Hey there Guys. This is the first SPN fanfiction I upload here. Actually it is a story I thought about some years ago and I rewrote it so it would fit the Supernatural characters. Therefore I want to apologize if they are a bit out of character.
And also I'd like to apologize if there are some vocabulary mistakes since English is not my mother tongue. Please let me know it if you have something to complain about.
And now enjoy and review because that's what makes a writer happy. ;)
Chapter 1:
It was a beautiful sunny day the young corporal had awaken to. He got out of the bed, moved his way straight to the window to pull the curtains away and open it to let the fresh and chilling air of this morning in. It was the year 1912 on the morning of the 9th of April and the young soldier had just arrived the day before. He came directly from New York to Plymouth and was now on his way to Oxford, where his brother awaited him. They had not seen each other for more than a year, since his baby-brother got the scholarship to study at one of the most prestigious universities of the whole Empire. Not to mention how proud he was, since he only got to follow his father's footsteps and became a corporal of the United States Army. But his brother, he had the brain and the skills and thanks to the scholarship, he would join the ranks of famous men of genius. Indeed, Dean Winchester was tremendously proud of his little Brother Samuel.
And finally he got an invitation from Sammy, to visit him in his new home of choice, England.
The train rattled in producing a lot of noises and steam. Dean had watched the scenery passing by at the train window wondering how different and at the same time similar England was compared to his home, Kansas. But what had he thought? He was not going to a different world, it was just the old world which was completely new to him. He had never been in Europe before.
As the steam dissipated Dean's sight became clear and he took a look at the train station he shortly arrived at. It was a nice old station, just like he had expected.
"Dean, over here", he heard a voice calling for him. He had not to think about who was speaking, since even after a year of separation he would always recognize the voice of his beloved brother. He moved towards the direction the voice came from. There he was, Samuel Winchester. Looking at his face Dean found Sam quite the same as at the time he left him, but when he looked down, he realized how different this Sam was compared to the boyish knickerbockers wearing Sam he said good bye to in New York.
He wore a fine black suit with a black tie and vest, fine polished shoes and a hat. He had never seen Sammy wearing a hat, but he had to admit, it suited him.
However, this noble, handsome guy might look quite like a stranger but he could still see little Sammy's wide grin and that convinced Dean that this was really his brother.
"Good you're finally here", Sam greeted holding out his hand to shake. Dean looked a bit puzzled but soon pushed away his brother's hand to pull said in a tight brotherly hug.
"Good to see you, Sammy. How come you became so stiff?", he asked when pulling apart.
"I assume it's just because I developed a habit during my time here", Sam replied smiling.
Dean chuckled, his brother had really learnt to blend in very quickly.
"You look good Sammy, very noble, almost aristocratic", Dean teased.
"Thank you, but the same goes for you, you awe-inspiring brave soldier."
Sam looked his brother up and down. His appearance really vibed deep respect, with the distinguished uniform and his medal of honour. Dean had just earned.
"Please stop it, Sammy. You abash me. So better tell what you intended to show me while I'm here. At least you asked me to stay the whole summer", Dean asked expectantly.
"Oh you gonna love it, Dean. There is so much I want to show you, but for the beginning I would like to introduce you to one of my best friends. You will love him. He is so hilarious", Sam answered with great excitement.
"So, when do we meet him?"
"Actually this evening. I' ve wanted to send you a telegram but the ship had already left. My friend has just passed his examination. To celebrate it he has invited me to meet him at his estate. I would really appreciate if you join me there."
Dean hesitated a moment. Visiting his brothers ominous friend without an invitation, he did not want to be an uninvited guest.
"Don't be afraid of being an uninvited guest. I already told my friend, that you will stay with me this summer. He is totally content with you being my companion", Sam assured confidently. Still a bit unsure though Dean finally agreed.
"Great. I'm sure you will love his place. We'll meet him at three o'clock and together drive to Blackwing manor."
"What? Did you just say 'manor'? Is your friend rich?", Dean asked in confusion.
"Well, yes you can say so. He is an heir of the Duke of Blackwing."
Dean sighed heavily at the prospect of meeting old English aristocracy. Not enough that he as an American always had some prejudices against stiff old fashioned aristocracy, he never wanted to befriend with one of these toffs neither did he want his brother.
But that was unless he met Gabriel Richard Loki Blackwing.
"So what do you think of Oxford?", Sam asked his brother when they waited in front of the huge entrance.
"It's pretty impressive, all these old buildings and...why do they all have these pointed towers?"
"It's called Gothic style", replied Sam.
