A/N: I don't own anyone but my OC's….though I wished I owned the rest…*sighs*
"I still can't believe we're taking the word of a demon," Dean grumbled.
"Dean we've been through this repeatedly," Judas admonished him with a tone that reminded Dean of his father.
"Yes I know that Judas but it doesn't mean I have to like it!"
"Dean," Judas paused and spun around with eyes locked with the younger vampire's. "You're sulking and it is not only unbecoming of you but rather irritating."
Sam chuckled while Lilith smirked behind her friend's back. His older brother loathed demons and anything that could be in league with Alaric and his kin. But then again he had a point: Demons weren't exactly renowned for their honesty and integrity. They were the creation of Lucifer, who was the original epitome of evil and deceit. The fallen angel was walking free upon the Earth but no one knew what guise he assumed for after all according to lore, angels needed a vessel like demons needed a host and vessels had to be willing.
"How do you not kill your brother?" Lilith sighed.
"Lots of patience," Sam snickered behind his brother's back.
"I would've lost mine a long time ago," the older vampire rolled her eyes and shook her head. How Sam didn't just stuff silver down Dean's throat then hurl him into a fire was beyond her. Still she could see into his soul and the vampire had a genuine love for his brother and family but a deeper passionate one for Brooklyn. It was something she had not seen in over 1,000 years.
"I want the place setting to be perfect!"
Kate marched around the elegant dining hall with a keen eye as the slaves hurried to add the last touches to the posh settings. Tonight she and Luthor were holding a large party for some of the vampire world's most renowned and respected figures along with many of their closest friends including the Saltzman clan. Alaric was like a little brother to Kate and Luthor and neither one had not seen him in over a century. But tonight was also another reason for the massive gathering: Alaric was going to show off his new fighting slave. Kate didn't know much other than she was once a hunter who was betrayed by one of her own only to be stolen by Dean Winchester and then recaptured by Maximilian.
As Kate nodded and continued to watch the slaves, Luthor slid up behind her and tenderly wrapped his arms around her waist. He inhaled the intoxicating blend of cinnamon and ginger and playfully nipped at his mate's neck.
"Alaric will be arriving soon," he grinned exposing two perfect rows of pearl.
"Yes I know," Kate purred as she spun around to meet his waiting lips.
"Alaric has sung praises about his new fighter and tonight we shall bear witness to the return of the Games."
Alaric had allowed for Brooklyn to sleep as they continued westward towards Saint Kitts. They had left before the sun started over the Eastern sky with calm glassy seas to greet them along the way. The vampire stood up on the deck watching the sun slip above the waters turning black to orange and crimson. The morning was his favorite time of day for the slaves were busy with the house chores and tasks to start the household. His thoughts wandered towards the Games and the fame Brooklyn would acquire. A smile crept across his lips before his thoughts wandered towards his slave.
Brooklyn was a rarity indeed, one that any vampire would pay a king's ransom for to have but one night in their bed. Alaric had been offered land, harems, and fortunes untold to be with her but the vampire had been polite but short in every decline. She was his by every right but yet the vampire couldn't but help to feel overprotective of his slave. When Rafe had nearly raped Brooklyn, Alaric wanted to shred him from limb to limb. But that wasn't what made him feel uneasy inside. When he had lay in bed with Brooklyn, a tiny part of him desired to console her? To hold her close and whisper words of comfort in the human's ear?
"No," Alaric shook his head. He didn't hold such attachments to humans! They were nothing more than food and commodities to his kind! To be traded and sold like cattle then branded as such.
Haley finished gathering Brooklyn's clothing and putting together the ensemble Alaric requested for the gathering at Blackwater, Kate and Luthor's estate. The vampire had spared no expense in selecting the finest materials from places that Haley could not even pronounce let alone had been to. Still the slave couldn't but help to be a little envious of the beautiful gowns and accessories Brooklyn was to wear but then again the cost of such luxury was nothing she desired. Haley looked over her shoulder to her companion watching as she rested comfortably between the cool satin sheets. A sad smile crossed her thin lips as she thought of the pain Brooklyn had endured at Alaric's hand but recently he had practiced restraint and granted her and Haley time alone to wander the grounds on Barbados. But still Brooklyn refused to relinquish the hope of being reunited with Dean which fueled Haley's hopes of seeing her brothers again.
"Haley," Alaric quietly beckoned. Haley carefully replaced the shoes and gown before turning to greet her master.
"Master Alaric," she bowed slightly.
"Is everything ready for when we arrive?"
"Yes," she nodded shortly. "The gowns and your attire have been pressed and now hang in the closets."
"Excellent," Alaric grinned. "You will also be attending as well for Brooklyn will need you."
"Need me Master Alaric?"
"Yes as I know before you came to me that you possess knowledge in arms and provided services as a bodyguard of sorts. Brooklyn will need protection for I do not trust all who will be attending and I can use the extra assistance."
