Coco: Hello, everyone, here's the Seven Deadly Sins rewrite I promised you. As you can see a lot has changed, but I hope you still enjoy it. There will be characters you won't see from the last one and new ones for this story. I feel really proud of this chapter :D And can't wait to move even farther than I did in my first try of this series. Anyway, let's begin, shall we?

'It's…so cold,' A young girl who was no younger than twelve thought to herself.

The girl had long silver locks and striking blue eyes that stood out against her pale skin. She wore a dirtied dress with blood staining the front. Her feet were bear with ragged cuts along the soles. Her entire body was scrapped and bruised and her beautiful hair matted with blood and dirt.

'Where am I?'

She looked around as she lay flatly suspended in air to see nothing but white. There seemed t be no end to it nor did there seem to be a beginning. Only white…and her. She gasped as she started to move. Her body slowly descending towards the whiteness. She surprisingly touched a bottom where she sat crouched with her arms barely being able to hold her up.

She looked back up. Trying to remember how she got here. She remembers red…the color of fire. Yes, she remembers fire. It's blistering heat, and she remembers screaming and pain. And blood. As the memories came flooding back slowly, the place around her seemed even more frightening.

'I don't like it here,' She continued to think. 'Is this what death is like?'

"No, this is not death." A voice spoke from behind her.

The girl gasp once more while whirling around with widened eyes to peer at the one who spoke. The being behind her appeared to be a young man. He had paler skin than her own. It was nearly porcelain in color as if he was like one of those dolls her father used to buy her when she was younger. His eyes were almost equally as white, but they had a silver-like hue to them as well that made them stand out. His hair was pitch black—blacker—darker—than she's ever seen. It was slicked back on his head. He was also very tall—towering over her, which had her quivering in fear.

"There's no reason to be frightened." He said gently while kneeling down. "I won't hurt you, little dove."

The girl blinked because little dove is something her mother used to call her. Thinking of her mother had the girl calming down as she looked at this stranger in front of her.

"Where am I?" She asked out loud.

"This place?" He questioned gesturing around them.

The girl nodded her head as the man in front of her sat down with his legs crisscrossed. He sat there casually while leaning forward with his chin resting on his palms.

"This place, little dove, is the domain between life and death-a small portion of it at least." He explained. "You mortals have called it a few things over time. Limbo, purgatory, etc. Normally, I would just send on a young soul like you, but you're the one who said you couldn't die just yet, remember?"

The girl seemed confused for a moment before she did remember. She remembers the arrow piercing her chest. She remembers the blood staining her clothes. She had been dying—and she's dead now. But before that, she had thought to herself it wasn't time for her to die. Her family was all gone now—killed by those who were supposed to be their friends—their family. They were betrayed even after all the years her father—her family—spent protecting the kingdom.

It's become corrupt. It hasn't been the same ever since they left. Ever since they were made outlaws by the very kingdom they served. She couldn't die knowing the kingdom her loved ones all worked to protect and keep at peace was turning into something so dark, cold, and unrecognizable. There had to be something she could do. She might be small. She might be weak, but there had to be something that could be done to change things.

'But there really isn't anything I can do,' She realized as she looked down defeatedly. 'I'm dead. What can the dead do?'

"I can help you." The man said.

The girl looked up at him with wide eyes as he said that. Not only did he hear her thoughts again, which was shocking enough—his words gave her a bit of hope. It sounded impossible. But maybe he could make it possible?

"I can return you to life." The man continued. "Well, to a living state—if you will. You'll continue to grow and age for a bit of time, but the older you get the slower you'll age until you stop. Of course, that also all depends on how quickly you finish your business."

The girl looked uncertain as she looked at the man closely as he was picking as his nails in a bored manner.

"What must I give in return?" She asked.

The man smiled as if her question amused him, or maybe he wasn't asked that very often.

