It's all in the blood

by Becciehill1976

Finding it hard to fit back into a normal life, after being possessed by Michael, Dean decides to take off and hunt on his own. Sadly, he finds out the hard way, that being a famous hunter has it's draw backs when he's kidnapped and sold as a slave. Now he has to fight against powerful vampires who know how powerful his bloodline is.

46. C46 Mending shattered bones and minds

Chapter 46: Mending shattered bones and minds

Previously – Chapter 40:

Dean's POV:

He wasn't sure how long he lay in agony on the cold tiles. Afraid to examine the damage done to his right leg, Dean chose to inwardly analyse what else was broken. Of course that was a big mistake. Bones could be easily mended, but he suspected the damage inflicted on him psychologically would take much longer to fix and that's if it ever could be healed.

The ancient vampire's words kept echoing in his mind. Viktor had done his job well and he knew that the time of fighting was almost over. He could feel the bond through the singular connexion and lying in the darkness only provided more opportunity for the connection to do its work. And it was doing its work. He could sense the change taking place within himself.

At first he had imagined things. Thoughts such as love and devotion for his family and friends were quickly being replaced with hatred and betrayal as his mind exchanged images and memories of past events with new reflections. He recalled how badly his father had treated him, favouring his little brother. Instead of remembering the closeness he had to Sam, he was finding those emotions were replaced with feelings of abandonment and selfishness. His brother always got the best of everything, everyone and in particular, the best of him.

In an attempt to hold onto something positive, he turned his mind to Castiel to find that thoughts of friendship were replaced with thoughts of jealousy and envy as he remembered the last few weeks he had spent with the seraph. The angst and sadness he had felt before he left the bunker had returned, only this time the negative emotion was ramped up ten-fold.

Shaking his head, he realised he couldn't find any happy thoughts of his family and friends. His old life only offered pain. The situation was made much worse by the insertion of new feelings and emotions of happiness and oneness. These memories were similar to the dreams he had been having since the spell, only now these were occurring whilst he was awake and conscious. In fact, the longer he lay in the darkness and silence, the more the new feelings took hold.

Dean wasn't sure whether it was the result of the ongoing pain running through his body or the extra time he had, but the idyllic world he imagined with Viktor was now playing out as he lay on the floor of the smaller closet sized room. Images of contentment kept forcing their way into Dean's mind. He couldn't stop the barrage.

Angry at himself and at his weakness Dean began to cry. Tears ran down his cheeks as reality hit him. Viktor was right he was a negative presence. Everyone he loved died. In fact, he didn't have to love them, he just had to have met them. His mind turned to the numerous casualties that had all died because they had befriended and trusted Dean. He was cursed so badly, even Michael didn't want him. Like many other villains before him, Michael had used Dean to get what he wanted and once he had, he jettisoned him as quick as he could.

All the talk of him being the perfect vessel, the sword. If he was so special, then why did Michael discard him so easily? The answer was simple – Dean was toxic and useless. Only Viktor had showed him compassion and purpose. So what if he had to open a vein or his legs for the fanger! At least he was needed and by the look of hunger in the ancient vampire's eyes, he was wanted.

With that thought he cried until no more tears would fall. Oh how pathetic he must have looked to anyone watching him on a screen as he lay naked curly in as small as ball as possible in the middle of the room. Beaten physically and mentally and ready to accept and submit. He had been lying to himself for so long, but no longer. All was lost as he waited for his master to return so he could offer himself completely to Viktor.

His pulse rate increased as the lock on the outer door turned and light entered the room. Dean's eyes squinted as he attempted to identify the dark silhouette that stood in the entrance. His pulse stopped as he took in the newest visitor.

[Michael's POV]

As he wandered towards the door, Michael staggered. In addition to all the warding that was still in place, the archangel was greatly weakened by the abuse of entering and leaving a number of vessels. He had made three short body jumps in less than an hour and it was taking its toll, but as he got to the door, he was able to remove the lock and slowly open the door.

As light entered the small room, Michael stopped and practically gasped at the scene that he found lying in front of him. There curled in as small a ball as possible was the once indestructible Dean Winchester. Tipping his head to the side, the archangel took in his sword's facial features as the human squinted at the re-introduction of light to his world.

Edging forward into the room, Michael took the opportunity to study his true vessel closer, and what he saw disturbed him greatly. Setting aside the broken leg and the 'too numerous to count' scratches and bruises, Michael probed at his vessel's mind and it was there that he saw the most extensive damage.

