Merry Christmas and a happy new year, everyone. I hope everyone stayed safe and healthy in the past year.

Words between [...] stand for telepathic speech.

Standing outside the door waiting before he's called inside, Dean wonders how time could have passed so quickly. It's been three days already. Three days. And he hasn't come any closer at all to finding an escape route. For one part because there are few ways out of the city and he's got no idea where he is. For another part, well … there's always been someone close to him no matter how often he manages to 'escape' the room. And also because any long walks are always under her supervision or an aid's. This constant surveillance is slowly driving him crazy. Hopefully, it'll go away after this ceremony. Whatever it might be.

Looking down at his boots, he frowns. His clothes are black just like those he has worn ever since being kidnapped. They're nearly identical to the clothes he found after waking up. The only difference is these look so much nicer than all the others. She's given them to him this morning with strict instructions to wear them. Why? Most likely because she wants him to look nice for whatever this ceremony entails. He suspects it's got something to do with that first rune she mentioned. As well as that induction she mentioned. He's got no idea what either will entail. At this thought, he balls his hands feeling his nails cutting into his skin. Taking a deep breath, he glances to his side. She's looking at him with an intense focus. Almost like she's glaring at him.

He glares at her not liking this attention at all. He just wants to get away from here. He wants to be left alone so he can finally figure out how to get back to Sammy. Something which has been proven to be impossible so far. He sighs, accepting the situation for now. But the first chance he gets, he'll take.

"Are you alright, boy?"

"Yes."

"I don't believe you but if you refuse to be honest with me then I won't pressure you. Have you thought about the next choice you'll be making soon?"

"What choice? I don't know what you're talking about."

"Oh, you don't. You know just fine but I'll refresh your memory for you; what name will you take on from now on?"

"How about the name of my family? I won't change it. Ever!"

"And just like everything else, I'll choose for you if you don't make it yourself. Why are you so stubborn about it? Just make the choice alright; it's better for everyone involved."

"Everyone? Certainly not for me. Just leave me the fuck alone."

He takes three steps, intending to get as far away from her as he can when a hand grips his arm stopping him in his tracks. Turning his head around, he glares at the older man holding on to his arm. The man does not cower at all. No, he simply pulls him with him before pushing him towards her. He stumbles and nearly falls down but can stop it at the last moment. His hands lean strongly against the wall.

She doesn't appear to have noticed him; her entire focus is on whatever's behind him. He glares at her. How dare anyone push him towards her only for her to ignore him? Turning his head, he sees the old men still standing there, an amused twinkle in his eyes. His lips quirk upwards. He glares at him and balls his hand once more. If he doesn't remove that look from his face then he'll hit him. Hard. Just as he decides this, her voice breaks through.

"Let's go. Everything's prepared for your first step into your new life."

Swallowing, he turns around just as she moves past him. Turning, he follows her into the room while a hand rests on his back slightly pushing him forward. Any attempt to stop walking will be met with a push on his back; he is certain of it. Nevertheless, he slumps forward refusing to make it easy for them. He smiles momentarily; refusing to make it easy for them should be his new motto in life. Maybe that'll allow him to soon get back to his family.

He clenches his eyes shut once he steps into the room and actually stops walking. The hand on his back pushes him forwards. Just as he expected it would. And when he doesn't react quickly, a hand grabs his arm and pulls him forward. He stumbles and nearly falls to the ground were it not for another hand grabbing his other arm and hoisting him up.

Opening his eyes, he recognizes the room instantly. It's the same room he was in a few days ago. During his questioning with the horrible sword. He hurriedly looks around, a stone dropping into his stomach. The room's filled with people. And just like then, their faces blur together. He can't remember if he ever saw any of them before. He suspects he has but can't be certain. It's as if he's looking at people hidden by mist. Turning his eyes to the platform - he knows there is - shivers run over his back. There stands a monster. It looks just like the one from three days ago. However, something tells him it's not the same one.

Searching for a way out of the room - despite knowing it is futile -, he feels himself be directed forward towards the platform regardless of his own desire. He shrugs and tries to move away. It is all futile because no one seems to be reacting to his struggling. It must be normal then for them to be faced with such behavior before this ceremony. His eyes widen; he's now even more certain something will happen during this ceremony. Something to make him like them. His breathing increases and he struggles to get it under control. At the same time, he increases his struggling without any success.

