The stone angel stared blankly at you and Hendrickson. Its hands were empty and its wings were small. Its flat grey eyes unnerved you and you gripped your ash staff tighter. Before either of you could say anything, Jenna's disembodied voice filled the cavern.

'This will be your opponent,' she said, her voice kind of smug.

You stepped around the angel. It didn't move. 'A golem?'

'Of a sort. But each time you defeat it, it will come back. And each time it comes back it will have learnt from your fight.'

Hendrickson nodded. 'It will get smarter.'

'Smarter. Stronger. Faster. Whatever it needs to be the victor.' Jenna laughed slightly. 'Good luck.'

No sooner had the echo of Jenna's voice faded, the angel attacked. You ducked under its arm and hopped back a few steps. The angel span, a palm slamming into Hendrickson's chest. He stumbled back a few steps but didn't fall. The three of you surveyed each other.

'What's it doing?' asked Hendrickson, holding his staff at the ready. 'Do you think it's gathering information already?'

You hummed. 'I think we should assume so. We also need to come to a decision quickly.'

'You're right.' Hendrickson's eyes narrowed. 'How fast do we want it to learn?'

'Well, I don't know about you, Hendy, but I'm in for a bit of fun.' You grinned at him.

Hendrickson blinked but then returned your smile. 'Sounds good to me.'

And with that, you blurred across to the stone angel, grabbed its arm and slammed it into the floor. The statue burst into chunks of rock. A cloud of dust rose.

'I didn't know that was what you meant.' Hendrickson coughed. 'That was probably a mistake.'

You laughed sheepishly and rubbed the back of your neck. 'Probably. I just wanted to see how long it would take to regenerate.'

With a slight rumble, the stone fragments sped off to where the angel had first appeared. Before your eyes, the pieces rebuilt and within a blink it was whole again. The angel was slightly bigger. You made a noise of appreciation. Hendrickson adjusted his position. And the angel attacked.

It was faster than last time. Its forearm caught you in the chest and you flew back, slamming into the wall. Definitely a mistake. But, you stood up and shook yourself off, it was kind of fun. Hendrickson blocked a swipe with his ash staff, arms trembling, but managed to kick the angel's leg. A smirk grew on your lips.

This was going to be fun.

—

Merlin watched [Y/n] get up and folded her arms. It had been a while since she'd seen [Y/n] really let go. Beside Merlin, Jenna gave a self-satisfied hum. The Druid Chief held out her palm. The two rings glinted in the sunlight.

'So you made these, right?' asked Jenna, turning the rings over.

Merlin nodded. 'That's right.'

'Quite impressive.'

'It was nothing.' Merlin turned back to watch the battle. 'Just a small token of my appreciation. The least I could do.'

'They really are good people, aren't they?' Something in Jenna's voice made Merlin turn from the fight. The Druid Chief's eyebrows were twisting, a faint smile on her lips.

'They really are.' Merlin tilted her head slightly. 'You could apologise you know.'

Jenna snorted. 'Yeah, that's not really my style.' She turned back to the glowing orb and waved her hand. [Y/n] and Hendrickson's battle disappeared and was replaced with Meliodas and King. But they weren't fighting a monster. They had turned on each other. 'Wait, what is this? They just started fighting all of a sudden.'

At Jenna's loud shock, Gilthunder and Howzer had come over.

'Lady Jenna, what's going on in there?' asked Gilthunder. 'Why would those two—?'

'How should I know?'

Merlin smiled slightly. Funny how things seemed to happen all at once.

—

King's staff whistled past Meliodas's face. The speed made Meliodas's hair fly back. He frowned. Still up in the air, King whipped his hand back and forth like a conductor. With each movement, the staff attacked again and Meliodas dodged again, flipping through the air and using his own staff to block King's. King grunted and the staff flew straight for Meliodas's face. Meliodas stopped it and sent it spinning back all the way to King's side.

'I want you to answer me,' said King loudly, his voice bouncing around the room. The Goddess Ambers had long since disappeared somewhere. They were alone again.