Whispering to no one in particular he said, "so it's true. You are breaking, aren't you?" As he moved closer the frightened creature on the ground seemed to shrink further into himself, at first muttering unrecognisable words. Eventually the older Winchester managed to become more coherent. "I'm sorry Grand Master. I didn't get it then, but.. I… I… get ttte it now. I do. I… I.. promise I.. I'lllll be better. I'll be good. Nnnooo, no… no, I'll be better than good. I.. I'll be yours."

The archangel paused when he heard the last few words. It was clear that Dean was beyond delirious, as he seemed to believe it was Viktor Volkov who was standing before him now and not the lowly human slave, Trevor. Recalling how Trevor and Dean had interacted over the past week or so, it was now obvious to Michael that Dean was broken. The Dean Winchester of a few months ago, would never have shown his fears and true feelings in front of someone as pathetic, antagonising and non-threatening as Trevor.

That thought seemed to snap Michael out of his reverie. He had a job to do and looking down at his true vessel reminded him that he had a lot of work to complete if he was going to have his sword back and fully functioning. His first thought was whether he could simply take back his true vessel and simply just burn out the other bond. Extending his hand to place it on Dean's forehead, Michael began to deepen his probe. Using the slightest amount of his grace (in fear of being detected), he pushed at Dean's mind and immediately was met by an unbreakable wall.

"Dammit! So! The witch was right! Hmmmmm…" Michael moved his hand down Dean's face to his neck and shoulders. As he did so, he continued to try and analyse the extent of the other bond. 'It seems the Volkov scum has his claws and fangs in deep with you, my Dean. It looks like I'm am going to have to follow through on what the witch has said.'

Whether it was the soft caress of the archangel's hands as he moved down Dean's face, or the shock of the situation…. but whatever it was, it seemed to awaken the hunter. Turning his head so he could look directly into Michael's eyes, Dean said, "I'm yours. My body and my mind are yours now. Touch me… take me… own me…" As he spoke, Dean managed to uncurl his legs and begin to spread them and it was that action that made Michael aware of exactly what the elder Winchester was offering to him.

Casting his eyes further down the length of Dean's body, Michael took in the wide expanse of skin available to him. Immediately he felt a familiar pull towards his human. Without thinking, the archangel's hand was joined by his other hand and both continued to travel down from Dean's shoulders, taking in his chest and nipples as they journeyed towards his abdomen. In fact, Michael was so taken in by the beauty and temptation laid out in front of him he failed to realise he was panting deeply and beginning to lose control of himself.

'He's so weak and vulnerable. It would be nothing to just taste him To just take him. Who would really know anyway? Just one taste of that skin against my lips.' Edging closer, Michael leant forward and began to place soft kisses across Dean's stomach. No longer content to just touch, the archangel began to caress his sword with both his hands and his lips. As his lips travelled northward towards Dean's face, his hands took a different direction; travelling southward towards Dean's 'funpalace'.

The archangel wasn't sure what stopped him from taking everything he wanted, but as Dean began to moan and reposition himself to provide better access so Michael could enjoy himself, Michael suddenly jolted backwards. "Oh God Dean! You're so broken you'd let me do anything to you, wouldn't you? …. And as much as I really would like to sample the delights your body has to offer, I need to focus on my mission. But believe me, when we're reunited, we. will. revisit. this. I assure you, we will finish what was started here tonight."

Thankfully for the archangel, his sword was so weak and broken he seemed to take none of Michael's words in. Stretching his hand over Dean's body, he continued. "Unfortunately, as much as I like you like this, I'm going to have to start repairing what I can, as I need your more coherent and ready to move." As he spoke, Michael sat down and began to lift the hunter's body so it was half positioned over his the archangel's knees.

Lifting his hands to Dean's face, he fingers swept some damp hair to the side, as he did the hunter seemed to become more coherent. "Tre.. Trevor? Wha… what are y..you doing?" As he stuttered out the words the human began to curl his body, obviously aware of his nakedness and vulnerability.

Thinking fast, Michael replied. "Shsssh. It's alright Dean. Grand Master Volkov has asked me to attend to your wounds and that's what I'm going to do. There's nothing to be afraid of. I just need you to relax." Dean seemed to understand, providing the archangel with further evidence of just how far gone Dean Winchester really was. Immediately, the hunter's body relaxed and Michael watched as his sword closed his eyes.

