Hendrickson got up. He landed in front of you, the force blowing back your hair and the tatters of your clothes. His ruined arm fixed itself with popping and cracking noises that rose goosebumps on your spine. Hendrickson didn't get to finish, though, because Meliodas punched him in the jaw.

Hendrickson flew into the air only to be smacked with Gideon. Diane's attack sent Hendrickson into the cliff wall at such force dust rose and obscured him. But only for a second. Now Hendrickson was flying, an ugly misshapen bird tearing through the sky. He didn't get to fly very far though. Chastiefol came out of nowhere, spearing Hendrickson like a fish and sending him crashing back to earth.

'Incredible.' The knights around you were in awe. 'They're even more powerful than the legend said.'

'Sir Meliodas?' Elizabeth asked from back where she stood beside Margaret.

Meliodas turned to her. 'It's okay, 'cause thanks to you, our stamina is back up to where it was before we started. So you can just leave the rest to us. For now I think it's best if you stay here with Hawk.'

Elizabeth nodded, her eyes glistening with tears.

You didn't linger beside Elizabeth and Hawk because Hendrickson had just gotten up. Again. He was currently finishing putting his arm back to normal.

Ugh. For once it'd be nice if a demon stayed down when they were punched, you muttered.

Melidoas rolled his eyes. Like you're one to talk.

'No way,' said Diane. 'It doesn't even seem like we hurt him at all.'

'Damn,' said Ban with a scowl. 'I ripped that arm off, but it looks like it didn't take. This guy's turning out to be a bigger pain in the ass than I thought.'

'We're not finished yet,' you said. You turned. 'Gowther, spread the word. We're gonna do the attack we talked about.'

'[Y/n].' There was sadness in King's voice. His shoulders began to tremble. 'Gowther's not ... um ...'

Headless Gowther sat up. One hand held his head beneath his arm and the other searched through the flowers for something.

Diane and King screamed, clutching each other.

'Now where are my glasses?' Gowther's head muttered as he searched. You wished he'd reattach his head before talking.

'He's still alive?' King cried.

Evidently Gowther must have found his glasses, because when he turned to face you all they were once again perched on his nose.

'There.' Gowther posed. 'Roger that, [Y/n].' His left hand pressed against his temple, the other pointed away from him. 'Tap. Broadcast.'

A short beam of light burst from his fingers and sped through the air. It collided with Ban, Diane and King before zipping off to the other Holy Knights. As their shocked gasps filled the air, you knew what they were seeing: the plans you had discussed with Gowther projected fully formed into their minds.

'Is this seriously our plan?' said Ban and you smirked.

'Captain, are you sure about this?' said Diane, one hand pressed to her head.

Meliodas ignored both of them. 'All right, everyone.' He crossed his arms in front of his chest. 'Time to get started.'

A dark fog started to surround Meliodas. It billowed through the air, distorting the landscape, before flowing directly into the ring on your left hand. The power made you shiver. It felt like your blood was fizzing and your hair was standing on end. The ring began to glow. Meliodas stood up straight.

'You disabled your powers.' Hendrickson frowned. 'What do you think you're doing?'

In answer, Meliodas attacked. Hendrickson dodged the sword and punched. Meliodas caught the fist in one hand and flipped, throwing Hendrickson to the ground. Hendrickson didn't get up fast enough. Meliodas jumped, landing knees-first right on Hendrickson's stomach.

'Hey, King, what should we do?' Diane asked frantically.

King clenched his fists. 'I know. He needs our help out there.'

You smiled. They were so loyal. But you'd prepared for that too. So, with only slightly trembling hands, you raised your arms. 'Ark!' The light burst from your fingertips, surrounding Meliodas and Hendrickson in a glowing sphere.

'[Y/n]!' You ignored the disbelieving cries of the people around you, hoping they'd follow your example.

You saw Meliodas grit his teeth. You saw Hendrickson stumble. You forced your hands closer together and the sphere got smaller and shone brighter. Hendrickson fell. Meliodas's skin started to blister. The sphere disappeared.

'Why did she do that?' Hendrickson muttered. 'Could her aim be off from before?'

Diane turned to you. 'How could you, [Y/n]?'

'Had to, Diane.' You panted. Your ring was practically vibrating your arm off and glowing like the sun. 'It's the plan. Besides, they're doing it too.'

You pointed – with your right arm – to the battle. Diane and King gasped.

'Lightning King Iron Hammer!' Gilthunder's attack struck Meliodas and Hendrickson, the electricity making the air tingle. Hendrickson took to the sky.

'Gravity X30!' The Holy Knight in the weird armour from Vaizel attacked next. The ground cracked. Hendrickson raised a hand.

'Rising Tornado!' Howzer's power swept past you, surrounding Meliodas and Hendrickson in a swirling black cloud. Through it you could see a slight glow.

Then the wind disappeared. Hendrickson has dispelled it with the wave of a hand. And now he was tearing through the sky towards the Holy Knights. But before Hendrickson could attack them, Meliodas was there, his arms locked around Hendrickson's neck.

'Your fight's with me, punk,' Meliodas shouted.

The two were suddenly obscured in flames. Guila's flames. You turned to her with a smile.

'Do you really intend to sacrifice yourself just to slow me down?' said Hendrickson from inside the cage of fire. 'I won't say it's not commendable, but it appears you're the only one who's sustaining any damage.'

Other Holy Knights' powers writhed and curled around Meliodas and Hendrickson as they exchanged a flurry of attacks. Meliodas's sword sliced through the air. Hendrickson looked bored. And the glow emanating from Meliodas's left hand grew.

'So it appears Elizabeth's intervention only healed your physical strength,' said Hendrickson. He held out a hand to Meliodas's chest. A dark sphere appeared and exploded. Meliodas cried out, tossed into the air, purplish-black smoke blocking the sky. Hendrickson smirked. 'Even if you were using your powers, I doubt you have enough left to muster your Full Counter.'

You watched Meliodas's flight path. He curved almost gracefully. You felt him laugh. And then he was falling, smashing head-first into the ground.

'Captain,' Diane shouted.

Meliodas got slowly to his feet with a groan. His head hung forwards and his skin was once again covered in scratches. Meliodas stumbled a bit.

Almost, you both said at the same time. Hold on.

