"No! Please! Don't leave me, Arthur!" The black haired demon sobs for the lifeless human he straddles and begs to come back. Tears were consumed by his puffed face, bright residue on his nose and cheeks were burning on his face. His hands were gripping the garment of the plain leather jacket from Arthur's chest. The demons back slouches to place his forehead lightly against the humans. Dried blood stains Arthur's mouth and chest.

The mighty sword Excalibur lays hopelessly next to the body. The sobbing demons lungs were wheezing in pain, his heart spreading hate and sorrow throughout his mind. And then he thought; maybe he didn't need to suffer like this. He should just end this all together and never return to any world. Never open up his eyes ever again after sleeping from day to night. His forever closed eyes only wanting death to come at any time; just to surprise him with a painless one.

The sky was darkening with dark grey clouds, leaving no light left. It started with a small sprinkle for water here and there, but rapidly became a thunderstorm. Lightning striked while the strong wind blows at the demons face. Rain increased pouring every square inch of the once quiet place filled with the sobs and cries of the demon.

He still cries, he curses, he wishes to just die. His hands brought the lifeless human body up to him in a hug; embracing so tightly not wanting to lose him. He gambled with His feelings; telling himself it's just a nap. This is normal. He's just sleeping away his exhaustion.

His black hair soaking in the rain covers his eyes, and his tearing blend in with the rain water dripping down his face. His garments were also soaked against his skin. Then he knew right away why this happened.

It was his fault. He took away Arthur, the king of Camelot in exchange for the end of his people. All because he couldn't help himself but fall for the king. He was so foolish. An now, he's paying the price for it.

"Arthur..." He cries, pulling Arthur up to his chest then digs his fingers into the blaze orange, soaked hair. The rain was thick, heavy and loud; loud enough for the demon to not hear himself cry and sob the humans name over and over until his mouth and voice was addicted to saying it.

It was all because of his stupid feelings greedy for him. Wanting to keep Arthur for himself.

Maybe it's best to just end it.

The demon drags the Excalibur sword with his right hand, rolling away from being on Arthur's frame. He looks back to the lifeless human, before sitting back next to him. He grips the handle of Arthur's sword, while gritting his teeth. Wanting the pain to draw out blood from his mouth, which it did. Warm crimson drips down his chin from his mouth.

His body was shivering from the cold rain that beats down his soaked clothes; it sticks to his skin uncomfortably, but he doesn't pay any mind to it.

He felt scared. So alone.

But what could he do about it? than one option to answer his cries.

He took the sword and the sound of flesh tearing took over in the rain, and blood splattering over the ground and on Arthur's form. The demon falls quietly on the humans chest. His cries silenced, his breathing halted; Excalibur slips out of the impaled chest of the demon. It's power destroying all seven hearts because of his impure mind and body.

The demons eyes were left hazy and half lidded. And only one word; his vary last word, speaks out before he perishes.

". . . Arthur. . ."

______________________________________

       "Zeldris? Zeldris," an innocent voice uttered. He takes notice to the demon latching on tightly to his frame. He heard so many, too many, pained mumbles of his name repeating over and over from the demons lips. Zeldris still slept, his eyes closed tightly. Most likely a dream, no, a nightmare? Arthur thought.

It was early in the morning, and he could hear many soldiers prepare in training. The grunts and groans of fighting hand in hand combat, both close and long distance was loud and clear to him.

It's only been a couple of minutes and each passing second Zeldris held onto Arthur more. The human can feel his shaking, then all of a sudden tears brink on the demons face. And his mumbles become louder. He felt his heart brake and shatter to see this side of Zeldris, so he held the demon too. Wrapping his hands around his shoulder blades and pulling the small muscular form up against his larger one.

Before the king fell asleep, last night, he didn't want to over heat during such humid and summer weather; so he took off his shirt before laying back down next to Zeldris. The demon was out cold, so he never took notice.

His bare chest was touched with the forehead of the demon. The black hairs tickle and tease his skin and it makes him shiver. The feeling of a hitched warm breath against him was a pleasant feeling. It was like someone that understood him, was now finally with him and will always be with him no matter what. They will always be there.

Until, he felt the breath halt altogether, feeling no warmth on his chest. He looks down with his vibrant purple eyes to find what looks like the demon gasping out for breath. His heart skips a beat.

"Zeldris!" Arthur freaks out, he reacts so swiftly. He couldn't understand his own actions, moving and pushing and shoving the demons shoulder gently yet firmly.Zeldris instantly wake up latching on Arthur's waist pulling him to rest his face on the humans chest. The pounding of Arthur's heartbeat and his warm breath nuzzled in his hair is just so calming and pleasant to him. Zeldris realizes what he just did and reacts by letting go of Arthur and backs away; standing out of the bed he once rested in.

