Knight’s magic? Was she still alive? 

King turned just in time to see Guila lunge at him, her sword aimed at him, 

“At this close range, you won’t be able to use your Spirit Spear! You won’t come out unscathed!” Guila screeched, fury present in her voice. 

As she came closer King tried to think of what to do, before he could think of anything, Meliodas had jumped between them, his broken blade in his hand. 

“No, you won’t.” That was all the Captain said, as he used Full Counter, all Guila could do was scream in defiance as her explosion was redirected back at her. 

___________________

“I can’t sense her anymore..” Diane spoke, her voice full of shock. 

“Did she die?” Hawk asked, 

Elaine who was floating next to Ban spoke, 

"Perhaps that shock sent her spirit back to the world of the living. Unlike you, who came with your bodies intact, it was only her spirit that traveled her. Still, her spirit must have taken some significant damage." 

“Ahh! My ear is gone!” Hawk yelled, confused, and scared. 

“My body feels…odd.” Elizabeth muttered, 

This place is not suited for the living. It seems it is starting to reject you.

Elaine smiled at Ban, 

I was happy to see you again Ban. 

Ban smiled, 

“See you around Elaine.” 

Elaine turned towards her brother who had turned away from her, 

Thank you brother, for protecting Ban.

“Elain-” King called, but cut off when he noticed the surrounding area had changed. 

“Looks like we’re back in the land of the living.” Ban drawled, 

“Looks that way. But how to be sure…” Meliodas said, squeezing Elizabeth’s left breast.

“Meliodas…you might not want to-” Elizabeth quietly said, but was cut off.

“Hey! Get your dirty hand off Elizabeth-sama, you demon!” 

___________________

Meliodas looked up, and floating in front of them, above the body of Guila was Sariel of the Four Archangels, who was not happy to have been left behind. 

“Well…well..well, what should we do about her?” Meliodas asked, blatantly ignoring Sariel. 

King gave a tired sigh, 

“Captain are you really-” King started but was cut off by Ban, much to his annoyance. 

“Let’s kill her while we have the chance,” Ban suggested,

“How barbaric we should just turn her to stone.” King promptly said, 

Ban looked at King, a smile on his face, 

“It’s basically the same thing,” Ban said provoking King. 

King looked at Ban, annoyed, 

“What was that Ban?!” King yelled. 

Diane sighed at the boys' behavior, 

“How immature…” 

___________________

After Meliodas had finished with the Knight, he turned to Sariel,  

“Oh hey, Sariel. How long have you been there?” 

Sariel growled, and clenched his fist in annoyance, 

“Why you…” 

Elizabeth giggled at this, which caused Sariel to look at her with a mixture of shock and annoyance. 

“Where did Ellen and her brother go?” Ban asked, looking around,

I’m glad it all worked out for you

A voice said, drawing everybody’s attention towards it. 

“Their bodies…don’t tell me…” King started, shocked but didn’t finish. 

You got to visit who you wanted to see and tell her how you feel. 

Ellen and her brother said, smiling. 

We’ll be sleeping until more people come searching for Necropolis, and guide them. 

Ellen’s brother spoke, 

Your cooking was delicious, thank you.  

Ellen added in as she and her brother faded away. 

___________________

It was night, and everyone, minus Sariel, was outside eating a dinner that Ban cooked. Meliodas had tried to cook, but Ban stopped him before he could accidentally give anyone food poisoning. They had already left the small run-down village near Necropolis, but they had stopped so they could all enjoy a meal together. Everyone, again minus Sariel, was enjoying themselves, and Diane had tried to feed Meliodas once or twice, much to the short demon’s dismay.  

“I’ve been meaning to ask you Captain, who is the winged-girl with us? She can’t be a goddess right?” 

“Oh right! I haven’t introduced you yet! This is Elizabeth, and she is a Goddess!” Meliodas, exclaimed, smiling brightly. 

“What?” King shouted, 

“You’re kidding right?” King promptly asked, only for Meliodas to shake his head in response. 

“So, why are you with a Goddess? What kind of relationship do you have?” 

“We’re-” Meliodas started, but was cut off by Elizabeth this time. 

“Meliodas is my lover, and he is helping me take back the kingdom of Liones, by gathering the Seven Deadly Sins. But the official reason I’m here is to make sure the Coffin of Eternal Darkness doesn’t break.” 

King jumped, back in shock, 

“Lover? Are you serious? And the Coffin of Eternal Darkness isn’t that the seal that keeps the Demon Race at bay? Are you saying the seal is breaking!” King yelled, still very shocked, and confused. 

Elizabeth smiled, trying to be reassuring, 

“I know it’s a lot to take in.” 

King took a breath, trying to take it all in. 

“Anyway, I’m very glad you’ve joined us, King. You see, most of Meliodas’s power has been sealed away, but with your strength, I believe that our chances of taking back the kingdom have increased significantly.” 

King paused, he could pry into what this Goddess had said about Meliodas’s strength but there was something else that he’d been meaning to ask, and now was a good time to bring it up. 

“That reminds me…what happened to your Sacred Treasures?”

“Sold it.” Meliodas bluntly stated, 

“Mine got stolen!” Ban said, very cheerfully, as he was very drunk. 

“I lost mine.” Diane said, sticking out her tongue. 

At that moment King wondered what he had done to deserve this. 

___________________

“What!? Those Sacred Treasures were given to us by the king of Liones when we first formed the Seven Deadly Sins!” King yelled. 

“You sold it!” King yelled, pointing at Meliodas, 

“I had to pay off my tarvens debts. I had fifty debt collectors after me.” Meliodas, shrugged. 

King quickly looked at Ban, who was leaning on top of Hawk, 

“Yours got stolen!” 

“When..I got thrown in jail.”

King turned to face Diane, only to see her covering her hair with her face, and about to cry.

“Am…am I a bad girl?” Diane asked quietly, 

“No! Not at all! You can’t be blamed for losing it.” King said, waving his hands in front of his face. He didn’t want to hurt Diane’s feelings. 

“Hmmph, King you don’t need to get so upset about weapons. Maybe it’d make a difference for me, but these guys do just fine without them.”  

“Pig.” King said, much to the confusion of Hawk, 

“Imagine this lake was the magical powers of one of The Seven Deadly Sins. Now, how much water can you scoop out with your hand.” King asked. 

Hawk said nothing to this, only held up one of his hooves and stared at it. King walked over to the lake and placed his hand in, and brought it back up. There was very little in his hand when he did, and most of it fell back into the lake.

“See? No matter how much magic you have there is only so much your hand can hold.” 

King then took an empty stein, scooped water into it from the lake. After bringing the stein up he continued, 

“But with a weapon it’s like using a glass or beer mug. You can extract a lot more magic.”

King put the stein down, 

“But with a Sacred Treasure you can draw as much power as a house. In short, they could draw an incredible amount of power compared to now.” King said, raising his hand and using his magic to lift the water from the lake into the air, creating a giant bubble of water.

“How could you let your Sacred Treasures out of your grasp!” Hawk yelled running up to Meliodas, 

King sighed, 

“Oh, well. There is no use crying over spilt milk. We’ll just have to find them as we find out fellow sins.”

“By the way, King, do you know what’s going on with the Kingdom?” Meliodas asked from were he sat, 

“I don’t know the details, but I can tell you that the Holy Knights are different; they are more concerned with war than protecting the people.” 

Meliodas didn’t say anything to this, and just let King continue,

“The castle is on high alert too…” 

“Sir King! Do you know anything about the royal family?” Elizabeth asked, loudly, concerned for her family. 

King looked at Elizabeth, 

“No. I'm sorry I haven’t heard anything.”

