"I wish to hurry and get Grayroad back to my research facility as soon as possible... I can't wait to sink my teeth into this specimen." Merlin spoke fondly as she stared at the test tube in her hand. Suddenly, all attention was turned to Fraudrin, who'd been trying to sneak away. As soon as he realized he was seen, the demon darted away.

"He's making a break for it! After him!" Howzer yelled as multiple holy knights made moves to fun after the demon. However, he pointed his sword and attacked them, causing enough of a diversion for him to escape.

However, Arcadia grabbed a hold of Hendrickson and flew after the now flying demon. Once he landed, the two landed right after him, surprising the demon and irritating him.

"You two just don't know when to quit, do you..." Fraudrin questioned, annoyed now at Arcadia and Hendrickson.

"I shall repeat it once more... Today is the day I take Dreyfus back..." Hendrickson spoke with such determination that it caused a smile to appear on Arcadia's face.

"Hmph. Pushy and overbearing as ever. That's why you're still single. Though then again, I suppose you now have something with my former lover. I can't believe you'd willingly lie down with someone like that." Hendrickson just ignored the man and pointed his sword at him, calling forth his acid power.

"Did you forget? That magic power won't work on me, or Dreyfus." Sure enough, the acid did nothing, but that wasn't Hendrickson's goal. He used that as a distraction to get in close to the man. Once he was close, he put a hand on Fraudrin's chest.

"O' unnatural soul...begone!" Hendrickson then used purge, but it, unfortunately, did nothing at all. So Fraudrin brought down his sword nearly on Hendrickson's head if it wasn't for the white-haired man raising his sword at the last second. Even so, it sent the man flying and ricocheting backward, back to Arcadia who caught the man in her arms.

"Are you alright?" Arcadia asked, a little hesitant. Hendrickson just spits out blood and glared at Fraudrin.

"I'm fine." The white-haired man eventually spoke.

"You disappoint me, Hendy... Is that all you've got? Also, is Arcadia not going to get involved?" Fraudrin taunted before speaking again. "If she isn't you're going to die."

"That's rich coming from someone whose swordsmanship would make a squire blush!" Hendrickson taunted back, ignoring half of what Fraudrin said.

"You always knew how to push my buttons." Fraudrin then darted at Hendrickson hitting him head-on and causing him to fly backward. He then hit him down causing the man to hit the ground. "What's driving you to go so far? Is it the guilt of having your hands stained with the blood of so many innocents? Or is it some twisted attempt at finding redemption for a friend who's already committed countless sins? Either way, we've long passed the point on of return, Hendy. Dreyfus's hands... your hands... even Arcadia's hands, make no mistake about it, they are forever drenched in blood! And there is nothing any of you can do to atone or make amends for them!"

"That's not for you to decide... we ourselves must cross that bridge!"

"This is going nowhere, I'll make it... quick and painless!" As Hendrickson lies on the ground, Fraudrin went to stab him right in the head.

"Stop it!" Arcadia called out, making a move to stop the man, however, everything was stopped by a huge burst of lightning.

"Was that Gilthunder?! No... that magic just now..."

"There's no mistaking it... Zaratras?!" There was now a man standing right next to Hendrickson. Arcadia ignored that and flew over to Hendrickson. She put a hand on Hendrickson and began to heal him slightly as she remained silent and listened to the other man begin to speak.

"Allow me to fight alongside you one more time, Hendrickson," Zaratras spoke in a friendly and kind tone.

"This isn't real! I must be hallucinating... I was there... we killed you... with our own hands..." Hendrickson was going into shock now, but the man just grinned at him. The next thing anyone knew, Zaratras was pinching Hendrickson's cheek violently.

"This feel like dream to you? Now get your act together. Right now, saving Dreyfus is out foremost priority! Got it, Hendy!" Hendrickson allowed tears to escape his eyes as he looked up at the man he admired.

"Y...Yes, sir!"

"Good, now... who is this girl?" Zaratras then turned to Arcadia, who was still healing Hendrickson.

"My name is Arcadia, I'm a half-demon, half-goddess. It's nice to meet you."

