Each new scream ripped into your heart. Estarossa ground his foot into Meliodas's chest and Meliodas convulsed and you just stood there. Watching. Meliodas screamed again.

You took a step forwards. Oh. You took another. Another. Until the chains wouldn't allow you to move anymore. That wasn't good enough. Your hands started to glow. Brighter and brighter. Sparks fell. And when the glow faded, the chains were still there.

'No,' you said quietly, falling to your knees. Was there nothing you could do? Was this how Meliodas was going to die? Alone. In pain. At the hands of his old friends. His family. Knowing you were far away and had given up.

That thought rocked you harder than any punch ever had.

'This brings back old memories, Meliodas,' Estarossa was saying. 'Now let me hear that voice of yours just a little more.'

And as Meliodas began to scream again, you dug your fingers into the floor. It hurt and your wrists protested, but you got to your feet again and began to yank at the chains. His hearts were still beating, you chanted in time with each tug, there was still time.

'For a moment there I was worried about what might happen,' Melascula's voice wormed into your head. 'Excellent work, Estarossa.'

You blocked her voice out even as you watched her heal thanks to that stupid glowing droplet. Something warm dripped down your hand. You ignored that too.

'Guys, we've been busted,' Hawk's panicked shout broke through your concentration. You blinked and everyone came back into existence.

'The Seven Deadly Sins,' said Estarossa, 'your new team of fighters, Meliodas ... In time, will you betray them as well?' His hand tightened around Meliodas's throat and you shivered. 'You were once the sworn leader of the Ten Commandments, yet you deserted us without a thought.'

Your friends gasped. You frowned.

'Shut up,' you said. And then louder, 'You don't know anything. You don't – you didn't see—'

None of your sentences finished. But you could see. You could remember Meliodas agonising over the decision to leave the Commandments. Seeing his tears. Holding him while he shook. Estarossa didn't know a damn thing.

But Estarossa couldn't hear you, so he just continued talking. 'Such brutal strength and callousness. What you did back then was quite devastating. Everyone recognised you as the one who was most likely to become the next Demon King. We were each helpless against the Goddess race, but they feared you and would avoid you at all costs. You were my childhood idol.' Estarossa lifted Meliodas to look him in the eye. 'But then, unexpectedly, you betrayed us. You wreaked havoc on the Demon Realm and then vanished. After murdering the two Commandments who were with you, that is, leaving two empty spots. Drole and Gloxinia eventually joined us, forming the Ten Commandments that exists today. The balance maintained between the Demon race and the Goddess race was instantly shattered. Seizing the opportunity, the Goddess race incited the other races to eliminate our kind once and for all. It was you who started that war three thousand years ago.' Estarossa squeezed Meliodas's throat even tighter and brought their faces even closer together. 'Tell me, won't you, how are you able to come up with such delightful ideas?'

'It's not true,' said Gilthunder jerkily.

Escanor hadn't blinked in ages. 'Captain did that?'

Your hands were shaking with rage. You had stopped pulling at the chains so you could focus on what Estarossa was saying. So you would be able to find the right words when you finally got your hands on him. At the moment, you felt all you would manage to form would be an inarticulate cry of rage. And that simply wouldn't do.

'So this time around, you have a whole new group to betray,' said Estarossa. 'I bet you're beside yourself with anticipation wondering when to stab them in the back. You are vile and deplorable.' He threw Meliodas to the ground.

Meliodas coughed feebly. And you were back to wrenching at the chains. You were so intent, you almost missed Meliodas's voice.

It hurts, he said in a tiny voice.

You blinked hard. I know. I know, sweetheart. Hold on just a bit longer, okay? I'll be there soon. I promise.

His breath was raspy. I'm sorry. I'm so sorry. Please, tell Elizabeth I'm sorry.

Tell her yourself, you said. You can tell her yourself. When you come back. Just like you promised, remember?

It was quiet for a moment. Now there was something warm running down your face.

I tried my best, didn't I? His voice was so quiet. I fought ... for you ... and her ...

You were so good. Your breath wobbled. You fought so hard. And now you have to keep fighting just a little longer, okay? Just a little—

'Please forgive me,' said Meliodas out loud. And, with what looked like his last ounce of strength, he pushed his ring off his finger.

The cold rushed in immediately.

'No!' The chains clanked louder than ever as you struggled with renewed energy. 'Don't give up now. Meliodas!'

And someone else picked up the ring.

—

Zeldris watched Meliodas fall to the ground. It was very strange. The vindictive pleasure, the thrill of revenge and the mourning for the brother he had looked up to swirled in his stomach.

'Please forgive me.' Meliodas's voice was barely there.

Zeldris's lip curled. He knew who Meliodas was apologising to. Something shiny caught Zeldris's eye as it rolled over the ground. He glared at it. It hit his foot and rolled back slightly before stopping. It was a ring. Zeldris bent and picked it up.

A barrage of feelings slammed into his head. Zeldris stumbled. No one noticed. This was her. He knew it. This hurt and anger and love and hope – this light – was [Y/n]. Zeldris stared at the ring dumbly. Her voice rang in his head.

Zeldris? Zeldris, please, you have to stop them.

What? He didn't even know what was going on. Melascula was walking forwards. She was standing over Meliodas with one hand outstretched.

You can't let her do this! if Meliodas's soul is gone then there'll be no hope, right? Well, it's never happened before, so there might be, but it's not worth the risk. Please, Zeldris. We were friends once, weren't we? The three of us?

Zeldris stiffened. Friends. Yes, they had been friends. He remembered that. The laughter. The jokes. Everything that had made it all the more painful when the betrayal came.

—

'She's saying she wants to eat his soul,' Jericho said, clenching her fists.

'Then isn't there anything that we can do to try and stop this?' said Elizabeth.

Even as you pleaded with Zeldris, you couldn't help but smile. Elizabeth hadn't given up. And neither had you. You poured every ounce of your magic into your words, trying to reason with Zeldris.