___________________

Elizabeth sat on her and Meliodas’s bed staring at her hand. In it she held the earring that her sister had given her on her fifteenth birthday. It had barely been over a year since then, but it felt as though it’d been an entirety. 

Meliodas silently, entered the room, and sat next to Elizabeth on the bed. 

“My eldest sister gave me this earring for my fifteenth birthday. She’s always been kind and gentle. I miss her very much.” 

Meliodas said nothing letting Elizabeth talk, 

“The second older sister’s name is Veronica, and she is a tomboy. Father used to scold her for wieldng a sword. She’d play with Gilthunder and I. Those were fun times, I wish it could be like that now.”

Meliodas looked at Elizabeth softly before choosing to speak, 

“Your sisters, and father are going to be okay. We’ll gather the rest of the Sins, and stop the Holy Knights, and then you can have those times back. Sure you will have to watch over the seal, but I’ll do it with you. I’m sure the others will be happy as well, and we’ll be together this time, and nothing will separate us. I promise.” Meliodas said, pulling Elizabeth close. 

“It’s been a long day. We should get some sleep.” Meliodas said laying down, 

Elizabeth smiled, and laid down next to Meliodas, 

“Meliodas.” 

Meliodas looked at Elizabeth, 

“What is it?” 

“I love you.” Elizabeth said, before she closed her eyes and fell asleep, in the warm embrace of her lover.

Chapter Text

“This place is a lot busier than I expected. Human villages are this crowded now?” Sariel said, thinking out loud. 

“Not all villages are busy. This one, in particular, is so busy because merchants come here to buy the town’s ceramic wares.” Meliodas said, even though he was aware Sariel wasn’t talking to him. 

“I wasn’t talking to you, demon.” 

“Sariel, don’t be so rude to Meliodas. He was only trying to help. You know he’s not a bad person. Even if you’ll never admit it.” Elizabeth sighed, smiling. 

Sariel didn’t respond, just turned away, crossing his arms. 

“Captain? Why did we leave Diane behind to house-sit?” King asked, a worried look on his face.

“Oh, that’s because she’d stand out too much. If by chance Holy Knights were here we’d never get any information.” Meliodas answered, shrugging. 

“We left Ban behind because he looks like his wanted poster right?” Elizabeth asked, leaning down and smiling at Meliodas. 

“Yep,” Meliodas said, casually. 

“We’re being watched. Can’t you tell?” Sariel asked, causing everyone to look up at him.

“I noticed too...I don’t understand why though. King and Meliodas look nothing like their wanted posters.” Elizabeth said, walking over to a wall where the pictures for the sins were pasted. 

Sariel hovered next to Elizabeth, looking at the posters.

“Elizabeth-sama, they’ve put up a wanted poster for you,” Sariel said, pointing out the eighth poster. 

Elizabeth was quiet, she stared at the drawing of her on the poster. The townsfolk started crowded around Elizabeth, Sariel, Meliodas, and King.

“Hey, she looks similar to that wanted poster.” 

“Somebody call the Holy Knights.”

“Run!” Meliodas shouted, picking up Elizabeth, and sprinting in the other direction. 

“A wanted criminal is getting away!” 

“After her!” 

“They’re so fast.”

___________________

Inside a tower, somewhere in town sat Meliodas, Elizabeth, King, and Sariel. 

“Elizabeth-sama, you’re shaking,” Sariel said, rather rudely when he noticed Elizabeth shaking. 

“It’s funny, I’ve fought in a war, and yet seeing that poster has gotten me scared.” Elizabeth laughed, bitterly. 

“We were careless. Of course they’d be looking for Elizabeth too, and it hasn’t been that long. The only differences from the poster are her hair, eyes, and wings.”  Meliodas spoke, his tone of voice grave.

“I think my wings and eyes make me stand out more…” Elizabeth muttered,

“We should leave. We can gather information somewhere else.” King said, 

“No! It’s fine. I’ll stay here. You guys go gather information.” Elizabeth exclaimed.

Meliodas looked at Elizabeth softly, his eyes full of concern, after a moment he turned to Sariel,

“Sariel, can I trust you to make sure Elizabeth stays safe?”

“Of course, you can. Why wouldn’t you? I am one of the Four Archangels after all!” Sariel replied, with an annoyed tone of voice. 

Sariel then paused, thinking about what he said, 

“But I’m not doing this because you asked me to! I’m doing this to make sure Elizabeth-sama stays out of trouble!”

___________________

“Elizabeth-sama, you shouldn’t be worried about the wanted poster. They’re just humans, they can’t hurt you.” Sariel said to Elizabeth.

“ I know that. ” Elizabeth hissed, glaring at Sariel. She was sick of the condescending way he talked about humans. Especially her family. She may be the daughter of the ‘ Supreme Deity ’ 

by blood, but her mother didn’t particularly care for her or love her. Her family was the ones who truly loved her. Meliodas loved her.  ̶M̶̶̶a̶̶̶e̶̶̶l̶̶̶ loved her too. They loved her for who she is and didn’t care if she wasn’t perfect. At first, she thought of this situation as a second chance, a new life that was completely her own. She thought she could be with her father, her sisters, and Meliodas. However, her mother seemed to have a different idea. Of course, she couldn’t live this life how she wanted. One hundred and seven lives and she still had to bend to the will of her mother. She was a puppet for her mother to control and nothing more. To think that long ago she’d foolishly thought that her mother loved her. 

“I found her! I’m not lying! I swear!” A voice shouted from outside, breaking the silence, and Elizabeth from her thoughts. Someone was in trouble. This person sounded scared. Were the Holy Knights causing trouble again? Elizabeth instinctively started to turn, going to look out the window. 

“Elizabeth-sama, just leave it alone. It’s just a human getting into trouble, again. You shouldn’t concern yourselves with their insignificant lives. They can figure it out themselves.” Sariel said, not noticing how Elizabeth’s fists were clenched tightly as she slowly stood up. 

_________________________

Outside in the village square, a man with medium-length brown hair, and a bushy mustache kneeled before a man on a horse.  

“I found her! Please believe me!”

The man’s voice was strained, and his tone was full of panic and fear. 

A horse towered above the fearful villager, and sitting on the horse was a muscular man with an iron helmet covering his face, except for his eyes.

_________________________

“That’s Griamore.” Elizabeth spoke her thoughts aloud, shocked. Sariel started to say something, but Elizabeth ignored him because she was focused on the situation outside, as she was concerned for the safety of the man on the ground.

_________________________

Back outside Griamore glared darkly at the man kneeling on the ground. 

“I came as soon as I heard the report, but where is the wanted criminal?” Griamore growled, 

“She…she ran away as soon as I spoke to her! Please believe me, Sir Holy Knight!” The man seemed to curl into himself, as he was terrified. 

“The only thing I can believe is that you wasted my time.” Another growl escaped Griamore, 

“B-but! You said if we found any of the criminals we’d be exempt from recruitment and taxes!” The man pleaded as he was grabbed by a soldier from behind.

“Yes, but in the case of false reporting the punishment is death!” 

__________________________

Elizabeth watched in horror. This isn’t the kingdom she grew up in. The kingdom of Liones would never execute someone for something so simple. This scene that was unfolding before her was more akin to what would happen in the Celestial Realm where all she could do was watch as her mother would kill members of the Goddess Clan that she deemed unfit to live.

She watched as the man’s head was held down, and his arms held behind his back. She watched as his lover begged one of the guards to spare him. She couldn’t just stand here; she had to do something. Spreading her wings, Elizabeth jumped. 