"Wow, since you attending university you seem to know everything, right Sammy?", Dean grinned mischievous.
"Well not everything and I would really appreciate if you stop calling me Sammy in front of my friend and his family. I'm not a child, besides there is some reason why I was named Samuel. That's why you should start calling me that way."
Dean eyed his little brother suspiciously. When had Sammy become a snob? Somehow it dawned on Dean that Sammy had not only changed his way of clothing but also his manner of behaving. Dean was not sure if he would like that, but he could not think about it now since a bright new, expensive looking car arrived at the gate.
"That's him", Sam mentioned when the drivers door opened revealing the chauffeur who went around the car to open the left back-door.
Dean observed the person leaving the car, seeing only his light beige suit and the silly hat with the broad brim. 'What a prig' he thought by himself. The portentous stranger came closer so Dean could finally see his face and he truly was surprised. As soon as he was only a few inches away from Sam, he threw his hat in the air reaching for Sam to pull him into a hug with a bright, friendly smile.
"Hey Samuel, so wonderful to see you. I almost thought you had changed your mind", he said in an almost too excited tone. Dean winced for a short second. He did not expect that reaction. Maybe this aristocratic friend was not as bad as he thought of him. At least he seemed very friendly towards Sam.
"Hello Gabriel. It is even more wonderful to see you. You look really good. But let me introduce you my brother", Sam answered pointing at Dean, who had slightly took a few steps back almost hiding behind his little but so much taller brother.
Gabriel glanced at Dean, his hazelnut eyes eyeing him with nothing less than sheer curiosity.
"So, you are the famous Dean? Samuel talked so much about you. You must be really amazing", Gabriel said a bright smile all over his face.
"I think he might exaggerated a bit, but yes I'm Dean Winchester. I'm really pleased to meet you..."
"Oh my gosh, where are my manners? My apologies, my name is Gabriel Blackwing, I'm pleased as well." Gabriel gave Dean a warm, firm handshake before again turning to Sam.
"So well, what do you think? Let's head to Blackwing manor?", he asked the brothers still smiling.
Sam agreed immediately when Dean only gave a silent nod. Maybe his time at the Blackwings would not be that bad, if everyone there was as nice as Gabriel although he seemed a bit too enthusiastic in Dean's eyes.
The drive took them over an hour and a half, but eventually they reached the Blackwing demesne. It started with a huge forest with mostly coniferous trees in it, then they crossed many honey golden cornfields and finally Dean could see the lordly Victorian manor. It was more noble, splendid and magnificent than Dean had ever expected.
"Well then fellows, we're there", Gabriel announced solemnly.
As soon as they arrived there several men in black uniforms and white gloves descended the impressive marmoreal staircase. They began unloading the luggage while Gabriel, Sam and Dean ascended the marble staircase leading them directly to a marvellous oak-door. Dean never was the fancy type nor did he had a thing for old buildings but for just one second he admired the blissful sight he get of Blackwing manor. And again just for one second he let himself imagine living in such a place.
"Alright fellows, let's get inside. I'm sure the family is already awaiting us. You must know, my family is kind of numerous", Gabriel emphasized with a blinking eye.
He had never admitted but Dean was a bit curious at meeting this family; how could he have known that Gabriel and his siblings would change his life forever?
They entered a big parlour with tremendous windows, some comfortable looking furniture and a candelabra which looked as it could shatter a person completely.
"Oh Gabriel, you finally arrived." All three men turned around at the lovely, charming voice coming from the door. It belonged to a beautiful girl, no a woman, with long curly blond hair swirling around her face. She wore a light blue robe with white frills at the sleeves and collar. The woman smiled warmly heading for Gabriel to pull him in a hug.
"I missed you brother. You must know it is much gloomy here, since you are gone", she said with a voice as sweet as honey.
"I missed you too, my love", Gabriel replied and pulled her softly away, "I want to introduce you", he took her hand and lead her towards Sam and Dean. "This is my beloved friend Samuel Winchester and his older brother Dean" he pointed at them, "this lovely lady is my oldest sister, Rachel."
"It is a pleasure to meet you. Any friend of my beloved brother is also my friend", Rachel said stretching out her hand signalizing Sam to take it, who reciprocated gently.
"It is also a pleasure for me, thank you very much for your hospitality."
Then she turned to Dean repeating the gesture. Dean also took her hand, squeezed it lightly and also repeated what great pleasure it was to meet Gabriel's family.
"Tell me something, Gabriel. Do you know when our brothers will arrive? I have waited for their telegrams."
