Chapter 24: The Island of Lily Flower

Chapter 24: The Island of Lily Flower

The vast ocean glimmered under the golden rays of the midday sun. For two months, the seas buzzed with rumors of the Celestial Dragon's assassination—a groundbreaking event that sent shockwaves through Mariejois, shaking the very foundation of the World Government. Amidst the chaos, the name "Dragon's Sin, Meliodas" became a symbol of defiance, a ghost haunting the dreams of Celestial Dragons and a target for relentless marine pursuit.

But on this day, far from the turmoil of the wider world, the air carried a sense of relief and calm. A modest ship anchored by the shores of Lily Flower Island, its passengers disembarking down a simple wooden plank. Their laughter rang out in unison, a melody of joy and relief at the sight of land after endless weeks of the sea's harsh embrace.

Meliodas stood on the island's sandy shore, his golden hair shimmering in the sunlight and his emerald eyes scanning the ship. Beside him stood Elizabeth, her silver hair flowing gently in the sea breeze, her serene expression contrasting with the liveliness of the settlers around them.

As the last of the settlers stepped onto the beach, Meliodas tilted his head upward, his gaze locking onto a figure standing on the ship's edge. Narges, the former leader of Cipher Pol Six, leaned against the railing. Her jet-black hair danced with the wind, her pale skin seemingly untouched by the hardships she'd endured. Clad in a simple white shirt, she appeared much healthier than when she'd first joined their journey.

"Narges," Meliodas called out, his voice calm but firm. "You don't have anywhere else to go. Why not rest here for a while?"

Narges chuckled softly, her voice tinged with a bittersweet tone. "Rest?" she repeated, her eyes distant. "Meliodas, every member of my team has been executed. My fate, should the World Government get their hands on me, is sealed. I'm nothing but bad luck—a curse that will bring misery to these people."

She paused, her dark eyes meeting his. "You, too, are a storm to them, Meliodas. A wanted man with a bounty that will draw countless hunters. My advice? Don't linger here. If these people value peace, they'll send you away."

Elizabeth turned to Meliodas, her soft blue dress fluttering in the breeze. "I couldn't send him away even if I tried," she said, her voice firm but warm.

Narges shifted her gaze to Elizabeth, her expression solemn. "Princess Elizabeth, no apology I offer can undo what I've done. If my mission had succeeded, you'd all be enslaved by the Celestial Dragons." She hesitated, her voice breaking slightly. "If you truly want peace, you should consider letting him go. This is my final warning. We won't meet again."

Without waiting for a reply, Narges began to hoist the ship's anchor. "I don't care if I'm labeled a traitor to my fallen comrades," she muttered. "I'll do whatever it takes to survive, even if it means running."

Meliodas watched as the ship drifted away from the shore. He called out, his smile unyielding. "You're no traitor, Narges. Just live a good life from now on. As long as you hurt no one, that's enough to make you a new person."

Narges turned back, her lips curving into a faint smile. "Thank you, Meliodas," she said softly. "But justice will decide my fate, not you."

As her ship disappeared into the horizon, the settlers gathered around Meliodas. "What now?" one of them asked, breaking the silence.

Meliodas turned his gaze toward the island's lush, mountainous terrain. Towering trees stood like sentinels guarding the land, their canopies alive with the sounds of wildlife. "Building a civilization here won't be impossible," he said thoughtfully. "But it will take time."

Elizabeth chimed in, her voice tinged with concern. "It took Diane only a few weeks to build her underground village, but she had her giant strength. For us, it might take years to construct homes for everyone."

Meliodas sighed, feigning exasperation. "Years? That's a long time. I won't help for free, you know. I'll need something in return."

The settlers exchanged smiles, their spirits undeterred. "Take whatever you want," one of them replied cheerfully.

Meliodas smirked but kept his intentions a mystery. "I'll let you know what I'm taking when the time comes."

Months turned into years. Together, the settlers and Meliodas transformed the island into a thriving miniature city. Houses rose amidst the greenery, markets bustled with trade, and children laughed as they played in the village's gardens. During his downtime, Meliodas entertained the villagers with tales of his past adventures, from his days with Whitebeard to his encounters with the mightiest foes of the Grand Line.

As the world outside moved on, with names like Trafalgar Law and Eustass Kid rising to infamy, and Monkey D. Luffy beginning his legendary journey, Meliodas remained a ghost. His bounty posters gathered dust as he disappeared from the radar, leaving even Whitebeard's crew to wonder if he had perished.

One day, as the sun painted the sky in hues of orange and pink, the villagers gathered at the same shore where Narges had once departed. A modest ship bobbed on the water, its sail bearing a dragon's emblem.

"This is truly a fine farewell gift," Meliodas said, his emerald eyes sparkling with gratitude. "Thank you, everyone."

Children clung to his legs, their tearful pleas echoing. "Don't leave us, Meliodas! Train with us more!"

Meliodas laughed, his grin as mischievous as ever. "Oh, come on, don't cry over me. There's someone else you should miss more."

Confused, the villagers looked around. Elizabeth stepped forward, her light blue dress catching the fading sunlight. "I suppose this is goodbye, Meliodas," she said softly.

He turned to her, his expression softening. "Yeah, Elizabeth. Goodbye."

As the villagers showered him with thanks, Meliodas hoisted Elizabeth onto his shoulder and leapt onto the ship.

"Wait!" the villagers cried. "You can't take her! She's our princess!"

Meliodas grinned, raising the anchor. "If she says I have no right to take her, I'll put her down right here and now."

All eyes turned to Elizabeth, who remained silent. Finally, she spoke, her voice steady but emotional. "I promise I'll visit you all. But for now, please allow me this selfishness. Let me see the world."

Tears flowed freely as the villagers waved them off. "She's grown so much," an elder remarked, his voice filled with pride. "I couldn't be happier."

As the ship sailed into the horizon, Meliodas stood at the helm, Elizabeth by his side. A new chapter had begun, and with Elizabeth as his first crew member, Meliodas set his sights on the unknown, ready to carve his path through the Grand Line once more.

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[ A/N ]

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