_________________________

Elizabeth coated her hand with her magic and caught the blade of Griamore’s sword before it could reach the man’s neck. Holding the blade in her hand, Elizabeth tightened her grip on the sword, destroying it completely. Elizabeth knew this was more of something Meliodas would do, as she had seen him do it plenty of times before. She’d always wanted to try doing it herself, but she only did it now because there wasn’t much time before that blade would have beheaded the man and she didn’t want to risk hurting the man as well. She watched as the pieces of the shattered blade fell to the ground, before looking back up at Griamore with a furious expression. 

“This man is not lying! I am right here!” Elizabeth yelled, infuriated. 

Elizabeth’s wings were completely spread out above her but were bent down slightly in such a way that the sight of her would surely frighten those around. Her magic power had also spiked in her anger. Those who could feel her magic would be terrified for their lives. Elizabeth had no doubt Meliodas could feel her magic even though he was not present. Mother had always acted like this when she got angry, and whoever invoked her mother’s wrath would be lucky to come out alive.  ̶G̶u̶e̶s̶s̶ ̶s̶h̶e̶ ̶w̶a̶s̶ ̶m̶o̶r̶e̶ ̶s̶i̶m̶i̶l̶a̶r̶ ̶t̶o̶ ̶h̶e̶r̶ ̶m̶o̶t̶h̶e̶r̶ ̶t̶h̶a̶n̶ ̶s̶h̶e̶ ̶h̶a̶d̶ ̶o̶r̶i̶g̶i̶n̶a̶l̶l̶y̶ ̶b̶e̶l̶i̶e̶v̶e̶d̶. Elizabeth hated the thought that she was acting like mother, but she couldn’t have stood there doing nothing. Griamore needed to learn that lives aren’t something that should be thrown away on a whim. She wouldn’t kill him. She would never kill an innocent person again. Griamore didn’t deserve to die. He just needed to learn. He needed to learn not to use his power and status as a Holy Knight to take innocent lives. He needed to learn that he wasn’t as powerful as thought he was. A part of Elizabeth screamed that she was being like her mother and that she was losing herself in her rage. That part of herself told her that she needed to stop. But Elizabeth’s will was no longer her own. A familiar voice rang in her mind, 

Go ahead, teach him a lesson. Make him pay for what he’s done. He deserves it. 

Elizabeth opened her mouth to speak, 

“Griamore. You are from a family that has served the Royal Family for years. You should not act like this. I will not permit it.” The fury in her voice seemed to increase, but her expression had gone blank.

If Griamore was disturbed by this or any of Elizabeth’s behavior he didn’t show it. Instead, he steeled his ground, 

“You seem to be mistaken. I never swore my loyalty to the royal family.” Griamore stated coldly, 

Don’t you see? He deserves it. He’s nothing more than a foolish human who wants to start the Holy War anew. Go ahead, kill him. 

Again, that sickenly familiar voice rang in her head. But the quiet, yet loud, protests in Elizabeth’s mind had gone silent. 

_________________________ 

Elizabeth quickly vaulted forward, leaving dust in her wake. 

“Ark” The word quickly left her lips, and a bright pink ball of condensed magic started to grow in her hands. 

The size of the Ark rapidly grew, so much so that if it reached Griamore it would not only kill him, it would also leave nothing left of the strong man’s body. The seconds passed slowly, and it almost seemed as the seconds had turned into hours, and Elizabeth’s Ark was inches away from Griamore…

“Counter Vanish! ”

_________________________

Meliodas shouted, using one of his ‘magic’ to cancel out Elizabeth’s Ark. His demon mark was on his forehead, slightly hidden by his hair. It was almost as if he appeared out of nowhere. In reality, Meliodas had gotten worried as soon he felt Elizabeth’s magical power spike, and had rushed over. 

Meliodas had been watching, he didn’t want to jump in until it was clear it was necessary. He didn’t want it to seem that Elizabeth was weak and needed protecting. His love was strong, she wasn’t someone who needed constant protection. It wasn’t until he saw Elizabeth’s blank gaze that he knew he had to step in. He knew that something was wrong. He couldn’t not step in. When Elizabeth attempted to kill Griamore he was worried, confused, astonished. Elizabeth would never do that. He remembered that in one of Elizabeth’s first lives where she promised him she would never kill an innocent person again. Meliodas knew that Elizabeth wasn’t one to break her promises. Meliodas could only hope that Elizabeth’s actions weren’t her own.  ̶T̶h̶e̶y̶ ̶j̶u̶s̶t̶ ̶h̶a̶d̶ ̶t̶o̶ ̶b̶e̶.̶

_________________________

Elizabeth blinked, snapping out of her trace. What had happened? For one Griamore was staring at her in shock, and what looked like fear. She was also hovering in front of him. Oh, and Meliodas was in front of her as well. When did he get here? She landed on the ground a little bit farther away from Meliodas and Griamore. Quickly scanning the crowd, she saw King watching from afar. 

“Meliodas…do you know what happened? I can’t remember…” Elizabeth asked, 

King floated over, 

“You don’t remember?” 

Elizabeth shook her head, looking confused. 

“Nothing. Did something happen?” 

King looked away quickly, unsure of what to do. 

“W-well you just…tried to kill the Holy Knight over there.” King pointed to Griamore, but he was not looking at Elizabeth.

Elizabeth took a few steps back, 

“I…what?” 

Tears welled up in Elizabeth’s eyes, 

“No…I couldn’t…I wouldn’t. I-” Elizabeth was cut off by a voice,

“What happened here? Putting up these posters. The nerve…” 

A woman with short dark purple hair walked up, holding Elizabeth’s wanted poster, and tearing it to pieces. The woman scanned the area, eyebrows raised, before her eyes locked on Elizabeth. 

“Sister Veronica…” Elizabeth mumbled. 

_________________________

Veronica stared at her younger sister. Elizabeth looked slightly different from the last time she saw her. Her bangs had been cut in a way that her left eye is no longer hidden by her hair. Her wings, yes wings, it was still really hard to wrap her head around the fact that her sister had suddenly grown wings. Anyway, Elizabeth’s wings were by her sides, like they normally would. At least Veronica thought that was normal. She didn’t know. Why was she thinking about this now? This wasn’t the time! She needed to be worried about Ellie! Not wondering how her wings work! Veronica looked back at Ellie, wait when had she looked away? Veronica quickly dismissed that thought when she saw that her sister was no longer looking at her but was instead listening to what the floating boy, the fairy, King The Grizzly Sin Of Sloth, was saying. It infuriated Veronica that she was listening to them like this! She had to be under some kind of spell! Otherwise, there was no way her sister would ever listen to these monsters!  

“Ellie!” 

_________________________

Elizabeth looked away from King, looking at her older sister. To be honest she felt a little bit annoyed, along with feeling a mix of other emotions. She knew she shouldn’t feel annoyed at Veronica as the past month had most definitely been stressful on her too. But Elizabeth was talking to King about how and why she had no memory of just trying to kill Griamore. 

Elizabeth quickly glanced at Meliodas, silently asking what to do, but Meliodas just gave her an unsure smile and shrugged.

“Ellie! Why are you here? With these people?” Veronica demanded, 

“Rude” Meliodas muttered, 

“Sister Veronica…why don’t we talk..somewhere else,” Elizabeth said, looking behind her only to see Sariel watched from the window of the tower. 

Which brought the question of why hadn’t Sariel done anything when Elizabeth attacked Griamore?

Veronica seemed a little taken aback by Elizabeth’s suggestion, 

“What?... I suppose.” Veronica said slowly, 

“Alright. Let’s go then.” Elizabeth quickly replied, grabbed Veronica’s hand, and started to pull her away.  

Elizabeth sent Meliodas a reassuring smile, before looking up sending Sariel a warning glare. 

