Chapter 12

It was late and Dean decided to try and track the thing at night. Since the victims have been attacked at night, it seemed to be the best thing and he had a general idea of the hunting grounds. He wanted to catch this thing and kill it before it killed anyone else. He decided to do more of a patrol stakeout since there were several places that this thing could strike.

He had packed weapons for just about anything. He had silver, iron, salt and holy water adapted to his various weapons like his gun and the flask. He also had his hunting knife just in case the usual didn't work and the cutting off the head did. Then there was Sasha. She was a weapon herself since she could track and kill whatever it was that they were hunting and she would be able to take care of that ugly ass mutt that she had tackled earlier.

Sasha had the scent of the mutt and followed it but then she lost it. She ended up whining apologetically and Dean sympathized and rubbed her head. "It's okay Sash. Probably a car huh?"

Sasha gave another whine and scratched the ground to agree. Dean wasn't sure if that was the case but he was willing to go with the fact that she was agreeing with him on that. He rubbed her head and looked around for any signs of whatever it was that they were hunting. His phone call from Bobby earlier didn't help much.

I looked but I didn't find anything on the symbols you gave me. At least nothing that would tie to one group.

Dean listened to Bobby and asked, "So you're saying that there is more than one? How can that be?"

Hell I know. All I know is that you might have a gang of things that decided it was better to get together.

"Any idea on what I should be looking for?"

Rogue Bedouin, a warlock from rural England…

Dean got the hint, "Okay I get it. Anything definitive that could help me catch this?"

Yeah call for back up. Call for back up and it'll stop the damn fur ball and mutt from moping and causing trouble here.

Dean was certain that it was two separate events going on and it did amuse him that the claws of doom and hell mutt on four legs were being ornery. Then again if it had anything to do with the current situation… Maybe she was involved and told them to be little ass hats with Bobby. He wouldn't put it past her since he was certain she told Sasha to join him in the shower that one time and since then the mutt wanted one.

Sasha sat looking at Dean with an inquisitive look. She lifted a paw and scratched at Dean's pant leg. When he looked down she gave a whine. She couldn't sense anything out of the ordinary and that was bothering her.

Dean rubbed her head again and said, "Well maybe it's a change in the wind or something. You know how they are."

Pain in my ass is more like it. Call for back up.

For Dean the backup was his brother and Sam was out. He could call Angela but her head wasn't in the game at the moment. She seemed persistent in trying to fix this. All he had was Sasha in terms of who was there with their head in the game. "I got back up Bobby and it's staring at me."

Not the mutt ya idjit.

"Don't do this now Bobby."

Even if she already nagged ya I'll say it too. Talk to yer brother. Talk to Angie.

"Fine but for the record me and her have been talking," Dean groused. He listened to Bobby some more and then hung up.

More time was spent tracking until Dean had to admit that it seemed that whatever it was split town. He didn't like it and it didn't sound quite right. Still if there was nothing, he shouldn't be wasting time out there and it was a cold night. There wasn't much to do except go back to the motel and try to figure out what the hell went wrong.

He couldn't come to a solution any more so at the motel and Sasha whining didn't help even when he gave her a piece of that jerky meat Angela said was good for dogs. She was agitated and it seemed that her mood reflected his. This was too fishy to him and he wasn't going to get anywhere worrying about it but the least he could do was to make sure that his room was extra protected and he had Sasha do a sniff around. When that was done, he sat on his bed and placed some weapons within reach… just in case.

He didn't know what woke him up from one of the best dreams he had in a long time. Maybe it was the fact that Sasha was sleeping next to him and her weight was almost on top of him. She was turning into a clingy bastard like Cerebus. Maybe it was the fact that she was facing the door and a deep rumble was coming from her chest that indicated that someone was there that wasn't supposed to be. He sat up and reached for his knife and gun and slowly got out of bed while Sasha silently got down and stared at the door.

Dean approached it, not sure if he should open it or not. He didn't get a chance to find out since he was grabbed from behind in a chokehold. Sasha snarled and charged to grab a hunk of leg but the squeak of pain had Dean struggle harder. "Sonofabitch."

"Make sure he's relatively unharmed. The only way to get the target."