He had no idea what has gotten into him, and it's only the morning of today. A long day in fact.

"...Let's not talk about this...", Zeldris blurted out, Arthur could hear a slight stutter.

Arthur at first, was for sure, that he read his mind. But, he respected the demons personal space. He just can't help himself though, just something about Zeldris is so thrilling and calming and once.

Arthur went over to Zeldris that is now putting on his belt that holds his sword on his side. A quick click to it and he left it loose on his hips. The sword clunks when Zeldris turned towards Arthur.

"About the  plans," Arthur starts, "you said you would help me make out and point it out to be more organized, once I'm done with the base of the blueprint."

"I did, did I." Zeldris admits, then walks over to the desk with piles of paper and worn out pencils. Some of the paper was crumbled up into a ball and thrown next to work surface, scattered on the rug flooring. Already when Arthur shows him a few blueprints of his plan.

"You have all these procedures, yet you don't have the location of the bandits base."

Arthur stutters, "I - uh, well,"

"You should find the place before you do anything, that's the first thing you should have done."

"I know but---"

"Arthur," the demon interrupts, "we'll find the camp first."

Arthur's face flusters with embarrassment. Good going Arthur, so much for first impressions...
"Oh! Zeldris, what did you say last night?"

"Huh" he quickly answered.

"I was trying to explain what a "boyfriend" was last night and I crashed before I could listen to you say anything. What did you say exactly?" Arthur puts in quotes then chuckles.

"Nothing... I said nothing..." Zeldris articulated.

Arthur at first was confused; for sure he felt Zeldris' voice tremor on his chest, but he can trust the demon. Zeldris hasn't hurt him and will most likely never will. The king thought over of how he failed to be a king after that pathetic stunt by the bandits. Then again, he was sure he had high security and tight watchful eyes. And second, wasn't Merlin there too? Shouldn't she be able to guard the kingdom grounds effortlessly? Arthur thought.

"Zeldris, have you seen Merlin lately?"
Arthur asked.

"That bitch who tried to savatage my brother's relationship with the human? Yeah."

"I would appreciate you not using such language but it'll have to pass for just today, now, what is it about Merlin? She's kind and cares for others. What do you mean she tried to savatage Sir. Meliodas' relationship with Sir. Ban?"
Arthur says confused at what Zeldris said, or meant to say to him.

"Look you will have to ask my brother himself for answers, otherwise I only know a minimum of information about that. Let's not get off topic,"
Zeldris rushed over back to looking and just staring at the blueprints of Arthur's plan, he couldn't lie, this plan was almost full proof. This is the first human that might have ever been thinking through such detailed plans, well except finding the camp first. It seems that Arthur---

"King Arthur! We have found the base camp!" Rep, Arthur's most trusted soldier, comes running in quickly opening the tent to let the Suns ray of light brighten up the huge amount of room in the it. It was so sudden, Zeldris squinted at the blinding light of dawn.

"Where is it?" Arthur asked.

"Deep in the forest, up North. We've only just found it, so we have no idea who is I hired or how many bandits the base holds."

"Thank you, you may go, gather as much Intel as you can---"

"I'm afraid we can't My Liege, we can't get close enough without getting spotted."

Zeldris took notice to what he said, then turned towards Arthur, "Arthur, I can take care of this---"

"How dare you say His Majesty's real name so coldly and disrespectfully, you have no right to call the King by his name!!" Reo calls out pointing to Zeldris, instantly the demon just wants to kill him already. So annoying and foolish. But Arthur jumps in before anything happened, "Zeldris Is a close friend of mine, now about the camp show me where it is."

"Right. . . Right this way My Liege."

___________

     The three stopped at the beginning of a forest that goes darker and darker the deeper they look into it. None took a step forward even if they were dared to, well except Zeldris. He didn't hesitate to start questioning what was over there if any soldier gave it a shot to sneak over there and take a peak to find information. "How many are there?"

"You have no right to question me---"

"Reo..." Arthur warns.

"Right, forgive me my Lord."

Arthur clears his throat, "carry on Zeldris, do your magic."

Zeldris took a few seconds to think and come up with a plan, it was risky but he though of one and it's something that he alone will have to do.

"I'll go over there to go under cover and spy."

Arthur forrows his brow, "no, that's too dangerous."

"And it will be more dangerous if your soldiers go in blind with no info about the base or the type of bandits there are."

Arthur was quiet for a moment his head jerks up then grabs Zeldris' shoulders. "Then you will bring me along." His eyes glisten with determination.

