*This is a slight AU! Everything is the same (more or less)! This fanfiction contains elements from both Anime and Manga. The Sins are looking for Escanor, and the Coffin of Eternal Darkness has already been opened. Ban and King are already back from The Fairy King's Forest (as for timeframes, fuck it). The Sins are headed towards the Druids.

*Hibernia is the Latin word for Ireland… Britannia is the term for Britain. WOW, guess you never saw THAT coming, did ya~?

I know that I am a man of many talents. In fact, sometimes it frightens me. On a theoretical level, how good I can be at something can be defined by the worth I put into it. Sometimes I put in too much worth.

Like being dumb, for example.

I have played this game for too many years. For too many generations. The very act has somehow etched itself into my genes, and made itself real. But it's not. Over the years, I lost count of how many lives I've played as. It's like some mask I can wear so I can blind myself from the reality. It doesn't matter who I am at the moment. If I believe it's real, then some part of me can make it real. A peddler, a farmer, a merchant, a blacksmith, a dragon tamer, a knight, a tavern owner- doesn't matter in the end. But, before I know it, I'll have a whole damn community of friends and loved ones at my beck and call and vise versa. Now it's all just a blur. I've played it all, see? I get… tired of it. It bores me. I get bored from crying over loved ones. The anguish, the sorrow, and self loathing have been my best friends for a very long time. So I just smile and roll with it now. It's the most I can do.

I know that deep down, I find many things to be bothersome or mundane. The silly arguments between townsfolk when they get drunk, to the clash of swords from sworn enemy knights. It's all meaningless, really. More often than not, I find myself standing on the sidelines watching with great disdain at humankind's short and rather ditsy lives.

Speaking of arguments, two brutish men were standing in front of a farmer's market. Their eyes hardened to show bravery, their muscles pulled taut -over what I was sure was fat-. Their fists clench and unclench, waving around to explain their side of whatever they discussed. It was like watching two monkeys, the way they wave their arms and shout nonsense, brewing their testosterone like everyday tea just to show who's boss.

It was barely morning. The sun was just peaking the sky, only having been up for a few minutes. Despite the earliness, people were already out and about. This was the town of Dudley, I believe. I woke up this morning before everyone else this time, and took the chance for some quality me-time with great zeal. It's not everyday that I get to be alone. Those days are gone for now, I'm afraid. It was fun when I was traveling with only Hawk and his mom. I learned a lot from traveling that way, and got ear fulls of saucy stories and the latest gossip. Like a fine wine critique, I left no bottle, glass, mug, or cup undiscovered. I can still remember going from town to town when it was just me and Hawk. There was a strong sense of peace I got from the simple life of running the Boar Hat. There was no perpetual beseeching of young warriors begging for lessons in arms. There was no persistent demands for order or guidelines I was forced to follow. No constant apprehension or tension from enemy nations! I loved going my own pace. My desired way of living has never been reached, but this was as close to it as I was getting. The ring of my shop's door opening as groups of merry men come in looking for a decent place to park their asses for a good drink was like watching spring unfold. The hearty laughter and scent of ale was something I found peaceful. It was so easy to break a smile at people while offering up a bottle of Vanya's best brew.

It did annoy me to no end that they kept calling me 'young'. But, I was used to it. Besides, I wouldn't get anywhere with them if I punched someone in the face next time I was called 'the little guy'.

Yet, much to my disappointment, I knew that those days would never last long. The moment Hawk mumbled something about smelling rust, to the flock of intoxicated men stampeding out of my shop. I knew interesting things were going to start happening the second the old helmet fell off of it's wearer to reveal her.

I knew it was Elizabeth. I knew it the second I pulled her out of that armor. There was no mistake the second she opened their eyes. It just intensified things, really. Her long platinum hair was just as soft and as smooth as I remember. Her skin was just as pale and as unflawed. It had only been ten years since I last saw her- a period of time that can go as quickly as the beat of a hummingbird's wing for me. But I swear, it felt like I had entered another lifetime when I could finally grasp her womanly curves in my hands. To feel her flesh and massage it... and other things. It had been longer than ten years since I was physically intimate with her. Before Merlin's stealing of my power, Elizabeth was too young for things like this, so the best I could do then was look out for her, and love her as platonically as I could without seeing her as a daughter or a younger sister.