'Dark Nebula,' said Hendrickson, his face blank.

The darkness grew in a blink. You could taste it, bitter on your tongue. It slammed into Meliodas like a wall but couldn't knock him down.

'Don't underestimate me,' Meliodas said through gritted teeth. He broke through the darkness to slam a fist into Hendrickson's stomach. 'You'll regret it.'

We need more, you thought, watching as Meliodas caught Hendrickson in a headlock. You whirled to Diane. 'Please, Diane,' you said.

She shook her head, tears in her eyes. 'I can't.'

'You have to!'

Diane squeezed her eyes shut. Rocks began to rise from the ground. You sighed in relief, turning back to wear Meliodas and Hendrickson were struggling.

'Captain, I'm sorry,' you heard Diane say. 'Rush Rock!'

It was like the rocks were drawn to Meliodas and Hendrickson. They rushed in, pelting from the sky like rain, giant deadly raindrops that struck Meliodas, Hendrickson and the ground around them. Over the great rumbling you heard Elizabeth cry out in shock and briefly wondered if Gowther had sent the plan to her.

'Chastiefol Fourth Configuration: Sunflower,' King shouted from the air.

A giant plant burst from the ground. It towered over you and, as you looked up at it in wonder, you got dizzy. As you watched, its petals opened revealing a beautiful glowing flower. The glow got brighter and the ground began to tremble. Sounds of panic came from the Holy Knights but you could only stare in awe. A beam of light burst from the centre of the flower, crashing like a waterfall into Meliodas and Hendrickson.

Over the hum of power, you heard Hendrickson speak. 'You're a mystery to me, Meliodas of the Seven Deadly Sins. You were framed and exiled, yet here you are, gladly sacrificing yourself for your kingdom.'

The light faded. Meliodas was panting heavily. His shirt had finally gone, and his trousers weren't in much better shape. But he was still standing, glaring at Hendrickson. The glow from his ring was almost as bright as yours now, a seesaw only just favouring your side.

The power was still growing. Looping. Circuiting. It took everything you had not to let it free. You clenched your teeth, your fists but refused to shut your eyes. Just a little longer.

'A pointless endeavour, considering I intend to destroy it,' said Hendrickson, surveying Meliodas with an impassive stare.

'Oh yeah?' Ban leapt behind Hendrickson. 'Don't be so sure.'

'Fight if you must.' Hendrickson sneered at Ban. 'While you may kill your captain, and another attack will do precisely that, you'll never succeed in killing me.'

'Yeah, well, it's worth a shot.' Ban flipped, his power snaking out through the air in a line of pink. 'Vanishing Kill!'

The attack missed Hendrickson completely. Instead, it cut through Meliodas's chest. Blood burst from his shoulder. The ringing in your ears went to a higher frequency. Meliodas fell to one knee.

Now.

It took all your energy to take off your ring. Your hand trembled so much. You couldn't drop it. Not now. Not now.

And then it was safe. Safe on the fourth finger of your right hand.

'What do ya think, guys?' Ban's voice sounded tinny in your ears. 'Is that enough?'

'Oh,' you said with a grin.

'Yeah,' said Meliodas.

Like magnets, your rings were drawn together. You let the force pull you. As your hand met Meliodas's, there was the softest of clinks as your rings touched. The sound seemed to ring through a beat of silence.

Power. It was like being in the centre of a thunderstorm out at sea. Like standing under a waterfall. It ran through your veins faster than your blood, your heart beating faster and faster to keep up. Your wings unfurled by themselves. A cool breeze danced over your skin, lifting your hair and tickling your neck, what remained of your clothes rippling. Bright lights danced behind your eyes.

There was only one thing calm and constant: Meliodas's hand wrapped around yours.

—

Elizabeth stared with wide eyes. [Y/n] had just attacked Sir Meliodas. It was an accident. It had to be. But then everyone else started attacking Sir Meliodas too. Maybe they were aiming for Hendrickson and missed? Her hands got colder. Hawk's lifeless body did not warm them up.

There was a strange light surrounding [Y/n], emanating from the ring on her hand. Elizabeth felt herself drawn to it like a moth but forced herself to stay besides Hawk and Margaret.

When Diane attacked Sir Meliodas, Elizabeth could not keep the shock bursting from her lips.

"Stop it!" she wanted to yell. "Leave him alone!"

But [Y/n] wasn't saying anything, just glowing brighter and brighter. And now Sir Meliodas was glowing too. Just slightly at first, but the light grew quickly. Elizabeth blinked dots out of her eyes from King's attack.

Almost, she found herself thinking without knowing why. Just one more.

Blood flew from Sir Meliodas's shoulder. It seemed to hang in the air.

'What do ya think, guys?' said Ban, landing just after his attack. 'Is that enough?'

[Y/n] smirked. 'Oh –'

'– yeah,' Sir Meliodas finished, his own grin lifting his lips.

Something was pulling [Y/n] across the ground like she was attached to a string. Elizabeth swore the other girl's feet weren't moving. [Y/n] and Sir Meliodas's hands met. From all the way across the battlefield, the tiniest metallic clink reached Elizabeth's ear.

The wind started from nowhere. It whipped around [Y/n] and Sir Meliodas, rippling their hair and tattered clothes. Wings burst from [Y/n]'s back. They were both lifted into the air, but the wings weren't beating. Where their hands met, the brightest light Elizabeth had ever seen pulsed like a heartbeat.

'What is this?' Hendrickson choked out. 'This magical power? It can't be.'

Elizabeth's lips were dry. Her hands were still cold. Her knees were starting to ache. But she didn't move. This is what they had planned. Sir Meliodas and [Y/n] had collected their power and Gilthunder's, Howzer's, Guila's, Sir King's, Diane's, Sir Ban's and everyone else's. It had been stored in their rings. And now it was being unleashed.

'Oh yeah it can be,' said Sir Meliodas. 'Revenge Counter!'

'By relinquishing his powers to [Y/n], the captain freed himself to being able to store and charge every attack he received then unleash them simultaneously,' Sir Gowther explained, one arm raised into the air. 'Unable to control such power, they will inevitable self-destruct. It isn't perfect, but it's the best chance we've got.' He saluted. 'Given the damage you've already sustained, I estimate your chance of surviving this attack is point two percent. Good luck.'

