(A/N): I am so so so sorry everyone for the extremely long wait.

I couldn't concentrate on anything, as my eyes were glued to Meliodas' stained shirt and the wondrous smell coming from it. I can't even imagine the look I had on my face, but I know that when I looked at Gil, my face didn't look human enough. I didn't trust myself to speak, thinking that if I opened my mouth I'd bite down on someone hard. So I only stared at Gil furiously, one hand on my mouth and another on my chest, trying not to claw at my throat.

Gil's eyes flashed towards me, sensing the dark power emanating from me and his blue eyes widened a fraction. I saw myself reflected in them; a girl on her knees, ravenous eyes glowing red and face contorted in fury. His expression remained impassive, as he looked away and turned the Captain's body over with his foot.

"Dragon of Wrath and the Captain of the Seven Deadly Sins, what are your final words?" Gil said, standing over Meliodas' body.

Captain! No no, he's fine, he's fine. I'm sure. The wound is too big though. I closed my eyes tightly, a part of me wishing I could hold Diane's hand as reassurance, but she was too tall. My heart was beating too fast and my stomach was driving me crazy with all the growling. The sight of blood had shortened the term of my starvation; meaning I would have to hunt soon, very soon. It had been too long and my body would certainly fall ill if I didn't feed it, I couldn't postpone it for much longer. The flaring pain in my throat had just started and it wouldn't take long for me to look a source to sooth it.

"I-I only have one request. I'd like to know what happened to the other Sins, knight." Meliodas' shook as he spoke, emerald green eyes dulling.

Gil seemed to think for a second and sheathed his sword. "Very well. Out of the five remaining Sins, three haven't been found, but we've already captured two. The Fox of Greed is imprisoned in Baste Prison and the Grizzly Sin of Sloth has been slain and is buried in the Necropolis."

WHAT?! My glowing eyes widened and my jaw dropped. There was just no way King was dead, in any universe! Ban still owes me money! How dare he think that by being imprisoned he will make me forget that?! My eyebrows twitched and I was temporarily distracted from my hunger, even though I kept my jaw clenched close, in an attempt to make my fangs shrink. I listened closely to Gil's heartbeat and frowned. He's lying about King. Why? There's no way he got himself killed. He might be a crybaby and a total weakling at hand to hand combat, but he's strong. I glanced up at Diane wearily, whose lips had fallen open slightly and eyes turned fearful. I had always been aware that there was something between the two of them, but Diane never quite seemed to catch on. She momentarily seemed affected, but brushed it away.
I glanced back at Meliodas, who kept his act, lying on the ground defenseless and closing his eyes. I know I'm not exactly in my right mind right now, but he's dramatic. Besides, something's wrong here, with Gil. And that weird crow has been watching us for too long....

"But you need not worry, I'll make certain they all join you shortly." Gil declared, blue eyes coldly looking down at Meliodas.

Meliodas sighed, closing his eyes. "Thank you..."

I kept my teeth clenched and my eyes glaring daggers at Gil. Manipulation or not, he still hurt Meliodas.

Meliodas' eyes snapped open and he flipped back up, grinning widely. "Awesome! Thanks Gil!" He exclaimed happily, grinning.

I freaking knew it! My eyebrows twitched but I sighed in relief, even through the pain. I kept a hand on my chest, as if it would help me stop it, keeping all my concentration on their conversation.

"So, Baste and the Necropolis huh? I'll go visit both!"

"I see. You took advantage of the situation to gain information. Clever." Gil said, eyes icy. Hands

Meliodas smirked at the pinkette. "Let's finish this another time."

Gil's hand flew to his sword before I could snarl at him and he slashed at Meliodas' chest, blade followed by sparks of lightning. "No."

Meliodas merely flashed away in the blink of an eye, appearing behind him. Gil gritted his teeth and repeated the action, until they were right in front of us and his sword was to the side of Meliodas' head, as if he would slash at him. I narrowed my red tinged eyes at him and looked at Diane, tapping her leg and pointing at Gil. She understood in a second and nodded.