Zeldris shook his head, then Reo, Arthur's closest soldier came in saying. "If King Arthur in going then I his loyal guard will come along as well."

"No, and no, that's too many and will cause too much attention." Zeldris says on point, shoving off Arthur's hands from his shoulders. "I'm going alone, you stay here to watch your soldiers---"

"I'm coming with you, Reo can stay and watch and train my men."

Zeldris couldn't argue anymore, he purses his lips in annoyance but he just could not help himself but fall for those puppy dog eyes that beg him for him to bring him along. He curses at himself, "fine, but you have to listen to every word I say. If I say run you run, if I say silent you be silent, if I say abandon me you do so, and no questions nor do you answer back."

Arthur hesitated at "abandon" but to come with Zeldris, a strict demon, he nodded. It's not like in his head he would actually do that. What kind of king would abandon his Ally, let alone someone he cares for and wants to get closer too.

"Right," Zeldris affirmed. "Arthur and I will be off then---"

"Who will protect you, Lord Arthur---"

"I can protect myself---"

"I can protect him from any harm if that will make you feel better."

Arthur looked at Zeldris and then back to Reo, he gave a smile to the soldier. "I'll be fine, I can protect myself."

The small demon started to walk towards the black smoke of a camp fire in the woods. Assuming that's where the soldiers were pointing to when they found the base camp of bandits. He had to be honest with himself, he feels like he can't lose Arthur right now or at all between the bandits. He felt like protecting him willingly. Damnit why is he thinking of him so much right now? He has something important to do.

-

It was a couple minute walk, so far they've survived without getting caught the closer they got to the camp.
In-between from along the way, Arthur's armor felt as though it's heavy plates were getting louder and louder with each step. So Zeldris said to ditch the armor, it's not needed anyways since they were just going to observe the camp. Arthur did so leaving him only in a skin tight black shirt including a pair of bottoms to go with it.

They continued to walk and got out of the heavy part of the woods without any major injuries, only Arthur had a couple of scrapes on his face from nature's branches from the oak trees.

Zeldris was sure they'd be at the camp by now, but as he looked up to find the smoke it was there, but it seemed it's never gotten closer nor further. Just the same place.

"What the..." He starts, looking around a bit confused. His muscles flex quickly and stealthily to jolt his eyes from one corner of the forest to another.

This is the same area they've been in already.

"Shit. We got caught in a trap."

Arthur looks at Zeldris confused, assuming they were going the right direction. "What do you mean? Trap?"

"This trap was set here before anything crossed it's path, the thing is, the camp is supposed to be that way, so says your soldiers. But, if the camp is that way and your men did see the camp with their own eyes, how did they get passed the trap so easily. And second: whoever we're dealing with here, they know their magic well. I couldn't even notice it."

"What are you getting at Zeldris?"
Arthur asked, feeling like a dummy for not getting the puzzle.

"It means, that what if those trusty soldiers of yours, that reported about the location of the base camp, were the bandits themselves? Most likely they knew where we were the entire time."

Arthur scrunches his nose, "traitors?"

Zeldris shakes his head, "No, spy's. They've somehow slipped passed me."

Arthur turned around swiftly, "then we have to go back to warn the others!" His worry for his people was beyond of what Zeldris expected from a human. He'd usually see them as selfish beings that had no right to take land of this realm. That these beings are here to destroy the peace between the goddesses the demons, the fairies and giants, with their untrustworthy tactics that could back stab all the clans to take victory of their own.
And once the humans claim victory, then the stronger gloat, their brains rot with pride and doubt for others whom are inferior.

Hundreds, if not, thousands are like this. That's when the strong take advantage of the weaker and the more vulnerable.

Zeldris never was foud of the humans, never in his life has he seen a person like Arthur, so loyal to his people. So brave. So inspiring. So. . . Alluring.

No wonder he was a king.

Are all kings like this?

No, not father. Zeldris stated in his head. Father is nothing compared to Arthur. And he isn't afraid to say it to his face.

But right now in the situation they are in, Zeldris needs to get Arthur out of this magic. It could drive a man mad with this conflicting atmosphere of the constant feeling like going in circles and it never ends.

"Zeldris, please this is urgent, I need to make sure my men are safe and unharmed by that so called 'spy.'"

Zeldris looks behind him to see worried eyes yet so determined to go back to the men. Yet it was so threatening to leave even without him. Leaving Zeldris alone. But would Arthur even be able to get out of this curse?