Somehow the wind was still getting stronger. But it still didn't reach anyone besides Sir Meliodas and [Y/n]. Elizabeth didn't want to blink. She didn't want to miss any of this.

Hendrickson turned away from them, taking off into the sky. Elizabeth's hand twitched. He couldn't get away.

She needn't have worried. Hendrickson slammed into a purple wall, the side of a sphere that surrounded him suddenly. Elizabeth gasped, her eyes darting, and found him in the crowd. Not that he was hard to miss.

'Farewell,' said Griamore, his sword pointed at Hendrickson, 'and let us never cross paths again.'

'You know you cannot win.' Hendrickson's voice was slightly distorted. 'Why do you insist on standing in my way?' With the swipe of one clawed hand, he destroyed the barrier.

But it was too late.

Sir Meliodas and [Y/n] had risen higher, so high they were face to face with Hendrickson.

'You still don't get it, do you, Hendrickson?' said [Y/n]. Her voice had changed, somehow colder and softer at the same time, like icy velvet. 'You walked away from everything important in your life for a magical power you're about to lose.'

Sir Meliodas drew back his sword. Hendrickson's eyes widened. Sir Meliodas attacked.

The light burned Elizabeth's eyes. Even as she closed them, she could still see it. She raised a hand to shield them but couldn't stop herself from peeking through her fingers. All she could see was white, white, white. And there, in the very centre, were three dark shapes.

One writhed and crumpled and seemed to fold in on itself.

'And that is your sin,' said Sir Meliodas's voice.

'I cannot be defeated,' said the dark shape that was Hendrickson. 'Not by the likes of you.' The dark shape was torn apart. It was misshapen, something that could have been human once, and then it was nothing.

The sky shook. A huge grey cloud covered the blue. Elizabeth blinked the contorted silhouette of Hendrickson from her eyes.

Something fell to earth. It whistled, moving fast.

Stop, Elizabeth told it. Please, you have to.

And, just before it hit the ground, it did stop. Just for a second, a mere moment, it hung as if on pause in mid-air.

Elizabeth blinked. And it landed heavily, a cloud of dust rising from the point of impact.

The dust cleared revealing a very battered [Y/n] and Sir Meliodas crumpled on the ground. Not moving. But then a groan. A finger twitched. Sir Meliodas hopped to his feet, pulling up [Y/n] with him.

They grinned at the crowd, eyes somehow finding Elizabeth's. Sir Meliodas's shirt was gone, his trousers barely shorts. [Y/n]'s top was barely there, her midriff exposed. Both of them were covered in cuts. An exhausted chuckle fell from their lips.

And they fell.

Elizabeth was on her feet and running before her mind could fully comprehend.

'Captain,' Diane called from somewhere. '[Y/n].'

But Elizabeth was there. Her hands were gentle on their battered bodies, helping ease them both upright. They both smiled at her and Elizabeth couldn't stop the tears forming in her eyes.

'Ahem,' said a deep voice.

Elizabeth turned. There stood the king, her father, without any assistance and looking completely well again. Behind him was Merlin looking immensely proud of herself.

'Father, you're here,' said Elizabeth, hurrying to him and hearing the sounds of [Y/n] and Sir Meliodas joining her. 'It's so good to see you. Are you feeling any better now?'

'Yes,' her father said.

'I'm so glad.'

'Hey, Merlin,' said Sir Meliodas. 'You done with Bartra's treatment yet?'

Merlin nodded. 'I am. And it's all thanks to the secret technique from the Demon Realm I've been wanting to try.'

Sweat formed on Elizabeth's forehead. An experiment. Merlin had just used the king of Liones himself as a guinea-pig. Amazing.

'Using the king as your guinea-pig?' Sir Meliodas echoed Elizabeth's thoughts. 'That takes a lot of guts.'

[Y/n] rolled her eyes. 'Are you serious right now, Merlin? When my head stops spinning, you and I are going to have a talk.'

Elizabeth couldn't believe her eyes, but it looked like Merlin was pouting. 'It all worked out in the end, didn't it?' the Boar Sin muttered. 'We're good right, your majesty?'

The king chuckled weakly.

'My king,' Gilthunder spoke over the clanking of every remaining Holy Knight kneeling. 'Please, sire, we must be severely punished for what we've done. We failed you. We have strayed from our chosen path. We each disregarded your plea to avoid a Holy War, turned our backs on the people who were suffering. We have lost the right to call ourselves your Holy Knights. We beg for your harshest sentence.'

Elizabeth's stomach fluttered. They weren't really going to be punished, were they? Sure they had started off being not so nice, but they'd done the right thing in the end and that's what mattered. She couldn't let her father do this.

'Very well,' said the king.

Elizabeth took a step forward and opened her mouth. But there was a hand on her arm. Elizabeth turned to see [Y/n] with a small smile on her face. Elizabeth tilted her head, but [Y/n] just winked.

'My sentence is this,' the king continued, 'from today forward, you shall not rest in your service of the kingdom.'

The knights gasped and looked at each other. Elizabeth stared and then beamed at her father.

'But, sire,' protested Howzer, 'will you deny us the penance for our sin?'

'The severity of your punishment will do nothing to ease the people's suffering nor heal those who've been wounded,' her father said. 'You are the Holy Knights of Liones. Your duty is to restore the kingdom and to preserve its people.'

'Sire,' said the knights as one.

Her father turned now to Sir Meliodas and the others. 'Well done, Meliodas and all of the Seven Deadly Sins. We are in your debt. Despite being blamed for the actions of others, you protected the kingdom and, most importantly, my daughter.'

Elizabeth smiled softly as her father placed a warm hand on her shoulder. But then the smile slid of her face and she felt the strange urge to step away from him. [Y/n] and Sir Meliodas's smiles had turned into grimaces.

'As the king and as a devoted father, I thank you.'

[Y/n] took a step forward and opened her mouth, but Sir Meliodas snaked an arm round her waist.

'Oh, come on,' said Sir Meliodas, the other hand rubbing his nose nonchalantly. 'It wasn't that big a deal. Glad to help.'

'Yeah he's right,' said Diane with a smile. 'We just did what any good friends would have done, didn't we?'

'Elizabeth,' her father said. She turned to him. 'Your strength surpassed my expectations as did your wisdom in finding the Seven Deadly Sins. I'm so proud of you. More than you could ever imagine.'

