'It's been a long time, hasn't it, Captain of the Seven Deadly Sins?' said Hendrickson, looking down at Meliodas. They stood in front of each other, almost seeming relaxed, but you could feel the tension rolling off Meliodas in waves. 'It's just you two right now?'

'Yeah. We lost the others somewhere along the way,' said Meliodas.

'You think you can face me without them? Still confident as ever, aren't you?'

Keeping a careful eye on Hendrickson, you walked over to Arthur and crouched by his side. He was gazing at Meliodas with awe. There were scratches on his face but he didn't seem to be too hurt. But better safe than sorry.

'Are you hurt anywhere, Artie?' you asked.

The boy started. 'Ah, [Y/n]. Thank you for before.'

'No problem.' You smiled. 'It's only those cuts on your face, right?'

Arthur shrugged. 'Pretty much, so there's no need for you to - hey!'

You just grinned wider as the scratches faded.

'Where are you keeping Elizabeth?' Meliodas's angry voice broke your smile like an egg. 'Give her back to us.'

Hendrickson's face didn't change. 'I'm afraid that's not possible.'

Well. Tried the easy way. Meliodas jumped and aimed a kick at Hendrickson's face but Hendrickson blocked it with one hand. It appeared to be a feint, however, as Meliodas began to swing his sword furiously at Hendrickson. But Hendrickson dodged every swipe before countering with a vicious punch.

The attack didn't connect, Meliodas blocked it with his sword and scabbard, but it did push him back. All the way back to where you were still crouching by Arthur.

Arthur gasped and turned to you. You gave him one last smile before standing, drawing your own sword.

¾

'Lady [Y/n]! Have you seen Gilthunder?'

You turned and saw Princess Margaret running towards you, her soft purple hair trailing behind her, her skirts bunched in her hands.

'Good morning, your highness,' you said with a smile.

'Ah, yes, good morning.' Margaret bobbed a quick curtsy. 'Do you know where Gilthunder is?'

'He's training with Meliodas. Shall we go and get them?'

Margaret nodded and the two of you set off through the castle. You walked in silence. Margaret was fidgeting at your side, twisting the material of her skirt in her hands. You didn't ask what was wrong, knowing she'd tell you sooner or later.

'Why does Gil train so much?' she asked eventually.

Ah. So that's it. 'Are you jealous, your highness?'

'No,' said Margaret, too fast and too loud.

You laughed. 'He wants to be -'

'I know he wants to be a Holy Knight,' Margaret interrupted you, 'but so do Howzer and Griamore and they don't train as much as Gil does.'

'If you'd let me finish, your highness, Gilthunder wants to be your knight.'

A blush blossomed on Margaret's cheeks. 'My knight?'

'That's right.' You nodded.

'The same way Sir Meliodas is your knight?'

'If that's what you want.'

'I would like that very much.' Margaret's voice was so quiet you barely heard it.

The sound of wooden practice swords clashing reached your ears. They really were going at it hard. You knew Meliodas wouldn't take it easy on Little Gil, but even so. They had started practice before dawn and it was almost lunch.

Just as you were about to exit the castle into the grounds where the training was taking place, you realised Margaret wasn't at your side anymore. You looked around, frowning, before spotting the princess a few steps back.

'Is something the matter, princess?' you asked, taking a step towards her.

'It's just ... Sir Meliodas is your knight and you're Sir Meliodas's knight as well. I want to protect Gil too, but I'm not allowed to be a knight,' said Margaret.

You smiled at her. 'Highness, you know the Knight's Code, right?'

Margaret nodded.

'Only one bit of that is about using a sword. Because being a knight is about more than fighting. It's about helping people and being good. Sometimes fighting isn't the answer. You're strong, your highness. You're good.'

'But,' said Margaret, 'what if I'm not strong enough?'

'Do you want to know a secret, highness? A way to become stronger?'

Margaret nodded again.

'Be strong for someone else. Fighting for yourself is easy, but you'll never be as strong as when you're fighting for someone you love.'

The princess looked up at you with wide eyes.

You put a hand on her head and ruffled her hair. 'So, if the day comes when you need to protect Gilthunder, you will become the strongest knight in the kingdom. Stronger than me and Meliodas combined.'

Margaret giggled. She fixed her hair and then linked arms with you.