Dean wasn't sure of what they were saying since it was in a language he didn't understand and they looked like a bunch of… priests in robes? They were hooded and all wearing white robes and had impressive gear on them but it didn't really garner a favorable opinion of them since they had him and one was snapping a muzzle onto Sasha. "What so you assholes want?"

The one who appeared to be the leader looked at him. Dean couldn't see his face but he could sense that this guy was one most people didn't want to mess with. There was that dangerous feeling about the guy and it was confirmed when Sasha continued to growl as she struggled against her lead. He warned the bastard that kicked her to shut her up that he was going to beat their asses for that.

The leader chuckled and barked something in that language that Dean picked up and a gag was placed in his mouth. He struggled and muttered curses that would have made a sailor blush. They took him outside and dragged him to the abandoned building nearby. So they were holed up there the whole time? That was just perfect. More out of frustration and being pissed off at being captured, Dean struggled against them and made muffled threats.

Once inside the gag was removed and Dean said, "Now I know I'm gonna kick your asses."

The leader approached him and said in his language, "He will come. It has been observed. They won't let each other flounder."

Dean could read when he was in trouble and he didn't like the fact that a blade slid out from the gauntlet that the robed ass hat was wearing. It was brought close when something hit the arm and knocked the leader off balance. That allowed for Dean to give a well-placed kick to the shins and stomp on some feet to get free. Once his arms were free, he gave punch to the nearest robe clad guy and got the satisfaction of hearing something break and it wasn't his hand. He turned on the one that was holding onto Sasha and managed to get her leash free but not the muzzle.

He was tackled by two others and he wondered how many of them were there. The flurry of robes made it hard to tell. He figured at least two and maybe a third tackling him. Then it was made two when something hit one of them and he thought he heard a hawk squawk. He didn't bother to figure it out since he was a little busy until the leader came face to face with him and gave him a kick that sent him flying into the wall.

Dean collapsed to the ground and was able to look up long enough to see the leader kick Sasha aside even though she couldn't do much in the biting department. He heard her whimper and he burst, "You sonofabitch!"

The leader advanced towards Dean with his blade still held out of his gauntlet. He was saying, "We aren't to harm you but I am willing to make an exception." He raised his arm to strike.

The strike never came. Dean blinked when he saw a coat flash in front of his face and there was that weirdo from earlier. He was glaring at the leader and holding a knife ready to strike and speaking in a weirdo ass language. If Angela had been here she would have been able to know what the hell was being said. He took the opportunity to get up and undo the muzzle from Sasha while inspecting her body to make sure she wasn't seriously hurt. It was a good opportunity to let the weirdo do his thing so he motioned for Sasha to follow.

Their escape was noticed however and they were grabbed and held. The weirdo switched into a language that Dean could understand and said, "You will unhand him."

"By what right disgraced progeny of the traitor?"

Kesset had been watching out for Dean after tailing him when he went on the hunt. He knew that they wouldn't make themselves known unless they wanted to. It was a gamble but he thought they wouldn't dare to violate the laws they adhered to. He was mistaken so he leapt into battle and was prepared to do his duty. "By the right of my position."

The leader laughed at him and said in his language, "Really?"

Kesset stood firm. His reddish brown eyes blazed like there was a flicker of a flame in them as they narrowed in firmness. He held his knife in a defensive position since he didn't want to come off as the aggressor. He was going to have to appeal to the laws they were all bound by and remind them of the consequences. He pulled out his medallion that signified his position and replied, "Yes. I suggest you leave before worse retribution rains down on you."

The guy in the robe looked at Kesset as if to determine the seriousness of the threat. They stood toe to toe and stared at each other for maybe what Dean considered three minutes. It was one of those weird staring things that Angela could do when she was zoning out or something like it to be annoying. He didn't dare say anything and it seemed to work since the robe guy made a motion and retracted his blade while the guys holding Dean released him and stood there. The robe guy said, "We'll take our leave but this isn't over. Even sons of traitors tread a dangerous ground."

Kesset replied, "And it would be a pity if you have to pay for my life to the Lady." He waited until they had left before turning towards Dean. He said in English, "I did say that I could assist you."