"This ends here."
"See ya, later." Meliodas replied slightly smug, as Diane's hand reached down and grasped Gil in her hands.

Gil gasped and struggled, glaring at us.

"You heard Captain." Diane said, annoyed at the small fry.
"Let me go!" Gil exclaimed, furious. Lightning sparked and crackled, seeking to burn Diane. But she only furrowed her brows even more, raising her arm back.
"There's one thing that's clear: girls hate those who hurt us!" She yelled, as she threw Gil with force into the air, his figure flying away, still crackling with blue lightning.

I sighed, trying to control myself and at least make my eyes stop glowing. I was sure Meliodas had already caught sight of me, but if he really saw me, forget hunting. He'd force me to feed, probably from himself. I'd rather not die of embarrassment, thank you. Instincts, it'd be great if you could just calm down.

"Thanks Diane, great throw. Oh, your brace is completely ruined." Meliodas thanked the giant, pointing at her brace with a slight frown.
Diane hummed and looked at her blue brace, which had been blown up in her throw and torn apart completely. She whined, pouting. "Aw, I really liked this pair."

As they were distracted for some moments, with great effort I stood and straightened myself, hands flying to my pockets to resist the urge to scratch my throat and the red of my eyes faded back to just a ring around my iris. My fangs still refused to shrink to the usual size so I kept my lips closed, even though it kind of looked weird, with the fangs bulging under them.

Just in that moment Hawk and Elizabeth returned, hooves clacking on the ground.
"Hey! You gotta a lot of guts kicking me around like I'm some little pink bouncing ball! It'll be my turn next time!" Hawk fumed, stomping.

Elizabeth frowned at us, gaze immediately falling to me. "Are all you alright? He didn't hurt you, did he? Lady (Y/N), you look pale. Are you alright?"

Oh crap.

Both Meliodas' and Diane's faces flew to me. Meliodas took one long look, gazing up and down and furrowed his brows, while Diane glanced at me, concerned.
"We're good."
"She's right (Y/N), you look pale." Diane agreed, worriedly. She crouched, her knees facing me as she put her had down. "Do you want me to carry you?"

I stuttered, failing miserably my attempt to look inconspicuous. "W-whaat are you talking about?" I laughed, sneaking a glance at Meliodas, who pointed at me, emerald eyes narrowed. That was clearly the 'you're-not-running-away-from-this-talk' look.
"You know what, on second thought, I don't mind riding with you Diane. We haven't chatted in a long time."

I hurriedly climbed on her hand and she put me on her shoulder, where I sat comfortably and played with her hair.

"Where did that swine go, anyway?" Hawk fumed still, looking around. His skin was red, scorched where Gil had hit him with his lightning.
"Wait, aren't you a swine?" Meliodas asked, raising his brow.
Diane sniffed, bringing a hand to her mouth with a dreamy sigh. "Smells delicious!"
I snorted. "Don't scare him Diane."

Elizabeth finally took notice of the blood on Meliodas' clothes, gasping and running to him. "Sir Meliodas! You were hurt." She fretted, soft hands grabbing him to inspect him.

I took special note of the faint tint on Meliodas' cheeks and growled lowly, grumbling into Diane's hair.

"Oh this? It's no big deal."
"What? Look at all this blood!"

Diane pouted, furrowing her brows. "Hey! Would you quit it getting all touchy-feely with the Captain already?" She snapped, bending down slightly, without making me fall. "He's already got himself a right-hand girl, and that job belongs to (Y/N). I am his guard and if he's hurt, we hsould take care of him!" She ranted, pointing at us.

I raised an eyebrow at her, giggling. "Since when are you the guard?"
Diane shushed me quickly, purple eyes glaring at me. However, unlike with Elizabeth she held no hostility in them.

"Hey! Aren't you guys forgetting something here? I just got my butt kicked!" Hawk whined.
Meliodas walked to him and started rubbing him gently. "Over here?"
"No, those are my spare ribs."
"Over here?"
"No, that's my pork shoulder. Quit fooling around!"