'So,' you said. 'Shall we go and tell those silly boys it's time for a break?'

'We shall.'

Outside, the training session had come to a halt. You saw Meliodas looking quite at ease. He could've just stepped out of bed or out of the bath. He did not look like he'd been training at all. Little Gil, on the other hand, was slumped on the floor, panting and sweating.

'I'm never gonna make it,' you heard Little Gil say. 'After all, there's no one stronger than you, [Y/n] and father. Who can compete with that? I know I can't.'

'Come on now,' said Meliodas. 'First you've gotta do something about that negative attitude.'

Margaret let go of your arm and stepped towards Little Gil. 'Your eyes can see through evil. Your mouth speaks only truth. Your heart is filled with justice. Your sword will crush the wicked,' she recited. 'To stand by what you believe is right until the very end, isn't that the most important thing when you're a knight?'

'Oh, Margaret,' said Little Gil, watching the princess walk closer.

You walked up to Meliodas. He smiled at you and tapped you on the head with his training sword. You batted him away before turning to watch the princess and knight-in-training.

Aren't they cute? you said to Meliodas.

They're so into each other it's gross.

You elbowed Meliodas in the side and he snickered.

Little Gil got to his feet.

'Nothing else matters,' said Margaret. '[Y/n], Meliodas and your father play no part in it. After all, you're you. There's no doubt in my mind that you'll be the kindest, strongest Holy Knight of all. That's honestly what I believe.'

Gilthunder nodded.

'Geez,' said Meliodas, folding his arms. 'Get a room you two.'

You giggled at Margaret and Little Gil as they blushed.

¾

Arthur got to his feet behind you and drew his sword too. You heard the metal scrape. But you didn't take your eyes off Hendrickson.

Thunder began to rumble. A single black cloud formed in the otherwise calm sky. It grew, lightning crackling.

'A storm cloud?' said Arthur.

He's coming, you said.

Yes. Meliodas's voice was grim. Are you ready?

Are you?

A single bolt of lightning raced through the air. And Gilthunder was there. Meliodas blocked Gilthunder's attack without looking at him. Electricity crackled through the air, raising the hair on your arms. The smell of ozone burnt your nostrils.

Gilthunder attacked again, going for Meliodas's back. They exchanged blow after blow. Meliodas leapt back to give himself some room. Gilthunder followed. Their swords locked, sparks flying, lightning flashing. Gilthunder kicked Meliodas in the chest and your husband went flying. He tumbled through the air but was caught by Arthur, who had jumped to intercept him.

They landed lightly beside you, the three of you facing Gilthunder and Hendrickson.

'Were you planning on fighting today, [Y/n]?' Meliodas asked.

You laughed. 'You two need time to bond, right?'

'Not that I don't want to, but could we bond after the fight?' said Arthur.

'Only if you lend us a hand, Artie,' you said with a grin.

'It would be my pleasure.' Arthur turned to Meliodas. 'By the way, my name's Arthur Pendragon. I've heard about you for years.'

'Cool,' said Meliodas. 'But we're chatting after we win, right?'

'Right.'

'Okay then.' Meliodas raised his voice. 'Let's pick up where we left off, Little Gil.'

'I'm only doing what I must, nothing more,' said Gilthunder, the lightning still sparking around his blade.

'I'll warn you now, I'm not going to hold back.' And Meliodas was gone, nothing more than a streak of colour blurring towards Gilthunder.

The two collided. Their swords met. The blast of power rippled through the air, blowing back your hair. A bright white light blinded you but it faded quickly. Meliodas and Gilthunder's swords were moving so fast you couldn't see them. But you could hear them clashing against each other.

'The speed of their strikes is unbelievable,' said Arthur from your side. He was watching the battle with wide eyes, his mouth slightly agape. 'And they're barely trying. Amazing.'

You turned and blocked the sword aiming for Arthur's neck. Hendrickson blurred into view. His eyes were cold, unfeeling. Arthur gasped but you ignored him. Hendrickson went to attack again but you kicked at his wrist and his swing went wide. He stopped and surveyed you.

'I have unfinished business with King Arthur. So, if you don't mind,' said Hendrickson.

'Actually, I do mind,' you said, the tip of your sword pointing unwaveringly at Hendrickson's face.

