XI ~ Stranglehold

Howzer and Elizabeth sat with Zeldris in Meliodas' room. The room was filled with a heavy silence. No one knew what to say.

"Anyone hungry?" Elizabeth offered, lighten the mood. Zeldris nodded slightly so she went and got some snacks. She came back with chips and dips. They dug in, Zeldris particularly. Elizabeth laughed at how eagerly he ate the chips. Soon it became them listening to stories that Zeldris told about Meliodas. His eyes seemed to light up as he talked more and more about his big brother.

"You really missed him didn't you?" Elizabeth observed. Zeldris froze. His green eyes darkened. "...He missed you too." Zeldris looked at her with wide eyes. They then began to water slightly at the corners. Elizabeth just rubbed his back in a comforting manner.

--

Ban readied himself for an attack as Meliodas and Estarossa had a staring contest.

"Brother," Estarossa began. "Where is Zeldris?" Meliodas' expression relaxed a bit. Ban watched them carefully.

"He is safe-" Meliodas was cut off with a choke as Estarossa picked him up by the neck.

"Where is he!?" Estarossa demanded. Ban ran to get him off him but was pushed back. He thought it was Estarossa for a second before he realized that is was Meliodas. His demon mark was activated and he outstretched his hand. Black swirled around his open palm. Darkness held Ban to the ground as he attempted to stand. Estarossa looked towards Ban curiously but soon refocused on his brother. "Where is he Brother?" Estarossa's was thick and course and his black eyes were lit with a flame of anger.

"I...could l-let you see him if you promise... not to do anything s-stupid," Meliodas forced out. It was getting increasingly harder to breathe.

"Are you not in control of what happens to him?" Estarossa inquired.

"N-Not quite..."

"Let me see him," Estarossa sighed. "I won't do anything." He dropped Meliodas who began coughing. The darkness holding Ban down disappeared.