Hawk's mum bounded over the landscape. The resounding trotterfalls pounded rhythmically in your head. You were sitting on the bar, legs swinging and fiddling with a cork you had found. Meliodas and Elizabeth were staring out one of the windows. Everyone else was dotted around at tables or just standing.

'Please wait for us, Diane,' said Elizabeth. 'We'll find you no matter what it takes.'

Meliodas turned to look at everyone. 'But still, three hundred miles is a lot of ground to cover.'

'Yeah,' said King. 'I'm glad we're moving fast, but ... Hey, Merlin? Tell me, is there any way you could use teleportation? 'Cause I'm really worried about Diane.'

Light and darkness swirled within Aldan as Merlin spoke. 'Unfortunately, for right now it's all I can do to keep my soul contained in Aldan. Sorry about this, King.' She did sound genuinely troubled.

King looked at the table sadly. 'All right.' But then something across the room caught his eye. He glared. You followed King's line of sight and saw Gowther. Oh dear.

'Not only that, but I'd like to keep a reserve of my magical power for emergencies,' said Merlin as an illusion of her body appeared again.

'What do you mean by that?'

Merlin held out a hand and a rectangle appeared in front of King. It was a map. 'In the direction Diane's heading, from the ruins of Edinburgh Castle along the way, I'm picking up waves of monstrous evil.'

King gasped. Meliodas frowned. You chewed on your bottom lip. You twisted the cork so much it sprang free of your grasp and rolled along the floor.

—

Fraudrin looked down at Galand who was lazing just in front of him and said, 'You're saying you killed Meliodas?' He tried to keep the disbelief out of his voice but some slipped in.

'That's right,' said Galand. 'I also got rid of the other pesky gnats in his group ... and her.' His voice coated the word in poison. Fraudrin blinked. It couldn't be. Galand continued, 'But to be honest, the whole thing was really disappointing. How could the heretic who once struck terror into the heart of the Demon race meet such an end?'

Fraudrin's mind whirled. He tried to conceal it. 'Is this true, Galand? It seems rather hard you could bring him – them both – down so easily.'

Galand sat up slightly. He grabbed his halberd. 'Are you doubting me? So you don't trust what Galand of Truth is telling you?'

'No.' Fraudrin kept his eyes fixed on the ground in front of him. 'I'm well aware of your powers. I'm just a bit surprised.' Should he tell them? But if he couldn't believe Galand's word, what could he believe? He thought back to the blood and the rain. To the stopped hearts and Meliodas's rage. Could he believe that?

Galand was silent for a moment before making a quiet noise of surprise. Fraudrin looked up just in time to see the red-armoured demon stand up.

'Are you going somewhere again?' asked Gloxinia.

'Just a little walk,' said Galand, picking up his halberd. 'It's not in me to sit still like the rest of you.' And he was gone.

Fraudrin barely noticed. He needed time to think.

—

You froze. Across the bar, Meliodas did the same. You looked instinctively to Elizabeth, noting the look of surprise and concern. Meliodas's footsteps hit staccato on the wooden floor.

'Hawk's mum, stop for a second,' Meliodas shouted from outside. You joined him on the verandah just in time to see Hawk almost slide right to the edge as Hawk's mum stopped suddenly. But you pushed aside his pained squeals.

Magical power rolled across the land. A lot of it. Most of it was dark and prickled your skin. You knew that power. This was bad. What were they doing? Why were they so close?

'What's going on?' said King, floating out the door behind you. 'Let's get movi –' He cut himself off with a gasp. 'Woah. I'm sensing three powerful auras.'

Meliodas raised his head. 'It's two of the Ten Commandments and somebody else. I don't know who, but they're fighting. On the Ten Commandments' side there's Monspeet and Galand. The other has a power I haven't come across before.'

'Me neither.' You shook your head slightly.

There was no time to puzzle it over. A feeling of dread wrapped around you like ice, bitterly cold, trapping you in a gaze you hadn't felt in three thousand years. Strangled gasps around let you know you weren't the only one who felt it.

'Big Sister, could this overpowering, murderous intent be –?' said Slader.