Now, Elizabeth wasn't a young child. Young, yes. But a young woman... Lady, really. It gave me such a high while feeling her up. Last time I touched her as intimately as this, Elizabeth was Liz.

I do miss Liz. She and Elizabeth could be polar opposites at times. I especially miss the way Liz got so damn angry at me! Oh, that was fun! Elizabeth, on the other hand, had a much different upbringing than her previous form. She was polite, reserved, and didn't quite understand the intentions of my 'fondling'. Elizabeth was very innocent and naive in many ways. But what made me believe, sometimes, that Liz had come back from the past and would stand in Elizabeth's place, was their strength... The passion to save people and loved ones.

This grace of Elizabeth makes me sigh deeply every time, as if I could breath that passion into my lungs. It makes me remember her selflessness. Her fearlessness. Her elegance. Her nobleness.

Elizabeth is, and was, just as beautiful. And I keep on falling in love with her. Again and again. Time after time after time.

I enjoy seeing her blush. Seeing it bloom across her face is like watching a budding flower in spring. It's exotic. Almost so delicate, I joke with myself that if I touched her, she'd explode into a million petals. It'd be sweet if I could touch her all the time. But I'll take my chances and make this last. I'm also far from shy to say that it was hard to leave Elizabeth in bed.

As you can see, I can easily get distracted by the silverette who is currently awaiting on my cot- hopefully sound asleep.

I knew that I was so far into my own thoughts, that I barely had time to notice one of the arguing men stumble my way. With a light sigh at the tediousness, I sidestep smoothly.

"Watch it, kid!" the man grunts, waving me and other bystanders off. There's a woman who is standing close by, and she is obviously pissed. Her eyebrows are drawn down and together, with a tight frown forming on her mouth. With arms crossed under her bosom, she looks at the man who nearly trampled over her with red-hot anger. I can't help but giggle, and take a step back to view. Careful not to bump into anyone in the crowed, I stand off by a pair of young children.

"When will you two stop this nonsense!" the woman shouts, waving a finger at the men like a mother scolding a child. "Someone might get hurt from this rubbish of yours!"

A man behind her steps into the conversation. "She's right! This is no place for a fight,"

"Don't tell us what to do, bitch," says the other burly man. The woman who first called on them barely looked taken aback, and continued to keep her head held high. Impressive.

"Scoundrels!"

Pretty soon a couple of other townsfolk joined the early morning argument, adding onto the aggression that buzzed in the air like a mirage on a hot summer day. It was interesting to watch the exchanges the townsfolk made, and I was already putting bets on the contenders of this battle. Two mugs of ale for me if the first woman wins, and an extra if her husband joins in.

And as much as I'd like to keep watching to see how this all plays out, I still need to get groceries.

"You gentlemen don't happen to be planning on stopping any time soon, do you?" my voice comes out as innocent as it always does. My smile is easy and boyish, and I know I've already won the hearts of the women in the crowd. One plus to looking so young is that I can swoon women easily, without worrying that their men will come after me. I can make a woman gush with glee, but in the end my 'courting attempts', if ones wants to call it that, is never taken seriously. Yet that fun little game is thrown out of the ballpark once people realize who I am. Before the battle with Hendrickson, people would run for the hills. Now, woman seem to bat their eyes at me and men seem to glare more. Oh well. Elizabeth is my woman, so I don't really care. Or have ever cared.

I continued to walk up to the two men; they look ready to take on the world. Cute.

"oo'-'the hell' you think you are, kid?" the man on the right, a tall dark brunette who spoke with a Hibernian accent, snarled out. I guessed he was around his early twenties. However, that doesn't give him a excuse to be roughhousing outside of the market place. His partner on the other land looked to be at his mid forties, and had the same accent. Best reason for their fighting is alcohol. But they obviously haven't been in my bar, so I must assume that: A) There is a bar here, B) They purchased their own ale, C) They're from a town over. They don't seem to be strangers to each other, though. The townspeople here obvious act like strangers to them. I deduct that they're visiting from a different town. So I can guess that this answers… well, anything is possible.

