When the light faded, I was still standing, well kneeling. I looked over my arms in amazement. Still bruised, bloodied and broken but I wasn't dashed into a million pieces by that attack.

It should have killed me. I turned my gaze to the heavens and King stared down at me. He hadn't aimed at me. I tried not to let the tears of relief slip down my cheeks. I probably could have blocked it had I been in full armour and at full power but I definitely would have died in this state.

I'd almost lost my life. Then what would Leraj have done? I couldn't imagine the heartache and torturous sorrow I would have left him with. I didn't want to imagine it because it made my hands shake and icy fingers trail up my spine.

My tongue wanted to say thank you to the Fairy King but I trapped it between my teeth and kept my lips pressed firmly together.

Then I realised what I hadn't be able to notice before. King's spirit spear was laying at my feet, split in two. King hadn't been staring at me. I followed his gaze. Helbram, still in Love Helm, attire hovered over my shoulder.

Their exchange of words was muffled. Had I gone deaf? I pinched my nose and blew hard. No, they were just blocked.

"...Looks like Holy Knight's Guila and Jericho have been wiped out by the childish old fart ferocious attack! Yet another Holy Knight has been spared!" I stiffened and adverted my gaze. "That won't do though!" Helbram spun, his skirt lengthening and widening until Guila and Jericho fell from underneath his blouse. They were relatively unharmed, panting heavily. "Today's rescuer has been your friendly referee, Love Helm!" He swirled inwards on himself and disappeared into a pocket of space.

Knowing what he was planning, I looked to the sky to follow him. "Who's true identity is!" A swirl of gold and purple behind King's head. A locust green blade unveiled itself, edges tipped with black. King started but it was all the time Helbram needed to place his blade to the young man's neck.

"You're Helbram?" King shouted.

They knew each other? Helbram failed to mention that.

"It's good to see you again, Harlequinn. Or is it King now?"

"How are you alive? I saw it myself that day. I'm sure."

"It doesn't matter. That's in the past." Helbram directed his attention at me. "Estra, get Jericho and Guila."

I shook as I rose to my feet but managed to stand tall amidst the pain. "Of course, Sir Helbram." I wobbled over to the others, helping them to their feet.

Jericho slapped my hand away with a withering glare and got to her own feet. My scowl could darken a room but I didn't push it. She'd only have to punch me once in the ribs and I'd be out like a light and left for dead.

"Sir Helbram, allow us to assist you," Guila pleaded.

"No, it's quite alright. While I keep King occupied, you three go and retrieve what we were sent to this place for."

I nodded while the others affirmed then we headed off, those two a bit more spritely for my hagged jog. Each step on the right sent pain flaring from hip to shoulder. A twisted knife was in my lungs. A rib had to be rubbing against my right lung – I normally had much better breathing control through pain while moving.

We crested a rise. A little house sat in the distance, much like a little mushroom, surrounded by a thigh high stone wall. Jericho was ahead, targeting Ban. He had his hands around Veronica. I took in the rest of the scene – Griamore was armed and standing protectively (or was it defensively?) in front of a purple sphere that held a full-sized Princess Elizabeth. The pink pig I'd definitely be getting back later was beside Elizabeth's bubble.

Jericho slashed at Ban's back, opening a V-shaped. Shocked, he let go of the second Princess and she ran right into Griamore's arms. I slowed to a limp, bringing up the rear. Seeing there was no other danger, I sheathed my blade and stood beside Guila, conveniently right next to the wall.

Sweet relief at not having to hold myself upright anymore!

"I guess it's time for the real star to show his stuff!" Hawk squawked and launched a rolling ham attack which was a series of complex flips and somersaults that would put experienced gymnasts to shame.

Guila clicked her fingers and Hawk became roasting pork.

"Hawk, no!" the Princess screamed.

A deep pulse from my heart went through me. Half of me wanted to help Elizabeth, the other wanted to get the job down. My hand caressed the hilt of my sword, palms sweating profusely. I felt sick to my stomach but I pushed the concern for them far, far away.

"We've achieved all of our objectives," Guila said, moving to stand in front of the Princess. Elizabeth held a purple gem in hand and the hilt of the sword Meliodas was carrying in her other hand.

Strange. Where was the captain? I half expected him to leap out from behind the building. Better be on guard, just in case.

"Sir Griamore, please release your magic ability," Guila asked but her tone didn't hint at any nicety. Elizabeth crashed to the ground, on her hands and knees. But she didn't drop the items she held. "Come, give me your hand."

"Hold it!" Veronica shoved Guila's hand away from her sister. "I appreciate the help but I'll be the one to bring Ellie back home. Your objectives, or more accurately, Hendrickson's, was Meliodas and that sword, weren't they?"

Guila brandished her blade at Veronica.

"What the hell, Guila?" I held my hands up at her, confusion written on my face. "They aren't our enemy."

Guila ignored me. Jericho took her place guarding Guila's back. I didn't move, jaw set firmly. This was not a part of the plan.

But then again, they never told me much to begin with.

"Now I suggest you had Princess Elizabeth over to us quietly. If you refuse..." Guila's words were cut off as Griamore cast his spell, the same purple sphere encompassing Guila and Jericho and levitating them off the ground.

"I won't allow you to speak to the Princess that way," he stated.

My head swam and I let gravity land me on the ground beside the wall. It was like I couldn't keep upright anymore. My eyes were heavy but I willed them open – I had to keep them open because Jericho and Guila were acting against Liones royalty. I had to make sure no-one did anything stupid.

A soft grating noise reached my ears and I thought nothing of it until a pinching pain jolted me upright. Then another. Another. And one final pinch. Ever so slowly, I ran my fingers over the bruise on my side. Surely not? I pressed four fingers deep into my side. The bruise on my skin was tender to touch but the bone ache from my ribs was gone. My eyes widened.

I had healing powers.

Slow self-healing, but healing nonetheless.

Since when? I'd never been able to heal myself before. Sure would have been handy when Leraj had broken my leg by crushing me with his horse. The small cuts and bruises on my arms and legs were healed completely.

No. Flipping. Way.

My heart pounded in my chest and I made sure that the others weren't paying me any attention. I scrambled to my feet and did a quick stretch to either side. Nada on the pain scale. I could have jumped for joy but wanted to keep this under wraps. This wasn't a normal trait amongst Holy Knight powers. I didn't think I knew anyone with healing powers.

"Hey, Ellie!" Elizabeth was running away! Without second thought, I gave chase.

"Stop, Elizabeth!" I called after her, arms pumping. My chest felt clear and fine and I hit the accelerator for a burst of speed.

"You're supposed to be our friend, not our enemy!"

I stumbled, remembering something. Her defiant voice before, on a hilltop. Gritting my teeth, I regathered my pace and reached out to grab her shoulder just as Veronica reached us. Griamore's voice, terror stricken, rang in my ears.

"Princess Veronica!"

Veronica reached out for Elizabeth. Elizabeth's foot hit the ground.

"Get out of the way!" I screamed, knocking Veronica away with a shoulder into her side and using my other arm to shove Elizabeth.

A flash of brilliant, white light. Everything fell into slow motion. My voice distorted as I channelled my Mana.

BOOM!