'This isn't the time!' Jericho's shout broke through your concentration.

You looked up just in time to see Ban turn to the mage.

'Hey, mage,' he said. 'I need a favour.'

The mage looked at him. 'What is it?'

'Send me over there.'

'Ban, wait,' you said loudly. 'You can't—'

Ban walked over and put a hand on your head. 'I'll bring him back. It's the least I can do. So stop crying, okay?'

And with one last nod to you, Ban was gone.

You tried to slow your breathing. Ban was immortal. He would be okay. He would bring Meliodas back. And then you could yell at them both for making you worry and they would laugh and you'd all go home together. That's what would happen.

Melascula's creepy chanting crawled into your ears like handfuls of tiny spiders. You watched Meliodas's soul leave his body. It made you colder. You felt Zeldris's trepidation.

Melascula smiled. 'So, Meliodas, any last words before I taste your soul?'

Hands appeared out of nowhere and twisted her head upside down. A sickening crack.

'Sorry, what was that?' said Ban. 'You're mumbling. Say goodbye. Fox Hunt!'

With a snatching movement, Ban ripped Melascula's hearts free. They fell to the ground wetly and Ban stomped them into nothing. You leant forward and clenched your fists.

'You moron.' Meliodas's voice was raspy. 'Why did you come here?'

Ban grinned. 'Who are you calling a moron? Don't try to look like the only cool guy out here.'

Meliodas smiled and a weird choked noise escaped your lips. 'I am though. And you're a colossal moron.'

'Ha. Well, I guess that explains how the two of us get along then.'

'That's the Seven Deadly Sins' Ban,' said Fraudrin, his eyes wide. 'The Fox Sin of Greed.'

Zeldris clenched his teeth and reached for his sword. He didn't drop the ring.

Estarossa was staring at Melascula's twisted body. 'Melascula tried devouring my older brother's soul without my permission and she got what she deserved.' He turned to Ban. 'Thanks, human. I appreciate what you've done.'

Ban just stared at him. 'Yeah, sure. Whatever.' He turned to Meliodas. 'Can you get up, Captain?'

'You dummy,' said Meliodas as Ban lifted him to his feet. 'The way you're talking almost makes it sound like I've been hurt.'

Ban smirked. 'You will be soon. [Y/n]'s waiting to shout at us both.'

'But then again,' Estarossa continued as if there had been no interruption, 'if you hadn't killed her, I would've gladly done it myself.'

'You're in no shape to handle this,' said Ban, pushing Meliodas behind him. His eyes narrowed. 'Let me take him, Captain.'

But Ban was yanked away by something you couldn't see.

And then there was a sword in Meliodas's chest and blood in the air. Your breath caught in your throat. Your hands reached up to hold your own chest. You could feel your heart pounding beneath.

'Meliodas has to die and it must be by my hand,' Estarossa was saying from far away. 'Liberion.'

A number of swords appeared from nowhere. They were dark, twisty and jagged. And there were six of them. Oh no. No, no, no.

You started to tug at the chains again. But something was different this time. You looked at them blankly. They didn't seem as ... defined anymore.

'Let me teach you something useful.' Estarossa was still talking. 'We Upper-Level Demons have a circulatory system of seven hearts.' He thrust the next sword into Meliodas's chest. Meliodas screamed. Your head span.

'[Y/n]!' Elizabeth's voice sounded closer than Estarossa's had. You stared at her. 'Look!'

You followed her gaze. The chains were nothing more than a chain-shaped shadow. You could see your wrists, red and raw and bloody.

The next thing you knew, you were running. Right to the edge of the castle. Your wings unfurled as you jumped. And then you were flying. You were going to save Meliodas.

—

Elizabeth's hair whipped around her face as [Y/n] ran by. She watched the other girl – or should she say Goddess? – fly until she was a speck on the horizon.

'Please,' said Elizabeth, clutching her hands to her chest. 'Please make it in time.'

—

Zeldris watched the blood fall to the ground blankly and then looked up with a gasp.

'This power,' said Drole, looking out over the mountains.

'It has to be ...' said Gloxinia.

'Bottom line is it's her,' said Derieri.

Monspeet stroked his moustache. 'Then shouldn't Estarossa get a move on?'

Come on, Zeldris! Her voice was in his head again. There's still time. Her voice changed from persuasive to angry. I swear, if I get there and you haven't done anything, I'm gonna rip your head off! And then persuasive again. Please. Don't let him do this.

'Let her come,' said Zeldris, looking at the ring in his hand. 'This will be over soon.'

—

The ground blurred beneath you. The wind roared in your ears. Faster. You had to be faster.

Another heart gone.

Your mouth was dry. Your heart beat in time with your wings. Faster. You had to be faster.

Another heart gone.

Your back ached. You fell a few metres before rising again. Your magic was leaving your veins.

Another heart gone.

And then you saw them. A cluster of shapes below. Drole and Grayroad's hulking shapes. The red of Fraudrin's armour.

Another heart gone.

Only one left.

But you could see them. You were going to make it. Your heart leapt.

And then you realised. Your eyes were enhanced. They were still so far away.

Meliodas's last heart stopped beating.

And you fell from the sky.

—

Meliodas looked at the sky. He couldn't see the stars anymore.

He wished he could say goodbye properly.

I wish I could see your face before I go.

—

Elizabeth didn't look away from the orb. She doubted there was anything on Earth that could make her look away. She could hear people sniffling around her, but for once there were no tears in her eyes. There was no reason to cry. [Y/n] was going to make it in time and save Sir Meliodas. No doubt about it.

The Commandments who weren't watching Meliodas were watching the horizon. Like they were waiting for something – or someone – to arrive.

And it did.

Something shone in the sky. It was moving fast. At the mage's command, the view zoomed in. it was [Y/n]. She tore over the distance, her tattered clothes snapping in the wind. Her eyes, orange again, were hard and focussed.

'Stop! That's enough!' At Sir Ban's shout, the view changed again.