Taking complete advantage of the situation, Michael began to heal Dean's body. Despite wanting to return Dean back to 100% full health he refrained. There was still so much to be done and it would require Michael's presence to remain undetected and that meant no miraculous recovery for Winchester. "I'm sorry Dean, but I'm not going to be able to put 'humpty dumpty' completely back together again… Buttttt I will patch you up just enough that you'll have enough 'gas left in the tank' to fight against the blood sucker without slowing down the escape too much."

Limiting the use of his grace, Michael began to heal internal injuries as well as resetting the broken leg. Smirking to himself as he relished in the fact that the hunter would have to heal the slow way, the archangel began to place a splint on Dean's leg and then he started to wrap a bandage as tightly as he could. He knew it would indicate that the leg was still broken but it would also allow Dean to be mobile enough to escape, when the time came, albeit slowly and with a limp. Despite the broken leg, the archangel managed to repair a great amount of damage that had been inflicted. Dean had three cracked ribs, a punctured lung and internal bleeding, all of which could have killed him eventually, if left unchecked. Thankfully, each was directly undetectable to the human or vampire eyes, so he got away with healing them completely.

In itself, the healing process had been quite traumatic as Michael realised his true vessel had lost consciousness. Taking a few seconds, Michael looked down at Dean's face. Sighing he thought, 'so peaceful and innocent. How I miss our connection, but I promise you, that soon…. very soon, we will be one again. I swear on my father, we will be one.'

Looking up and around at the small room, Michael started to take in the scene in front of him. It was clearly evident that Dean was kept under lock and key and punished regularly, using both mental and physical means of torture to break the hunter. Realising that there was no cameras in the room, the archangel took the opportunity to do some further investigation into the singular connexion that existed between Volkov and his true vessel. He realised that all the healing and grace in the world wasn't going to allow him to simply re-enter and take back control of Dean.

Only when the filth that was the magic used to form the connection between vampire and his human was eradicated could he use his back door and take back control of his vessel. He had to remove the proverbial spanner in the works if he was to completely execute his future plans and Dean was essential. Extending his grace, Michael took an even closer look at the connexion and as he took in the link, he could see that the bond was almost completely formed. It was a matter of hours, not days, until the connection was permanent. He was running out of time. Whatever he was going to do, he had to do it now. And more importantly he had to ensure that Volkov had no more 'alone time' with the hunter.

Michael wasn't sure whether it was Trevor's body, over use of his grace or the damn warding. Either way, the archangel was burning through the slave's body too fast. He needed to move things along as quickly as possible and he believed that the best way of getting Dean out of the Volkov mansion was using his current vessel. As much as the archangel hated walking around in such a pathetic example of a human being he had very few options. It was either use whatever grace he had to keep 'Trevor' useable or attempt to resurrect the witch and if he was completely honest he'd rather reside inside a dog than return to use the witch's body again. The only other option was to jump human vessels to another human, but the chances of having another vessel that could attempt to hold his grace for long enough was slim. Known his luck most of the human slaves would explode and that would attract too much attention.

Decision made, Michael remained inside Trevor and he began to devise a 'plan b'. Plan a. had been to find Dean, retake his vessel, destroy everything that stood in his way and walk out of the building, but that avenue was closed to him now. He needed to find a way to get both Dean and Viktor together and alone in one room so he could begin to reverse the bond. Like a resourceful leader he took stock of all the intelligence that he had at his finger tips and realised that he needed to use Sam Winchester and his merry band of hunters to help him.

Recalling the last intel briefing from his inside informant Derek, he knew the younger Winchester had already a saboteur within the compound. This human or as Derek had called him, Ketch, was a former British Men of Letters and a mercenary for hire. Derek had little information on this Ketch other than he had come across to help the humans in the other universe and had survived, returning with the group. Armed with this information, Michael knew that he couldn't appeal to this human like he had Derek. Ketch may have worshiped power and money in the past, but it seemed that his union and friendship with the Winchester's ran deeper than any personal need or ambition.

No, Michael would have to remain hidden and use his vessel to gain the much needed help he required. But it wasn't going to be so easy, especially as he needed Ketch to get him out of the mansion, but he needed privacy to break the bond. Michael was also aware from Derek that Sam Winchester, Castiel and the abomination of a nephilim were hours away from coming to the rescue. He had little time to waste.

