Love's Tears (Gloxinia x Oc)

Chapter 1: Ruckus and rewards

The Sins lined themselves up in the centre of the castle grounds, the daytime sun lighting the stones walls with a glowing yellow. Citizens huddled in groups chattering amongst themselves with a low murmur here and there. All stood patiently waiting for the King's arrival (well, except maybe Hawk). Hawk chomped away at a few leftover scraps from yesterday night, snorting as he gobbled it down his throat. His new earring bashing against his pink skin. Merlin glanced to her side at him, her arms crossed over her torso.

"Hawk, don't forget we're in front of his Majesty."

Hawk continued to chow down on his scraps as she spoke - barely stopping to answer, "it's fine! It doesn't bother me!"

"He's back to his original size, huh?" Meliodas chimed in.

Gowther looked around; his pink hair swishing as he turned his head. "So Ban and King are both absent, huh?" His voice was as monotone as usual, but there was a slight hint of interest in his tone.

Diane rubbed the back of her head with her un-gloved hand, "Jeez, what are they doing?"

As they chatted, murmurs rippled through the crowd behind them. Meliodas peered over his shoulder; a few catching his eye as his blond hair swaying as he moved (although he swiftly looked back at the King's appearance).

"The Seven Deadly Sins along with the Scraps... Scraps Disposal?" The King raised an eyebrow in confusion but Elizabeth quickly explained in hushed whispers. He cleared his throat, "The Order of Scraps Disposal. Today, I commend you for your heroics in protecting the kingdom," Hawks munched on while the King trailed on with his speech about awards. However, before he could finish Meliodas butted in.

"-I object!" He yelled, "I object to those medals being bestowed!"

The King stuttered in slight shock and Elizabeth's eyes widened in puzzlement. Meliodas tilted his head over his shoulder to look to the crowd. "That's what some here want to say. If you have something to say, tell me to my face! I'll be happy to listen."

Just as he finished a group of knights came forward. The townsfolk muttered their names, the three of them standing in front of the Sins.

"I could've sworn there were a few more grumblers here," he sighed, "I guess we only have three people being honest right now. So, what's the problem?"

Diamond Deathpierce grinned with closed eyes, his silver hair sticking outwardly to the sides. "We would like to see firsthand the power of the legendary knights who saved the kingdom from evil," he paused. His lilac eyes rested upon Meliodas, "what do you say Captain of the Seven Deadly Sins, Sir Meliodas?" Curiously, the Sins looked on with interest as the lights challenged their captain. Another knight rushed forward but swiftly dismissed as Deathpierce went on. "Thanks to the plot of those two grandmasters... no, I mean those two traitors, we were unfortunately assigned to a remote post. So unless we ascertain your power for ourselves, we can't accept this outcome."

Despite Elizabeth's cries of protest, her father approved with hesitance and a defeated sigh. Deathpierce nodded in thank while one of the men to his side stepped forward. He was brood looking guy. Short hair and sharp, blocky features with thin, rectangular eyes – cracking his knuckles ready to fight (known as Dogedo).

"I'll go first."

"Hold on!" Hawk squealed, proceeding to read out power stats, his large nose raised to the air in excitement.

Magic, 290.

Strength, 470.

Spirit, 100.

Power level, 860.