[Author note: As promised, this originally was going to be part of chapter 53 but it would have been too long to read, so here's a special treat - here's what's happening with Michael. Enjoy the read and as always - let me know your thoughts. ]
Chapter 54: Cold vengeance
Michael's POV:
He had always assumed he was patient and strategic in every area of his existence, so he found it both irritating and confusing as to why he had so easily revealed his presence to his sword. Inwardly cursing himself, Michael couldn't understand why he took the decision not only to show himself, but to then attempt to kiss him. 'What was that even about? For father's sake, can you not restrain yourself?' The icing on the cake was his quick decision to shut Dean up by simply knocking him unconscious. It wasn't helped by the immediate arrival of the human, Arthur Ketch.
In fairness to the ex-British Men of Letters, he had summed it up well with the phrase 'ah bloody hell', because that's exactly what Michael felt about his most recent faux pax. Trying not to over analyse what he had done, the archangel attempted to find a rationale for his actions. Of course he had been relieved to finally locate and rescue Dean, but he had planned for his presence and support in freeing Dean to remain unknown. So it didn't make sense that he would lose control of his himself and do what he had done. Internally, he struggled to even comprehend that he had specific feelings and emotions for the elder Winchester and as for the kiss?!. He continued to repeat over and over in his head the mantra, 'I only need him for his soul power'.
The only upside to the arrival of the annoying human was Michael was rescued from overthinking the situation any further as he knew Ketch was suspicious. It was obvious when Ketch said, "what happened? I thought the plan was for us to help Dean get out of here? Why's he unconscious?"
Thinking quickly, and remembering that he was meant to be a weak slave, he replied, "I don't know Sir. He was in bad shape when I got to him. I'm surprised I managed to get him out of the room. He was so determined to walk by himself, but I don't know whether it was all too much for him or whether there's something else going on." Michael decided he needed to look and act scared so he took a few deep breaths and then moved from one foot to the other, before he continued with his explanation. "All I know is he started to get dizzy so I stopped and let him lean against the wall and then the next thing I knew he was fainting. Just as you were arriving."
Ketch remained silent for a few moments as he considered the archangel's explanation. It was clear that the pathetically weak stance of the slim young slave played in his favour. "Hmph.. I suppose we have to be grateful that you were able to get him this far before he collapsed. Mmmmmm.. though I rather feel this may slow us down and we have a small window of opportunity to get out of here."
Kicking himself for not foreseeing the importance of Dean being mobile, Michael began to hoist the elder Winchester up onto his feet. Ketch immediately moved in and grabbed Dean's other arm and slung it over his shoulder so the hunter hung unevenly between both men. From there, the pace was incredibly slow as all three began to make their way.
After a minute or so of silence, Michael asked, "where are we going?" Ketch seemed to contemplate his answer which further added to the archangel's concerns. 'Did he see what Michael had done to Dean? If so, why hasn't he called me out? Or is he leading me into a trap?' Shaking his head, Michael awaited the Englishman's answer.
"Sadly, we've got little to no choice now. The timing's shot to hell, as I had hoped we'd be further down through the house and able to meet up with Sam and Castiel in the basement. But it seems that we'll have to make our way down a floor and towards the servant corridors that run across the other end of the building." From listening to Ketch it was the body language, and not the words, that give away the man, as he sounded worried. Picking up on the tone, Michael enquired, "I know we've not been as quick as we could have been, but you sound less confident about that route. Anything I should know about?"
Sighing and letting out a short grunt as Ketch attempted to readjust Dean so the hunter was better supported as they slowly moved towards their destination. On hearing the question, he replied, "Sorry Trevor. I had promised you that this would be so much easier, but I hadn't envisaged that the place would come under attack. It's just there's so many more enem… I mean angry vampires between us and getting Dean out of here… emmm… and away from influencing Viktor, that the only path we can take it down and through the Great Hall."
"Great Hall?" In an attempt to retain the façade, Michael queried Ketch's comments. In response, Ketch said, "The Great Hall poses a few problems. Firstly, it a large open room and normally very well guarded but I didn't foresee that we'd end up going that direction so I know for sure that there's a number of wardings and security spells in place that will slow us down, if not stop us. I'm sorry, I should have removed all of them, but I didn't want to raise suspicion, given that the Hall is one of the busiest areas and someone would have definitely noticed."
Nodding, Michael accepted the explanation, but before he could suggest other options, the Englishman continued. "It's also made worse by what I overheard on my way here."
Michael stopped in his tracks. As he was always used to being in control, he didn't like the sound of concern in Ketch's voice and he certainly didn't like the possibility that there was something else he was unaware of. Taking everything he had to keep his temper out of his voice he said, "Ohhhh… really…. And what did you overhear?"