"You're a smart girl." He praised. "I see I made the right decision in holding off your departure to the Land of the Dead. I won't lie. What I want in return is a heavy sum. Once I give you the power you need to push forward and complete your goal, your soul will become mine. You will become a Apostle of Death. You will fight when I tell you to fight, and you will help ferry the souls of the dead to the other side. You will act as their protector and shield because even the dead can be attacked and harmed. This is what you must give in return, and it will be for the rest of your existence. There is no retiring. There is no calling it quits once you get too tired. If you strike this deal with a being such as me, you should expect to be called a demon—a monster. This is what I ask of you."

It was silent as the girl continued to stare at him. He expected her to tell him no. To deny him. Many humans did.

"Is that all you wish in return?" The girl asked shocking him.

He stared at this little human in utter surprise as she looked back at him calmly. She wasn't even fazed. There was no hesitation in her gaze at all. He's never met a human such at this. The ones who have created these deals with him before were older and more ancient beings. Ones used to long lives—never once has a human took him up on his offer. They only wanted to the power—the life. They never wanted to repay him in return. The man let out a chuckle before it turned into a full-blown fit of laughter—shocking the girl.

"You, child, have shocked me." He said. "Me! A being far older than you have ever once fathomed of meeting. No one has done this in over a million years!"

He then calmed himself down as he chuckled once more with a gleeful expression in his eyes.

"Very well," He said. "If you are certain you wish to make this deal, I will oblige. I will do everything in my power to give you everything you need to fulfill your wish. No matter how many years it takes I will wait for you. And once the time comes for repayment, I will be ready for you."

He held out his hand to the girl who reached out to grasp his as firmly as possible with two of her own hands. He chuckled at her as she looked at him with determination in her eyes.

"I give you my word that I will not waste what you give me, and to return to you the payment owed tenfold." She said. "This is a promise I make to you."

"Yes," The man agreed. "A promise bound by death."

A young woman gasped with he eyes snapping wide open. She looked around seeing she was in the room she had rented. She sat up while letting out a sigh.

"Why was I dreaming about that all of a sudden?" She asked herself as she ran her fingers through her hair.

She guessed there was no point in dwelling on it, so she pushed away her covers to get out of bed. She stepped out onto the cold floor while shaking out her silver locks. After shaking them out the locks fell past her shoulders with two strands going between her eyes. This girl—or rather woman—seemed to be in her late teens to early twenties. While she appeared to be toned—she had a curvaceous figure as well that suited her medium height stature.

"I wish I could stay at inns with a better bed." She said as she rolled her shoulders that were completely stiff.

However, she couldn't because she was on the run. She had to lay low, so not to draw attention to herself, which means staying out of places that might recognize her or have her wanted poster plastered everywhere. The woman sighed again while guessing she better just get dressed and be on her way. She can't stay put for too long either.

Once dressed, she was wearing a black corset top that was tied up by a blue ribbon in the front. The corset pushed up her chest and showed off the tattoo she had on top her left breast that was a crow perched on a skull. Over her shirt was a blue leather jacket that was cropped, so it stopped just under her breasts. Then she had on black leather looking pants that hugged lowly on her hips. Then on her feet were a pair of black boots that went up to her knees. Finally, there was a silver chain around her neck with a locket hanging from it.

"Mhmm, Lady Monroe."

Monroe turned to her traveling companion as the younger girl was sitting up in bed. The girl seemed to be in her mid-teens had had long silvery-blonde hair. Her bangs fell over her right eye, but her left eye revealed a beautiful blue iris. She was pale-skinned like Monroe and had a slightly slimmer-subtle figure.

"Princess Elizabeth, it's time to leave." Monroe informed her. "We can't stay here much longer."

Elizabeth—the third princess of the realm—nodded her head while obediently going to get ready. As she went to prepare to leave, Monroe, who put a cloak around her and the hood over her head, went to check and see if the ghost was clear. Monroe has been traveling with the princess for a few weeks now after escaping the capital at the King's request. Monroe had planned to leave on her own, but as a Holy Knight whose true loyalty is to the kingdom she serves and her king, she couldn't deny him. Besides, she grew up alongside Elizabeth.