"Who are you?" I ask honestly, tilting my head to look at them from a different angle. The Hibernian man snarls again, and I have to hold back the urge to call him a bad dog.

"None of yer' business!"

Oh well. I tried to reason with them.

"Alright fellas, let's take this to the side, okay?" I say with a light heart, placing my hand on the forearm of the older man. He all but roars at me, but I dodge and tug him to the side. The younger, and more agitated, man follows begrudgingly.

"Oh, young man, you can't possibly think that you can reason with these fools-" a lady wearing a white and red rag-tag dress calls out. People here obviously don't know yet that I, Captain Meliodas, is, well, me. Eh, I'm used to it anyway. Besides, I don't know yet if this town knows that my crew and I are the good guys. Hopefully it stays that way. Having to move abruptly -again!- so soon would not make the five other sins too happy.

"FOOLS!? WHO ARE YOU CALLING A FOOL!?" The younger man yells, with a voice laced with so much passion that I have to resist covering my ears. This man looks not only drunk and angry, but also… anguished? I could see a layer of what looked like terrible mourning and despair in his eyes, and I knew that something other than one too many drinks was the cause of this fight. I looked toward the older man, and saw something similar.

How curious.

"Common, fellas. My bar is just up ahead!" I said, continuing to drag them away. A small round of clapping follows us as I take them down the village path, both of them slobbering with dissolving testosterone and grief.

Dawn had set, and now the sun had risen halfway up the sky. The townsfolk continued on with their lives, and I could feel that it just pissed off the men behind me even more. Now I was very curious.

"Where are ya takin' us, little man?" the older Hibernian man asks, tugging his arm out of my grip. I raise an eyebrow at this. "My bar, of course!"

"Bar? You?" the younger echos, a disbelieving chuckle leaving his mouth before he can say otherwise.

"Is that weird?" I ask. Hopefully my offensive thoughts don't bleed into my words. I don't get a chance to explain, for a loud squeal of a pig comes bursting through my tavern's door. The Boar Hat sat at the top of the hill, tilting dangerously toward the stoop. The door flew open to revealing the screeching animal who came barreling out. Hawk zoomed down the hill in a panicked haste with his hindquarters clenched comically, his muscles so taut that I bet if I threw a nut at him, it'd bounce back. I laugh watching him run off. Must be the runs again.

"A pig?" one of the men mumbles, and I wave it off with my hand. Opening the door, the two burly men walk in with now tired expressions, as if regretting their earlier actions. Now they seemed exhausted, and looked like they wanted nothing more than a good mug of ale and a place to cry out their sorrows.

"Ey, Cap'in~" Ban's voice echos through the kitchen, and I was surprised to see him up so early. He walks out while wiping grease down his apron. His early morning, easy-going smirk turns up noticeably, showing off his canines like a rabid dog would. Red eyes turn curious and calculating, and he turns his head side to side with laughable interest. "What did'cha draggin' in now, hmm~?"

The men go silent, seeing as now another player has slithered onto the scene. They would have spilled their beans for me if I was the only one here- a notion they probably guessed themselves.

"Don't worry, guys, this is Ban: he's the best cook in Britannia!" I said while aiming the spotlight on my friend. I beamed at the immortal with my brows raised, and tipped my head towards my company. Ban, having taken the hint, bowed from the waist. "Cap'in, you're too kind~"

"How about you go cook up some grub while you're at it?" I suggest, more or less demand, as I walk behind the counter to poor us a couple. Ban nods and waves his hand dismissively, vanishing back behind the door. The men sit themselves at the counter, looking like a pair of dogs who've wandered too far from home.

I had a inkling that this was the case.

"So-" I started, but to my surprised, was interrupted quite violently.

"We're from Parietum, in Hibernia," the older man states, a redness blotching the whites of his eyes. I hum a small note aloud, while sliding two mugs of foaming ale toward the men.

"I got as much. What brings you gentlemen all the way to Britannia?"

"Plagues," was the ragged reply from the younger, spitting out the word as if it physically hurt to say it. I quirk an eyebrow at this. Plagues? This was the first I've heard of such news. Before I could even get a word out to speak my concern, they rushed in to tell their tale.

