'They think I'm still a child,' Elizabeth grumbled. 'But I'm not. I want to help.'

Gerheade swung her legs. 'Are you gonna grump about down there all day or are you coming up?'

'I'm going to stay down here.'

Gerheade raised an eyebrow.

Elizabeth sighed. 'Fine. I'm coming up.' She spread her wings and flew up to join Gerheade in the canopy of the tree. Once she had settled onto a branch, Elizabeth turned to Gerheade. 'I'm not a child.'

'They just want to protect you,' Gerheade said unhelpfully. 'There's a war raging out there. It's dangerous.'

'How do you know? That brother of yours is as overprotective as my parents.'

Gerheade turned to Elizabeth and Elizabeth gasped. That look in her friend's eyes ... It made a shiver run up her spine.

'I can hear it,' Gerheade said. 'In the trees and the land and the sky. They're screaming. Dying. Every day.'

Elizabeth clenched her fists. 'I have to help.' She gripped one of Gerheade's hands. 'You can feel it, right? Growing somewhere in the forest.'

'But Ludociel said—'

'Forget what he said. Let's go and find it for ourselves. My mum said that's the only way to find the truth.'

Gerheade chewed on her bottom lip before her eyes hardened. 'Okay.'

Together they flew, following the strange power. She didn't know what it felt like to Gerheade, but Elizabeth heard screaming. Thousands of voices calling for help. Through the trees, the Light of Grace rose, glowing in the late afternoon sun. Elizabeth automatically slowed, skirting around the tower. But, as they passed it, she stopped. Gerheade stopped too.

'Oh no,' Gerheade whispered.

Elizabeth landed. Slowly, as if in a trance, she approached the tower.

'Elizabeth, you mustn't.' Gerheade tugged on Elizabeth's hand. 'Come back. Please. We can go to that pond you like.'

But Elizabeth kept moving forward. 'It's coming from beneath the tower.'

Her hand stretched out. And Elizabeth touched the Light of Grace.

'Impure Child,' a voice boomed out.

It snapped Elizabeth from her trance. She snatched her hand back, but the damage had been done. In a blink, her view changed. She was standing before the staircase that led to the Light of Grace's entrance. And at the top, in all her glory, was the Divine Lance Corporal Nerobasta. Elizabeth's heart started to beat faster.

'You have desecrated the sanctity of the Light of Grace,' Nerobasta continued. Her cold eyes burned into Elizabeth. 'Your unholy touch must never tarnish this place. You knew this. And you know what will happen next.'

Elizabeth tried to swallow. Behind her came muttering voices. She turned to see the people of the alliance gathered, watching with narrowed eyes. Gerheade was caught in the grip of a Giant guard.

'Those eyes,' someone muttered.

'Unholy eyes,' said someone else.

Elizabeth turned back quickly and tried to calm down enough that her eyes would change back. No one was going to help her. Come back, she found herself pleading. Mama. Papa. Please.

'Now now, Nerobasta,' said another voice. Elizabeth gasped. 'There's no reason to be so harsh.'

'Sir Ludociel.' Nerobasta stepped back, her head bowed respectfully. 'I didn't know you were here. Please forgive me.'

Ludociel ignored her. Instead he stretched a hand to Elizabeth. 'Come, my child. There's no reason to be afraid.'

Elizabeth blinked. Her heartbeat slowed.

'That's right.' Ludociel smiled. 'Come into the Light. Renounce the Demon race. Renounce your father. Become who you were born to be.'

Elizabeth's mouth was dry. There was a ringing in her head.

'Elizabeth, don't do it!' Gerheade's voice was cut off.

Elizabeth shook herself and took a step back. Nerobasta stepped forward, but Ludociel blocked her path.

'Perhaps this is a lot to take in,' he said, still smiling. 'Take your time to decide, Daughter of Divided Blood. You will come around eventually. It has been foretold. Oh and—' he raised a finger to his lips '—there is no need to tell your parents about this.'

Like those words had been the key, Elizabeth broke free of her trance. Without looking back, without waiting for Gerheade, she turned and ran. The people gathered at the base of the Light of Grace didn't stop her. She ran. She ran.

—

You let the light barrier fade. The Demons turned and flew back to their homes. You watched them go with a smile.

'Full Counter,' Meliodas shouted somewhere behind you. You turned in time to see Calmadios fall. The ground shook.