She used to play in the castle gardens with her older cousins Griamore and Gilthunder and the princesses. Those days had been filled with so much fun and happiness. Now, things were so different. The future was dark and full of hopelessness, but she was stubborn, so she wasn't ready to give up yet. Which is why she's looking for them.

"Looks like everything is clear," Monroe said as she glanced around.

She then looked over her shoulder as Elizabeth came out with her own cloak around her.

"Now, isn't that much easier to move around in than that rusted old armor?" Monroe questioned. "And less likely to draw attention to us."

Elizabeth blushed remembering the old rusted armor she had insisted on wearing in the beginning. She had thought it was the perfect disguise—who'd expect the princess of Liones to wear such a thing, right? But Monroe was right—it did attract a lot of attention.

"Yes, Lady Monroe." Elizabeth said.

Monroe sighed while pulling the hood over Elizabeth's head, so to hide her face.

"Let's go." Monroe said. "We'll be keeping to the roads less traveled and even forest paths, so we might not see another town for a while. So, better prepare yourself."

Elizabeth nodded then hurried after the slightly taller girl as Monroe started down the road that led out of the village. As they walked, Monroe hoped they found the Sins they sought out. It's been ten years since she's laid eyes on any of them. There were many rumors they were dead, but she knew better. And thanks, to her intel, she had a few ideas on where to seek them.

'Everyone, I hope we meet again soon.' She thought as she looked up at the sky with a somber gaze in her eyes.

Monroe and Elizabeth walked on in silence as the sun shined overhead. It was another nice day, and the countryside was rather beautiful. Monroe glanced behind her as Elizabeth was falling farther and farther behind. They have been walking for some time now without break. Monroe even had them walk through the night to make as much distance as possible.

"Princess, do you need to rest?" Monroe asked the younger girl.

"N—no, I'm fine." Elizabeth said smiling from underneath her hood. "I can manage."

Monroe didn't really believe that, but she had to respect the fact Elizabeth hasn't complained once and has done her best. Of course, she's always pushed herself when the safety of others is involved, and right now the entire kingdom's fate could rest on their quest to bring the Seven Deadly Sins back together. However, Monroe wouldn't be doing her job if she ignored the needs of the princess. Monroe crouched down in front of Elizabeth, who came to a stop, while holding back her arms.

"Climb on." Monroe instructed. "We can't stop just yet, but I can't let you wear yourself out."

"No, no, I can manage." Elizabeth insisted. "Don't inconvenience yourself for my sake, Lady Monroe."

Monroe sighed while turning her head to look over her shoulder at the princess.

"It'd be more of an inconvenience if you passed out due to exhaustion." Monroe said. "I can carry you. It won't be a bother, so please, climb on."

Elizabeth hesitated for a moment before doing as told. She climbed onto Monroe's back with the older girl easily lifting her. They continued on with Elizabeth resting her chin on Monroe's shoulder. As she was carried, she bit her lip wondering if it was really a good idea to accompany Monroe. Monroe who has always been so strong and brave since they were kids.

Elizabeth always thought Monroe could do anything. She proved time and time again she was talented and strong. She overtook many of the male Holy Knight apprentices in training and crushed whoever tried to stop her from moving forward. Elizabeth knew she could trust in Monroe but felt as she herself would only hinder the silver-haired woman.

"Gees, you're overthinking again, aren't you?" Monroe suddenly spoke up surprising Elizabeth. "You're not a burden. If I had the chance of ditching you back at the capital, I wouldn't have done it. Not in a million years. Because not only were my cousins and I sworn to look after you princesses, but you're my friend too, isn't that right, Princess?"

Elizabeth felt her eyes tear up, but she nodded her head as a smile pulled across her face.

"Yeah," Elizabeth said.

As Monroe walked on, she hoped they'd find a break soon. They needed one. The last eight years have been hard, but now it was time to put her training and years of planning to action.