Sir Meliodas's face was blank. There was so much blood. The seventh sword hovered over his chest. Sir Ban's arms shook as he tried to save Sir Meliodas.

'Goodbye, brother,' said the Demon. 'My beloved Meliodas.'

'Don't do this! No!'

The last sword fell.

Elizabeth stared.

[Y/n] hadn't made it.

—

The ring in Zeldris's hand went cold. The approaching mass of magical power disappeared. It didn't fade; it just vanished. Not too far away, a massive dust cloud rose into the sky.

Meliodas was dead. The human Fraudrin had called Ban still had his arms around Estarossa. He was crying, the sobs muffled by his gritted teeth.

'You're being far too noisy,' said Estarossa. 'Quiet down.' The human exploded. Estarossa got to his feet. 'The deed is done. Meliodas is dead. The land of Britannia is now ours.'

The feeling that surged through Zeldris wasn't quite happiness, not quite triumph. But it was something like that, he was sure, so he didn't think too much of it. He turned his eyes away from Meliodas's still body and looked to the cloud of dust that was still rising.

'It's a little too early to celebrate, don't you think?' Fraudrin stepped forward. 'Not with her still out there.'

Monspeet hummed thoughtfully. 'The magic power disappeared. I can't feel her at all anymore.'

'Then now is the perfect time to strike!' Fraudrin gripped his sword. 'We can't let—'

'Leave her,' Zeldris said, once again staring at the ring in his hand. Her voice wasn't in his head anymore. 'Her power is gone. Without it, she's no threat to us.'

'Hm?' Estarossa titled his head. 'Could it be you're harbouring some form of attachment, brother?'

'Don't be ridiculous.' Zeldris glared at Estarossa. 'The death of Meliodas will be enough to ensure she doesn't come after us for a while.'

'Oh.' Estarossa's eyes widened. 'I see.' He spread his arms wide and began to laugh. 'Let her see the body of the one she loved. Make her live with that. And then we will kill her.' He smiled at Zeldris. 'I like the way you think, brother.'

Zeldris's finger twitched. 'Do whatever you want. She means nothing to me. Now let's go. I'm tired.'

The other Commandments started to fly off one by one. Zeldris lingered for just a moment. He looked at Meliodas one more time and then crushed the ring in his fist. He let it fall to the ground and took off after the others without looking back.

—

The Commandments flew overhead, darker patches against the night sky. You watched them go, kind of hoping they would swoop down and surround you. They didn't. And you couldn't bring yourself to care why.

Every part of you ached. Every breath hurt. You sat up and looked around at the hole your crash landing had carved into the ground. Next you worked on standing up. Your knees protested vehemently. Your back ached so much you wanted to hunch over like an old woman. But you forced yourself to stand up straight. Each time a bolt of pain shot through you, it reminded you were alive. And it was a punishment you deserved.

You were walking. First climbing out of the hole and then slipping and sliding on loose stones over to where the Commandments had been. The landscape was barren. Quiet. Your heartbeat was too loud. It mocked you. You were the only thing alive here.

Meliodas's body came into view slowly. At first you thought it was just another rock. But, as you kept stumbling forwards, you could make out the spikes of the swords. His hair, brighter than anything around. And then his face.

You forced your steps to remain even. If you ran, you knew you would fall. And, really, what was the point?

After what seemed like a lifetime, you made it to Meliodas's side. You didn't know if your knees gave out or if you intended to sit down. Under the blood and dirt, his face looked peaceful. He could've been sleeping. But when you reached out with a shaking hand to brush his cheek, Meliodas was cold.

Something warm hit your hand. You stared at it blankly. It was just water. Perhaps it was raining. But rain wasn't warm. Another drop fell. And another. And finally you realised you were crying.

Once that registered in your head, the tears came faster and faster. Your chin wobbled. Each breath was choked and hiccup-y. You were a mess. And you didn't care.

The tears didn't stop. Your arms moved without you asking them to, reaching for the person who could always make it better. And though your arms wrapped around him, Meliodas wasn't there to make it better this time. The swords nicked your skin and it burnt, but you didn't care. Meliodas was limp and heavy and so so so cold. You just held him closer.

—

Elizabeth blinked and the castle vanished. She was alone. The wind whistled around her, carrying the sounds of someone crying. So she followed them.

Her foot hit something. Thinking it was just another rock, Elizabeth didn't stop. Until she saw it shining dully. She bent to pick it up.

It was a small chunk of gold, mangled and twisted like someone had crushed it in their fist. Elizabeth turned it over in her hand and tried to think what it could be and what it was doing out here.

And then it hit her. This was all that was left of Sir Meliodas's ring.

The last time Elizabeth had held his ring she had felt [Y/n]. Heard her. Now all she could feel was cold. All she could hear was crying.

—

A noise on the wind. You held back your tears for a moment, but you didn't hear it again. Just your mind playing tricks on you. But then you heard it again. A voice. Calling for someone.

'[Y/n]!' said the voice. 'Sir Meliodas!'

Oh. You knew that voice.

She appeared out of the dust. Was it the tears in your eyes or was she really glowing like that? Elizabeth met your eyes.

A voice that sounded awfully like Meliodas's spoke in your mind. Enough crying, it said. You are alive for a reason. Meliodas kept you alive for a reason.

'Elizabeth,' you said as she walked closer. Your voice was hoarse. 'You shouldn't be here. You don't need to see this.'

Her eyes were fixed on Meliodas, his head cradled in your lap. 'I wanted to. I needed to – to see.' She stopped at your side and knelt slowly. 'I thought, perhaps, that I could help in some way. But—' her voice cracked '—but it's too late. Isn't it?'

You didn't say anything but, in your silence,, Elizabeth found her answer. She threw herself into your arms, sobbing. Her hands clutched at your tattered shirt and her tears soaked into the material. One of your hands refused to leave Meliodas, but the other reached around and held Elizabeth close. Her tears were loud and yours were silent now. These tears weren't for you, they were for her.