Soon they reach the platform and he is upon it. One of the hands finally leaves him but not the other. No, this one lets go of his arm and moves towards his back. There it remains. His eyes land on the monster whose attention has been on him the entire time. He struggles to keep his breathing under control. Those eyeless sockets are straight-out terrifying. He doesn't want to imagine how they are formed. Nor where these monsters come from. And then, a voice can be heard in his head. Just like the last time he saw one of them.

[We have gathered here to welcome a new member to our ranks. From this day forward Dean Winchester will be one of us. To commemorate this, he'll be receiving his first rune now. Dean Winchester, step forward and hold out your dominant hand.]

He turns his head to the inquisitor and glares at her. All she does is lift an eyebrow at him. What does she even want to tell him with this? He narrows his eyes deeper for a moment before reluctantly turning towards the monster once more. It's obvious these monsters are important to this strange society. Hopefully, he'll find out how soon enough even if he won't be staying here for long.

He holds out his hand as requested and glares at the monster. It should know he doesn't do this out of his own free will. He's being coerced. Forced. Or whatever one wants to call it. But at the same time, he's convinced people will get off his back after this stupid ceremony. He trusts he's more than capable of resisting whatever will happen to him right now. He's certain. Who's he even convincing. Definitely not himself. It's just he trusts dad will find and save him from their actions. He won't give up right now even if he feels like a string pulled too tight.

[Dean Winchester, you are joining our ranks at an age older than's the norm. Nevertheless, there's nothing requiring us to deviate from the norm. As such you'll now receive the Voyance rune from me.]

So said, the monster turns to the table behind him - which he didn't notice being there before - and picks something up. This something shows itself moments later to be a stick. He tilts his head. It's just like the sticks he's seen before. Those bright glowing sticks. His hand is grasped in a tight grip - making him realize he's dropped his hand - and the stick is brought towards it. Then everything happens in slow motion.

The hand brings the stick forward while increasing the grip on it. The hand becomes a bit white from the strain. The stick begins to glow slowly, increasing in intensity as the pressure increases. The tip touches the back of his hand. The monster's hand slowly draws a symbol on it. Wherever the stick touches black lines appear on his skin. He follows it with his eyes while feeling a weak tingling behind his eyes. After an eternity - which in fact is but a few seconds - the stick leaves his hand. The black lines glow for a moment. The tingling increases. He closes his eyes.

His heart beats fast and loudly in his chest. He clenches his fists wondering what he'll be feeling right now; what'll change within him. But no matter how long he waits, nothing feels to be changing except for a tingling which keeps running over his body. Symbols flash in front of his eyes. They're bright and vague. He can't make sense of them, why he's seeing this, or what they look like. It just goes too fast. Is this the supposed change? Is this what he's supposed to feel like now? Is he supposed to hallucinate once again?

[Open your eyes, Dean. Everything has gone much better than normal. You're special, I can already tell this.]

He opens his eyes. The colors swirling in front of his eyes for a moment. Then they take on concrete shapes. He shakes his head but nothing changes and he frowns. Lifting his hand, he studies the figure drawn on it. Turning his hand from side to side, he sees no changes in it. It keeps its shape and appears to be just a tattoo. It can't be. It must be something else. It just has to be.

His eyes fall on the shape of the tattoo. It appears to be similar to an eye. However, there is no real iris in it. In its place is a dark swirl. He frowns, wondering if this was it. Or if more is to come. He rummages through his memories for his family trying to see if he can remember them. He clenches his fist in a tight grip, the nails digging deeply into his skin. All to keep from reacting when he discovers his family is clear into his mind. Just like before or maybe even brighter. And his desire to return to his family is also intact.

Then he bites his lips to keep from smiling. Nothing really has changed about him. Nothing. What he just experienced was merely the result of his own stress. This tattoo is just a simple tattoo and nothing more. He will get back to his family no matter what. And then he'll get someone to remove this tattoo. How difficult can it be really? Tattoos are removed all the time. He can live with the scar it gives him. It'll serve as a reminder of surviving his time in captivity.

[Dean Winchester, by what last name will you be known from this day forward?]

