The sun was still rising, the sky washed with orange. Behind you, people murmured, sometimes greeting friends as they appeared. Anticipation hung in the air, so thick it was almost palpable. At your side, Elizabeth spoke quietly to Diane and King. Merlin and Gowther weren't speaking, just watching. A small smile played on Merlin's lips but Gowther was as impassive as ever.

You rubbed your hands together and blew on them.

Meliodas turned to you. Cold?

A little. You shrugged.

He hummed and turned back around. And you're sure you're not nervous?

You huffed a laugh. Nah. Maybe I was at first but ... friends fight. Besides, I don't want to make Elizabeth panic even more.

You both turned to look at the princess. She was paler than usual, her eyebrows drawn up in the centre and hands clasped in front of her. Hawk was once again perched on her shoulder.

The sounds of light footfalls hopped through the sparkling air. He was coming. Meliodas stepped forwards and put his hands behind his back.

He appeared over the crest of the mountain, blue-white glowing faintly in the sun. Ban stopped when he saw Meliodas. 'Captain.'

Meliodas just smiled.

Ban walked forwards, hands deep in his pockets and eyes downcast. 'Sorry to keep you wai –'

'Hey, Ban,' said Hawk, interrupting with an admonishing wave of a trotter. Ban looked up. His eyes widened. 'You're the only one who's late to this party.'

'Huh?'

The chatter rose up again, even more excited than before. It seemed everyone was ready for the fight to begin. Well, everyone except Elizabeth who looked very much like she wanted to say something.

'Been waiting for you, slowpoke,' said King, sitting with his legs crossed on Chastiefol.

'I just love a good festival,' said Diane with a wide smile.

From somewhere in the crowd, Little Gil's voice could be heard. 'I don't know what to do. I have the chills.'

Howzer's voice, just as excited, replied, 'Oh yeah, that's right. You missed the last Fighting Festival, dincha?'

Ban frowned. He closed his eyes. His eyebrows twitched in a way that meant an explosion was coming. And it did. 'Damn it, Captain! Just what the hell is going on here? What's with all these freakin' spectators?'

'Don't ask me. I don't know,' said Meliodas. 'I mean, by the time I got out here they were already gathering and getting hyped up.'

'How in the world could they –' Ban cut himself off with a choked gasp and looked to you. You raised your hands at his glare, your eyes flickering to the tiny pig on Elizabeth's shoulder. Ban growled. 'Master! Is this your doing? You were listening in on my conversation with the captain, weren't you?'

'Sure,' said Hawk without abashment. 'It's a fight after all. What could be better than having an audience cheering you on?'

'How dare you try and turn my fight into some type of damn festival?'

Elizabeth leant forwards a little. 'Sir Ban, I beg you, please don't be hard on Hawk. When he heard you two discussing it, he asked all of us to come and watch. Because, to Hawk and the rest of us, you and Meliodas are so dear, we couldn't bare it if anything happened to you.'

You reached out and put your hand on Elizabeth's shoulder. She turned to you. 'Come on, Elizabeth. I think even Ban knows that at this point.'

'Yeah,' said Hawk. 'Why spell it out for him now?'

'What are you trying to say?' Ban raised a fist into the air. You smirked.

'Fox Sin of Greed Ban,' said Merlin, her voice cutting into the conversation with the same manner as a scalpel wielded by a master surgeon, 'have you forgotten?' She walked closer to where Meliodas and Ban were facing off. 'As it clearly states in the Seven Deadly Sins Seven Codes Article Six, any fight to the death between fellow Sins must be stopped by the other Sins working in concert.' As she spoke, Gowther, Diane and King tensed. 'In other words, if you and the captain here are planning to fight to the death for real, the five of us will have to use all our might to stop you.'

You sighed and folded your arms but nevertheless stood with the others behind Merlin.

'So it's like that, huh?' Ban's voice turned even more deadly. He began to tremble with barely-suppressed rage. 'Hey, Merlin, I dare you to say that again.'

Merlin didn't bat an eye. 'We'll stop you.'

Ban grinned. 'Sounds like fun.'

The crowd murmured and shifted restlessly.

'But,' Ban continued, 'right now my only business is with the captain, so you gawkers can shut up and back off. You could've saved all the fuss. I'm not planning on fighting to the death.' Behind you a small sigh. You turned just in time to see Elizabeth relax before smiling and turning back to Ban. 'Seven Deadly Sins Seven Codes Article Five.'

Diane and King heaved sighs too. You just rolled your eyes.