Turning back he lifted the unconscious body of Dean Winchester of the floor and placed him on the bed. Taking extra time to position him in the most comfortable position he could, Michael spent an extra few minutes grabbing some blankets and a pillow from the other room. 'Fuck the vampire. You will have some comfort. It's not enough, but it will have to do.' He took extra care to cover up the elder Winchester before stepping back.

Looking down at his sword, he took in the frail and vulnerably body that was his true vessel. Anger and rage coursed through his veins, this time it was stronger than before. It was like no emotion he had felt in eons. In fact, the last time he had felt such emotional turmoil was when his father had ordered him to cast his brother, Lucifer, out of heaven and into the cage. It was that thought that made Michael shrink back from the bedside. When had this human got under his skin? He was just a pathetic mud monkey, who's only redeemable strength was that he was his true vessel. There was nothing special about the man that lay exposed in front of him. 'Well… nothing special except for his soul.'

Ever the professional, he slowly shook his head as he pushed down his emotions and turned his attention to the task at hand. As he went to leave the room he turned and whispered. "Rest easy Dean. I will come back for you soon and we will be shot of this abomination that plagues your mind." After taking a few extra seconds to look at the body lying on the bed, he walked out and closed and relocked the door. It felt like the right thing to do as it was going to take a few more hours and it wouldn't do well to draw unwanted attention to his vessel, just in case the Grand Master had inherited some new gifts, courtesy of his true vessel's unique soul.

It didn't take long to check out the rest of the quarters. Under the pretence of tidying up his master's chambers, Michael subtly searched the rest of the rooms to find any information or anything that he could use to his advantage. As he moved from one area to the other he was able to push small amounts of his grace out to get a sense of what had transpired over the past 24 to 48 hours and what he found explained why Dean had been so broken.

Apart from the obvious smells of sex that infiltrated his vessel's airways, Michael was able to sense past echoes and he could piece together the scenes that had unfolded. In particular, by the time he had vacated the master bedroom, Michael was seconds away from smiting the entire house, a low key rescue be damned. Thankfully he recalled the last image of Dean in his mind and that seemed to resettle him.

Satisfied that he had gleamed all the information he was going to get from the quarters, he left them and made his way back down through the house with the mission of locating the important Mr Ketch. As he walked down the long corridors he bowed his head. To the vampires that he passed, it looked like the usual display of subservience, but not Michael. No, the archangel was walking tall and in deep contemplation as he worked out the best approach to recruiting Mr Ketch, breaking the bond and then taking complete revenge. Taking in his surroundings the one single thought was more prominent that others, 'before the day ended this house and everything in it would burn.'

Try as he might, he couldn't use his grace to locate Ketch. Between the wardings and the great unknown, that was the extent of the Grand Master's powers and gifts, the archangel was just going to have to do it the 'human' way. Thankfully his training as commander and chief of Heaven's armies provided him with a unique and useful set of investigation skills.

Realising that the Head of the House Slaves may know basically everything he returned to the kitchen. Luckily, Stanley was in the process of barking orders at a few slaves. "Get yourselves ready. You need to be nice and clean for our guests. Remember, the negotiations haven't been going that well and there's going to be a lot of frustrated vampires who will require both sustenance and release."

On hearing those words, Michael was under no illusion as to what 'sustenance and release' the head slave was referring to. Realising that he might end up getting a job, he considered his options. 'To hell with it, I need to find this human.' With the decision made, Michael made Stanley aware that he had returned. "House Master, I've attended to Grand Master's 'special' slave. He's going to live and he's resting up and secure. I…" Before Michael could continue, Stanley interrupted, "good. Good. You're needed tonight. You've a choice, do you what Richstein or Fischer?"

On hearing the word 'Fischer' Michael recalled how he already had allies within the walls, but was it wise to bring them in on his plan at the moment. After all, he was still unsure as to the extent of Viktor's powers. If the vampire could mind read, there was every possibility that he could easily find out about Michael being within the walls of the compound through Frederick's thoughts. No. Michael needed to keep that 'ace up his sleeve' for just a little longer. Instead, he replied. "Certainly House Master, but Master Valentin has requested that I have other special duties that he needs me to attend to."