The happy clouds in his mind turn into freezing rain. It hits him hard. As if golf balls are thrown at him. Goosebumps grow over his body. He takes a deep breath trying to push the coldness over his body away. It takes him a while but he succeeds. The monster is staring at him. He glances back to the inquisitor and sees her also glaring at him. Her hands are crossed over he chest and tapping on her arms. Biting back a growl, he answers the question.

"Winchester. Or what else?"

[You were told to change your last name at the end of this ceremony.]

"Can't remember that."

"Don't be rude, boy. I told you that and you didn't protest. So make the choice or I'll do it for you."

He turns around, glaring at the inquisitor who just looks calmly at him. He sighs. She clearly won't be moved to stop this ridiculous part of the ceremony. So, he's got to make a choice whether he likes it or not. He doesn't want to but promises himself it'll only be until he's back with his family. He'll easily disregard it afterward. No way, it's even legal what they're doing. A thought crosses his mind and he bites the inside of his cheek. If he's got to make a choice then it'll be his terms.

Pouting, he considers the names he can come up with. It is quite a few but only two remain in his mind no matter what. And to ensure he'll get his choice he'll give some useless names. Names, he's certain won't even be accepted by them. But which of the two has his preference? He knows it easily enough; his mother's last name.

"Cock, Cook, Stalker, Walker, or Campbell?"

"No, you won't be using any of those. Campbell would be a decent option but there are plenty of old names not in use. You'll be choosing one of them. I gave you the list so use your brains, boy."

He glares at her once more. At least, his preference was deemed acceptable. Just as he suspected. So why can't he use it? She doesn't react to his recent glare at all. She just continues to stare at him as she's been doing so far. Shivers run over his back at the length of the stare. It's like she's looking straight through him. Taking a deep breath, he decides to end this contest.

"Well, could you maybe remind me of them?"

"Fine, I'll remind you but don't be cheeky in the future if you know what's good for yourself."

He nods, biting back a cheeky response. He just once the name and if he's got to be polite then he'll be polite. But only for now. Later, he'll be cheeky whenever he wants to. He won't censor himself anymore then. Her voice breaks through his thoughts.

"Whitelaw, Aldertree, Lovelace, or Silverhood."

He lifts an eyebrow at the name Lovelace. What is that even for a name? He will never choose that name. Whitelaw, he will also never choose but it's a better name than Lovelace. Aldertree would be a decent option but Silverhood is the one he likes the most. It will serve as a reminder for his real family. A hood because he is hiding and silver for the hunting he does with blades and guns. This is the name, he'll accept for now. Nevertheless, he will not change his name forever. He'll discard it soon enough. But before he'll announce his choice, he'll try once more to get out of it.

"How about none of them?"

"Those are all the options you have. If you don't choose within the next few minutes then I'll make the choice for you."

He holds his breath not really believing this threat. She's been making this quite often recently. And forcing someone to change their name doesn't make any sense. She won't truly force him. She won't. It's nothing like the previous things she has done. She lifts an eyebrow and raises three fingers.

"You've got three seconds remaining, boy. Three, Two, O…"

"Fine! I choose Silverhood. Now happy, bitch! You've got what you wanted."

Her eyes narrow dangerously. It's like a cat on the prowl. Or a dagger ready to be thrown. He takes a step back. Has he gone too far now? He hopes not but also hopes he has. Maybe it'll give him a chance to escape or at least learn what their true plans are for him. She takes a step forward and grabs his arm in a bruising grip.

"This ceremony is finished now so you'll be accompanying me for the remainder of the day. Hopefully, this will curb your tongue, Dean Silverhood."

He swallows. His name is Dean Winchester. He only made the choice because he wanted to have some influence over the things happening to him. Silverhood, he'll only use for as long as he's stuck here with these crazy people. And not a minute longer.

September 1995

Dean POV

Stepping into the room, Dean looks around. The entire floor before him is covered in mats. Even part of the walls is covered in mats. Over the ceiling run rails from which boxing bags hang. The bags are pushed against the wall leaving an open room before him. Closing the door behind him, he leans against it. His back pushes into something soft. He feels over the door with his hand. Coarse fabric touches his hand. He pushes against it and is faced with some resistance. All this tells him the door's also at least partly covered by mats.