Merlin smiled. 'Any bad blood existing between fellow Sins must be settled through a fight. Huh. Very well then. Now we won't do anything uncivilised.'

'Wow, who knew we had a code like that,' said Meliodas.

'You were the one who thought it up, Captain,' shouted King, waving a fist in the air.

'In that case, if you're going to fight, there are a couple things to be taken care of,' said Merlin. 'First of all, Captain, hand over your ring.'

'Aw.' Meliodas pouted but slipped the ring off his finger. Yours went cold in response.

You turned to Merlin. 'Merlin –'

'It's not that I doubt your integrity, [Y/n],' she said, cutting you off and holding out a hand, 'it's just that I don't doubt your love either.' Meliodas's ring appeared in her palm.

'She's got you there,' said Meliodas. You crossed your arms and stuck out your bottom lip.

'And secondly –' Merlin drew her fingers through the air in a well-practiced pattern '– you must fight no holds barred. Perfect Cube.'

There was a flash of light and when it cleared, Meliodas and Ban were in a giant, vaguely pink cube suspended in mid-air.

'Awesome,' said Meliodas marvelling at the spell whilst you marvelled at how easily you were able to hear him even as he floated meters above you. 'This thing is amazing.'

Merlin huffed a small laugh, evidently pleased with herself. 'Now you can both brawl to your hearts' content without having to worry about collateral damage. Not to mention we can sit back and watch with no fear.'

The anticipation in the air thickened. You could feel it resting on your shoulders. The crowd started to murmur again. In the muddled noise you picked out Griamore's deep baritone.

'A brutal clash between the two heroes who saved the kingdom,' he said. 'Incredible.'

Hawk harrumphed good-naturedly, apparently having also heard Griamore's comment. 'I'm the one who saved the kingdom, but whatever.'

'Ban, you better not lose or I'll never forgive you,' called out Jericho from somewhere.

'This will be something we'll not soon forget,' said Little Gil, eagerness saturating every word.

'Eh, it's nothing new to someone like me,' said Howzer with the air of someone trying (and failing) to hide his own excitement.

'Come on, don't say that. Even among the Seven Deadly Sins, who grace the top echelon of the Holy Knights, those two are said to be exceptionally gifted fighters. Not good.'

'What's wrong, Gil?'

'I can't stop my heart from pounding. It's so exciting!'

'Okay, whatever floats your boat, man.'

You pursed your lips to keep from smiling. At your side, Elizabeth gazed up into the cube without a word, a small whimper escaping her lips.

Up in the Perfect Cube, Ban got into a fighting stance. He beckoned to Meliodas. 'All right, then. Come at me, Captain. Bring it on.'

Meliodas hopped back and forth. 'All righty. I'm not holding back, okay? Ready?'

And Meliodas was nothing more than a blur headed straight for Ban. Ban swiped but Meliodas ducked under it. None of their attacks were landing, each one blocked by a knee or elbow. At least not until Ban got in a solid punch straight to Meliodas's chest. Meliodas was sent flying back, slamming into the wall of the Perfect Cube before falling to the floor.

'No,' said Elizabeth. 'Sir Meliodas!'

'Uh oh,' said Hawk.

'Ban got the better of him,' said Howzer.

'No. Look again.' Little Gil leant forwards. 'It's a draw.'

You watched Ban's stomach buckle in a delayed reaction to one of Meliodas's strikes and Ban cough up blood. Meliodas hopped easily to his feet. Ban smirked and wiped the blood away. Idiots.

The crowd cheered, evidently impressed.

'What's with the fooling around, you two?' King's shout silenced the crowd.

'Yeah, he's right,' said Diane, frowning. 'If you're gonna settle the score, you might as well go at each other like there's no tomorrow.'

'From what I can tell, they're only fighting at thirteen per cent of their total strength,' Gowther said.

Merlin laughed once. You just rolled your eyes.

This new information seemed to shock the crowd. They expressed their delight with awed whispers. You huffed and folded your arms. They might want this to stretch on for as long as possible but you had things to do. Well, if you were being completely honest, you just wanted Meliodas to use his prize from yesterday and get it out of the way. If hadn't been for this fight, it would have been today you had to do whatever he said. Meliodas's perky voice echoed in your mind.

'If I'm fighting with Ban, that'll take up most of the day. I want to get the most out of this,' he had said last night in bed. You scrunched up your nose at him but he just snickered, gave you a kiss and pulled you closer. 'We could raise the stakes,' he whispered in your ear. 'If I win against Ban, you have to do what I say for a whole week.'