His question seemed to leave Ketch uncomfortable and Michael cringed at the thought that he was playing too much out of character for Trevor. After all, he was meant to be a sex slave, who was keen to support Viktor. Seething at his emotional response to the entire situation, he almost missed Ketch's vital reply.
"Well! The plot thickens and we have good news and bad news. Which would you like to hear first?" Initially Michael thought that no answer was required but as Ketch seemed to stand waiting, he barked out, "I suppose you better give me the good news first."
On hearing the choice, Ketch took a few minutes to regale Michael of what he had overheard between Kate and Heinrich Richstein. "So you see, Richstein is searching the house and he's on the warpath. He may be after Sam, with the view of killing him, but I fear that in order to kill Sam he'll happily grab Dean and use him as bait. Besides, from what I hear, Grand Master Richstein has taken a shine to our Deano here. So we need to avoid him and his evil henchmen as much as possible."
Michael weighed up the information. Yes, it was unfortunately that there was yet another vampire out seeking Dean's body, but there was the plus side that Richstein could slow down or take out Sam Winchester and Castiel. Equally, the rival clan might be able to distract or possibly weaken the Volkovs. At least weaken Viktor enough, so that Michael can break the soulbond. He nodded as it truly was good news, despite poor Ketch seeing it as bad news.
Almost forgetting there was 'good' news, he asked, "and what's the bad … sorry, I mean, good news?"
For a second time in such a short period of time Ketch looked strangely at Michael and inwardly Michael cursed. He really needed to get back into character and get back in control of himself. Surely the human wasn't that stupid? He must had seen something, or at least be suspicious of the slave in front of him. Instead, Ketch took a minute and then told him all about how the Fischers had decided to tuck tail and run. The very news infuriated the archangel. Seething as Ketch spoke, "so you see, there's one less bunch of blood suckers to worry about. Which has to be good news in many ways, and rest assured, once we get out of here, I'm sure the Fischers will be found… and … emmm. pay for what they've done…. …." Michael could tell the moment that the Englishman remembered what he had promised as Ketch corrected "…. You know, emm.. betraying the Volkovs when they should have stood up and alongside their vampire kin in order to take out the hunter scum."
As much as Michael really wanted to play along, he was inwardly screaming with rage. It was bad enough that he had to rely on monsters, and in particular, vampires for his main plan, but he had really high hopes that monster, and in particular, vampires, would be the answer. Instead, just like the rest of the creatures and humans he had met in this universe, they were a disappointment. They were greedy and powerful. They just didn't want to eat anymore. They wanted power and domination. At first, he had admired that trait when he met Frederick Fischer, but standing listening to how the vampire had retreated and all because of greed. He was furious. Frederick knew his orders and had failed to execute them. In Michael's opinion, that was a fatal error on the Grand Master's part.
Caught up in his thoughts Michael failed to realise that they were moving again. The monotonous shuffle towards freedom allowed the archangel some time to think. The more he thought the more he realised that he had a number of things on his 'to do' list before he left with Dean. Inwardly cursing, he realised he was going to have to find a way to separate himself from the hunter (hopefully for the last time) and he had to do it soon.
Michael needed to find all three Grand Masters and deal with them, but he knew he would have to do this quietly and quickly. For a few seconds he considered how the hunters could help him, but he realised that he really wanted to deal with all the Grand Masters, and in particular, the Fischer clan himself. After all, they were treacherous filth that he needed to eradicate. Inwardly, he refused to contemplate that he really wanted to personally deal with all the vampire Grand Masters because of them touching 'his sword'. Instead he chose to bury that thought deep down and ponder on the question of how he was going to do it? Fortunately, fate would weigh in on his behalf as Dean began to come round.
At the first sign that the hunter was regaining consciousness, Ketch had managed to take him from Trevor and lean Dean against the wall. "Come on Deano, it's me, Ketch. Arthur Ketch. You know me? English asshole who tried to kill you. Come on old chap, wake up." Michael held his literal breath as he watched a pair of green eyes open and attempted to focus. The archangel prayed to his absentee father begging that Dean didn't remember anything from their last encounter. Fortunately, lady luck was shining down in his favour as Dean looked confused between Ketch and Trevor. "What? … Where am I?" As the words slurred out of Winchester's mouth, Michael relaxed. His powers had managed to erase the last few minutes of consciousness and with any luck the entire interaction with Michael, especially the kiss.
"It's OK Dean. You're safe. Trevor and I are going to take you out of here. You'll like that, won't you?" The very closeness of his vessel to the Englishman was grating on the archangel. Every part of Michael wanted to tear the human away from his sword and end the façade by vanishing with his prize. But he knew he couldn't simply just fly off with the hunter. Firstly there was a number of spells keeping the hunter trapped within the mansion. In fact, the very first time he might attempt an escape might actually kill Dean. So flying out wasn't an option.