Taking a few minutes to let the information sink in, Michael paused. It was clear that Stanley was confused as he normally was made aware of all orders retaining to the house slaves. "I wasn't aware of any such orders Trevor. Perhaps you think you are above your station. Let me remind you that there is a pecking order here and as much as you are favoured by Grand Master, he has his pet and like many before you, when he gets what he needs from you he will throw you to the side. It would be wise for you to remember that. So I ask you again, what orders?"

Michael realised that he hadn't taken into consideration the hierarchy within the house when he had been planning his next steps. Immediately he recognised anger at the breakdown in the chain of authority. Inwardly he had some respect for the House Master. Here was a human who knew the importance in taking orders and knowing your place within the system. Despite his admiration, it didn't solve his immediate problem as Stanley glared at him.

"I'm sorry House Master. It was an off the cuff order from Master Valentin as I was returning to you. Things are a little hectic as you know with the talks and he saw me as he came out and asked me to speak to the new security person about the warding. It seems they're worried of an incursion through the warding. I've to speak to someone…. Emm… Mr Ketch. Do you know where he is?" Holding his non-existent breath, the archangel awaited Stanley's reply.

It seemed to take a millennia before any response came. "Hmph…. It seems that things are indeed going array up there if Master Valentin is breaking with protocol and ordering his leading pleasure slave to perform menial tasks outside his area of expertise. But I suppose, you can take the time out and do as he asked. BUT! Trevor, once you've carried out your orders I need you to report to the Fischer rooms and use your talents and attributes. I'm sure they'll be more beneficial than your messenger skills. Besides, I believe the vampire is extremely angry, so only the best will do. Hurry along now and be quick about it!"

Wasting no more time, Stanley turned back to bark orders at the remaining slaves. Taking that as his cue to leave, Michael went to turn, but as he did, Stanley continued. "Oh, and by the way, I think you'll find Mr Ketch out by the security hut, just outside the side entrance. You won't be able to miss him, he's the English prick that things he's God's gift."

Armed with his new destination the archangel made his way through the mansion towards the side door. As he walked he took in the numerous cameras and guards. The security in the house was impressive and that didn't include the unknown and most likely extensive powers the Grand Master had inherited from drinking from Winchester's blood.

The closer he got to his target the more he thought about his approach. He simply couldn't come out with 'I'm on your side, now lets go and break Dean out'. No, this was going to require more thinking. Deep in concentration, Michael almost missed the figure coming towards him. Looking closer he realised the soul belonged to a Mr Arthur Ketch, his soon to be 'partner in crime'. Digging deep into his thoughts he recalled a brief conversation that Trevor had held with Stanley about Ketch enquiring about his role. It only made sense that the English man must have an interest in the head pleasure slave.

"Oh Sir… you must be Mr Ketch? Stanley told me that you had been enquiring after me to have a chat. Perhaps there's time now for a quick conversation?" Michael played the innocent and eager to please card and it was obvious that Trevor was a natural at it as he watched the former British Men of Letters assassin mellow as the archangel took in how Ketch's body language seemed to sag in relief.

"Oh thank God, I mean goodness, you're the very man I was looking to speak to. I had meant to catch up with you before the Fischer delegation arrived, but I'm guessing that you've been as busy keeping an eye on our new guests as I have?" Michael didn't have to be an expert to pick up the double meaning behind Ketch's words. He could easily recognise the innuendo pointed towards the pleasure slave. It was clear to the archangel that Ketch wanted something or some information from his new vessel.

Smiling shyly at Ketch, Michael lowered his head a little to show submissiveness to the more important person in the room. "Oh course Sir. I'm free now, if you come with me, I'm sure we can find a quiet corner to chat." Without waiting for confirmation, Michael turned and re-entered the mansion, closely followed by Ketch. As he walked down the narrow corridors, he asked, "as I'm guessing that as the new security specialist you will want to talk to me about important stuff, and at times, sensitive stuff. If that's the case, I believe we need somewhere with less 'eyes and ears' on us."

Ketch seemed to stop, mid stride. "You're a very perceptive young man and you'd be right. We need somewhere that we can chat about the Clans and I'm particularly concerned for the safety of the Grand Master's pet, this… emm.. the new slave… this Winchester chap." Knowing the real reason behind the conversation, Michael decided he need to be careful how he got Ketch onside. "As the new security expert, I can understand your interest in finding out everything on the visitors, but I can't understand why you would need to know anything about Master Volkov's pets. That's privileged information."