'And if you lose?'

He smirked. 'Then I'll do whatever you want for a week.'

Now, as you watched Meliodas stretch above you, you were kind of regretting agreeing to that bet. It had been ages since Meliodas lost a fight. You had just gotten so wrapped up in Meliodas's warm breath on your neck and fingers on your waist that the words 'Okay, bet' had slipped out before you knew what was happening.

'Oh, one more thing,' Meliodas's voice, suddenly stern, pulled you back to the present. He turned to face the crowd with a glare. 'This fight is just between Ban and me, got it? If you make too much of a ruckus and distract us, I'm gonna knock all of you into next week.'

Everyone gasped and took a step back. Even King and Diane looked nervous and apologised.

'I don't mind if Elizabeth cheers, though,' Meliodas continued, crouching down to look at her with a smile. 'As long as she cheers for me, that is.' His eyes met yours and his smile changed. 'And who are you going to cheer for, [Y/n]?'

You felt everyone's eyes turn to you, but you didn't look away from Meliodas. You sucked in a deep breath and clenched your fists. 'Get him, Ban! Kick his ass!'

Everyone gasped. Over the sound of the cries of shock and, in some cases, outrage, Meliodas laughed. He turned back to Ban. 'Well, you heard her.'

Ban blinked before smirking. 'I'm not one to keep a lady waiting.' He charged, fist slamming into Meliodas's cheek.

'Hey, [Y/n], what was that?'

You turned to see Elizabeth, Diane and King staring at you with wide eyes. Merlin and Gowther were a few steps behind them, watching closely.

'Is something wrong between you and Sir Meliodas?' asked Elizabeth.

You laughed sheepishly and rubbed the back of your head. 'No, no, nothing like that. We just might have a bet placed on the outcome and I kind of need Ban to win.'

Merlin smirked.

'You bet against the captain?' Diane gasped.

'It's not like he gave me much of a choice,' you retorted, folding your arms and turning back to the fight.

'What did you bet?' asked King.

You sighed, the sound lost in the noise of the battle. 'My dignity.'

Before they could properly react to what you said, Meliodas caught everyone's attention by grabbing one of Ban's ankles and swinging him through the air. When Ban had achieved peak velocity, Meliodas let him go. Ban slammed with so much force into the edge of the Cube that he slid up, across the ceiling and back down the other side, leaving behind a grizzly trail of blood.

But there was no need to worry for, upon hitting the floor, Ban sprang up. Using the wall as leverage, he kicked off, speeding towards Meliodas in a blur of red.

—

Not so far away, King Bartra walked alone through the halls of the castle. His footsteps echoed on the stones, a sound he had grown familiar to over the years. Sunlight streamed in through the windows, but the hallway he was walking through seemed to end in nothing but darkness.

'For God's sake,' he muttered to himself as he walked. 'Where in the world did Elizabeth run off to?'

As he approached the huge wooden doors at the end of the corridor, they swung open with a loud creak. The sunlight disappeared. Bartra kept walking. As he approached the huge wooden doors, they swung open with a loud creak. Bartra kept walking. As he approached the huge wooden doors, they swung open with a loud creak. Bartra kept walking. As he approached the huge wooden doors, they swung open with a loud creak. Bartra kept walking. As he approached the huge wooden doors, they swung open with a loud creak. Bartra stopped.

A strangled gasp left his mouth. He had appeared to have walked right out of the castle, which would have been fine, if he wasn't about seven storeys in the air. Bartra looked around. He seemed to be supported by some sort of invisible platform. All around him, the lights of Liones glowed in the twilight.

Bartra watched closely as colours raced across the sky before the sky disappeared. Nothing remained but blackness. A dark so solid and absolute Bartra didn't want it to come any closer. But it did come closer. First it snuffed out the mountains on the horizon. Then the fields just outside the city walls. Then the walls themselves until finally all of the kingdom of Liones was lost in a thick black ... something.

A light began to glow. Bartra looked down and saw a ring of lava, bubbling sinisterly. He watched grimly. The bubbled burst into towers of something darker than the dark around him. One was headed straight for him. Bartra looked at the thing and the thing look back at Bartra with glowing red eyes.

King Bartra woke with a gasp. He panted heavily. His heart thudded wildly. All he could do was stare at the ground and all he could see were those red eyes.

'Sire,' said a voice.

Bartra gasped and looked around, automatically straightening up.