Secondly, he thought about the connexion. Even if he managed to escape with Dean, there was the small but significant problem of the soulbond. He had no idea how damaging the move could be. Instead, the archangel knew he had to deal with Volkov first before he took his sword away and once away, he would find a way to complete his own soul bond, ensuring he had access to all that lovely power.
"I don't understand. How did you get here? … I mean, why would you even bother?" Dean's questions halted both human and archangel in their tracks. Dean's frame of mind was of great concern to everyone and it seemed that Dean either didn't believe the rescue was real or he didn't believe he was worthy of people wanting to save him. Either way, it was tragic to hear the words from the elder Winchester's mouth. In short, he didn't think he deserved to be saved.
Before Michael could say anything that most likely could betray himself, Ketch interjected. "Deano. What have they done to you?... Do you really think we would leave you hear?"
Winchester looked confused, "They?"
"They! Why, your brother, Cas, Jack, your mother, Bobby, Rowena and half a bloody army are currently battling their way through vampires and bad humans to get to you. And my job is to get you reunited with them as quickly and as safely as possible. So why don't we get a wriggle on before the big bad Volkov vampires find us?" Michael had to give it to Ketch, he really had a way about him as he tried to get Dean to move in the direction he needed him to go. Unfortunately, the Winchester stubbornest was about to rear its head.
The first indication that all was not well was Dean's refusal to move, despite Ketch trying to hoist Winchester's arm over his shoulder. After a few failed attempts, Ketch asked, "Come on Dean, we need to get you out of here. You know we all want you away from Viktor, so let's get going." Unfortunately it did little to nothing to change his swords mind. Confused by Dean's actions, or rather, lack of action, Michael added, "Dean. It's me, Trevor. What's wrong? I thought you'd be happy to be away from Viktor?" The archangel's words seemed to cause a reaction with the hunter as Dean refocused his attention on the younger sex slave. After a few seconds of intense staring, Dean replied, "What's wrong with you Trevor? You know that running is useless. I can't leave the building and even if I did manage to get out of here, Viktor would find me. …. He always finds me."
Turning from looking at Trevor, Michael watched as Dean continued, this time specifically addressing Ketch. "He knows everything. I can't hide anything from him. He won't let me." Ketch interrupted. "No Dean, he's messing with your head. Yeah, I know he's old and powerful, but he's just a vampire and you know how good we both are at killing those blood suckers. This isn't the Dean Winchester I know.. and have come to… well .. emm.. not love as such, but definitely not hate anymore."
The archangel watched the interaction. He could see the beginnings of tears well up in Dean's eyes. "NO! You don't understand Ketch. He's … mmmm.. emmmmm.. dddd donneee things…. Aand, I'vvvee done ." Michael could see how emotional the hunter was becoming. It was clear that whatever had been done to his vessel was still having a major effect on him. The cocky, strong willed soul was beaten and scared. As they stood in the corridor, it hit Michael. Dean Winchester was close to breaking and he feared that he might actually be too late.
That very thought re-ignited the archangel. He couldn't stand by and let Volkov win, but he realised that he really needed to take out the vampires immediately, but he had to ensure Dean was as far away as possible from the Volkov Grand Master. Michael needed time and space to do what he needed to do and loathed as he was to be separated from his vessel he had to find an excuse to separate from them. Thankfully both Ketch and Dean provided him with an opportunity.
Ketch spoke first, "Deano I know it's been really bad for you old chap, but Trevor here is keen to help get you out of here. And he's been here for years but he's not afraid of the big old Grand Master." As Ketch spoke, Dean shook his head. "No… no.. NO! You don't understand Ketch. You can't trust anyone in this building that works from the Volkov's and you definitely can trust him!" As Dean spoke the last words he weakly raised his hand and pointed at Trevor. Michael understood why the hunter was reacting to him this way. It was less to do with what had transpired earlier, and more to do with how the human slave, Trevor had treated the hunter. Michael had the perfect excuse he needed.
Ketch's eyes moved between Dean and Trevor as Dean spoke. "I know that you two haven't always been best buddies but young Trevor and I have a deal here. I know that he's loyal to Viktor, but he also wants you out of the picture. Isn't that right?" It was clear that Ketch was referring back to their original deal. Slowly nodding, Trevor/Michael replied, "It's true Dean. I know we haven't been friends and I know that you don't trust me and that's fine. But please believe me when I say this now. I want you as far away from Viktor as possible. Viktor is mine and mine alone. I want you gone and I want you gone NOW!"
As he spoke he couldn't disagree, he really did want Dean away from Viktor, but not for the reason that the two humans in front of him thought. He also wasn't lying when he said that he wanted Viktor for himself. He really did, but it was to obliterate the vampire. Thankfully, both Ketch and Dean seemed to believe him. He just needed to get moving.