Meliodas stood behind his bar cleaning up as his patrons seemed to enjoy their ale and the lively atmosphere. He did have that issue with the men earlier who were dumb enough to try the food here, but beside that things were peaceful.

"No kidding, I saw her with my own two eyes." One of his patrons said catching his attention. "I swear by all that's holy I saw the woman with the death tattoo."

Meliodas blinked when hearing that. It was the first he's heard about it, but the man's words seemed to have the other patrons shifting. Some of them were even looking uneasy.

"Yeah, it seems as if she's been on everyone's mind." Another patron said. "Some say she used to be a Holy Knight. Others say she came from death itself. Then there's another rumor that she's actually a member of the Seven Deadly Sins."

"That's not it at all." A third patron said. "The woman is real that's the truth and she's a former Holy Knight. But this talk of the Seven Deadly Sins connection to her is just stories. Things parents tell their children to scare them."

Meliodas was definitely curious now. A former Holy Knight rumored to be connected to them? A tattoo of death? Or maybe it was a tattoo of something else—like an animal.

"The Seven Deadly Sins?" Meliodas spoke up getting the men's attention.

"You mean, you've never heard of them, my young tavern owner?" The third patron asked.

"Their wanted posters are hanging everywhere." The second patron added. "Like those over there."

Meliodas looked over at his bulletin board where the wanted posters of the Seven Deadly Sins rested. He mostly kept them for show. He doesn't really get them updated or anything.

"When was it?" The third patron asked. "About ten years ago? Dozens of Holy Knights from across the land were butchered so fast that they didn't even have time to defend themselves. The Seven Deadly Sins were the ones responsible for it. From what I've been told the way the Holy Knights' Grand Master was murdered was too gruesome for anybody to even look at."

As they continued to speak, Meliodas returned to take care of his other customers. Though he made sure to listen in on the conversation.

"It's said their captain Meliodas was the scariest one of them all." The second patron said. "They say he's even brought down entire countries before. None of them have been caught yet, have they?"

"Nope, not a single one." The third patron said. "And now there's this new issue with the Rogue Holy Knight. Her wanted poster is starting to be put in circulation, and what everyone says stands out most is the tattoo on her neck. The one that looks like a crow's foot facing downwards—the runic symbol for death. And people say that wherever she goes death follows. She had fled the capital some time ago and killed many in her wake."

Just then the door to the bar was roughly slammed open. Everyone turned seeing a cloaked figure. While their head was obscured, those in the tavern could see a sword at their side.

"I heard someone speaking about me." A feminine voice came from underneath the hood. "I believe someone said something about death following wherever I go."

Her words had people stiffening while growing pale. Some even felt a chill wash over them as their hearts stopped. The newcomer chuckled.

"I wonder if that's true," She said while moving her hood back just enough to show her neck to the patrons. "For your sakes, you better hope not."

The men gasped with their eyes widening when they saw the death tattoo on the woman's neck.

"She's here!" They all shouted before running out of there as fast as possible.

They rushed right passed the woman who didn't even try to stop them. Once they were all gone, the woman chuckled once more.

"I shouldn't have done that, but I needed to empty out the place." She said turning towards Meliodas who narrowed his eyes. "I apologize for running away your customers."

Meliodas jumped over the bar while placing his hands on his waist not seeming frightened like those men had been.

"Who are you?" He questioned sounding a bit threatening.

"Now, now, Melly, there's no reason to sound so cold." The woman chided. "After all, I thought we were friends."

Meliodas's eyes widened at the old nickname. There was only one person alive who ever called him that. The woman reached up removing her hood, which allowed her blue orbs to meet his green ones. The woman smiled at him.

"It's so good to see you, Meliodas." The woman said.

"Monroe!" Meliodas exclaimed in shock.

Hawk looked on in confusion as Monroe ran up to Meliodas to envelope him in a big hug. His face was smushed right into her bosom, which bounced at the impact.

"Imt's gmoom tmo smee yom tmo!" Meliodas replied thought his words were muffled.