'Did that finally do it?' asked Drole, still on guard.

'Oh yeah.' Meliodas rested his sword on his shoulder. 'I'm pretty sure we got rid of him that time.'

'Oh come on,' said Gloxinia. 'How are you both being so calm right now? We've got Demons behind us.'

He turned to see no Demons. The battleground was silent save for the fires that still crackled. You laughed to yourself and flew down to hover by Drole's shoulder.

'Where did they go?'

'Oh, I just had them leave,' you said.

'What?' Drole turned to you. 'And how did you manage to pull that off?'

'Yeah, 'cause those things were on a rampage,' Gloxinia said. 'What did you do?'

You smiled at them. 'All I did was talk to them for a little bit. Nobody wants to be in a constant state of conflict after all.'

Meliodas stared at you in awe. 'Wow, [Y/n].'

You winked at him.

'Woah, it's healed up.' The human gazed wide-eyed at his now perfectly fine arm. 'Thanks so much.'

'No problem.' You stepped back. 'It's too dangerous out here. I think it's best if we hurry back to our base now.'

The sun was low on the horizon, the sky turning orange. This had taken longer than you would have liked.

'She'll be fine,' Meliodas said, squeezing your hand. 'They promised to watch her.'

You searched his eyes and smiled. 'Guess you're right.'

Together you took off, still hand in hand, leading the way back to the Fairy King's Forest. The sky burned with more orange, shadows stretching long on the ground. It didn't take long to get back. The Forest looked the same. Its branches welcomed you in.

'So, this is the Fairy King's Forest, huh?' said the human called Rou.

'Isn't it pretty?' you said, swinging your and Meliodas's joined hands. You stared up at the leaves, sunlight hanging from branches like curtains.

From in front came the sound of footsteps and she broke through the trees, smiling the same as ever.

'Welcome back,' said Elizabeth.

You let go of Meliodas and hurried to her side, scanning her body for injuries. Seeing nothing, you wrapped her in your arms and felt yourself relax. Meliodas's arms wrapped around both of you.

'Wow it really is you, Elizabeth,' came Drole's voice. Elizabeth let go of you and turned to the Giant.

'Of course it's me,' she said. 'I'm glad you're safe, Drole. And you, Gloxinia.'

'But,' Gloxinia stammered, 'how can it be you?'

'Ignore them,' you said, waving a hand. 'They've been weird all day. Now why are you so far from the Light?'

Elizabeth froze for a second before smiling again. 'I was just waiting for you.'

You peered at her. 'Did someone say something again? If they did—'

'Seriously, Mum, I'm fine.'

Two strangled noises behind you.

'Are you sure, Elizabeth?' said Meliodas.

'I'm fine, Dad. Promise.'

'Did ... did you just call them mum and dad?' asked Gloxinia. Drole seemed unable to talk.

'Of course I did,' said Elizabeth. 'What else would you call your mother and father?'

Ignoring the still sputtering Fairy and Giant, you walked with Elizabeth and Meliodas towards the Light of Grace. It grew in front of you, the tower stretching above even the tallest trees. Its surface glowed in the setting sun. You glared at it.

'What's that over there?' said Drole, apparently recovered enough to ask more dumb questions.

'You know, the two of you are acting really weird today,' said Meliodas. 'It's our base. Don't you remember?'

Gloxinia and Drole gasped. You sighed and turned away from them, walking once again.

'Shouldn't we help them?' Elizabeth whispered, tugging on your sleeve. 'What if they're hurt?'

You ruffled her hair. 'I can't feel anything wrong. Probably just a bad joke. But if you're worried, why don't you take a look when we get back to base?'

Elizabeth beamed at you. 'Okay.'

At the base of the Light of Grace, the members of Stigma gathered. Elizabeth slowed, keeping herself behind you. You met Meliodas's eye. He frowned. So you were thinking the same thing. Something had happened while you were gone. Before you could do anything, someone emerged from the doorway above.

'Woah, is that—?' whispered one of the humans.

'A Divine One,' said another. 'The Goddess race's Lance Corporal.'

You wrinkled your nose and glared up at Nerobasta.

'So you've finally returned,' she said, cold voice carrying down to you. 'To think it actually took all three of you to take down a single Ten Commandment.'

'Come now, Nerobasta,' said a new voice. Your eyes widened before narrowing. Ludociel stepped into the sun. 'That's quite enough.'