Elizabeth felt her cheeks warm. But he was wrong. She didn't deserve praise. Not any. Not at all.

'Father,' she said, feeling her eyebrows pull together and her chin tremble. 'I'm not strong, 'cause if I were, I could've saved Hawk. My friend is dead because of me.' Elizabeth's eyes were drawn to the place where Hawk still lay, surrounded by flowers, and the tears came thick and fast.

'He wouldn't blame you,' said [Y/n]'s soft voice. 'Hawk knows you did everything you could.'

'But –' Elizabeth sobbed.

'Master, I'm sorry.' Sir Ban's voice reached Elizabeth's ears. 'I know I said some nasty things to you before like we weren't really friends. I don't regret much, but I regret that. It seems like everybody I start to care about just ends up leaving me sooner or later.'

'Oh dear,' said [Y/n]. Elizabeth looked at her, confused. [Y/n] just smiled and pointed. Sir Gowther had just walked up to Sir Ban.

'All things considered,' said Sir Gowther, 'we were really lucky.'

Elizabeth's lips wobbled into a little smile as Sir Ban turned around furiously.

'The captain and [Y/n] could have easily died, leaving us almost no chance of victory,' Sir Gowther continued. 'But the loss of the Captain of Scraps Disposal had zero effect. It didn't hurt us at all.'

Sir Ban glared, turning to Sir Gowther with a fist raised. 'Take that back!'

Elizabeth blinked and Lady Merlin appeared between Sir Ban and Sir Gowther, her hand raised placatingly.

'Now hold on just a minute, Ban,' said the Boar Sin.

'Get out of my way,' Sir Ban snarled.

'Look, he meant no harm. So forgive him.'

Sir Ban growled and turned away. 'You keep your damn mouth shut if you know what's good for you, four eyes.'

Sir Gowther raised a hand to his chin. 'Why is he mad?'

Elizabeth giggled but then Sir Meliodas said something that made her stop abruptly.

'I'm just gonna,' he said, trailing off and gesturing towards Hawk before walking off.

Elizabeth watched him go, fresh tears streaming down her cheeks.

'He's gone to say goodbye, hasn't he?' she asked, slightly embarrassed by how much her voice wobbled. [Y/n] hummed and patted Elizabeth's back. 'I wish ... I wish he'd come back.'

'I know,' said [Y/n] and when Elizabeth looked at the other girl, there were tears on her cheeks too. 'I know.'

'Hawk,' Sir Meliodas's voice was the softest Elizabeth had ever heard it, 'you can't quit the tavern without giving notice, 'cause without you there, who's gonna dispose of all the scraps now?'

'We couldn't have pulled this off without you, Hawk,' said Sir Ban. 'You deserve all the credit, I mean it. Right, Captain?'

'Yeah. So come back all right? And I promise, I'll give you three times as many scraps as before.'

Elizabeth's tears were so thick, all the colours blended together. She pressed a hand to her mouth and tried to hold back her sobs. Her other hand clutched [Y/n]'s so tightly she felt sure she was cutting off her circulation, but [Y/n] didn't complain. Elizabeth felt the coolness of [Y/n]'s ring against her palm. It was soothing.

'Okay, but remember: you promised,' said a voice. A tiny, squeaky voice.

Elizabeth stared.

Hawk's body began to smoke. The black dissolved into gas, dissipating in the air. It disappeared slowly at first but then faster. Elizabeth blinked. The black had gone, revealing a tiny pink shape nestled in the flowers. It twitched. It wriggled. It was Hawk.

Elizabeth ran, [Y/n] at her side, and crouched down to stare at the lemon-sized pig.

'Hawk, is that you?' said Elizabeth.

'Woah,' said Sir Meliodas. 'Are you really alive?'

'Yep.' Hawk smiled. 'Looks that way.'

Sir Ban laughed and picked Hawk up, tossing the pig into the air. 'You're the best!'

Elizabeth smiled so wide her cheeks started to ache.

'Look at him,' said Sir Meliodas. 'That is one wacky pig, man.'

And, without really knowing what she was doing or why, Elizabeth turned to him and [Y/n] and wrapped them in her arms. Her skin began to tingle and this time she watched as their injuries disappeared.

Sir Meliodas stared at his arms in wonder.

'What was that for?' said [Y/n] with a grin.

'You're even worse than Hawk.' Elizabeth smiled back. 'Honestly, never a dull moment with you two around.'

Sir Meliodas and [Y/n] beamed at her, an arm around each other, the other arms held out to her in invitation. Elizabeth dove into them without thinking twice. This felt right, she thought as peace and calm washed over her. This was where she belonged.

To make a lovely moment even better, a familiar voice called out to her.

'Ellie.'

Elizabeth gasped and got to her feet. 'Veronica, is that you? Big sis!' She ran. Veronica's legs were covered in bandages and she was leaning on crutches, but she was breathing. She was smiling. She was alive. 'But how? I thought you were – I mean ...'

'Not long after I left you in Vaizel, she began regaining consciousness,' said Griamore.

Veronica smiled. 'All thanks to you, Elizabeth.'

'Sister. I'm so glad.' Elizabeth pulled Veronica into her arms. 'This is wonderful.'

'You always were a crybaby.'

Elizabeth didn't care. So what if she was a crybaby. She was happy.

'That's it. Everything's all wrapped up, huh?' said Hawk from his perch on Sir Ban's shoulder.

'Yeah, I guess it is,' said Sir Ban. 'By the way, you mind telling me why you got so little all of a sudden?'

'I dunno.'

Elizabeth pulled away from Veronica and turned to [Y/n] and Sir Meliodas. 'Can we go home now?'

'Oh yeah,' they said. 'It's all over.'

—

You looked up at the sky. It wasn't over. Not by a long shot. But enough had happened for today, so when Meliodas said he was gonna talk to Merlin, you left him to it.

'Okay,' you said. 'I'm gonna head back home to change. A crop top isn't really my style.' You fiddled with the tattered edge of your shirt.

'I think it looks great.' Meliodas smirked. You poked your tongue out at him.

'You coming, Elizabeth?' You turned to her. 'Your clothes are looking a bit worse for wear too.'

Elizabeth nodded. 'Yes please.'