"Oh? Are you close with Hendy?"

"Is now really the time?" Arcadia's face went completely red, along with some of Hendrickson's face.

"I'm just curious, are you his woman?" Zaratras had a teasing smirk on his face.

"It's... something like that," Hendrickson admitted, causing Arcadia to go even more red than before.

"Are you going to be helping us?"

"Of course. I'll do my best to do whatever I can to help!" Arcadia smiled at the man as she raised her sword proudly.

"Right then," Zaratras smiled at the two. "Let's move out!"

"Yes, sir!" Both Hendrickson and Arcadia yelled out as the man stood back up to his feet.

All three of them began to attack Fraudrin, however, the demon was able to fend off every attack. He got a little injured due to a few of Zaratras's attacks, but nothing Arcadia and Hendrickson were doing was affecting the demon.

"I'd expect nothing less from the former Captain of the Holy Knights... but can you three bring yourself to murder Dreyfus in cold blood?!" He did a particular powerful swipe with his sword, causing all three to go backward.

"If only he left himself open long enough, we might be able to settle things with 'purge'," Zaratras spoke as he caught his breath.

"I had the same train of thought, but it was as I feared, 'purge' isn't sufficient enough to eradicate one of the Ten Commandments' soul," Hendrickson responded simply.

"What about her, she's a goddess."

"I only recently learned how to purge... from Hendrickson and I don't think I'm strong enough to do it."

"I see... so even our 'purge' is ineffective against the Ten Commandments. In that case, we have no method left but to exterminate his life..."

"Wait a second... you mean kill Dreyfus?! If we do that then everything will be for naught! I'm completely against this!" Hendrickson yelled out as he turned to look at Zaratras.

"Do not take your eyes off of him!" Fraudrin had darted at Hendrickson as soon as his eyes were off of the man. Thankfully though, Zaratras grabbed the man and used his power to get away from there fast as Arcadia flew up instantly. She eventually made her way over to where the two men were now.

"It's not often the Captain of the Holy Knights is hesitant and unsure of himself... without any way left to save your brother, is your solution to simply run around in circles? Stuck between a rock and a hard place, are we?" Fraudrin taunted before continuing. "Fear not... I'll be deciding how best to turn you both into a delicious meal, then I shall take back my woman." As he spoke, something red fell from where he'd just collided with when he attacked. It was Hawk transformed. However, he didn't realize that and lifted it up. "What is this?"

"That's...!" Zaratras seemed to recognize hawk.

"A pig?" Hawk then breathed out forcefully through his nose, causing a cloud to come out, right into Fraudrin's face. He instantly threw the pig away forcefully and put a hand over his eyes. "This smell... it's... rotting leftovers?! My eyes!" Fraudrin was clearly in pain and was now distracted. So, Zaratras made his move.

"It appears your luck has finally run out." Zaratras quickly moved behind Fraudrin and grabbed a hold of him., surprising the demon.

"What nonsense are you trying to pull? Must I state the obvious... you'll barely manage to put a scratch on me with your level of magic!"

"Indeed. I'm already well aware of that fact... but if I were to, say, pour every last ounce of my life energy into a 'purge', that should at the very least be enough to drag you out of my little brother's body!"

"No!" Hendrickson yelled as he reached out towards the pair. However, it was too late. A bright light shined out as Zaratras did exactly what he said he would do. So, suddenly now facing Hendrickson and Arcadia was the true form of Fraudrin, and Zaratras and Dreyfus were falling backward onto the ground.

"Curse you!" Fraudrin yelled out as he realized what had happened to him.

"Dreyfus! Zaratras!" Hendrickson yelled loudly as he saw his two friends laying unconscious on the ground.

"You'd just received your precious, insignificant life back and willingly chose to throw it away for the sake of another! A fool to the very end! So what if you traded your life to pull me out into the open... all I have to do is simply hop back into Dreyfus at my leisure."

"I won't give you the chance!" Hendrickson darted forwards to attack the giant monster but was stabbed through the shoulder instead.

"Hendrickson!" Arcadia yelled out, horrified at seeing the man hurt.