Meliodas smirked. 'It depends on your definition of an ally. If you ever turn on [Y/n] or Elizabeth or my teammates, then I'm your enemy. That's all that really matters, isn't it?'

'Stop dodging the question! I want to know what your goal is.'

At the end of his shout, King pushed at the air. His staff came flying at Meliodas once more, but Meliodas knocked it away. But it kept coming back, harder and faster. Instead of using his own staff, Meliodas could only dodge. That wasn't good. He was going to mess up and probably sooner rather than later. And he did. Meliodas was just a breath too slow, a hair too close, and King's staff sliced his arm. The sting snapped Meliodas to attention and he reached out and snagged King's staff from the air.

'What'll you do know?' asked Meliodas, his smile turning smug. He gripped the staff tighter as it fought to return to King. 'I took your weapon out of commission.'

King floated gently down to the floor and waved his hands. 'Status Promotion.'

The tiny cut on Meliodas's arm tore open. Blood spurted into the air. Meliodas winced. That was more than a sting. King watched coldly. And Meliodas didn't blame King at all.

—

The stone angel exploded into dust. You took a deep breath and pushed your sweaty hair back from your forehead. Beside you, Hendrickson panted, resting his hands on his knees, a steady trickle of blood flowing from a cut on his cheek. You waved a glowing hand and it disappeared.

Hendrickson touched his cheek hesitantly. 'Thank you.'

'No problem.' You took a moment to relax slightly, unclenching your jaw and your tight grip on the ash staff.

About two regenerations ago, the angel had rebuilt with a stone sword – 'Unfair,' you had shouted – and it was even bigger. On the plus side, it didn't seem to be able to perform magic, but each time you or Hendrickson used magic to destroy it, the angel retaliated by reforming faster and stronger.

The sound of crumbling stone alerted you to the angel's new form building and you shifted slightly. You hadn't used your wings yet, but you were reluctant to. You were almost certain that as soon as you did, the stone angel would discover its own wings. But you also knew you would have to use yours soon to get the upper hand.

'Are you all right?' Hendrickson's question drew you from your thoughts.

'Yeah.' You smiled at him. 'Are you?'

Hendrickson looked taken aback before waving you off. 'I'm fine.'

Your smile softened. 'We're gonna win, Hendy. Together.'

He blinked before grinning back. 'Yeah.'

—

The smile fell from Ban's face faster than he thought it would have. But it shouldn't surprise him. What right did he have to smile right now? Sure Jonko made him laugh and seeing Zhivago again made him relax in a way he hadn't in years, but still ...

'Ban, something else is on your mind, isn't it?' said Zhivago.

'What are you talking about?' Ban didn't look at him until Zhivago placed a hand on Ban's arm. Zhivago's face was different, but those eyes were exactly the same. They stared at Ban and inside him as well.

'Don't forget I'm your dad. I can tell when my son is holding something back.'

Ban turned away. 'It boils down to this: I found a lover and a friend I cared about but it couldn't last. I had to decide between the two of 'em and I chose to kill my friend. And I didn't even stop to consider how that would hurt her as well.'

'Her?'

Inside his pockets, Ban clenched his fists. 'She loves me, Zhivago. Even when I do something wrong. And I was going to kill the man she loves like it was nothing.' He gritted his teeth. 'And I can't help but feel that if I had managed to kill him, she would have loved me still. [Y/n] would have forgiven me.'

Zhivago shifted slightly. '[Y/n]? You met her again? I hope this man is the boyfriend she was looking for.'

'You know [Y/n]?' Ban blinked. Jorko raised herself up slightly from the floor.

'You know her too, Ban. She made us stew.' Zhivago frowned slightly. 'You don't remember?'

'I'd completely forgotten.' Ban breathed out, staring at the ceiling. He remembered her now. She looked exactly the same. The same kind eyes and soft smile. Not changing at all. Just like the captain. 'I owe her so much. All this time. And I forgot? What kind of friend am I?'

Zhivago hummed slightly.

'What?'