"It just came outta nowhere-"

"Hit us like a fucking slap-"

"Wooh, slow down, fellas-"

"It was two months ago. We heard from some travelers up north that a cold of sorts had hit a village of Druids. We thought nothing of it at the time- maybe those white haired goons had 'iffed up a spell and gave themselves the sniffles…"

Druids? Druids? Druids getting sick? Was I misreading something over their foreign accent? I stood in my spot for sometime, processing what I had just heard. Druids were the mavens of healing- the masters of it. Their ways where even beyond me at some point or another. Not to mention, their powers are also extraordinary. It seemed like it should be a joke of some sort- Druids, getting sick. Ha!

" … Then we suddenly heard that this cold they had- wasn't a cold. It-it-'just killed them off! Then it spread. To neighbouring villages and towns. Fuck- so many people died."

"A plague that can kill Druids?" I concluded outloud, it sounding more of a question. I was still having a hard time wrapping my mind around it. But these men where showing no signs of telling a fib.

I blinked owlishly, wondering if I was still asleep, and this was all just a weird dream.

"Who's hungry~?" sing-songed Ban, who same swaggering out of the kitchen without a arpon. He slid two plates of eggs and grits down the counter, landing perfectly in front of the two men. They eyed it warily, before slowly opening up to the offering. Ban frowned at me from behind them, and I wave my hand. I'll tell you later, I spoke with my eyes.

"Nice job, Ban! Go wake up the others too, okay?"

"Su-"

"I have already awoken, Captain," Gowther suddenly interrupted, surprising me and Ban for a split second before we relaxed. The pink-haired doll descended the stairs with a calm that only he could achieve. He sat down at the nearest table without a book, looking at the men as if they were a new species that had never been seen before. Gowther's strange antics were already the norm to us.

"Oh awesome, you're already up!" I greeted with a grin, while Ban mumbled a 'mornin' freak' under his breath.

The men were already done eating. They must have been hungry.

"Now, who are you?" I asked. The men shared a glance at each other before speaking.

"Patrick," the younger said mindlessly, while his elder introduced himself as Aralt.

"Well, Patrick, Aralt, are there any others who survived this plague?"

"Neigh," they said somberly. Ouch.

"Thank ya for the grub, but, we don't have anything to pay ya with," Aralt explained, placing his hands on the counter. He seemed much more relaxed than earlier, now having told his sob story to a willing ear. Even Patrick was more at ease. But now they seemed a bit tense- of course, it would seem like I would want money for giving them food and having to be dragged through their depressing -and shocking- autobiography. I sigh but wave him off.

"You have a pair of working legs, don't you? You can clean my kitchen as payment!" I said with as much joy as a five-year-old might have when it's his birthday. They look at me surprised, and a bit offended. Sure, as big and tough men like them, cleaning would be believed to be a woman's job. Sadly, the women here don't exactly fit that bill either.

"Oh, uh-"

"It's in the back!" I said happily, pointing toward the kitchen with a flick of my wrist. They grumble, but don't try to worm out of it, and head toward the back with slow heavy steps.

Ban frowns at me.

I wanted them here for a little longer- just to see what more info I can get out from them. It might not be my job to find out, but the death of Druids is enough news to turn even my head. And I knew that they would be back there for a while. Ban might be a good cook, but he is in no way, shape or form, a good cleaner.

"Why were those men being served before the tavern has been opened?" Gowther asked once Patrick and Aralt were out of earshot. I cross my arms and lean against a barrel of ale on the wall.

"I stopped them while they were fighting at the market. Caused some trouble, so I stepped in. Turns out, their homeland's been completely whipped out from a plague," I explain.

Ban puts in his thoughts with a sneer, "Plague? Ugh- Hibernia is, like, a whole damn lake awa-"

"-Ocean, away." Gowther corrects politely.

"whatever- If they're here, they must be fine. No plauge for us to worry about~"

"No, Ban. They said that this plague took down a whole village of Druids."

Gowther and Ban stare at me as if I lost my head. I could relate.

"Druids?" Ban questions skeptically. He plopped down at the bar with a frown, hunching over one of the empty mugs. His red eyes bore into me with suspicion. "Druids can heal anything."