"Do you really wish to throw your life away in vain, Hendrickson?" Hendrickson's only response to Fraudrin was to yell out in pain before collecting himself.

"If you're going... to possess someone... then possess me!"

"I have no need for a human with a weak, meager body like yours. And besides, Dreyfus and I have been good partners for the past 10 years..."

"Is that... how you truly feel?"

"What?!"

"In order to exact your revenge against Meliodas after defeat by his hands, you chose Dreyfus's body to hide within while you reaccumulated power enough to take him on, isn't that right?" Hendrickson questioned with a pained smirk on his face. "In which case you have long since had ample time to get more than enough of your power back... Furthermore, Sir Meliodas, who you sought retribution against... has already died! So you shouldn't have any need to attach yourself to Dreyfus's body anymore!" Hendrickson finished out his rant yelling. Fraudrin just looked shocked at the man. Suddenly, another voice was heard.

"Fa..ther?" It was Griamore. "Father!"

"Gria...more?" Fraudrin responded, shocked at seeing the little boy. However, before anyone could do anything else, a blast of power was sent through Fraudrin's chest. The strike caused Hendrickson to fall from the demon, resulting in Arcadia catching him, but falling to the ground from the force.

"What?!"

"Don't you dare... utter his name..."

"How is this... How could a mere human's magic possibly inflict this kind of damage on me?!"

"My faith is honed and unwavering. It is firm. It is tempered. There is nothing it cannot pierce! Your downfall will be underestimating we humans so much!" Dreyfus then used a much more powerful attack that seemingly blew away Fraudrin. Using so much magical power causing Dreyfus to be left panting for breath.

"Father!" Griamore yelled at he ran to the man.

"Griamore!" Dreyfus took his son into his arms happily.

"It's you! It's really you... my dad!"

"To think the day would finally come that I could embrace you once more." Dreyfus then realized how small the boy was. "Hmm? Griamore, why do you have such a youthful appearance?"

"Quite a bit happened during our training in the Village of the Druids, you see. I shall explain everything to you at length later." Hendrickson muttered as he approached his friend, as tears began to fill his eyes. "Welcome home, Dreyfus."

"Hendrickson!" The two men hugged, as Arcadia felt a few happy tears slip from her eyes as the Hendrickson began to fully cry now. "I have caused you much worry up until now."

"That goes for both of us, doesn't it?"

"As I thought, Dreyfus... so strong..." Zaratras then laughed a little bit. "I should have named you my successor far sooner..."

"Elder brother! Please stay with us!" Dreyfus went to his brother instantly.

"It seems this is it for me... I don't have even an ounce of power left in my body..."

"Griamore, were you not together with Jericho and company?" Hendrickson questioned the little boy as he put a hand over his shoulder.

"Well, um, I went to take a whiz and when I came back, everyone was gone." The little boy responded simply.

"Hendy, are you alright?" Arcadia asked as she made her way over to the injured man. He just smiled softly back at her as he allowed her to fuss over his shoulder wound.

"Elder brother... you're always overexerting yourself so!" Dreyfus spoke to Zaratras as he held him.

"Not to worry, I was gifted this second life... for the sole purpose of saving you all."

"If only I was stronger, I never would have killed you with my own two hands, my brother. I never would have caused pain and suffering to countless innocents..."

"Your anger is misplaced... I am entirely the one to blame." Hendrickson spoke as he crouched down next to Zaratras. "Because I was so weak and powerless, you were forced to do that fiend's bidding..." Zaratras smiled softly before ramming his head into his brother's face and flicking Hendrickson's nose painfully.

"B...Brother?"

"How can I even begin to ascent to heaven with the two of you in such low spirits? Honestly. Rather than simply mourn and pass blame, you must live on, come to terms with and accept everything you've done. That is... how an adult takes responsibility, is it not?" Zaratras began to glow and fade away now. "And one last thing, there is one message you must pass on, tell Gilthunder... I am always watching... over...him..." With those words, Zaratras faded away. Tears were streaming from Arcadia's eyes as she watched the moment. Hendrickson was in the same boat.