I snorted into the tiny braid I was making, fangs peeking out as I did. "We really do have to eat together soon, right Diane? We'll have a barbecue at the tavern!" I said with a smile.
Diane glanced at me and grinned happily, violet eyes lighting up with mirth. "Of course (Y/N)! Oh how I've missed you! Those little sneakers were no fun to chat with!"
I laughed again, mind effectively distracted from the hunger as my fingers treaded quickly through her hair.

"There there, I'll put a cold compress on it later." Elizabeth cooed at him, trying to appease Hawk. Hawk, of course, ran to her for a hug squeaking.
"Oh, you're the only who ever worries about me!"

I rolled my eyes at him. "Hey! I treat you right, don't I?"

"That's just because I help keep the floor clean and take off work from your lazy butt!"

~~~~~~><><><~~~~~~

Determined to avoid the Captain but tied to my duties as right-hand, I kept riding on Diane's shoulder even as Meliodas sat beside me, albeit stiffly. He held up two posters, one of King, and another of Ban, showing them to us.

"So apparently Ban the Sin of Greed is trapped behind bars and King the Sin of Sloth is already dead and buried by now. Think that's true?"

Diane hummed, looking at her own poster as she walked. "Well, I'm not really sure. After all, I'm not interested in any man but you. Still, the important thing is look at what a sexy babe I am. A lot can happen in ten years, can't it?"

I chuckled as she winked at Meliodas, showing her poster. Certainly, the drawing of her was beautiful and so was she, but that was hardly the point. "Sure Diane."
"But that's just a drawing, it's made up." Meliodas said, unfazed by her flirting. "What about you (Y/N)?"

As his eyes fell on me I shivered at the sinister smile. His whole stiff being screamed 'you're in trouble' even as he grinned at me.
I gulped, clearing my throat.  "Well, I don't think King is truly dead. It seemed to me he was lying for some reason, something off with his heartbeat. I don't think he lied about being able to find him in the Necropolis though."

Meliodas hummed in thought and jumped down, landing on Hawk's back, just as Elizabeth and Hawk walked out from the tavern. "Alright, I've decided."
"Aw, you could've kept riding." Diane whined. I snorted at her, shaking my head. Oh Diane. You do not know the art of mental complaining.

"First up, we should go to Baste Prison and grab Ban." Meliodas announced. He still kept his green eyes on me, gaze firm. Oh, it may have seemed like he forgot about it, but no. That look was totally yelling out that no, we were totally going to have a talk as soon as he got the chance to. Diane knew of course, to some extent. Just not how serious I could make my starvation. Not to mention, I was barely managing to keep my head on straight. Sure, he was acting okay, but his wound had definitely not closed.
I gulped, laughing nervously as Diane and I whooped. "Alright! Sounds good to me Captain!"
"Agreed! He totally owns me a shit ton of money!"

"What made you want to pick that place first?" Hawk asked.
"It's closer." Meliodas said, as if it was obvious.
"You're such a joke." Hawk sighed in exasperation.

Elizabeth pursed her lips, frowning. "I-I don't think you should do this!"

I raised an eyebrow at the princess, as she continued. Well, she's not wrong.

"For now, I think tending to your injuries should be our top priority. In your condition, facing off with another Holy Knight could mean..." Elizabeth exclaimed, trailing off. She was clearly worried for the Captain, and I couldn't blame her. Sure, I was hungry and not exactly in my best shape, not to mention I still didn't completely like her, but I knew she was right to some extent. Meliodas was strong in battle, but healing was another subject altogether. And the wound was big and open still, if untreated it could go badly. Should I say something? Agree?
"Um, no offense Captain, but I think she's right." I voiced hesitantly.

Meliodas suddenly was crouched, head under her skirt. "This will make me better." He mumbled, muffled by her legs and panties.

My eyebrows twitched and I growled. Nevermind, he can go die. It was Liz all over again, and with a very similar girl to top it all off. Was I doomed to rejection just because I wasn't her?

"Could it really?" Elizabeth mused.
"Of course it can't!" Hawk exclaimed.

I facepalmed, dragging my hand down my face. Seriously, what is wrong with her?! It's not normal or okay for any guy to just do that! Agh!
Diane grumbled in her throat, scoffing, and I couldn't help but pat her cheek. What are we, rejection buddies?!

Meliodas' hand reached up to pat Elizabeth's head. "Come on Elizabeth, (Y/N), don't worry about me. This is no big deal! A little sleep and I'm good to go." He said, smiling softly. He turned around pointedly without looking at Diane or me, and walked back inside. "Good night!"

I narrowed my eyes at him. His gait seemed normal, but to my eyes he was suspiciously walking just a smidge slower. No, not slower, more like his steps were heavier and more thought through. Like he was hiding something. I sighed. He's totally not okay, is he? And I'm barely holding on as it is. My stomach growled again, emphasizing my thought. But... my pain is less important than his wellbeing.

I jumped down from Diane's shoulder, ignoring her protest. Elizabeth was staring worriedly at the door the Captain had gone through, and she looked back at me when I jumped. I patted her shoulder in reassurance. "I'll go check on him, don't worry."

I walked inside the tavern and went into the back room, grabbing some bandages from a box. Surely, they'd be needed. I climbed the stairs, my boots clacking on the wood as I stepped on the creaky steps. I arrived at his green door and hesitated, unsure if I should knock or  just barge in and pin him down. Maybe that way he'd admit he's hurt and let me bandage him.
I'll try it once, then I'm breaking in.

"Captain?" I called. I waited for a moment, but there was pure silence. I put my ear to the door and certainly, I heard nothing but his heartbeat and breathing. Which were both... Dang! Too slow!

I immediately opened the door, glad to find it unlocked and found him on the floor, face down. A pool of blood was staining the wood, as the wound on his shoulder seeped the crimson liquid. I immediately covered my nose and mouth with my tie, wrapping it around my head with great speed, before the smell could affect me too much.

I dropped down to my knees and inspected the wound, careful not to touch it too much. It was large gash, deep, enough to hurt his muscle but not touch his bones. Gil had done a clean cut, that covered his shoulder and middle back. It was bleeding too much.
I hastily turned his body, my hands quickly becoming sticky with his sweet blood. I frowned at this, keeping my mouth shut and holding my breath. He didn't move as I turned him, other than to nuzzle into my arms and mumble, more blood seeping out.
If this was any other situation I would have blushed madly, but my Captain and savior was bleeding out in my arms.

Shit. This is not good.

"Elizabeth! I need your help! Come up here now!"