Michael used his vessel's body and voice to get the message of uncertainty and distrust across. He needed Ketch to see loyalty but also fear, innocence and naivety. The human responded, "Forgive me. I have been explaining my actions and myself for the last 24 + hours to security experts. I am here in a security capacity, buttt… my expertise is based around warding, specifically angelic warding and I am under strict orders from the Grand Master himself to ensure that I know everything there is to know about all the weak spots in his security, and specifically when it comes to this Winchester chap."

Michael knew he needed to move this along, but he still needed to look hesitant, "emmm… maybe I should speak to Master Valentin about this. It's just that I am the only human that can really get access to his new pet and I take that honour and role very seriously. I'm sure you can understand?" Michael used the big innocent eyes of his vessel to try and get his message across.

"Of course, and I would expect no less, but I can assure you that I am here to make sure that Grand Master is both safe from all threats, inside and outside these walls…. Look, let's find somewhere to have a proper talk.. an uninterrupted talk. From my memory of the schematics of this place, there's a nice little alcove off to the left, at the end of this corridor where we can sit and have a good chat. Would that be OK with you?"

Michael nodded and extended his hand to indicate to Ketch to lead the way. Within minutes they found themselves sitting on two very comfortable chairs. As Michael took his seat, Ketch joked, "you'd almost think these seats were deliberately positioned here for people to have quiet conversations just like we're doing!" As he spoke, Ketch couldn't help but use air quotes when he mentioned 'special chats'.

Michael decided to let Ketch believe he was the dominant and in control of the direction of conversation. The art of manipulation was ensuring the person always thought they had the upper hand and that others were playing their part in giving them what they wanted. Speaking in a hushed tone, Michael said, "So, what is it that you want to know Sir?"

"Oh less of the Sir, I'm Arthur Ketch, but I mostly go by Ketch, so please call me that. I'm not one for standing on ceremonies. And you're Trevor, the Head Pleasure Slave?" Michael decided to remain quiet and just nodded in response.

Ketch continued. "From what I hear, you're a good slave. Loyal and wants to do what's best for his master. And I am with you on that front too. I've been here a few days, but already I'm very attached to the Volkov's and I'm not liking these other rival clans, especially these new chaps that have arrived. Have you had much dealings with them yourself? …. I'm sure you could tell me a few stories, couldn't you?"

Michael pondered over what exactly to tell the annoying human in front of him. Does he make shit up or does he land somewhere in the land of truth? What will bring him closer to his goal? "I've briefly met them, but I'm slated to service the Fischer Grand Master later. Though, I've heard that they're no friend of Grand Master Volkov and are also keen to …" Michael stopped speaking, it was now time to get this conversation moving the way he wanted it to, all whilst making Ketch believe he was driving the agenda. With stopping mid sentence, Michael made big of lowering his head as if he was embarrassed or had said too much. "Forgive me, I shouldn't be speaking out of turn about my betters."

Ketch moved closer, this time extending his hand and placing it on Trevor/Michael's lower arm. "No.. no don't do that Trevor. Don't think of yourself as being lesser. In fact, it's the reason that Grand Master Volkov wanted me to speak with you. He needs to know who and what the threats are. Please, tell me why these Fischer's are no friend of the Volkovs!"

Playing his part, Michael began to turn the conversation. "Well, if you insist. It's for the Grand Master and I live to serve him… to the very end and like you, I want to make sure that no one betrays him." The archangel sounded angry as he said the last few words as a way to show that there was more threats than even Ketch knew off. Then he continued. "The Fischer's are here at the wishes of an angel… no, sorry, they said he was an archangel or something, so I'm assuming that's more powerful. But either way, they're here representing a creature that is obviously an enemy of all vampire kind."

Shifting to create a more comfortable mood setting – indicating there was the beginning of a trust bond, Michael elaborated. "They're here to question Grand Master's claim of being the new Alpha… hmmmm… as well as take away the his new pet!"

Detecting Michael's tone when he referred to Dean as the new pet, Ketch took the bait. "Emmm… look I'm not going to judge you here, but I'm sensing that you're not too enamoured with the new 'pet'. Would I be right?"

Michael deliberately sat still and quiet. It was make or break time. After a few uncomfortable minutes of silence he hesitantly answered. "It's… it's not myyy my place, bu… butt I don't think the new pet is good for Grand Master… ….. emmmm…. I think he's dangerous, but as I said, it's not my place, and I don't believe I should mention it further." If Michael had been human he would have held his breath. 'Now for the moment of truth' he thought.