'Did you do it? Did you kill your friend?'

Ban shook his head. 'He's one of the best guys I've ever met, you know? No matter how much of a pain I am, he smiles and forgives me. That kindness is something I've come to depend on.'

'I know that feeling well. That day I had to choose between you and Selion, I abandoned you.' With a great creaking of the bed, Zhivago sat up. 'And even so, you've somehow managed to forgive me.'

'It's not the same!' Ban growled and slammed his fists onto his knees. 'I tried to kill him. And then afterward, instead of being angry, they smiled and forgave me. The guy wasn't even fazed. He's really unbelievable.'

'I see now,' said Zhivago. 'The thought of having to depend on them makes you sick, doesn't it?'

Ban clenched his fists so tight he felt his fingernails cutting into his palms. But he didn't stop. He deserved the pain. 'Yeah. 'Cause I'm a piece of crap who can never be saved.'

Warmth. Ban gasped. Zhivago wrapped an arm around Ban's shoulders and leant on him.

'He sounds like a great friend. And [Y/n] sounds like she hasn't changed. You'll have to say hello to her from me.'

'What are you talking about? You can tell her yourself.'

'Listen to me.' Zhivago drew Ban in closer. 'No matter how much you regret what you've done deep down, it's meaningless if you can't get through to your friend. Just like with me, you know? Don't hold it in. Let it all out. Then beg for forgiveness with all your heart. and with that, with those few words given from father to son, my soul can rest knowing we can be forgiven.'

Zhivago went limp. Ban froze. Zhivago's thick fur tickled his neck. He was still warm. But there were no breaths. Those deep eyes that saw Ban for who he really was had closed and would never open again.

—

The thoughts in Meliodas's head were spinning wildly. He hid his face from King, trying to curl in on himself. Would King think Meliodas had been overwhelmed by the pain? It did hurt a lot. Whatever spell King had cast made the cut keep throbbing no matter how much Meliodas tried to ignore it. He just needed time to think. But King wouldn't give him that.

'Come on. Answer me,' said King. 'Tell me what you really want. To bravely protect the peace of the kingdom as the captain of our Order? No way. That's not it.'

Meliodas raised his head. King was glaring at him. It hurt more than the cut.

'Maybe it's to spend your life as a drunk, living out your days as the owner of a tavern.' King laughed slightly and shook his head. 'That's not it either.'

Meliodas grunted, half in pain, half in annoyance. Neither of King's guesses had included [Y/n].

Still smiling, King said, 'You've got dark magical power and though the years go by, you never age. On top of that, you seemed very acquainted with those demon monsters who were gone for three thousand years.' He held a finger to his chin in mock thought.

With one arm still wrapped around his body, Meliodas got to his feet with a grunt.

'Fess up. You're actually one of the Ten Commandments, aren't you?' King glared, his whole face screwing up. 'Meliodas of the Demon Race.'

Meliodas's hearts were beating faster. Too fast. He wondered if King could hear them. But then an image of [Y/n] wavered in front of him. Meliodas started. All she did was smile and disappear. Meliodas didn't know if he imagined it or if she had somehow known what he was going through, but he was grateful all the same.

'Keeping quiet isn't an option,' said King. 'Nor is it suiting for the captain of the Sins. Let's try this again. Status Promotion.' He held out a hand.

'Full Counter!' Meliodas swung one of the staffs and the power heading for him bounced back to its creator.

The power washed over King and forced him back a few steps. King yelled but Meliodas felt no satisfaction. Well, maybe a little bit.

King straightened up and laughed. 'Too bad. It didn't work. That can't be the best you can do. That attack didn't even scratch me.'

Meliodas smiled. A challenge. 'Here's a question. You say it's true, but are you really the Fairy King?'

'What?'

'Because the previous Fairy King Daria and the first one both had pretty impressive wings coming out of their backs. If you're the Fairy King, where are yours?'

King scowled. 'Shut up! I'm the one asking the questions. Condense Power.'