_________________________

Elizabeth had brought her sister to a quiet alleyway, on the other side of town. Elizabeth was tense. She knew Sariel would undoubtedly follow them. She needed to make this quick. 

“Ellie!” Veronica shouted, trying to get her younger sister’s attention. She was the one who brought them here, and then Elizabeth had spaced out. 

“Veronica. You need to leave.” Elizabeth said, her voice wavering a little. She wanted nothing more to be able to go home. She wanted to be with her sisters, father, and Meliodas. She wanted the sins to be cleared of charges from the crime they didn’t commit. She didn’t want to have to worry about Sariel following her around, or voicing his distaste for humans, but she couldn’t. 

“Ellie! What are talking about! Come on we need to leave!” Veronica said, grabbing Elizabeth’s wrist. 

Elizabeth frowned, unsure of what to say, how to tell her sister any of this. Maybe she should just keep her sister in the dark about everything? 

“I’m sorry Veronica, but I’m staying with the other sins and Meliodas,” Elizabeth said, again trying to keep her voice from wavering. 

Veronica’s eyes flashed with anger, and her grip on Elizabeth’s wrist tightened, 

“How can you say that? Those people are traitors to the kingdom! They’re using you, Ellie!” Veronica yelled, her voice cracking, and tears welled up her eyes. 

Elizabeth didn’t say anything. She didn’t know what to say or what to do. Not as the third Princess of Liones, Elizabeth, or as the Goddess Elizabeth, daughter of the Supreme Deity. But she wasn’t one or the other, she was both, wasn’t she? She was both, but she didn’t know what to do. As the Princess of Liones, her sisters and father would always be the ones comforting her, and as Goddess Elizabeth, nobody comforted her at all. Elizabeth looked down, she felt horrible for making her sister worry. When she was bedridden she could only think of Meliodas. She didn’t think of her family and how worried they must have been. She left in search of Meliodas after the Holy Knights took over. At the time she’d tried to force herself out of bed daily. Back then all she knew was that she wasn’t safe at the castle, and she did genuinely worry for her family. But maybe the reason she left was the desire to see Meliodas again. 

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What to do now?

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Elizabeth looked up at her older sister, she was crying. Elizabeth felt the guilt clawing at her heart. She opened her mouth to speak, 

“Veronica, I’m sorry for leaving. For not telling you anything, but I can’t come back, I need to keep you all safe.” Elizabeth remembered what her mother had said to her. Every word of it, especially the threat. Those words her mother had uttered, 

“After all, human lives aren’t meant to last, Elizabeth, and accidents can happen.”

She could never forget the unspoken threat hidden within those words, a promise. Elizabeth knew she had no choice in the matter. She knew that she had to listen to her mother. Mother. Why did she continue to call her that? The Supreme Deity hadn’t been her biological mother for three thousand years. She didn’t have the blood of her mother, or rather the blood of the Goddess Race in her anymore. She hadn’t in three thousand years, but despite that, her powers still appeared in every life, no matter what. Why? She didn’t know. Maybe it was a part of the curse. A part that her mother neglected or rather didn’t feel the need to tell her about as she lay there dying or maybe her powers came from a different place, her soul itself. The curse of Eternal Reincarnation cast upon her, and the curse of Eternal Life that was cast upon Meliodas three thousand years ago has brought them nothing but suffering. Except that wasn’t completely true now was it? At least for her, it wasn’t….

That curse had only brought her pain each time she remembered her previous lives over three thousand long years, but this curse also allowed her to meet her family. Out of all the families she’d had over the years the family she had found in the Kingdom of Liones was the best. The happiest. The family where she truly felt loved and appreciated. Now that the curse was gone, she wanted to spend this life with her family, and others she cared for, but that wouldn’t happen now would it? When her mother removed the curse she had also restored Elizabeth as a Goddess, because of that Elizabeth would outlive her family and many others? So what was the point? No. It wasn’t like that. She had a reason of her own for doing this, didn’t she? Wasn’t it because she wanted her family to have long and happy lives? It didn’t matter if she lost them in the end. What mattered is that they are happy right now. So she needed to be there for the older sister she loved and admired. 

Elizabeth looked up at Veronica who was staring at her with a mixture of shock, and confusion. Pulling her sister close, into a tight embrace, Elizabeth started to speak, 

“Veronica, believe me when I say this, I love you and I care about you. If anything were to happen to you I don’t think I could take it. So please understand that I can’t go home with you right now. It’s not safe, but I promise I’ll come back. I’ll always come back, and when I do I’ll explain everything. So please understand.” 

Veronica didn’t say anything, not at first. Instead, Veronica buried her head in Elizabeth’s shoulder, crying. 

“Ellie...when did you? When did you get so strong without me realizing?” Veronica asked, her voice cracking. 

Elizabeth held her older sister close, 

“Veronica, I’ll always be your little sister no matter what. It doesn’t matter if I’m strong or weak, none of that matters to me.” 

“Ellie…” Veronica muttered, her voice barely audible. 

Veronica pulled herself away from Elizabeth’s embrace, her tears had stopped, she looked at Elizabeth and smiled, 

“Alright, I’ll trust you on this.” 

Elizabeth smiled brightly at Veronica, 

“Thank you,” 

_________________________

Back at the Boar Hat Meliodas sat waiting for Elizabeth, she’ll come back he knew, but he also knew this was very hard for Elizabeth. He knew that leaving her family for a second time wouldn’t be easy. After Elizabeth left with her sister they returned to the Boar Hat, dragging Sariel with them. Meliodas knew Elizabeth didn’t want Sariel following her, but knowing him, he would as he was extremely loyal, and he would take his orders from the Supreme Deity seriously. Both King and himself had made sure to keep Sariel from following. Currently, the rest of the sins were waiting outside, and Sariel had begrudgingly agreed to wait for Elizabeth to come back rather than following her. 

The door opened and Meliodas was pulled from his thoughts, looking up he saw Elizabeth in the doorway. Elizabeth’s eyes were locked on the ground, 

“Hey.” Was the only thing Meliodas could manage to say, 

Elizabeth didn’t say anything at first, and only walked over to him, and kneeled down before she buried her face in his shoulder. 

Meliodas wrapped his arms around his lover,

“It hurt. It hurt so much. I didn’t want to leave her.” Elizabeth said, her voice slightly muffled. 

Meliodas sighed, 

“I know. I know it hurts, but you’ll see her again.” 

“Is this how you felt when you left Zeldris?” Elizabeth asked, quietly. 

Meliodas felt a wave of sadness wash over him at the mention of his youngest brother,

“It is. I know it’s hard. I know you wish you could be with your family, but you’ll see them again. I’ll make sure of that.” Meliodas said, softly his grip on Elizabeth tightening a little. 

Elizabeth was quiet for a moment, 

“When I get to see them I want you to be there too. I want to introduce you to my sisters…” Elizabeth said, as her voice drifted off, as she fell asleep. 

Meliodas smiled, 

“That sounds wonderful Elizabeth. It’s a promise then.” Meliodas said to the now sleeping Elizabeth, even though he was aware she could not hear him. 

At that moment Meliodas vowed himself that he would keep this promise. 