'Yes,' said Merlin. 'It looks like they've detected our presence as well.'

Hawk snorted. 'No way. Are you serious? But they're still hundreds of miles away from us, aren't they? Their sense of smell is crazy.'

'Er, I don't think they detected us by smell, Hawk,' said Elizabeth's voice.

Without taking your eyes from the horizon, you moved to stand between her and Monspeet's gaze. As if that would help.

'I can't believe he's the one who noticed us,' Meliodas muttered, echoing your thoughts.

Heat. The frigid gaze was gone. Your mouth went dry and your lungs scorched. Something was coming fast, getting closer by the second.

'A mass of devastating power is heading toward us at top speed,' said King.

'Huh?' Hawk squealed.

Gowther's quiet voice came from behind you. 'ETA ten seconds.'

Meliodas ran to Hawk's mum's head. 'Hawk's mum, change direction and run as fast as you can!' He pointed right.

With a tremendous snort, Hawk's mum swerved. You swayed slightly and reached back to steady Elizabeth. Now thundering along in a different direction, you allowed yourself to relax – no. Monspeet's blistering spell changed direction too. Closer.

'The magical power just changed course,' said Slader in horrified disbelief. 'It's pursuing us.'

Meliodas cursed in your head. Your mouth was still dry. You tried to swallow.

'Over there!' shouted Hawk from where he was perched on his mum's snout. 'It's coming!'

You turned to face the same direction and saw it on the horizon. A ball of brilliant light soaring over the ground, like someone had taken the sun from the sky and decided to play bowling with it. You enhanced your vision and saw what it really was, a bird made of pure flame. You blinked and saw its shape flash behind your eyelids.

'This attack is to see if it's really me out here,' said Meliodas grimly. 'If I use Full Counter, they'll know for sure I'm still alive. Also my exact location.' He reached for Lostvayne. 'I don't want to, but there's no other way out of this.'

'Wait.' You flung out a hand and drew Cosain with the other. 'If that's true, let me –'

'No.' Meliodas cut you off. 'You're just as much of a give-away.'

Your retaliation turned into a yelp of shock. Hawk's mum had just changed direction again. She was headed right for the Hellfire Bird.

'Mum? He said not to go that way,' Hawk screeched. Hawk's mum didn't slow down. 'Mum!'

Enhanced vision wasn't needed to see the bird anymore. The heat was on your skin. Elizabeth gasped behind you and you gripped Cosain tighter. You didn't care what Meliodas said, Full Counter was a much bigger give away than an attack you would use.

Don't even think about it, he said without looking at you.

You crouched. Try and stop me.

Damn it. Lostvayne scraped as Meliodas unsheathed it.

'Mum, stop!' Hawk was still screeching.

The bird was closer now, less recognisable as bird-shaped and more of just a straight up ball of fire.

You glanced at Meliodas out the corner of your eye and couldn't help but grin slightly. Your (possibly slightly unstable) mind had turned this into a competition. Adrenaline rushed through your veins. You started to bounce lightly on the spot.

Meliodas growled in exasperation. [Y/n], you –

But whatever he was going to say was cut off as Hawk landed on his face. You froze.

'Hey, Hawk,' said Meliodas over Hawk's cries, his voice muffled by the pig's body. Meliodas pushed but Hawk refused to let go. 'I can't stop this thing if you don't get off me.'

You stared blankly at them. Cosain pointed straight down, your grip loose. Should you help? But with Meliodas occupied, there was no other choice but for you to be the one to get rid of Monspeet's spell. You nodded and gripped Cosain tighter.

'No, wait –' Meliodas's shout distracted you.

The Hellfire Bird was right in front of Hawk's mum. Whatever he had to say could wait.

You crouched.

And the bird flew straight into Hawk's mum's mouth. Steam poured from her nostrils.

Once again, you froze. Gasps all around.

Leaving the still-smouldering trail, Hawk's mum turned around and began to walk again with a self-satisfied rumble you felt more than heard. Everyone stared at each other. Meliodas grinned. You laughed with only the start a little shaky and sheathed your sword.

'Oh man, it was almost whole-roasted pig time for me,' said Hawk.