~~~~~~><>Dalmally Town<><~~~~~~

"Hey! Is there a-?"

Diane didn't get to finish her question as the townspeople erupted into panic, screaming and grabbing the children before running.

"No wait a minute! I just wanted to find out if you had a doctor somewhere in this town!" Diane called out to them, but no one was left in the street. She frowned deeply, eyes drooping and glassy as she looked down at Meliodas' unconscious body in her hands. "Captain..."

Just as she did this, Elizabeth, Hawk, and I reached her, the first two panting.

"See! What did I tell you?" Hawk exclaimed, huffing.
I sighed, not winded at all. Dragging my palm over her face, I look sternly at Diane. "Diane, please. I told you not to grab him and run! He could have fallen or something!"
I had grabbed a random piece of cloth I found laying around and tied it around my nose and mouth, to try to avoid smelling Meliodas' heart as much as I could, hands kept busy with scratching my arms instead of my burning throat.
"He didn't!"
"Please, Hawk and I are more than capable of finding a doctor!" Elizabeth pleaded, slightly bended down as she panted. "Why don't you just-?"

Diane snapped towards her, glaring. "Look, I'm gonna be the to help the Captain! (Y/N) I tolerate, but you two stay out of it!"

Elizabeth stammered, trying to come up with a retort. To her luck, Hawk replied for her.
"How can you help when they all run for the hills the second they see ya!"

Diane gasped and mumbled, lips pursed. I sighed, patting her leg. "Come on Diane, don't be unreasonable. It doesn't really matter who gets the doctor, he just needs help. We managed to sort of bandage him, but it's not enough. Please." I begged her, looking up at her.