Elizabeth gasped and stepped back. You still didn't know what had happened, but you took a step in front of her anyway. If Ludociel had done anything ... Meliodas was at your side. You could feel his hand shaking.

'Down on your knees, humans,' said Nerobasta. 'You are in the presence of our glorious leader, Sir Ludociel of the Four Archangels.'

No one moved. You snorted a little. Meliodas nudged your side. You pressed your lips together but couldn't stop the corner of your lips turning up in a smirk.

'I am pleased to have heard what happened,' said Ludociel, apparently uncaring of the fact no one followed Nerobasta's order. 'You were able to save our friends who were wounded in battle. That being said, I would like to welcome you all here.'

The humans were still in awe.

'Your timing is perfect,' Ludociel continued. 'I have good news for you, that which all races have been hoping for. The end of the Holy War, at long last, is upon us.'

You frowned. There was only one ending Ludociel was hoping for and you did not share that view.

Elizabeth stepped forward a little, hope burning away whatever fear she had had. 'That's wonderful. We've called a truce with the Demon race?'

Ludociel's face transformed. He smiled, his face twisting and eyes opening. Meliodas tugged Elizabeth back.

'The time has finally come,' Ludociel said, ignoring Elizabeth, 'for the Demons to be destroyed.'

—

Meliodas set the meat around the fire and sat back, waiting for them to cook. [Y/n] was still in the Light of Grace. He wondered what she would do when she came out. He had seen her angry before – angry at the Goddesses, angry at herself – but it always shocked him somehow. And turned him on. But that was beside the point.

'Why don't you let me fight?' said Elizabeth from where she sat opposite. 'What's the point in training? Do you not trust me?'

Meliodas sighed. 'Of course we trust you, Elizabeth.'

'Then why? Why don't you let me go to the edge of the Forest?'

'It's dangerous.'

Elizabeth huffed.

Meliodas sighed again. 'If you could see ... I don't want you to see. When you learn there are people you can't save. When your friends die in front of you. If there was a way to keep you from that forever, I would take it in a heartbeat.'

'But there's not,' Elizabeth said slowly. 'Is there?'

Meliodas shook his head.

'So—'

'I'm trying to persuade her.' Meliodas looked up. 'Your mother. I think I almost had her but ... after what Ludociel just said—' Meliodas felt his lip curl '—I have no idea what she's thinking.'

'Mum's scary when she's angry.'

'She is.' Meliodas laughed again before turning serious. 'So do you want to tell me what happened before she comes back?'

Elizabeth started. She met his gaze before looking away again. 'They want to use me, don't they? The Goddesses. To win the War.'

'Yes.'

'But ... if they win, they want you to leave mum. They want you to ... to die.'

'... Yes.'

Elizabeth's hands started to shake. 'Do they want me to die too?'

Meliodas reached out and pulled Elizabeth into his arms. 'Never gonna happen. You're going to have a long, happy life. And, if you want, you can fall in love and have your own children. And your mum and I will keep protecting you until you've had that long, happy life, Elizabeth. Because it's what you deserve. It's what everybody deserves.'

'Everybody?' Elizabeth looked up at him.

'Yeah.' Meliodas nodded. 'Humans. Fairies and Giants. Demons and Goddesses and everything in between.' He tapped Elizabeth's nose. She giggled. 'So let's eat up or the meat will be overdone.'

Elizabeth wiped her eyes and sat up. 'It'll taste bad either way.'

'Rude.'

The sound of something knocking on metal drew Meliodas's attention. He looked up to see Rou knocking on his sword.

Rou huffed a laugh. 'It's like a giant hunk of steel.'

'Oh, hey.'

'Mind if I join you?'

'Go for it.'

Rou sat down beside Elizabeth and smiled at her. 'Hi.'

'Rou, this is my daughter, Elizabeth. Elizabeth, this is Rou. We met today in the Valley of Fossils.'

Elizabeth smiled. 'It's nice to meet you, Rou.'

'Likewise.' Rou looked at Meliodas out the corner of his eye. 'Daughter, huh? You look so young.'

Meliodas laughed. 'Thanks.'

There was a companiable silence for a moment before Rou said, 'Meliodas, you're a Demon, aren't you?'

Meliodas just smiled and gave him some food.

Rou ate quietly. 'That would mean you are too, right, Elizabeth?'