Chapter Text

Elizabeth stared out the window of the Boar Hat, it was dark outside and she could see stars in the sky. She couldn’t sleep. How could she, after hearing how she nearly killed someone, and to make matters worse, this person was Griamore, someone who had been a constant staple throughout this lifetime’s childhood. She didn’t want to believe it. Elizabeth could just ignore it and pretend it never happened after all, she had no memory of the event ever occurring, but even still she couldn’t just pretend nothing happened. She just couldn’t. Elizabeth’s mind wandered, thinking of anything and everything she could remember from her previous lives that could help her figure out what happened. Elizabeth sighed, 

“Ugh. I can’t think of anything.” Elizabeth muttered to herself, 

Well, what could she remember of the day? She remembered leaving for Vaziel, her talk with Veronica. Elizabeth felt her heartache at the thought of how she left  ̶a̶b̶a̶n̶d̶o̶n̶e̶d̶ her sister. Elizabeth remembered the tower, and the fury she felt at Sariel in that moment, and she remembered what she saw from the window. Elizabeth shivered as she remembered what she saw, Griamore had been preparing to kill an innocent person. A person who didn’t deserve punishment or death, much like those people  ̶G̶o̶d̶d̶e̶s̶s̶e̶s̶ that had been executed during her childhood thousands of years ago, and all Elizabeth ever did back then was watch. 

_________________

Elizabeth stood to the side of a gray platform that was decorated ornately with a few attendants surrounding her. Elizabeth was curious, she’d never been to this section of the palace before, and she wondered why she was here. She wondered where mother was. Would she be here too? Elizabeth looked at the male attendant standing beside her. He had an odd expression on his face, one that was a mix of apprehension, and fear. Why was he afraid? Elizabeth thought she should ask, but then she remembered how her mother had previously warned her not to idly chat with attendees or concern herself with their feelings. As Elizabeth was above them, according to her mother. She didn’t really understand it but wanted her mother to be happy with her. When mother was upset with her she’d get hurt. Elizabeth knew her mother didn’t want to hurt her as Mother tells her that fact every time her mother needs to hurt her. Mother only ever hurt her so she would learn. 

“Elizabeth.” 

Elizabeth looked up at, and saw her mother standing in front of her, when had she gotten here? No, that didn’t matter, what mattered was what her mother had to say. 

“Yes, mother?”

Elizabeth looked directly into her mother’s eyes, as her mother has repeatedly addressed how Elizabeth was to behave when talking to her, especially in public. Elizabeth watched her mother as she reached out, and placed her hand on Elizabeth’s cheek before speaking, 

“Watch closely, this is what happens to people who disobey the natural order of our society.” 

Elizabeth slightly nodded, a bit confused but she spoke anyway, 

“I will, Mother.”  

Elizabeth watched as her mother smiled at her in approval, before removing her hand from her cheek, 

“Elizabeth? No matter what happens, and no matter what you think of it you are to stay still, and not do anything . Understand?” Mother said before making her way towards the gray platform. 

Elizabeth’s mind was abuzz, what was going to happen? Why did her mother feel the need to say that? Elizabeth was pulled out of her thoughts, and her eyes snapped in the direction of the stage as soon as she heard her mother start speaking. Elizabeth listened, as her mother spoke about things she did not quite understand. About how  Demons and Goddesses were never to be anything but enemies. How Demons were monstrous creatures undeserving of love, especially a Goddesses love. What? Why would a Goddess love a Demon? 

Elizabeth watched as a Goddess walked out, she was covered in chains and looked afraid. The Goddess stopped in front of the stone platform, where her mother stood and was forced to her knees. Elizabeth was confused and watched as her mother looked down on the trembling form of the Goddess with nothing but disgust in her eyes. Then her mother spoke, 

“You are a disgrace.” Her mother said her voice filled with contempt. 

“You are nothing but a blemish on our great society. You must be in order to fall in love with one of those creatures.” 

Elizabeth listened intently, what is mother referring to? Elizabeth listened as her mother continued, 

“To think a soul would commit such a sin. The sin is to fall in love with a Demon.”

Her mother stopped once more and placed the sleek blade under the Goddesses chin, using it to lift the Goddesses head up. Mother looked into the shaking Goddesses eyes and starting speaking again, 

“Tell me do you know what the punishment is for the crime you committed?” 

The Goddesses on the floor did not say anything,

“ Speak! ” Her mother commanded, and Elizabeth could tell that this Goddess had angered her mother, 

The Goddess was quiet for another moment longer, 

“T-he pu-punishment is is…dea-death.” The Goddess finally responded, and Elizabeth’s eyes widened. 

Death? So this woman was going to die? Elizabeth's heart leapt at the thought. No…no it was fine, this woman had fallen in love with a Demon, according to her mother, so she deserves it, Elizabeth told herself. However this didn’t stop the shaking of her hands or fast the beating of her heart, but even still, the ceremony went on. 

“That’s correct. Death. Death is just what a being like you deserves.” Mother said removing the sword from the Goddesses chin and watching the Goddess head drop once more. 

“This conversation has gone on far too long, it’s time I delivered your punishment.” Mother raised the sword in the air. 

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It was silent, and the sword came down, the Goddess' head rolled, and blood splattered on the ground, and the Goddess was dead. 

_________________

Elizabeth awoke to the sound of friendly banter. Opening her eyes she saw Ban and King. They seemed to be arguing about something. It seemed she had fallen asleep. What was that? Was it all just a dream? No, everything she’d dreamt about definitely happened. So had she been dreaming about events that happened from her original lifetime? Elizabeth guessed that is all it was. Blinking, trying to fully wake up, Elizabeth stood up, noting that she felt a bit light-headed. Elizabeth walked over to Ban and King who stopped arguing at her approach, 

“Oh! Princess, you’re awake…did we wake you?” King said, the second part coming as an afterthought. 

“You don’t have to address me so formally King, and yes you did wake me, but I don’t mind…I wasn’t having a pleasant dream anyway.” 

King blinked slowly, 

“Oh…alright. Uh, Meliodas is outside if you want to talk to him.” King said slowly, 

Elizabeth smiled,

“Thank you, King,” and after that Elizabeth walked towards the door, and left the room. 

_________________ 

Meliodas sat on the porch of the Boar Hat and watched the changing landscapes, as Hawk’s Mama walked towards Vaziel. Meliodas heard the door open, and looked behind him. He smiled when he saw Elizabeth standing in the doorway. 

“Hey Elizabeth, how did you sleep?” 

Meliodas watched Elizabeth, as she smiled at him. Her smile still made his heart flutter, and he wondered how someone like her could fall in love with him. 

“I slept fine, Meliodas. I just wondered if you wanted to talk.” Elizabeth spoke, 

Meliodas smiled, 

“Sure! What do you want to talk about?” 

Elizabeth stopped for a moment seemingly thinking, Meliodas didn’t think anything of it until Elizabeth winced slightly and a few moments later, put her hand to her forehead, and it looked like she was having a hard time keeping her eyes open. 

_________________

Elizabeth stopped for a moment. What did she want to talk about? She thought for a moment, but quickly was pulled away from her thoughts, as her ears started ringing. Wincing at the noise, Elizabeth started to feel a bit dizzy. Was she sick? Elizabeth slowly went to put her hand on her forehead, noting that her hand was trembling. 

“Elizabeth? Elizabeth are you okay?” Meliodas asked, he looked worried, but it was hard to see him as her eyelids were getting heavy. What was wrong with her? 

“Meliodas-” Elizabeth started but never finished as her world went black. 

_________________

Elizabeth stood still, her body shaking, and her eyes were wide. She was no longer outside in that place. Only now she stood in her quarters, unsure of what to do with herself. The events she just witnessed played on loop in her mind. A knock came at her door pulling Elizabeth out of her thoughts, 

“Yes?” Elizabeth meekly responded, 

Elizabeth watched as the door opened, and her mother walked in, Elizabeth didn’t say anything. 

Mother walked over to her, surveying her quietly. Elizabeth barely stopped herself from shrinking under her mother’s gaze. 

“Elizabeth?” Mother said, clearly waiting for her to say something. 

