Turning Back The Clock

Turning Back The Clock: Chapter 8

"Damn it! If I get hit by a branch one more time-"

"Shhh! Keep it down Ban! They could hear us!"

"Geez soooorrry."

The group had finally made it out of the forest. Not through force, not through magic, but rather due to the canceling of it. Like they had thought, the forest was more like a maze that kept sending them back to the beginning with an infinity spell. However, Merlin being the mage she was, recognized this and left because of it. When she had returned, she used a potion she had grabbed from her shop to destroy that magic in a way not even Absolute cancel could do.

Which brought them to now. Getting out of the forest at last as they went through the old fashioned way with tree branches being their only barrier.

They arrived at some sort of garden at the back of Camelot's castle that appeared to have some sort of red glaze covering it.

"It's an enchantment. It appears they've recreated the demon realm's kingdom inside of King Arthur's castle. It's illusion magic. The question is.. why have they used it?"

As the mage continued her mutterings in her head, the others readied their weapons as they felt a presence that they weren't familiar with...

"Hello! Who are you guys?"

A cheery little voice was heard as they all looked down from their position on the slight hill to see a child within the garden's barriers. Only what was alarming about this particular child, was he had blond messy hair like their captain, and emerald eyes like him too.

All feeling different stages of alarm and shock as no one spoke for a good minute or two- thoroughly confusing the boy- they all snapped out of it at once to say one word in unison.

"CAPTAIN!?"
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Meliodas had been incredibly confused by their outburst of that one word. Why did they say that? Who the heck were they talking to?

"Um.. are you guys okay?"

Hmm, they did look quite run down. Some had scratches, others just looked exhausted. Maybe they weren't thinking straight?

"Here, I'll be right back. Esta made some soup and there's still some left. You guys look like you could use some comfort food. He scurried off quickly to go get the pot and some bowls before running back out to hear them all stop whispering at once."

These grown ups are weird.

He ignored their stares and looks exchanged between one another while he scooped out soup with the ladle and tried his hardest not to spill any.

"So um.. Cap- I mean uh.. kid, do you have anyone with you out here? I mean.. isn't it dangerous for a little kid to be all alone?"

The one with silver hair spoke, sounding awkward, cautious, and unsure.

"Esta and Zeldy are working. Besides, I can take care of myself. You all are really weak."

Once again, the group looked taken back by the boy's words. But this time, Meliodas actually felt guilty.

"Oops, sorry. I didn't mean to be rude, it's just your power levels are pretty tiny compared to mine, and I don't sense any demon magic to add to it, so I don't really feel like I'm in much danger."

I wonder what class these guys are in? They're too smart for red and white demons. A little too strong too. But.. they're too weak for any other class?

"You think we're.. demons?"

The one with a pillow spoke this time. Although the question as well as the hesitant way he said it was very confusing for the boy.

"Well.. yeah? What else would you be? You're in the demon realm?"

This time the woman who was probably cold from how little clothes she was wearing spoke, her hand against her chin.

"I see... so that's why the spell is up. But, I wonder..."

He didn't understand her mutterings, but couldn't focus on them long because the girl with pigtails looked like she was about to cry.

"Captain... do you really not know where you are? Who we are..?"

She sounded so sad, but he didn't understand it. Who was this "Captain" of theirs? Why did they keep calling a nine year old boy that? Why was this girl so upset?

Carefully hopping up the ledge that maintained the garden from the outside ledge, he then handed her the bowl of soup with a sad tone in his voice.

"I'm sorry. I really don't know any of you, but if you got through the forest you're probably tired and hungry. And that pig next to you has too much hidden power for you guys to eat. Here, have some soup!"

He patted her arm while they looked at him like he were someone that had just died. But, before he could offer any soup or comfort to the others, he heard Zeldris calling him inside.

"Oh! Zeldy is off work! I'm sorry, but I really REALLY have to go now. I'll leave the pot and bowls though so you guys can help yourselves to the food. Byyye!"

He scurried off while the sins all just stood stunned. Some feeling heartbroken, others enraged. But as they all tried to process the sight they had seen, only one thought came to mind that was vocalized by Harlequin.

"Just what did those demons do to the captain...?"

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