Chapter Text
They were all dead.
The wizards of Belialuin that were chasing her were dead. Their bodies strung out across the field.
Merlin was in shock.
The figure before her stood with a greatsword that was massive, thick, heavy, and far too rough. Indeed, it was a heap of raw iron. And somehow, he had wielded it like a paperweight.
“You okay?” The blond-haired boy turned his head and offered Merlin his hand, a confident smirk on his lips.
“Should I be scared?”
Her body instinctively grabbed it, and for the first time, she felt something special, her heart beat faster, and there was a new feeling.
“Who are you?” Merlin asked her savior.
“Meliodas,” he replied, his smirk widening as if he found the entire situation amusing. “And you’re?”
“Merlin,” she answered, her eyes still wide with wonder at the sheer ease with which he had dispatched her pursuers.
“Hmph. Why were they chasing you anyway?” Meliodas inquired, a glint of interest in his eyes as he sized her up.
Merlin hesitated, glancing down at their still-joined hands. “They wanted to use me as a weapon against the goddesses and demons.”
Meliodas chuckled, a sound that was both reassuring and slightly unsettling. “Well, they didn’t know who they were messing with,” he said, his voice laced with cocky self-assurance. “But now you’ve got me, and trust me, nobody's going to mess with you while I'm around.”
Despite his arrogance, there was an undeniable charm to Meliodas's demeanor, a sense of unshakable confidence that made Merlin feel safe in his presence. She found herself smiling despite the dire circumstances, a sense of relief washing over her.
“Thank you, Meliodas,” she said softly, her gratitude genuine. “For saving me.”
He shrugged, his smirk never faltering. “No need to thank me, Merlin. Just stick with me, and you’ll be fine. After all, I am the leader of the Ten Commandments. It's what I do.”
Merlin's eyes widened in surprise. “You’re the leader of the Ten Commandments?”
“Yep,” Meliodas replied nonchalantly as if it were the most natural thing in the world. “And now, it seems I've got a new companion. What do you say, Merlin? Ready to take on the world together?”
Despite the whirlwind of emotions swirling within her, Merlin felt a surge of determination. For the first time in her life, she had a true ally—someone who saw her not as a tool or an experiment, but as a person worth protecting.
“Yes,” she said, her voice steady and unwavering. “Let’s take on the world together.”
“One problem,” Meliodas said, “you won’t be able to survive in the Demon Realm. The air itself would kill you. How about I take you to a spot near a boundary instead?”
Merlin nodded, understanding the practicality of his suggestion. “Where is this spot?”
Meliodas's eyes sparkled with mischief. “Follow me. It’s a place not many know about, high up in the mountains.”
With that, he wrapped an arm around her waist, his grip firm yet gentle. “Hold on tight,” he instructed, and without warning, his black wings manifested from his back, large and powerful, shimmering with dark, otherworldly energy.
Merlin gasped as they lifted off the ground, the world below them shrinking rapidly as they soared into the sky. The sensation of flying was exhilarating, the wind rushing past them, carrying with it the scents of earth and sky. She clung to Meliodas, feeling the strength in his body as he effortlessly navigated the air currents.
They flew over dense forests and rocky terrain, the landscape unfolding beneath them like a vast, living tapestry. The higher they climbed, the more the air grew thin and cool, but Meliodas’s presence kept her warm and secure.
After a while, they reached a secluded spot high in the mountains. Meliodas landed gracefully on a rocky outcrop, setting Merlin down gently. The view was breathtaking. From their vantage point, they could see the sprawling landscape of Britannia on one side and the ominous boundary of the Demon Realm on the other. The air was crisp and filled with the scent of pine and earth.
“This is it,” Meliodas said, his voice carrying a note of pride. “We’re close to the Demon Realm, but it’s safe here. You’ll be able to feel the energy without it harming you.”
Merlin looked around, taking in the serene beauty of the place. “It’s incredible,” she murmured, her heart swelling with awe and gratitude.
Meliodas nodded. “It’s a good spot to train and reflect. You can harness the ambient magic here without the dangers of the Demon Realm.”
She turned to him, her eyes filled with determination. “I’ll become stronger, Meliodas. I promise.”
He smiled, “I know you will. I wouldn’t expect anything less from you.”
Merlin took a deep breath, feeling the potent energy of the area resonates within her. This was the perfect place to hone her skills and prepare for the future.
“I’ll be back to check on you,” Meliodas said, “And when the time comes, be ready. Deal?”
“Deal,” Merlin agreed, her voice firm and unwavering.
He reached out and ruffled her hair, his smirk playful. “Take care of yourself, Merlin.”
With that, he took off, his wings carrying him back into the sky. Merlin watched him go, a mix of emotions swirling within her—hope, determination, and a deep connection.
High up in the mountains, Merlin had spent the last few days working on a small house, using her magic to shape stone and wood into a cozy sanctuary. It stood as a testament to her growing power and resourcefulness, a haven where she could study and grow stronger.
Inside, Merlin sat at a wooden table, ancient scrolls spread out before her that she stole from her former home. The room was filled with the soft rustle of parchment and the quiet hum of magic as she immersed herself in her studies. The ambient energy of the area resonated with her, enhancing her concentration and fueling her determination.
As she read, her mind absorbed the intricate spells and theories, each new piece of knowledge adding to her vast reservoir of magical prowess. She was determined to be ready for whatever challenges lay ahead, to fulfill the promise she had made to Meliodas.
Suddenly, the sound of a knock on the door broke her concentration. Merlin's head snapped up, her eyes narrowing slightly in suspicion. She hadn't expected any visitors. Rising from her chair, she moved cautiously towards the door, her hand ready to summon a defensive spell if necessary.
She opened the door slowly, peering out to see who had sought her out in this secluded place. To her surprise, a familiar figure stood there, his presence both comforting and unexpected.
“Meliodas?” she said, her voice tinged with surprise and curiosity. “What are you doing here?”
He grinned, leaning casually against the doorframe. “Miss me already?”
Merlin couldn’t help but smile at his cocky demeanor. “I thought you were heading back to the Demon Realm.”
“I was,” he replied, his expression turning more serious. “But I wanted to make sure you were settling in okay. Plus, I thought I’d bring you a little something.”
Curiosity piqued, and Merlin stepped aside to let him in. “What is it?”
Meliodas entered, reaching into a pouch at his side and pulling out a small, glowing orb. “This is a magic amplifier. It’s rare and powerful. Thought it might help you with your training.”
Merlin's eyes widened as she took the orb from him, feeling the potent magic pulsing within it. “Thank you, Meliodas. This is incredible.”
He shrugged, his grin returning. “Just wanted to make sure you have everything you need to get stronger. After all, I’m looking forward to seeing what you’re capable of.”
Touched by his thoughtfulness, Merlin nodded. “I won’t let you down. I’ll make good use of this.”
“I know you will,” Meliodas said. “I’m heading back this time.”
He slung the greatsword over his shoulder, its weight seemingly effortless in his grip. As he reached the doorway, he paused and turned back one final time, his expression more serious than usual. “Keep this a secret, Merlin.”
Merlin met his gaze, understanding the weight of his words. “I will. Thank you, Meliodas.”
With a final nod, he unfurled his wings and launched into the sky again, disappearing into the horizon with a powerful beat of his wings.