'Half,' Meliodas said.

'Huh?'

'Elizabeth is half Demon.'

'Half Demon?' Rou dropped his clean skewer. 'And half what?'

'Goddess,' said Elizabeth. Meliodas looked up to see her eyes change. The right one was just like [Y/n]'s and the left one was just like his. 'Half Goddess, half Demon.'

Rou just stared.

'Are you scared?' Elizabeth asked softly, her mismatched eyes glowing in the firelight.

'No.' Rou shook his head jerkily. 'No. I just ... I'd heard the rumours, but I didn't imagine they could be true.'

'Better believe it, buddy,' Meliodas said with a smile. Elizabeth's eyes turned back to their normal blue.

'But that's incredible.' Rou was still staring at Elizabeth. 'Until today, I'd never seen a Demon and Goddess fight on the same side and now this? Incredible. But then again, it makes sense.' Rou turned from Elizabeth and stared at the flames instead. 'It's obvious you're a good guy, Meliodas.'

Elizabeth nodded. 'Best dad.'

Meliodas's hearts warmed. 'I know a couple people who'd disagree.'

Rou laughed lightly. 'Yeah, I bet. But they're wrong, you know. I'm glad to be your friend.'

The flames crackled and the Forest settled down to sleep and Meliodas was content.

—

'You intend to eradicate the Demon race?'

Your voice echoed through the Light of Grace. You hated it here. It was so cold. Too perfect. White marble pillars and carvings. The cleanliness gave you the shivers and the brightness made you feel like you were being watched. There was nowhere to hide in here.

'That's insane,' you continued, glaring up at Ludociel. 'Are you out of your mind?'

'Lady [Y/n], please,' said Nerobasta. 'I'll remind you that this is a Holy War.'

As if you could forget. You fought not to roll your eyes.

Ludociel's expression didn't change. 'I'm afraid that you're out of line, Nerobasta. This is exactly what I've been planning from the very beginning.'

Those words were colder than the air around you.

'But you said it yourself,' you implored, 'that the peace all races have been hoping for is finally upon us. I don't get it.' Your hands started to shake so you clenched them into fists. 'How could you say that? And in front of Meliodas and Elizabeth!'

'Ah. Lady [Y/n], you must open your eyes and see the truth.' Ludociel walked so he was right in front of you. He bent down and leered in your face. 'The Demon race is no better than a pile of feculent worms.'

A strangled gasp forced its way out your throat. You clenched your fists even tighter to stop yourself from hitting that smirk off his face.

Ludociel kept talking. 'Honestly, who would ever recognise them as life forms equal to us? That friend of yours, Meliodas, will be the one to succeed that abhorrent Demon King.' He took your chin between his fingers and forced your head back. 'And unless you start raising that tarnished daughter of yours better, she will be on the same path.'

You could feel your heartbeat in your head. It wasn't just your hands anymore. Your whole body was shaking. You chewed on your tongue to stop the insults that threatened to break free. The only thing holding you back was ... was ... Shit. There was a reason, but it was hidden beneath the red that flickered at the edge of your vision. So before you could do something you'd regret, you slapped Ludociel's hand away (quite satisfying) and flew out of the tower.

Everything was a blur. Stairs. Trees. People. Your hands itched to punch something. Your breath was ragged and uneven, chest rising and falling rapidly. Meliodas. You had to find Meliodas.

It didn't take long to find him, which you were thankful for. He was staring into a dying fire, the remains of a meal scattered around. Rou was there too, sleeping peacefully. Elizabeth was propped up against the tree trunk. She had a blanket on, one hand clutching it tight. Even that sight couldn't calm you down.

'What happened?' Meliodas asked, voice low but urgent.

'Meliodas,' you said through gritted teeth, 'I need you to tell me right now why I shouldn't go back there and beat Ludociel to a pulp. One good reason. Quick.'

'There isn't one.'

You half laughed, half growled.

'Okay, okay, sorry.' Meliodas raised his hands before holding yours. 'Come on, sit down.'

You did so. It didn't help much. Everything was still red and shaking.

'What did he say this time?'

The snarl ripped from your throat before you could stop it. Rou's deep breaths hitched. Elizabeth shifted a little. But neither of them woke.

'I see.' Meliodas turned you around so you were only looking at him. 'If you beat up Ludociel, they will put you in prison and neither I nor Elizabeth would be able to see you again.'