The sun peeked over the mountains. You watched its light spill over the ground. The swords glinted.

'Thank you for coming,' you whispered as Elizabeth's wails subsided. 'You helped me.'

She took a deep shuddering breath and drew back, scrubbing her face with the back of one hand. 'I'm glad.' And though it was a small, trembly one, Elizabeth smiled at you.

You wanted to smile back so badly. But you couldn't just yet. So you settled for patting her head and sitting back to watch the sky change colours.

Some time passed and the mage appeared.

'I'm here to take you back,' he said. 'Are you ready?'

You shook your head. 'Almost. We just have to wait for Ban. He shouldn't be too long now.' You looked at Meliodas's hair glow in the sun. 'Elizabeth, do you think you could help me with something while we wait? I'm afraid it won't be easy but—'

She gripped your hand. 'Anything.'

'I need you to take the swords out of Meliodas. I would do it myself but, well, look.' You showed her the burns on your arm.

Elizabeth gasped and stared at the blistered skin. Then her eyes hardened. 'I can do it,' she said. 'For you and for Sir Meliodas.'

Like you had predicted, it wasn't a pleasant job. Your skin crawled at the sound of each sword being removed and you could only imagine how much worse it was for Elizabeth. Luckily it didn't take long.

The last sword fell to the ground with a ringing clatter. Elizabeth and the mage looked at them.

'What should we do with them?' asked Elizabeth.

'Leave them,' you said, getting to your feet and lifting Meliodas up gently.

'But—' said the mage.

You glared at him. 'They're not coming into my house.'

The mage took a hasty step back. 'N-no, of course not. I just meant – for research purposes.'

'Do what you want.' You sighed and shifted Meliodas so he was more comfortable in your arms. 'Give them to Merlin. Melt them down. But if I ever see them again, it will be you I'll be going after.'

With a gulp and a frantic set of nods, the mage picked up the swords.

You walked over to where Ban was just sitting up, his skin still hissing as it reformed. His shoulders shook. His face was twisted. He looked up when he heard you coming and got to his feet. He didn't look at you again.

'I'm sorry,' Ban said. He almost spat the words. There were tears on his face. 'I couldn't—'

Holding Meliodas securely with one hand, you reached up with the other to cup Ban's cheek. You brushed away his tears with your thumb until he looked at you. 'Thank you,' was all you said.

Ban pressed his lips tightly together. He nodded once. In silence, you walked back to Elizabeth and the mage.

'We're ready now,' you said. 'Take us home.'

Liones Castle was quiet. The sounds of the city waking up hung in the air, but they were muted somehow. You looked at your friends and they looked at you. Some of them still had tears flowing down their cheeks, others had tear tracks that shimmered in the new sunlight and some were just sombre. Even Gowther looked sad.

You should say something, you thought and held Meliodas tighter. No words came to mind. No words that meant thank you and I'm sorry and not to worry because Meliodas promised he'd come home all at the same time. But you had to say something. You just had to.

You opened your mouth.

'Ahem,' a deep voice rumbled behind you. You turned. It was Bartra with Denzel and Deathpierce by his side.

'Your highness,' said a handful of garbled voices.

'Before someone tells me exactly what happened,' said Bartra, his gaze shifting from face to face, 'I need to speak to [Y/n] and Gilthunder. Urgently. And privately.'

You walked up to him slowly. Everyone's eyes were on you.

'I'm taking Meliodas home,' you said, staring Bartra in the eye. 'And then I will speak with you.'

With a clanking of armour, Denzel leaned forwards. 'That is no way to speak to your king.'

You turned your eyes to him. Denzel stepped back with a gasp.

'I am taking Meliodas home,' you said again. 'And then I will speak to you.'

Bartra raised a placating hand towards Denzel. 'Then we will speak soon.'

With your head held high, you walked to the door. At the last moment you stopped. Without turning you said, 'Anyone who wants to is welcome to wait at the Boar Hat. After I have spoken to the king, we need to discuss what to do next.'

A smattering of footsteps. You didn't turn to see who was following you. Besides, you kind of knew anyway. Diane, King and Matrona were waiting just outside the castle. They joined your little procession as you made your way through the streets of Liones. You were vaguely aware of the whispers and the eyes of the citizens on you, but you didn't slow. You kept your head held high and walked to the gates of the city.

Hawk's mum was waiting just outside the city walls. You nodded to her. She snorted and buried herself under the grass. You opened the door to the tavern and heard everyone's footsteps on the verandah. Everything inside was just as you had left it. It made your head spin. At the base of the stairs, you stopped.

'Wait here,' you said, still not looking back. 'I'll just be a moment.'

You climbed the stairs to your and Meliodas's bedroom. Each footstep on wood rang in the air. You held Meliodas tighter.

Even your bedroom was the same. The bed was made. One of Meliodas's shirts was tossed over a chair. Your head throbbed.

You drew back the covers and set Meliodas down carefully. Carefully. Not caring about the blood or dirt, you tucked the blanket over him loosely. You looked at his calm face for a moment before pushing his hair back and pressing your lips to his forehead.

'See you soon,' you said before leaving the room and closing the door with a snap.

The tavern was full of quiet voices. They stopped when you walked into the room. If you could have smiled, you would have. A few of them couldn't meet your eyes, especially the ones who were still crying. Your heart surged with fondness for each and every person in the room (and those who were outside looking through the window).

You took a deep breath. 'Thank you all for being here. I-I—' You took another breath and tried again. 'I know it's not much, but please help yourselves to food and drink. If no one feels like cooking—' your eyes rested on Ban for a second '—there should be leftovers in the kitchen. Wash up. Rest. Because when Gowther and I get back, we have some planning to do. This isn't over yet. I intend to keep fighting. For the promises I made to the people I love.' There were some gasps. Some smiles. You turned to Gowther and sighed. 'Come on then.'