Behind you, Meliodas and Gilthunder fought on. You heard Meliodas's defiant yell. Felt the shocks of Gilthunder's strikes. But you didn't turn from Hendrickson. Until the black flames started to flicker around your fingers. They weren't as strong or dark as usual, but they were still there.

Meliodas's eyes weren't green. The twisting crest was on his forehead, the darkness growing on his arms. It was concentrated on his fingers which he had used to stop Gilthunder's strike.

'Wait, he just stopped that thunderbolt attack using his fingers?' said Arthur in disbelief.

As you watched, Meliodas's sword returned to its scabbard.

'Not only that,' Arthur continued, 'what's this change in Sir Meliodas?'

'It's his demonic power emerging,' said Hendrickson.

Arthur turned, but you were too slow. Too slow to stop the elbow Hendrickson jabbed at Arthur. The two faced each other and you stood, torn between helping Meliodas and helping Arthur. The black flames were still dancing around your fingers but it seemed different than the other times. You could still feel Meliodas. He was trying to control it.

'His demonic power?' asked Arthur.

'No need for me to explain it to a dead man,' said Hendrickson with a wicked smirk. The blade of his sword turned into one of black flames. 'Burn!' He swung at Arthur and the flames grew, hitting Arthur and pushing him back.

'Ow, that's really hot!' Arthur tried to put out the fire on his shoulder. 'Not those black flames again.'

Seeing Arthur's face twisted in pain pushed you into action. Light grew in one hand and you got ready to lob it at Arthur but then there was a sword in your way. You just managed to stop it slicing your arm off. The light went out.

'Not so fast,' said Hendrickson. 'My last attempt was thwarted, but this time you'll both be ashes.'

'This is bad,' said Arthur, still trying desperately to stop the fire. 'They won't go out.'

You gritted your teeth. Hendrickson didn't stop fighting. He wasn't trying to kill you, just keep you distracted enough that you couldn't help Arthur. And it was starting to get on your nerves.

Before anything more could happen, though, you heard Arthur gasp. Hendrickson gasped too, his attacks stopping momentarily. You looked over your shoulder to see what had happened.

A figure in a purple robe had appeared at Arthur's side. They were floating a few feet in the air. You knew who it was, her familiar power washing over you.

'You got here just in time to save me,' said Arthur. 'Thanks.' He got to his feet. 'Did you finish off the others?' Nothing was said, but Arthur seemed to have gotten an answer. He got into a fighting stance. 'I appreciate your help, but I won't need anymore.'

Hendrickson scoffed. His sword was once again covered in black flamed. 'What a fool.'

Meanwhile, the black flames on your hand had disappeared. Meliodas's eyes were green again and he was still fighting Gilthunder.

Is Margaret here yet? he asked.

No, but Merlin is.

You heard Meliodas huff. Keep me posted.

¾

Somewhere not too far away, Ban was looking into the darkness. The air was cold and musty. He stared at the dark and didn't flinch. This was what he had come for.

¾

Elizabeth woke up on the floor. It was not comfortable.

'Where am I?' She sat up and looked around the room. It was big and well-lit for a change. 'Margaret, where are you? You here, Hawk? Anybody?'

Something creaked and Elizabeth gasped. She wasn't alone. There was a bed. And there was someone on that bed.

'Is that you, Elizabeth?' said a voice Elizabeth hadn't heard in a long time. 'Could it truly be you?'

Elizabeth stood up. 'Father!'

And then she was running into his arms.

'Oh, my dear girl.' His deep voice rumbled in her ears. His warm arms wrapped around her.

'Oh, father.'

'Thank goodness you're safe. I never thought I'd be holding you like this again.' Her father started to cough. They didn't sound loud or particularly harsh, but his face twisted in pain.

'Please don't strain yourself,' said Elizabeth quickly, her hands fluttering over his body, wanting to help but unsure how.

'I suggest you enjoy your touching reunion while you can,' said a voice Elizabeth didn't want to hear. Her hands gripped the bedsheets but then Elizabeth took a deep breath and turned to face the mage who had once again appeared out of nowhere. 'Because this will be the last time. Your beloved Sins will meet their ends at my sweet Knight's hands any minute now.'

Elizabeth eyes widened. 'They must be here. Sir Meliodas and [Y/n] came for me.'