'Oh.' You froze for a second before turning to look back at the Light of Grace. 'They might not, though. They might even thank me.'

'They definitely will.' Meliodas tugged you back so you were looking straight at him. 'We'd never see you again.'

What a horrible thought. Your breathing slowed. The red faded. Your limbs were still shaking from the adrenaline rush, but you sighed and leant on Meliodas. 'Thanks.'

'No problem.'

It was quiet for a moment. The sounds of the Forest at night-time surrounded you. They made you sleepy.

'I spoke to Drole,' Meliodas said. 'He said he'd find other people to train with tomorrow. Apparently he'd forgotten he was supposed to train Elizabeth anyway.'

You frowned. 'So?'

'So—' Meliodas pulled you tighter to his chest '—I thought you could take her to train at the edge of the Forest. And then, if she still wants to, we could all go to a village together in the afternoon.'

You didn't say anything for a while. 'Okay,' you said eventually. 'But a nearby village, right?'

'Of course.' Meliodas settled back against the tree root and didn't let you go. 'And one day, we'll take her to the sea.'

The new day dawned without much sun. Grey clouds covered the sky, turning the air cold. Meliodas kissed you goodbye and ruffled Elizabeth's hair before going off to do whatever it was he had to do today. Well, this morning at least.

'How would you like to train with me today?' you said, turning over an apple in your hands.

Elizabeth stared at you. 'I thought I was training with Drole today.'

'Change of plans.' You stood up. 'Come on.'

'But ... where are we going?' Elizabeth hurried to catch up to you, still frowning.

'The edge of the Forest. Or would you rather we stay here?'

Elizabeth beamed. She gave you a massive hug. 'Thank you, thank you, thank you.'

'Don't thank me,' you said, hugging her back. 'Thank your dad. It was his idea. And if you do well, there's another surprise for you.'

'Oh, what? What is it?'

You shook your head, still smiling. 'A surprise.'

Elizabeth's laugh bounced off the trees. Her happiness was contagious, but it couldn't stop the worry gnawing in your stomach as the break in the trees grew closer. Elizabeth walked faster, following the empty space. Before she could leave the shelter of the trees, you caught her arm.

'If something happens, Elizabeth, you have to promise me you'll do as I say.' You stared into her eyes. 'Promise.'

'I promise.' Elizabeth smiled softly. 'But nothing's gonna happen. You worry too much, Mum.'

You let her go with a sigh. Maybe so, but you didn't know how to stop. With one last smile to you, Elizabeth stepped out of the Fairy King's Forest. You followed close behind, eyes scanning the landscape for danger.

'Wow.' Elizabeth breathed out. Her eyes were wide. 'It's so ... flat. And big. The sky is so wide. It's beautiful.'

Instead of looking for trouble, you tried to see it how Elizabeth was seeing it. A brand-new world. Well, in a way. There had been a time Elizabeth had been out of the Forest before. A time you didn't have to hide as much. But she had been too young to remember that.

'Wait until you see the ocean,' you said, smiling softly.

'What's that?' Elizabeth turned to you.

'Imagine all this grass was water. That's the ocean.'

Elizabeth's mouth fell open. 'When can we go?'

You laughed. 'Hold your horses.' You dropped the pack of water and snacks beside a tree and started to stretch. 'We're here for a reason, remember?'

It happened during a break.

Elizabeth sat on a tree root, a water pouch in hand. Her eyes had shifted to their half-and-half state when she first used her powers and hadn't changed back since. She pushed back her sweaty hair and smiled at you. You smiled back and raised your own water pouch. But it never reached your lips.

Somewhere not so far away and getting closer was an immense load of magical power. Dark magical power. The water pouch slipped through your fingers. You hardly noticed. Instead, you stood, looking for the threat.

In the sky was a darker patch of clouds that was growing steadily bigger. You enhanced your eyes and balked. Demons. Commandments. All heading this way. How had they gotten so close without you noticing? But there was no time to think about that now.

Without getting your feet beneath you properly, you skidded over to Elizabeth.

'Run.' You gripped her shoulders. 'Do you hear me, Elizabeth? No, leave your stuff. Go.'

'But—'

'You promised me.' Your voice rose and you forced yourself to take a deep breath. 'I'm sorry, Elizabeth. So sorry. But you have to run now. Find your father. Stay at the Light of Grace.' You pulled her close and pressed your lips to her forehead. 'Don't stop. Don't look back. I love you. Now run.'