Haley was stunned by the vampire's veiled request for help but wasn't going to disappoint her vampire master.
"Of course Master," Haley flashed a brief smile.
"I know you see Brooklyn as a sister in a manner of speaking," Alaric inched closer, "And you have been able to crack her for me without the harsh hand. If she is to be the best fighter, I must have her mentally and physically competent and free of any unwanted distractions."
"Of course Master," Haley bowed again. "However I may be of assistance."
Alaric grinned and vanished once again leaving Haley to rouse Brooklyn from her slumber. The thought of being in an elegant dress and not of the station of a slave made Haley feel a little joyous inside. She already knew which one she would be wearing for Brooklyn was to stand out and bring pride to Alaric.
"Brooklyn it is time to wake up," Haley gently shook the sleeping human.
Alaric watched as the outline of the island slowly arrived into view. Luthor and Kate owned the majority of Saint Kitts while the sliver that remained was in the trust of the Council. He went over what the events would bring starting with the gathering that was scheduled for later that evening. His father and brother had decided to meet him there for no Saltzman missed such galas. He knew after the feasting and gluttony that would ensue would be followed by the vampires accepting the hospitality of their hosts in the form of the company of a human for the night. Blood and sex would hang in the air but then again that was how it was. He would retire for the night with his slave and carry out his carnal pleasures away from the others.
With a thin smile he turned to return below deck away from the growing heat of the day.
"This is it," Lilith paused and took a moment to take the sight in.
"What is it?" Dean tilted his head in an attempt to comprehend just what Lilith was staring at. They had been following long forgotten trails and roads long since abandoned by many in favor of more modern conveniences. The trail they had chosen careened along precarious cliffs and steep narrow canyons. Dean had started to think this was turning into a waste of time until the narrow path gave way and a small yet well concealed valley opened below.
"This is or was a place of refuge for my descendents. You see I had several children before I was turned and they continued my legacy to this day."
Lilith turned dreamy as she recollected happier times with her daughters and son, memories of laughter and chasing the sheep and goats while drawing the ire of the shepherd.
"Anyways," she quickly tucked the visions away and turned serious once again, "This alcove has a spring that serves as a gateway to the spirit world. We can summon the spirits to help us find Brooklyn along with your father and Castiel."
"Does she know what she's doing?" Dean whispered in Judas' ear. The Original One chuckled and raised an eyebrow in amusement.
"Lilith is still one of the most powerful witches despite her existence as a vampire. You gravely underestimate her."
Dean grimaced but said nothing as they watched Lilith kneel down before the water's edge. Her fingers danced along the glass like surface sending gentle ripples across the pool. Lilith was silent as she continued running her fingers across the flawless surface. Dean had made it a point to steer clear of witches as they were nothing more than trouble for his kind yet the vampire continued to watch as Lilith slipped her fingers beneath the surface and softly chanted an ancient summoning spell. A soft blue glow radiated from the water as the vampires looked on in quiet wonder.
You summon us…..
Yes I have…..
Tell us daughter of Alleyah what you seek….
To find where the daughter of Judas is…..
The daughter of Judas…..The daughter of Judas is not easily found for dark magic conceals her location….
Can you tell us anything?
Blackwater…..Liamuiga…Bloody Point…..
Please spirits I beseech you….
Powerful magic keeps us from finding the one you seek…..But the ties that link two halves of one soul is more powerful than any evil…..
Then what of Castiel and John Winchester?
They are in the Eternal City….We cannot give you much more daughter of Alleyah….
Thank you spirits….
Lilith stood and turned to face the group, all wore anxious and worried expressions as they awaited her word.
"The spirits couldn't break through the dark heavy veil that surrounds Brooklyn but they were able to provide me with a few clues to assist us."
Dean's face fell for he hoped for a name of a location.
"I know that is now what you wanted to hear Dean but we do have a way to find her."
"She's right Dean," Jessica gently squeezed his forearm, "Knowing my brother he is probably staying wherever he is for more than a mere few days. We have time on our side."
"You're right," he shrugged but couldn't find the same enthusiasm as the others. "It's just I've been without her…."
"Dean," Judas stepped forward, "We shall regroup here tonight. Lilith is skilled in deciphering the words of the spirit world and we will find where my daughter is. We all need to rest and assess our plan."
"Besides," Sam added, "Think about how long Judas has been going on without Rachel or even knowing if Brooklyn was alive. How do you think he feels?"
The vampire took a moment and looked hard at Judas' face. His features were veiled in sorrow which Dean could observe had taken a heavy toll upon his soul.
"I'm sorry….I'm being selfish."
"No," Judas shook his head, "You're missing your other half to your soul. Without my daughter you are experiencing the terrible pain of loss and emptiness that will continue to consume you. The need to be with her is eating at you. You are stronger than those forces Dean."
Dean said nothing as he lowered his body down beside the pool and gazed upon his reflection.