Chapter twelve : Bloodcurling canon

"All right, let's begin !" Meliodas' eyes were wavering between Elizabeth who, even though she could fit in his hand, looked like she was about to kill him, and Diane who was suspiciously quiet.
"Get him, Diane !" She stood up and threw her arm in the air, imitating an uppercut.
"Why you..." She raised her head and hit Meliodas so hard he got buried in the ground. "Filthy womanizer !"

This is a tale of ancient times... an era before the human and non-human worlds were forever divided. When the Holy Knights defended the realm wielding their magical powers, they were feared and highly respected. But among them, a group emerged that betrayed the kingdom and become mortal enemies to all Holy Knights. They were known throughout the land...as "The Seven Deadly Sins".

"I'm not putting up with your crap, not this time !" Just as he sat up, she tried to hit him again, but missed by a centimeter.
"That was a misunderstanding, I don't remember those girls at-"
"Get him Diane ! Beat him up !" Elizabeth jumped up and down in place, face red from anger.
"None of your excuses !" He dodged another one of her punches.
"This might get ugly if I don't go all-out too !" The two started fighting.
"Captain, you... jerk !" Diane threw a particularly hard punch at Meliodas, who stopped it with his forearm, but they both seemed to freeze in place.

"Don't leave us hanging !"
"Get started !"
"They haven't flexed themselves so hard that they wet themselves, have they ?" Joked Hawk, now carrying you and Elizabeth on his back.
"Ban ?"
"Sir King ?"
"I'm Meliodas, the Dragon Sin, captain of the Seven Deadly Sins !" He ignored the crowd's gasping. "We're claiming the entire village of Vaizel as our own !"
"What ? Why'd that idiot tell them who he really is ?" Elizabeth pet Hawk's head. "Do you know why, Hawk ?" The animal shook his head, eyes stuck on the group.
"You have one minute to leave Vaizel !" Meliodas raised his arm in the air. "If you don't, we'll kill you all !"

"You're not fooling anyone you dumb kid !" A man yelled. Meliodas' voice was nothing like you've ever heard, he was so scary and menacing, how could someone stand up to him like that, you wondered.
"You don't look anything like that wanted poster !"
"But giver how strong they are, you don't suppose..."
"Get the hell out !" He screamed, making you jump.
"Hey, what's that ?" A man pointed to the sky, where dozens of what looked like fireballs were coming your way. They started falling and hitting the ground, setting fire to the vegetation, one was about to hit the fighting arena when Meliodas sent it flying back.
"Damn, they're here already ?"
"That gear she's holding is sacred treasure-class." Analyzed King as he looked at the two woman, Guila he recognized, but the other was still a stranger to him.
"Guila's probably gonna be way stronger than when we fought her in the Necropolis. And what's worse, there are three of them this time. For now, let's split up." Meliodas ordered, and just like that, they all left to fight.

"Elizabeth, what do we do ?" You asked, trying your hardest to not seem scared.
Before she could answer, Hawk started running away from the explosions. "Even if I end up as roast pork, or pork-kebab, no, even if I'm reduced to trotters, I'll make sure you two stay safe !"
"We can't let you do that, Hawk !" You reminded him.
"Yeah we're all going to make it out in one piece, okay ?" Elizabeth stroked his head. "___ ! Elizabeth !"
"Sir Meliodas ! Sir Ban !" You yelled, hoping one of them could hear you.

Suddenly, King appeared and fought the two woman, in only a few minutes, they were both laying unconscious on the ground. "Good work, King !"

"They aren't dead yet. I have some questions for them, so look after those two, will you ?"
"Of course !" You agreed and Hawk immediately bit down on the boys' shirts to drag them away from the fight. "You be careful, Sir King !"