'See you guys later.' You waved and left the capital to where Hawk's mum had parked the Boar Hat. As you walked away, whispers started to tickle your ears. You turned back and saw Ban, Diane and King huddled around Meliodas, each one glancing to you occasionally.

What?

Nothing. Meliodas waved at you cheerily.

You forced it from your mind, focussing instead on figuring out where Meliodas kept the "uniforms". As you dug through a trunk, you felt Elizabeth's eyes on your back.

'Are you all right?' you asked, tossing aside a winter blanket.

Elizabeth made a startled noise. 'Sorry, I was just ... I healed you just before, right, [Y/n]?'

'Yeah that's right.' You saw something pink and pulled it out in triumph, but it was just a pillowcase. 'Thanks for that.'

'Oh, it was no problem.' Elizabeth didn't say anything for a few moments. 'But –'

'Ah ha!' You brandished the new uniform. 'Found one.' You tossed it to Elizabeth and walked over to your wardrobe and pulled out a new shirt for you, chucking your tattered one aside.

'Where did you get those scars?' said Elizabeth. 'If you don't mind me asking.'

You laughed, the sound muffled in the material of the shirt over your head. 'What scars?'

'The ones on your back.'

You shook your head, turning to Elizabeth. 'I don't have scars on my back.'

'But you do, [Y/n]. Look!' She dragged you to the mirror.

You rolled your eyes but Elizabeth just kept staring at you imploringly, so you sighed and lifted your shirt. You craned to look over your shoulder, positive you wouldn't see anything unusual and gasped.

There were scars on your back. Two jagged bumpy shapes starting at the base of your ribcage and meeting just under your shoulder blades. You stared. These weren't new scars. They were old, very old. But how could you not know about them? You stretched out a hand and touched it, one finger brushing at the edge of the pink marks.

And then you weren't in the Boar Hat anymore.

You were outside. The sky stormy, the ground rocky. And there was pain. So much pain. Ripping. Cracking. Snapping. Your back arched. You screamed so loud it hurt your throat. You tried to twist away from whatever was hurting you, but the pain followed.

'Stop!' you begged. 'Please make it stop!'

—

Elizabeth stared at [Y/n]'s back and thought back through all the time they had spent together. Had she always had those scars? Had Elizabeth ever even seen [Y/n]'s back? She couldn't have done. Because, if she had, Elizabeth would remember the scars.

They made Elizabeth's skin crawl. She swallowed thickly and tried not to imagine what kind of injury had caused such irreversible damage. Because Elizabeth had healed [Y/n], had closed every cut and fixed every bone, every aching muscle. She was sure she had.

But what if she hadn't? it was possible, wasn't it? After all, Elizabeth hadn't even known she'd had powers until today.

'Are you all right?' [Y/n]'s voice startled Elizabeth from her thoughts.

'Sorry,' Elizabeth replied automatically. 'I was just ... I healed you just before, right, [Y/n]?' Elizabeth crossed her fingers behind her back.

'Yeah that's right,' said [Y/n], holding a pink pillowcase for some reason. 'Thanks for that.'

Elizabeth sighed in relief. 'Oh, it was no problem.'

So it had worked. The scars must be older, then. Or, Elizabeth gulped as the idea formed, what had caused them was too powerful to be healed by someone.

'But, [Y/n] –' Elizabeth was cut off by [Y/n]'s triumphant shout and material being flung at her.

'Found one.' Satisfied Elizabeth caught the new uniform, [Y/n] walked over to her wardrobe to get herself a new shirt.

Elizabeth stared at the clothes in her hand, not really seeing them. She had to ask. She had to. Because maybe there was a way she could help. [Y/n] had done so much for her. So Elizabeth gripped the material tighter, took a deep breath and said, 'Where did you get those scars? If you don't mind me asking.'

To Elizabeth's surprise, [Y/n] laughed. 'What scars?'

Elizabeth frowned. 'The ones on your back.'

'I don't have scars on my back.' [Y/n] raised an eyebrow like she was afraid for Elizabeth's sanity.

Elizabeth huffed. 'But you do, [Y/n]. Look.' And she dragged the other girl over to the mirror, ignoring [Y/n] roll her eyes.

[Y/n] sighed and lifted the back of her shirt, looking over her shoulder and gasped as she finally saw the scars tearing through her skin.

'What's going on?' asked Elizabeth, but [Y/n] didn't seem to hear her. Elizabeth watched as [Y/n] lifted one shaking hand. '[Y/n]?'

No answer. [Y/n]'s finger brushed the scar.

And she froze.

A weird feeling filled the room. Elizabeth felt her heart pounding in her ears. [Y/n]'s eyes were wide, staring at something Elizabeth couldn't see. At something Elizabeth didn't want to see.

'[Y/n]? Are you all right?' Elizabeth's voice was barely a whisper. She reached out a hand. It was centimetres from touching when the screaming began.

Elizabeth jerked back, her stretched out hand now clutching her chest, feeling her heart pound ever more wildly.

And still [Y/n] screamed. The sound pierced Elizabeth's ears and she fought the urge to clamp her hands over them. [Y/n]'s back arched and then she fell, twitching on the floor, screaming and screaming and screaming.

Elizabeth knelt at [Y/n]'s side. She had to do something. But she couldn't get that feeling again, the feeling she'd had before healing [Y/n] and Sir Meliodas. And every time she got anywhere near to [Y/n], the girl would jerk away, begging for help.

Tears started to fall from Elizabeth's eyes. 'How can I help?' she cried over the screams. 'Tell me what to do!'

As if in answers to Elizabeth's plea, [Y/n]'s eyes flew open. They were glassy, clouded in agony and a single word ripped from her throat. 'Meliodas.' And she was back to screaming and writhing on the floor.

Elizabeth dashed to the door, only looking back once before running. She could find him. She had to find him. Sir Meliodas would know what to do. Elizabeth's feet pounded and her breath scraped into her lungs. Not enough oxygen. But she didn't slow, didn't stop. Ruined streets and fallen buildings flashed by.

There was something yellow up ahead. Elizabeth blinked tears from her eyes and it came into focus just as she crashed into Sir Meliodas. His arms wrapped around her to stop her from falling. His voice was in her ears, frantic.

'Elizabeth, what happened?' he said, gripping her shoulders.