"And I said I didn't need your help. Especially since you branded me and my brother with Cas," Dean countered. It took him awhile to figure it out but he realized that the weirdo was the same one that had saved their asses from Zachariah's playtime and looked ready to smite things.

Kesset turned his head in an inquisitive fashion, "The brand was intended to protect you. You are important to the princess."

"Yeah about that. Angie is not a princess. She's Angie," Dean replied as he rubbed his jaw. He had been clipped on the chin but he wasn't too put out by it and Sasha was okay. "She's not someone you can screw with because of the destiny crap."

"She is Shifa', the warrior princess and daughter of the Nile gods," Kesset replied as he studied the hunter. "She is a princess in her own right."

"No," Dean countered as he waved his finger in Kesset's face. "That's where you're wrong. She is not some plaything that you bring into circulation because you feel like fucking with the world. She is a person."

"A dhampir, the blood of the living dead and the living in her veins."

"Shut up," Dean pointed out. "That's my girl you're talking about."

Kesset raised a brow, "The princess belongs to all."

"She's a person dammmit," Dean exclaimed. "She is a person with real feelings and a lot of them she doesn't understand and you all want to pull this end of the world crap on her?"

It was like a release of energy that had been pent up. Dean took a deep breath and ran a hand through his hair. He had been carrying a lot; first and foremost was Sam and then there was Angela and her feelings for Sam. She had pretty much begged him not to say anything and yet he had to watch her suffer hurt feelings and Sam being the dumbass college boy he is… It was a lot.

Kesset studied the human. He was close to the princess. Every interaction with those close to her helped in his understanding. He replied, "I know."

"You know shit. Hell you're like the… holy biker dude." Dean motioned at Kesset and noticed the clueless expression that appeared. That was just perfect. "What do you want?"

"I am here to watch over the princess and those that belong to her."

Dean made a slight face at the implication of her being possessed. He had heard it before but he really wasn't in the mood to hear it. Still he had to admit that this guy did come in handy and it wasn't like he was trying to kill him. "Fine. You got a name weirdo ass?"

"I am Kesset, son of Setna of the Royal Guard, defenders of all that is bound by law of Karnak…"

"Alright, alright I get it," Dena cut him off. "God it's like listening to Cas introduce himself."

"The celestial bound to the princess is a friend."

Dean looked at Kesset like he was a few marbles short. "Friend? Do you even understand what it means to be that? And why would you be friends with an angel? Thought you guys stuck to yourselves."

Kesset peered at Dean and replied, "Castiel is a friend. He with the exception of two of his kind have treated me with kindness. It was welcome." He looked around to make sure that they were gone. "Friends can be few and far between and are a gift."

Dean made a slight face at that. The kid sounded like his girl when she decided that being philosophical was the way to go. He got the feeling he was meeting another person who got it from the same source. Still he could understand what the guy was getting at. "I guess you're right on that account, Kess."

Kesset looked at Dean with a puzzled look. "I am Kesset."

"And it sounds like your parents were on crack when they named you," Dean countered. "Kess sounds better and a little less… whatever you are."

"I am of the Royal Guard…"

"I get that. What I mean is what you are. Last time I saw you, you were in and out like Cas on his best day. Only angels and demons can do that and maybe the few gods I've met."

Kesset was going to answer when Dean's phone rang. He hadn't bothered to change out of his clothes and had just collapsed on his bed so his phone was still in his pocket when the guys in the robes grabbed him. Dean held up his finger to indicate that Kesset was to hold his thought and the young guard looked at the hunter with a puzzled expression.

Dean looked at Kesset as he answered, "Yeah?"

Dean?

Dean felt his eyes go wide, "Angie? What are you doing calling me? Something wrong? How's Sam?"

Nothing's wrong and Sam is fine though you would know this if you called him. I am calling to see if you are all right.

Dean looked at Kesset who was still frowning in confusion and replied, "I'm good Angie. Nothing wrong here."

Are you sure? I was busy and I… I sensed something was wrong.

Dean looked down at Sasha and said, "Nothing I couldn't handle. You know I'm on a job. Sometimes the going gets rough." He tried to play it off by making it a joke knowing full well that she might see through his charade.