" Whew, I'm beat !" Hawk had finally stopped, you were hiding behind a small wall of the waiting room. "Elizabeth, ___ ?" He noticed your sister with her hands together, softly muttering prayers while you gently stroked Meliodas' hair.
"Oh you guys are so swe-" He wiped his eye with his ear, and looked back at you, you were growing back to your usual size. "Elizabeth, ___, are you getting bigger ?"
"What ?" You got bigger again, oh this was bad, you needed something to cover up with. You started growing back quicker and attempted to hold the red clothing over you, but it was too small and did absolutely nothing.
"Oh no !" Elizabeth shrieked, the blue clothing being just as useless as yours.
You were now back to your usual size, and to your surprise, when you lifted your head, you were face to face with your older sister, Veronica. "Ellie ? ___ ?" She said, shocked to see you in such a state while Griamore turned his head, steam coming out of his helmet.
"Veronica ? Big sister ?" Stuttered Elizabeth, embarrassed. 
"Veronica !" She quietly handed you her coat and ordered Griamore to give Elizabeth his cape like clothing so that she could also cover up. "Thank you, it's a bit... breezy, downstairs, but it's great."
"Sheesh, do I even want to know ? Anyway, I'm glad to see you two looking well." She smiled kindly. "Still, this is you were talking about, I figured as long as it's the two of you together, you would be fine."
"Veronica..." Elizabeth brought her hands to her chest, touched by her sister's words.
"Is that all you have to say for yourself, Dumm-Ellie ! And you, you idiot !" She pointed each of you with her finger. "Just how worried are you planning to make me ? This isn't like when we were kids and you would sneak out of the castle to play ! And even then, you sent everyone into a panic when the bridge collapsed !" She scolded, looking at you specifically.
"I'm sorry." You both bowed your head at your elder with your lips pursed.
"Plus, rumor has it that you're out hunting Holy Knights with the Seven Deadly Sins !"
"Veronica, that's a misunderstanding !" You tried to calm her down. She looked at Meliodas' unconscious body and threw a disgusted look at him.
"Misunderstanding, my ass ! The fact that you're still with the Sins right now proves it ! They're the bunch that tried to overthrow the kingdom !"
"That's not-" Elizabeth was worried about what your sister was gonna do, especially with Griamore around, but she didn't want to be disrespectful so she kept her voice down.
"And Meliodas here is the worst ! Deep down, he's really a monster that brings destruction to everything around him !" Your brows furrowed, you couldn't understand why your sister was saying all of that. Yes, he could be scary sometimes, but he was that way to protect people, to protect you, he was a good man who promised to help you save the kingdom. You were about to say something before Veronica cut you off. "See ?! That look says you have doubts yourself !"
"Sir Meliodas isn't a monster, and he would never do something so terrible !" You yelled in a firm voice, not caring much whether your sister called you disrespectful.
"Whatever." She wasn't fazed, and simply grabbed you and Elizabeth by the arms. "There's no point in hanging around here chatting. We're going back to the castle." A strong hand slapped her arms away and pushed her so she could land on Griamore. You were soon yourself pushed behind Meliodas, who had taken his sword and was holding it up to fight. Elizabeth stood next to him, ready to follow whatever he was going.
"I'll protect ___." He calmly stated. You put your hands on his shoulders and relaxed.
"Sir Meliodas ?"
"Even if it kills me !" He insisted, now looking at your sister in the eyes.
"It's just like Hendrickson said..." She realized and raised her voice. "He said that you've brainwashed Ellie and ___. It's true, isn't it ?" She swiftly removed her necklace and held it out in front of her. Elizabeth's eyes widened, but she didn't have the time to do anything because Veronica had already uttered the three forbidden words. "Rosco, Basla, Melcito."
"Veronica, stop !" Deep purple strokes of powers came out of the rock and surrounded Meliodas, you attempted to hold him back by the shoulders, in vain. When the purple fog disappeared, the only thing left was his broken blade.
"Meliodas..." Elizabeth punched the grass, already starting to blame herself for not doing anything.
"He got sucked inside that rock ?!" Hawk shook in fear.