The ash staff that had once been King's began to glow. The light drew into one point and became –

'A droplet?' Meliodas brought it closer. But that's what it was. A drop of water defying gravity and holding its shape on top of the wood. 'Wait. This is no ordinary drop of water.'

King snapped his fingers. And the water sliced into Meliodas's face. Meliodas gasped. King began to control the drop of water just as he had the ash staff and Chastiefol. It flew around Meliodas with a high pitched, almost metallic sound. Meliodas dodged each attack and began to fight back, wielding both staffs. He slammed them into the droplet over and over until King called it back to his side.

'I took the moisture inside of the tuneriko wood and then condensed it down into a point to make this tiny water droplet.' King smirked quite evilly.

Meliodas looked at the remains of his staffs. 'More like a tiny iron droplet.' He let them fall but the sound didn't quite reach his ears. All he could hear was what King had just said. 'You took what was there and condensed it to a point. Not a bad idea.'

Ignoring King's quizzical face, Meliodas adjusted his stance and concentrated. The darkness flowed over him. It wasn't like the last times, a wildfire burning out of control. This time Meliodas held the reins. He was in charge.

'And now condense it to a tiny point.'

Meliodas screwed up his eyes and clenched his fists. The darkness didn't go quietly. It snapped and writhed but Meliodas pushed back. It became a tiny point on his chest, just over one heart. At his command, the dot became free of his body and hovered in the air, a tiny sphere of pure darkness. Meliodas smiled at it.

'I did it.'

He held out a hand and the darkness floated just above his palm. Meliodas swore he could hear it humming.

'All right, enough of this.' Jenna's voice echoed in the cavern once again. 'Both of you, come out of there.'

'Uh oh. Are we in trouble?'

King turned to Meliodas. 'Look. Diane and Ban trust you with all their hearts. If you ever do anything to betray that trust, I'll never forgive you. And no matter how much I like her, the same goes for [Y/n] as well. She'll always be on your side.' King floated to the hole in the wall that had appeared after Jenna's interruption.

Meliodas frowned. 'I'm sorry I can't tell you the whole story right now. And even if I did, I'm not sure you'd believe me anyway.'

'If that's all you have to say, I'm gonna be keeping an eye on you from now on. On both of you. Until I'm sure that you're people worthy of my trust.'

'Well, actually, there is one more thing.' Meliodas's gaze hardened on King's back. 'I don't care what you think of me, but the moment you turn against [Y/n] is the moment you turn against me too. You said she'll always be on my side, but you should remember the opposite is true as well.'

It was quiet for a moment before King said, 'Do you remember what you said the day we first met?' But before Meliodas could say anything, King brushed it off. 'Never mind. It's nothing.' And he floated out the cave.

Meliodas followed and in a second they were both outside again.

'Hey, they're back out,' said Little Gil before he and Jenna ran to Meliodas and King. 'Meliodas!'

'Oh, hey, Little Gil.' Meliodas raised a hand in greeting.

'You idiots,' Jenna shouted, clenching a fist. 'Why were you to fighting each other?'

'We were debating if boobs or butts were better and it got out of hand,' said Meliodas lightly and turned to King. 'Right?'

'Hmph.' King turned up his nose.

'So, back to business,' said Meliodas as he turned back to Jenna. 'Can you restore our power now?'

Jenna folded her arms. 'Don't be dumb. [Y/n]'s not out yet.'

Meliodas whipped around but it was true. [Y/n] wasn't anywhere he could see. 'Aw what? You mean she gets to stay in longer than I did? That's not fair.' He pouted.

'It's your own fault.' Jenna smirked. 'If you had just done your training properly, you might still be in there too.' She marched back to where Merlin stood. 'Now you'll just have to wait.'

'You should come watch, Sir Meliodas,' said Little Gil loudly with a wide grin on his face. 'It's so exciting. [Y/n] is amazing!'

'Well of course she is,' said Meliodas smugly. He followed Gilthunder over to the others and the floating sphere.