As you walked up the steps to the castle, you found yourself wishing you had thought to put on new clothes. Or at least washed some of the dirt and blood off your face. The castle staff stared as you walked by. One maid even dropped her basket. Having Gowther by your side was a small comfort. His face and demeanour were as calm as ever. Although, you sighed, he wasn't the one whose clothes were barely holding together.

Bartra, Denzel and Deathpierce were waiting in the throne room. You and Gowther stopped just in front of them. No one said anything.

'Can I speak first?' you asked eventually. Bartra indicated for you to do so. 'I'm sorry for how I acted after the battle against Hendrickson.' Deathpierce made a surprised noise. You ignored him. 'It was wrong of me to get so angry and to insist that you tell Elizabeth not to call you father anymore. Because you are her father, Bartra. You cared for her and raised her when Meliodas and I couldn't, and I will be forever grateful. Could you find it in your heart to forgive me?'

Bartra rumbled a laugh. 'Meliodas said you'd apologise.' He sighed. 'I should apologise too. It was wrong of me to call Elizabeth my daughter like that in front of you both. In my eyes, [Y/n], you have nothing to apologise for.'

You didn't want to cry again so you just nodded.

'As touching as this is, it isn't the reason we are here,' said Deathpierce.

Denzel stepped forward. 'Deathpierce is right. [Y/n], we need you to tell us what happened in Danafall sixteen years ago.'

What? They wanted you to think about Liz on top of everything that had just happened?

There must've been something in your eyes because Bartra said, 'Not everything. Just answer this question. Did the Commandment Fraudrin kill you?'

You nodded slowly. 'He did.'

Deathpierce staggered back. Denzel reached for his sword.

'Is that all?' you asked.

'No that's not all!' Denzel pointed his sword at you. 'We cannot trust you anymore. You must be placed under arrest until—'

'No,' said Bartra. Denzel dropped his sword arm.

'But, sire—' said Deathpierce.

'[Y/n] is not a threat to us,' Bartra said firmly. 'Her honesty offers her pardon and her loss offers her compassion.' He put a hand on your shoulder. It was heavy and warm. 'Go home. Rest. Thank you for all you have done.' He turned to Gowther. 'As for you, Gowther, I'm afraid you will have to stay a little longer.' He gestured and Denzel brought out a pair of manacles and closed them around Gowther's wrists.

Gowther blinked.

'What are you doing?' you said, reaching out a hand.

'Gowther is being placed under observation,' said Denzel, 'for suspicion of being a member of the Ten Commandments.'

Everything you had been about to say died on your lips. All you could say was 'What?'

'I am Gowther of the Seven Deadly Sins,' Gowther said as Denzel and Deathpierce led him away. His voice was the same as ever.

'What is the meaning of this, Bartra?' You whirled on the king.

He slumped in his throne and rubbed the spot just above his left eyebrow. 'Fraudrin accused him at the same time he accused you. Your admission was just proof to Denzel that what Fraudrin had said was all true. I am sorry.' Bartra looked you in the eyes. 'Now please, go home. Elizabeth needs you.'

The walk back to the Boar Hat was a blur. You picked at the dry blood and dirt under your nails before opening the door to the tavern. It was littered with sleeping bodies. Almost like usual. Empty bottles and steins were scattered around and there were the remains of a meal on one of the tables.

You carefully stepped over tangled limbs, heading for where Elizabeth was. She was sleeping at a table, her head resting on her arms. It made you feel bad, but you shook her awake.

'What is it?' Elizabeth's eyes darted wildly before focussing on you. 'Oh, [Y/n], you're back. Is everything okay?'

'I'm sorry to wake you,' you said. 'Could you help me with something? Then you can go to bed.'

At your words, Elizabeth looked more awake. 'Of course.'

She followed you up the stairs and to your room. You walked to the bed and drew back the covers so Meliodas's bare chest was exposed.

'Please,' you said, 'can you close his wounds? I can't.'

Elizabeth nodded firmly and held out her hands. They started to glow. As she worked, Elizabeth said, 'It's you magic right? Hawk said your Power Level was zero.'

'He did, did he?' You didn't look away from Meliodas. His skin knitted back together under Elizabeth's light.

'Does that mean—?'

'I can still protect you,' you interrupted whatever she was about to say. 'Don't worry. It's going to be okay now. We just have to wait for Meliodas to come back.'

Finished with her job, Elizabeth stood. 'What?'

You didn't say anything for a moment. 'You should go to bed, Elizabeth. Thank you for helping me.'

Seeming to sense you would say nothing more, Elizabeth left the room.

You couldn't sleep. You didn't even try. Instead, you got a basin and cloths and began to wash the dirt and blood from Meliodas's body. At some point, you started crying again. You only knew because the tears splashed into the water and made ripples that caught the sunlight. But they stopped quickly. Maybe you were running out of tears.

After throwing away Meliodas's tattered trousers, you got out a fresh pair and put them on him. You left off his shirt thought, remembering how he hated to sleep with one on. Instead, you hung one by the window with a new waistcoat. The last thing you did was place his shoes ready by the bed. Now the only thing missing was ... his ring.

Elizabeth had showed it to you as you waited for Ban to come back. The twisted lump of metal had made a fresh wave of tears pour down your face. It wasn't just that it was broken but that it was Zeldris who had done it. But Merlin had it now. She would fix it before Meliodas came back.

Now you just had to wait.

It was just past lunchtime when you heard noises from downstairs. You kept playing with Meliodas's hair until you heard a loud crash. You sighed and pressed a kiss to Meliodas's forehead before going to investigate.

'Sorry, sorry, sorry,' Arthur was saying as he picked up the plates on the ground.

'What's going on?' you said, looking around.

'Ah! I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I'm sorry.' Arthur jumped when he saw you. 'I woke up and was trying to find the bathroom but then I tripped over someone's leg—'

'It was mine,' said Ban.

'—and knocked all the plates over. I'm sorry.'