Your sister held up the jewel and laughed loudly, shaking it around. "Meliodas really was evil ! This stone's power affects only evil people, trapping them inside ! Ha ! Will this make you snap out of it ?!" Before anyone else could move, you grabbed the stone as well as Meliodas' broken sword and aimed it at your sister, Griamore immediately got into a fighting stance as he waited for you to move.
"Bring him back !"
She closed her eyes and shrugged. "I don't know how."
"Veronica, what's wrong with you ?! You don't know the first thing about Sir Meliodas !" Elizabeth was about to charge at her when Veronica turned to the Holy Knight. "Griamore."
"Of course." He created two round cages of power around you and your sister. "Perfect Shell. You leave us no choice. We'll bring you back to the kingdom in there."
"This is nothing ! My mighty trotters can bust right through your dumb bubble !" Hawk started hitting the magical barrier with his back hooves.
"Not even the meteors that fall to the earth can destroy my Wall." The knight bragged.
Elizabeth chuckled humorlessly and hit the Wall with her index finger. "I don't know, Diane sent you flying off in only one punch earlier."
Griamore's eyes widened, he started walking closer to the bubble but the purple haired princess stopped him. "Ellie, please, don't make this harder than it has to be."
"Screw you." She spat. "You corrupted spoiled brat." This shocked even you, Elizabeth could be brutal, mean even when she was angry, but never to family.
"How shall I break that one's neck ? I mean, she's feisty but, maybe I could do it with one arm." Ban grabbed your sister by the neck and pulled her against his chest. He put his middle finger against her jugular and came closer to talk directly in her ear. "Or maybe I can slice through it with one finger."
"Ban ! That's pretty low, using a woman as a hostage !" Hawk scolded after having stopped trying to free you from the bubble. "I mean, way to go, Ban !" He corrected himself and jumped up in joy.
"Do as I say, and nothing will happen to her." He calmly told Griamore who was hesitating to move with his sword held tightly in his hand. "For starters, bring the Captain back, and then release the Princesses from those bubbles. Do that, and you get your woman back." Ban brought Veronica even closer to him, but suddenly let her go, coughing up blood. "Bitch... Jericurl !"

Veronica ran into Griamore's arms, letting him wrap his arms around her. "Princess Veronica !"
Jericho now has her foot against Ban's back, forcing him to stay on the ground. "That's Jericho." She corrected, putting more pressure on her feet.
"So, looks like it's time for the real star of the show to appear !" Hawk shook on fear, sweat dropping from his face.
"Hawk ?" You questioned.
"Taste this !" He suddenly ran towards Jericho and Guila, and started rolling on his hooves until he was close enough to do a flip. "Rolling Ham Attack !" Much to your surprise though, his attack was stopped when Guila snapped her fingers and caused an explosion to happen right under his body.
"Hawk !" You yelled, attracting Guila's attention who took notice of the way you were holding the pendant and the blade in your hands.
"We have achieved all of our objectives. Sir Griamore, please release your magical ability." She took a look at Elizabeth, who looked ready to fight, and pointed at her. "Although, I would appreciate if you could keep this one safe. You understand." You fell to the ground, the purple magic not being here to support you, she stopped in front of you and kneeled, offering you her hand. "Your hand, please."
Veronica joined her and pulled her hand away. "Not so fast. I appreciate your assistance, but I'll be the one to bring Ellie and ___ back." She pulled away and squinted her eyes. "Your... Hendrickson's objectives are just Meliodas and that sword, right ?"
Guila pulled her spear out and pointed it to the princess' neck. "Be a good girl, and hand over Princess ___. If you don't-" She was interrupted by the same kind of magical barrier forming around her, trapping both Jericho and her together.
"I won't allow you to address Princess Veronica in such a manner !"
"Nicely done !" She congratulated. "I don't know what you're planning, but it looks like Hendrickson and the rest of you need to be court-martialed"

You turned your face to meet eyes with Elizabeth, who was already looking at you. You pressed your lips together nervously, she nodded and mouthed you a "Go.". Immediately trusting her to get herself out of her situation, you ran away, clutching the pendant as well as the broken sword against your chest.
"Wait ! ___ ! ___ !" Veronica tried to get your attention, but you kept running.
"I can't trust her anymore." You whispered as a reminder to yourself.