"...We must convey my dear brother's final words to Gilthunder, at all costs." Dreyfus muttered instantly.

"Pray rest peacefully..." Hendrickson spoke as tears fell from his eyes.

"That promise shall never be fulfilled..."

"Th... that voice... Fraudrin?!" Dreyfus instantly stood up with Hendrickson at his side.

"Im...Impossible... he was completely erased by your attack..." Hendrickson was just as confused as Dreyfus was. Meanwhile, Griamore was holding onto Arcadia's legs fearfully. The little boy was nervous, especially when Fraudrin began to laugh.

"Such exaggeration. I'd say I was merely pierced by it. I'd expect nothing less of my partner in crime. Certainly, as I once was, I would have been in quite a bit of mortal danger. If the two of you could see the expressions on your faces. Now... plunge to your deaths with your faces painted in despair. What do you think...? this is my original magic power... Full Size!" After Fraudrin spoke, he reached down to smash Hendrickson, Dreyfus, Griamore, and Arcadia. Dreyfus grabbed Griamore and got out of there, while Arcadia wrapped her wings around herself and Hendrickson. However, those two were protected by Merlin's perfect cube.

"What the?! What the hell is that monstrosity?!" Howzer yelled out in disbelief and horror.

"That is the true identity of the demon who once possessed Dreyfus," Merlin spoke next, clarifying that with everyone.

"Dreyfus! Griamore!" Hendrickson yelled out as Arcadia unwrapped and hid her wings.

"Fear not! We are unharmed!" Dreyfus yelled back as he sat against a rock with Griamore in his arms.

"So that means... he's back to the great holy knight we used to know?!" Howzer practically yelled at Hendrickson.

"Indeed," Hendrickson responded, turning to face Howzer.

"You serious? Hell yeah!"

"I'll crush you all beneath my feet in one fell swoop!" Fraudrin growled but was cut off when he was hit right in the face by something. Then he was hit again and again, until finally, Meliodas rested right on his arm. "What?! How can this be?! Meliodas?! You traitorous bastard... Why do you still live?!"

"No...way..." Howzer muttered in disbelief.

"Pinch me... I must be dreaming?" Slader mumbled next, just as shocked as Howzer.

"Sir Meliodas! You're alive!" Dreyfus yelled out, excited.

"So he's finally returned... I expected as much." Merlin muttered, clearly knowing about the situation with Meliodas.

"Cap'n..." Ban sang happily as he watched his best friend.

Meliodas then resumed his attack on Fraudrin. He was brutal and violent, nothing like he'd been before. There was nothing Fraudrin could do, he couldn't even hope to touch the short man. Meliodas even used his clones against him to fight first.

"Cl...Clone?" Howzer questioned, surprised by the situation.

"Real-life clones... that is the special ability granted by the sacred treasure Lostvayne. Therefore, the captain's current true power level is... 60,000."

"Hey, you look like something's on your mind? Cat got your tongue, Fraudrin? Completely crushing any hope you felt and turning that into despair... then savoring the utter despondence written all over your face... There really is no better feeling." Meliodas spoke with such emotion, it sent a chill through Arcadia.

"Sir... Meliodas...?" Hendrickson hesitantly questioned, before looking over to Arcadia for answers.

"No... Can that truly be... Sir Meliodas?" Dreyfus questioned next, becoming a bit horrified at the look on the shorter man's face.

"STOP IT, MELIODAS!" Arcadia yelled out to her father. "Merlin, get me out of here, right now!"

"What? Why?" Merlin questioned, a bit thrown off for once.

"He isn't in his right mind, I need to stop him!" Arcadia was close to tears, leaving the sorceress no other choice.

"Very well."

"I'm sorry Hendrickson, I really might die this time..." Arcadia mumbled as she was dropped from the perfect cube. Hendrickson instantly tried to reach for her as he called out her name, but the cube closed up as soon as she was through it. Arcadia wasn't sure what she could do, but she knew that she needed to stop Meliodas as soon as possible. Preferably before he brutally killed Fraudrin. Arcadia didn't think she could watch her first love be killed, without at least trying to stop it.