'Bingo!' Michael could have done a somersault as he saw Ketch's body language change. 'I think I've caught myself my fish.' Ketch leaned even closer, this time taking Trevor's hand. "There's no need to hide the truth from me and there's no need to question your gut. In fact, your gut has served you well, as I too, have…. Well, let's just say .. I have reservations about Grand Master's bedfellow. I mean, I've been working in the world of the supernatural for some time and I can assure you that this Dean Winchester's name has come up a few times."

'Now for the fake concern.' Michael leapt in. "What do you mean? Is my beloved Grand Master in danger from this man?"

Ketch shifted as if trying to look as if he was uncomfortable with 'gossiping', but Michael could see straight through the pretence. "Normally, I would hear rumours about people, but when I arrived here to do a job, I was happy. This was going to be a cake walk,…. And then I found out that 'Thee Dean Winchester' was on site, … well, I'm worried. Surely, you've heard about him and his connection to witches?"

Michael knew exactly where this conversation was going, so he helped it along. "No! Please tell me."

"Please note, some of this is second and third hand, but I've also had run ins with Mr Winchester, and I can assure you, that he's a master manipulator and I've no doubt he's used witch craft to get his hooks into YOUR Grand Master. I even heard he's got strong connections to the 'Order' of Witches. I wouldn't be surprised if they're playing an angle here. After all, the Volkov Clan is the richest and most powerful Clan in the world and Mr Winchester will use his mind, body and soul to get to the very top. I wouldn't be surprised if he's bewitched the Clan. Tell me Trevor, have you seen anything strange when you've been up in Grand Master's quarter recently?"

Michael knew Ketch was fishing and with the clock ticking against the archangel and specifically against Dean, Michael needed his sword to be freed as quickly as possible. "I knew there was something different. Normally Grand Master Viktor would take a shine to a human. In fact, these last few months he's had a particular type.. not unlike Winchester.. You know, tall, mid to late 30s, fair haired, male and green eyes. Anyway, when WINCHESTER arrived, my master changed. He's become so aggressive and possessive. I know he's become distrustful of his second in command and the other vampires in the house."

"That's why he locked his precious pet in his quarters and for the last few days he's not come out, or even really talked to anyone. It's creating so much disharmony between the vampires and the other slaves. But, there's nothing we can do about Winchester? He seems to have his hooks in deep." Michael took the time to look up and into Ketch's eyes in earnest, in the hope that his acting skills were perfect.

Ketch grew slightly agitated. At first Michael thought he had 'over shot the landing zone' on this one, but then he realised it was part of the Englishman's act. "I don't know if this is appropriate, but perhaps the vampires can't do anything because of their link to their Grand Master, buttttt…. no, I shouldn't say this. You're loyal and… so am I… No! Forget I said anything Trevor. I'm just getting ahead of myself … too carried away. I should know my place."

Michael immediately seized the opportunity. "No! You're not! And you're right, Master Valentin and Mistress Bridget have been unable to keep Grand Master stable and the other humans are too scared to do anything, but…. I'm loyal and I will not let my Grand Master down. Maybe.. well… maybe we can do something Mr Ketch? But, … I don't know much about these things as I'm just a pleasure slave. …."

'Now to seal the deal!' As Michael waited, Ketch took both of the slave Trevor's hands in his two larger hands and replied. "You're more than a pleasure slave Trevor. You're the Grand Master's true partner. His true friend and you have his best interests at heart. With that righteousness on our side, we can do no wrong. And you may be a slave, but you are not powerless. You have passion and you have access to your Master's quarters."

Ketch raised an eyebrow as he spoke. "With your access and my understanding of wardings and the security and feel confident that we can quickly and quietly remove the problem. Do you understand?"

Michael replied. "I.. I don't know Sir… I mean Ketch. I may have access to the quarters, but there's guards outside the door and at various points on the floor, and then there's the cameras placed everywhere. How are we going to get him out of the room, never name out of the building?" As he spoke, he faked a little fear in order to sell Trevor's inexperience and lack of confidence.

"Never fear young man. You leave the heavy lifting, so to speak, to me."

Looking as confused as he could, Michael queried, "what are you going to do? This place is like a fortress. There's no way we'll be able to remove Winchester without being seen."

