Elizabeth's head was spinning as the two showed her around. Food spots, places to sleep, shops, there were places everywhere as if this was a village back on the human realm! It was honestly quite shocking to see of such a quaint little community of "rebels". All of which were incredibly kind to her. It was a little unnerving seeing so many demon marks, but with how welcoming they were she wasn't too on guard. Especially with how well Ban and Elaine fit in!
It did her heart plenty of good seeing the fairy so happy and at home. She had matured a lot since the two had last seen one another. Although it also made her heart pound angrily at knowing King could be seeing all of this too if it weren't for her own foolishness.
"Come again any time dearie!"
She said thank you to the older woman running the jewelry shop as she put on the single crystal blue earring. It looked so beautiful that she couldn't resist. Besides, if she couldn't come back here she'd want a way to remember all of these people.
"Are you ready Ellie?"
Elaine put her hand on the goddess's shoulder as the girl's happy mood soon vanished much faster than it had taken for it to come.
"Y-Yes... I suppose I have to be.."
Elaine gave her a sad but understanding look as the two left to go to where Ban was already waiting. Right next to the waterfall this place was named after. Where behind it, Gowther supposedly lived.
"This place is so beautiful to be associated with such dark creatures. Ah! S-Sorry! I didn't mean you all, just-"
"Yeah we totally don't understand at all, Elizabeth."
She smiled sheepishly at Ban's sarcastic seeming reply.
"Alright, so how to we get behind the falls?"
"We don't. Gowther let's us in."
"H-Huh? But how-"
Just as she spoke magic energy could be felt as the ground shook with its power before a pink outline created an arch over the falls that directed the water to the sides of it rather than gushing down the middle.
"Wow..."
"Yes, he's quite powerful. He's actually a creation of Merlin."
"Merlin!? Really!? I've only heard stories about her!"
Elizabeth's eyes lit up at hearing that as some of her nerves were temporarily eased by her excitement.
"Hehe... nope! He's really not all that great."
Ban said, chuckling slightly at her enthusiasm. It was... actually quite nice to hear again. Ban and her had always been friends, even if it was mainly through his friendship with Meliodas.
Once again her mood dimmed at just the thought of the blond, however she forced it down before it spiraled into thoughts as she was ushered to the falls. Which revealed a homey little cave behind it filled wall to wall with stacked books, potions, and scrolls. She wasn't sure how Sir Gowther even lived here in such a mess. Although if he was a creation, he might not have normal needs.
Taking from her observations as she took in the sight of the being himself, he had bright pink hair and an almost feminine body to him with golden eyes as stunning as Elaine's to match. Although, they lacked something that the fairy had. They looked almost... blank.
"Welcome. That is a common greeting for guests, correct?"
That was it. Elizabeth could tell with her core of compassion alone. Gowther had no emotuons! It made sense, Merlin may have been legendary but she was still limited.
"Yes Gowther, you did well. We actually have brought Elizabeth with us this time. Do you think you can do the spell now?"
"Yes, I can. However it will start early on."
"What do you mean?"
"Memories taken in this form have to cover a broad spectrum. Which means that we are going back into moments of Meliodas's childhood as well. When he met all of you."
"W-What? But you told me it was a quick spell Gowther!"
"Yes, no time will pass in the real world. So technically it is very fast."
"But..."
Elaine trailed off before looking at Elizabeth who's own stomach was in terrible knots.
"It's... alright. I can handle it."
"Are you sure?"
"Yes, yes I am."
"Very well. The memories will jump around as I search for the correct ones you are looking for. However it will start at the point he met the first of you three? Who has known him the longest?"
"Me..."
Elizabeth whispered, a sad look on her face.
The two had known each other for a very long time. After all, once he pulled out the sword of light at the young age of seven.... well, he was assigned to be her protector.
"I see. Then we shall start there. I need a piece of DNA from all of you to create this potion."
Telling and not asking, he walked swiftly and plucked a hair from them each as they exclaimed their protest.
"Don't ask next time!"
"Very well. I won't."
"That's not what I meant- ow!"
Ban winced as he got irritated and slipped up, causing three bold lines on his hand.
"How long until those heal for you?"
"Same with goddesses from what I've seen of Ban. About three weeks."
Elizabeth nodded, feeling a bit bad that two of those lines were because of herself.
"Alright. I have collected necessary data for my research. It will take two point five hours for this to be created. I shall summon you all back when it is done."
Elaine and Ban groaned in protest at the time phrame, but Elizabeth was happy to have a little longer to process. After all.... she was about to see for herself the boy her best friend was before, and the moment he changed into what they all were battling now.
Please comment theories and how you think it's going so far! (3