'It's fine, Artie.' You helped pick up the last of the plates.

'Fine for you maybe,' Ban grumbled. 'You're not the one who got trodden on.'

You ignored Ban. 'The bathroom's over there.'

'Did you sleep, [Y/n]?' King asked quietly.

You pretended you didn't hear.

With everyone more or less awake, you started to cook. Ban joined you after making a show of rubbing his leg. Both of you cooked in a companiable silence.

There was a knock on the door. Gilthunder opened it to reveal one of the contestants of the Fighting Festival. He had long black hair and what looked like a twig between his lips.

'Forgive my intrusion,' said the man, surveying the Boar Hat's inhabitants before his eyes rested on you. 'Your king said this is where I should go to find out what to do next.'

Everyone stopped what they were doing and looked between you and the man. You stared at him. Something about him unnerved you. You couldn't put your finger on what it was though.

'Oh, it's you, Sir Nanashi.' Arthur's voice broke the silence. He emerged from the bathroom and bounded over to the man – Nanashi. 'Are you coming to fight with us? Huh? Oh.' Finally noticing the tense atmosphere, Arthur faltered.

It was quiet for a moment more until you said, 'Are you hungry, Nanashi?'

There was something like a sigh as all the tenseness dissipated. Nanashi nodded and came to sit at one of the tables. Elizabeth gave him a plate and a smile.

When everyone had food and a seat, you hopped up onto the counter and fiddled with a bottle of ale. 'So ...'

'Wait.' Ban held up a hand. 'Gowther's missing.'

'That's right,' said Slader, looking around. 'He didn't come back with you.'

'Gowther was arrested,' you said.

'What?' A ring of different voices.

'For suspicion of being a member of the Ten Commandments.'

Ban slammed a fist into the table. 'That's stupid. Gowther's one of the Seven Deadly Sins.' The look in his eye grew more deadly. 'Let's go bust him out.'

You sighed. 'You can try if you want to, but Bartra's not gonna budge on this. They wanted to arrest me too.'

'I'll talk some sense into him,' said Ban.

'Please don't threaten the king,' said Gilthunder.

'So Ban's staying here.' You looked at Gilthunder. 'I'm guessing you and Howzer will too.'

They both nodded.

Slader raised his hand. 'I will remain in Liones as well.'

'Me too,' Jericho said loudly.

'And me,' said the mage who had introduced himself as Gilfrost.

You nodded and turned to Arthur. 'How about you, Artie?'

'I would like to go back to Camelot and help my people,' he said, eyes hard. 'It won't be easy, but I think I'm ready.'

'I will go with the boy,' said Nanashi in his smooth voice.

'Okay,' you said after surveying Nanashi for a while. 'So that leaves—'

'We need your help,' Diane interrupted. 'Matrona's children were injured and we were thinking – well, I was thinking – that you or Elizabeth would be able to heal them.'

You opened your mouth but the voice that came out wasn't your own.

'I can do it,' Elizabeth said. Her fists were clenched.

'So that's everyone sorted, right?' You looked at every face. King opened his mouth, but you beat him to it. 'Come on, King, I know you're going with Diane.'

King shut his mouth and blushed. Ban almost smiled.

'Hey!' Hawk snorted. 'You forgot about me too.'

'Impossible,' you said. 'The Boar Hat would be lost without its most noble protector.'

Hawk beamed.

—

Zol and Della's faces were flushed, their breathing fast and uneven. Elizabeth could feel the worried eyes of Diane, Sir King, Matrona and Zalpa on her back but she ignored them. Instead, she closed her eyes and reached out like [Y/n] had taught her to.

When there were no more injuries she could feel, Elizabeth opened her eyes. Zol and Della's breathing evened out and they opened their eyes too.

'Oh, thank goodness,' said Diane.

'It's a miracle.' Matrona stood and put her hands on her hips. 'I don't know how to thank you.'

Elizabeth smiled. 'There's no need to. Really. Just glad I could be of some help.'

'Don't be silly,' said Zalpa. 'You're a saviour.'

Elizabeth's smile faltered but she forced it to stay in place.

'Not only did you heal our children's injuries,' Zalpa continued, 'you were kind enough to bring us this wonderful get-well gift.'

'Hah?' said Hawk.

Elizabeth laughed softly but stopped quickly, her gaze drawn to someone standing a little away from the group. [Y/n] had been ever so quiet since ... since ... since they left Liones. She was trying to be herself, Elizabeth could tell, but it was also painfully clear to see the emptiness in her eyes.

'It's been a while now,' said Sir King. He was also looking at [Y/n] with sad eyes. 'I wonder if the others are doing okay.'

'They ended up scattering all over Britannia,' said Matrona, looking to the sky, 'each doing their part to stop the Demon race's invasion.'

Diane hummed softly. 'I'm worried about [Y/n].'

'Me too.' Sir King's frown deepened. 'The way she talks about the captain ... it's like she thinks he's just left on a trip and will be back any day now.'

A deep sadness settled on Elizabeth's shoulders. She was sure it was on the others' too.

'Merlin said to me once,' Elizabeth said, 'that [Y/n] was strong. She's healed before and she'll heal again.'

'Yes, but—' Sir King's shoulders shook '—this isn't some physical injury you can heal with your powers or a bandage. The love of her life was killed pretty much right in front of her. If it was me, I – I—'

'That is true, Harlequin,' Diane said and then she smiled. 'But you can't deny that [Y/n] is strong. If Elizabeth believes she will heal then I believe it too.'

Sir King opened his mouth before closing it and smiling too. 'Guess you're right.'

'You done talking about me yet?' said a voice. Everyone gasped and whirled. [Y/n] was standing just behind them, arms folded and one eyebrow raised. It was the kind of look that would normally be accompanied by a wry smile but her mouth didn't even twitch.

'How – how long have you been there?' Sir King demanded.

[Y/n] turned her eyes to him. 'Long enough.'