"Don't worry. I am certain they will make it in time. If not, you know, mother will give them lecture in being late or behaving against their good manners. I'm sure neither of them is looking forward to this", Gabriel replied gently touching Rachel's shoulder. She nodded, excused for leaving and went upstairs to prepare something for the evening. Shortly after Rachel left, the sound of two other voices reached the parlour. They seemed much younger than Rachel's voice and soon Sam and Dean got to know that indeed the two persons the voices belonged to were Gabriel's youngest siblings and apparently they seemed to have an argument about something.
"No, I tell you Hael you will not ride that horse. It is too dangerous and besides, mother will never allow it."
"I don't care what you say Samandriel. You always think you could dictate me, I'm not your ward."
A young boy, about eighteen years old, of small build and with light blonde hair came in followed by a girl of about one or two years younger with straight chocolate-brown hair.
"I'm still your big brother, so don't dare to speak to me like that...", the boy went on but stopped immediately when he noticed Gabriel.
"Oh brother, you already arrived. Good to see you, maybe you can tell Hael that riding that young, feral stallion is much too dangerous."
"Samandriel, is that the way you greet your brother after all that time?", Gabriel questioned and did not hesitate to pull his youngest brother in for a hug. Then he turned to Hael.
"Hello Hael", he said and hugged her too, "but I must admit your brother is right. I know you love your horses but you cannot risk hurting yourself again. Remember what happened the last time? If Balthazar hadn't been there, the stallion might have trampled you."
"Have I just heard my name?"
Suddenly a third stranger entered the parlour. This time he looked older than Gabriel, wearing a sly smile. He had ash-blonde hair and was dressed in a grey suit similar to Gabriel's beige one.
"Why didn't you tell me that good old Gabriel had arrived?" The brothers hugged and Dean could not think other than this family must have profound bonds between their siblings. They all seemed like they deeply loved each other.
Sam and Dean watched the siblings reunion just when Gabriel remembered them and turned around to introduce them.
"Samuel, Dean these are my brothers Balthazar and Samandriel and my little baby-sister Hael." The last one gave him a sniffy glance.
Dean began wondering how many siblings were still left since Rachel talked about two other brothers who had not arrived yet, but then he remembered that aristocratic families used to have that many children. At least that was what his prejudiced mind told him.
"So, enough of the introducing. There are still some left, but you must be tired. I will show you your rooms", Gabriel eventually said signalizing Sam and Dean to follow him. On their way to the staircase they passed some women wearing black robes and white pinnies. Gabriel stopped one of them. "Sally, would you please show my guests their rooms. They will need to get themselves comfortable, please assist them."
Sally nodded and directed the Winchesters to the second floor where she showed them two opposite rooms on the west side.
"Please feel free to ask for assistance. I will be pleased to help." Sally said and left.
Sam shot Dean an encouraging glance before entering his room, when Dean first hesitated to open the door. The stiff order, all the attendants, this whole posh society was simply not Dean's cup a tea and he doubted that he would be able to blend in the way Sam could.
He stood there in front of his door for several minutes not recognizing how odd he must seem, he did not even realize that someone caught attention of him standing like a lost puppy and came closer. Only when the person started to speak Dean recognized her.
"Excuse me, can I help you?"
Dean was taken aback, he had not see her come. He turned around to find himself looking at the most beautiful woman he had ever seen. Her eyes as sparkling as the stars, the fury red of her hair gently framing her face, which was simply perfect. Her skin seemed as soft as silk, pale as porcelain and her voice as soft as thunder and yet thrilling as lighting. 'That has to be an angel' Dean thought staring intensely at her.
"Are you frozen?"
It took him another thirty seconds to realize that she again asked him a question. Dean slowly managed to put his thoughts together.
"I'm sorry, what did you say?"
"I asked you if I could help you but I'm afraid I might have turned you into stone", she teased ironically. "By the way, who are you?"
It finally dawned on him that he had to seem like an intruder walking these floors with some kind of criminal intention. He must set things right.
"My apologies, I've been very rude. My name is Dean Winchester, I'm a friend of Gabriel."
"Winchester? He talks about a Winchester sometimes but I thought his name was Samuel", the red-haired angel noted.
"Yes, that is my brother. Actually I was visiting him when Gabriel asked him to visit his place."
"Is that so?" she seemed to reconsider what Dean said, "well, then I will welcome you. I am Annabelle, Gabriel's sister", she offered her hand.
Dean caught himself again staring at Annabelle when she moved downstairs. He had to rethink his opinion about this place. Maybe he would like it here.