Looking directly at Dean, Michael chose his next words very carefully. "I knew the moment we met that you would change everything. I also knew how special you were.. I mean.. you are. I also know that if you stay here, you'll be consumed by the vampire, and I CAN'T HAVE THAT!"
Dean seemed to be hesitating. Michael believed the elder Winchester was internally debating whether to trust the slave. Eventually Dean answered. "Even if I believed you, I can't leave without him knowing. He'll find me and kill everyone. You know how he is Trevor. You've see what he can do. How jealous he is of everyone." Turning back towards Ketch, Dean continued, "He'll kill you Ketch if he finds you. And if you're with me, he will find you."
Ketch seemed slightly confused. "What do you mean Dean?"
"He's inside my head Ketch. I try to fight him.. To block him out, but I know he can read my mind. See through my eyes. He knows, I know he knows that I'm trying to escape and when he finds you both with me, he'll kill you, just to punish me and I have enough blood on my hands. I can't let anyone else die for me, not even you. And as much as I dislike Trevor here, I can't have his death on my conscience either. I just can't!"
Michael watched the meltdown. Despite his angelic nature, he was shocked by what he was seeing. He had known about the connection between the Grand Master and his vessel, but he had not really examined it in too much detail. From Dean's description, the connection was similar to angelic possession, albeit, minus the all important 'yes' that was required to take ownership. As he considered his next steps, Michael couldn't help worry that he might not be able to get 'his Dean' back. That thought made him afraid as well as angry. If he couldn't have Dean, then no one would. But as that thought entered his mind, he paused. He was not at that point yet, but if it looked as if Viktor would win, the archangel had to consider his response and he had to consider ALL of his options. Deep down, Michael prayed to his father that he would not have to be in that position. In fact, he would move heaven and hell to avoid it.
"Dean, I know you blame yourself for everything that Viktor did, but I've known him all my life and he has been waiting for you for some time. And… wellllll… as much as it hurts me to say this, you are his favourite. He's been obsessed with you since he laid eyes on you. We all knew it when we saw how all those other men looked similar to you. At first I tried to ignore it, hoping that it was a phase and that he would reward loyalty over looks, but Viktor will do whatever he wants and whatever it takes to get his way. So you see, you're better than me. You're special and you're not weak Dean and it's definitely not your fault."
Dean looked at Trevor (aka Michael) with confusion all over his face. It was clear that the elder Winchester could not understand why Trevor was acting in such a way. Inwardly, Michael really hated that he couldn't reveal himself. All he wanted to do was reach out and grab his vessel and tell him who he was and that he was here to take him back and that all would be OK. But deep down, he knew that it would do one of two things. Firstly, it would freak Dean out completely, which would result in either fight or flight. And secondly, if Dean knows he's there, then Viktor will know and Michael needed to maintain some sort of element of surprise. After all, when the two of them meet, only one of them will survive and Michael has every intention of winning.
"Of course it's my fault. I'm toxic. Everyone knows that. Everyone I've known and cared about has died. I bring death, just ask poor Ryan and Doc. Busbee…." As Michael was trying to recall from Trevor's mind who .. or what .. on earth Busbee was, Dean seemed to pause. The look on his sword's face was one of recognition. It was Ketch who asked, "What or who is Busbee?"
Dean seemed to slouch against the wall and as he did he bowed his head slightly. "Trevor knows who he is… or maybe it's better to say 'was'." Michael managed to find the memory that Dean was referring to, but as he was on the verge of providing an answer to Dean's question, the hunter continued. "Both of them were my friend. Both of them trusted and believed in me, and I got them killed. Ryan was whipped to death in front of the entire household and all because I stupidly thought I could escape. And… as for Busbee…" Dean choked on the doctor's name. Michael could see the vampire's punishment was still hurting the hunter. Michael had to give Viktor credit, the ancient vampire had known exactly what he was doing.
Ketch urged the hunter to continue. "Dean! What happened to Busbee?"
"Busbee was the doctor who was responsible for looking after me. You know, patching me up when the vamps got too rough. I dunno what happened, but the doctor took pity on me and tried to help get me out of here. You know… just the way you two are trying to do now. Anyway, Viktor found us so quickly and all because of his connection to me. I brought him right to us. Busbee hadn't a chance, and because he .."
At this stage, the elder Winchester was practically shaking as a single tear ran down the side of his cheek. To Michael, and possibly to Ketch, the emotion coming from Dean was a sure sign that he was weak. Dean continued, "I don't know if he's alive, but Viktor has told me that he'll live for years, starving and slowly going mad. Viktor knew that was the most effective punishment he could give both of us. And all because of me. And.."