The sphere showed an eagle-eyed view of [Y/n] and Hendrickson's battle. They were facing off against a humongous stone angel. It seemed to fill up most of the cavern and held a massive stone sword. [Y/n] and Hendrickson looked like ants at its feet. Both of them were scratched up and panting heavily. [Y/n]'s wings were out, but Meliodas could tell by the way she held them that they wouldn't be there for much longer.

'It is quite impressive,' said Jenna as [Y/n] and Hendrickson shouted a battle cry and charged the angel. 'They've been fighting for much longer than I expected. Guess they make a pretty good team.'

'They're working together?' King's lip curled.

The angel swung and [Y/n] ducked just in time. Hendrickson wasn't so lucky. The hilt of the angel's sword smacked into his head and he was thrown backwards into a wall and didn't move. [Y/n] jumped onto the stone blade and used it as a ramp to run up the angel's arm. She flipped and her foot collided with the angel's chin. A tiny piece of rock fell.

'Damn,' Howzer muttered. 'A few rounds ago that knocked its head clean off.'

Gilthunder nodded grimly. 'Or at least knocked it down.'

Meliodas didn't look away. Because [Y/n] was still in the air. And the angel was fast. Its hand appeared out of nowhere and smacked [Y/n] into the ground. The sphere offered no sound, but Meliodas could still hear her cry. He felt it reverberate in his chest. Before [Y/n] could get up, the angel grabbed her leg and threw her into a wall. Gilthunder and Howzer gasped. Meliodas clenched his fists. [Y/n] stirred feebly.

Get up, said Meliodas. Come on. Don't give up yet.

And somehow, [Y/n] did get up. Her ash staff began to glow and she charged once again at the angel. Faster than a blink, the angel raised a palm and [Y/n] ran right into it. She slammed into the ground and didn't move. The angel raised its sword to deliver the final blow.

'Get her out of there!' Little Gil whirled on Jenna and clenched his fists.

Jenna raised a hand. 'Wait,' she said. 'Hendy.'

The view in the sphere changed. Hendrickson's eyes opened. He held his head and blinked hard. The sword blurred towards [Y/n]. She braced herself. But Hendrickson was there. He stood in between [Y/n] and the angel. His lips moved as he shouted something and the attack meant for [Y/n] hit Hendrickson instead.

Dust obscured the view. No sound came from the Cave of Training. No one said anything except King.

'Hendrickson ... protected her?'

A light began to cut through the dust. It shone from the sphere into the outside air.

'What is this?' asked Little Gil.

'So bright.' Howzer raised a hand to shield his eyes.

Meliodas smiled. He had seen this light before.

'How can she still use so much power?' said Jenna loudly. 'It shouldn't be possible.'

The dust cleared and there was [Y/n]. She stood in front of an unharmed Hendrickson, her staff pointed at the angel. The light was coming from her. Her eyes had changed, orange with three-pronged pupils, and her hair and clothes rippled in a wind that didn't touch Hendrickson. [Y/n] said something and the light grew even brighter. It covered the image of her, Hendrickson and the angel. The sphere cracked.

'Honestly,' said Jenna. 'You're both as bad as each other.'

Meliodas snickered.

'It wasn't a compliment.' Jenna waved her hand. The light and sphere disappeared. At the entrance to the cave, two fallen bodies appeared. 'Before you go to her, take these.' Jenna pressed the rings into Meliodas's hand.

Meliodas smiled at them and walked slowly over to [Y/n] and Hendrickson. As he neared, they began to stir. Hendrickson's skin was unblemished, all his cuts healed. [Y/n], on the other hand, was covered in scratches. Meliodas shook his head but smiled fondly.

'And you call me an idiot,' he said, reaching out to pull [Y/n] to her feet.

She swayed on the spot slightly and blinked at him. 'Meliodas?'

He didn't say anything, just slid the ring onto her finger as he had done all those years ago. Meliodas put his own ring back on and sighed as his world seemed to shift back into place.

—

You turned from Hendrickson after making sure he was okay and smiled at Meliodas. 'So have you been out long?'

Meliodas rubbed the back of his head. 'Not long at all.'