For just a second, Elizabeth couldn't see the mage in her twisted helmet. She couldn't hear her father's raspy breaths. There was only a warmth and relief. But the feeling was broken when the mage huffed a derisive snort.

'We'll see how long you'll be able to keep that twinkle in your eye.'

¾

'Please leave Hendrickson to me,' said Arthur.

You looked at him. His eyes were steely. His hands weren't shaking. You had seen that look on his face before. He wasn't even considering losing. Before you could fully decide, though, Arthur was speaking again.

'Besides,' he said, 'you have something else to do, right? I can see it in your eyes. So please, [Y/n], put your faith in me once more.'

'Oh, Artie,' you said with a soft smile. 'It never left.'

'This is pathetic.' Hendrickson sneered. 'I am quite capable of killing you both.'

He shot towards you, sword drawn. You watched him come and smirked. And, just before he reached you, you rocketed into the sky. You watched with glee as Hendrickson stumbled and Arthur began to attack but you turned away from them to where Meliodas was still battling Gilthunder.

They were both fighting hard, their faces screwed up in concentration. Gilthunder's lightning crackled around you in the air and you had to be careful. Meliodas cast Full Counter and you dodged the rebound. Gilthunder's next attack tore through the ground. Dust and debris rose into the air. You knew that. You could feel smaller rocks hitting you. You could taste the dust dry in your mouth. But it was all nothing. Because the strike had hit Meliodas and you had taken the pain.

Sometimes I doubt your plan making abilities.

¾

They were practicing again. Gilthunder had barely finished his food before he was asking Meliodas to spar. But [Y/n] had made him sit and let his stomach settle first. Gilthunder didn't like that. He hadn't sat still, his feet tapping, his fingers tapping.

After half an hour, [Y/n] had released them with a sigh, and Gilthunder tore out of the castle before Meliodas had even stood up. So Meliodas had given [Y/n] a quick kiss goodbye and followed the pink-haired boy into the grounds.

So now they were here. Meliodas fought Little Gil one handed, the wooden practice blade in a light grip (well, light for Meliodas. Gilthunder still couldn't disarm him). The only sounds were Little Gil's grunts and the knocking of wood.

'So how would you parry this?' asked Meliodas, thrusting his weapon at Gilthunder. Gilthunder blocked it. 'Hey, good job there. Keep it up.'

But Little Gil relaxed his stance. His face crumpled.

Meliodas's eyes widened. 'Hey, what's wrong?'

'Are you leaving on another expedition?' said Gilthunder quietly.

'Have to. Just following your dad's orders.' Meliodas rested the wooden sword on his shoulder.

'He said it'd be a long one.'

Meliodas looked away from Little Gil. 'Yeah, there's a chance it could be.' He hoped it would be. He was itching to fight.

You don't have to fight every day, you know.

Meliodas snickered at the exasperation in [Y/n]'s voice. He could almost hear her eyes rolling.

'If so, then please take me along with you!'

'Come on,' said Meliodas wryly. 'Do you have any idea what you're saying? I mean, it could take years before we get back.'

Little Gil gripped his sword tighter. 'It's just ... if you leave and I stay the way I am right now, then that's it. This is the strongest I'll ever be.' Tears rolled down his cheeks. 'And if that's what happens then I'll never ... never -'

Meliodas hit him on the head. Gilthunder grunted.

'Chill out, bro,' said Meliodas. This kid. So pure and earnest. So ready to grow up.

Gilthunder stumbled backwards. 'Ow.'

'What's the one thing you should be doing?' said Meliodas, putting his hand on his hip.

'Well that's easy: protecting Margaret.'

'Exactly. So are you gonna abandon your duty just to come with me?'

Little Gil frowned. 'Guess not.'

'Look, you have a responsibility to her now, and that's what's most important.'

'But if I continue to stay the way I am ...'

Meliodas smiled. 'You worried? Fine. I'll teach you some magic words to help you out.'

'Some magic words?'

¾

You winced and rubbed at the spot Gilthunder's attack landed. The pain wasn't awful, more like a dull ache. Maybe there was something to be said for electrical attacks numbing their opponents.

'Over here!' shouted Meliodas. You spun in mid-air and saw that you husband was almost level with you. His feet were planted ankle-deep in the wall of a tower. 'Little Gil, you sure you're not going to regret going against me like this?'