Sir King laughed sheepishly and rubbed the back of his head before his expression turned serious. 'Hey, listen. It's just a suggestion, but if you'd like to join me, you're all invited to the Fairy King's Forest.'

'The Fairy King's Forest?' said Matrona.

'As the Fairy King, it's my duty to make sure it's well protected. How about it? Should be safer out there than here, at least.'

Diane turned to Matrona. 'So what should we do, Matrona?'

Matrona watched her children play with Oslo for a moment. 'I must admit it's probably our best option for the moment.'

Diane turned to Elizabeth. 'What do you think?'

Elizabeth looked at [Y/n] for a second before smiling somewhat sadly. 'It makes sense, but I'd like to continue serving our people.'

'How about you, [Y/n]?' asked Sir King.

'Do you even have to ask?' [Y/n] said. There was dry amusement in her voice and Elizabeth looked up in hope but there was still no smile. 'I'm staying with Elizabeth.'

Elizabeth woke with a start. Her heart beat wildly. Her eyes darted around the room. But the night was still. Thinking she had just imagined it, Elizabeth settled back under the covers. Then she heard a sniffle and the stairs creaking.

[Y/n]. Elizabeth threw back the covers and got out of bed, silently padding up the stairs. The door to the lookout was open but no one was there. Elizabeth stepped out, shivering slightly as her feet touched the cold floor.

'Did I wake you?' [Y/n]'s voice came from above. She was sitting on the roof, knees drawn to her chest and looking down at Elizabeth. 'I'm sorry.'

'It's okay.' Elizabeth took [Y/n]'s hand and settled down on the roof too, shifting closer to share warmth. [Y/n] was almost freezing to touch. 'I didn't want you to be alone.'

'That was very kind of you.'

It was quiet. They both looked at the stars. The night air swirled around them and leaves whispered. The moon was almost full. Elizabeth wondered what [Y/n] saw when she looked at the sky, what memories the stars murmured to her.

'I always thought,' [Y/n] said, still looking at the stars, 'that if you kept someone's beliefs and ideals alive then they'd never die. Meliodas told me it was more than that.' Her eyes looked so far away, like they weren't seeing the night sky right now but one from years and years ago. 'He said we have to keep their words too. The things they said and how they made us feel. That no one can die if they are remembered.'

Elizabeth hummed thoughtfully. 'Do you mean like how I knew that song the other day without knowing it? Those words were in me because ... I cared about who said them to me?'

[Y/n]'s breath hitched. 'It would be nice if it was true, wouldn't it? Meliodas said the words he carried were the first time I said I loved him and ...' Her voice trailed off into nothing. 'Sorry for rambling. We should get back inside. We need to get supplies from town if the tavern is supposed to open tomorrow.'

With [Y/n]'s help, Elizabeth hopped back down to the lookout. 'Will you try and get some sleep, [Y/n]?'

[Y/n] blinked before her eyes softened and Elizabeth knew she was back in the present. 'I'll try,' she said, 'for you.'

It was awful and selfish of her, but Elizabeth started to look forward to the nights when she could talk with [Y/n] on the roof. It made her feel useful (unlike her powers that couldn't save Meliodas and her cooking skills which were abysmal). And she liked to learn about the life [Y/n] and Meliodas had lived together. Not that [Y/n] answered every question. Sometimes, even when she did, Elizabeth was left more confused.

Elizabeth thought about their talks as she wiped down the counter. [Y/n] was behind the counter, restocking the alcohol. A strange sense of déjà vu swept over Elizabeth. Her hand knocked into something and she started. She was sure she had cleared the counted before starting to wipe it, but now ...

'[Y/n].' Elizabeth gasped.

'What is it?' [Y/n] swung around, hand on her sword.

Elizabeth pointed wordlessly at the ring that appeared out of thin air. At its side was a small sheaf of parchment with a purple star scrawled on it.

'Oh, Merlin,' said [Y/n] as she picked up the ring carefully. 'It's perfect. Thank you so much.'

As if those words were what it had been waiting for, the parchment disintegrated. It left nothing behind but a lingering smell of gunpowder and lilies.

'Woah.' Hawk echoed Elizabeth's thought. The pig had his front two trotters resting on a bar stool. 'Merlin is pretty cool, huh?'

'Yes,' Elizabeth brightly.

[Y/n] hurried up the stairs and returned moments later without the ring.

When Elizabeth went upstairs later to try and heal Meliodas again, she saw the ring sitting on the bedside table. It was next to the glass of water [Y/n] changed daily as if Meliodas would wake up and be thirsty. Elizabeth smiled softly before holding her hands over Meliodas's chest. She ignored the tears on her cheeks and instead wallowed in her uselessness as Meliodas's hearts remained still.

The next time Elizabeth woke to [Y/n]'s screams and followed her to the roof, [Y/n]'s eyes were rimmed in red. This time she didn't speak, just helped Elizabeth onto the roof in silence. Elizabeth's heart ached. Despite her height, it was hard to think of [Y/n] as small. But now, as she huddled on the roof and tried not to shake, Elizabeth was struck by how tiny she was.

'[Y/n]!' Elizabeth's voice burst out of her so suddenly it shocked them both. But Elizabeth kept going. she had to distract the other girl somehow. Try and bring her back to the now rather than whatever was in her head. 'What was it like to fall in love?'

For a moment, Elizabeth thought [Y/n] wouldn't answer, but then she said, 'Incredible.'

'Really?'

[Y/n] nodded. 'And fun. And terrifying. But, at the same time, it wasn't scary at all.'

As she listened, Elizabeth watched [Y/n] closely. Her shaking disappeared. Some life came back to her eyes. It was so small she almost missed it, but Elizabeth swore [Y/n]'s lips twitched at the corners.

'Me and Meliodas weren't even allowed to be friends let alone fall in love,' [Y/n] continued. 'I was raised to think that Demons were nothing. Just creatures that wanted to destroy everything good and light. But then I met Meliodas and ...' She sighed. 'He was the most alive person I'd ever met. Does that make sense? Like I'd been living in a world of ice and glass and then he burst in with such colour and warmth.'