Dean halted and immediately his eyes went wide. The look on his face told Michael that the hunter had remembered something. Something so important that it had shaken him out of his 'pity party'. "Oh God, EMILY!"
On hearing the name 'Emily', Michael couldn't help but think, 'Who the hell is Emily?' Thankfully Michael was spared from assuming it was some woman Dean was interested in, as Trevor's mind provided him with all the answers. 'Of course, how could I have forgotten.' Michael almost felt a small sense of respect for Viktor Volkov. The ancient vampire had known exactly how to get to Dean Winchester.
Ketch's question, "Emily?" had snapped Michael back to reality, just in time to see Dean find a renewed sense of purpose. "We've got to save her. We've got to save Emily … and Busbee. We've got to help him." As Michael listened, he knew this was his opportunity. In an attempt to show his disapproval, Michael took a deep breath and in delved deep into Trevor's memories, until he found the correct behaviours to illustrate the slave's disagreement, he spoke up. "No Dean! I've risked everything to get you out of here. I knew it was going to be difficult and even dangerous, but I did it, as much for me, as I did it for you. And now, you're going to give it all up for a little girl and a half crazed vampire, who will most likely try and kill you the moment he's topside."
Taking a breath and stepping back from both Ketch and Dean, Michael continued. "I've tried, but this is typical of you, isn't it Winchester? You've never done what you've been told? We all told you to behave, but you ignored that and we all suffered. Then we risked everything to get you out of here and still your decision is going to get us all killed. No! Not us all, just me and Ketch here. Well, I've tried to help, but I can't do this. I could try and stop you both and take you back, maybe Viktor will forgive me. Yeah, that's what I'll do, I'll.."
As expected and planned, Ketch reached out and punched Trevor. The hit was nothing to the archangel, but he needed to deal with the vampires, so he fell to the ground and faked unconsciousness. Lying motionless on the ground, he listened to their conversation.
Dean seemed surprised, "Ketch! Did you really have to hit him?"
"Look Dean, I really don't trust him and quite frankly we didn't have a choice. The little turncoat was about to take you back to Viktor and beg for forgiveness and I couldn't have that. Now, come on, we've got to get you to your brother." Ketch went to grab Dean's arm, in an attempt to help him steady himself. It was clear that Dean's injury was really going to slow down everything.
"No Ketch. We can't go yet. We need to save Busbee and Emily."
"Dean, there's no time, we need to get out of here."
Dean interrupted. "NO! You don't understand, enough people have suffered. I need to save these two, I really do. If I'm to get any of myself back, I need to do this. And, I'm NOT ASKING!"
Michael didn't have to open his eyes to see that both humans had reached some sort of understanding. "Alright Winchester. You win. … You're just like your mother. Stubborn and had to always get her way. Let's go and rescue Busbee and Emily. Which way?" At that question Dean seemed uncertain. After a few moments, he replied. "I'm not sure where the girl is, I assume she's being held with the other slaves, but I do know where Busbee is. So let's get to the Great Hall. He's buried there."
Michael remained motionless as the two hobbled off towards the Great Hall. The archangel was worried by this development, but he knew that it might work in his favour. After all, if Dean was busy unearthing a vampire, it meant he was still in the house and that would give the archangel plenty of time to deal with the other vampires.
No sooner were Dean and Ketch out of sight, Michael was on the move. Reaching out to try and locate his target, the archangel cursed to himself. The positioning of some of the warding was still weakening him and despite how active he had been in having it destroyed, there was just too much still present. The warding was making it difficult for him to locate and fly towards his target, so he found he had to walk, and at times, run down the corridor. As he did, he could feel Trevor's body begin to deconstruct. The slave would not be able to contain him for much longer. Whatever he was going to do, he was going to have to do it quickly and soon.
As he pondered on who he would take out first, he managed to run round a corner and straight into the Richstein delegation. Coming to a halt in front of Grand Master Heinrich and his second in command, Josef, Michael contemplated his options. Taking in Heinrich's physical appearance, Michael wanted to annihilate every single vampire in front of him, but he couldn't. As much as he wanted to, he needed Richstein to be the perfect distraction. He needed Heinrich to distract and slow down Viktor, giving Dean time to save his friend and gain distance from Viktor.
'Dammit!' Internally cursing, Michael decided to play the innocence card. Bowing his head he stood still and awaited an order. It was Josef who spoke first. "Who have we got here?... Where are you running to or from the sounds of the gun fire, who are you running from?"
Before Michael could respond, Heinrich replied, "Leave him Josef. It's only one of Viktor's pleasure slaves. He's of no importance, we need to find Winchester and get out of here?" Michael could sense discord between both vampires, as Josef asked, "Surely we're trying to find Samuel Winchester, and not his brother Dean? … Grand Master, we've agreed that we need to find the younger brother. You know.. the one that killed our Alpha? Only when we've killed him, will you be able to claim Alpha status."