No he couldn't. He would go in circles by himself trying to figure out how way through it, driving himself mad. But If that happens... He might just---

Zeldris immediately though of the dream he had and his hearts skipped a beat to it. He doesn't want that to happen. He doesn't want Arthur gone, he won't let it happen, not ever.

"Let's go..." Zeldris grabbed Arthur's hand then speed walks through parts of the repeated forest. His hand was desperate to keep Arthur by him, clenching onto the sweaty hand that threatens to slip and let go.

"What are you looking for? What are you doing?" Arthur was confused, thinking Zeldris said that they're are trapped there for as long as the magic last.

"If I am correct, where the trap was set exactly is where most of the magical force is, almost making it impossible to break through. But if we go to opposite side of the barrier, it's where the weakest point should be and the most vulnerable to damage and break the barrier all together."

Arthur never felt like such a dummy after hearing the facts that Zeldris has spoken to him. Till he came up with a small problem that may be probable, "what if the one who's had their trap go off now out there and can tell where you are going attack, wouldn't they just move most of the magical energy to that spot where you are targeting? Wouldn't that be a problem?"

"Impossible, no ordinary human could do something so advanced, you can't move your main source of energy to the other side of where you're not at."

"That makes sense." Arthur nodded.

"Here." Zeldris stopped at what looks like an empty space, "but there's nothing here." Arthur argues. The demon only turned his head letting go of the human's hand to look at him, with his demon mark depleted. His bright, vibrant green eyes glazed and held Arthur's eyes in place. The human mumbled words such has "beautiful" Zeldris didn't hear -- couldn't hear -- what the other words Arthur said in response to his eyes for a second time he's shown his identity.

Zeldris carefully walked to the place he was pointing at after a minute of looking into Arthur's determined eyes. He pulls forward his hand into where there's nothing to touch or hold, and with one light touch of his palm, what seemed like a wave of a force: Like another dimension is on the other side if you walk through it, is exposed by the demons careful moves.

A surge of energy crosses Zeldris arm, pressing against the barrier. In his head he realized how much more tough it is than he thought. He's never done this powerful of a illusion barrier, let alone even seen one this strong and powerful. He knows for sure this isn't human, at least as far as he knows. The last he's known from humans being in war, was from three thousand years ago.

Arthur tries to talk but was shushed by Zeldris immediately being told that he's concentrating. The king became quiet for Zeldris to cancel the magic barrier.

Later, the illusion barrier has depleted and now they were free of the cursed trap.

"Now I know no human could do such advanced abilities."

Arthur snorts, "don't underestimate humans," he warns, "even I don't know the limits to their power; although, I am one."

Zeldris looks to behind him to see Arthur's face again, but his demon mark was clear to see for the human. The king looked so assuring to him. Like he knows everything about it, yet he doesn't at the same time. Zeldris felt exposed, vulnerable, susceptible.
But he felt so safe with him, a feeling in his gut portrayed him as a inferior being; like a demon that has fallen deeply after years of sleeping and letting humans evolve into something more than they are from back in history.

"Let's go!" Arthur shouted unexpectedly. He pulled Zeldris' hand and the demon expected him not to be able to even move him at all. But the opposite happened, Arthur was able to pull Zeldris effortlessly.

Zeldris was confused of what has happened but he felt his magic surge and swirl in his stomach. He felt like butterflies were living inside him. Feeling so light, he had nothing to do but follow Arthur with his hand being lead by the humans'.

A few minutes of running and Arthur was almost out of breath, they make it to their camp unharmed.

While Arthur looked desperately to find any injured, Zeldris stayed in one place. On the dry, plain green grass. The breeze was faint and made a chilling aura for the quiet demon. He felt watched, he felt cold, felt lost. Where's Arthur...?

Its already been a few minutes and all Zeldris has seen was soldiers continuing their training as usual, the thing was. Where's their leader? Reo.

"Arthur? Where are you?" He had a bad feeling about this place, it almost like isn't real, but yet it looks so real.
The sweaty body's and faces the soldiers gain from their tireless training. But their energy and stamina was almost unnatural. As far as he knows, no human can hold out for as long as he and Arthur have been gone.

Out of curiosity he walked over to one of the soldiers and trying to grab their attention, "hello? Report, was anything suspicious in the camp while I was gone?"

The soldier didn't answer, and o it continued his training, grunting and yelling at his equally skilled appointment; whom is also doing the same.

"Hello? Don't ignore me. Report." Zeldris gestured his left hand to wave in the face of the glazed, honey brown eyes of the soldier. Something definitely wrong.

"Arthur!" Zeldris snapped after finding his hand go through the head of the soldier. A fading of the body happened at the start of the demons arm; where the head was. It was like have your hand through a lifeless ghost.