It is then he looks into the room and sees a shadow moving in the distance. He frowns wondering what he's seeing now. The true appearance of these people. He grins, unable to wait to see what they really look like. It'll hopefully tell him what he's dealing with. He moves along the walls carefully to not make any sound until something glitters into the corners of his eyes. Looking down, he sees a sword lying on the ground. Well, ground? More like on the mat. Smiling, he picks it up confident this creature must have dropped it. And, now it's his to use.

Carefully moving forward once more, he holds the blade in front of himself. If he's attacked then he's got something to defend himself with. Anxiously looking around, he searches out the shadow he saw earlier. So far, he can't find it anywhere. The room's completely deserted. Each step on the mats echoes loudly through the room forcing him to try and walk even softer. He doesn't want to give his location away.

For a few long minutes, nothing happens until the air moves behind him. How he knows, he's not sure. Nevertheless, he quickly turns around and just barely manages to bring the blade up in time. A loud clang sounds through the room as another blade connects with it. His ears ring from the volume. He pushes against it and feels his muscles start to burn in his arms.

Grinding his teeth, he pushes harder. After some time, he finally manages to push the creature away. The creature stumbles a bit and he rushes forward. Just when he is about to strike it the creature quickly jumps away. He turns around blocking the next strike. A heavyweight pushes on him forcing him to his knees. Black trousers come into his view and he pulls at them. It causes the creature to fall out the ground with a startled shout.

He rushes to stand up only to get a foot to his chest. His feet lose touch with the ground. He feels himself falling backward. Moments later, his back hits the ground. Pain flares through him even if the fall is broken by the mats. He closes his eyes for a moment when a blade swings through the air. He rolls over the ground and brings his sword up. He can only just block it from hitting him. Nevertheless, the blades connect with a loud clang once more. It pushes on his hold for a moment before the blade is retracted.

Dean uses the moment to spring to his feet and hit the sword. It falls out of the hands holding it with too much ease. He only has a moment to think about it before the creature reaches for him. His blade is hit out of his hands. He tries to push the creature away only to end up in a hand-to-hand scuffle. He manages to land a few good punches which seem to barely have any effect. A couple of good punches also land on him. He grinds his teeth. He barely's able to stop more punches from landing. After a while, he's released and the creature stands back.

He remains on the ground gasping for air. Only once he's caught his breath, he looks up. And then he sees the creature's actually a man wearing a large black cloak over black trousers. A hand moves upwards pushing the hood off. An old tanned face covered in grey hair becomes visible. Over the face runs a small beard. Why does this man appear to be familiar to him? He frowns wondering if this was the man who manhandled him into the room a few days ago. Looking the man over, he becomes convinced he is one and the same.

"Good job, Dean. You've got skills but need plenty of training and experience before you're finally able to pick a fight with demons. You went down too quick for my liking."

"Who're you to judge me?"

"I'm Benjamin Riverchild, your trainer."

"Oh, really? Who gave you the job?"

"Imogen did. Who else did you think?"

Benjamin smiles at him with a way too pleased look in his eyes. He glares at him. What else will she be deciding for him? What he'll eat? She already forced him to wear the same clothes as everyone here in this fucking city. And he, what does he even think to tell him he can't fight. He can fight better than most; dad taught him well.

"Get that look off your face, Dean. You're acting like a small child."

"Well, you should let me get back to my family then."

"You know why that can't happen. I know it's scary to be separated from them but you've got a new life here. And in time, a whole new family. Think about it."

He sighs knowing Benjamin is right. He doesn't like it but he can't get back to his family. At least, not now. So all he can do is make the best of it. And as he decided earlier, he'll get back to his family at the earliest opportunity he's getting. He frowns, maybe this training won't be so bad after all. He could use it for his family. He nods.

"Alright, I'll think about it. So what's next?"

"Next? Well, for you to watch one group of your agemates train. And if you behave, you might be able to participate. Or else, you'll be stuck with me for the remainder of the day."

"Mhh, show me where they will be training. I've got no fucking wish to spend any more time with you than I absolutely have to."

"Of course, follow me. We're just going to the next room. And Dean, mind your language, Imogen doesn't condone it and neither do I."

So said, he follows closely behind Benjamin as they walk to the next room. Why does he have to mind his words? He never had to except when he was with Sonny. As they walk, the sounds of blades clashing reach his ear. The sound becomes ever louder with each step they take. He glances at Benjamin who seems to not have noticed the sound. Or if he has he doesn't pay attention to it.