Diane looked down at me, frowning. "Okay, fine. Then you three go look for a doctor."

I sighed in relief. Finally. She's been running around for a while. Cap'n is still bleeding. I nodded to Elizabeth and pointed behind me.
"I'll go this way, you two go that way! I'm sure there's a doctor here!"

Elizabeth and Hawk quickly straightened, turning back. "Okay!"
"Stay put, got it!" Hawke ordered Diane, who sank to her knees, holding Meliodas carefully.

I frowned, as I ran the other way, boots clacking quickly on the stone. My fangs were still out and about, and the pain in my throat wasn't getting any better. It wasn't in its worst point yet, but it would be soon. We need to find that doctor and fast. If I was properly fed I could have stitched him myself, but... I don't have enough self control right now for that.

~~~~~~><><><~~~~~~

"Captain..." I mumbled, as I stood outside the room, staring inside.

We had managed to find a doctor that could bring his fever down and stitch him close. I had carried Meliodas to the bed and laid him down, inspecting the doctor and his utensils.  I wanted to be by his side but the smell was too strong. I had to stand back or who knows if I would be able to keep my control. Diane had to stay outside of course, doomed to the distance because of her size.

"This medicinal blend is my own special concoction. I guarantee it'll ease his suffering." Doctor Dana said, as he poured in Meliodas' mouth a clear liquid.

"Thank you for seeing him, Doctor Dana." Elizabeth thanked him, smiling in relief.

"Based on his injuries, it's a miracle he's still alive. In addition to the rather deep sword wound, he has burn wounds as if he were struck by lightning. How did a child get these?" The doctor asked, seemingly to himself.

Elizabeth didn't answer, looking at her hands.

I sighed, sitting down on the floor outside the door. I can hear his heart from here. It's still slow, but he's fine. I doubt he would have died either way. The Meliodas I know is just too strong for that.
Even so, I perhaps shouldn't have let it happen, regardless of orders.

~~~~~~><><><~~~~~~

Unable to stay close for too long, I had opted for going outside with Diane, comforting her as I could with cheek pats, as head pats were sort of impossible. I laid on her shoulder, braiding her hair.

"It's because of me. That's what led him to look for the Eight Deadly Sins and caused this.." Elizabeth suddenly whispered, as she wet the towel and put it on the Captain's forehead.

I raised my eyebrows at that. Well that's one self-deprecating way of looking at it. Aaand she's crying again. I sighed. Elizabeth was the epitome of confusion for me; she looked like Liz, was brave and loyal, but knew nothing about fighting or magic, and cried at every chance she got. Liz had been strong, stronger than anyone I'd say, in a way. And even though I would never completely accept her because of the resentment and jealously I felt, I could confidently say that I didn't hate her, ever. She was like a sister to me, in a way. A sister with whom I had a big rivalry.

"Easy there Elizabeth." Hawk spoke, concerned and with a small frown.
"I'm sorry." She wiped her tears away, squeezing out the extra water from the towel. "Sir Meliodas, I hope you feel better soon." She said, as she softly put the wet towel on his forehead.

"What are we supposed to do now?" Hawk squeaked.

Well, I think as second in command I can say what to do, right? I think Diane and I should go to Baste Prison by ourselves. But I don't want to leave the Captain... then again we're fast. We'd be back in a few hours at the most, and he might be glad that we did it. Maybe even impressed? When he wakes up, I'm sure he'll head there immediately, regardless of his injuries. Besides, I want to avoid him for a bit longer.

"Maybe we should just stay here until he wakes up. We'll go to Baste Prison, later." Elizabeth reflected.

I shook my head, some (H/C) strands falling from my ponytail. "No. We'll go, right Diane? I'm sure you agree with me." I said, looking expectantly at the brunette.
Diane nodded at me, raising her head from her chin. "Yes I do, I was going to head there anyways. Once the Captain wakes up, I'm pretty sure he'll want to go there right away and not waste any more time. But I can't let him do that until I know all his wounds are healed." Diane concurred, standing up slowly. I stumbled, but held on to her collar, smiling at the confused Elizabeth.