Through the clearing dust, you could see Gilthunder staring up at Meliodas with icy blue eyes.

'Your eyes can see through wickedness. Your mouth utters only truth. Your heart is filled with justice. Your sword shall crush evil.' Gilthunder recited the words firmly, his voice unwavering. 'From the first day I learnt the Knight's Code, I haven't forgotten a word. But the Seven Deadly Sins turned their backs on that code and betrayed the country, and so I'll say this once more to you. I am now more powerful than any of the Seven Deadly Sins.'

Maybe you were imagining it or maybe it was the dust in the air, but you swore you could see pain on Little Gil's face. It made your heart squeeze and your fingers clench and you wanted nothing more than to swoop down and pull him into a hug. But you had a plan – or something resembling a plan – and it involved no hugs until the end.

Meliodas nodded. 'All right then. Why don't we finish this?' And he jumped.

The bricks crumbled and fell with Meliodas. He was headed straight for Gilthunder. Their swords met. Gilthunder's elbow hit Meliodas in the face. They were both attacking with everything they had.

You hovered above them in the air. Sometimes you had to dodge stray lightning strikes but you mostly kept your eyes focussed on the fight. You were taking all Meliodas's pain so he could be ready when the time came. You were also waiting. Because you knew she would come.

Meliodas's clothes were ripped and dirty. There were scratches on his face and hands. Anyone watching would think he was suffering but you knew Meliodas was fine. Well, he was feeling guilty.

A dark heat rippled up your body and you gasped. Hendrickson had just entered the fight. Meliodas had only just managed to dodge the slash, a few blond strands fluttered to the ground.

'So,' said Hendrickson, 'you managed to dodge that.'

Your eyes widened and darted around frantically. When you spotted him you sank a few feet with relief. Arthur was still alive. He was bleeding quite profusely from a wound on his head but his eyes were open. And she was hovering by his side again, ready, you knew, to protect.

'I tried my best to try to buy some more time for you,' Arthur muttered, 'but I'm a disgrace.'

'Don't sweat it. Just rest up,' Meliodas called to him.

Hendrickson zipped to Meliodas's blind spot. 'Let's go.'

And they were fighting. Attack. Parry. Thrust. Dodge. As you watched from above, you found yourself shifting, unconsciously moving into positions you would use if you were down on the ground. But you stayed where you were. Waiting.

Gilthunder came out of nowhere. His fist collided with Meliodas's cheek and Meliodas was sent flying. He crashed into the ground, carving a channel into the street. You braced for the pain but it didn't come.

What are you doing? you cried.

Sorry. Meliodas's voice was strained. Force of habit.

The pain hit then. You shivered. This plan had better work.

Hey, when have my plans failed?

You pursed your lips. I have a list. It's long.

¾

Elizabeth watched the mage through narrowed eyes. There had to be something she could do, some way she could help her friends. But, before she could think of anything, the mage spoke.

'I've been invited as well,' said the mage. 'As a special courtesy, I'll bid those Sins of yours farewell for you.'

'I don't think so,' said Elizabeth. 'They'll win.'

The mage laughed. When she spoke, her voice was mocking. 'Keep praying then, cradled in the warmth of your daddy's arms.' And she was gone, disappearing in a shower of golden sparkles.

Elizabeth blinked and the sparkles faded. She tightened her grip on her father's bedsheets. They will win. She knew it.

¾

Someone was in the air with you. It was the mage, the one who had taken Elizabeth. She hadn't seen you yet, too busy focussing on Meliodas. How you wished to use her ignorance to attack her, but you stayed where you were.

Meliodas, that mage is here. They must have called her somehow.

Below, Meliodas's head whipped around. I see her.

But before he could do anything, the mage cast a spell.

'Freeze Coffin.'

Meliodas was caught in ice and you were caught in the cold. It wrapped around you, a frigid fist that made the air burn in your throat. It was only there for a second - Meliodas broke through the ice no problem – but the goosebumps stayed on your arms.

Hendrickson attacked and Meliodas was pushed back towards Gilthunder.

'It's over,' said Little Gil, his sword at the ready.

Meliodas narrowed his eyes. 'Yeah right!' He began to spin, a deadly tornado blurring towards Gilthunder.