“Yes, Mother?” Was all Elizabeth could manage to say, 

Mother raised her eyebrow, no doubt questioning Elizabeth’s behavior. Mother grabbed her chin, holding it tightly with her thumb. 

“Elizabeth.” 

Elizabeth’s eyes widened, 

“Mother, what was that earlier?” 

Elizabeth watched as her mother’s expression turned cold, and her eyes narrowed. 

“Elizabeth. You are not to question the ways things are. That is not your place.” Came her mother’s response. 

“But-” Elizabeth started but her mother cut her off, 

“You are not to question me. You can do that can’t you Elizabeth?” 

Elizabeth looked into her mother’s eyes, the yellow symbol of their race glowed slightly, Elizabeth thought it was pretty. 

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. 

. 

. 

What had she been asking about again? Elizabeth did not know, but it couldn’t have been important for it to slip from her memory so quickly. 

“I understand mother. I won’t question you again.” Elizabeth said, earning a smile from her mother. 

_______________

Elizabeth opened her eyes and sat up. Where was she? Looking around she realized she was in bed. Oh. Now she remembered, she passed out, hadn’t she? What had she been dreaming about? She couldn’t remember. When she tried to remember her mind went blank. Well, it couldn’t have been that important anyway.

“Oh! Elizabeth you’re awake!” 

Elizabeth turned and saw Meliodas standing in the doorway, smiling at her. 

“Meliodas! I hope I didn’t worry you.” She smiled, as Meliodas walked over to the bed, 

“Well, I was only a little bit worried. I knew you’d be okay! But Sariel on the other hand…was convinced I’d done something to you.” Meliodas said, whispering the last part. 

Elizabeth laughed, 

“I can imagine.” 

Meliodas smiled at her, 

“Well, you rest more Elizabeth, I’ll be back later…is that okay?” 

Elizabeth’s smile softened at this, 

“Yes, that’s okay, and don’t worry I’ll be fine.”

“Okay! I’ll be seeing you then Elizabeth!” Meliodas said waving at Elizabeth as he exited the room. 

Now alone once more, the princess sighed laying back down, trying to remember her dream. It was strange, she usually always remembered her dreams vividly. So it was odd for her not to remember. Oh well, there was no use thinking about it now. Elizabeth closed her eyes and quickly fell asleep. 

Chapter Text

In the mountain’s of Britianna lay a town, it was known as the town of Vaziel and was part of the Kingdom of Liones.

Not far from the town the Boar Hat lay and Meliodas stood and stared at the distant town, 

“Vaziel, a merchant town where anything can be sold. Supposedly a crown from a distant kingdom was sold here once.” 

King looked at Meliodas confused, 

“But Captain…why are we here?” 

Meliodas shrugged, and glanced at King, 

“Well, I heard this rumor about there being ‘A Weapon Nobody Can Use’ here back in Byron!” 

Wait What? When did he even have the time to hear about that? With all the crazy stuff that had happened in Byron? 

Meliodas turned around, and looked at Daine, 

“Diane, please look after Elizabeth okay?” 

Oh right. The princess was sick. Sick with what? King had no idea. He didn’t even think Goddesses could get sick. But apparently, they could. Or maybe this was a special case because something was wrong with the princess that’s for sure. 

Diane pouted a bit, 

“I will, but I really really wanted to go into town.” 

Meliodas smiled at Diane, 

“I’ll make it up to you promise!”

King thought Meliodas might not keep his word. 

______________

Vaziel was crowded, filled to the brim with people. Meliodas found it annoying. How was he supposed to look for anything with it being so crowded? This was annoying, a pain really. He wanted to be looking after Elizabeth. He didn’t trust Sariel, not one bit. He was worried that Sariel might try to get inside Elizabeth’s mind while she was sick, but Daine was there too and Meliodas was sure Daine wouldn’t let Sariel do anything. 

“Geez, where to begin looking? Let’s see a weapon nobody can use…” 

Meliodas stood there in the crowd thinking,

“You’re not merchants are you? You don’t look the part. Are you participating in this thing?” 

Meliodas looked up, to see a drunk old man sitting up on a pillar. Was that Bazard? He’s alive? He’s here? Did he recognize him? Calm…be calm…stay calm. 

“Thing? No, I don't know what you’re talking about. I’m looking for-” 

“A weapon no one can use?” 

Meliodas nodded, unsure of what to say. Meliodas watched as Bazard jumped down from the pole, 

“Haha! What’s the point of a weapon if no one can use it? Well for what it’s worth it might be that over there,” Bazard spoke pointing at something behind Meliodas.

Before Meliodas could turn and look, the sound of music filled the air. 

“Welcome to the annual Vaziel Fight Festival! No weapons allowed! If any of you want to let your fists do the talking, sign up here!” 

_________________

King sighed, why here? Why now? Why did this village have to have a fight festival? 

“Pummeling each other with your bare hands is so savage…Capitan, there’s no way the sacred treasure can be here.” King said, turning to look at Meliodas. 

King regretted coming, he wanted to go back and house-sit with Diane. What was he looking at? Why the Captain and Ban challenging each other to fight in this unruly, savage festival of course. Why? They were supposed to be looking for sacred treasures! 

“Captain! Ban! Stop fooling around! At least look for the sacred treasures before fooling around!” 

Meliodas and Ban were looking at him, annoyed. 

“The grand prize is one hundred gold coins in addition…” The accouncer spoke, 

“A giant’s war hammer! Found in a valley it weighs 2200 pounds!” 

Meliodas, Ban, and King looked at the bonus prize, 

King was shocked, 

“That’s…” 

“That’s Diane’s sacred treasure, Gideon!” King exclaimed, still shocked. 

________________

Meliodas smiled, what a convenient excuse to compete. Meliodas quickly grabbed King’s sleeve, and started dragging him upfront. 

“Hey! Three entries here!” Meliodas yelled, despite King yelling protests. 

However before Meliodas could reach the sign up area, a larger man grabbed his shirt. Lifting him, and King off the ground. 

“Hey, this festival isn’t for kids! Don’t bring the level of this tournament down!” 

Meliodas blinked, in feigned ignorance, 

“What are you talking about?”  

Meliodas stared at this man, apparently Taizoo, a man that had won three years in a row, according to the crowd. 

“Hey.” A man said, 

Meliodas felt that he had seen him somewhere before. 

“Don’t be like that, this is a festival, let's all just have fun.” 

Taizoo dropped Meliodas, and by extension King, while this man talked to him. Meliodas landed on his feet, and King did too, but nearly fell face first on the ground. 

“Captain, I feel as though I’ve seen him before.” King said quietly, 

“Yo, Captain, King I put your entrees too.” Ban said walking over, 

King protested but Meliodas and Ban ignored him. 

Meliodas made his way to the fighting rink, which was atop a giant rock, per the instructions. 

He stood there waiting, lost in thought. How was Elizabeth doing he wondered? Was she awake? Has her fever gotten worse? Hopefully that wasn’t the case. 

Meliodas was pulled from his thoughts as the announcer started speaking again, 

“The preliminary of the Vaziel Fight Festival begins now!” 

Oh well, it's starting. Better get Diane’s sacred treasure and beat Ban while he was at it.

_______________

Elizabeth opened her eyes, she felt alright. She didn’t feel hot or dizzy, and she had no headache. She was fine. Elizabeth climbed out of the bed, and stood up, making her way to the door. 

Elizabeth walked through the halls, the Boar Hat was empty. 

“This needs to work out in our favor…” Elizabeth heard Sariel’s voice, and she stopped walking. 

Work out in our favor? What was he talking about? More importantly, who was he talking to? 