Elizabeth sucked in a breath. 'Sir Meliodas.' Another breath. '[Y/n] ... collapsed ... help.'

Sir Meliodas helped Elizabeth sit down. 'Thank you for finding me,' he said and then he was gone.

The floor was cold and rough. Elizabeth started to stand up, her chest still heaving. She had to get back to the Boar Hat. She had to help. She had only gone one step before a voice spoke.

'There's no need,' it said.

Elizabeth whirled. Lady Merlin had appeared, floating a foot above the air at Elizabeth's side. Elizabeth tried to speak but she didn't have enough breath yet. Lady Merlin just watched with a small smile.

'What do you mean?' Elizabeth said when she could. '[Y/n]'s in trouble.'

Lady Merlin shook her head. 'It's true wounds from the past can hurt, but [Y/n]'s strong. She's healed before and she'll heal again.'

Elizabeth frowned. That didn't make any sense. Or maybe it did and her brain had stopped working from oxygen deprivation. 'What?'

There was a light tap as Lady Merlin's feet touched the ground. 'Come on,' she said. 'Walk with me and tell me everything that happened.'

—

Meliodas was worried. He didn't like being worried. Not only because it was an uncomfortable feeling but also because [Y/n] was good at picking up on it and he couldn't have her worried right now. Not when everyone had seen her scars.

King had been the first to gasp, then Diane and then Ban. Meliodas gritted his teeth and wished he could punch Hendrickson again.

'How –?' Diane started to say but Meliodas shushed her quickly. 'But, Captain,' she protested with a pout.

'Those look really painful,' said King, his eyes glued on [Y/n]'s back as she walked off with Elizabeth.

Ban hummed pensively, his fingers brushing the scar on his neck.

'You can't say anything,' Meliodas whispered. 'Not here.'

They looked at him.

'Then tell us what's going on.' Ban folded his arms. Hawk, still perched on Ban's shoulder, snorted in agreement.

Meliodas sighed. He had to be careful. 'A long time ago, [Y/n] had four wings.'

Diane titled her head. Ban just stared. King sank to the ground and clutched Chastiefol to his chest.

'Please don't say what I think you're saying,' said the fairy, eyes wide and skin pale.

Meliodas nodded grimly. 'We were fighting, me and her, and someone ... someone took two of her wings.'

King groaned and closed his eyes. Diane clapped her hands to her mouth. Ban didn't move but Meliodas knew that his best friend was furious.

'That basically equates to death for a fairy,' King mumbled into his pillow.

'But [Y/n]'s not a fairy,' muttered Ban, not looking at King but straight into Meliodas's eyes. Meliodas met the stare unwaveringly. Ban could think whatever he wanted about Meliodas. Meliodas didn't care. But [Y/n] was different.

'Poor [Y/n],' said Diane, apparently unaware of the tension. 'But why couldn't we say anything?'

Meliodas sighed and looked away from Ban. 'Because [Y/n] doesn't remember. She won't remember until she touches them. And, when she does, she'll feel the pain all over again.'

'She doesn't remember? Why not?' said King.

'Who did this to her?' said Ban, cracking his knuckles.

Meliodas shook his head. 'I can't tell you that yet. I'm sorry.'

Hawk snorted again. 'She always did get tired quickly when flying. I always thought that was odd.'

Meliodas glared at the pig and opened his mouth to retaliate but felt eyes on him. He turned and saw Merlin staring at him. So Meliodas sighed. 'Thanks for all your help today. I gotta go talk to Merlin.' And, ignoring their calls, he walked to her side.

'We need to talk,' said Merlin. Meliodas nodded. 'But not here.' She snapped her fingers and they were standing on a grassy cliff overlooking the battleground.

'You can't find the Coffin of Eternal Darkness?' said Meliodas, wasting no time.

'That's right. I've used my magical power to search far and wide but no luck.'

Meliodas frowned and folded his arms. 'Then where the heck is it?'

'No idea. I even searched the capital but still came up empty.' She turned to him. 'However, immediately after you and [Y/n] defeated Hendrickson, there were reports of a strange bird-like creature flying above the area. It appeared to be heading toward the south.'

'South, huh?'

'Well no need for you to look so grim, Captain.' Merlin smiled. 'Arthur isn't expecting me for a while.'

Meliodas stared at her.

'See, the Boar Sin Merlin is going to be tagging along. If that's okay with you.'

Meliodas grinned. 'It sure is.' And then he gasped. Pain ripped through his back. Meliodas span, looking to where the Boar Hat was.

'So, it appears she's remembered,' said Merlin with only the tiniest trace of worry in her voice.

Meliodas didn't respond, didn't even look back at her before he was running. With every step, the pain grew. Who was it? he thought, his hearts pounding in time with his feet hitting the floor. It must have been Elizabeth. She would've wanted to help, he was sure. Meliodas cursed himself. He shouldn't have let them go alone. Crumbling buildings flashed by. He was getting close. He really should have asked Merlin to teleport him straight there. Fool. But no sooner had the thought crossed his mind that Meliodas was thankful he had charged off.

He caught Elizabeth before she could crash into him.

It was obvious she had been running for a while, and running fast, at that. There was sweat dripping down her forehead and her chest heaved with each panting breath.

'Elizabeth,' said Meliodas, clutching her shoulders, 'what happened?'

'Sir Meliodas,' she said. Meliodas wished she would speak faster and then told himself off for thinking that. '[Y/n] ... collapsed ... help.'

That was all he needed to hear. Meliodas helped Elizabeth sit, propping her against a wall. 'Thank you for finding me.' And then he was running again without looking back.

He heard the screams before he saw the Boar Hat. They bit at his hearts and Meliodas pushed himself faster, barely noticing Ban, King, Diane and Gowther rushing to the tavern too.

'Captain,' they called.

'Stay downstairs,' he shouted, leaping over the threshold and barrelling up the stairs.

When Meliodas saw her, all seven of his hearts broke. [Y/n] was huddled on the floor, her knees drawn to her chest. As he watched she twitched spasmodically and screamed again. Her breaths rasped and he knew he throat would be sore after this.

He walked to her side and knelt, scooping her up into his arms. At first she struggled, flinching away from his touch, until he said, 'It's me.'