'Pretty impressive, Hawk's mum,' said Meliodas, still beaming. 'Can't believe you swallowed all that magical power in one gulp.'

King's face was frozen in disbelief. 'It's not just impressive, it's unbelievable.'

'Hawk's mum, your stomach's not upset, right?' asked Elizabeth. Hawk's mum rumbled.

Just to be safe, though, you crouched and touched Hawk's mum's back with glowing palms. You couldn't feel anything wrong.

'Captain, listen,' said Merlin. You stood up and turned to look at her. 'I advise that we change direction.'

As expected, King freaked out. 'Hold on, Merlin. That wasn't the plan! If you don't wanna look for Diane, then I'm going off on my own.'

'I understand how you feel, but you need to calm down,' said Merlin evenly. 'Diane's presence has faded along with the one who was confronting the Ten Commandments. This happened right before we were attacked. Most likely, they're both safe. But if we were to head in and approach them now, I'm afraid we'd be putting Diane and the person helping her in danger.'

King frowned.

Meliodas put his hand on the Fairy King's shoulder. 'We're definitely gonna rescue Diane. All of us together, okay?'

You smiled as King's face softened.

'So the guess a change in direction means that you have somewhere else in mind, Merlin?'

Merlin nodded slightly. 'Right now, our top priority is to power up so we can fight the Ten Commandments. And to make that happen –'

Hawk beamed. 'We'll have a meal, right?'

'I'm going to give back the power I stole,' said Merlin. 'From both of you.'

Meliodas stiffened. You couldn't tell if your own stillness was a reflection of his or your own. Either way, the same word was on both your minds. Finally.

'I took a percentage of the captain's power – and therefore [Y/n]'s as well – because it was too overwhelming and dangerous.' Merlin's voice sounded far away. Everyone's gasps sounded even further. 'Yes, that's right. That's why the captain always kept his emotions in check and why he wears that ring. It's more than just a symbol of their marriage, it's a way for [Y/n] to calm him down. So his powers wouldn't run rampant.'

You licked your lips. It was like you could feel your ring more in that moment. All of it. All of Meliodas. And all of yourself. Neither of you moved.

'But still, it's not like he hasn't gone berserk more than once before, right?' said Hawk. His voice sounded tinny. 'What's up with that?'

Merlin looked down and smiled slightly. 'Those times, in terms of his true power, what you saw were merely the dregs.'

Hawk sniggered. 'Merely the dregs, she said.'

And finally Meliodas moved. 'Laugh it up, Porkball.'

You relaxed slightly. Of course he would move to retaliate Hawk's teasing. Your fingers were still cold. You shoved them into your pockets.

Merlin looked up again. 'Ten years ago, amid the drama of our exile, when a certain young girl was seriously injured trying to help us, the captain started to lose control. [Y/n] did too. So for everyone's safety, the moment they let their guard down, I separated their strength from them.'

'Can't believe that really happened,' said King.

'Oh,' said Meliodas. 'Yeah, you're right. I completely forgot about that.'

Your eyes flickered to Elizabeth and away again. 'Me too.' You frowned.

'We're going to need that power back in order to battle the Ten Commandments,' said Merlin.

Meliodas kept staring at her. 'Makes sense. Okay, so where is it now?' A map appeared in front of both of you like it had in front of King before.

'The location isn't that far from here. It's the Holy Land of the Druids, Istar.'

It wasn't long before the rolling green hills became dotted with mossy stones rather than trees. The sunlight seemed to fall differently here – softer somehow, like it was always sunset. Everyone disembarked from Hawk's mum.

'So this is Istar,' said Elizabeth from the other side of Meliodas. 'It's the Holy Land of the Druids, right?'

'Yep.' Meliodas laced his fingers with yours and started walking. 'I think it's been about ten years since we were here.'

Rushed footsteps reached your ears as Elizabeth ran to catch up with you. 'Are you familiar with the druids and what they do?'

You pursed you lips and tried very hard not to roll your eyes.

Meliodas squeezed your hand in warning. 'A little,' he said, 'because of one of the Seven Deadly Sins' missions.'