What are you hunting? Something doesn't seem right.

"It's nothing. Just a voodoo thing and I managed to gank the bastard," Dean replied outright lying. He was going to tell the truth when he caught Kesset's eye. The warrior was shaking his head to not say anything about what had happened and he found it odd. He was also concerned about his girl and if she was going to take it the wrong way.

Dean…

"It's okay Angie. Just a little roughing up but I had some good backup. Sash is a good mutt. She'll be as good as hell on four legs."

Sasha gave a low rumble at that. Dean looked at the pup who was looking at him with a look that looked like she was scolding him. Dean shot the pup a look and looked up to see Kesset looking at him with a very clueless expression. He added, "Look Angie, everything is okay and I mean that. I'm good."

Are you sure?

"Yeah. Take care of yourself and make sure Sam is okay."

It would be better if you just talked to him.

"And I said I would think about it."

Life is too short Dean. Just remember that… and stay safe.

It was a bit odd but comforting to hear that from her. Dean gave a smile and said, "You too. Oh and Angie, try enjoying yourself. You know what I mean."

As you say… I'll think about it. Good night Dean.

Dean had that one coming. She was good at turning things back onto people. Even when it wasn't her intention she had a way of bringing things back to the major issue. In this case it was her persistent nature to call up Sam and talk to him. He had hinted that since she was there with Sam she should pursue her feelings. She was good and turned it back on him. It reminded him of their prank wars. What happened to them?

He hung up the phone and noticed that Kesset was looking at him and he asked, "What?"

"You lied."

"What do you mean?"

"You lied to the princess about your status."

"What the hell? It was your idea to not tell her about you," Dean countered and gestured angrily at him.

"I didn't want her to know I assisted you."

"Yeah well I did tell the truth and didn't mention you and I gave a plausible thing since one of the signs was voodoo," Dean defended himself, "And why am I defending myself to someone who doesn't have a clue about what I'm talking about?"

Kesset looked at Dean. This human was vastly different from the elder one that had a paternal affection for the princess. "Still it was a lie."

"Which you indicated," Dean countered angrily. "Why don't you want her to know about you? She's the member of this royal family."

Kesset looked at the hunter and replied, "She is the warrior princess. She is more than capable of taking care of herself." He paused and looked at the hunter. "That and it seemed prudent to look after what she couldn't. From the looks of things… it was fortunate that I came. You required my assistance."

Dean rolled his eyes at that, "Fine thanks for the help. I appreciate it and now if you just go away I'll go back to my job."

"You can't stay here."

"The hell I can."

"You don't understand," Kesset replied as he put a hand on Dean's shoulder to stop him from leaving. He explained when Dean shot him a warning look, "They will not be here to cause trouble."

"Wait a minute," Dean interrupted and turned to get the hand off. "You're saying that the guys in the robes did all this?"

"Yes." It was automatic for Kesset to reply with the blunt truth. He was there to make sure that Dean didn't get into too much trouble.

"And now they are packing up and leaving?"

"Yes."

Dean rolled his eyes slightly and put his phone back in his jacket pocket. He motioned for Sasha to follow. That was just perfect. Now he had a bunch of crazy guys in robes committing murder and he got the feeling that they were not the kind of thing the police could handle.

"Where are you going?"

"If they are the ones doing all these killings then they have to be stopped." Dean started heading towards his room Sasha was on his heels.

"That is ill advised."

"People are dying."

"And they are doing to lure you," Kesset explained, "Or any other hunter. It is how they hunt. You have to leave."

"The hell I am."

"Yes you are. They know you are here and they may leave you alone but I can't guarantee that. You have to leave now and get as far away as you can."

"And why would I do that?" Dean looked at Kesset with an inquisitive look as they stood outside the door of his room.

"Because I gave a warning but my word is hardly one to be taken seriously."

Dean rolled his eyes. He started packing. "Great. I'm the one that gets the guy that is all bark and no bite." He looked at Kesset, "So what do I do?"

"Leave… and I'll accompany you."

"Sonofabitch."

A/N: Looks like Dean gets company and he knows who Kess is. Stay tuned for more Free and Torn Asunder...