'Is that so?' You smirked. 'I wonder if Little Gil would have the same answer.'

'Okay, fine.' Meliodas pouted. 'You were in there way longer than I was. Happy?'

'Oh yes,' you said, grinning even wider. 'Because it sounds to me like you're saying that I won.'

Meliodas stared at you for a second before his eyes changed and his own smirk twisted his lips. You swallowed thickly. He snaked his arms around and pulled you closer before whispering, his lips brushing against yours, 'Then shall I give you a prize?'

You could only blink. And before what you thought would happen – what you wanted to happen – happened, Meliodas let you go and pushed you over to Jenna.

'You're both unbelievably stupid and reckless,' said Jenna. She rolled her eyes before holding out a glowing palm. The cuts on your skin began to close. 'If this is what you're like with depleted powers, I kind of don't want to give you the rest. But—' she heaved a deep sigh '—guess I have no choice.'

Before Jenna could pull her hand away, you caught it and gave it a squeeze. 'Thank you, Jenna,' you said. 'For everything.'

Jenna smiled slightly but the pulled her hand away and scowled. 'Sure.'

With a popping sound, Jenna's staff appeared out of thin air. It was the one she had shoved up Hawk's nostril when you first arrived. She raised it high and recited a spell. Above your heads, a giant crystal appeared.

'Is that a Goddess Amber too?' said someone loudly.

'It's huge!'

'Sir Meliodas and [Y/n]'s power's in there?' Hendrickson gasped.

'Getting it all inside was pretty tough,' said Jenna like it was no big deal.

You stared up at the Goddess Amber. You could see the power swirling within it. Half was bright light, the other purplish darkness. The two kept hitting each other before splitting and trying to break free. It made you sad. But there, in the centre, a small point of calm where your and Meliodas's power joined peacefully. You smiled.

'All right, everyone. Step back.' Jenna waved a hand. Everyone did so. She turned to you and Meliodas. 'Now, are you ready?'

'Sure,' said Meliodas.

You gave a thumbs up. Your heart began to beat faster and you tried not to bounce on the spot.

Jenna said another spell. A light began to shine and you heard a loud cracking sound. The Goddess Amber splintered. The power was free.

Half of the sky turned pitch dark, the other bright white. Long shadows stretched over the ground. In the centre, the colours intertwined. But you barely noticed, barely heard what anyone was saying. Every hair on your body stood on end. The air crackled.

At Jenna's command, your and Meliodas's power split. Your power slammed into you, a river of light streaming into your chest. It was like swimming in electricity. Each one of your nerves was on fire. But it didn't hurt. The corners of your mouth lifted.

In what seemed like no time at all, it was over. You flexed your fingers and looked around. You felt more connected to everything but at the same time lighter and freer. The colours were brighter, the shapes sharper. Everyone was staring at you.

Meliodas laughed lowly. 'This is it. After all this time, my power has finally been returned.'

Everyone shifted uncomfortably. You rolled your eyes and bonked him on the head.

Meliodas giggled. 'Just joking.'

'Ah, thank goodness,' said Little Gil.

'You know,' said Howzer, 'they don't seem all that different to me.'

As you pulled your shirt over your head, King's muffled voice reached your ears. 'Are they still the same as they were before?'

What's all that about? you asked, adjusting the collar of your coat.

Meliodas didn't look at you. Tell you later. All dressed, he turned to Merlin. 'Hey, Merlin, can you send me over to the Ten Commandments?'

'Well, it's not that I can't, but—' Merlin cut herself off. 'Just you?'

You and Meliodas shared a look before both nodding.

'Are you serious?' said Gilthunder. 'You can't just waltz into enemy territory. It's suicidal.'

Meliodas took Lostvayne from you and looped its scabbard around his chest. 'You can do it though, right?'

'Indeed,' said Merlin. 'But keep in mind that once I teleport you, there will be a slight delay before you can be teleported back here. In other words, Captain, you must survive for more than ten seconds on your own. If an attempt is made any sooner, you'll be reduced to a lump of meat. Still want to go?'