"Would you like us to help you capture the princess ?" Guila teased Griamore.
"Save your concern. I suggest you worry about your own fate."

"That's a shame." She turned to face your sister and smiled. "Well, he did order us to bring her back, but her corpse would be just as acceptable if need be." As soon as the words left the Holy Knight's mouth, Elizabeth started hitting the Wall, hoping to get herself out in time to save her sisters.
"Griamore ! Let me go !" He released her, and desperately started running, calling Veronica's name. "___ !" She followed him, calling your names as loud as possible. "___, please stop !"

An explosion rang under your feet, put you felt your sister's hands push you so you could fall a few meters back. "Princess Veronica !" Cried Griamore.
"___ !" Elizabeth tried screaming, if nobody has been around, she could've used her powers to get to you quicker, but alas, she had gotten used to keeping them to herself. She saw Hawk running towards you, also calling your name and joined him.

"V-Veronica ?" You put your hands on her now bloody shoulders. Elizabeth, Hawk, and Griamore reached you. Your sister sat next to you and put a hand on her mouth, stopping her cries from coming out. "This can't be happening... Veronica !" You tried to hold her body up to look at her face. "Please ! Wake up !" You gently put her head on your lap, both you and Elizabeth's tears falling on her cheeks.
"___..." She opened her eyes weakly.
"I'm here ! I'm right here, with you !" You cradled her head in your hands, careful not to hurt her.
"You two... aren't hurt ?" She croaked. You both immediately shook your heads.
"No." Elizabeth said through a sob.
"You took the blast for me..." You shook your head, tears falling on the grass.
"You've always had a knack for getting yourself into trouble..." She attempted to lift her hand up but failed, letting Elizabeth hold it instead. "I have to look out for you."
"Like that time we snuck out of the castle together. You bore the brunt of the fall and got badly hurt in our place." The white haired princess reminded.
"I kept crying and crying, and you consoled me, ignoring the pain of your own injuries the whole time." You cried.
"Did I ?" Veronica lifted her head up a bit.
"I was actually happy back then. Because I knew that I had no blood ties to you, or Father. That's why... you..." You started sobbing so hard you couldn't speak anymore.
Veronica squeezed Elizabeth's hand and forced herself to lift her other hand to stroke your cheek with her thumb. "___... none of that stuff matters."
"I'm so sorry !" You held her hand against your cheek. "There is nothing wrong with you, I was terrible ! I'm so sorry !"
"I love you, Ellie... ___..."
"You too ! I love you too !" Elizabeth cried, holding her sister's face in her hands.
"I love you so much !"
"I know that... after all, we're sisters." Veronica smiled through the pain, the same way she had done ever since you were kids. "Griamore..."
"Ma'am !" He answered right away.
"This is my final order... Keep Elizabeth and ___... safe..." She struggled.
Tears well up in the knight's eyes. "Your last order ? Don't say such things !" Veronica closed her eyes, her breathing having slowly came to a stop.
"Veronica ?"
"Princess Veronica ?" Griamore let out a heart wrenching scream that echoed all the way to where Guila and Jericho were.

They appeared behind you and chuckled. "Killer mines !" Hawk shrieked. "You monsters !" Guila pointed her weapon at Griamore and Hawk and sent another explosion his way. Elizabeth, who had stood up, ignoring her tears, to protect you got caught in the fire and got sent meters away from you.
"Was that wise ? He's the son of one of the grand masters." Asked Jericho.
"We were attacked by the Seven Deadly Sins and he, Elizabeth and Veronica met an untimely end." She walked closer to you, took Meliodas' sword handle and smiled. "Now, Princess ___, I'd you would please come with us ? I ask that you cooperate and not offer any pointless resistance."
"Veronica !" You screamed, holder her body up against your chest. "Please ! Help me, Sir Meliodas !"
"Shout all you like, but your hero will not come to your rescue from