Slader raised his head. 'Did you see something?'

–

The fight was still going, neither one winning or losing. In fact, if you looked closely, Meliodas was smiling.

Out the corner of your eye you noticed Elizabeth standing a little away from everyone else. Her hands were trembling. Before you could do anything, Diane was there.

Diane put her hand on Elizabeth's. 'You're wondering if those two might actually end up killing each other for real, aren't you?'

Elizabeth looked away, embarrassed or just upset you couldn't tell. 'Mm.'

'You don't have to worry, because the rest of us won't let that happen no matter what.'

Elizabeth smiled. 'Right.'

'If they die, I'd kill them myself,' you said.

'Um, you know that doesn't make sense, right?' said Diane.

You crossed your arms. 'It's what they deserve.'

Elizabeth laughed and, after rolling her eyes, Diane did too.

Half paying attention to Diane continuing to reassure Elizabeth, you half watched King and Howzer get into an altercation you figured had to do with Diane. It wasn't until their hands were fisted in each other's jackets that you thought to step in, but it seemed Hawk had it covered. You couldn't help but sigh. There was really nothing for you to do.

'Now simmer down, you two,' said the tiny pig. 'You're acting like a couple of lovesick pups.'

'What did you say?'

'So how about it? You two should take this opportunity and settle the score by fighting each other fair and square. Sound good?'

Okay, so maybe he just wanted to make a profit. Before you knew it, King and Howzer were facing off surrounded by a loose ring of spectators.

Little Gil fell to his knees. 'Oh man. A fight with King. I am so jealous of Howzer.'

'Is that so?' Gilthunder turned to you as you walked over. 'So, Little Gil, what'll it be? Do you want to watch or fight? I'll take you on.'

Gilthunder stood up quickly. ' [Y/n] ... are you sure?'

You started to stretch. 'Completely.' You smirked. 'I was getting bored.'

'All right!'

Vaguely aware of the people gathering around you, you got into position opposite Little Gil.

'Remember no weapons, you two,' called Hawk from where he was perched atop a barrel. You waved him off and turned your attention back to Gilthunder, who had undone the top button of his shirt and rolled up his sleeves.

'It's been a long time since we last fought,' said Little Gil. 'I'm gonna show you what I've learnt.'

You half crouched and smirked. 'Bring it.'

Gilthunder charged with a defiant yell. You hopped neatly over his fist, somersaulting in mid-air. Your fist snaked out and punched Gilthunder in the cheek. His head snapped back but he recovered quickly, retaliating with a swipe that knocked you to the ground. All the air rushed out your lungs. As you lay there trying to breathe, Gilthunder took the opportunity to slam his fist down. You rolled out the way just in time, blinking at the crack his punch had left in the dirt.

'Wow, you really have gotten stronger,' you said as you got up, brushing dirt off your clothes.

Little Gil's eyes shone. 'You really think so?'

'Oh, for sure.'

Lightning started to crackle through the air. 'Then what about this? Lightning King Iron Hammer!'

Around you, the spectators began to yell in panic, hurriedly retreating from the stray fingers of lightning. You just stood still, watching the lightning grow and get closer.

Right as Gilthunder brought his hand down, you let your wings unfurl, zipping into the air faster than a blink. The attack landed with a boom. Dust rose into the air. People were coughing.

'Where has she gone?' they said as the dust cleared. 'Did Sir Gilthunder win?'

Another blink and you appeared right behind Little Gil. 'Predictable.'

Before Gilthunder could turn, you slammed a kick into his back. He flew through the air for a good few metres before slamming to the ground and skidding to a stop in the grass. Gilthunder got up slowly. You walked over to him.

'Sorry, Little Gil,' you said as you got closer. 'Guess I got a bit carried away.'

Gilthunder laughed a badly disguised cough. 'It's all right.' He looked at the ground. 'I've still got a lot to learn.'

'Perhaps.' You reached out a hand to him. 'But so do I.'

He grinned at you and took you hand. Together you walked back to everyone else. King and Howzer's fight was over. No doubt who had won there. The bruises and scrapes on King's body told all. Meliodas and Ban were still going at it. Hawk was still selling ale.

Merlin smirked at you as you approached her. 'Looks like Captain isn't the only childish one.'

'Ah leave me alone,' you said with a smile, stretching your arms over your head. 'No one's sensible all the time.'

Merlin looked pointedly over at Gilthunder. 'Clearly.'

Elizabeth stumbled slightly, swaying on the spot.