Soon, they reach a door. Too fast for his liking. The clinging sound of blades has, at this time, become deafening. Benjamin opens the door. Light streams into his eyes and he clenches them shut. Why's he always blinded by the light here? It makes no sense. After a few moments, he opens his eyes again, In front of him is a similar sight; almost the same room as they were just in. In this room, people are moving around; sparring with each other. Everyone wears dark clothing. Everyone. Dean nearly groans at this realization. Haven't these goths ever heard of color?

"Come inside, Dean. You'll be watching these children spar. After some time, you might join in on the sparring if you like and behave yourself."

"Mhh."

He presses his lips together and slowly walks into the room. His feet are dragged over the ground weighed down by heavy stones. No one seems to notice their arrival but it can't be. Someone must have noticed. So why didn't they respond by glancing at them? If this is the amount of concentration and dedication needed then he doesn't want to have anything to do with it. A hand moves in front of his eyes.

"Are you paying attention? Where were your thoughts?"

"None of your concern. Stay out of my dammed business."

"Of course, I'll stay out of it for now. Take a seat."

Benjamin mentions with his hands to the side of the room. Taking a deep breath, he walks towards the side. Taking his place, he crosses his arms while leaning against the matted wall with his back. In front of him, people continue to spar without a break. Their movements become ever faster until he's barely able to follow them with his eyes. All he sees are white blurs. When he narrows his eyes, he can see how the people move despite their speed. He frowns wondering if he's seen any of this before. He suspects so but can't be certain.

Looking at the other sparring partners, he begins to wonder what causes this. Is this an ability they have? If so, will he also be able to do this himself? It certainly looks interesting and might be useful. It would prevent people from seeing what he does. But then he shakes his head and focuses on their movements. No matter what, he'll learn from them what he can. It'll all be useful for him once he's back with his family. And who knows, maybe he's also able to teach Sammy these things.

As he looks at them, he notices how they seem to be running through some sequence. Most groups are doing exactly the same movements while a few are doing something which appears to be more difficult. Well, more difficult for as much as he's able to observe it. It requires some faster movements or more complex movements. Dean keeps his attention on each of these groups memorizing their movements as much as he can. Once he's alone, he'll be able to practice them in privacy.

"Dean, do you want to spar?"

"Why do you ask?"

He looks up. Benjamin stands before him with a small smile. He's seen these before on teachers. Their expression's always directed towards Sammy. And always when Sammy's done something they approve of. He frowns. Has he done something Benjamin approves of? If so then it can only be his observations of the sparring. Benjamin speaking up pulls him from his thoughts.

"I saw how interested you were in the movements and I found a couple of students willing to show you the ropes. You can spar with them if you'd like."

"I won't say no to this."

"I'm glad to hear that. Now come along."

He stands up and quietly walks after Benjamin. After a second, Benjamin looks back before walking any further. They pass sparring partners who all seem to glance at them. A blond-haired boy even stops sparring. He smiles when he sees the partner - a brown-haired boy of a similar age - retaliating for this by hitting him on the arm with the blade.

A scream sounds through the room. It echoes loudly through the room. Benjamin stops in his tracks, turns around, and turns his attention to the two he just saw. Dean quickly glances around the room. Everyone has stopped and is watching them. He turns back to Benjamin just in time to see his eyes narrow and his lips thin.

"What happened, Simon? David?"

"He hit me?"

"I didn't. It's not my fault you were distracted by them moving past us."

"Is that true, David?"

The blond-haired boy bites his lips and shuffles around. He looks at the ground while wringing his hands in his shirt. Dean has to fight to keep a smile off his face. David is the picture of guilt. He's seen this more often than he'd like to remember. And no matter the answers, everyone will know Simon's words are true. He was distracted by their passing. Just as he witnessed.

"Well?"

"It is true, sir."

"It's good you recognize this, David. Remember next time to not be distracted while fighting. In the field, you've got to trust that others protect you so you can focus on the battle before you."

"Yes, sir. I'll remember that."

"Good, everyone back to your sparring. Dean, follow me."