Smugly the Englishman had an answer. "Ohhhh… well, let's just say, I have access to neutralising the cameras, so it will be as if we're invisible. As for the guards along the floors, I can get access to the rota and have them position elsewhere when we decide to do this. But, I'm afraid the two guards at the door will not be so lucky. Though, I can live with that if you can?"

Nodding in agreement, Michael chanced another question. "That sounds good, but as much as Winchester is dangerous, what's going to happen to him when … or if we get him out of here?"

"Look Trevor. I'm not going to lie to you, but it would be in everyone's interest if we get Dean Winchester out of here and actually off the property, and I mean, the entire estate as quickly as possible. As much as it seems like a good plan to just kill him in the suite upstairs, but this chap has a uncanny way of coming back to life. In fact, he's done that more times than anyone can count."

Ketch shifted slightly in his seat, before he continued. "Killing him and killing him here isn't an option. For starters, if Grand Master walks in and finds Winchester cut to pieces he's most likely going to obliterate half, if not all living and undead things in this mansion. No! It would be better to make it look as if the hunter escaped. Once we get him off the estate, then we can kill him. In fact, can have a few associates standing by to take him away and dispose of him."

Michael continued to nod in agreement as he knew who exactly Ketch's associates were. Recalling the message left by his inside man, the archangel was well aware of how close Sam Winchester and the Castiel were. "You can do that? … I mean… you can organise that? Surely that will take time to arrange and it's time we don't have!"

Managing to snort, Ketch responded. "Don't fear, I can make this happen but it will take a few hours. Do you think that will be OK? Given that Winchester has been sinking his hooks pretty deep into Grand Master Viktor."

Michael pondered over the timings. "That should work well. Especially as the talks are most likely to continue on into the early morning, so everyone will be busy, but if the talks break up, we will need to have a distraction as most likely Grand Master Viktor is going to be wanting to spend some time with his pet."

This news seemed to concern Ketch. "Hmmph… I forgot about that. The quickest we could get Winchester out of here is around 11am or so tomorrow morning. The first talks session will have ended. Dammit! Viktor will most likely be wanting a cuddle from his pet."

Michael knew exactly what needed to happen. "Oh! I've got an idea that will keep our Grand Master busy and far away from cuddling with his pet." Thinking further, Michael knew he had to have a conversation with Frederick Fischer and to find a way to lengthen the summit and get a strong distraction. Looking across at Ketch, he could tell that the human was not convinced by his new found optimism.

"Forgive me, I should explain. I have to service Grand Master Fischer in the next hour or so. They normally take a break. I can do that and I know how to plant a few suggestions that will have the Fischer Clan keep the talks going. I also know that Grand Master Volkov distrusts a lot of his clan members. If he thinks there's a traitor he'll spend time trying to get to the bottom of things."

Ketch seemed to look split between worried and mesmerised. "Are you sure you do all this? … I mean, I'm not trying to throw a spanner into the works here, but you mentioned you're just a pleasure slave. Surely they're not going to believe you?"

Now it was Michael's turn to openly smirk. "Ohh Mr Ketch. We pleasure slaves are the most important source of intelligence in this house. We're viewed as a simple hole to fuck, so no one imagines that we would hear anything, never name have the brains to strategically use the information. I've spent many years providing intel on my Master's enemies to the Volkov Clan and never once as anyone questioned it. Don't worry, this can work."

Michael deliberately sounded more confident as he was already done with the conversation and was impatient to get things moving. "So, I'm going to go set up the diversion, what are you going to do?"

Ketch stood up and began to pace the small alcove. After a while, Michael could see that he had come to a decision. "You know, you're right. I think this is going to work. So, while you're doing you bit, I'm going to get in touch with a few colleagues and get things moving at my end. We'll keep in touch and aim to enter Grand Master's quarters at 10.30am ish in the morning. That'll give us a good half an hour to get Winchester clear of the building."

Michael rose from the seat and took Ketch's hand. "We have a deal. And once we have him out of here, I'll return to my chores and so will you and your friends can kill him later."

As agreed, they both walked back down the corridor and made arrangements as to how to communicate. It was clear that Ketch had found a way of communicating with Sam Winchester. Now, all Michael had to do was find a way of getting Frederick Fischer to stall the talks.

With that thought, Michael breathed as he considered the enormity of the task. Shrugging his shoulders, he recognised that it was going to be easier to heal shattered bodies and minds that it was to get the Fischer Grand Master to play his role.