'Yeah.' Meliodas smiled and raised his fists. 'I won't be alone.' He caught your eye and you grinned back.

'Let's do it,' you said.

Merlin smiled. 'Very well then.'

'Hey, hold on.' Gilthunder frowned. 'Why don't you take a little more time before you—?'

Meliodas raised a finger and cut Little Gil off. 'I'm only going over there to say hello.'

And with one last giggle, he was gone.

You settled down onto the grass and crossed your legs, hands resting lightly on your knees. Everyone's voices washed over you, but you blocked them out. You took a deep breath and closed your eyes.

It was dark where Meliodas was. He stood at the foot of a twisting, towering structure, the Ten Commandments lurking on it like ornaments on a Christmas tree. They glared at Meliodas. Meliodas smiled.

''Sup?' Meliodas gave them a one fingered salute.

'Meliodas,' said Zeldris. Fraudrin was at his side.

'Wait!' Galand's voice came from nowhere. In a blink, the demon appeared in front of Meliodas, the stone cracking under his feet. 'Nobody here lifts a finger. That's the prey I failed to kill.' He leant down to stare Meliodas in the eye. 'I'll make sure he dies this time.'

Galand had just finished speaking when Meliodas's fist slammed into his cheek. You smiled. Galand stumbled back but Meliodas was there again, knocking the tall demon into the ground. The armour on Galand's cheek was warped where Meliodas had struck it.

'Seems you're a little different from our last fight,' Galand growled and got to his feet. 'Chaotic Judgement!'

Meliodas leapt back. Now.

You smiled wider and raised one hand, still not opening your eyes. Miles away, a glowing dome appeared over Meliodas, blocking all of Galand's strikes. You shivered slightly and forced yourself to remain calm. It had been so long since you'd done long-distance magic.

'Impossible,' said Galand.

Zeldris's scowl deepened. 'She's here?'

'Guess you could say I've got a guardian angel.' Meliodas smiled and pointed to the sky. The Commandments' gaze followed, but of course you weren't there. You snorted a laugh and lowered your hand. The barrier disappeared. 'Or rather—' Meliodas jumped and slammed a knee into Galand's face '—someone wanted you to know—' Meliodas landed heavily on Galand's chest before kicking him in the chin '—that we've got a little more power now.'

Galand struggled to rise but before he could, Meliodas's fist collided with his cheek once again.

Jenna and Zaneri's voices buzzed in your ears but you ignored them. Meliodas was walking through to Galand who had just managed to get to his feet.

'Now that's more like it,' Galand crowed. 'This is how it should be, or things would get dull.'

Meliodas didn't say anything. He just reached back and drew Lostvayne slightly from its scabbard before returning it. Multiple cuts opened on Galand's body, spurting darkness like blood. Galand reeled back, yelling in pain. Meliodas left him and walked over to the other Commandments.

'What's with the angry looks?' Meliodas put his hands on his hips. 'I just wanted to say and hi and talk a little. It's been too long.'

'There's nothing to talk about.' Even from such a distance, Zeldris's voice made the hair on the back of your neck stand up. 'Just know that you and that mate of yours are hated. We will take vengeance on you and the four races who wronged us.'

Meliodas's smile didn't falter. 'What a cold thing to say, Zeldris. We are brothers, right?'

'Fifteen seconds 'til you can come back.' Merlin's voice echoed through both your minds.

'If you guys plan on picking up where you left off three thousand years ago, the Seven Deadly Sins are gonna do whatever it takes to stop you.'

'I told you,' said Zeldris, 'there's nothing to talk about.'

'Oh, this isn't talk.' Meliodas's smile became dangerous. 'It's a warning.'

Zeldris and Fraudrin attacked at the same time. Well they tried to. Fraudrin slammed into a glowing sphere you conjured and bounced off to slam into the ground. As for Zeldris, by the time he had landed, Meliodas had disappeared.

You lingered long enough to watch Galand keel over with a great screeching of metal before opening your eyes once more.