Oneshots!

#106 Going Back (Part 5)

Meliodas tuned out the noise of the demons presenting their problems in the throne room. He had paid attention at first- as was his job at the moment- but after seeing the Demon King obliterate the third "annoyance" looking for bigger food rations, he couldn't bear it anymore.

What's the purpose of all of this? Why bother bringing me back if I'm just a trophy to show off? Why treat your subjects so brutally when they've done nothing to deserve it? Why do the commandments go along with it? Why did I go along with it? I was a fool.

"I hope you're paying attention, my son. This will be your job soon enough."

His head snapped up in surprised as he tried to figure out the meaning of such words.

"We'll have the human realm soon with the commandments work. Then, the fairies and giants. I intend to rule those insufferable realms myself with Zeldris and Estarossa aiding in the minor areas. You, however, will stay here."

He wanted to fight it. To shout that he wouldn't. That he wouldn't stay in this glorified torture chamber putting others through what he had tried so hard to escape. He wanted to taunt and boast and mock. Challenging that the Demon King would NEVER get his hands on the other realms! That they were perfectly capable of defending themselves!

But one look in the demon's eyes, one memory of the deal he had made, and he knew he couldn't say either.

Because he had no choice in the matter, not if he wanted to protect those he loved. He'd be assigned the Demon realm soon, and he'd be part of what destroyed those other realms. Otherwise, the others would simply fight without him, not shielding his friends and townsfolk like he would.

So instead, his gaze turned down towards the floor as the defeated words left him.

"Fine. It will be done."

He looked so somber. So completely... destroyed. It confused those that saw it. Citizens, Commandments, and more specifically... Zeldris.

The ravenette was watching from the shadows. He had completed his mission using his commandment very easily. A new town was on their side, full of fresh souls and soldiers. So, he returned early to rest before his father gave the orders to begin taking his journey to other places, such as the other Realms that had been discussed with Meliodas just now. And yet the anger and frustration he felt towards his brother had dimmed in the face of this odd moment.

Why did he look like that? So dull and accepting. Even in the demon's peak, he had been obedient, but not such a lap dog. He was the only Demon who dared to question things! The only one with the status and ability to go about things his own way, as long as he got results. And yet, there wasn't even a moment of fight, question, or reserve from the blond. Was he so concerned about his precious goddess, that he'd comply so easily?

The anger filled him again as he thought of what Meliodas had said during their last encounter.

Why in purgatory's name does Father want him to lead this place? I understand that our empire will be expanded soon, but does that mean we should put the core of it under the command of someone so uncaring of us? He's a traitor! He's not even back because he wants to be...

Because he regrets abandoning us.

That last thought came in pairing to the one that came before it. It was the true core of why Zeldris felt so raw and emotional over this matter.

He had truly idolized his sibling. He would have killed anyone for the praise and attention Meliodas would give him, he'd fall on his sword just to keep the Demon alive! Though, Meliodas would never need such assistance, not with his power.

And yet, he had been tossed aside so easily. For something as foolish as love. And now that his brother was finally back, it wasn't even by choice. It wasn't to repent or rebuild, it was to save the same woman he betrayed them for.

He was about to walk away when he heard his father say his name, calling him into the throne room.

He complied, stuffing all of these troubling feelings down to keep his mask of indifference in place.

"Yes, Father?"

"I assume your mission was successful?"

"Yes, our army will be well-fed for quite a while."

Meliodas turned his head, his jaw clenched to betray his real loyalties.

"Good. Because I have another task for you. One I want you to bring your brother along with you for. He needs to prove that he is still worth something in battle if he is to run this section of our realm."

It was a struggle not to feel a spike of irrational jealousy. He had been promised his own place to rule as well, a place he could build from the ground up. A true honor! Much more so than being given the leftovers like Meliodas would be. And yet, he still felt angry that his father had disregarded the traitor's actions so quickly. He was rewarding them, really.

"Father, I will do as you request. Though, I must ask... Are you sure it's wise for him to be out in battle so soon? He's still weak from his lack of discipline the last three thousand years. I don't want to jeaprodize the mission you have assigned to me by bringing along deadweight."

"It will be fine. You'll have my power for this mission, and don't forget that even at his weakest, Meliodas still held his own against the others during his little rebellion."

Zeldris clenched his jaw in annoyance. He had to go on a journey with his brother... this wouldn't end well.

"What are you assigning us?"

"The vampires need to be erraticated or brought into our armies. Give them the choice, and react accordingly."

Zeldris understood that message well. He turned to his brother, who looked vacantly at a spot to the right.

"Well, father isn't about to repeat himself. Let's go."

Okay! To clarify what is happening, the vampires weren't involved before at all. No Gelda, no orders to erratically the vampires. This is the first time Zeldris will be going there. And perhaps, he will meet someone as he does. Someone who might make him a bit more understanding of Meliodas...