Her eyes flew open then, searching blindly for him. 'Run,' she choked out. 'Leave me, Meliodas. Save Elizabeth. Just run.'

'We're safe,' he whispered so his voice wouldn't break, carrying her to the bed. 'Elizabeth is safe. I'm safe.' He cradled her in his arms and felt her trembles start to stop. 'You're safe too.' He kept saying those words, chanting them like a lullaby.

[Y/n] blinked. Her eyes focussed on him.

He smiled softly and held her tighter.

'You're crying,' she whispered.

Meliodas chuckled a watery chuckle. 'Yeah.'

[Y/n] coughed weakly. 'I'm sorry.' She started to shiver. 'Elizabeth was here. Is she okay?'

'She's fine,' said Meliodas as he tucked [Y/n] under the covers.

'She's not though.'

Meliodas met [Y/n]'s gaze but couldn't hold it and she sighed.

'Tell her I'm sorry,' she said.

Meliodas shook his head. 'You have nothing –'

But [Y/n] grabbed his hand, her grip surprisingly strong. 'I do. You know I do.' She sighed and closed her eyes.

Meliodas felt his gaze soften as he stared at his wife. 'Okay,' he said and stood up. 'I'll bring you something to eat.'

'Wait, Meliodas,' she said. He stopped at the door and turned to her. 'Can you make it?'

He laughed. 'Of course.'

Everyone was whispering downstairs but stopped when Meliodas appeared. Then they all started asking questions at once.

'How is she?'

'Can we see her?'

'Does she need anything?'

Meliodas smiled and shook his head, walking to the bar. 'She's good. She's resting. I'm getting her some food.'

Ban stood up. 'I can make something.'

'Actually, she asked me to.'

Everyone blinked.

'Wow, she must be feeling bad,' Hawk whispered loudly. Meliodas glared at him.

'Yeah, are you sure she's feeling okay?' Ban said. Meliodas knocked him on the head with a spatula.

Just as he reached the kitchen, Meliodas turned. His eyes found Elizabeth. She was standing a little way apart from everyone, her hands clenched in front of her chest, her eyebrows pulled up in the centre. 'Oh, Elizabeth.'

'Yes, Sir Meliodas?'

'[Y/n] says sorry ... and thank you.'

Elizabeth smiled.

—

When you got up the next day, the Boar Hat was unusually quiet. You couldn't help lingering in front of the mirror as you dressed, staring at the familiar yet alien scars.

Stop it, Meliodas chided. You're beautiful.

You blushed and rolled your eyes. Yeah, yeah. But you were still reluctant to go downstairs. Your skin was pale and there were dark circles under your eyes.

Ban's cooking.

At Meliodas's words, your stomach rumbled. Even so, you looked at your reflection one last time before heading downstairs.

The smells drifting through the tavern were heavenly. You all but floated across the floor, giving Ban a smile and Meliodas a kiss on the cheek before hopping up onto the counter. No sooner had you sat down Ban was sliding a loaded plate towards you. An involuntary moan slipped out your lips as you ate the first bite.

'So yummy! What is it? I don't care. Whatever it is, I can't stop eating,' said Hawk's squeaky voice. You looked round and finally found the pig almost buried in a food bowl filled with scraps eating with such fervent gusto it made you feel like you had to do the same. 'I've never tasted anything like it. If I had to describe the taste, it's like scraps from the mouth of a Culinary God!'

Meliodas, who was crouched on the floor besides Hawk, looked over to Ban. 'Hey, Culinary God, I really hope you're not breaking the bank on this meal.'

'Nah, it's all right,' said Ban. 'These leftovers were going bad anyway.'

'Besides,' you said, coughing slightly as air washed down your aching throat, 'don't you think he deserves it?'

Hawk paused in stuffing his face to look at you and you winked at the pig.

The bell on the front door tingled, drawing everyone's attention (except Hawk, who was once again gorging himself). It was Little Gil. He'd left his suit of armour and was instead wearing a fancy shirt and vest.

'The rumours are true,' said Little Gil, looking around. 'You really are running a tavern.'

'Oh, hey, Little Gil.' Meliodas stood up. 'Welcome to the Boar Hat. Sit wherever you want. Lucky we're not busy.'

'Good morning, [Y/n].' Gilthunder nodded to you as he sat and then frowned. 'You don't look so good.'

You rasped out a laugh. 'Thanks.'

'Oh, no, I didn't mean ...' Little Gil stammered and waved his arms.

'It's fine,' you said, waving your fork airily. 'You're not wrong.'

'I think he's wrong,' Meliodas piped up from behind the bar. You grinned at him.

Gilthunder had noticed Hawk and was busy apologising for what happened in the Forest of White Dreams. Seeing this, Meliodas took the opportunity to fondle your chest. You blushed furiously and swung your fist at Meliodas's head, but he ducked under your swipe and snickered. Ban cleared his throat and averted his eyes.

Meliodas picked up a serving tray that now held two full steins and a bottle and walked them over to Gilthunder. 'Here,' he said, plonking the tray down onto the table. 'Some famous Vanya Ale.'

Gilthunder picked up one of the cups and took a long draught.

'Not bad, huh?' said Meliodas.

Gilthunder smiled somewhat sadly. 'Yeah. This is really good.'

'Yep. It's like I always say, nothing beats Vanya Ale after a hard day's work.'

You snorted and hopped off the counter. 'I've never heard you say that in my life.'

Meliodas shot a look at you. You smiled sweetly at him before carrying your plate to the sink and thanking Ban.

'Meliodas?' said Gilthunder. 'I'll be leaving the capital soon.'

You froze, listening intently.

'Why's that?' said Meliodas.

'My intention was to fool Hendrickson and his men, but even so, I ended up hurting a lot of people. That's a wrong I can never right. But I'll travel to the other regions, find those who've suffered and try to make amends any way that I can.'

'Okay. Sounds good to me,' said Meliodas.

You gasped and hopped over the counter, hurrying to Little Gil's side. Before he could do more than blink in shock, you grasped one of Gilthunder's hands in both of your own. 'Do you really have to go?'

'He's made up his mind, [Y/n],' said Meliodas. 'We can't stand in his way.'

You pouted. 'But we just reunited.'

Gilthunder smiled and took your hands in both of his. 'We'll meet again, [Y/n]. I have the feeling you won't be staying here much longer anyway.'