Gilthunder was pushed back so he cast another spell. It shot towards Meliodas, a giant bolt of lightning that ripped and crackled through the air.

'Full Counter,' shouted Meliodas.

'Bend Room,' said the mage.

Just before it reached Meliodas, the lightning bolt changed direction. Now it was heading for Meliodas's back. You gritted your teeth. Everything that mage did made you dislike her more and more.

The attack hit Meliodas. You grunted, dodging fingers of lightning that streaked through the sky. This wasn't over yet.

¾

Lightning ripped through the sky. The ground rumbled with blasts from far away. King watched it all from the sky. If he squinted, he swore he could see a figure up in the air weaving through the lightning. Was that ... [Y/n]?

'Those shockwaves look pretty intense,' he muttered, clutching Chastiefol tighter.

'From what I can assess, it seems the captain and [Y/n] are facing three opponents,' said Gowther. If he was concerned, King couldn't tell.

Diane, leaning heavily on Gideon, turned to King. 'All right, King. The way things are going, you'd better get to them.'

King floated up to look her in the eyes. 'But I can't leave you here.'

'Just go!'

Narrowing his eyes, King turned back to face the direction of the battle. 'I think they'll be all right. That attack just now didn't seem to cause the captain any pain at all. It looks like he meant to take it. I wonder what they're waiting for.'

¾

Something was weird. Hendrickson's dark power, which you had been feeling nonstop since the battle began, appeared to be getting stronger. That didn't seem right. You frowned as you watched him fight.

Gilthunder's sword flashed through the air, cutting Meliodas's scabbard in two. Now Hendrickson was there, sending a blast of power that hit Meliodas full on. You gritted your teeth, trying to think through the pain. This extra darkness seemed new. It was different but similar. Smaller but strong. Oh. It must be-

Another attack hit Meliodas and your back arched involuntarily. You did your best not to cry out. Your objective was so close. Hendrickson, Gilthunder and the mage had been ignoring you for all this time. You didn't know if it was because they were saving you for later or if they'd forgotten you, but either way, them ignoring you was crucial now more than ever. So you kept quiet as the pain ripped through your body.

'He's not turning into a demon or even fighting back.' The mage's voice tunnelled through the ringing in your ears.

'He must have something up his sleeve,' said Hendrickson and you felt your lips twitch. 'But we're gonna stop him first.'

Through the dust, you could see Meliodas. His shirt was torn and there was blood running down his forehead. But his stance was strong, his gaze was steady. He was ready.

Which was good. Because, out of the corner of your eye, you saw her.

Margaret stood tall, a dark smudge against the sky. Her black dress whipped around her in the wind and her hair blew back from her face. She was on the parapets of a nearby tower, her face screwed up in desperation.

'Gilthunder,' she called, 'please stop this!'

'One Thousand Divine Cuts.' Meliodas's attack.

'Lightning King Sword.' Gilthunder's attack.

'Enchant Hell Blaze.' Hendrickson's attack.

'Destroy Four Elements.' The mage's attack.

And your voice, soft. I've got her.

The attacks combined and flew at Meliodas. He leapt and turned in mid-air, facing the same way as you. Facing the oldest princess. Facing Margaret as she stepped off the tower into nothingness.

Margaret fell. You tensed.

I see it, said Meliodas.

The black flames on Meliodas's sword ripped through the ground and up the tower. Bricks flew and you dived, your arms curving around Margaret just as the flames reached her. You tugged her away and Meliodas's attack hit it, that darkness you had felt, the creature that was watching Margaret. It screamed. It died.

You heard Meliodas laugh in triumph. And then the attacks hit. You braced yourself but the pain didn't come.

Plan's over. Told you it would work.

You just rolled your eyes, shifting the princess in your arms so she was more secure. You looked down at her face and whispered to her, not knowing if she could hear, 'Well done, Strongest and Bravest Holy Knight.'

Meliodas hit the ground hard. Even though he was keeping the pain, you could still feel it. It was bad. Hendrickson blurred towards Meliodas, his sword pointing straight at Meliodas's eyes. Your hands were full. You watched with wide eyes -

¾

Meliodas put his hands on his hips and smiled at Little Gil. 'Whenever you feel like you can't win and there's nobody around to lean on, just say these magic words.'

