The Nymph's Redemption: Acantha's Journey (7ds fanfiction)

Chapter Nine: With Victory Comes Melancholy

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Meliodas looked to see Hawk, shielding the princess and sin of wrath. "Hawk... No... Don't do this..." He said. "Ya know if I knew this was it I would have eaten more scraps." He said as the dark ball of energy hit him, turning the once perfect and pink pig into nothing but a void. He was now the shell of a pig who used to be. Everyone was distraught and in tears but could barely move. Elizabeth cried out Hawk's name. Meliodas was furious and tried to stand to fight Hendrickson. As the demon went for a final blow that would kill everyone, Acantha closed her eyes, tears running down her cheeks as she waited for the inevitable. Suddenly there was a flash of light and strangely familiar energy made the nymph open her eyes.

Elizabeth stood there, divine energy around her. Her right eye had the symbol of the goddess clan. The silver-haired girl looked at Hendrickson. "I've become disappointed. My father trusted you yet you betrayed so many people including him." She said. The magical energy got stronger before flowing throughout the area even the kingdom. Acantha felt her wounds healing as Hendrickson was weakening. Acantha stood up as flowers bloomed around them as if everything gained life.

The fight wasn't over though. Hendrickson was still not dead. Meliodas looked at Hendrickson and started to fight. He had a plan though and had Gowther broadcast it to everyone around including Acantha. "What the... That's so... Reckless though." She mumbled. Everyone followed through though, Meliodas disabling his power as various people put in attacks and power. When it came to be Acantha's turn she formed a fireball which grew incredibly large. The small girl threw it and it broke into smaller ones, caging Hendrickson and Meliodas before slamming down onto the two. Acantha felt bad that Meliodas was getting hit though.

When everyone had their attacks in, Meliodas was ready and started up one giant attack which thankfully defeated Hendrickson. Everyone was happy though one issue remained. Hawk was dead. Acantha went up to the pig along with Ban. The nymph crouched down and put a hand on the pig, her brows furrowing in distraught. Gowther tried to explain how there's no reason to be sad which pissed Ban off. Meliodas and Elizabeth came up and expressed their sadness. "If you come back... I'll feed you three times the number of scraps..." Meliodas said. Then a tiny voice rang out. "Keep that promise will ya?" It said. The pig corpse disintegrated into nothing and what remained was a tiny Hawk.

Ban was basically on the ground and cheered as he threw the pig in the air. Everyone celebrated with joy. Acantha was pleased, even if it didn't show on her face. She felt a hand tap her shoulder and looked up to see Merlin. "If you don't mind later, I would like to ask a few questions about you." She said with a smile. Meliodas looked over at them. "Uh oh don't go experimenting on her now." He said with a laugh. Merlin kept her smile. "I just would like to know information is that so wrong?" She asked. Meliodas pet the nymph on the head surprised yet satisfied at how she didn't flinch away like before. "Just don't hurt her okay?" He said. "If Merlin does anything just come to me." The boy chuckled.

That night, a huge celebration in the tavern occurred. Everyone was laughing, drinking, and eating. Outside on the roof sat the little nymph with orange hair. Her knees pulled to her chest. Merlin had gifted her clothing that wouldn't burn to her own flames. A forest green dress with long sleeves and a high collar. The girl's green eyes looked out at the moon, a little dull and full of worry. She felt... Like she doesn't deserve to celebrate. She felt as if she should have done more. There had to have been away for her to do more but no matter what she thought about it, she couldn't think of a way to help.

"Yo Acantha whatcha doing up here?" The familiar voice of Meliodas said. Acantha looked up at him and she just shrugged and looked down. "For someone who was yelling and being punchy during the fight you sure are quiet." He said jokingly and sat next to her. "Hey, are you okay?" Meliodas asked. Acantha was silent for a moment before speaking. "I'm fine..." She said. The short blonde tilted his head. "Then why are you crying?" He asked. Acantha perked up, not even noticing the tears running down her cheeks. She sighed. "It's just... I feel like... I wasn't being useful. During the fight. I could barely stop anyone I went up against. I only got in your way..." She said, looking at her hands.