'I know we're in the right place, but there's nothing but stones as far as the eye can see. And there doesn't seem to be anyone around.' Elizabeth broke off with a gasp. She stared up at the gate in awe. 'My goodness. What a beautiful view.'

This time you were unable to stop the derisive snort. Thankfully Elizabeth didn't seem to hear it. She wandered through the gate. You half stepped forward to follow, but Meliodas pulled you back.

Hey, he said, voice quiet even though only you could hear him. I know you don't like being here, but we have to get our power back. That's the only reason we're here.

You took a deep breath. I know. You shivered slightly. Ugh, I hate this place. I swear, if Zaneri tries anything again, I will not hesitate.

Meliodas laughed aloud. 'You're hot when you're jealous.'

You rolled your eyes but smiled as you walked hand in hand through the gate.

Elizabeth was standing on the other side looking in silent awe at her surroundings. You could sort of see the beauty in the clear water and the pink clouds. But still ...

'Sir Meliodas, [Y/n],' she turned and called to you. 'What's this?'

'What do you know?' said Meliodas, swinging your joined hands slightly. 'Guess the entrance was already open.'

'Huh?' said Hawk who you realised was beside you. 'What are you talking about? Woah. This is amazing.'

'How exactly does this work?' asked Slader as he, Merlin and King joined you.

'It's a special type of gate that protects this place,' said Merlin. 'In order to pass through it, you need the spell caster's permission.'

'By that logic, Big Sister, if the gate's already open, then –' He was interrupted by Hawk's snort/gasp.

'Look over there,' said the pig. You didn't want to. You looked at the ground instead.

'Your deduction is correct,' a familiar voice said loudly. 'We were indeed aware of your arrival.'

'Who are they?' said Slader.

'Those are the Druid Chiefs,' said King.

Come on. Meliodas pulled you along.

'The Seven Deadly Sins,' said Jenna, getting quieter as you approached. 'It's been quite a while.'

Hawk ran ahead, right up to Theo. 'Hey there. You sure are humongous, Chief. My name's Hawk, the star and master of the Seven Deadly Sins. I'm the Captain of the Order of Scraps Disposal.' Before he could inflate his already large ego anymore, Hawk was interrupted by a stick being shoved up his nose.

'We're the Chiefs around here,' said Jenna with a hard smile. Her staff was lodged firmly in Hawk's nostril. 'I'm Lady Jenna. This is my younger sister, Zaneri.'

'Wait a minute. You mean these two little girls are the Druid Chiefs? Then who's this old guy?'

Theo smiled. 'I'm the priest in charge of protecting our two dear Chiefs. The name's Theo.'

'How old are you anyway?' Hawk got the question out but his voice then dissolved into gurgles as Jenna continued punishing him.

'What's up, Theo?' said Meliodas with an easy smile. He let go of your hand to put his hands on his hips. 'Looks like you really bulked up.'

'Yeah, Sir Meliodas,' said Theo. 'And at fifteen, I'm still growing.'

'You're fifteen?' Hawk screeched.

'This pig is so amusing.' Jenna stretched Hawk's ear.

'Do you have any idea who I am?'

You stood stiffly behind Meliodas and didn't say anything. Jenna's smile faltered as her eyes met yours, but she didn't say anything either. She just went back to tormenting Hawk.

'It's nice to meet you.' Elizabeth's voice drew your attention. You looked over to see her talking to Zaneri. 'I'm the Kingdom of Liones's third prin –' Elizabeth cut herself off as Zaneri turned to look at Meliodas instead. You bristled.

'How's it going, Zaneri?' Meliodas raised his hand in greeting. 'Hey, looks like we're still a couple of shrimps, huh?'

Zaneri reached out and took Meliodas's hand in both of hers. You began to chew your tongue. Before you could do anything, though, Meliodas whipped his hand free.

Zaneri's face fell slightly, but still she said, 'Meliodas, I'm very happy to see you again.'

Your hands balled into fists at your side. You ignored Merlin's smirk.

'Okay, that's enough with the greetings and stuff,' Meliodas said quickly. Hot. He turned to Jenna. 'The reason came here today –'

'We know why you've come to the Holy Land,' Jenna interrupted, a squealing pig tucked under one arm, 'so there's no need to explain.'