And with that, you pushed her into the Forest. You turned, keeping yourself between Elizabeth and the oncoming barrage. They were much closer now. You didn't have to enhance your eyes to see them. Deeming enough time passed for Elizabeth to get clear, you pushed down your worry and took to the sky to meet the hoard of Demons.

—

The dark magical energy came without warning. Meliodas froze. They were coming. Right now. When [Y/n] and Elizabeth were out of the safety of the Forest and far away from help. This was his fault. Meliodas cursed and started running. Knowing [Y/n], she would've gotten herself and Elizabeth out of there. There was no need to panic.

'Gloxinia! Drole!' Thank goodness it hadn't taken long to find them. Meliodas tried to slow his hearts. 'I'm going to go on ahead to see if I can try and settle things with them. You two protect the Forest, okay? When [Y/n] and Elizabeth get back, please protect them too.'

'Meliodas, that would be an act of suicide even for you,' said Gloxinia. 'At least half of the Commandments are up there.'

Meliodas gripped his sword tighter. 'Yeah. I know that.'

Gloxinia flew down to look him eye to eye. 'Think about it. Didn't you betray the Demon race? There's no way they'll listen. Your history with them doesn't put you in the best position.'

'I'm getting a bad vibe from this whole situation. If you're thinking that I'm in league with those guys, that I might use this as a chance to help them out, then you should come and see it with your own eyes. But decide quickly.' Meliodas turned to glare at Gloxinia. 'Because my family is out there.'

'Hold on,' Drole shouted. 'I'm coming too. If any fighting breaks out, you're gonna need my powers as a backup, right?'

'Yeah, good point,' Meliodas conceded. 'If you're coming along, whatever you do, don't start anything.'

For some reason, Drole celebrated. 'You got it! I'm ready to go.'

'All right, fine then,' said Gloxinia. 'If you're going then I'm gonna go there with you.'

Meliodas shrugged and turned to the trees. He kept imagining [Y/n] and Elizabeth to come running through any second. But they still hadn't. Where were they?

'You guys, look!' Drole pointed to the flock of Demons. 'The Demons were closing in, but they stopped right in their tracks.'

It was true. They were just hovering there, a swarm of dark shapes hanging in the sky. But in front of them all was something else. Someone dressed in white faced the Demons alone. Meliodas's hearts stopped. It couldn't be. No way.

—

Elizabeth ducked under a branch, hopped over a root and slipped on some moss. But instead of getting up to keep running, Elizabeth stopped. Why was she running? The massive amount of magical power settling on her shoulders didn't feel scary. It felt like her father. They wouldn't hurt her, not if they knew who she was. This was her chance. Her chance to prove she could be useful. So Elizabeth stopped running.

She turned and walked back to the Demons.

—

You looked at the Demons and the Demons looked at you.

'Now just who might you be?' said the one you knew to be Derieri.

You held your head high and when you spoke, your voice didn't shake. 'My name is [Y/n] of the Goddess race and you mustn't go any further.'

'Did you come all the way here just to die?' said Melascula from within a cloud of darkness.

Galand put a hand to his chin. 'Would it be all right if I devour this soul?'

Although your heart started to beat faster, your hands didn't shake. You took comfort in the fact that Elizabeth was safe, far away from the danger.

'Goddess,' said Monspeet, 'over the past few days, tens of thousands of our warriors have vanished one after the other, all under rather mysterious circumstances. And we believe that emanating from the Forest below are faint traces of their Magic Power. Actually, massive amounts of it. So tell me, young lady, what do you make of these facts?'

You blinked. 'What?'

Derieri folded her arms. 'How about you return them to us?'

'Let me get this straight,' you said, frowning and holding up a hand. 'You believe that we're holding your people captive? But that can't be true.'

'It doesn't really matter if you believe it or not. We're going to take them back with us. And that's all there is to it.'

Your eyes flickered from demon to demon. They all had the same look on their face. So you focussed on Derieri. 'Listen. Ludociel is plotting something. I don't know what, but you need to turn back now.'

'As if we'd ever believe you,' Derieri said shortly. 'Or do you happen to have even a shred of proof that you're not bluffing us?'

'No, but you have to trust me.' You poured your magic into your words. Your voice was strong, reaching all the Demons. 'All I want is to bring this war to an end.'