'Sure.' Little Gil nodded.

'I am now more powerful than any of the Seven Deadly Sins.' Meliodas clenched his fist.

Gilthunder repeated the words hesitantly 'I am now more powerful than any ...'

¾

- as Hendrickson's sword arm was cut off.

Time seemed to stop. All you could hear was your heartbeat in your ears. All you could see was Hendrickson's severed arm spinning through the air still clutching his sword. Gilthunder had saved Meliodas.

'Can't believe it,' said Gilthunder softly. 'You've released the curse that's imprisoned me for years. Heroes as always.'

Meliodas smiled.

'Um, [Y/n]?' Arthur's voice in your ear broke through your reverie.

'Hm?' You looked around and spotted him right next to you. Had he shrunk? Oh, no, you were just hovering a few inches in the air. 'Can you take the princess for me, Artie?'

'Sure.' He nodded.

Margaret had fallen unconscious sometime after her fall. Her head lolled against Arthur's shoulder as you let her go. With one last reassuring smile at Arthur, you rushed to Meliodas's side.

Hendrickson's face was pure anger as he growled in frustration. 'Gilthunder! You would betray your own?' Black flames danced around his remaining hand.

'I haven't betrayed anyone,' said Little Gil fiercely. 'After all, from the very beginning, I was never one of you.'

The mage was knocked back by this declaration. 'Gil!'

If it was possible, Hendrickson's eyebrows grew closer together. 'You bastard!' And he charged, the hand covered with flames cutting towards Gilthunder.

Gilthunder dodged it easily. Hendrickson stumbled, his eyes wide. You gripped Meliodas's shoulder, ready to drag him away or shield him at a moment's notice.

But there was no need.

Gilthunder smiled at the two of you over his shoulder. 'Meliodas, [Y/n], please allow me to handle the rest. I can finally take revenge on my father's murderer.' Gilthunder's words seemed at odds with the almost serene smile on his face. Lightning started to flicker around his body. 'You don't know how long I've waited for this.'

And he disappeared in a blur of pink, silver and blue. Gilthunder slammed into Hendrickson. Hendrickson fell back, bouncing on the stone floor, his grunts barely audible over the smashing of the paving stones. Before Hendrickson could come to a stop, Gilthunder was there again, his sword cutting into Hendrickson. Blood splattered. And still Gilthunder attacked. He was unrelenting. Hendrickson was tossed through the air like a ragdoll, not getting the chance to attack or land on solid ground.

You watched it all with wide eyes, not realising how tight your grip on Meliodas's shirt was until his warm hand covered yours.

Sorry. Your fingers relaxed slightly as you looked into his eyes.

Meliodas's other hand curved round your body and touched the spot between your eyebrows, smoothing out furrows you couldn't see. You relaxed a little more and smiled at him.

You know what it means, right?

You tilted your head. What?

When Gilthunder finished Hendrickson, we get to see Elizabeth again.

A jolt ran through your body. Your head whipped round, spotting Gilthunder and Hendrickson. Gilthunder was yelling defiantly. He powered up and his next attack filled with all his hatred and revenge and sadness, and slammed his sword into Hendrickson.

Hendrickson yelled. His eyes bugged out. His mouth stretched. His body shuddered as volts ran through him. Gilthunder didn't waver once.

'Now accept every ounce of my rage!' Gilthunder's shout was so loud you could swear it shook the ground. The lightning grew and so did Hendrickson's shrieks of agony. There was so much electricity it made your hair stand on end.

And, in one blinding flash, it was over. All the darkness was gone.

You blinked. You blinked again. Gilthunder was walking over to you and Meliodas. He stopped a few feet in front of you, watching silently as you both got to your feet, arms still around each other.

'Meliodas, [Y/n],' he said, 'I'm so sor -'

But he never got to finish. You ran forwards and threw your arms around him. He'd gotten so big since you last hugged him. Little Gil. His arms wrapped around you and you felt warm tears run down your cheeks. You hugged him tighter, wishing he wasn't wearing armour. But, eventually, you took a step back and looked up at him with a wide grin, brushing the tears from your face.

Meliodas, who had walked up behind you, jumped up and hit Gilthunder on the head. 'Don't be stupid,' he said with a cheeky grin.

You have to jump to hit him on the head now.

Shut up.