'That makes things easier,' said Merlin. 'I'd expect no less of a Druid Chief. Thank you.'

'By the way, Merlin, those people standing over there near the entrance, are they friends of yours?'

'Yes.'

Zaneri walked a few steps before turning back to you. 'If you're ready, Meliodas, let's go to the tower on the right. You too, [Y/n].'

You nodded slightly.

'Sure,' said Meliodas, hands behind his head.

Zaneri turned her eyes to Elizabeth. Her gaze became colder than it had been on you. 'And you as well.'

Elizabeth blinked. 'Me? What for?'

She didn't get an answer though, and the four of you walked in silence to the tower entrance. Your steps were jerky, each leg working just enough to keep you moving.

'Are you all right, [Y/n]?' Elizabeth's voice jerked you from your thoughts.

You blinked and smiled. Your cheeks felt stiff. 'I'm fine.'

Elizabeth looked down at her feet before looking at you again. 'Does Lady Zaneri have feelings for –?'

'Doesn't matter,' you said quickly. 'Meliodas is mine.'

'Ah, right.'

Still hot, said Meliodas.

The air cooled significantly as you entered the tower. Zaneri looked like she was glowing in her white dress. Everyone's footsteps echoed, letting you know the space was huge and empty.

'It's so dark,' said Elizabeth, her voice bouncing with the footsteps.

'Our power's inside this place?' asked Meliodas.

'Yes.' Zaneri stopped walking. 'And at this point, you will both have to go through a trial.' She turned to you. 'Returning your power will depend on the result.'

Meliodas breathed out in understanding. 'So we just ace this thing and then we're good to go, right?'

Zaneri lowered her gaze. 'It will be very painful and difficult. To be completely honest, I'm worried you may not be able to take it, Meliodas.'

You huffed a tiny laugh. Only worried about Meliodas, huh? Classy.

Meliodas laughed a proper laugh and punched his fist into his palm. 'When you put it like that, it just pushed me even harder. I'll face any sort of test you got.' He turned to you. 'First one to pass wins.'

You returned his grin, his infectious energy bubbling through your veins. 'It's on.'

Zaneri sighed. She raised a hand over her head and began to glow. For real this time. She began a spell.

At the last word, a light started to shine under your feet. There was an identical one beneath Meliodas. You heard Elizabeth gasp from far away. The light got brighter. You covered your eyes. There were millions of little hooks on your skin, beneath your skin. They were pulling you somewhere. You didn't want to, but you let them.

You opened your eyes. You were in a house. A familiar house.

'Meliodas?' you called. But there was no answer. There was no ring on your finger. You started to look around. Why was this house so familiar to you?

Wait a minute. Those chairs. That tablecloth. The clothes you were wearing. The view out the window.

'Meliodas,' you called again louder. Still no answer. You had to find him. Now.

You barrelled out the door and down the street, not bothering to apologise. This couldn't be real. This was the test. Those two thoughts pounded in your head in time with your footsteps. It was hard to keep the rhythm steady though. Each sight that flashed by – the corner bakery, the people who greeted you, the flags waving in the wind – sought to trip you. You ran through the streets of Danafall until you spotted a familiar blond head.

And then you did trip over. Because in front of him was someone with red hair.

Meliodas met your eyes over her shoulder. His eyebrows were twisted, his eyes brimming with emotion.

'What are you looking at?' said the girl with red hair. She turned.

Your brain was screaming turn faster and don't turn at the same time. There was a ringing in you ears. You heart was beating so fast you thought it would burst from your chest. Were you breathing? You couldn't tell.

'Oh, hey, [Y/n].' Liz smiled.

~~

Hey hey hey, everyone! How you all doing? :)

I think you'll like my friend's new song because it's about being in love with characters who don't exist. (Don't tell her I told you, but it was based on an anime character.)

https://youtu.be/a_5nqr32b0w

We're starting to get to some chapters that have a lot of things I've been waiting so long to write about! I hope you're excited to read them.

Stay safe <3