Benjamin doesn't wait for his response this time; he simply walks away. Dean hurries after him unwilling to let this opportunity slip. It's just too good. They walk past the group to the side of the room. Three people - a black-haired girl and boy, and a blond-haired girl - who seem to be around his age stand there sparring between them. The two black-haired kids appear to be siblings and if not then they are definitely related. One way or the other. On their approach, they stop sparring and turn towards them.

"Birgit, Magda, and Stefan, this is Dean Silverhood. He's the boy I told you about."

"Nice to meet you, Dean."

Stefan smiles at him while the two girls only nod to him while their faces remain impassive. Dean nods back but does not say anything in response. After a moment, Stefan steps forward and holds a wooden sword out to him. He frowns but accepts it. Earlier they didn't even use wooden swords nor has he seen anyone else using them. So why does he have to use this now? It makes no sense. Let him use a real sword and he'll show them what he can do.

"Why're you all so silent?"

Dean looks at the three who look at him with amused smiles barely hidden. No one says anything to Benjamin. The clinging of swords striking each other sounds loudly in his ears. Panting is more than audible. He turns to Benjamin who's narrowing his eyes. Looking at the three again, he sees them shuffling their feet. Why're they even embarrassed? This is nothing. Still, no one speaks up, and after a while, Benjamin speaks up apparently having had enough of their silence.

"Well, if no one's gonna talk then you three can walk Dean through a few exercises. If he's skilled enough you can work him through one or two difficult exercises. But only those you've mastered already. If I see you doing anything else, there'll be consequences."

"Yes, sir."

Benjamin nods and walks away. Dean follows him with his eyes certain Benajmin will be keeping an eye on him. No matter how he watches Benjamin, he sees no sign of him even watching him. A hand on his arm has him turning his head around.

"Dean, shall we begin?"

"Of course, Stefan."

So said, they walk him through an exercise. It's highly boring as all they do in the beginning is simply show him the movements which he has to copy. It's so boring, he finds it difficult to stay focused. As a result, he glances at the room whenever his attention strays. Benjamin seems to be highly focused on them now but without losing sight of what the others are doing.

After about thirty minutes, his arm starts to ache when one of the blades hits him. He ducks to avoid the other and slashes back. The blonde girl is pushed back before coming at him again. They push each other back in tandem never letting the other get too much space. A smile breaks out on his face. This' what he wanted to do. Not stupidly walking through an exercise but actively sparring. Suddenly, the girl steps away and the black-haired girl steps forward before speaking up.

"Good job, Dean. You've gotten this sequence under control now."

"Birgit's right. You've gotten better at it now that you and my cousin Magda are sparring with each other."

He turns to the side and sees the blond-haired girl smiling at him. Stefan smiles also. So now he knows their names. The blond-haired girl is Magda and the black-haired one is Birgit. And this just proved that sparring is the best way to practice not those stupid exercises. How often will he call it stupid? He's got no idea so shakes his head and decides to try something.

"Can you teach me one of the difficult exercises?"

"Not yet, we'll first be sparring in duos. Those exercises require teamwork to execute. So that's what we'll now be focussing on. Once we've gotten that under control - and we have time - then we'll teach you the difficult exercises."

"Alright then let's begin."

So said, Magda steps beside him while Birgit and Stefan team-up. And within moments, they start to spar. Something they spend quite some time on but he doesn't know how long. Time passes without him being able to track it. The first few times, they get beaten easily. But it doesn't stop them. No, they just start over again. And before long, they manage to make it difficult for Birgit and Stefan to get the upper hand. Even if they also do not gain it themselves. Regardless, he enjoys himself a lot while sparring.

"Everyone, stop! Training's over."

They pull off each other and turn towards Benjamin. Dean quickly looks out of the room to see how long they have been sparring. It feels to him as if they have only been doing this for a short while. But when he looks at the high windows, he sees how the light has changed. It means they have been sparring for longer than he expected. Only once he realizes this does he notice Benjamin looking everyone over. It takes but a moment before Benjamin nods.

"Good, put your training swords away and go to your next lesson."

Dean watches as everyone moves to the chests - he only now notices - which stand on the side of the room. The chests stand near the door; almost next to Benjamin. He shrugs and follows the direction of the others. As he doesn't have lessons, he'll have free time. Time, he'll be using to look into ways to return to his dad. Even if he won't use them just yet; he wants to learn more from them.

