Madeline's POV

Ban laughs as I struggle to carry the heavy box filled with medical equipment, the old man who should have been currently helping me- Was instead locked in amusement at my shaking arms and legs.

"And here I thought you ran your own potion empire!" He laughs heartedly, fox grin on his face. I rolled my eyes, puffing out my cheeks. "Potion Empire? Do you mean being Ares? What does that have to do with anything?" Ban shrugs, picking up two boxes easily in either hand, probably would have grabbed a third just to flex on me if it weren't for the death glare he was currently getting.

"Aww, did I accidentally hit a nerve shrimp?" I kept myself from rolling my eyes again, wanting to just get these boxes of medical equipment to the infirmary. We were running low down there and had to come to the castle's vault to grab some. I would have just transported all of these using magic, but I wasn't too great with those spells, and most of this was fragile, carrying glass and rare ingredients that at the moment- Didn't have time to accidentally break any of it.

I was also exhausted from Merlin's training at the crack of dawn and needed to save my energy for healing.

Ban was still chuckling as we walked down the hallway, passing by serfs and armored knights, giving me the uneasy feeling, still in the mindset of being watched at all times, waiting for a mistake, waiting to pounce and take me to the dungeon.

The taller fellow beside me was also in unease, from what Elizabeth told me, Ban was literally in jail for the second time in his life- Well I think the second time anyway when they found him again. I could tell by the shift of his eyes to glance over at the knights in his peripheral, steadily watching them, making sure they don't decide to just go ahead and grab us. Ban shuffling his feet over to be closer to me, ready to protect me. Just like the drunk uncle I knew him to be.

We both could easily take them, but it's the mental aspect that's got us on our toes. For years we were wanted, hunted down, to be brought in for a crime we didn't commit. We were an enemy of the crown.

To think that, the people who were actually responsible for it still walked these halls without a care in the world, without the anxiety and fear of being reprimanded.

"What's your decision, Madeline Talian?" I remembered his words, how he knew of my last name. I had told no one of it. And yet, he somehow knew. He didn't know of the village I came from, hell, I would be surprised if it even still exists without a Doctor in town to mend their wounds. '11 years...' I thought deliberately, not noticing that my stride was faltering enough for Ban to notice.

"You okay, kiddo?" I blinked, glancing up at him to see he was leaning down to look at me.

"Yeah, I'm fine. Sorry, just got lost in thought for a moment there."

"You sure, you seem pretty tired there." He stated, mumbling that he could go ahead and finish moving the boxes down to the infirmary while I go and rest. I shake my head, "I'm fine. I can't take a nap, I have patients to look after."

"Oh come on~! You taking a snooze for ten minutes wouldn't hinder anything!"

"A lot can happen in ten minutes, Ban. Especially with the injured," I stated expertly, knowing how much every second and every minute counted to the injured. He rolls his eyes. "Can Merlin just watch them?"

"She is with King Arthur right now, she has her own things to do." Ban frowns. I furrow my brows, staring up at him, "What is it?"

"Do you think... Captain will disband the Sins?" 'Meliodas breaking apart the Sins...' I never really thought about it, I knew that I was leaving, but for him to permanently disband it?

"I don't know, I don't think he would."

"Mads, you're leaving, Merlin's leaving, King's leaving, Escanor is dead- Just what is left of us?" It hurts to realize that 4 out of the 8 were leaving. The Eight Deadly Sins, couldn't be the grand Eight without all of the Eight present- The hole that Escanor already left with him being gone was enough to bring me to tears, to listen to him tell me stories, to watch him dote over Merlin until he got smacked in the head by her, to get his hugs in his Sun form.

It was difficult to imagine him being gone, even when it was the reality if Merlin was my surrogate mother figure- Then, Escanor was my surrogate father figure. I really needed him back then, after my own father passed, he was there for me. Always made an effort to be. It wasn't like he was busy like everyone else, he didn't really have anything to work on.

I sigh heavily, rolling back my shoulders to ease the tension I felt in them.

"That's up for Meliodas to decide then, Ban. I know that he will come to us first and ask what we thought before doing it." Ban nods slowly, his eyes looking away from me to continue walking forward, not wanting the thought of it to create tension and awkwardness. I followed after him, quickening my pace to reach his long strides until he was matching my own, making it easier to keep up with him.