Another illusion? Zeldris started to have His hearts race, slowly each second of not seeing Arthurs face made his mind go to chaos.

"Arthur! Answer me!" His voice slowly picked up his tone. Of desperate attempts to find him. Each time he saw a man train and tent he would test it and find out he runs through them. An illusion within an illusion?

No. This could not be the power humans hold. It's beyond their  knowledge, they don't even know such advanced strategies exist.

What felt like an eternity, Zeldris found Arthur but not in a good way.
He was held by the throat by none other than Reo.

"What the fuck is wrong with you!?"
Zeldris hollered. Exposing his cover jumping out in between around 16 tents on each side, parallel.

The grass where Reo was, was a dead brown and slowly seems like it burned into ashes, but there was no fire, not flame.

"I knew it..." Zeldris whispered to himself in halt as he was threatened by Reo showing of what he'll do to Arthur. By holding Arthur at his front and hold the sharpe corner edge of his sword up to the kings throat.
Zeldris felt like his breath halted all together with his movements.

"You're not a human!" Reo shouted, holding his sword tighter against the soft flesh of Arthur's exposed neck.
"What the hell are you!? I know you're not human! Tell me before I slice this bitches throat!!"

"DON'T EVER CALL HIM THAT!"
Zeldris never felt his vocals vibrate the mere ground of where he stands.
But he never took notice to it. As he was beyond angry that he couldn't describe it in words. He felt like a fire has burst into flames, setting his system aflame.

"For the love of 'king Arthur'" he quotes, in an annoyed voice.
"I will kill him, even if you don't or do tell me information about yourself and the kingdoms conditions!"

Zeldris' breath hitched, "you're the spy," he starts, "who are you?"

"I'm asking the questions!!" He replies immediately, bringing his sword across Arthur's neck, causing him to have a swelling drop of blood. Then rolls down his neck leaving a red goopy trail.
"I'll kill him, then i'll kill you too if that's what it takes!"

"No!" Arthur grunts out, "don't hurt him..."

Zeldris froze, for once feeling so helpless to save anyone. Arthur. That name just repeated in his head over and over his adrenaline kicking so fast. Yet, he couldn't move. Not even a single muscle. He felt stuck. Tied in one place and held there. And yet nothing was restraining him from attacking the human.

"You don't want an inhuman thing to die? I'm starting to think if the King of Camelot has betrayed his people..." Reo says darkly, "here's a deal that I think is fair...."

Silence consumed Zeldris' ears, only hearing of what Reo has said stopped his time all together.

"Kill yourself, and I'll let this thing live," he grins, "I swear on my life."
He crossed his middle and index finger.

Zeldris was too shocked to speak, but he saw Arthur nod his head rapidly yet hesitantly. He was let go, and Excalibur that was tossed near by, being forced to drop his weapon, he picked up with his own hands then turning to Zeldris.

Arthur was swift with his moves. Screaming and yelling he thrusted his sword towards Reo, whom jumps back just slightly to barely miss his strike. Then leaps forward and reached his palm out to push Excalibur the other way. At that moment, time stopped.

Zeldris had memories and remembered his dream, no, nightmare. That ruined his good sleep. Waking up earlier than he expected.

-"No! Please! Don't leave me, Arthur!"-

The flash back of His cries was beyond real and tormenting.

-He still cries, he curses, he wishes to just die. His hands brought the lifeless human body up to him in a hug; embracing so tightly not wanting to lose him. He gambled with His feelings; telling himself it's just a nap. This is normal. He's just sleeping away his exhaustion.-

He remembers the imagery so well, so detailed, so terrifying memorizing.

-He took the sword and the sound of flesh tearing took over in the rain, and blood splattering over the ground and on Arthur's form. The demon falls quietly on the humans chest. His cries silenced, his breathing halted; Excalibur slips out of the impaled chest of the demon. It's power destroying all seven hearts because of his impure mind and body.

The demons eyes were left hazy and half lidded. And only one word; his vary last word, speaks out before he perishes. . .-

He remembers and witnesses his own death.

"Arthur..." Were his last words before his eyes were obliterated with tears. His ears hearing the thick blood compacted by Excalibur, through Arthur's flesh. A dark, dead rose red was Arthur's blood splattering on the ground.

He remembers this...

"ARTHUR!" He screams out, his lungs sting from his vocals.

He was too weak to move, too weak to talk, he only had energy to scream and sob and cry out the kings name.

Why does it have to end this way....? To him?

What does Arthur have to do with anything.....? With him?

Why does he have to be so. . .

Alluring. . .?

______________________________________