“What if it doesn’t? If this doesn’t work, what am I supposed to do? Continue following Elizabeth-sama around?”

Sariel paused, before continuing, 

“This task is hard enough as it is. That demon doesn’t trust me for a second, and worse he holds a piece of the Coffin of Eternal Darkness. Elizabeth-sama lost her memories of what happened, but in turn she got sick. Nobody in The Goddess Clan gets sick, is it the strain of your magic taking over her mind?”

Elizabeth’s blood ran cold taking over her mind? No. What was he talking about? 

Elizabeth had the strong urge to run down the stairs and confront Sariel, but no she couldn’t she didn’t know who he was talking to there was a high chance it might be- 

“ Sariel .”

Mother. That was her mother. That was her voice. That was the voice of the Supreme Deity, the ruler of the Goddess Clan. 

“ Don’t complain, just get this done. Be careful of what you say,  ̷b̷e̷c̷a̷u̷s̷e̷ ̷t̷h̷e̷r̷e̷ ̷m̷i̷g̷h̷t̷ ̷b̷e̷ ̷l̷i̷t̷t̷l̷e̷ ̷c̷h̷i̷l̷d̷r̷e̷n̷ ̷l̷i̷s̷t̷e̷n̷i̷n̷g̷ ̷t̷o̷ ̷c̷o̷n̷v̷e̷r̷s̷a̷t̷i̷o̷n̷s̷ ̷t̷h̷e̷y̷ ̷a̷r̷e̷n̷’̷t̷ ̷s̷u̷p̷p̷o̷s̷e̷d̷ ̷t̷o̷ ̷h̷e̷a̷r̷ .”

Elizabeth collapsed. 

_______________

Sariel groaned, of course she’d been listening. Of course Elizabeth-sama had been listening, she never had grown out of her habit of intruding on issues that had nothing to do with her. Why? Why him? Why did the Supreme Deity have to send him? There was no point in asking this question because he knew why. Ludociel was too arrogant, and that would’ve been his downfall, as that demon could easily prod him enough for him to accidentally give something away. Tarmiel on the other hand had a mix of arrogance and stupidity, not that he’d ever say it aloud. Because Sariel actually was rather fond of Tarmiel. Out of the three remaining Archangels he was the best for this job and he knew it. His job was essentially to follow Elizabeth-sama around and do two things; watch over her and make sure she’s actually doing her job, and prod her in certain areas to infuriate her. He was to do this because the more emotional Elizabeth-sama was, the easier it was for the Supreme Deity’s magic to take effect on her. From what he understood the Supreme Deity wanted to, slowly piece by piece turn her back into her obedient daughter. She wanted to turn her into what she used to be, Bloodstained Ellie. Of course this would be a lot easier if that demon wasn’t almost always at her side. Sariel knew that demon didn’t trust him, and he wasn’t foolish enough to think that demon ever would. 

Sariel sighed again, as he picked Elizabeth-sama off the wooden floors. Honestly, he could understand why Elizabeth-sama had listened in. From what he understood, that human that would’ve been the first sacrifice on Elizabeth-sama path to return to perfection was someone that she had history with due to circumstances of her last incarnation as a human. 

Part of Sariel wished Elizabeth would understand and there would be no need to use magic to forcefully push her into submission, but she was too far gone. She was too far gone in the love she held for the demon. How anyone could love such a creature was beyond him. He wasn’t a creature deserving of love, especially Elizabeth-sama’s love. 

She’d understand one day Sariel hoped, and then there would be no need to use magic to make her obey. There was nothing he could do to change her mind anyway. He couldn’t change her opinion of the demon, himself, and the Supreme Deity. Well it didn’t matter now as according to the Supreme Deity it wouldn’t take too much more to get the spell in place. Which was fine. This was fine. If thousands of years of death couldn’t make Elizabeth-sama to obey willfully, then using magic was the next best option.  ̶A̶n̶y̶w̶a̶y̶,̶ ̶a̶n̶y̶t̶h̶i̶n̶g̶ ̶w̶a̶s̶ ̶b̶e̶t̶t̶e̶r̶ ̶t̶h̶a̶n̶ ̶s̶e̶e̶i̶n̶g̶ ̶s̶o̶m̶e̶o̶n̶e̶ ̶h̶e̶ ̶c̶a̶r̶e̶d̶ ̶a̶b̶o̶u̶t̶ ̶c̶o̶n̶t̶i̶n̶u̶o̶u̶s̶l̶y̶ ̶s̶u̶f̶f̶e̶r̶.̶ ̶

_______________

Elizabeth was falling, or at least she felt like she was, everything felt like it was spinning she didn't open her eyes. Everything thrust to a halt, abruptly and Elizabeth opened her eyes. 

Fields, golden fields of grass is where she stood. She knew this place, what was she doing here? These golden fields belonged to the Celestial Realm. What was she doing here? 

Elizabeth stared at the sky, and it started to flicker, to black to white, and from gray to green to various shades of red. Elizabeth looked around and watched her surroundings, as they melted and meshed into each other. No longer did she stand in the golden fields. Now she stood in halls of white, tall pillars lined the walls. A velvet carpet lay on the floor, leading up to a throne, and upon that throne sat, 

“Mother.” 

Elizabeth barely breathed, because there her Mother was sitting upon a throne looking down upon her, just as it had always been. 

Chapter Text

Elizabeth stood there frozen, looking up at her mother in fear. It was hard to breathe. Mother was here, in front of her. She couldn’t-

She couldn’t do this. 

Mother looked down at her with that piercing gaze of hers, those eyes , those eyes that saw all. 

Elizabeth stared, and the Supreme Deity, no Mother, she was always Mother no matter what, no matter how many times Elizabeth wished it wouldn’t be true. It always would be. She could never escape Mother, no matter how much she wished she could.  

“Mother…why am I here?” Elizabeth finally spoke, and it took a lot of effort, too much effort, not to stutter. She was afraid. Mother laughed; it was a soft laughter, but it was a chilling sound to Elizabeth.

“ Why? Sweet Elizabeth, I think you should know why. You haven’t been behaving yourself, and daughters who don’t obey get punished, don’t they?” Mother’s voice was sickeningly sweet as she said this, but Elizabeth knew better and flinched at her Mother’s words. 

She was terrified; she wanted to wake up. Her throat was dry, and she couldn’t bring herself to say a word. Once again, she was helpless and afraid, just like her last conversation with her Mother through the Horn of Cernunnos. When it came down to it, no matter how brave of a face she put on in front of others, she could never stand up to Mother. Not when it mattered. She hated herself; she hated it. Why was she like this? So useless. Why couldn’t she do anything when it really mattered? 

Elizabeth shook and lowered her head, squeezing her eyes shut. Her body shook and trembled; really, she was useless. She had always fooled herself that after 3,000 years, she would finally stand up to her Mother again. Despite that, she’d died last time, but she couldn’t; she just couldn’t; she was just so afraid. 

Footsteps are what she heard the sounds of Mother's heels on the carpeted floor. She stiffened, the footsteps stopped, Elizabeth could hardly breathe, and she was afraid to look up. She couldn’t suppress her flinch as her mother placed her hand on Elizabeth’s scalp, and Elizabeth held in a shaky breath. Mother started to rake down her scalp and then through her hair, and it hurt. It hurt, it hurt, it hurt. Elizabeth opened her eyes and quickly forced herself to look at Mother. 

“Elizabeth, Elizabeth, Elizabeth…why can’t you just be good ? Nice and obedient? Why must you disobey and leave such messes for your poor mother to clean up?” Mother spoke, staring into her eyes. A smile graced Mother’s face, and her tone was calm. But Elizabeth knew better. She knew Mother was anything but calm right now. Mother was angry. 