Placing the sword in the chest, he walks out of the door. Or at least, he tries to when a hand on his shoulder stops him in his tracks. He turns and sees Benjamin's hand has stopped him. He frowns, not understanding where this comes from. It quickly starts to turn into a glare when Benjamin speaks up.

"Dean, wait a moment. There's something we need to talk about."

"Mhh."

"Stefan waits outside for him to take you to his next lesson. He won't be joining you. And unfortunately, you'll be joining some of the younger students right now. Later, you'll get your own lessons but for now, you can observe this lesson if you'd like."

"Do I have a choice then?"

"Yes, of course, you do."

Dean narrows his eyes, not believing a single word of it. He's got no choice. He's certain of it. He'll be joining the younger students whether he likes it or not. Benjamin made it perfectly clear he's got to follow those lessons. He momentarily considers objecting but quickly dismisses it. He's not interested in finding out what would happen were he to refuse. He wants them to gain a false sense of security so he'll be able to escape later. As such, he bites his lips and simply nods.

"Well, go on then. I hope you have fun there. Oh and Dean, talk with Imogen about your lessons once you've got the chance to do so."

"Yes, sir."

Dean quickly slips out of the room; almost running. He wants to get far away from Benjamin as quickly as he can. Shivers run over his back when he just thinks about what happened. Or more specifically, the prospect of talking with her about lessons. He is not interested in it. No, no, no, he'll delay it for as long as he can. It's too much of an acceptance of his current situation. He wants to get back to his family and these lessons will be of no use for them. What can they even teach him his dad doesn't know? Nothing. Absolutely nothing.

"Dean! Wait, you're going the wrong way."

He ignores the person calling him. He just wants to get back to his room. It works for a while even if he hears the person hurrying after him. It works at least until a hand touches his shoulder, that is. Only then does he turn around and face the person who has been calling to him. This person reveals itself to be Stefan. So he has been waiting for him just like Benjamin said. Grinding his teeth, he turns his head away from Stefan.

Looking along the hallway - as he refuses to talk to Stefan just yet - he sees Benjamin standing just outside the room he just left. Benjamin's frowning at him. He glares back only to receive a shake of the head as an answer. An amused smile makes its way over Benjamin's face. What's that supposed to mean? He growls at Benjamin.

"Dean!"

"Ah!"

He jumps when a loud voice sounds just next to his ear. That was way too loud. Was Stefan shouting? It certainly sounded like it. However, it stops his growling almost immediately and he turns to his side glaring at Stefan now. Stefan looks at him with a big grin. He narrows his eyes. What is he grinning at? He did not scream like a scared girl. He didn't!

"Yes, what'd you want Stefan?"

"I just wanted to get your attention. You seemed to not be listening to me."

"No, I wasn't listening. I've got other things on my mind. So, what do you want?"

"I wanted to tell you that you're going the wrong way. We need to go this way if you want to watch the lesson Benjamin had in mind for you."

Stefan points with his arm back into the direction they just came from. Dean groans. Why can't they leave him alone? He just wants to be left in peace. That's all he wants. Is it too much to ask for? And really, Benjamin didn't give him a choice at all. No, the offer to watch the lesson was more an order than anything else. He would have been sent back to his stupid room if he had disagreed. He sighs. Better to get this over with and be left alone after enduring this torture.

"Lead the way, Stefan."

"Of course."

Stefan walks away and Dean follows him after taking a deep breath. They walk in silence. It allows him to stew over the troubles he has been faced with right now. The pressure to be like them; to participate in this society he has been pushed into against his will. Or more like forced into after his abduction. The weapon training they just had is something he feels slightly at ease with. Mainly because it's something he can use for his family. But not this coming lesson. What's it even about?

Thinking about it, his mind moves in a million directions. He suspects he can ask Stefan. An option, he quickly dismisses. He can't - and won't - show any more signs of being compelled than he already has. He's got to keep focussing on his goal; getting back to his family. Balling his hands, he walks on even if he wants nothing more than to leave in the opposite direction.

Crossing a door, he stops staring at it. Something in this room draws to him but what is it? His hand moves towards the handle just when Stefan's voice breaks him from the fog over his mind. He can't understand Stefan's words and frowns. He wonders what this just was. He quickly blames it on the ceremony and the stupid tattoo. Again Stefan's voice breaks through everything.