"We'll be back soon, I promise."

Elizabeth frowned, she and Hawk making their way out to chase us. "Wait, I'll go with you!"

I almost snorted, but politely stopped myself. Diane, on the other hand, wasn't as gentle. "I don't want you getting in my way. Just look at that tiny body and skinny arms. What could you possibly do to help me? The only things you're good for princess is changing the wash cloth and being his little nursemaid."

I whistled lowly. Damn Diane. I mean, I know she acted like this with me too at the start but oof. That was a little bit too much. I sent a scolding look towards Diane, who only scoffed and looked away. Well that's immature.

"Is that any way to talk to her?! Just because she can't fight people and shake the ground as she walks doesn't mean she's no good!" Hawk exclaimed furiously, huffing.

Oh that was not a good idea.

Diane snapped towards the piggy with a murderous, angry glare. She really didn't like it when people brought up her height and strength, it made her too conscious of how different she was from the Captain and everyone else.
Hawk trembled under her glare, jumping back with a squeak.

I sighed, patting her cheek and jumping down her shoulder. "Okay, that's enough everyone. Diane, be nice." I scolded, sending a reprimanding look to Diane who gaped and opened her mouth to protest. I stopped her, raising my hand and turning to Elizabeth and angry Hawk. "What Diane means is that you could get hurt Elizabeth; you cannot fight or run. We wouldn't be able to protect you, and regretfully, you would be in our way. Besides, we can't leave the Captain alone. He needs someone to stay with him."

Elizabeth frowned, lips trembling. "But this is all my fault, I just want to help him somehow. He's got hurt because of me; I just cause him trouble, but for my sake-"

Diane stomped towards us and I grimaced. "Don't kid yourself! It's not like the captain risked everything for you! He's always been like that! Trust me, I should know."

Oh great. She pressed her ranting button. "Diane.." I started in warning.

"W-what do you mean?" Elizabeth managed to stutter out.

I sighed, interrupting Diane, before she could tell her story. I knew what she was going to say, all about how she met Meliodas. But we didn't exactly have time for that, so I decided to cut it short. "She means that we were both saved by Meliodas a long time ago, when we met him, separately of course. Young Diane was being harassed for being a giant and he kicked the dudes' butts, treated her kindly even when she was bigger than him. As for me... well, let's just say he saved me from an eternity of torture and execution."

Elizabeth gaped, lips parted in shock and confusion. "W-what?"
Hawk squeaked out a what in unison, hiding behind Elizabeth. "E-execution?"

I smirked at her, patting her shoulder. "A story for another time. For now, we have to go."

I patted Diane's leg as she pouted slightly, frowning. "Sorry to interrupt you."

Diane sighed in resignation, turning around and taking a small quick glance at Elizabeth. "I'll never be as small and dainty as you, Princess. I can't fit into that building so I can't even tend to the Captain's injuries. But there's one thing I can do for him; fight with everything I have. That's all." She admitted, pain reflecting in her purple orbs.

Elizabeth frowned, looking down at the cobblestone street. "As for me, I wish that I had the power to fight the Holy Knights, a power to call my own. So I can save my loved ones." She said, voice soft. She seemed to really long for strength and I momentarily stopped pitying her. Because what she lacked in physical strength, she had in her heart.
I smiled slightly, as another thump of pain hit my chest. Truly, a lot like Liz.

Diane's lips quivered and she twirled a strand of her hair as she did when embarrassed. "I wish I could be small like you."

Elizabeth's concern turned to her and she frowned. "Lady Diane.."

I smiled at them, glancing between the huge form of my friend and the princess I was not so sure of. At least they weren't at each other's throats anymore. Perhaps, there would come a time when they were close friends too. Before I could hurry us away and stop the awkward silence I sensed a great quantity of magical power in front of us, in the direction of Baste. There was a large cloud moving towards us and I didn't like it at all. My ears were picking up a disgusting fluttering sound that made me shudder. Let it not be flying cockroaches please. Even I can't handle that.
"Um.. guys.."