Elizabeth was afraid. 

Mother was in the smaller of her two forms, though despite this, she was still far taller than Elizabeth. Elizabeth had only seen Mother’s true form once giant, that towered over everything, with her face obscured by light in that form. She had that form in her first life, her very first existence out of one hundred and six of them, when she and Meliodas had tried to fight back against their parents. They hadn’t lasted very long, not in the grand scheme of things, but Mother made sure she felt excruciating pain before she killed her. But here, with her Mother in the form she was most used to, she was even more afraid than she had been then. It was just, it was just—she had so many bad memories of her mother like this. “Now, Elizabeth, I will make myself very clear here. I have run out of patience with your stalling .” 

Elizabeth’s heartbeat increased rapidly, 

“S-Stalling? Mother, I’m not- I wouldn’t-“ Elizabeth started, and then her voice died in her throat. She couldn’t speak. Her mother had silenced her. Of course, why wouldn’t she? Elizabeth had talked back after all? Elizabeth should know not to talk back to Mother; it only got her hurt. 

Mother laughed, a cruel, twisted sound that sent shivers down her spine. “Now, Elizabeth, that isn’t true because we both know you could wipe out every pathetic knight that kingdom of yours had if you wanted to. But you won’t do that, will you?” Elizabeth listened carefully to Mother’s words and didn’t dare to speak a word. Mother placed her hand underneath Elizabeth’s chin and gripped it tightly, and Elizabeth flinched at the touch. Mother was frowning at her, and Elizabeth could see. There was a clear frown etched across her Mother’s elegant features. 

Elizabeth shook, afraid that Mother was going to hurt her, but she didn’t dare look away from Mother. She stared into her mother’s eyes and watched as they glowed. Elizabeth watched Mother’s eyes glow and strangely felt exhausted all of a sudden. It was difficult to keep her eyes open. But still, she fought to keep her eyes open, and Mother’s frown grew. “Now, Elizabeth, don’t fight me on this. You’ve been misbehaving already, so just be good and sleep for me, Elizabeth,” Mother spoke, her voice calm and soft like she was trying to lull Elizabeth to sleep. 

She didn’t want to fall asleep to give Mother control, but she knew she had no choice. She never had a choice. Mother never gave her the option to choose. “Good girl. I’ll take it from here. Now, just go to sleep for a little bit, Elizabeth.” These were the last words Elizabeth heard her mother say before Elizabeth’s world faded into blackness. 

______

Elizabeth’s eyes opened, but it was merely Elizabeth's body, not the person herself. Yes, this was her foolish daughter's body; she was simply borrowing for the time being. She pushed herself out of the bed she was in and stood up as she stalked towards the mirror in the room. Staring in the mirror, she glanced at Elizabeth’s body; she noted that her eyes had changed to match that of her own on her old body. Instead of the orange with the symbol of the goddess clan, they were a vibrant blue, and with the symbol of the goddess clan in the center, only a vibrant yellow. 

Her eyes then flicked over the rest of her appearance, and her lips curled in disgust at the revealing outfit she was wearing—that demon's choice of clothing, no doubt. That accursed demon was a terrible influence on her daughter. Elizabeth had once been perfect, the perfect daughter. One that had been easy to mold and always obeyed her. Yet then that demon had lured Elizabeth away, stealing her heart and corrupting her. The only reason Elizabeth had been spared the punishment of immediate beheading was because Elizabeth was hers, and she’d make Elizabeth learn one way or another. Whether she had to force her down that path, she did not care. “Sariel.” She spoke, and a voice that came from Elizabeth’s throat was her own and certainly not Elizabeth’s; it was just one of the bonuses of possession, she supposed. Another bonus was the extra pair of wings on her lower back. They were not attached, but with their magic, she could increase the speed of flight, not that she’d actually need for it. 

“My lady, is it you? But that’s Elizabeth-sama’s body. How–” She waved her hand, and Sariel immediately stopped talking and lowered his head. She smiled, though she felt no happiness or satisfaction; after all, it was only natural that Sariel obeyed; he was below her; if he didn’t obey, then his head would be the next to fall. After all, there were plenty of other goddesses worthy of her grace. Sariel knew this; he knew he was nothing special. He knew if he showed her disrespect, he’d pay for it with his life. The only one who was allowed to show her any disrespect was Elizabeth—her Elizabeth, her daughter, was the only one she would consider somewhere close to an equal, but even then, she wasn’t; she was hers. Elizabeth belonged to her; she was her daughter, after all, and she was to do what she wished with her. It was cute, the way Elizabeth feared her yet would still bite back and argue. It is cute, like a dog trying to fight back against a human, but still fruitless. Though as cute as it was, she needed it to end. If Elizabeth had behaved, things would have been so much easier for them both. If only Elizabeth could understand that.

If Elizabeth were to behave now, maybe she could allow a small expectation and let keep a demon boy as a pet. Not the demon she was enthralled with now, though no, that boy, the wayward son of the Demon King, would die slowly by her hand for daring to lead her Elizabeth astray. She was sure if she looked hard enough, she might find a demon boy that looked enough like the Demon King’s spawn for Elizabeth to have. Her eyes once again fell towards Sariel who was kneeling on the floor in a sign of respect, as he should be. “Sariel, where is that demon now? I think I might tell him hello.” She spoke, a cruel smile growing on her face. 

“Meliodas has gone into the town near here in search of an idea, some kind of weapon.” Sariel quickly spoke, and she could hear the confusion in his voice, but he did not question her, which was as it should be. If only Elizabeth could be so obedient.

 “I see.” That was all she said at first, and she wondered for a moment how to greet that demon in the way that would cause him the most pain. Then it came to her, she’d beat him within a few inches of his life and then reveal the truth about what he was, who he was to his precious companions. “Sariel. Stay here, and know that when this body returns, it will be in Elizabeth’s control again, but don’t think for a second I won’t still be present.” 

Sariel merely kept his head bowed, “Understood.” 

______ 

Margaret was only at this festival because Veronica had failed to bring Elizabeth home, and Vivian, that woman whom she loathed, an emotion that was so unlike her, had forced her to come here and bring Elizabeth back herself. She was being watched, though she knew she couldn’t see it. However, she knew that creature was here watching her in Vivian’s place. Howzer was here with her, and Griamore was here too, under Veronica’s request. Veronica had been strangely adamant that Elizabeth was fine and that she’d come home when she was ready. But she had come here, and she hadn’t been able to find Elizabeth. But she had recognized the man currently on the stage, who had green eyes and blonde hair that was more yellow than blonde. Hair that was wild, almost fluffy, with two strands that stood up atop his head. Yes, Margaret knew this man; this was Meliodas, a criminal, though wrongly convicted—Captain of the Seven Deadly Sins. 

If Veronica was to be believed, which of course she believed her sister, Elizabeth was with Meliodas. So Margret looked at him, watching him fight with his friend, Ban, and wondered where Elizabeth was. Surely he wouldn’t abandon her, right? Not Meliodas, the man who had brought Elizabeth to them in the first place. The man who had joined the Holy Knights with the sole purpose of protecting her. So where was she? “Oh? It’s you.” A woman’s voice came from behind her, and she froze. The voice was elegant but scared her. Margret slowly turned, and her mouth dropped when she did. Standing there was a familiar figure with long silver hair, and her eyes were blue again. She had six wings instead of two, though the third pair wasn’t attached to her back. The clothes she wore were revealing and something Margret never thought she’d see this person wear. But it didn’t make sense because the voice she heard clearly didn’t belong to this person. 

Finally, Margret spoke, “Elizabeth?”