He held up the crystal orb and watched the images inside flicker and swirl with the morning light.
"Meroveus… brother where are you?" He heard a male voice call from a distance.
Meroveus looked up from his study of the orb's light, and called out so his little brother could find him. His green eyes lit up with joy when Malek came into view.
"There you are."
His brother was dressed in fine black robes that shimmered in the sunlight and contrasted dramatically with his angelic long blond hair. It was mussed; probably from long hours of study with ancient scrolls of magic and history.
Meroveus tossed the orb in his hand to Malek, who fumbled but still managed to catch it.
"I found one of your balls… you shouldn't leave those lying around, they could get damaged." Meroveus smiled with a cocky grin.
Malek glared before coming to sit beside him on the grass. On the other side of Meroveus rested his emerald-handle iron sword, waiting to be picked up and practiced with once more. For long minutes the brothers sat together in silence, enjoying the view of the labyrinth from the hill's vantage point.
"I don't understand why you have to go." Malek finally spoke up. Meroveus sighed, "Father wants me to ride to Avalon; he needs my help in diplomatic matters. Don't worry brother; I will be back before you know it what with the distraction your admirers shall provide."
Malek snorted, his blue/grey eyes reflecting his surly mood. "Always the obedient prince following Father's orders… The only distraction I shall find is hiding in the labyrinth from the persistent courtly ladies, not one of them shows an ounce of wit or fire."
Meroveus laughs, "I would gladly sacrifice myself to the ladies upon my return so that you may have a moment to yourself to sing with your goblins."
Malek blushed, "you know about that…"
Meroveus's eyes twinkled playfully, "and about the dancing. Your feet are so graceful little brother… I especially enjoyed when you 'jumped magic jumped.'"
Malek socked Meroveus in the arm, before jumping to his feet and racing off towards the castle, Meroveus fast in pursuit. He caught up to his quick brother in the throne room, tackling him to the floor and pinning him there.
Meroveus grinned down at his struggling brother, but experienced a brief moment of shock. He could have sworn… for a moment, instead of Malek a familiar shaggy brown haired boy with hazel eyes was pinned in his place. But then the image was gone and it was his brother Malek once more. Malek frowned up at Meroveus, "what is the matter?"
Meroveus sat up and absently rubbed at his chest, "nothing. I suppose I am tired from disturbing dreams last night."
Malek looked at him with concern, "you do not look well… perhaps some food and drink will revive you before you go on your journey."
Meroveus nodded, now that he thought about it he was in need of food and drink. He got to his feet and offered a hand to his brother. Malek took it with a mischievous grin on his young face. Still holding his brother's hand he led him into the dining hall. As Meroveus took his seat, Malek hesitated by his side.
"I have a gift for you brother, before you go."
Meroveus looked up at Malek in surprise. Malek removed the necklace he always wore; an amulet in the shape of a golden moon.
"So that you will always remember your brother." Malek fastened the necklace around Meroveus neck.
"You act as if I will be absent for years. You should give this to the lady you fancy, not me." Meroveus protested; the cool amulet felt heavy and wrong on his chest.
"There was a lady I fancied… but she left me and didn't look back. I want you to have it, so that you will always return to me. You will won't you?"
Meroveus smiled at his impulsive brother, "I promise."
Malek returned his smile; his teeth looked sharp in that brief glimpse, before he sat across from him. Malek clapped his hands and goblins came out from the kitchen entrance to serve them. As goblins put a feast in front of them and filled their crystal goblets with wine, Meroveus continually rubbed at his chest. It felt a little bit like it was on fire.
Malek raised his glass to him in a toast. "To brothers."
Meroveus chuckled, before lifting his own in a solute before drinking down the wine.
The mild burning in his chest exploded and seared him with more pain than he has ever felt. He screamed and dropped the goblet, watching it fall to the floor and shatter.
***
Dean screamed and dropped the goblet, watching it fall to the floor and shatter. Dean writhed in agony, clawing futilely at his stomach and chest. Dimly he could hear Malek laughing over the burning in his veins. His skin felt blistering hot one second then brittle and cold the next.
"Fuck… No!..." Dean got out between heavy breaths.
"Yes, Dean. Just let it happen… the pain is temporary I assure you. Once you choose me, the transformation will be complete and you will stay here with me… whether Sam makes it to the castle in time or not."
"…No…" Dean groaned, still kneeling on the floor clutching his stomach.
Suddenly Malek was kneeling beside him, absently fingering the foreign moon amulet hanging around Dean's neck. "Don't be afraid Dean; I can be a better brother to you than Sam ever was. Just fear me, love me, do as I say and I will never abandon you… I will never betray and forsake you."
"Sam hasn't… he won't." Dean managed to get out from between suddenly chattering teeth. It felt like he was loosing control of himself.
"Oh but he has. Sam's not here, Dean…" Malek leaned in closer to whisper in his ear, "but I am."
Dean felt everything get heavy, so heavy, he no longer could keep his eyes open. Darkness swallowed him and he was dimly aware of Malek getting up and leaving the room, the door closing ominously loud behind him.
"Sam…" He whispered, before falling into a deep drugged sleep.
***
A/N: *Peeks out from her hiding place* I know I promised a long chapter, but I felt bad for leaving you hanging so I posted sooner rather than later… and left you hanging again. Gomen. (Sorry.) Review to let me know what you thought about this chapter, I want to see if you caught all the little clues/warnings I threw into the dream/trance sequence. I love wikipedia!! Meroveus (Latin for Merowech or Merovech) interestingly enough is the mortal brother of the king of the fairies, not much is known about him other than he was an awesome warrior in ancient times. Next Chapter is Sam and after that will I reveal what became of Dean now that he has broken not one but two of the cardinal rules of this world. Stay tuned! =c)