"I know. G-" Gowther was on it before I could even ask. The male stood up and pushed his glassed up his nose, turning toward the kitchen door. His expression remained calm and unchanged, yet I could feel the small spark of interest- be it good or bad, who knew- flare from him. Despite me telling him to stay out of people's minds, he still seemed able to read them. But he never messed with them, so that was okay. Still, I felt no annoyance at this. Gowther was his own being, and I tend to leave it at that. "You wish for me to look at their memories?"

"Sure, but do it discreetly, alright?"

"Of course, Captain,"

I turn towards Ban again, sharing my concerns.

"Is it those demon bastards again?" He asks, reaching over the counter to poor some ale in one of the mugs. Like I said, Ban didn't have a knack for cleanliness. His red jacket strains at the stretch, and he grunts as he leans in for his intended prize.

He's in a vulnerable position.

I can't help it.

A giggle leaves my lips as I knock him over the head. Ban gave out a 'manly' yelp as he losses his balance, slamming face-first into the back of the counter while doing an awkward and painful sumersault. He groans, collapsing behind the counter beside me with his weight baring down on the back of his neck, curled in an upside down fetal position. I laugh lightly and pick up the mugs and a cloth. That fall could have killed a human. But, ya know, being immortal has its perks, right? Besides, no pain no game. Or is it 'gain'? Eh, both apply.

"Damn you~" I hear him moan.

"Oh! Good morning, Sir Meliodas!" Elizabeth's voice admits from the stairway, causing me to look up from my mug-cleaning to see her skip down to the main room wearing my signature tavern uniform. Her hair bounces in the early afternoon's light, looking cheery and bright. As if to signify her good mood, her one lone earring sways and catches the light like a beacon flashing in the dark. Her youthful energy is a beautiful thing.

"Good morning to you too, Elizabeth! Did ya' sleep well?" I say with a smirk. I can't help it. My mood brightens at the sight of her- seeing her so happy and healthy. I couldn't see any obvious blemishes, wounds, or scars on her, and on this fact alone I knew I'd have a good day. Elizabeth was protected and safe, without any known harm coming her way. Knowing she's doing well was the highlight of my life. It was the one thing that I aimed for in my existence.

"Yes, thank you!" My, my, she's not in a good mood- she's in a fabulous mood.

Fabulous.

The smile on my face widens, and I nod my head towards her. Elizabeth was all bright eyed and bushy tailed this morning. She puffed out her chest with what looked like pride and joy, and her pink blouse looked ready to burst from her swelled bosom. Her cheeks turned the same shade as her shirt, and I phantomly feared she'd pass out from lack of oxygen. The blue-eyed girl came behind the counter and asked if she could help with anything, so I gave her the task of cleaning the tables. Naturally, she jumps in without question or complaint and sets to work. I chuckle and watch her move about the tables while she greets the others with buzzing energy. Ban was back on his feet, well his butt if I must be specific, and was sitting at the counter while splaying his torso and face across the wood. Merlin was up too, and was currently sitting at the other end of the counter while sipping some fancy tea. She cooed cheekily, "Why, good morning, Princess!'.

"Hell, who fed the happy pill to her?" Ban asked Elizabeth indirectly, lifting his head up off the counter so she could clean his slobber off as she walked by. He was on his third mug this morning, and I had a itch that today was 'one of those days' for the red-eyed man. Not even an hour into the day, and he's already trying to get drunk.

"You wouldn't understand. She's a morning person!"

"Pfft, morning people are mentally impaired,"

"Well, if Elizabeth is mentally impaired, then we're all insane!"

"heh, says the man who decided to put this band of insane idiots together~"

I gasp as if I've been wounded, and throw my hand to my chest, clutching myself as if in great pain. I stumble across the walkway behind the counter, sobbing pitifully. Elizabeth, sweet, sweet Elizabeth, didn't catch on my joke as quickly as anyone else would've, and squeaks out nervously, "S-sir Meliodas-?"

"Elizabeth, comfort me!" I cry, crouching down to the ground in front of her. I balance my weight on the balls of my feet and reach up to grasp her plush bottom, all the while pressing my face into the heat of her crotch. She was very soft here, and my nose brushed past her underwear as I breathed in. I did do this just for laughs, and Hawk's angry yelling never got old. I could hear Ban grumble at my actions, and the pair of footsteps leaving the kitchen- too light to be from the Hibernia men, so it must've been Gowther. Merlin even laughed- if one calls a breathy huff a laugh, that is. Yet, as I breathed, I noticed I caught a new scent.