"Of course my beloved Josef. You are right. I mean we must find and make Sam Winchester pay. And then I can claim anything and everything I want." Michael listened and knew exactly what, or more specifically, who Heinrich was referring to.
It was then that both vampires remembered that Michael, or to them, Trevor was in front of them. "Should we leave and let this one go, or do we just kill him? After all, he's seen us." Immediately Michael needed to think of something quick. "Grand Master, if you may forgive me, I am making my way back to my Head of the Household, now that Grand Master Viktor is leaving."
It was Heinrich that interrupted first. "What do you mean leaving?"
Knowing he had grabbed their attention, Michael continued in as innocent voice as he could muster. "I'm sorry, it's not my place to speak about such matters…" Before he could continue, he found himself picked up by the shirt and flung against the wall. Every part of the archangel wanted to show both vampires who exactly they were dealing with, but he needed to suck it up for Dean. So he did what he always had done, he put his feelings and emotions aside for the mission.
"I'm sorry Grand Master Heinrich. Grand Master Viktor knows that Dean's brother is here and he's decided he needs more time, so he's taking Dean and leaving." The news had the desired effect as the Richstein Grand Master leaned closer. "When?"
Nodding towards the direction of Viktor's quarters, he stated, "he's just left with Dean and is on his way down towards Master Valentin's office. They're packing everything that they can quickly move and then they'll be leaving. If you rush now, you should find them. If not, they'll be going out the front door." Michael didn't care where he was leading the Richsteins to, as long as it wasn't in the direction of Great Hall, and specifically towards Dean. With any luck these vampires would run into Sam or Castiel and as much as Michael wanted to be the one to rip Heinrich to pieces, he would have to forego the experience, as he had bigger fish to 'catch and fry'.
It seemed to work, as he was dropped in an instant and as he attempted to sit upright, Michael received a swift kick to the head. He immediately felt his temporary vessel's neck snap and as it did he released Trevor's soul from the body and watched it disappear into the ether. Thinking to himself, 'well at least that's one less thing I have to do later', Michael waited to the vampires had disappeared from sight and he sat upright.
As he staggered to his feet, he realised that something felt odd and then he remembered that his vessel's neck had been broken and was now at a wrong angle, almost 180 degrees off by his calculation. Though he didn't feel pain, he knew that it was better for appearances sake that Trevor's head faced to the front, so he raised both his hands and quickly snapped the neck back into place.
Taking a few seconds to ensure everything was in order, Michael rocked his vessel's head from side to side and sighed. As soon as he was happy, he took off running again. Fortunately, he was now entering a section of the mansion where the warding had been dismantled and immediately he was able to locate his target or in this case targets.
With a new location he turned and ran down a corridor and entered a stairwell, this time going down another two floors, which would leave him on the ground floor and a floor below the Great Hall, which was close enough to Dean, but far enough away to make sure he could carry out his plan without detection.
Sensing his angelic grace, Michael followed the connection until he found himself entering a garage. As he entered he overheard Frederick Fischer barking out orders to his minions. "Hurry up, the shit's about to hit the fan and I, for one, don't wish to be here when it truly hits. We can retreat to a safe location and wait to see what happens and then make our decision on what we will do next."
Michael didn't recognise who replied and, quite frankly, he didn't care. They were all insignificant now and not worth saving. It was there in the garage of the Volkov Mansion, that Michael made his decision to forego working with all vampires. Instead, he would use werewolves to help him execute his final plans for this world. The vampires had had their chance and had proved to him that they were no better than the humans. Michael would ignore the fact that a vampire had touched what was his, instead he would maintain that it was that vampires couldn't be trusted.
Armed with one mission, Michael made his way towards the Fischer delegation, with the objective of cleaning house. As he approached he witnessed the vampires throw papers and what looked like cash and jewels into the boot of two cars. Tilting his head to the side, he watched as Frederick screamed further orders. And then, out of nowhere, Michael began to laugh loudly.
"You little piece of shit, what the hell are you laughing at?" The verbal attack came from an insignificant 'hemo-gobbler'. From what Michael could gather, the vampire didn't sense the presence of an angel, despite having a smidgen of Michael's grace within. Knowing the warding was masking his presence, Michael felt he deserved to have some fun. Looking across at the other vampires in the room, he could tell that the rest of the vampires were now fully aware there was a 'human' in the room with them.
"You heard him blood bag, what's so funny?" This time the remark came from Frederick himself. Given the way the vampire was looking at Michael, it was clear that everyone remained oblivious of the real monster in the room. As he contemplated his response, the Grand Master moved fast and grabbed what he thought was one of the many pleasure slaves.