Diane's head snapped up and towards it too, as she sensed it. "It's coming from Baste Prison."

"You think maybe a storm is coming?" Elizabeth asked hesitantly, hands clenched in worry.
"Don't tell me it's that guy again!" Hawk groaned.

I gulped, as the 'cloud' got closer, the sound I heard got louder. It wasn't fluttering, it was buzzing. I flinched back, clashing Diane's leg.
Diane shook her head. "No, it sounds different." She mused, narrowing her eyes at the cloud.
I gulped again and instinctively reached out to Diane, tugging on her boot. "Guys. That is no cloud." I yelped.

"It can't be.. insects!" Elizabeth exclaimed, apprehensive.
"Even worse! It's a huge swarm of poisonous insects!" Hawk exclaimed.

The colorful insects were upon us and started shooting poison at the buildings, which started melting. I have never liked insects, specially flying ones. This was my worst encounter yet.

I yelped, hiding under Diane. "That is not poison! It is freaking acid!"

Elizabeth and Hawk started running in the opposite direction from the oncoming swarm.

"Is this attack from Baste Prison?' Elizabeth exclaimed as they ran, breathless.
"That means a Holy Knight is behind this!" Hawk concluded, looking back at Diane and I. "We're leaving this guys to you!"

Diane, who was frozen, started trembling and then her back hunched and she screamed. "AaAaaaaaaAaAh! Bugs are the one thing I can't stand! (Y/N)!"

I hid under her legs, in her shadow, eyes clenched close. Even with the cloth on my face I could still smell the putrid smell of that acid. "Don't look at me! Just please tell me they are not cockroaches!"

Elizabeth and Hawk sweat, freezing at our reactions, both surprised and a bit amused.
"What?!"

I yelped as a bug flew close by and sent a wave of heat its way, instantly frying it. "I'm sorry!"

Hawk groaned and urged Elizabeth away, but even as they ran and hid I couldn't help but tremble. Yes, I know I'm a powerful girl with a ridiculous amount of magic power, but I'm scared of bugs! Hybrid or not, there are just some things that are scary no matter what you are.

I gulped, as I stared at the insects, a hand going to rest on Valhalla's pommel. I looked back at the window of Meliodas' room. Oh dang Captain. We can't leave him in there defenseless from the attack!

Just as Elizabeth was running back to us Diane and I seemed to come to a mental agreement. We shakily nodded at each other, and I tapped the path with my boot.
"You know what to do Diane."

Diane nodded and raised her head, shakily. "I might hate bugs, but if it means helping the Captain, I won't let anything get in my way!" She yelled with determination, pushing away her disgust and raising her hand. The earth answered to her and pillars of earth and stone rose simultaneously all over the town, smashing the insects.

I smirked, finally letting out a breath. "Nice work Diane."

She smiled, then putting on an angry face for the enemy. "Bring it on! We'll squash every last one of those things!" She exclaimed, pounding her fists.
"Hey! Teach me how do that trick of yours!" Hawk exclaimed excitedly, hopping over to us.

Diane, crouched down and jumped, legs shaking the ground as they propelled her high and to the other side of the town, closer to Baste Prison.  "Now look after the Captain, got it Princess!"

Elizabeth covered her face from the cloud of smoke Diane brought up, but yelled in reply, "A-alright!"

I sighed, as I stared at Diane in the distance. Couldn't she have waited for me to climb on? "Welp, I'm going after her. Take care, be on your guard, okay?"

Elizabeth and Hawk straightened up. "Yes Lady (Y/N)!"

In the blink of an eye I sped away, a trail of smoke trailing my steps as the ground burned beneath the quick friction of my steps. In a minute I  caught up with Diane, and ran beside her at a less intense speed, keeping up with her. "Couldn't you have waited for a second?"

Diane laughed nervously. "Sorry (Y/N)."

I rolled my eyes fondly. "Fine. Let's just get rid of that bug person please. And rescue Ban of course, I'm still mad about the money he owes me. I'm so going to beat his butt."