I knew what it was. It wasn't blood or anything else a woman's body expels.

I had a name for such a smell. And I was certainly old enough to have experience with this smell. But this was the first time I had caught it on Elizabeth- Well, this Elizabeth. I took another huff and accepted another pat on my head from the princess, before stealthily letting go and standing up. I turn toward Ban who gives me a frown and a shake of his head.

"You're a weird one~" he singsongs softly, taking another swig of his drink.

I stood calmly. I didn't want to speak right now. if I did, I don't think I could contain the confusing thoughts that ran through my mind. I faintly feared that something had happened to Elizabeth while I was while, today or some other day. But what I found odd was that what I smelled was something I should not have found on her- in this current form of hers, that is. First off, it's impossible! And I know we haven't ran into anyone who's expecting. She's still a virgi-

"Meliodas likes to hug Elizabeth while kneeling. Is this a new form of endearment?" suddenly asks Gowther, who is looking at us curiously while bent at the waist. I don't respond, only cross my arms with a easy -forced- smile. Ban gags in surprise at the Goat Sin's appearance. Merlin only sits quietly, sipping her tea like she knows every damn thing. Despite her personality, she's a help. Mostly. I'll have to speak with her later. ANYWAYS- Gowther's naivety really doesn't live up to his age. Something to laugh at, I guess. The pink-haired man walked over to the black-haired mage and quietly sat beside her. He pushed up his glasses before speaking yet again.

"Patrick and Aralt where speaking the truth. They are also done with their payment in labor,"

Speak of the devil. The two men walk out from the kitchen with sweaty palms and faces. Their shirts cling to them in damp, musty body odor. Aralt looks directly at me with a frown, "It's done," his mood then shifts and he gives a smile. "Thank you, again, lad,"

"No problems, fellas," I said. Not really to my surprise, my voice comes out quiet and strained. Everyone besides the Hibernia men throw me confusing glances. Even Ban notices my oddity. He quirked a brow at me, silently questioning my behavior. I wave them off.

My bar was buzzing. So was my nerves. People laughed and clanged mugs, and the doorbell rang every other minute, signalling another mini wave of thirsty patrons. I was quiet, only speaking when necessary, and served the alcohol with mundane appreciation. The Boar Hat was awfully busy tonight, so it was all hands on deck. Diana had taken one of her shrinking pills and was helping out the princess with waiting tables. Even Gowther pitched in, even going as far as to wear the uniform again. When I confronted him about it, telling him that it was fine to wear his normal clothing as long that it's obvious that he's a waiter, he merely shrug and said something along the lines of 'if I am a waiter, then I am required to wear the uniform, like a waiter.' King was helping out by serving the outside tables along with Merlin, who gave a surprising amount of eagerness to help.

"EY'- Got another plate here!" Ban yelled from the kitchen, followed by several pots and pans clashing together with the sizzle of a fire.

Elizabeth responded in kind, "Ah- um- coming, Sir Ban!". She dashed to the kitchen while clutching her tray, not bothering to pay attention to anything but her current goal. Luckily everyone caught on to her prone clumsiness and moved aside.

"Careful, Elizabeth. Don't trip and break your ankle, now!"

"Ah! I won't, Sir Meliodas! I promise!"

Elizabeth broke her ankle. The irony of it was ridiculous. I kept hitting myself over the head, cursing my lack of supervision. However, the princess still smiled like it was fine- I think she thinks she deserves it. Her publicly announced low self-esteem was painful.

"Ahh, it's-"

"Stop fidgeting!" Hawk mumbles through a mouthful of bandages. He wraps her ankle up skillfully, careful not to hurt her anymore. Elizabeth just sat quietly at the foot of our bed, trying to hide the tears that glistened in her eyes. She wipes them with the backs of her hands,visibly forcing the pain down. She was tough, I'll give her that.