'Guess you're right.' You sighed and pulled Little Gil in for a hug. 'I'll still miss you, though,' you mumbled into his shirt. 'Can't get over how big you've gotten.'

Little Gil's laugh rumbled through his chest. 'I'll miss you too.'

The two of you parted and you looked into his icy blue eyes. 'Just remember,' you said, 'there's more than one way to right a wrong.'

'What do you mean?' Gilthunder frowned.

You just smiled. 'You'll see.'

That night, the Boar Hat was overflowing with patrons. Their laughter and carousing drowned out the sound of fireworks. You caught Elizabeth's eye and smiled before carrying another full tray to a table of rowdy customers. Meliodas's arm wrapped around your waist and you smiled at him. There were still many things to sort out, but, for just a moment, you let yourself relax. You let yourself believe that everything would be all right.

You let yourself believe you deserved a happy ending.

—

Elizabeth sat in the ornate chair and tried not to slouch. The princess etiquette was coming back to her, but she much preferred eating breakfast in the Boar Hat where there weren't butlers and expectations weighing her down. She stared blankly at her food and wondered what [Y/n] and Sir Meliodas were doing right that moment.

'Elizabeth.' Her father's deep voice made her jump.

'Er, yes?' she said, turning to face where he sat at the head of the table.

'Today the Seven Deadly Sins are leaving the kingdom.'

Elizabeth's heart plummeted. 'They're leaving? But where –?'

'They're headed to King Arthur's country, Camelot.'

No. They couldn't go yet. They couldn't go without her. Without even thinking about excusing herself, Elizabeth pushed her chair back and ran.

'Wait, child.' Elizabeth stopped at her father's stern voice. 'Where are you going?'

'Sorry,' said Elizabeth, turning back only slightly. 'But this is all happening so suddenly. I have to say goodbye.'

'I forbid you to see them.'

'Father!'

'Forgive me, Elizabeth, but this journey will prove even more gruelling than the last. Meliodas and [Y/n] know this, so they've chosen to hide their true feelings and strike out alone.'

Peals of delightful laughter bounced around the room. Elizabeth gasped and whirled. There, sitting on the windowsill and looking entirely as if she belonged there, was [Y/n].

'How long have you been there?' said Elizabeth's father, rising to his feet.

'Oh, a good couple of minutes,' said [Y/n], swinging her legs, a wide smile plastered on her face.

'Did you come to say goodbye?' asked Elizabeth, hurrying over to the girl.

'Nah.' [Y/n] shook her head.

'Then why are you here?' said the king.

[Y/n] grinned even wider. 'To stall.'

The room started to shake. Everyone gasped. The silverware rattled.

'What's going on?' Elizabeth heard her father say, but she didn't pay attention. She could only stare as [Y/n] got to her feet (still on the windowsill) and a massive green shape blocked the view.

'Oh, looks like our ride's here.' [Y/n]'s wings unfurled. 'You ready, Elizabeth?'

But Elizabeth could only stare. Then she felt her lips twitch and ran to the window. The massive green thing was Hawk's mum, standing in all her glory outside the castle, the Boar Hat perched jauntily on her back. As she watched, a rope ladder carrying Sir Meliodas flung itself over the side of the giant pig.

'Elizabeth,' said Sir Meliodas once he was level with her and his wife, 'I almost forgot about something really important. We said we'd help you find all seven of us, but one's still missing.'

Elizabeth blinked. Was he saying what she thought he was saying?

'So,' said [Y/n], holding out her hand, 'you wanna come?'

'Yes!' Elizabeth smiled and took [Y/n]'s hand, ignoring the protests of her sisters. Elizabeth climbed up on the windowsill. They beamed at each other and [Y/n] stepped into the air, wings beating slowly to keep them in place.

'So long, Bartra,' said Sir Meliodas. 'Thanks. See ya.' He took Elizabeth's other hand.

'Enjoy your breakfast.' [Y/n] laughed.

'Bye,' said Elizabeth. 'Take care of yourselves.'

And, with one giant snort, Hawk's mum began to move. [Y/n] carried the two of them up to where Diane, Sir King, Lady Merlin and Sir Gowther were waiting. Elizabeth ran to her friends, unsure if her smile could get any bigger.

As soon as she was close enough, Hawk jumped onto Elizabeth's shoulder. 'Oh, I'm so glad you're gonna come with us,' he squeaked into her ear. 'These guys won't do squat without you.'

'He's right,' said Diane. 'Sorry we didn't pick you up sooner.'

'Yeah,' said Sir King sheepishly. 'We've never kidnapped a princess before.'

Elizabeth looked at them with such fondness in her heart. 'Hi, Diane. Hey, Sir King and Sir Gowther. I'm so glad to be with you again.' She curtseyed slightly.

'As are we,' said Sir Gowther, posing.

'Captain.' Sir Ban appeared wearing a long coat and carrying a travel bag. 'Just so you know, I'm planning on taking off today. See the world, you know how it is.'

Everyone stared at him.

'What?' said Diane. 'Just like that?'

'Who's gonna feed me scraps now?' said Hawk.

Sir Meliodas smiled for some reason. 'You're coming back, right?'

[Y/n] folded her arms. 'He better be.'

'Yeah, yeah.' Sir Ban rolled his eyes. 'We still got a score to settle.'

And with that, he jumped to the ground below. Elizabeth barely had time to blink before Sir King zoomed after the Fox Sin.

'Hey, would you wait up a second?' the fairy called, his voice fading quickly. 'Ban!'

'It's always something with you guys,' said Lady Merlin. 'Least it's never boring.'

'Oh yeah, Merlin,' said Sir Meliodas. 'I've still got a bunch of questions to ask you about that night ten years ago.'

'And about this.' [Y/n] brandished her right hand at Lady Merlin.

Lady Merlin smirked. 'It's a long story, you know.'

'Yeah, I figured it was,' said Sir Meliodas. He grabbed [Y/n]'s hand and pulled her to his side. 'And we can't wait to hear it, 'cause we've got all the time in the world.'

Elizabeth breathed in deeply, feeling the breezeflow through her hair. All the time in the world sounded good to her.

~
First season done 😱🙌
Thanks for sticking with me, everyone 😁
Hope you're all safe and well 💕
See you in the next chapter!!