---

Days later, and the thoughts that were taking a hold of my mind were becoming true.

I packed up all of my stuff hours prior and was now finishing up on putting my traveling boots on, buckling up the many buckles (I had gotten them from Elizabeth, we luckily shared the same shoe size despite her being taller than I was). I stood up from the bed, reaching over and grabbing my traveler's knapsack, swinging it around my shoulder to carry. I took one last glance at the room before leaving, not wanting to get sentimental.

Gowther was outside waiting for me, having been relatively quiet for the majority of the day, I believe he wanted to say something to me, about me leaving, but his emotions were stopping him.

No one wanted me to leave, to leave the Sins, but, this was how life was supposed to progress. It was how life worked.

When we reached the main hall, we were greeted by Holy Knights, the Royal Family, and of course the Sins.

Diane was still in her human form, wanting to be able to hug me fully when I left, and fit inside the main hall without the worry of breaking a window or two- She was in tears, and was the first to approach me before bringing me into a big hug, her muscled arms picking me up, leaving me to squeal in surprise. She may have been the average size for a human woman, but still held the strength of a giant, I had to constantly remind myself of that.

To think that I was the last Sin to be recruited, and the first to leave- It was unintentional and quite ironic in a way. It left me with the feeling of guilt that I didn't spend more time with them all during the days prior because I was so busy taking care of others. I knew that they wouldn't hold it against me, as they had their own things to take care of.

"I will miss you dearly, Diane."

"I'm so sad!" She wailed, her tears sticking to her face. My frown momentarily deepens before I forced a smile on, the sadness showing in my eyes, "I am too, hey, we will see each other again, this isn't a forever goodbye." I told her, pulling her back into the hug for one last time.

Next, I was greeted by Ban, unexpectedly he too brought me into a hug, not without ruffling up my hair just to annoy me.

"Bann~" I complained with a huff, "See ya kiddo. Don't have too many adventures without me, got it?" I sigh heavily, nodding in understanding. "Don't cause too much trouble for my brother, I know that you will stick by him like a leech." He laughs at my words, letting go, and letting me walk away, but not without whacking my shoulder.

With every Sin I said my farewells to, the more emotional I became, not wanting to burst out in tears in front of them. I would see them again, we all knew that everyone was alive and well, and if we managed to find each other once, there was always a chance to find one another again.

King held a seldom look on his face when he said his goodbyes to me, staring out the windowpane for a moment.

"Hey, King-"

"Call me Harlequin, we are much closer than just to address me by, 'King'."

"Hey, then why don't I get to call you that!" Shouted Ban in annoyance. King- Harlequin, rolls his eyes, directing his tired eyes to Ban, "Because unlike you, I actually enjoy Madeline's company." I heard a mocking gasp of shock, leaving me to giggle, "Sorry Ban!" I apologized to him in a teasing manner.

"Stay safe out there, if you ever need a place to stay- You are welcome in the Fairy King Forest." I smiled gently down at him, wrapping my arms around him in a hug. While Ban may have been a drunk Uncle stereotype, Harlequin definitely fit into the equation of being a close sibling of mine, a much older sibling most definitely, as he was thousands of years older than the rest of us no doubt.

"Little Miss, remember to practice your magic, if you don't, I will know and personally drag you to Camelot just to make you do it." Came Merlin's chilly goodbye and reminder, sending shivers down my spine. And there was the mother figure, what I picture a mother would be like. Strict but loving to her children. I turned swiftly on my heel as Harlequin lets go of me, taking long strides over to her. I stared up at her, before frowning and then began floating up just to spite her, and to see eye to eye with her. Hands-on my hips, attempting to intimidate my teacher.

"Oh look at that, are you going to float the whole way home, Maddy?" I roll my eyes, "You know that is a terrible idea."

"Good practice nonetheless." She stated with a smirk, her cocky attitude hiding how much she was going to miss me just after being reunited with her again. I initiated the hug first, letting myself slowly float down, knowing that I didn't want to be tired for the journey ahead of me. Merlin did offer to send me home via a portal, but I decided against it, I was going for the scenic route.

