Disclaimer: I don't own Supernatural or any of the show's characters.
Mercy stood at the crossroads with her dad. They built a fire for light and to keep warm. Her dad needed something to do before they began the ritual. The crackling of the fire reminded Mercy of the time her family went on the camping trip. It was when her mom was still alive. Sitting peacefully around the campfire was one of the few good memories that Mercy had of her mom. Amy didn't have the best relationship with Mercy and they were not exactly close. Between vodka and Mercy, vodka always came first. However, when Amy was diagnosed with stage four liver cancer, she wanted to make amends. They did not have the results Amy hoped for and she died with only her husband by her side.
This is nothing like the camping trip, though. Mercy is five years older and a changed woman. She and her dad has seen parts of the world that was hidden from them for the longest time. They were not experts but they knew enough. At least enough to summon crossroads demon. When her dad finished the chant, they stood by and waited. When a woman appeared seemingly out of nowhere, no one was surprised. When her eyes flashed red, no one flinched. The demon crossed her arms and looked at them expectantly. Her dad stepped forward.
"I would like to exchange my soul for my wife. My life for hers."
The demon scrutinized the two and shrugged.
"So ten years like usual?"
Mercy paused. Even with her limited experience with crossroad demons, she knew they were never this straightforward. They always had some kind of game they wanted to play.
Her musings were interrupted when the demon appeared in front her dad. Her dad leaned in reluctantly and before his lips could touch the demon's, she stopped him and pouted.
"Hmm. This is getting a bit boring."
Before Mercy or her dad could react, the demon pulled out a knife and shoved it into his chest. The demon pushed him and he fell unceremoniously to the ground.
"What a turn of events!" She clapped her hands in delight and turned her attention to Mercy. "I don't want your daddy's soul, I want yours."
"Dad,"Mercy gasped out before her mind could comprehend what had just happened.
She wanted to run, but her legs only allowed her to stumble towards her dad. She fell onto her knees. Her hands were shaking as she reached out to her dad's blood soaked chest. She found his hand and held on desperately.
"Dad."
This time it was a plea. Her other hand found her dad's face and only now did she look at his face.
The first thing she saw was the blood. When it was on her dad's shirt, Mercy could pretend it did not belong to her dad. The blood flowing from her dad's nose and mouth was black ink in the dark. Every time his body attempted to breathe, more blood gushed out.
Mercy's world turned blurry and she realized with confusion that tears were falling from her face. She wiped at them furiously. Her dad is fine. He is just going to be mad that he got blood on his favorite shirt. She will buy him a new one and they are going to be alright. He has to be alright. Mercy forced herself to believe that.
Then she made the mistake of looking up into his eyes. They were dull and unseeing as they rolled around in their sockets. She cradled her dad's face and there was sudden clarity his eyes and she saw his lips move as if trying to speak. She leaned closer to hear. A sob caught in her throat as she realized what he was trying to say.
He died before he could know if he got the message across. Mercy felt his last breath brush against her face. Mercy felt the scream build up in her stomach but before she could let out her anguish, the demon's bored voice interrupted.
"Guess your daddy doesn't care about you, huh?"
Mercy looked up and saw that the demon kneeling across her. Mercy dully wondered how she did not notice. The demon caressed her dad's face in a way that made Mercy want to hurl.
"After all those years, he still loves the wife that has never loved him." The demons pulled the meat suit's mouth into an unnatural smile. "But you already knew that, didn't you?"
Mercy's lack of response caused the demon grin wider. The demon's hand left her dad's face and suddenly the demon's arm was around her shoulder. Mercy squirmed but the demon's grip tightened.
"This game is so much fun! I already made my move, it's your turn."
Grief turned into fury and Mercy finally managed to yank herself out of her hold and she glared at the demon. The demon seemed surprised by her strength but the demon quickly covered it up with a smirk.
"Bring him back."
"What about mommy? Or did you already forget what your dad's last words?"
"Bring him back."
"It doesn't really matter does it? Your parents don't love you. Orphan will be, or actually is a good look on you."
"Do I get 10 years?"
"Sheesh, you are stubborn."
Mercy took it as confirmation and pressed her lips into the demon's. She leaned back and this time the demon did not bother hiding their shock.
"You have my soul. Bring him back."
The demon stared at her for a few seconds and Mercy stared back. The demon rolled her eyes but for the first time in centuries she was shaken.
Mercy felt confused but she got distracted when her dad suddenly arched and started gasping for air. The demon disappeared. Mercy paid her no further attention and focused entirely on her dad.