He pat her on the head when she pulled back to smile down at him ecstatically.

"I've missed you." Monroe said. "I wanted to come and find you earlier, but it's taken time. But before that, I need your help. My friend is very weak. She isn't used to traveling so far."

"Friend?" Meliodas asked.

Monroe nodded then hurried outside. Meliodas followed her while standing out on the porch as Monroe went over to some bushes. She carefully moved a girl from the bushes to pull her up over her shoulders. The blonde girl was unconscious, and Meliodas's eyes widened when seeing the girl's face. Monroe brought her over to the porch.

"Is there anywhere we can put her?" Monroe asked. "She needs to rest."

"Yeah, come on in." Meliodas said. "As if I'd turn away you, Little Roe."

Monroe thanked him while stepping into the tavern. Meliodas glanced around the surrounding area once then stepped in as well while shutting the door closely behind him.

Monroe let out a content sigh as the hot soaked her body. After making sure Elizabeth was alright, Meliodas had drawn her a bath. She hasn't had a proper hot bath in what feels like forever. And she knew Meliodas would take care of Elizabeth—but she hoped he kept his hands to himself. Monroe relaxed farther down into the tub with the water coming up over her mouth with her nose just above the water. She could sit here until the water became ice-cold.

"Hey, Monroe," Meliodas called. "I'm coming in, so you better cover up~"

Monroe frowned wondering why he had to come in here when she was trying to relax. However, she just pulled the curtain around the tub as Meliodas was coming in.

"Do you need something, Melly?" Monroe asked.

"I just thought we could talk while your friend is resting." Meliodas said as he sat down on the counter. "Like, why you fled the kingdom and why you're a wanted criminal."

Monroe sighed though wasn't surprised that Meliodas would be asking her. She just didn't want to talk about it so soon. Couldn't she just be happy with the fact she and Elizabeth already found a Sin.

"I'm sure you know, but the kingdom has become rather corrupt." Monroe said. "And it all started ten years ago after my uncle Zaratras was murdered. Though it was probably before that, but that had been the turning point for the kingdom. Two years exactly after that my father Asthore and my younger brother Feoras followed uncle Zaratras and my mother into the afterlife."

Meliodas's eyes widened. He had no idea that Asthore and Feoras were gone as well.

"When uncle Zaratras was killed, they blamed you and the rest of the Sins." Monroe said. "When my father and brother were killed, they blamed rogue Holy Knights who were supposedly supporters of yours. I was meant to be part of the casualties, but I lived."

Of course, Monroe was lying. She hadn't really lived, but as far as the rest of the country was concerned, she had been one lucky kid who survived something impossible.

"I knew better." Monroe said. "I knew all too well the seven of you weren't to blame. But I swore to find out who was, so I started my formal training to become a Holy Knight while trying to keep as many tabs as possible on these Holy Knights who were joining what has become known as the New Generation. I feigned ignorance to what was going on around me, and focused on my training, but not only that. I worked on trying to keep tabs on all of you as well. I figured if anyone could save the kingdom it'd be you—the Seven Deadly Sins."

Monroe once again bent the truth. But she figured what Meliodas didn't know—wouldn't hurt him. At least not yet. Monroe then sighed as she sat up straighter in the tub, so the water just reached her chest now.

"That's the overview of it all anyway." She said. "As for why the princess is traveling with me, King Bartra asked me to take her with me after the Holy Knights started to round up the royal family to place them under arrest. Besides, she's rather determined to find you all as well."

After the words left her mouth, Hawk called from the other room saying Elizabeth was waking up.

"Can you check on her?" Monroe asked. "I'll be right out."

"Yeah," Meliodas said as he hopped down to the floor.

After he left the room, Monroe stood up from the tub. She stepped out onto the floor while moving in front of the mirror. She stared into the mirror while looking at the scar in the middle of her chest. It wasn't very large, but it had brother on her back caused by the same weapon. She reached up to trace it with an unreadable expression on her face.

"Not much longer now." She said to herself.