Just as I was let go of by Merlin, did Elizabeth bring me into a hug, full-on sobbing, "Lady Madeline, thank you for all you have done for me." She thanked me, the princess in hysterics. I furrowed my brows, honestly wondering why she was so emotional, and her claim of me, 'doing so much for her'. I couldn't recall exactly what I did for her to feel this way about me, but didn't question it. I felt a little pride in my chest that she actually liked me for whatever reason. I always did have trouble creating new relationships, friendships, or not. Elizabeth did make it easier by just being the way she was.

I awkwardly hugged her back, holding back my own tears because her emotions just seemed to drip onto me, initiating waterworks within me, gathering up in the corners of my eyes.

"I'm glad that you are safe and back with your family. I will be sure to visit you as much as I can in the years to come." I told her, feeling her nod against the side of my head. She sniffles as she finally lets me go a few minutes later, gently resting her hand on my back, guiding me to the person I didn't want to say goodbye to the most.

The blond stared back at me, his eyes were hardened piercingly, but not in annoyance or an angered way, it was to keep him from breaking out in tears like many before him already had. My brother held a lot of emotions inside of him, wore his heart on his sleeve, and the way to his soul was through his eyes. I was going to be without a family again. I- I didn't know how I would be able to handle it. Sure, I would have the villagers by my side, but it wasn't the same as this close-knit family dynamic we have built up with one another.

"Please don't cry, Mads." I didn't realize until he spoke up that tears were streaming down my face. 'Ah screw it!' Screw me and my emotions, I jumped into his arms, feeling him grunt from the sudden weight, but he didn't complain, he only hugged me back as tightly, his face burying into my shoulder.

"Thank you for being my brother..." I thanked him, truth dripping off of my tongue. I felt him smile, his grip tightening, "Thank you for trusting me to carry such a title.".

We parted, and I looked to say goodbye to Gowther, only to see him staring elsewhere, staring directly at Merlin, who's attention was on me. Eyes were prying on me, and it was getting awkward as I stood there, taking a deep breath in then releasing it, walking forward to the King of Liones, bowing to him with a curtsy, my short skirt perfect for traveling. And this way I wouldn't overheat on the way.

"Madeline Talian, I thank you for your service among the King's Guard, the Eight Deadly Sins." He looked to Princess Veronica, the woman carrying a small box that I didn't notice prior, too caught up in sorrow on leaving. "With this proclamation, I bear you these gifts. You shall be among the protected citizens of the kingdom and state. If any problems arise, you shall only need to show them this." Princess Veronica handed over the box to me, I gingerly took it into my hands, my thumb rubbing along the material. Pig leather. I mildly cast a glance to Baby Hawk, giggling silently to myself.

"Was this perhaps made from Hawk's ashes?" I joked, watching him smile in amusement. "Hey, that's not very nice Madeline!" Shouted Hawk in his tiny voice.

"Oh don't worry there bacon, must have been from your non-existent father-" Ban began to tease, igniting steam to rise from the little pork chop. "Why you-!"

"Silence you two, let the King continue," Merlin ordered strictly, silencing them both with her mothered tone. They fell silent, letting King Bartra Liones continue, "In this a medallion, a ring, and a pin, decorated in gold and emerald, to show all that you are under the protected." This rose a question within me as I opened the box, seeing the jewelry items neatly laying inside on a plump red cushion.

"May I ask what of the mark of my sin that I bar-"

"Bear." Snickered Harlequin, receiving a swift biff at the back of the head by Diane.

"The Panda Sin of Trust, you shall keep it. It is apart of you for the rest of your life." I felt elated at his words, nodding up at him, bowing my head to him in thanks, "Thank you, Your Majesty.".

"Well kiddo, it's time to go. You sure you don't want to just throw you into a portal?" Questions Merlin with a brow raised. I shake my head, "I'm good, thank you for the offer again though." She flicks my forehead, "Remember, practice Madeline."

"Yes, Mom~" I replied tauntingly, squeaking, and dodged her incoming hand, hiding behind Gowther as he was the closest. He still didn't speak or make eye contact with me. He was the last one I had to say goodbye to, and yet, he appeared uninterested that I was leaving.

I didn't want to pry more into it, knowing that Gowther did enjoy privacy, but it was beginning to worry me.

"Just get going already, shrimp," Ban muttered. "I will, I will!" I answered him, fighting back on rolling my eyes at him. I readjusted my bag over my shoulder, walking away from the group before glancing back, my eyes beginning to water once again.