Elizabeth laughed softly. 'I can imagine that.'

'Right?' There was something in [Y/n] Elizabeth hadn't seen since Meliodas died. 'With that stupid laugh of his and ready with a comeback to any accusation.'

That laugh ... Elizabeth swore it echoed in the air around them. She would never hear that laugh again. Her eyes prickled.

'I'm sorry for waking you again,' [Y/n] said after a while. 'You didn't have to come see me.'

Elizabeth shook her head. 'I didn't want you to be alone.'

'Oh, Elizabeth.' [Y/n] almost smiled. 'How can I be alone when I have you?'

[Y/n] was trying to teach Elizabeth how to cast an Ark. They were standing on Hawk's mum's back as she wove through the mist and trees of the Forest of White Dreams. Hawk sat on the verandah sometimes offering encouragement.

'Get the feeling you have when you're healing someone,' said [Y/n].

Elizabeth closed her eyes and concentrated. But nothing came. 'It's not working. I don't think I can do it without having someone needing me.'

'Hm.' [Y/n] put a finger to her chin. 'Why don't we try ... You know I taught you to reach out first? Maybe try that.'

'But who am I reaching out to? You?'

'Yourself.'

'It kind of makes sense,' said Hawk. 'But not a lot.'

[Y/n] shot the pig a glare.

Elizabeth laughed before closing her eyes and trying again. She looked for the life. It was inside her, warm and flowing. Her head thrummed. She could feel her pulse everywhere in her body. There was a tingling feeling on her skin.

'Wow, Elizabeth!' Hawk's voice broke through the feeling. 'You're glowing all over.'

Elizabeth's concentration broke. Snapped. She was just herself again. Her head span and she held it with one hand, listening to [Y/n] berate Hawk.

'What do I do next?' Elizabeth asked.

[Y/n] looked up from where she was poking Hawk. 'Concentrate it into your hands and then push it out.' She demonstrated the movement with her own hands. 'Your Ark will be small at first but with practice you should be able to make bigger ones.'

Nodding once, Elizabeth tried again. The power started to pound in time with her heartbeat. What [Y/n] had said sounded so simple. But it felt weird to concentrate so hard on her own hands. Until they started to heat up. Elizabeth swallowed her gasp, not wanting to break her concentration again. She moved her arms, feeling like she was pushing them through water. And as they extended, Elizabeth whispered, 'Ark.'

Hardly daring to look, Elizabeth opened her eyes. Just a little. And then wider.

There, floating just in front of her hands, was a tiny Ark. It shone for a moment like a bubble of sunlight until it disappeared.

'I did it!' Elizabeth span, her smile spreading across her face.

'It was so cool!' Hawk stamped his trotters.

[Y/n] clapped, a tiny smile just making its way onto her lips. 'You did. Well done.'

The smile left [Y/n]'s face quickly. But it was such an improvement, Elizabeth thought. It had taken almost a week to coax out the tiniest smile and now [Y/n] smiled at least once a day. They didn't last too long, but Elizabeth was working on it.

This smile's short life seemed to have a reason.

'Meliodas is gonna be mad he missed that,' [Y/n] said so softly Elizabeth wondered if she was meant to hear it. And then louder, 'Sit down and have some food, Elizabeth. You look like you're gonna fall over.'

Feeling quite lightheaded, Elizabeth didn't argue. She sat on the verandah beside Hawk and picked at the food [Y/n] had brought out.

'What is it?' Hawk asked. 'You did it! Why are you sad?'

Elizabeth turned a roll over in her hands. 'It didn't look like [Y/n]'s.'

'Of course not,' said [Y/n]. She stood in front of Elizabeth with her arms folded. 'I didn't make it. You did. Even if two people had the exact same magic, it's gonna look a little different.'

'That's right.' Hawk snorted. 'It's character.'

A scream shattered the air. Hawk squealed and trembled. Elizabeth jumped and squeezed the roll so hard it turned to crumbs.

[Y/n]'s sword was drawn in an instant. 'Wait here.' And she hopped off Hawk's mum, disappearing into the mist below.

It was only a moment she was gone, not long enough for Elizabeth to descend into (too much) worry. [Y/n] reappeared back on Hawk's mum with a body draped over one shoulder. Elizabeth gasped and ran over, Hawk hot on her heals.

'Are they injured?' Elizabeth's hands were already reaching out, but [Y/n] shook her head.

'I think he's just tired and scared.' She made sure the man was secured. 'Help me get him inside.'

Elizabeth hurried to open the door.

'Wait a second,' said Hawk, sniffing loudly. 'That's Golgius!'

'Are you sure, Hawk?' Elizabeth froze with one hand on the doorknob.

'I never forget a smell.'

'You mean that Holy Knight who tried to take Meliodas's sword and kill that doctor in Dalmally?' said [Y/n].

Hawk snorted. 'Yep.'

It was quiet for a moment. Elizabeth couldn't tell what [Y/n] was thinking and got scared that she would just drop Golgius back to the ground.

But then [Y/n] said, 'He'll be in your room until he wakes up, Elizabeth.' She and the hulking mass that was Golgius disappeared into the Boar Hat.

Elizabeth and Hawk followed a few steps behind.

'I think we're nearly at a good place to stop,' [Y/n] said just before she got to the stairs. 'You should make sure everything's ready for the food, Elizabeth.'

'It's Elizabeth's turn to cook today?' Hawk asked.

'Yes.' Elizabeth clenched her fists. 'I'll do my best.'

As she and Hawk walked to the kitchen, Hawk snorted. 'Nice.'

'Do you like my cooking, Hawk?'

'It's not that.' Hawk shook his head and watched Elizabeth start chopping vegetables. 'There'll be no shortage of scraps tonight.'

~~~~~

yooo what a long chapter gosh

hope it was worth it lol

stay safe out there 💕