"Dean? Dean? What's wrong?"

"What's in this room?"

"I don't know. We're not allowed inside because we're too young. But if the older students are to be believed then it's … Why do you ask?"

"No reason, just wondering."

"If you say so."

He turns his head towards Stefan who has walked on. He shakes his head. Stefan stopped so suddenly in his explanation. He still doesn't know what's inside this room. Maybe something to check out later. Or to ask an older student if he gets the chance to do so. Stefan looks back and he hurries after him, unwilling to get in another discussion.

Well, whatever it is; Stefan didn't sound convinced at all. No, he sounded as if he wanted to ask more but decided against it. He is just glad Stefan stays silent. He does not want to talk to him anymore. He just wants to be left in peace. Why doesn't anyone get that? Why don't they let him get back to Sammy and his dad? Why? He shakes his head. He's been asking himself this question more times than he can count. More times than he should. He should stop doing so.

They continue walking for a while past unidentifiable hallways. Dean keeps looking around to see where they are. So far he cannot find any clues. These hallways are so similar it's like a maze. And the turns do not make it any clearer to him. Suddenly, Stefan stops and turns towards him, questions visible in his eyes.

"Dean, may I ask something."

"Sure, I've got nothing better to do."

He looks at the ceiling to strengthen his words as well as the shrug from before. Stefan seems to not have noticed it because he does not react to it.

"You don't seem to be enjoying your time here, are you? Why?"

"Really, it's that hard to notice. Of course, I'm not enjoying myself. I'm kidnapped and want to get back to my family."

"I can understand that wanting to return to your family."

"Really, have you ever been abducted and forcefully kept from your family? I don't think so."

Stefan looks to the ground shuffling his feet. He bites his lips. Dean balls his fists to stop himself from lashing out anymore. He can just see the tears in Stefan's eyes forming even if they are not doing so right now. After a while, Stefan takes a deep breath seconds before he speaks up once more with his voice steady. No trace of emotions is visible.

"Can you tell me something about the mundane world?"

"What would you like to know?"

"Oh, anything really. I've not been to the mundane world before, my guardian doesn't allow me to leave. And well, ... it kind of fascinates me."

"Why your guardian? Where are your parents?"

"My parents are dead. They were killed during a hunt gone bad. I've got no one of my family left except my sister and some distant kin. One of them is my guardian and they're really annoying in their sense of being protective of me."

"Mhh, then you do know what it's like to be kept away from your family. Even if our situations are not really similar. Alright, alright, I'll tell you what you want to know."

Stefan smiles and walks on. Dean now understands Stefan's earlier words and feels slightly bad for his own. Nevertheless, for the next few minutes, he tells Stefan all he can about the 'mundane world'. Anything not pertaining to the family business that is. That's something he'll stay quiet about. They won't get anything else out of him regarding that. Ever. But all other things, sure, he'll talk about those. And before he's even aware of it, Stefan stops in front of a door.

"In here's the lesson Benjamin wanted you to follow."

He nods and reluctantly moves towards the door.

"Dean?"

"Yes?"

"Good luck with the little kids. I always find them highly annoying."

"Thanks. You've got a lesson yourself?"

Stefan nods sadly. Dean smiles at him. Stefan obviously doesn't want to leave him at all. Is he the only friend he has? If so then how distantly is Magda related to him? He shakes his head before looking at Stefan.

"Good luck with your own then."

Stefan smiles and leaves. This time, he actually enters the room. All eyes instantly turn to him. Most of the eyes belong to young children. And they're even younger than Sammy. His hands clench wanting to make sure they're alright. But he shouldn't. These kids are not his responsibility like Sammy is.

"Dean Silverhood, welcome. Benjamin told me you would be joining us today. Take a seat in the back."

He nods but doesn't look at the teacher. He takes a seat next to the door. It'll allow him to escape as soon as he gets the chance. But for now, he's got to focus on this stupid lesson. And he does so for the next hour. With more time passing, the more interesting the lesson actually becomes. These demons, they're learning about; he's never heard or read about anywhere. They're a complete mystery to him which he doesn't like at all. Well, a complete mystery. He's seen a handful of them before during his hallucinations. Well, now he's nearly convinced he wasn't hallucinating then. More convinced than he's been before.