The sins had been furious after seeing the tiny Mel get carried away by the very sick bastard who had taken him from them. Even worse, the way he carried the child was... intimate.

Like it meant something, like he was holding him like a personal belonging, like a teddy bear that was precious to him.

It was the last straw for the collective group, and they all lost reason as they demanded- with Ban and Harelquin at the front- for Merlin to use her cloaking spell again to allow them in.

She complied, curious herself as to what was going on since even her own knowledge on the nature of Meliodas and those two was limited. All she knew was their relationship by blood, nothing beyond if that was choice as well or merely just natural bonds.

"I will allow us passage through the castle with this spell, but in order for it to work in an expanded time frame, we'll only be able to shield ourselves from specific people. The commandments, and guards. Which means that we must be diligent to avoid too much commotion. Do you all understand?"

They nodded as one, not feeling a need to say anything to add to it. They were running on determination, adrenaline, and anger at the moment. Which left no room for patience or idle chit chat as they waited for Merlin to enact the spell.

A bright glow overcame each of them one at a time followed by a soft pink light surrounding each of them to prove the spell had worked.

"We can go in through the door Zeldris and our captain went in. However beyond that, I'm unsure of the layout of this castle."

Merlin's voice was low and even, not showing any emotion about the situation that had occurred beyond caution for the situation they were about to create.

"And remember this. I am agreeing to this to gather more information about this Camelot base and potentially the spell used on Meliodas as well. As such, that does not mean this is a rescue mission or an opportunity to try to attack any demon or get the captain out of the ten commandment member's grasp. If any make a motion to do any of these things, I will deactivate the spell and leave you to your fates. Remember what Ban said, this will take time to allow the boy to trust us, we can't compromise that."

"Yeah yeah will you guys just go already? It's cold and I don't want to wait out here for you longer than necessary!"

The high pitch squeal that was Hawke's voice cut Merlin's instructions as she obliged the complaint.

"Very well, the spell should last two hours. Keep at least one other member of the sins with you at all times as the first sign of the spell fading is that pink glow fading. Something you can see on others but not yourselves."

"Got it."

The group all said in unison before creating pairs with the ones closest to them in case of separation from the main group.

Ban and Harlequin.

Elizabeth and Gowther.

Merlin and Diane.

They began movement after that, all eager to get answers about what they had just seen. It was time to get some real information about Meliodas's life here. Rather than the silly questions Ban would ask to keep things light as so to not give Meliodas a feeling of being pressured or manipulated in any way.

The place was huge with a gold color filling the kitchen they were standing in. Although whether by the lighting of the chandelier or from the color that lined the walls, it was unclear which was the source.

Beyond that as Elizabeth and Gowther strayed to stay in that room. Merlin, Diane, Ban, and Harlequin all went down a long hallway that Merlin thought she might have had an idea of what it was.

It would be ideal to have an escort. That way we can get through this much faster and don't have to waste time exploring the area.

"Ban, if you would please. Can you knock on this first door here? They might be useful in our search for the captain."

The man nodded before knocking gently, making sure not to disturb anyone around them.

It took a moment that many were impatient for, but a woman with dark chestnut hair wrapped in a tight bun groggily opened the door, her eyes widening fearfully as she did. Their purple hue did nothing to hide her clear terror as she looked ready to run.

"Heya. Think you can show us around a bit?"

Ban asked with a casual wave, already guessing that was Merlin's reason for wanting to grab the attention from someone.

She didn't answer, her eyes only growing bigger in size as she swiftly used her nails to slit Ban's throat before dashing to the kitchen where she clearly hoped to escape.

Although she never even got passed the large dining room table before Gowther made her freeze using his abilities to give her body the command to stand still.

Ban recovered within seconds and coughed briefly before walking out to where she stood.

"Man, you pack quite the punch for such a tiny thing. Lets start over. Properly this time. I'm Ban, now you are?"

"S-Sarah."

"Okay, well hi Sarah. Now, how about I ask that request again. Mind showing us around the place?"

She looked fearfully at Gowther, and then over at Merlin. Clearly the doll had telepathically frightened her by telling her Merlin's nature.

She let out a shaky nod, terror still in her eyes. A funny thing really since she was clearly a maid for the demon realm. Surely this wasn't the scariest thing she had seen.

"Great! Then let's be on our way. We want to go see Meliodas, you're gonna show us where he is. And on the way, why don't you fill us in on his little life here, will ya?"

She looked alarmed by that, but didn't argue as the group started walking.

"This way is it?"

She nodded, and they kept going after Gowther confirmed she wasn't trying to trick then

Ban was being really polite, which wasn't his normal style, but it seemed now that he was pissed, he was acting more put together than normal to keep himself from blowing up and beating the shit out of Zeldris. Some of the others acting in a similar way, like Diane. Others were more quiet in their anger, like Elizabeth and Harlequin.

Both with similar thoughts running through their minds.

What did they do to the captain?

And why turn him into a child?
And why turn him into a boy?

Why take him back to such a weak age to take advantage of his absence as captain?
Why turn him so young rather than keep him his age and use a memory eraser like I've seen Sir Gowther use?

And lastly.

What kind of ideas are they brain washing him with?

I'm sorry this is on the shorter side! Hopefully it's as good as the others but if not I'm sorry! It'll improve in the next chapter or two (hopefully) More updates to come!

1220 words