Clanking footsteps drew your attention and you turned to see Arthur, still holding Princess Margaret, and the purple-robed mage coming towards you. Gilthunder took the princess and sank to the floor, gently pushing back a lock of her purple hair. You squealed and hit Meliodas on the back. Princess Margaret's eyes fluttered and opened.

'Hello, Margaret,' said Little Gil. You didn't know if you could smile wider.

'It's you,' said Margaret. 'Oh, Gil.' And, amongst the rubble and debris, they embraced. You were still hitting Meliodas so he caught your hand in his before turning to Arthur.

'Gotta say, you're a lifesaver,' Meliodas said with a smile. 'Thanks a lot.'

'Well, actually it was thanks to her.' Arthur gestured towards the lady at his shoulder. The purple star on your wrist flickered.

'How-' said the other mage, interrupting your moment. 'When did you realise this?'

'Oh, about Little Gil?' said Meliodas. 'Back when we met up in the Forest of White Dreams.'

'What was that?'

Gilthunder got to his feet, helping up Margaret and holding her close.

'Honestly, the minute I heard the magic words I taught him all those years ago, I knew his every move was being watched and that someone really important to him had been taken hostage.'

You folded your arms. 'And when it comes to Gilthunder, "someone really important" usually always means Princess Margaret.'

Gilthunder coughed. You shot him a wink.

'You knew it all from the beginning?' said the mage. 'That's a lie. You were fighting with everything you'd got!'

'Well, Little Gil was putting his life on the line for the woman that he loves,' said Meliodas. 'So putting my own life on the line too was just me being a good buddy.'

The mage started to shake. She clenched her fists. 'Impossible. It can't end like this. I won't allow it!' She spread her arms wide.

The air flickered.

And now you, Meliodas, Arthur, Little Gil, Princess Margaret and the robed mage were in a desert. The heat fell on you like a boulder. A scorching wind tossed up the sand, stinging your exposed skin.

'Look at this,' said Arthur in awe.

'Uh, guys, where are we?' said Meliodas, tensing.

The air flickered.

And now you were in a forest. Humongous trees grew all around. The air filtered down greenly though thick foliage. It smelt like rain.

Margaret gasped and Gilthunder held her closer.

The air flickered.

And now you were in the snow. The cold nipped at your fingers, bit your cheeks and pinched your nose. You stepped closer to Meliodas instinctively. The wind wrapped around you like a blanket of ice.

The air flickered.

A giant waterfall roared behind you. So loud. It sounded like a thousand drums falling down a cliff. Water droplets clung to your clothes.

'Which world would you like to die in?' said the mage.

The air flickered. The star on you wrist shone brighter.

A giant scaly creature stole her staff and the mage gasped. You watched as the creature opened its mouth to swallow her whole. The mage screamed.

Everything froze.

The mage turned and saw the purple-robed mage right behind her.

'You pathetic excuse for a mage!' The mage flew forwards but the purple robes turned into a purple tornado.

'You're always losing your head and getting into a rage,' said a smooth voice from inside the swirling wind. 'Thought I told you to kick that habit, Vivian my apprentice.'

The mage, Vivian, gasped. 'That boar symbol on your neck. The Scarlet Boar. You're - you're -'

'So she was with you all along, Arthur,' said Meliodas, his hands on his hips. 'It's all coming together now.' He looked at you and grinned. 'A kid named Arthur.'

The wind died down revealing, in all her glory, a very old friend of yours.

'The Seven Deadly Sins Merlin. The Boar Sin.'

¾

Hawk walked through the dark. His trotter-steps echoed. It was cold.

'Looks like this is another basement,' he said to himself. 'The stupid lady in the mask. This is a crisis and what are the rest of them doing to help?' Hawk scoffed. 'Those guys are so useless. Now that it's come to this, in the name of the captain of the Order of Scraps Disposal, I'm gonna have to rescue Elizabeth by myself.'

A loud bang tore through the room. Hawk's heart tried to leave his chest. He ran to hide. Someone was coming. Someone powerful.

¾

The first door had led to darkness and stairs.Ban walked down the stairs and found another door. He opened it and steppedinto a cold, empty room. His footsteps echoed as he walked. He looked up. He hadfound it.

~~

Chapter 20. Celebrate. Have some cake. 🎂