"I wish you could use that goddess power of yours on yourself!" Hawk cried, finishing the dressing off by adding a little bow. Elizabeth beamed at the pig and thanked him again for what seemed to be the tenth time. "It's okay, Sir Hawk! I can still help out-"

"No, Elizabeth. You need to prop your leg up so you don't damage it anymore… I'll be your nurse maid!"

"Oh, no, you don't! You'll be hornier than a damn toad if you get advantage of Elizabeth's vulnerable state!" The pig squealed. I let my frustrations out by grabbing his cheeks, pulling him up in the air.

"Wanna see if pigs really can fly?" I ask Elizabeth, giving my usual smile with enough merit to make it with. She blushes and raises her hands as if to stop me, making Hawk cry with appreciation at her kindness. Shrugging, I drop him carelessly. He runs, stumbling, to Elizabeth while oinking out some nonsense between his blubbering.

"ELIZAB-" he doesn't finish his exclaim, and is interrupted with Elizabeth's sudden loud cry of surprise and pain. She flinches and jerks her leg- the left one- to protect the wounded ankle in poor attempt. Too late.

Elizabeth getting hurt is something I try to avoid like the Plague. It's what makes my blood boil. Literally. It makes me remember what I am. Who I am. What I can do- And, with my current thoughts, she needs to stay within my eyesight at all times. With her getting hurt by just waiting on tables, I was seething at my seams. This room was starting to feel very small.

It was nothing new when it came to my reaction at her cry. I've done the same damn thing for three thousand years. Nothing has changed with me, but… with her, in this form, I'm not so sure. Something was up, and…

I don't want to think about it.

"Wow, there," was my response, grabbing Hawk's tail and slinging the pig across the room to the bedroom door, where he landed with a high-pitched squeal louder than a dragon roar. He cried, having already realized what he'd done. His tears were coming in streams, huffing with apologies.

"I'M SO SORRY ELIZABETH! I'M NO GOOD TO YOU!"

"Ahh, i-it's o-ok-"

"Hush now, Elizabeth. You need to rest now, alright?"

"...Alright, Sir Meliodas."

"Merlin, we need to talk. Now."

Merlin looked up from her glass of ale and gave me a weary lookover. She regarded me with hazel eyes like a large cat studying it's prey with tranquil annoyance. Though, she broke and gave a smirk that slowly spread across her face. She stood up from the bar and swaggered over to me by the stairway, waving to the other Sins -who where celebrating after a good night of selling booze-, who watched us leave curiously.

Without bothering to hear what they have to say, I rush up to the tiny attic where Merlin and Gowther bunk. Trusting her to follow, I speed walk into the room and throw myself down on a chair. It creaks loudly.

"Well, I suppose it was only a matter of time before you asked for my help-"

"Be quite and listen,"

Merlin went quiet like I asked. Her easygoing persona falters for a split second. Then, with as much momentum like the change in seasons, she flashes a smirk so mischievous and so horrible that I must yell inwardly to myself so I don't rip her face off.

"Oh my, my, my. Someone's angry~"

"I smelled it-"

"This isn't about the Druids?"

"-No."

The Mage sits down at the old rickety table covered in books with foreign languages, leaning back slyly. The lighting up here was not the best, but the dark unholy glow of my eyes was enough for me to see with. Mice scurried in the walls, and some part of me that was still sane made a mental note to exterminate soon. Merlin tucked a strand of hair behind an ear and clicked her tongue, "I'm all yours, Captain,"

The tiny sane side of me died.

"...I smelled- I smelled-"

"Pardon? You smelled what? Tell me, Captain. My talents can only go so far~ If you want me to read your mind, you should have asked for Gowt-"

I was breaking. The only thing that truly manages to calm me down was Elizabeth- but I doubt I could even sit still near her, while knowing something was wrong.

"I smelled baby on her!". Merlin purses her lips and eyes me suspiciously.

"Baby?"

She was at a loss for words, and looked me over with confusion. Good, let her be in the dark for once.

"Pregnancy hormones,"

"...Pregnancy hormones?" She turns her frown over quickly. With a laugh and a flip of her hair, she leans back farther in her chair and crosses her arms, "Well, Captain, that is exactly what happens when a Mommy and a Daddy come together and-"

"Elizabeth's a virgin, Merlin."

For once, Merlin doesn't have anything to say.