Michael remained docile as he allowed himself to be roughly manhandled until he was pinned at least two foot of the ground and up against the nearest wall. "Answer me! What's so funny?" As he asked the question, the vampire emphasised each word with a sharp shunt to his upper torso.
Contemplating his reply, Michael stared directly into Frederick eyes and in a deadpan voice he began to answer Frederick. "I'm laughing at your cowardice. I'm laughing at your weakness. I'm laughing at your stupidity but most of all, I'm laughing AT YOU!"
Whether it was Michael's words or his cold stare or a mixture of both, the Grand Master of the Fischer clan dropped him instantly, as if he was contagious. After a few seconds, the ancient vampire replied, "Child! Have you a death wish?" Michael looked up at the vampire and quietly shook his head, saying no in response to Frederick's question.
"If not, then you must be just stupid. I suspect all those beatings and fuckings must have led to too much damage to that head of yours." Moving away from the slave, the Grand Master returned to packing up the car. This time at greater speed.
Michael decided that it was time to 'raise a little hell'. Slowly getting up of the ground, he began to dust off any dirt he had acquired when he was thrown to the ground. As he did, he began to move closer to Frederick. "You know, I'm surprise at you Frederick. I would have thought you, of all of your people, would have been the one to recognise me. But it seems that your incompetence knows no limits."
As he spoke, Michael edged slowly forward. "I called you a coward. Do you know why?... because you are running away at the first sign of seeing a hunter." Edging one step closer, he continued. "I called you weak, because you give in so easy to your base instincts. In this case, money. You'd rather skip out and take any winnings with you, because money is the only thing you're loyal to, isn't it?"
Trying to keep the anger out of his voice, Michael stepped even closer. "I called you stupid, because here you are now. In the enemy's house, surrounded by unknown and unrecognisable enemies and allies and you can't tell which is which." Stepping the last step closer, until he was practically a few centimetres from the vampire, Michael finished his monologue. " I called you as I see you. You are all those things, but most of all you showed yourself to me and it's as clear as the nose on your face. And to you know what you have shown me?"
To give Frederick credit, he had not moved or flinched as Michael had spoken. Standing as resolute as Michael did, the vampire replied with a sarcastic tone. "No, but I'm sure a lowly sex slave will be able to tell me!"
Tilting his head to the side, Michael smirked as he replied, "I see a mistake, and I'm not just talking about being an abomination. …. No, you see, I once thought I had found the perfect ally in my quest to rule this world. I thought I had found a race that was pure and their needs simple. I just thought you only wanted to eat. But NO! Instead of all of that, I happened to form an alliance with creatures that were more power hungry than the bloody humans."
Michael couldn't help but inwardly celebrate when he noticed the spark of recognition in Frederick's eyes. A gasp was followed by a whispered, "it's you…. But it can't be!" As Frederick spoke he took a few steps backward in a feeble attempt to put some distance between himself and the archangel.
On hearing their leader's words, the other vampires stopped what they were doing and looked on with expressions, that Michael could only describe as abject fear on their faces. "Oh but it can be. I know this is not the vessel you're used to seeing me in, but why don't you tap into that special gift I give you Frederick and you'll know once and for all if I'm lying?"
Michael could see how his presence was affecting the vampires. Frederick was practically shaking as he closed his eyes and tried to connect to the essence of archangel grace that was coursing through his blood. The effect was immediate. The moment the ancient vampire located the grace within himself, was the exact moment that every vampire felt extreme pain flood through their body.
It was also the moment that screams began in the garage as every single vampire fell to the ground in agony. As they rolled and thrashed in pain on the ground, Michael took the opportunity to walk around each of them and as he passed one of the guards he stopped and knelt down. Grabbing the vampire by her hair, he said, "You see, you had one simple rule that I wanted you to follow. It was so easy to do, I just needed you to be loyal and obey me. That's all. But you couldn't do that." As he finished his sentence he snapped his fingers and the younger vampire began to liquidate in front him as he used the grace within the vampire to burn through the body.
As the young vampire squealed and screamed it's last death throes, Michael calmly watched as his grace returned to his body, entering through his mouth. As it entered, he stood up and moved towards another vampire. Kneeling down, he continued his conversation. "I give you one order, come here and negotiate for Dean Winchester. That's was the only little thing I asked you to do. But no, you came here and you did try your best, but your best wasn't good enough. You let the vile creature, Viktor Volkov, run rings around you."
Finishing his sentence Michael released the vampires head and immediately the second vampire began to disintegrate in front of their fellow clan members. By now, the rest of the vampires had a clear inkling of what was going to happen as every single one of them attempted to put as much distance between themselves and the archangel. Despite their feeble attempts, Michael moved to his next victims. This time, he placed himself between two vampires and as he knelt down he placed each of his hands on their chests.