They said nothing. Some shifted in the air. You didn't move, didn't say anything more, just kept your eyes fixed on Derieri. Please see the truth, you thought. There is danger here for you and for me. The Demons started to talk among themselves. You still said nothing.

Derieri flew closer to you. 'If you really want us to trust you, then you should release the others.'

'If what you're saying is true, I promise,' you said. 'I'll speak to him right away.'

'And what will you do if he refuses to cooperate?'

Your eyes and voice didn't waver. 'Even if it should come to that, I'll find a way myself.'

Derieri looked into your eyes for a moment more before smiling. 'All right then. Give us the traitor, Meliodas.'

'I refuse.' Your power grew, a wind rustling your hair. 'He means everything to me. If your intention is to kill him—'

'Forget him. Give us the child, then,' said Monspeet. You turned to him. 'The abomination.'

'Don't call her that.' Your voice turned deadly. As one, the group of Demons fell back. 'If you insist on taking her – on taking either of them – then I will fight you right now by myself. Every single one of you. And I won't lose.'

Derieri's shock turned to a smirk. 'That's a Demon's anger. What's a goody-goody Goddess doing with a face like that? Been spending too much time with Meliodas, huh?'

You flew slightly higher and raised your voice. 'I have raised a daughter the likes of which the world has never seen. I have loved a Demon and found love in return. And in doing so, I have fought Destiny herself. And now I'm telling you, Derieri of the Demon race, to leave this place because you are in danger. What do you say?'

It was silent for a moment. All you could hear was your heart, thundering in your ears.

'Very well,' Derieri said eventually. You sighed in relief. 'We will accept your deal.'

You smiled. 'I'm glad.'

A sinister laugh echoed through the air. It sounded like Ludociel, but – your head whipped from side to side – he was nowhere to be seen. You clenched your fist. Whatever he wanted to try, he'd have to get past you first, imprisonment be damned.

'Well done, Lady [Y/n],' Ludociel's disembodied voice boomed. 'You did an excellent job of buying us some time. Our preparations are now complete.'

'Damn you,' Derieri snarled. 'Playing us for fools?'

'No, wait.' You reached out to her. 'It's not what you think. I don't know what—'

But your voice was cut off by a huge rumbling. Birds rose from the trees, squawking indignantly. Giant clouds of dust started to grow. The earth shifted. Trees groaned and cracked as something enormous forced its way above ground.

Free from the dirt, the massive Ark began to shine. Its light burned your eyes and turned everything white. Behind you the Demons gasped. Even you couldn't believe your eyes. An Ark this big was amazing ... and insane. There were dark, twisted shapes in its centre. Your stomach heaved. He couldn't have.

The trapped Demons burnt slowly, trapped in the holy light. You could hear their screams, each one tearing into your heart. How could you have let this happen?

'My sister!' Derieri shouted.

You clapped a hand to your mouth. No wonder she had been so desperate.

Just as you were about to ... Well, you didn't know if you were going to throw up or fly to Ludociel, but you were about to do something, the light grew stronger. It burned through the air and through the Demons caught in the Ark, reducing them to nothing. Your mouth fell open.

The light died, leaving nothing but an impression burned into your eyes. No one moved.

Derieri's ragged breathing caught your attention and you turned to see her whole body contorted by rage. 'So is this the way your people handle things?'

'Please.' You turned to her. 'I don't—'

The next thing you knew was incredible pain. You fell into darkness.

—

Elizabeth was shaking. Her head was too hot. Her hands were too cold. The dark and the light had consumed each other until there was nothing left. Was that to be her fate as well? Even now, her power raged within her, fighting for dominance. It was like she was splitting in two.

Her mother had looked so cool up there, talking to the Demons. Trying to save them. Would Elizabeth have been able to do that? She crouched, gripping her head between her hands. If her mother couldn't save the Demons, what chance did Elizabeth have? She had felt them below the Light of Grace and had been chased away. If this was the war, Elizabeth didn't want it anymore.

Two more points of light started to glow in the sky, but Elizabeth ignored them. There were no saviours here. 

~~~~~

back in lockdown, baby ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

but it's end-of-semester break so double ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

anyway. hey everyone! 

i thought this chapter would take me longer to write than it did so have it a day early :) hope you don't mind

stay safe out there and remember you matter! stay safe 💕💕💕