A/N: This story is about the Dark Hunt and is nothing like the Wild Hunt that theStarchilde uses in her story, When All Other Lights Go Out. As the story progresses you will see this. NC

Chapter 8

The light had stared to dim as the sun sunk lower in the sky and shadows filled the cell Dean was trapped in. He didn't know how long he had been sitting on the mattress when another guard dressed like the last brought another tray of food to him.

"Hey, where am I?" Dean asked him but didn't get any acknowledgement from him. "Why was I taken?"

The guard never even looked at Dean as he took the empty tray and slid the new one into the cell. He lit the torches outside the cell before leaving, not answering any of Dean's questions.

"Nice talking to you," Dean sneered in disgust as he slammed his hand into the bars of his cell. Knowing he couldn't do anything else, he picked up the tray to see what had been brought this time. He didn't know why he was getting fed so well unless they were fatting him up for slaughter. He dismissed that train of thought thinking there was something much bigger going on here, he just didn't know what.

After the food was gone and Dean relieved himself, he took the blanket and shook the dirt and dust from it before stretching out on the mattress and covering the lower part of his body with it. Now that the sun was gone, there was a nip in the air but not bad enough for him to be that cold. He wiggled around, grumbling to himself until he got comfortable and tried to relax so he could sleep.

Dean barely slept as strange noises echoed down the hallway and from outside. Once he did drift away, nightmares invaded his dreams. It seemed like Dean had just closed his eyes when he was wakened by a guard banging on the bars of the cell. Dean jerked awake and sat up to stare bleary eyed at the guard.

The guard opened the door and motioned for him to step from the cage. Dean was wary but saw he didn't have much choice in the matter. He walked down a hallway and into another room before being pushed through a door to the outside. He shielded his eyes from the bright sunlight that blinded him. Once he could see, Dean surveyed his surroundings, thinking it looked like a marketplace of some kind. There were stalls and shops on both sides of the road that ran down the middle of the town and he could see houses and shacks further back spaced out from the rest.

The buildings were wooden and stone and the people scurrying around ignored him as the guard pushed him to get him walking again. Dean tried not to stare at the people when he realized they were not human. Some had pointed ears, others, elongated faces with almond eyes and slender bodies. He almost stumbled when he saw some with wings that were flying around. He couldn't tell ages for any of the beings. He continued to walk trying to ignore the gut feeling he was getting. When they came to the end of the street, Dean's mouth hung open when he saw a castle towering above the town.

"We're not in Kansas anymore Toto," Dean spoke out loud as he took in the sight.

"Move!" the guard sneered at him poking Dean with a spear.

"I'm going, cool it!" Dean spat back as he started walking toward the castle's front gates.

The gates were opened, and guards milled around stopping those who got too close and not letting them enter. They waved the guard and Dean through without hesitation. At the front of the castle was a huge fountain with flowing water coming from urns being held by mermaids, along with seahorses. They continued to the double wooden doors that were opened to allow them entrance into the castle.

The guard steered Dean with his spear down a hallway and into a large throne room that was filled with beings Dean had no name for. He looked around with curiosity and pushed down the fear that was building inside of him. He held his head high and never made eye contact with any of them. The guard stopped at the front of the room where he lined up with nine other beings.

A loud fanfare of horns suddenly began to play from both sides of the room before figures began to step from the side door and then a radiant figure dressed in a deep red long flowing gown came out. She was tall, with long blonde hair that framed her face and fell down her back. A jeweled crown sat on her head indicating she was royalty. She reminded Dean of an angel, but there was something dark within her that shone in her eyes, and she had a cruel expression on her face.

"Kneel before the Queen," a deep male voice echoed around the room as the music stopped.

The beings in the room all moved to kneel, except for Dean who stood tall refusing to kneel. He looked around with defiance as the guards stalked toward him.

"She's not my queen, so why should I kneel?" he announced, a stony expression on his face.

"Stop," the queen told them, holding out her hand. She stepped in front of Dean and let her eye roam up and down his body before speaking again. "It seems your reputation wasn't wrong, Dean Winchester."

"Wait," Dean questioned. "How do you know my name?"

"I know a lot about you human. I know you were kidnapped years ago but was returned to your world because of your violence. I know in your world you are a hunter and considered one of the best. I see a warrior waiting to be released and can be a deadly hunter to those who wrong you or your family. You went to Hell and back and survived the ordeal. You have faced down monsters, demons, angels, gods, and yet, are still alive."

"How do you know all this about me?" Dean asked cautiously, confused with her knowledge of him.

"I have eyes and ears throughout this realm and your world. I would not have brought you here if I hadn't checked to see if the rumors were true," she addressed Dean first before walking down the row of beings. "I am Queen Moa and rule this kingdom and I want to welcome each of you to the Unseelie Court," Queen Moa spoke to the row of beings Dean was standing with. "You have been chosen because of your skills and experience to join this season's Dark Hunt. I think it will be interesting to see how you, Dean Winchester, do in the Dark Hunt."

"Dark Hunt, what is that?" Dean asked and heard mummers and whispers around him like he had done something wrong in continuing to speak without respect to the Queen.

"It is fine, loyal subjects. This human being does not know our rules and does not know our games. The most skillful hunters of our realm gather here each season for a Dark Hunt. I decide certain tasks or challenges that are to be completed. If the hunters are able to do this, they are given a reward and honored at the end of the hunt."

"And you want me to participate in this Dark Hunt?" Dean inquired surprised by this.

"Yes, if you are able to complete the tasks, you will be returned to your world unharmed."

"What's the catch?" Dean boldly asked.

"I'm not sure I understand your speech human."

"The catch, it can't be that easy. How do I know you will do what you say and release me if I do these 'tasks' you give us?"

"Because my word is law and no one will disobey it," she told him in an authoritative, strong voice as her features darkened. "If I tell you that, it will be upheld."

"Okay, I can live with that," Dean shrugged wondering if her subjects were really that loyal.

"The Dark Hunt will begin tomorrow, today we feast and prepare for the event. I will be deciding on the first task to be completed and will announce it tomorrow. Guards, you will escort the hunters to the banquet hall and be sure they are fed, and their needs are attended to. Until tomorrow hunters, rest up you will need your strength." She turned without another word and left the room followed by her court.

Dean was herded alone with the other nine hunters out of the throne room and to another part of the castle and into a large banquet hall with rows of tables and chairs. A large fireplace took up part of one wall and servants were preparing food and drinks for them. Dean couldn't believe it when he saw pies sitting on a table off to the side and licked his lips in anticipation. He drew in a long breath, taking in all the delicious aromas that filled the air. At least they were going to feed them good so he should be strong enough to do this Dark Hunt.

The other beings began to fill wooden plates with food before finding a seat at the tables. Dean waited for them to finish before making his way to the tables and looked at what was offered. He took a plate and served himself before taking a drink and making his way to a chair away from the others. He noticed none of the other hunters socialized with each other, as they ate. Dean wasn't sure what tomorrow would bring and what kind of task or challenge this queen would have for them, but if this is what he was going to have to do to get home, he would give a hundred and ten percent to get it done.

A/N: Dean finds out who and why he was kidnapped and now must do the tasks or challenges to get back home. Thank you for coming along for the ride. I hope you are enjoying the read. Reviews/Comments would be great. NC