"Stay safe and healthy everyone. I will see you soon." I told them all, and wished I didn't turn around then to begin walking, I had missed the panic look on Gowther's face, but heard sudden thumping before being set off my balance as arms wrapped around my waist from behind.

"Oh my god, Gowther is hugging!" Yelled Hawk in surprise, "Didn't know the little man had it in him!" Ban continued. Whatever words were said afterward fell on deaf ears as I turned around in his arms, looking up at him.

"Gowther... Hey, it won't be forever, and certainly not for another ten years like last time, okay?" I told him honestly, seeing his amber eyes shine in the light, reflecting back down to me.

"If there is any trouble, call my name, and I shall come to your side." He told me, leaning down to plant a small kiss on my forehead. I felt a magic link form between us, sparks of electricity littering across my skin. Harmonizing with a soft hum at the back of my mind.

"Be safe," I whispered to him, swallowing down the lump in my throat. I embraced him, feeling his grip on my waist tighten, clutching onto the fabric of my blouse.

"Oo~ Get it Gowther!" Wolf whistled Ban teasingly. I blushed, hiding it away from the others in his chest.

I reluctantly pull away from him, sending him one last smile, before turning and walking away, daring myself to not glance back, or else I would find myself in his arms again.

To Be continued

Happy Holidays everyone!

2020 is drawing to a close (thank fucking god), but with that, so does the end of the first ARC, AKA, the closing of Season 1 of TSDS. Only took me four years to get through the first season cebceibwdabw)

I will talk about the story in a little bit, but I do have an announcement to make.

For years, since literally birth, I have been going by She/Her pronouns, and strictly only those ones.

But with the past few years of a lot of confusion, uncomfortableness whenever I would see myself in photos, reflections, etc, it took me a while to figure things out, because I couldn't really describe to anyone how I was feeling until I began to dress more plainly, fewer dresses and makeup, more on the down-low in terms of femininity, and began to dress more androgynously.

I now go by She/They Pronouns :)

I have already been apart of the LGBTQ+ Community before my pronouns change, as I am Demisexual, and Pansexual.

My coming out is only a recent development in my life, no one irl knows about it, but a couple of my internet friends do, and with that, along with you guys :)

Please be kind in the comments, luckily I have yet to get anything hateful about it, but the worry and anxiety about being ridiculed for finally being who I need to be is there at the back of my brain.

Now let's talk about The 8Th Sin!

With recent and more recent applications of the anime and manga, I do have a stopping point, but that won't be anytime soon, and the fanfic won't just abruptly end. I am going to be seeing this through until the end my dudes.

But I ain't saying what season would be the last, or mange chapter (this reminds me I need to severely catch up on the manga dnebibw).

Madeline is no longer apart of the King's Guard, the Eight Deadly Sins, it is now originally back to The Seven Deadly Sins.

I know a few readers were sad to see that she would be leaving the Sins, but since the beginning, even before I rewrote a good majority of this, that was her endgame, to leave. She never wanted to really become apart of the Sins again, she was perfectly content with being a Healer/Doctor.

Why Gowther reacted the way he did to Madeline leaving, was difficult to write because he is still coming to qualms about his emotions and how he should feel in certain situations.

I will say that he was feeling two different emotions at once, he was both happy for Madeline to continue her life away from the Sins, pursuing to become a better Healer/Doctor, but also sad because as much as he wanted to go with her, accompany her, and be by her side, he has desires to stay with the Sins, loyalty to the group. He didn't want her to leave, but also didn't want to hold her hostage within the group.

With confliction of feelings- He decided to form a magical link with her. Something that happens in a lot of fantasy books actually. But this idea actually stems from my faze of reading werewolf books on wattpad, including even writing a few myself. (They were so bad and left unfinished)

Werewolf mates, in most books, hold a connection, able to feel their feelings, sometimes read their thoughts, or even know where they are at any given time (by tracking the scent). There were also a few when a werewolf could sense that their mate was in danger and needed help.

That is basically a short explanation of the magical connection between Gowther and Madeline now. If Gowther cant be at her side to protect her, at least now he knows at all times if she is safe or not. And will be able to track her down and help her.

Madeline is now a protected citizen of Liones, so if any trouble comes to her, she can always show her proof to whoever is trying to start trouble.

Thank you all for reading and supporting me! I hope that you all have a good holiday, and see you next year! Talk to you all then! -Golden/Amanda