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

Chapter Sixteen: A New Fighting Festival

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As the group made it through the maze, they met with their comrades. Acantha was drawn to the two figures atop the large boulder caused by Diane oh so long ago. The energy these figures gave off. It was terrifying, almost overbearing. Were these the people who advertised the fighting festival? Once it was processed to the entire group, Meliodas spoke up. "This is your last chance to back out... They're with the commandments..." The blonde said. This changed the atmosphere to become even more unsettling. There was a heavyweight laying in everyone's chests the more they stared at this duo.

The smaller one spoke up. "Welcome ladies and gentlemen of various races! To this spectacular time killer- I mean fighting festival. Now before we set up the arena, allow me to rid the maze of whatever little worms are still crawling around." A male voice stated. "Spirit spear basquiace. Ninth configuration, Death Thorn." It said. The once harmless appearing green tentacles turned to deadly sharp vines that purged the maze of whatever once-living things. King could recognize this energy and it was soon revealed that this figure was the first fairy king, Gloxinia yet now known as Gloxinia of Repose.

"Now then. Care to set the arena for us, Drole?" The commandment fairy asked. The four-armed giant nodded and used his power of the earth to create the arena... Or in this case multiple arenas. It was in the shape of two hands and at the tips of the fingers were flat spaces for people to fight on. Acantha had an uncertainty of this. She wanted to avoid looking at the two and tried to focus her eyes on something else. 'Hm... I'm surprised King is here... Who's he...' Her thoughts paused when she spotted a familiar blonde fairy girl. This had to be a dream. Acantha found herself walking towards Elaine. 'Is... That... Really Elaine...?' Her thoughts rang through her head like church bells, over and over again. When she was only a foot away from the girl, her mouth opened yet no words came out.

Jericho noticed Acantha approaching. "Oh hey, Acantha you made it here too?" She asked casually. Elaine looked over curiously but upon laying her honey-colored eyes on the girl, she became speechless. Those eyes are green like emeralds. Skin so pale and dotted everywhere in freckles. "Acantha...?" She questioned. Acantha put a hand to her own chest to feel her heart racing. "E-... Elaine... But... I thought..." As Acantha trailed off on her sentence, Elaine tackled her into a tight hug. "It's been so long! I'm so sorry I had to leave you!" The blonde fairy softly said with tears welling up. Acantha furrowed her brows and became overwhelmed with emotions. Her arms gently wrapped around the woman she had become close with all those years ago in the forest. "How... How are you alive...?" Acantha questioned. Elaine softly laughed. "That's not important... I've watched you on your own for so long! I'm so sorry!" She exclaimed.

Once the two came over their emotions and calmed down, Gloxinia spoke up again. "Now then. Taizoo, you're up." He stated. Meliodas was confused considering Taizoo was the one who threatened him back at Vaizel. Though by how the burly man stood and spoke, it was obvious he was being threatened. Acantha felt pity for him, knowing he would prefer to not be here. The crowd was silent as Taizoo tried to get them excited. "Alright then... Let the matchup begin!" He exclaimed as Drole put all four arms up. "Teams of two am I correct?" He asked and clapped his hands together. The ground shook beneath everyone as they all got matched up.

The freckled nymph tried to hold onto Elaine but they were separated. She looked at everyone else to see who was paired up. It was rather unfortunate as she had noticed Griamore, who was stuck as a baby, had been pushed into the fight. After looking at who all was partnered up with, Acantha scanned around herself to see she didn't have any partners. Due to the odd number of people, this meant it would be her against another match-up. This didn't feel fair and she wanted to say something but just looking at Gloxinia made her nervous. Acantha looked to the nearest matchup which was Matrona and Oslo. 'What do I do... I can't possibly fight two people on my own... Especially if it's one of my comrades...' She thought to herself.