"But you know what annoyed me the most? … No takers? Anyway, what annoyed me the most was, when you heard the news that I was possibly in the building, you could have taken up arms and attacked the Volkovs and the Richsteins. But you DIDN'T!" With his last word both vampires screamed their last as both bodies liquified and more of his grace returned to him.
By this stage, Frederick and his second in command had managed to stagger to their feet. Frederick managed to find words. "Please Master Michael. Please stop this. We know we did wrong, but we've learned our lesson. You've taught it well. Forgive us and we stand ready to die for you."
The words were no sooner uttered out of his mouth when Michael shouted, "DON'T YOU DARE LIE TO ME!" His anger resulted on the rest of the Fischer Clan being ripped apart as his grace violently left their bodies and returned to the true host and owner. In fact, the only vampire left alive was the Grand Master himself.
Panic was replaced with devastation and then by acceptance as the vampire took in the scene of destruction. In the matter of seconds, the archangel had destroyed the entre Fischer delegation. Fearing he was going to be next, Frederick fell to his knees. "Please forgive me. You're right, we've been greedy and disloyal, but I understand now. I truly do. Search the grace within me, you'll see I mean it. Please, give me another chance and I will not let you down."
In a rare moment of weakness, Michael considered the vampire's proposition and as he checked his grace he could tell Frederick was truly repentant. Nodding his head, Michael responded. "You know, I do believe you are telling the truth Frederick, or as my sword would call you, Freddy. But as I think about my sword, I realise that he is the most important thing to me, or almost as important as my mission. And I'm really struggling at the minute as I know what has been done to him and because I know, I'm having trouble dealing with certain feelings. In this case, RAGE!"
Michael could tell that his words were scaring the shit out of the vampire. "I swear I didn't touch Winchester. I haven't even seen him. Viktor has kept him locked away and I was watched from the moment I set foot here. So you see, I would have rescued your human if I could have gotten the chance. Please, I heard some things about what was done to the hunter and I swear I've had nothing to do with it."
The archangel knew Frederick wasn't lying, but he had already made up his mind. Sighing he looked directly at Frederick. "Sadly Freddy, I know you're telling me the truth. But you see, whether you were involved or not is irrelevant. Your kind have defiled my vessel. They've touched and tried to claim ownership of something that was never theirs to purchase in the first place. I'm afraid the actions of the Volkovs and the Richsteins have destroyed any chance of an alliance."
Recognising the seriousness of the situation, Frederick grabbed Michael's shirt and fell to his knees. "Please don't. We're not all like them. Don't let the greed of the Volkovs and the Richsteins jade you. Our clan stands ready to fight for you. I.." Michael raised his hand and used a little of his powers to silence the vampire.
"Enough! I'm afraid, that as much as you are genuine, my decision is made. I cannot trust vampires to fight on my behalf. You're too power hunger and greedy and if you're not fighting for me, then you're fighting against me and that simply won't do. Soooo.. it's time to begin clearing the debris off the board. So I'll start with your clan." As he spoke, Michael's eyes emitted a blue hue and then Frederick experienced the worse pain he had felt in over a thousand years.
In a matter of seconds, over a thousand voices cried out and in seconds there was silence. It was then that he witnessed a small orb of blue grace rejoin its original host and then Frederick knew what the pain had been. It had been the death of every single member of his Clan who had taken the archangel's grace. In one move and in one moment in time, his entire clan had been destroyed, all but the Grand Master had survived.
As Frederick's new found reality hit him, he bowed his head. As he did, Michael moved and extended his hand and cupped Frederick's cheek. Using his fingers he managed to lift the vampire's cheek so the vampire could look up and directly into the archangel's eyes. "And so it is done. You are the last of your Clan Frederick, but fear not, I am not cruel enough to let you live, I will grant you release from our contract and let you join the rest of your clan, … in purgatory."
Bending forward Michael kissed the top of the vampire's head and said, "Goodbye Frederick. I have decided to let the wolves lead my assault against mankind. Vampires cannot be trusted, let's hope they will not let me down." With the last of his words Michael concentrated and called the last of his grace out of Frederick. Saving the most violent and painful death to the end, the archangel ensured that Frederick took at least 5 minutes to die.
As he stood in the now empty garage Michael surveyed the scene. Every vampire lay in bits across the ground. He had been careful to kill without smiting, knowing that Castiel might investigate the deaths later and he was keen that there was little to no real damning evidence to prove an archangel had intervened. Though, deep down Michael knew it was going to be hard to believe vampires loyal to him just up and self imploded.
Shrugging off the thought, Michael looked down at his current vessel and watched as the use of his grace was having a negative impact on the slave's body. He was running out of time. He needed to get back to Dean and to break the connexion and he needed to make it happen soon.