'Are you okay?' You reached out to her.

'I feel like I've been drained of blood.'

'Hunter Fest.' Ban's shout echoed down. Oh.

Merlin snapped her fingers. You blinked. And next thing you knew, you and her were standing on a neighbouring mountain. The Perfect Cube was smaller, the people no more than smudges. You enhanced your vision and watched Ban pummel Meliodas with renewed vigour before finding Elizabeth in the crowd. She was on all fours but seemed fine. You turned to Merlin.

'Forgive me,' she said, the small smile still playing on her lips, 'but I just didn't fancy feeling weak today. Not to mention giving Ban half of both our powers would tilt the fight slightly more in his favour.'

You sighed and settled down on the grass. 'Yeah. And it wouldn't be good for Meliodas to do that again. Although, somehow I feel he would if Ban goads him into it.'

Merlin hummed pensively and turned something over in her hand. It glinted in the sunlight and you recognised it as Meliodas's ring. 'That was the main reason I made these rings, you know. Everything else – the shared thoughts, feelings and power – they were all bonuses.'

'Yeah, we figured that,' you said, hugging your knees to your chest.

'I just wanted –' Merlin broke off. You looked at her, surprised to see her eyebrows twisting, her hand clutching Meliodas's ring so tightly her hand shook. 'I don't want him to go back. I never thought I'd find something as precious as these people, as the days I've had with them. I don't want it to end.'

'Hey,' you said fiercely, staring at her. Merlin's eyes widened. 'I'm not going to let that happen.'

Merlin blinked, lips parted slightly, before smiling once again. 'No, I suppose you're right.'

You smiled at each other for a moment in comfortable silence before you said, 'Speaking of going back, is it safe yet?'

'Oh, I assume so,' said Merlin with half a glance down at the Perfect Cube. 'I don't think they'll be at it for much longer, either.'

Brushing off your knees, you sighed. 'Honestly. There was a time I thought I had one child. When did it become eight?'

Concealed in Merlin's laugh was the sound of her fingers snapping and the next thing you knew you were back among the crowds. Meliodas and Ban were hidden from view in a cloud of dust. Merlin pressed Meliodas's ring into your hand and you smiled at it fondly. You weren't going to let it happen.

The sun was beginning to set by the time Merlin let the Perfect Cube disappear. It disappeared with a shatter, the dust billowing out in great grey clouds. You walked through the puffs until you came across Meliodas lying spread-eagled on the ground.

'A draw?'

He looked up at you with tired eyes and smiled. 'Looks that way.'

You grinned back and tossed him his ring. He slipped it back on and your own ring warmed up on your finger, the weight of Meliodas's fatigue slamming into you like a brick wall.

Oh no, mister, you said. You can keep that to yourself.

Meliodas groaned half-heartedly.

Loud coughs came from somewhere to your right. 'Hey, Captain. You alive or what?' said Ban.

'Yeah, just barely,' replied Meliodas. 'Now that was rough. So what about you, Ban? How're you holding up? I mean, I know you're not dead.'

The dust began to clear and you spotted the red shape of Ban, also sprawled on the ground. You left them to it and found Elizabeth sitting on the grass not too far away. She took your offered hand but looked away.

'Is something the matter?' You tilted your head.

'[Y/n], you said last time that I was welcome to tell Sir Meliodas off,' she said, her clenched fists shaking not with fear, but barely suppressed rage. She looked at you and you saw it swirling in her eyes too. 'Well this time I will.'

The corner of your mouth twitched. 'Be my guest.'

Everyone walked down the mountain in a loose procession. Excited voices drifted back on the wind, each one discussing the three fights they had seen today.

'Geez, I seriously can't keep up with those two,' said King from just ahead of you, once again floating on Chastiefol. 'I mean, really.'

'Same here,' said Diane beside him. 'But thank goodness they're both all right.'

'Who's all right exactly?' said Ban from behind you. 'Master, why don't you let me lean on you?'

Hawk huffed. 'Nuh uh, not happening.'

'Elizabeth, you're being awfully quiet. Is something the matter?' asked Meliodas.

Elizabeth didn't stop walking. She didn't even turn to look at him. 'Sir Meliodas, you simply went too far today.' And with that, she linked her arm through yours and started walking faster down to the Boar Hat.

'Uh oh, you made her mad,' Hawk teased.

You looked over your shoulder at Meliodas andstuck your tongue out at him. He winked at you. And you walked back to the BoarHat, your heart full.